FM3 USB problem fix

L

lvhongkun1987

New Member
Hello everyone, my FM3 has a USB interface issue where it cannot connect to the computer. I've been using the MIDI interface for data transfer and updates, but the entire process is very slow. Unfortunately, this method prevents me from using the FM3 as a sound card. After searching on Google, I found that many people have encountered the same problem. A small number resolved it by reinstalling the drivers, which I consider quite fortunate, as it indicates the issue isn’t hardware failure. However, the vast majority of cases involve hardware damage. In such situations, simply replacing the USB port won’t solve the problem, as the issue lies with the control chip. To fix this, the chip must be replaced. The specific model is ADSP-SC587KBCZ-4B by SHARC. Fractal’s official repair solution involves replacing the motherboard with a new one. If out of warranty, the cost is essentially equivalent to buying a new product. Currently, there are many electronics repair professionals in China who can handle this. The repair cost is typically around 1,000 RMB, excluding shipping fees. As someone who’s quite meticulous, I wanted to save money. So, I purchased the chip on Taobao for 500 RMB and then hired a local computer repair shop for a 100 RMB labor fee. The technician replaced the chip for me. It’s important to note that this entire process requires highly specialized equipment—a BGA rework station. Using a soldering iron or hot air gun is impossible, as it would inevitably damage the circuit board and other components.
Therefore, the most perfect repair solution is to purchase the chip yourself, then take it to a repair shop equipped with a BGA rework station, and pay a certain fee to have it replaced for you.
THIS IS THE OLD BROKEN CHIP
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Killswitsius said:
I would be interested to know if such china repairers are able to receive and send back international repairs.
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Killswitsius said:
I would be interested to know if such china repairers are able to receive and send back international repairs.
Click to expand...
Killswitsius said:
I would be interested to know if such china repairers are able to receive and send back international repairs.
Click to expand...
I thought you will find local guys who can deal with it.
It is not necessary to send it to China,please buy that chip,and find a guy who can repair computer,pay some money for replace the chip,no need to replace motherboard.
 
For anybody in the USA I would first understand clearly what is involved with this repair. Yes there are people who have the proper equipment and could do it. However, you might be surprised how much you get charged. Unless it is a friend or someone who is doing a favor of sorts you will be charged handsomely for the labor. Also, make sure they are truly qualified because as mentioned you could end up with a FM3 in worse shape than when you handed it to the repair guy.

I guess what I’m getting at is you may very well pay close to what FAS charge. They just replace the motherboard because it makes sense in multiple ways including what it would cost for them to either send it out or have a full time person who can do this repair. The other plus is they put a MB in that is in great shape. I’m not trying to defend FAS. I just would fully understand the situation and the person willing to do the repair. I also would never send my FM3 to China to have this repair performed.
 
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GitGuy513 said:
For anybody in the USA I would first understand clearly what is involved with this repair. Yes there are people who have the proper equipment and could do it. However, you might be surprised how much you get charged. Unless it is a friend or someone who is doing a favor of sorts you will be charged handsomely for the labor. Also, make sure they are truly qualified because as mentioned you could end up with a FM3 in worse shape than when you handed it to the repair guy.

I guess what I’m getting at is you may very well pay close to what FAS charge. They just replace the motherboard because it makes sense in multiple ways including what it would cost for them to either send it out or have a full time person who can do this repair. The other plus is they put a MB in that is in great shape. I’m not trying to defend FAS. I just would fully understand the situation and the person willing to do the repair. I also would never send my FM3 to China to have this repair performed.
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Yeah this thread isn't for Americans. There are Non-Americans are here who can't pay shipping and repairs totaling 1,000 and find alternative ways.
 
Killswitsius said:
There are Non-Americans are here who can't pay shipping and repairs totaling 1,000 and find alternative ways.
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And it’s not just about paying, you’d also have to wait for ages and in some cases deal with quite unpleasant/incompetent people in the process.
 
Killswitsius said:
Yeah this thread isn't for Americans. There are Non-Americans are here who can't pay shipping and repairs totaling 1,000 and find alternative ways.
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It's not that we can't afford the cost of returning the device to FRACTAL for repair. For those whose equipment is still within the warranty period, they have to wait for a long time because they need to contact the dealer and get a response. Then the dealer will send the device to the United States, and it will take a long time. I'm not quite sure how FRACTAL's after-sales department will repair it. Some people say they will directly replace the motherboard, while others say they will repair the original motherboard. During the warranty period, the cost should be very cheap; however, many people's equipment has already passed the warranty period, or they bought second-hand equipment. In this case, the cost of returning the device to the original factory for repair can be as high as over $600, which is basically equivalent to buying another second-hand device. Many people may take the opportunity to directly purchase equipment from other brands and then sell the damaged USB device on the second-hand market. The purpose of my posting this is to tell everyone that for this kind of hardware-level damage, don't delude yourself into thinking that reinstalling drivers, changing computers, or replacing cables can solve the problem. If the main control chip is damaged, just buy a new one and replace it. Additionally, to prevent this kind of problem from happening again, we need to find the real cause of the damage, which is the failure of the ESD electrostatic protection diode "D7", and it needs to be replaced. For the motherboard "030-PCB-001 REV 1.5.2", the specific model of these two diodes is ESDR0502N. Although "D4" does not need to be replaced because it is responsible for the USB-A interface, for safety's sake, it is best to replace both to ensure that the same problem does not occur again.
 
