powersoft X8 User manual

X8 Amplifier Platform
Service Manual
Keep this manual
for future reference
©2018 Powersoft
powersoft_X8_servman_en_v2.5
AES3 IN
7-8 5-6 AES3 IN 3-4 1-2
ANALOG INANALOG IN
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
3PH 1PH
L1
L2
L3
N
L
N
X SERIES
1=GND
2 = IN+
3 = IN-
POWER
OUTPUTS
CH 1/3/5/7
CH 2/4/6/8
MAINS
T
U
R
N
T
O
L
O
C
K
T
U
R
N
T
O
L
O
C
K
T
U
R
N
T
O
L
O
C
K
T
U
R
N
T
O
L
O
C
K
“WARNING: To reduce The Risk of
Fire or Electric Shock, do not Expose
this Apparatus to Rain or Moisture”
PATENTED

Intentionally left blank

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICK SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WE RECOMMEND THAT ALL SERVICE OPERATIONS
ARE CARRIED OUT BY A TECHNICIAN IN THE MANNER
DESCRIBED IN THIS GUIDE.
IF NOT EXPLICITLY STATED OTHERWISE, DISCONNECT THE
AMPLIFIER FROM THE MAINS BEFORE OPERATING THE
AMPLIFIER.
WARNING! INTERNAL CAPACITORS BANK COULD BE CHARGED
AND HARMFUL: TAKE CARE OF COMPLETELY DISCHARGE
INTERNAL CAPACITORS BANK BEFORE HANDLING THE DEVICE
This technical document aims to be a support guide in repairing
and low-voltage testing the X8 power amplier.
The troubleshooting approach will help you characterize the kind
of fault you incur. A recovery method and the related assembly
outline detail is thoroughly explained for the most common faults.
The components to be replaced are clearly shown to help their
identication. At the end of this guide you can nd a detailed
list with the description and the respective Powersoft internal
reference code of the spare parts.
Always use an anti-static wrist band while servicing the amplier.
This documentation contains proprietary information which is the
sole property of Powersoft S.p.A.
These documents are condential and reserved and may not be
disclosed, reproduced and shared with third persons or used
without the express written permission from Powersoft S.p.A.
Should the service centre agreement between the two companies
be interrupted these documents must be returned to Powersoft
S.p.A. Italy or proof of their destruction be provided.
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
Data are subject to change without notice.
For the latest release please refer to the online version available on
www.powersoft-audio.com.
INDEX
Tools:
LED Congurations and Further References 4
1. Removing the Amplier’s Cover 8
AC Wiring Diagrams 9
2. Removing The Slot Ethernet Board 10
Dante Board FW reset procedure 10
3. Removing the Wi-Fi Module 11
4. Removing the X/Front 11
5. Extracting the Modules 11
6. Removing the DIGI and ADLINK Boards 14
Flat Cable Replacement 15
SD Card Removal 16
7. Front Panel Disassembly 16
8. Power Supply Verication Procedure 17
Replacing the Fuses 20
Internal Mains Connection 20
9. Amp Modules Verication 21
10. Replacing the Fans 23
Fan PWS 23
Fan AMPS 23
11. Updating the Software 23
Formatting a FAT32 USB Pen Drive 23
Updating the FW via Pen Drive 24
Installing the Serial Number and Mac Address 25
Extracting the Log Files via Pen Drive 26
Extracting the Log Files via SD Card 26
12. SD Card Recovery Procedure 26
13. Soft Reset - Resetting the IP Address 27
14. Hard Reset 27
15. Testing the Unit via Armonìa 27
16. Reworking Screws 30
17. Final Checklist 30
18. Restoring the Amplier to its Factory Settings
(Copying the PAM les) 32
19. Troubleshooting Diagrams 33
20. Repair Kit List 38
Appendix A: X Series Front Panel 39
Index:
T10 Torx Screwdriver
T20 Torx Screwdriver
M5 Socketed Hex Screwdriver
M7 Socketed Hex Screwdriver
6mm Hex Screwdriver
Long Nose Pliers
Required Instrumentation Q.ty Example/Comments
Dual stabilized power supply 30 Vdc 5 A 2 APLHA Electronica mod. AL852D or equivalent
Digital Oscilloscope 50 Mhz 1 TEKTRONIK TBS – 1052B-EDU or equivalent
Signal generator 1 Rigol DG1022, Feeltech FY3200S
Variac 1 Toroidal 3 KW (Mono phase)
Dummy load 1500 W 8 Ohm 1 TE CONNECTIVITY / CGS TE1500B10RJ Resistor
Soldering Station 1 WELLER PU81 + WSP80 or equivalent
SMD rework soldering station 1 GORDAK 952 or equivalent
Digital Multimeter 1 FLUKE 179 or equivalent
Pc with at least 1 eth board 1
Any evidence of tampering by unathorized personnel results
in immediate termination of the warranty.

