QSC DSP-3' Reference manual

DSP0002 1
Description:
This bulletin is designed to solve problems that may be encountered while setting up the DSP-3 for the first time or creating a
configuration for the first time. It can also be used to determine whether or not the DSP-3 needs to be serviced. This bulletin is
separated into a Hardware Troubleshooting Guide and a Software Troubleshooting Guide. Hardware consists of the DSP-3 unit and
DSP-3 accessories. DSP-3 accessories include the DPX-1 external power supply, the DPX-2 DataPort cable and the DPX-4 mounting
bracket. The software is Signal Manager.
This troubleshooting guide does not address all possible problems that can arise when using the DSP-3 but does include most
common problems.
Units Affected:
This bulletin applies to all DSP-3s. The Signal Manager software is subject to change without notice and changes may affect the
Software Troubleshooting Guide.
Symptoms:
Symptoms are described on the following pages in the form of questions on a flow chart.
Instructions:
Determine whether the problem is hardware related or software related. Select the appropriate troubleshooting guide from the
following pages. If the problem cannot be classified, start with the Hardware Troubleshooting Guide. Begin at the block labeled
START and answer the yes or no questions outlined by diamonds. Follow the arrows according to the yes or no answer until a
solution is found.
Tools and materials required:
• Multimeter (optional)
Title: DSP-3 Product Troubleshooting Guide
Bulletin #: DSP0002 Issue Date: July 18, 2001
Models Affected: DSP-3 Bulletin Revision: A
Production Range: all
Service Bulletin

2DSP0002
Figure 1: COM port settings for
DSP-3
Try plugging
DPX-1 into a
different outlet
or measure
output voltage
of DPX-1 for
15 volts.
Does DSP-3 have
power (blue LED)?
No
Is the DPX-1
power supply
being used?
No
Is the amplifier a
CX, DCA or PL2?
No
Was amplifier
manufactured after
August 1999?
Yes
The DSP-3
requires the
use of an
external power
supply with all
other
amplifiers.
No
CX, DCA, PL2
amps made prior
to 8/99 do not
provide
adequate power.
Use DPX-1 or
send amp to
QSC Technical
Services for
modification.
Yes
Is a DPX-2
DataPort
cable being
used?
Yes
No
A 4 channel CX
or DCA
amplifier
requires two
DataPort
cables, one
from each pair
of channels to
each DSP-3.
The fuse in the amplifier may
have blown. Check voltage
across pin 9 & 6 of DataPort
connector on amp for 15V
power. Use DPX-1 or return
amp to QSC for repair.
Yes
Yes
START
Does DSP-3 go
online?
Yes
No
DSP-3s manufactured before
7/99, or DSP-3s that have the
word ’DATA PORT’ printed
between the RS-232 and
DataPort connectors on the
front label use a NULL MODEM
cable. In all other cases USE a
STRAIGHT THROUGH
SERIAL cable. If in doubt, try
the opposite cable of what is
being used.
Does the DSP-3 go
off-line periodically?
Is the correct
COM port
selected?
No
Select the
correct COM
port in the
Tools>Options
>DSP menu.
Yes
No
See DSP-3
Signal Manager
Software Support
Troubleshooting
Guide.
DSP-3 Hardware Support Troubleshooting
Guide
The operating
system has not
been qualified
for use with
Signal Manager.
Signal Manager
may or may not
work with
operating
systems that
have not been
qualified.
Which operating system
is being used; is it: Windows 95
4.01.0970B B or OSR2, Windows
98, or Windows NT 4.0 w/service
pack 5 or later?
No
Yes
Check COM port
settings. See
Figure 1.
Is the DSP-3
connected to the
computer using the
correct cable?
Yes
No
Yes
Are there any
applications running
that use the same
COM port (ex. hyper
terminal)?
Yes
No
Reboot computer
and operate
Signal Manager
without other
applications
active.
Return DSP-3 to
QSC for repair.
Failed No

DSP0002 3
START
Does DSP-3
have power?
No
Yes
See DSP-3
Hardware Support
Troubleshooting
Guide.
Does DSP-3 go
online?
No
Does DSP-3 go off-
line periodically?
Yes
Yes
No
Is there a problem
updating firmware?
Yes
Can firmware
file be found?
Yes
No
The default
location for the
firmware file is C:\
Program Files\
QSC Audio\Signal
Manager\ and it
should be a .efd
file. The naming
convention is
d3fv0410.efd
where 0410 refers
to firmware
version 4.1.0.
A ’Failed to read DSP
ID’error is usually fatal.
Try disconnecting and
reconnecting power to
the DSP-3. Otherwise,
return DSP-3 to QSC
for repair or use
software that matches
version of firmware
already installed. See
www.qscaudio.com for
all software/firmware
releases.
Is there a problem
with a specific
configuration?
Yes
No
Does DSP-3
pass audio?
Is there a harsh
(distortion) sound
coming from the
speakers?
With some filter types, most notably high-
pass filter with 12dB/octave or greater
slope, it is possible to drive the DSP filter
into forced overflow oscillations when the
input to the filter is too large. This is a
normal characteristic of certain DSP filters
and is not a bug or defect. Reduce the gain
at the input of the filter object and
compensate with gain following the filter
object.
Is there a filter
block in the
configuration?
Yes
No
E-mail configuration file (*.cfg)
to QSC ([email protected])
for further troubleshooting. The
default path for configuration
files is, C:\Program Files\QSC
Audio\Signal Manager\Venues.
No
Yes
Is there a
’disconnected
wires’error?
Yes
No
Try deleting all
wires and redrawing
or select the objects
one channel at a
time and use auto
wire. Also look for
stray objects on
other areas of the
workspace.
Are the input
phoenix connectors
oriented correctly (+,
- and gnd)
No
Yes
Plug in
phoenix
connectors
correctly or
rewire
according
to front
label.
Failed
No
Is this sound
caused by the DSP-3?
Bypass DSP-3; does
noise
disappear?
Yes
Yes
No
Another
component in the
system is causing
the noise.
No
DSP-3 Signal Manager Software Support Troubleshooting Guide
Note: See the QSC Audio web site for DSP-3 software/firmware releases and
documentation of known issues:
http://www.qscaudio.com/products/amps/dsp/dspintro.htm

4DSP0002
Contact information
If you need any further information regarding this service procedure, please contact QSC Technical Services at the addresses or
numbers below. You can also order CM16 parts; to expedite processing please use the correct part number when ordering.
Telephone: [phone] (within USA only)
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.qscaudio.com (product info/support)
www.qscstore.com (on-line accessory and replacement component sales)
Postal and parcel address:
QSC Audio Products, Inc.
Technical Services Group
1665 MacArthur Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 USA