Tech Alert:
Strand CD80SV internal power supply issues

If you have Strand dimmers we recommend that you check to see if the model is CD80 Supervisor (aka CD80SV).

We are recommending a preventive upgrade to avoid "show time" crisis. There is nothing quite as "awkward" as a full auditorium waiting while you troubleshoot a downed system!

It is typical/normal that some of the internal power supply components deteriorate over time. Since the dimmer rack stays powered up 99.99% of the time, your processor has likely seen a lot of "on time".

Strand identifies the following conditions as indicators of a needed upgrade:

• Processor(s) in a given installation older than 5 years
• Processor has a 'solid' LCD display
• Processor has no lights on the front panel
• Processor not responding to control signal or stuck in 'Panic'

In addition, we have also seen LCD screen displaying characters that make no sense as an indication of a failure. Note that on some systems there is a cover over the processor with security screws holding the cover on. In this case, viewing the processor screen can be difficult.

There is the possibility of the internal power supply deteriorating to the point that you lose the programming in any architectural wall stations.

If any of the above symptoms are present, an upgrade should be performed.

Note that we do NOT recommend this as a "do-it-yourself" repair. Strand issued the following alert:

!!STOP!! Level of Difficulty: ULTRA HIGH

This process requires advanced electronics knowledge and manufacturing level soldering experience and professional tools. The great potential to damage sensitive traces relegates this repair to a factory trained or certified technicians with the proper tools for high-detail surface mount repair.

Give Limelight a call to arrange your processor upgraded. Even for systems not quite 5 years old or of "unknown" age, preventative maintenance is good idea.

Contact Greg Mitchell, Limelight's factory trained Strand Authorized Service Center technician at 1-800-243-4950 (1-413-243-4950) or gmitchell@limelightproductions.com.

Greg Mitchell is a Strand Authorized Service Center Technician. In addition, Greg is a Factory Certified Technician for Genlyte Controls Systems from Entertainment Technology; is a certified Factory Authorized Field Service Representative for Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC) and holds a certificate in Repair Training for Non-Warranty Repairs from ETC; and is an ETCP Certified Theatre Electrician.

Limelight Productions has provided lighting equipment and supplies for theatrical, film, television and special event productions and has the largest selection of film and video location lighting equipment in western Massachusetts since 1972.