Smartfade DMX Chip Replacement

Issue

How do I replace the DMX chips inside my Smartfade Console?

Explanation

DMX driver chips may fail when subjected to excessively high voltage. This can be caused by a power event such as a lightning strike. Replace this chip if any of the following conditions occur: not sending DMX to a known working device; while in backup mode, not receiving DMX from a known working device; failing the DMX self-test with a DMX loopback cable in place; burnt or damage looking chip, or flickering lights. If there has been damage, it may be necessary to replace the DMX Input, the DMX Output, or the Opto-Isolator chip.

Smartfade 12/48, 12/96, and 24/96 uses a different I/O board than the Smartfade ML. There have also been two different versions of the I/O board for the non-ML Smartfade variant, which can be determined by the color of the I/O board: green or blue.

Part Locations

Smartfade 12/48, 12/96, and 24/96

Green I/O Board (7219B5002)	Part Location	ETC Part Number
DMX In Transceiver	U5	Z1458-F
DMX Out Transceiver	U2	Z1458-F
DMX In Opto-Isolator	U3	Z423-F
MIDI In Opto-Isolator	U4	Z423-F

Blue I/O Board (7219B5609)	Part Location	ETC Part Number
DMX In Transceiver	U6	Z1458-F
DMX Out Transceiver	U1	Z1458-F
DMX In Opto-Isolator*	U5	Z423-F
MIDI In Opto-Isolator*	U3	Z423-F

For both variants, the DMX transceivers are interchangeable with each other. If DMX In is not used, the chip can be used as a spare for DMX Out. The opto-isolators are also interchangeable with each other.
* The opto-isolators are hard-soldered on the blue I/O boards and are not user-serviceable

Smartfade ML

I/O Board (7219B5607 and 7219B5610)	Part Location	ETC Part Number
DMX1 Out Transceiver	U1	Z1458-F
DMX2 Out Transceiver	U3	Z1458-F
MIDI In Opto-isolator*	U4	Z423-F

The DMX transceivers are interchangeable with each other and can act as a spare if one of the DMX ports is not used.
* The MIDI In Opto-isolator on the 7219B5610 variant is hard-soldered and is not user-serviceable

Fix/Solution

Place your SmartFade console, face side down, on a clean, stable surface.
With your screwdriver, remove the (6) circled screws.
Identify which I/O board is in your Smartfade console and use the tables in the Part Locations section to assist in locating the correct chips
1. Note that the pictures are for the old I/O board. The part locations are different for the blue variant of the I/O board, as well as the Smartfade ML I/O board
Disconnect the circled connection.
Locate the chip you would like to replace.
With your chip puller, gently remove the DMX chip.
Insert the replacement chip into the socket so that pin one (1) is in the correct location.
1. Pin one is marked with a recessed circle.
Reconnect the circled connection.
Set the back cover in place but be sure not to catch the circled ribbon cable.
Replace the circled screws.
Test the unit to ensure that it is functioning correctly.