4
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
LED Configurations and Further References
AMP OFF: All LEDs are off (GREY)
FW Version 1.7.6.30 RING LED
CENTRE LED LED STATUSES
SOLID LED is On
BLINKING LED alternates from solid on to solid off
PULSING LED dims from on to off in a fading fashion
AMP ON (Standby): Central LED pulses WHITE
Mono Phase connection: Ring LED lights solid BLUE
Solid Blue Centre LED: Power supply OK
1
Three Phase connection: Ring LED lights solid WHITE
Solid Blue Centre LED: Power supply OK
2
Solid WHITE Ring LED - CHANNEL: Input signal detected
3
Solid ORANGE Centre Channel LED: Muted Channel
4
Solid RED Ring LED: Input signal Clipping (over 26 dBu).
Solid WHITE Ring LED: Input signal detected (up to 25 dBu).
Dimmed Solid WHITE Ring LED: Input signal detected (from -57 dBu).
Ring LED OFF: Input signal off (-60 dBu).

5
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
Switch on
As soon as you you connect the amplier to the power grid, the
amplier’s power supply start supplying power to the auxiliary
systems. The border of the central button starts blinking white: the
amplier is in standby mode.
A pressure on the central button will wake up the amplier
Switch off
Keep pressed the central button for 3 seconds to switch the
amplier off. The amplier platform turns completely off only when
the mains connector is unplugged.
Mute
A short pressure of the central button toggles MUTE/ UNMUTE
to all active channels: any already muted channel remains in its
mute status.
All other circular buttons except the central one toggle the MUTE/
UNMUTE to the specied output channel.
WiFi
Press the leftmost button: the button will light up and the system
will establish a new local WiFi network whose SSID is in the form:
Powersoft-MODELNAME-SERIAL (e.g. Powersoft-X8-70133)
and default password: 0123456789.
Armonía callback
In order to indentify the unit into the Armonía Workspace, push
on the rightmost button. On the other hand, if you click on Un/
Blink from the contextual menu of the amplier into the Armonía
Workspace, all the front LEDs of the amplier will blink for a while.
X8 front panel.
WiFi
on/off switch
Main on/off switch
MUTE ALL
Armonía
callback
USB
port
CH1
MUTE
CH5
MUTE
CH2
MUTE
CH6
MUTE
CH3
MUTE
CH7
MUTE
CH4
MUTE
CH8
MUTE
MUTE/UNMUTE ALL
MUTE/UNMUTE CH2

6
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
FAULT CONDITIONS LED CONFIGURATIONS
Pulsing YELLOW Centre LED: Power supply temp. > 70°
7
Pulsing WHITE LED: WiFi Network ON or USB port in use
Solid ON White LED: WiFi Network ON and USB port in use
5
Solid ON White LED: Amp is connected to Armonía
6
Pulsing RED Ring LED (10 sec.): AMP Fan is faulty
8
Pulsing RED Centre LED (10 sec.): PSU Fan is faulty
9
Swiping ORANGE Ring and Centr LEDs (all - latest FW Versions): Firmware is not installed // ADLINK or DIGI boards problems
11
Solid ON BLUE Centre and Ring LED (old FW Versions): Firmware is not installed // ADLINK or DIGI boards problems
10
Solid ON YELLOW Centre LED: User Limiter - Set by the user
12
After 10 seconds in this condition, the Amplifier begins the Shutdown Procedure.

7
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
Pulsing YELLOW Centre LED: CH Thermal Protection ON (70°)
13
Pulsing YELLOW/RED Centre and Ring LEDs: CH Thermal Protection ON (85°)
14
Pulsing RED Centre LED + Channel status Ring LED: Channel protection Enabled
15
Possible Causes:
• Out of range Rail Voltage
• AD converter in fault
• Out of range Aux Voltage
• DA converter in fault
• Short circuit protection ON
• Out of range Aux Current
• AES3 reception in faulty

8
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
1. Removing the Amplifier’s Cover
By means of a Torx T20 Screwdriver, remove all 8 screws
holding the side panels highlighted on (Fig. 1, 2).
(Fig. 1)
(Fig. 2)
Remove the front panel by unscrewing the two highlighted
Hex screws with a 6 mm Hex Screwdriver. (Fig. 3)
(Fig. 3)
By means of a T10 Torx Screwdriver, remove the 2 screws
highlighted on (Fig. 4, 5).
(Fig. 4)
(Fig. 5)
Gently lift the top cover.

