[Stu_Vaz]

Hi,

I've recently started getting a very strange problem with my computer's
speaker system. It's an old Logitech sr-30 and until now has been
fine. The sub unit has randomly started making loud crackling sounds
and general loud interference noises (volume isn't related to volume of
the system). This is the unit that plugs into the mains, and none of
the other speakers are affected. It doesn't seem to happen at a
particular time, or caused by a particular event, but the only way to
stop it is to cut the power to the device. If left and turned back on,
it is sometimes fine (even for up to a day) and other times continues
to make these stranges sounds.

I've isolated the unit, so it's just that plugged in (no speakers, no
input) and it still happens. I've tried it in various sockets
throughout the house, and am going to try some more to see if it still
occurs. If it does, i'll take it elsewhere and see if it's a circuit
problem.

I've done some research, and can't find a solution, or anything to
explain why it would suddenly start happening. Is the unit just at the
end of it's life?

If anyone has any suggestions to what the problem is, i'd be very
grateful. If it's dead then fair enough, but I don't want to get a new
speaker system if it's a power problem and will just have the same
issues. Although if it is power related, why now?

Thanks,
Stuart Varrall

www.fpstudios.com

[Richard Crowley]

"Stu_Vaz" wrote ...
I've recently started getting a very strange problem with my
computer's
speaker system. It's an old Logitech sr-30 and until now has been
fine. The sub unit has randomly started making loud crackling sounds
and general loud interference noises (volume isn't related to volume
of
the system). This is the unit that plugs into the mains, and none of
the other speakers are affected. It doesn't seem to happen at a
particular time, or caused by a particular event, but the only way to
stop it is to cut the power to the device. If left and turned back
on,
it is sometimes fine (even for up to a day) and other times continues
to make these stranges sounds.

I've isolated the unit, so it's just that plugged in (no speakers, no
input) and it still happens. I've tried it in various sockets
throughout the house, and am going to try some more to see if it still
occurs. If it does, i'll take it elsewhere and see if it's a circuit
problem.

I've done some research, and can't find a solution, or anything to
explain why it would suddenly start happening. Is the unit just at the
end of it's life?

If anyone has any suggestions to what the problem is, i'd be very
grateful. If it's dead then fair enough, but I don't want to get a
new
speaker system if it's a power problem and will just have the same
issues. Although if it is power related, why now?

It is not very likely related to power. Sounds like one
(or more?) joints on the circuit board may have developed
cracks/bad solder joints/etc. This sometimes happens just
from age, but is also accellerated by heat. It is also possible
that a small internal component is going bad. Crackling is
usually NOT a symptom of a power problem.

A competent technician could open it up and probe around
to find the bad spot(s), but unless you can do this yourself,
the speaker system is likely not worth the cost of repair.
Note that I am *NOT* recommending this as a DIY project.

[GregS]

In article , "Richard Crowley" wrote:
"Stu_Vaz" wrote ...
I've recently started getting a very strange problem with my
computer's
speaker system. It's an old Logitech sr-30 and until now has been
fine. The sub unit has randomly started making loud crackling sounds
and general loud interference noises (volume isn't related to volume
of
the system). This is the unit that plugs into the mains, and none of
the other speakers are affected. It doesn't seem to happen at a
particular time, or caused by a particular event, but the only way to
stop it is to cut the power to the device. If left and turned back
on,
it is sometimes fine (even for up to a day) and other times continues
to make these stranges sounds.

I've isolated the unit, so it's just that plugged in (no speakers, no
input) and it still happens. I've tried it in various sockets
throughout the house, and am going to try some more to see if it still
occurs. If it does, i'll take it elsewhere and see if it's a circuit
problem.

I've done some research, and can't find a solution, or anything to
explain why it would suddenly start happening. Is the unit just at the
end of it's life?

If anyone has any suggestions to what the problem is, i'd be very
grateful. If it's dead then fair enough, but I don't want to get a
new
speaker system if it's a power problem and will just have the same
issues. Although if it is power related, why now?

