1 Topic by chronic88 (edited by chronic88 2024-04-12 04:33:44)

  • Registered: 2018-02-06
  • Posts: 8

Topic: Fireface UCX - USB Port becoming unreliable / feels loose

Hi!

So, in the past I noticed that if I bumped the interface or something touched the USB cable at the back, it would suddenly lose connectivity and I would re-plug it.

Over time, it has become more finicky and requires very specific placement in order to connect properly. It is the same with different cables, new or old.

Looking at the port it seems slightly recessed and offset in the interface and has a fair bit of play (moves around)

It is still connected to the board somehow as it connects when I spend a bit of time getting the cable end in place and keeping it there, but this is not a good solution and becoming dangerously unreliable.

Anyway, is this a somewhat common issue? How should I go about fixing it?

I am moderately experienced in electronic repair and can do basic soldering.

  • waedi
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  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
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Re: Fireface UCX - USB Port becoming unreliable / feels loose

sure there is no little piece of dirt inside the socket blocking the cable from being fully inserted ?
Sure you inserted the cable fully ?

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue
  • Registered: 2018-02-06
  • Posts: 8

Re: Fireface UCX - USB Port becoming unreliable / feels loose

waedi wrote:

sure there is no little piece of dirt inside the socket blocking the cable from being fully inserted ?
Sure you inserted the cable fully ?

Yes, absolutely.

4 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • From: Germany/Thailand
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
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Re: Fireface UCX - USB Port becoming unreliable / feels loose

That USB socket needs to be replaced quickly before the thin traces rip off the socket's contacts, which makes repair more complicated aka expensive.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2024-09-12
  • Posts: 1

Re: Fireface UCX - USB Port becoming unreliable / feels loose

MC wrote:

That USB socket needs to be replaced quickly before the thin traces rip off the socket's contacts, which makes repair more complicated aka expensive.

I've the same problem and it looks doable.

Is this the right part? 
https://www.rme-shop.com/acatalog/RME-U … ml#SID=113

6 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • From: Germany/Thailand
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
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Re: Fireface UCX - USB Port becoming unreliable / feels loose

Impossible to tell without opening and examining the unit. My previous comment refers to other, SMD-based sockets. The standard through hole one is robust like a tank and never gave contact problems. Nor would it move.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2018-02-06
  • Posts: 8

Re: Fireface UCX - USB Port becoming unreliable / feels loose

MC wrote:

That USB socket needs to be replaced quickly before the thin traces rip off the socket's contacts, which makes repair more complicated aka expensive.

I finally got around to opening my unit to diagnose the problem.

The socket is firmly connected to the board with no sign of damage.

Looking at this replacement part, it is slightly different and I think solves the design flaw in the one on my board https://www.rme-shop.com/cgi-bin/sh0018 … ml#SID=113

The linked port seems to have a single piece metal housing. The one on the board is segmented and held in place by small plastic bumps on the side near the back. On my unit when you plug in the cable the housing separates a bit and the internal plastic part of the port moves backwards, this is what causes the dissconnection. It connects fine when I make sure the port can't move backwards by holding it in place. The metal housing is noticeably open a bit a the back and does not latch onto the small plastic bump that should hold it in place.

Anyway, it looks like simply replacing the port will do the trick and that I will most likely not experience the same issue again because of the design difference.

Does this sound right?