Extron CrossPoint 300 - Dead? Not set up right? Am I just dumb?

[Bakamoichigei]

Okay, I've been googling my ass off for like a week, and all I can find is people talking around the information I need, never the actual information, and it's all just starting to blend together... (Don't you hate it when that happens?!) Long story short, my retro setup has grown to unmanageable proportions, so I acquired an Extron CrossPoint 300 series 128 HVA matrix switcher. Supposedly working, and it certainly seems to power up and function, and yet I can't get any video out of it.

I see a lot of talk about high output signal voltages (My oscope can certainly confirm the fact that it outputs 5V p-p instead of 1V p-p) and issues with sync signals, but no concrete details on what I need to do about it. I figure I need to whip up some inline voltage dividers to fix the first issue, and use some sync strippers on the inputs for the latter? But shouldn't I at least be getting something when I test composite video on the switcher? No joy. Analog signal stuff isn't my particular engineering forte, so I'm mostly flying blind here...

Based on other forum threads, I opened it up and reseated all the ribbon cables...no change. (And the interior is immaculate! I was very surprised by how shiny and new it still looked.) There's an active 5V p-p signal on the outputs, but nothing there...just a flat line on the oscilloscope.

I've got a sync-stripper SCART to BNC cable coming to test that... But if composite doesn't even work, I don't have much hope.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, because if this thing's hosed, I'm certainly going to try returning it and get my money back.

[Fudoh]

But shouldn't I at least be getting something when I test composite video on the switcher?

You can test the matrix using composite video, but you have to use the G(reen) inputs and outputs to do so. Composite will NOT pass through the sync connections.

[Bakamoichigei]

You can test the matrix using composite video, but you have to use the G(reen) inputs and outputs to do so. Composite will NOT pass through the sync connections.

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, I was using the Green port on both ends as I read in another thread. Nothing coming out the other end; No video, and no change on the oscilloscope whether the ports are tied or not. Just a solid 5V signal. Doesn't sound good, does it? (I even tried tying that input to all outputs, just to be sure...)

[Bakamoichigei]

Okay, so... Still waiting on a sync stripper equipped cable... But I got my hands on an Extron VTG-300, and the switcher isn't passing along its reference grade RGBHV video signals or anything else the Test Generator sent it. The switcher's output just shows a solid 5V on all signals. So I'm guessing this thing is well and truly hosed. A shame because it's in perfect condition.

Haven't tested audio yet because I need to wire up some pigtails to the screw terminals... But I don't have high hopes for that working any better than video.

Anyone else experienced with Extron CrossPoint matrix switchers recognize these symptoms?

[Syntax]

Try reflashing the firmware or maybe you will get more insight using the program for it with a usb to serial adapter.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/191HJnq ... sp=sharing

[Bakamoichigei]

Try reflashing the firmware or maybe you will get more insight using the program for it with a usb to serial adapter.

Woah, thanks. I'll give it a try next time I'm at my desktop!

I was rather discouraged when I tried to get the firmware from Extron's site and they were like "lol, request an insiders account" which to me sounded suspiciously like the ol' "Price: Ask us" which I'm all too used to getting slapped in the face with when looking at specialized software and tools... And as we all know, "If you have to ask, you can't afford it."

ASIDE: In case I can't get it working, I've come up with a temporary solution...an Extron MLS-506SA. It's not a matrix switcher, so it's not going to help distribute the video from my console to multiple endpoints, but it'll eliminate all the cable switching behind the TV, and it even has a really decent stereo amp... It seems to be fully working, so that's a start!

[Syntax]

I was rather discouraged when I tried to get the firmware from Extron's site and they were like "lol, request an insiders account" which to me sounded suspiciously like the ol' "Price: Ask us" which I'm all too used to getting slapped in the face with when looking at specialized software and tools... And as we all know, "If you have to ask, you can't afford it."

Yep, that's why I made a pack for you, I can't even remember how I got my account.
Good luck!

[Bakamoichigei]

Cool, thanks!

Is there something specific I'm supposed to be doing with the firmware exe? I run it, it seems to install something somewhere, but any attempt to upgrade the firmware on the unit from within the matrix software gives me an error about not being able to find the firmware updater. I've currently got 1.01 firmware, so I'm sure it'll be an improvement.

[Bakamoichigei]

Okay, it sounds like I need to have the Extron Firmware Loader Utility in order to make use of the firmware file...

[Syntax]

My bad
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17XKtR1 ... sp=sharing

[Bakamoichigei]

Thanks again!

Sadly a new firmware doesn't seem to be the answer. I'm going to have to make do with the MLS-506SA and S-Video for the time being (I haven't modded my TV for YUV or RGB yet anyway, so that's fine!) and when I get a chance, I'll have to get this CrossPoint 300 128 HVA up on the bench, open 'er up and fully trace out and probe every signal path to suss out exactly what's going on!

