Ice Tube Clock stopped working :(

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rjhike
 
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Ice Tube Clock stopped working :(

Post by rjhike »

After five years, my Ice Tube clock stopped working. There was a "pwr rset" (power reset) message, so I unplugged the clock, plugged it back in and it would work for a day or so. I tried three different power supply cords. Same result. Then there was a "bad batt" message, so I replaced the battery. Now today, nothing that I have tried will get it to work.

Is there a component that I could replace? Is there a way to test it? If so how and what parts?

Something different happened today as unplugged it, for a split second all of the digit would flash. Weird.

Thanks for your help.

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Ice Tube Clock stopped working :(

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

I'd start with the Ice Tube troubleshooting guide here: viewtopic.php?f=41&t=27032
Since it has been working OK for some time, the assembly is probably fine. You can skip to the power supply/boost converter section.

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rjhike
 
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Re: Ice Tube Clock stopped working :(

Post by rjhike »

I haven't been able to find the problem. Is there a company or individual for hire that can repair the clock?

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Ice Tube Clock stopped working :(

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

That is not a service that we offer. If you pot some details about what you have found in your troubleshooting efforts, we may be able to offer some advice.

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rjhike
 
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Re: Ice Tube Clock stopped working :(

Post by rjhike »

Since there was a "pwr rset" error and "bad bat", I started by installing a new battery. I tried two different batteries. I verified that the battery voltage is good.
I also tried three different power supplies.
I have another Ice-Tube clock, so I tried the tube from the non-working clock and put it in the other clock, and the tube worked. So I know that the tube is okay.
All the solder joints are good. It was working for years.

I don't know what component to check. Is there a component that "goes bad"?

I was hoping that another reader would know someone who could get it working for me.

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Ice Tube Clock stopped working :(

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

Components do fail over time. And marginal solder joints tend to gradually deteriorate. From the symptoms you describe, I'd suspect something in the power supply/voltage regulator part of the board. The troubleshooting guide I linked earlier has a list of things to check. viewtopic.php?f=41&t=27032

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