9
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
CH 1 - 2 CH 3 - 4 CH 5 - 6 CH 7 - 8
Colour Description
Wi-Fi Module
AMP Module
Power Supply Module
X Front
Slot Ethernet Board
DIGI/ADLINK Boards
AC Wiring Diagrams
L
N
PE
LNPE
L1
L2
L3
L3 L2 L1
N
N
PE
PE
L1
L2
PE
L1L2PE
Three-Phase Single-Phase Two-Phase
THE CONNECTOR AND ITS WIRING ARE COMPATIBLE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE X SERIES PRODUCT LINE (X4-X8)

10
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
2. Removing The Slot Ethernet Board
By means of a Torx T10 Screwdriver, remove the two
screws highlighted on (Fig. 6).
Gently pull the Slot Ethernet Board outwards, removing
it from its slot.
Carefully extract the Slot Ethernet Board
In case of fault in the Slot Ethernet Board, and functioning Dante Board, it is possible to simply replace the Slot Ethernet Board without
having to restore the original Dante Board Settings.
In case of fault in the Dante Board, and functioning Slot Ethernet Board, the following procedure must be implemented in order to
initialize the Dante Board.
(Fig. 6)
Removed Dante Board
Removed Slot Ethernet Board with Dante Board Installed
Dante Board FW reset procedure
http://www.powersoft-audio.com/en/downloads/rmware/x-series-3
• Download the les on you laptop from the link above
• open Audinate FW updater
• connect the unit to the proper network
• select the X-1.0.0.5-bklyn2-3.9.0.20_fpga-4.0.0.13.dnt archive in the folder X Series Dante Card Brooklyn II FW 1.0.0.5
• proceed and select the amplier model
• Select “Override” on both units and start the procedure
• complete the procedure
• reboot
When replacing the DANTE Board located on the Digi Board, download and install the Dante Firmware Update Manager v3.10.1.2 (Windows).

11
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
4. Removing the X/Front
By means of a T10 Torx Screwdriver, remove all 4 screws
highlighted on (Fig. 8)
(Fig. 8)
(Fig. 9)
Unplug all four cables portrayed on (Fig. 9).
5. Extracting the Modules
(Fig. 10)
Unplug all 10 MicroMatch cables as portrayed on (Fig. 10, 11)
(Fig. 11)
3. Removing the Wi-Fi Module
(Fig. 7)
Locate the Wi-Fi module on the left side of the front panel.
Gently pull the Wi-Fi Module outwards and remove it
from its slot. (Fig. 7)
Removed Wi.Fi Module

12
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
Remove the earth grounding cable’s nut with a M7
socketed screwdriver. (Fig. 12)
(Fig. 12)
(Fig. 13)
(Fig. 14)
Detach the Mains Connector by unscrewing the two T10
Torx Screws. (Fig. 13)
Unplug the FAN AMPS and FAN PWS cables highlighted
on (Fig. 14)

13
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
Color Description Tool
T20 Torx Screw T20 Screwdriver
M7 x 50 mm Pillar M7 Socketed Screwdriver
M5 Bolt M5 Socketed Screwdriver
In order to remove the modules, unscrew the highlighted screws and gently
pull the module towards the back side of the chassis.
Carefully lift the modules in order to remove them from the chassis.
Unplug the Module’s Output Connector by gently pulling
upwards on its sides.

14
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
6. Removing the DIGI and ADLINK Boards
• Extract all the audio modules.
• Remove the Dante Board.
• Remove the Wi-Fi Module
Remove the front mesh panel by unscrewing the 4 T20
Torx screws highlighted on (Fig. 15)
(Fig. 15)
Unplug the micromatch connectors portrayed on (Fig. 16)
(Fig. 16)
(Fig. 17)
Unscrew the screw highlighted on (Fig. 17) by means of a
M5 Socketed screwdriver.
(Fig. 18)
Unscrew the screws highlighted on (Fig. 18) by means of
a T10 Torx Screwdriver
Carefully extract the DIGI/ADLINK boards assembly.
Older productions feature the Brooklyn II board.
The CM0 and CM1 dip switches must be on the “ON” Position
This picture shows the default configuration of the jumpers
on the DIGI board. NEVER PRESS THE RED BUTTON!