Hopefully I can still track it down to something relatively simple, rather than something systemic... And I mean, that should be the case, because it's completely functional otherwise...there's just no video signals going anywhere... Worst case, I end up buying some working but beat-to-hell replacement on the cheap and transplant a bunch of the guts...because cosmetically, this thing is pristine.

I requested an "insider account" of my own, I figure it's worth a shot... Being incorporated does have a way of lending one credibility in such situations, whether or not it's warranted. (Though I haven't yet tried to work that mojo from my new, very clearly residential, address... Versus my previous mixed-use commercial address. Appearances being everything.)

If I ever work out the problem, I'll bump this thread and edit the first post to clearly lay out the symptoms and the solution for future google results. Thanks for all the help!

[Dochartaigh]

Thanks again!

Sadly a new firmware doesn't seem to be the answer.

Did you do the like 4-5 different levels of reset the Crosspoints have - per the manual? Super annoying, and a different button press sequence for each to reset... that + firmware update has made my 4? 5? Crosspoints all work... these are old though, so could just be a hardware fault. HIGHLY suggest using one though, I'm a HUGE fan of them! Have like 3x 32x32's now (one needs new caps or something on the power supply - so they're not always perfect).

[Bakamoichigei]

Did you do the like 4-5 different levels of reset the Crosspoints have - per the manual? Super annoying, and a different button press sequence for each to reset...

I know I reset it at least two different ways, but I don't know to what degree, so that's a good point! I guess I'll step through the whole procedure just to be sure, before I resort to probing and prodding everything. Thanks!

Oh, I did notice something which may be important!! The "Hardware status" window in the programming app said the -5V rail is running -2.99V... Is that a sign that something's gone terribly incorrect or is that maybe normal for when there's no load/attached devices??

I didn't see any bad caps when I was in there checking all the cables, but I also wasn't explicitly looking for them, since it seemed to be functioning. Guess I'd better check the PSU?

I definitely plan to get it up and running, because a matrix switcher is exactly what I need.

I will say this about the MLS-506SA though; it's got a damn strong little stereo amp built in. I might just keep it in my setup just for that until I find an 80s or 90s stereo I like for my retro game/media corner...... (Or replace my childhood gaming sound system; my dad's hand-me-down 1970s JVC VR-5521 receiver)

[Bakamoichigei]

I didn't see any bad caps when I was in there checking all the cables, but I also wasn't explicitly looking for them, since it seemed to be functioning. Guess I'd better check the PSU?

Jeezus! Now I know I'm blind! The power supply and the backplane are the only two things not absolutely riddled with bad caps!

Looks like this CrossPoint's got a date with my Hakko FR-301!

[harcalion]

Hello everyone, this is my first message. I'm in the same situation as the OP and I was wondering about those many types of resets everyone seems to mention. I have the manual for mine (note, this is not Series 300 from what I can see, just "Crosspoint Series Switcher" on the front panel) and the only reset described is "holding ESC while you apply power", page 3-16. Of course reseating the firmware IC is a kind of reset (page B-5). I see now that after installing a new IC you could do a "reinitialization of the switcher" (page B-6) "holding Enter while you apply power". Am I missing any other reset procedure?

If not, I think my action plan will be:

1. "Enter type" reset
2. IC reseat
3. "Enter type" reset
4. Terminal connection and upgrade (thanks Syntax for the links)
5. Soldering time (again, the PSU on mine was busted as well)

Thanks everyone for the very helpful information! Also Bakamoichigei, it would be nice to know if you managed to fix yours.

[harcalion]

I will update my progress here just in case someone is interested.

• No difference after putting back together.
• No difference after putting back together.
• No difference after putting back together.
• The links were dead but I managed to get the software (v8.1 and v8.2) but I get a connection error. I don't know if my PCIe to serial works. I will try with a regular USB to serial adapter.
• I extracted some of the Nichicons from the front panel (one 220uF and 470uF), they were both fine so I resoldered them and didn't bother with the rest. They all look good.

Additionally, I noticed that the socketed IC in the V sync plane was popping up a bit so I put it back in its place.

No difference means it still looks fully functional for creating ties and operating the front panel but still outputs 4V from the RGB outputs and 5V from the Sync outputs independently of the created ties.

Luckily I have another Crosspoint (with audio) incoming because I have run out of ideas except for the RS232 connection giving me some hint.

[harcalion]

Good (or rather, weird) news.

I managed to connect via RS-232 with another adapter, but this being the lowest/oldest of the line there is no voltages or frequencies information in the application.

I used one of those mini-consoles with composite as source and a cheap USB capture device as output (as I didn't want to affect the BVM if there are dangerous voltages involved).

At first, it was the same, a burnt image (probably 4 volts) with poor sync, but then, to ease the testing, I tied the first input to all outputs. And that fixed it! As long as there is more than one output active the output image is perfect (I didn't test the voltages this time). This worked in both the R plane and the G plane (despite the rumours that composite only works properly via G).

I hope this helps someone else. I am sure there is something wrong electrically that explains this but since I am not going to use it in the end, I will stop tinkering with it for the moment.