ADVC110: some questions

[VJ]

Hello,

I recently purchased a Canopus ADVC110, but have some questions...

Via dip-switches, it now is configured to default to analog input. However, occasionally after capturing a portion, both lights light up (light for analog in + light for digital in). At this point, there appears to be nothing I can do on PC or on the device itself: I must disconnect it before I can capture again. This also happens when I press the button on the ADVC110.
What is going on here?

I don't seem to manage a video output. When the output is connected to my TV, it just gives a black screen (TV gives blue in the absence of a signal: so there is a signal). The TV can display the colourbars generated by the ADVC110. But sending a (previously captured) AVI file to the DV device doesn't seem to work.

Thanks!


Jörg

[LvR]

I don't seem to manage a video output. When the output is connected to my TV, it just gives a black screen (TV gives blue in the absence of a signal: so there is a signal). The TV can display the colourbars generated by the ADVC110. But sending a (previously captured) AVI file to the DV device doesn't seem to work.

............. and you have manually selected the digital input on the ADVC at this stage via the button ?.................

If so:

You running XP?
SP2?
Post SP2 1394 patch installed?

[VJ]

Originally posted by LvR
............. and you have manually selected the digital input on the ADVC at this stage via the button ?.................

Well, as soon as I press the button, both lights (analog in and digital in) light up, and it seems like there is nothing I can do after that...

If so:
You running XP?
SP2?
Post SP2 1394 patch installed?

That would be: yes, yes and no.

Just checked it:

CAUSE
This problem occurs if you connect a 1394a or 1394b FireWire device to a 1394b port. This problem occurs because Windows XP SP2 changes 1394b ports to S100 speed when you upgrade.

My ADVC110 is connected to a 1394b port!
So I'll run the patch tonight (am not behind that PC at the moment).

Thanks!


Jörg

[Brian Ellis]

There is a specific forum at http://forum.canopus.com/postlist.ph...&Board=GenADVC

I have a -100 and don't know the commonality or lack thereof with the -110

[VJ]

Yes, I have registered (and await my password via email).
But I figured as there are a number of ADVC100 users here, people might have experienced similar things...


Jörg

[VJ]

I posted my question, but while browsing the forum I came across 2 threads that refer to 'both leds light up' for the ADVC100.

This is one of the comments:

Update: I called Canopus tech support and had to send my unit back for repair/replace. I was told that having both lights on means there's an electrical problem with the unit. Is is common on the MAC, but I have had the problem now with a PC also. Seems it's due to voltage interrupts/spikes. I have recently purchased a UPS with AVR and I am hoping to avert the problem when my unit is returned. I can only hope!

Guess this doesn't look too good....


Jörg

[VJ]

Originally posted by LvR
Post SP2 1394 patch installed?

I can't seem to install the patch: when I run the .exe file, it extracts to a temporary directory. During extraction, it suddenly says 'Can't create a file that already exits', after which it aborts.
In the temporary directory, there is 1 .dll file.




Regarding the two leds lighting up, I have contacted Canopus technical support.


Jörg

[LvR]

Jörg

Quite a few people have reported allover on receiving that message - I installed the patch on my own and also most of my customer's machines without hassle so have not experienced the problem yet myself.

Sorry cannot help with that.

[VJ]

Ok, thanks!

Euhm, I'm wondering if it is such an issue on firewire: my FW800 harddrive is running at FW800 speed, and the ADVC110 is said to be S100 (25 Mbit), which is the speed at which Windows SP2 is said to fall back to.

Either way, my first step is to get the ADVC110 fixed (or possibly even replaced with an ADVC100 : I prefer the power via an adapter, as it allows one to switch on/off the device when it is needed or not).

Let's see what the store will say about it...

Jörg

[LvR]

Somebody commented on the Pinnacle forums that the answer to the problem with the message lies in here somewhere

Have not checked myself, but there you go for a start.

[VJ]

edit:
disregard this: double posting due to server delay...


Jörg

[VJ]

Yes, I found that link too...
But I'm a bit reluctant to start editing the registry, to patch a problem that doesn't seem to occur...

Also, I have never swapped firewire cards. The explanation given is that keys for swapped cards remain present, but I shouldn't have any of those...


Jörg

[VJ]

Ok, just got a reply from Canopus. They want me to test various functionality: analog passthrough, analog-digital conversion, digital-analog conversion and mail them the results.
(strange, I mailed those in my initial mail , but I'll run the tests again just to make sure I have all the details correct)


Jörg

[VJ]

Ok, I tested what they asked, and mailed them the results. The diagnose? Power issues with the ADVC110, I have to send it back.

They also said:

The PC should be shutdown when connecting or disconnecting the Firewire as this carries the power supply and when PC is on it will blow the unit. Which is exactly the issue you now have.

If this is repaired you will need to be aware that you cannot do this as the fault will return very quickly.

Not hotplugging?
Who on earth had the idea to omit the external power supply and to remove the on/off button...



Jörg

[VJ]

And another word of warning to future ADVC110 owners, again from Canopus Support:

If you purchase the power supply you will be supplied a new 4-pin to 6-pin cable as you cannot use the 6-pin to 6-pin cable and the power supply together as this will blow the unit.

Jörg