It is not very likely related to power. Sounds like one
(or more?) joints on the circuit board may have developed
cracks/bad solder joints/etc. This sometimes happens just
from age, but is also accellerated by heat. It is also possible
that a small internal component is going bad. Crackling is
usually NOT a symptom of a power problem.

A competent technician could open it up and probe around
to find the bad spot(s), but unless you can do this yourself,
the speaker system is likely not worth the cost of repair.
Note that I am *NOT* recommending this as a DIY project.

One can usually differentiate between the sounds, if one is
used to hearing different sounds. I once had an op-amp
that made the famous popcorn sounds. My guess Richard is
correct.

greg

[Stu_Vaz]

Thanks for the information, it's good to know that it's probably just a
problem with the unit. I'm on the lookout for a replacement system,
but for the time being I've just removed the speaker from the sub so I
can still utilise the other speakers.

Thanks again,

Stu

Richard Crowley wrote:
"Stu_Vaz" wrote ...
I've recently started getting a very strange problem with my
computer's
speaker system. It's an old Logitech sr-30 and until now has been
fine. The sub unit has randomly started making loud crackling sounds
and general loud interference noises (volume isn't related to volume
of
the system). This is the unit that plugs into the mains, and none of
the other speakers are affected. It doesn't seem to happen at a
particular time, or caused by a particular event, but the only way to
stop it is to cut the power to the device. If left and turned back
on,
it is sometimes fine (even for up to a day) and other times continues
to make these stranges sounds.

I've isolated the unit, so it's just that plugged in (no speakers, no
input) and it still happens. I've tried it in various sockets
throughout the house, and am going to try some more to see if it still
occurs. If it does, i'll take it elsewhere and see if it's a circuit
problem.

I've done some research, and can't find a solution, or anything to
explain why it would suddenly start happening. Is the unit just at the
end of it's life?

If anyone has any suggestions to what the problem is, i'd be very
grateful. If it's dead then fair enough, but I don't want to get a
new
speaker system if it's a power problem and will just have the same
issues. Although if it is power related, why now?

It is not very likely related to power. Sounds like one
(or more?) joints on the circuit board may have developed
cracks/bad solder joints/etc. This sometimes happens just
from age, but is also accellerated by heat. It is also possible
that a small internal component is going bad. Crackling is
usually NOT a symptom of a power problem.

A competent technician could open it up and probe around
to find the bad spot(s), but unless you can do this yourself,
the speaker system is likely not worth the cost of repair.
Note that I am *NOT* recommending this as a DIY project.

[Gareth Magennis]

"Stu_Vaz" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi,

I've recently started getting a very strange problem with my computer's
speaker system. It's an old Logitech sr-30 and until now has been
fine. The sub unit has randomly started making loud crackling sounds
and general loud interference noises (volume isn't related to volume of
the system). This is the unit that plugs into the mains, and none of
the other speakers are affected. It doesn't seem to happen at a
particular time, or caused by a particular event, but the only way to
stop it is to cut the power to the device. If left and turned back on,
it is sometimes fine (even for up to a day) and other times continues
to make these stranges sounds.

I've isolated the unit, so it's just that plugged in (no speakers, no
input) and it still happens. I've tried it in various sockets
throughout the house, and am going to try some more to see if it still
occurs. If it does, i'll take it elsewhere and see if it's a circuit
problem.

I've done some research, and can't find a solution, or anything to
explain why it would suddenly start happening. Is the unit just at the
end of it's life?

If anyone has any suggestions to what the problem is, i'd be very
grateful. If it's dead then fair enough, but I don't want to get a new
speaker system if it's a power problem and will just have the same
issues. Although if it is power related, why now?

Thanks,
Stuart Varrall

www.fpstudios.com



Try banging the speaker with your hand. If it cracks in time with your
banging it has either a dry joint or a poor connection, an easy fix. If the
cracking is not affected by vibration I would forget trying to fix it.


Gareth.

[Dave]

"Gareth Magennis" wrote in message
...
If the
cracking is not affected by vibration I would forget trying to fix it.


