OT MKII bricked after 10 minutes!

Elektron Gear Octatrack
1

Today I received my brand new OT MKII.
I took the CF into my PC to check if it was already stuffed with some samples, plugged in the OT and booted up. It showed a warning message stating that “wrong compact flash inserted”, that was strange :roll_eyes:, anyway I press [YES] twice and the sample project has been loaded.

So I made some random experiment for about 10 minutes and then I say: “let me check if last firmware is installed”, so I switched off, wait for 5 seconds, and rebooted again (just to see in the welcome screen the firmware version) and… Bricked! :face_with_symbols_over_mouth: :scream: :sob:

All buttons are white/light blue, display is dead, no sign of life, even if I hold [FUNC] button while powering on.

Here a photo

I have already tried to remove the CF, to change the power plug, to connect via USB, to use another CF… Nothing! Completely bricked!

I have already created a ticket and I hope that they will find a way to fix it without asking for a replacement/repair since it will take ages for sure :expressionless:

I am quite disappointed and sad!

2

Maybe you bend or broke a pin while putting the CF card back in the OT? Look with a flashlight in the CF card holder and check it.

3

I’m pretty sure mine has looked like that when using a portable charger and ripcord. So maybe not enough juice. I’m assuming you’re using the power supply it came with. Maybe check that all power supply connections are seated well.

4

The OT will work without a CF card inserted. That will help with diagnosis.

Plus there is a test routine that should work if the card is taken out. TBH it does sound like something has happened to the card that may have resulted in a pin issue or possibly it relates to some corruption to the card when you copied sounds off/on. Looking with a torch is step 1 if you feel brave enough to touch the CF card, look for debris in the card holes if you do.

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5

Thanks guys for your replies.

No broken pins and I have also tried to use another power supply (with output 12V and 5A). :unamused: :triumph:

6

It even won’t boot without the CF card?

7

I didn’t copy any files on the CF, just mounted on Linux (that doesn’t dare to automatically create any junky hidden folders) to check if everything was there.

How I can perform the test routine that you mentioned? I have already tried to hold [FUNC] button while powering on with no luck

8

No. I checked again now after 30 minutes that was powered off and disconnected from power supply. It briefly light up the buttons with rainbow color (for just 0.1 second) and then all buttons become light blue as in the photo above :face_with_thermometer:

10

Where did you buy the OT?

11

Here, but I have already bought stuff from that site and never had any problem.

12

Contact them and tell that you OT is not working, and that you want to return it and want a replacement.

13

Feel for you. Hope it gets resolved and you can finally have a proper OT day 1

14

When you unpacked it was it sealed ?
Box / bags / psu. Power lead etc ?

I think in general elektron gear has low fault rate , it seems like you got unlucky. ( though it might just be a loose ribbon cable inside but it’ll invalidate a warranty if you open it )

15

If that’s with the CF card out and there’s no pin issues then you have certainly had bad luck

Support will serve you best in any case. Keep in mind that whilst your case would be top billing they have had a lean spell with their summer vacation so it may take a bit longer than normal

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16

You’re using the Elektron psu right?

17

Yes, I have also tried another PSU (with same voltage and pins, but more ampere), but didn’t solve.

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18

Dang…

When you get your replacement, plug via USB to look at CF card. Safest way I know!

That way no CF mess.

But this sounds like a bad unit. 10 mins is enough to fry something that was going to fail.

19

yeah I don’t have the ability to mount it directly in any of my machines, so I never have. not sure if manual advises against it or not, but USB is the approach they outline. I wouldn’t think that would cause this though. at worst, the OT would say the CF card hadn’t been formatted properly or something.

20

Yes, for sure it is not the cause.
Anyway, I didn’t write anything on the CF, just check the filesystem tree.

I am wondering if Elektron could check (using serial number) if the unit is a secondhand and in case protest the seller.

21

I’m wondering why you opened a ticket at Elektron? IMO your supplier is responsible for warranty issues. I assume you bought your OT new? If so, contact them and tell them you want to return it and want a replacement. I think in that case it won’t take so long before you receive a new one. Via Elektron it will be much longer, I think.

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