15
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
Flat Cable Replacement:
Unscrew the marked screws by means of an M5 socketed screwdriv-
er, remove the protection plate, and gently lift the Digi Board.
Plug the CB000381.01 Flat Cables as portrayed
Plug the CB000382.01 Flat Cables as portrayed
Plug the CB000384.01 Flat Cables as portrayed
Plug the CB000383.01 Flat Cables as portrayed
Plug the CB000385.01 Flat Cables as portrayed
Reset the Digi Board, centre the protective plate and screw the 4 M5
screws back in their original position.

16
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
SD Card Removal:
Extraction of the SD Card can be done by removing the
amplier’s cover, locating the SD card on the side of
the DIGI Board, and simply pressing on it, releasing the
spring mechanism.
Remove the lter and soak it in a mild soap and cold water solution, rinse it and let it dry thoroughly.
Highlighted on the picture below are the 4 2.5 mm Hex Screws that need to be removed in order to detach the front panel from the grille.
The front panel is now detached from the grille, in need of replacement, pry off the E Rings with a pair of long needle nose pliers and re
set the hex screw on the new panel.
7. Front Panel Disassembly
(Fig. 19)

17
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
Discharge the internal capacitor’s bank by connecting a
60W light bulb to the points indicated and in the
picture below.
Connect a DC Power Supply via the CN000536 connector
assembly.
Limit the output current to 1.5A.
Supply 60 Vdc and check the absorption, once powered
and stabilized, the power supply’s absorption should be
around 250 mA.
As portrayed in the following picture.
Connect a DC Power Supply via the CN000536 connector assembly.
Limit the output current to 1.5A.
Supply 60 Vdc and check the +/- VRail Tension by probing on the points
indicated with and on the picture above.
Check if the LEDs highlighted in the following picture are on, in accordance
with the depicted table.
Color Label LED Status
Green CLKPWS ON
Green +18V OK ON
Green -18V OK ON
Green +24V FAN ON
Green +15V STBY ON
Green +15 SW ON
Green +12V NTC ON
Yellow CLOCK OK ON
Yellow F/H_SYNC OFF
Yellow BURST ON OFF
Yellow DC-DC SS OFF
Green DRV ENA OFF
8. Power Supply Verification Procedure
Once the check has been successfully completed, discharge the internal
capacitor’s bank as described in the previous paragraphs.
30 Vdc 250mA 30 Vdc
Highlighted above are the VRails check LEDs.
+/- VRAIL TENSION: +/- 75Vdc ± 5Vdc

18
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
If the VRail Tensions are not present, check the fuses
located underneath the capacitor’s bank, highlighted on
(Fig. 20)
Discharge the capacitor’s bank, reset the PSU Module
into the chassis and repeat the test.
Check if the LEDs highlighted in the picture below are on.
Remember not to connect the two micromatch cable, as
portrayed on (Fig. 21)
(Fig. 20)
(Fig. 21)
30 Vdc 250mA 30 Vdc
C C

19
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
(Fig. 22)
(Fig. 23)
(Fig. 24)
Connect the 2 PSU at cables, and unplug all of the
module’s at cables.
Connect the unit to a Variac, and slowly increase the
voltage to 90Vac.
Check the absorption.
Check if the LEDs highlighted in the picture below are on.
If the absorption values and/or the LED conguration are
out of range remove the ADLINK+DIGI Boards.
Remove the SLOT and the Dante boards, and repeat the
test. (Fig. 23) (Fig 24)
Check if the LEDs highlighted in the picture below are on.

20
X8 | SERVICE MANUAL
INDEX
Replacing the Fuses:
Remove The Power Supply.
Discharge the capacitor’s bank.
Place the module on an at surface and gently press on
the fuses in order to release them from their slot. (Fig. 25)
(Fig. 25)
(Fig. 26)
(Fig. 27)
(Fig. 28)
Lay the Module upside down so that the fuse end
protrudes from the edge of the stand, thus leaving some
operating room on the bottom of the module itself.
Set the fuses in place. (Fig. 26)
Check the fuses with a multimeter.
(Fig. 27) Portrays the location of Fuse B.
Remove the fuse from its housing and check it with a
multimeter as for the previous test.
Internal Mains Connection:
Portrayed on (Fig. 28) is the wiring between the Power
Supply module and the Mains Connector.
Use this picture as a reference when resetting the Mains
Connector.
A
B