Geez, people sure are cynical in this group as to poster's technical
qualifications. These cheap amplified speakers are generally fairly
straightforward, component-wise. After solder joints, I'd tend to suspect
output transistors or IC amps, then any type of mixer/crossover IC's.

The OP has nothing to lose, why not suggest that he learn something by
taking it apart and doing some research into the components he finds rather
than suggest the landfill as a solution? I started taking things apart 30
years ago to see how they work and now I repair all manner of electric and
electronic equipment. I recently picked up a 2003 Toshiba 27" TV from the
curb just ahead of the garbage man. $40 later and it's now in my
livingroom.

With a little perseverence and some rudimentary test equipment there's no
limit to what you can do.

OP: you might try posting to sci.electronics.repair as well.

[Richard Crowley]

"Dave" wrote ...
"Gareth Magennis" wrote ...
If the
cracking is not affected by vibration I would forget trying to fix it.


Geez, people sure are cynical in this group as to poster's technical
qualifications.

We tend to conclude people's percieved technical qualifications
by the nature of the question and how it is asked.

These cheap amplified speakers are generally fairly
straightforward, component-wise.

I suspect you haven't tried to repair a recent model lately?

After solder joints, I'd tend to suspect
output transistors or IC amps, then any type of mixer/crossover
IC's.

Some/most of which are likely house-numbered and maybe even
proprietary. Good luck. Modern, cheap, mass-consumer stuff
like that was not built for repairability, even by professionals.

[Gareth Magennis]

"Richard Crowley" wrote in message
...
"Dave" wrote ...
"Gareth Magennis" wrote ...
If the
cracking is not affected by vibration I would forget trying to fix it.


Geez, people sure are cynical in this group as to poster's technical
qualifications.

We tend to conclude people's percieved technical qualifications
by the nature of the question and how it is asked.

These cheap amplified speakers are generally fairly
straightforward, component-wise.

I suspect you haven't tried to repair a recent model lately?

After solder joints, I'd tend to suspect
output transistors or IC amps, then any type of mixer/crossover
IC's.

Some/most of which are likely house-numbered and maybe even
proprietary. Good luck. Modern, cheap, mass-consumer stuff
like that was not built for repairability, even by professionals.



Sadly true, unfortunately. My Panasonic vacuum cleaner blew up its motor
recently - I spent ages on the Interweb and could not find anyone that sold
them, nothing on Ebay either. I emailed Panasonic to ask if they could
supply one, and that I was well qualified to fit it, but they refused and
told me to find an Authorised Panasonic Service Centre to have it repaired.
Being as the cleaner only cost £60 I figured it just wasn't worth it. I
gave up in disgust and bought a reconditioned guaranteed Dyson from a market
trader for £15, as Dyson and Hoover motors can be found on the net. Now
I've a pile of plastic and a smelly burnt out motor at home, which I need to
dispose of somehow. Very sad.


Gareth.

[Dave]

"Richard Crowley" wrote in message
...

We tend to conclude people's percieved technical qualifications
by the nature of the question and how it is asked.

Yeah, I know the ones... " TV won't turn on: what is problem?" or "CD
player won't recognize disk" to name but a few common posting topics.
You're right, BUT, the OP had conducted some preliminary tests such as
moving to different outlets, etc. Someone with enough smarts to try even
the simplest diagnosis might, MIGHT, have it in them to learn something.


I suspect you haven't tried to repair a recent model lately?

Read the OP, "old Logitech sr-30".

After solder joints, I'd tend to suspect
output transistors or IC amps, then any type of mixer/crossover
IC's.

Some/most of which are likely house-numbered and maybe even
proprietary. Good luck. Modern, cheap, mass-consumer stuff
like that was not built for repairability, even by professionals.

Not necessarily... these things are made CHEAP and often use many
readily-available parts. Logitch is not and has not been a big name in PC
speakers, they might not have had the volume of production and sales to
justify a custom/proprietary IC design/build. Can't hurt to look if he's
not paying shop labor rates, eh?

Just my 2 cents.

Dave