lvhongkun1987 said:
It's not that we can't afford the cost of returning the device to FRACTAL for repair. For those whose equipment is still within the warranty period, they have to wait for a long time because they need to contact the dealer and get a response. Then the dealer will send the device to the United States, and it will take a long time. I'm not quite sure how FRACTAL's after-sales department will repair it. Some people say they will directly replace the motherboard, while others say they will repair the original motherboard. During the warranty period, the cost should be very cheap; however, many people's equipment has already passed the warranty period, or they bought second-hand equipment. In this case, the cost of returning the device to the original factory for repair can be as high as over $600, which is basically equivalent to buying another second-hand device. Many people may take the opportunity to directly purchase equipment from other brands and then sell the damaged USB device on the second-hand market. The purpose of my posting this is to tell everyone that for this kind of hardware-level damage, don't delude yourself into thinking that reinstalling drivers, changing computers, or replacing cables can solve the problem. If the main control chip is damaged, just buy a new one and replace it. Additionally, to prevent this kind of problem from happening again, we need to find the real cause of the damage, which is the failure of the ESD electrostatic protection diode "D7", and it needs to be replaced. For the motherboard "030-PCB-001 REV 1.5.2", the specific model of these two diodes is ESDR0502N. Although "D4" does not need to be replaced because it is responsible for the USB-A interface, for safety's sake, it is best to replace both to ensure that the same problem does not occur again.
Click to expand...
First, I don’t know where you live. It sounds like Point Nemo! It’s known that the USB chip can fail on a small amount of these units. It’s not anything else. Just a bad chip. I have years of experience dealing with this sort of thing including my own equipment. It was my livelihood at one time so I don’t need an explanation about the possible difficulties of getting broken electronics repaired. The one thing I do know is if you are dealing directly with Fractal the repair will be fast as possible although relatively expensive. I also know G66 gives excellent service. Now if you do live in a part of the world (and I understand there are parts of the world that make sending larger packages expensive, complicated and time consuming) then I’m sorry for you and do what you must do and think prudent. I don’t open my mouth on this forum about technical issues unless I’m as certain as possible that I’m giving good (or at least considerate) advice.

Have you even tried to contact Fractal or G66 and find out exactly what you’re looking at cost wise instead of relying on internet banter? Anyway, good luck I think the members have been duly enlightened about other possible avenues to take.
 
GitGuy513 said:
Have you even tried to contact Fractal or G66 and find out exactly what you’re looking at cost wise instead of relying on internet banter?
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Fractal don’t support devices outside the US, and G66 outside the EU. There are a few decent dealers who offer some kind of service beside G66, but if you’re not lucky enough to be in a country with one of those, you’re pretty much on your own, there’s no support to speak of.
 
vangrieg said:
Fractal don’t support devices outside the US, and G66 outside the EU. There are a few decent dealers who offer some kind of service beside G66, but if you’re not lucky enough to be in a country with one of those, you’re pretty much on your own, there’s no support to speak of.
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Are you sure this is the exact truth. I thought Australia had dealers. Anyway, then I guess all these units are second hand or grey market units and was known there is no support. Basically this is starting to feel like beating a dead horse.
 
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GitGuy513 said:
I thought Australia had dealers
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Australia reportedly has a great dealer, but why did you bring it up?

And most countries have dealers, but those dealers are the problem.

Yes, I’m quite sure this is the truth in multiple places, I myself had personal experience with Fractal dealers in two countries, it was very bad even for purchasing stuff, repairs is even worse, warranty or not, you’re better off finding options yourself.
 
GitGuy513 said:
Point Nemo!
Click to expand...

GitGuy513 said:
First, I don’t know where you live. It sounds like Point Nemo! It’s known that the USB chip can fail on a small amount of these units. It’s not anything else. Just a bad chip. I have years of experience dealing with this sort of thing including my own equipment. It was my livelihood at one time so I don’t need an explanation about the possible difficulties of getting broken electronics repaired. The one thing I do know is if you are dealing directly with Fractal the repair will be fast as possible although relatively expensive. I also know G66 gives excellent service. Now if you do live in a part of the world (and I understand there are parts of the world that make sending larger packages expensive, complicated and time consuming) then I’m sorry for you and do what you must do and think prudent. I don’t open my mouth on this forum about technical issues unless I’m as certain as possible that I’m giving good (or at least considerate) advice.

Have you even tried to contact Fractal or G66 and find out exactly what you’re looking at cost wise instead of relying on internet banter? Anyway, good luck I think the members have been duly enlightened about other possible avenues to take.
Click to expand...
I am a Chinese，I live in China
 
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Killswitsius said:
Haha mate Gitguy513, we're all Fractal fans here. No need to defend fractal and no point searching for dead horses.
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We are indeed, although not all of us are fans of Fractal dealers, and I hope the company will address the distribution strategy (or at least its execution) some time down the line. But in order for this to happen, they need to be aware of what's actually happening.
 
Yes. It's proven Asia has customers with the buying power to get Fractal stuff. It's up to Fractal to want to build more presence here or give into the Yamaha Line 6 foothold. Heck, Neural has been getting good dealerships here. And Tonex IK has always been strong
 
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