asi6200mm - 50% of the pixels are dead or stuck!

amv8vantage

My three year old asi6200mm suddenly, and intermittently, started to deliver every second pixel as dead = 0 + offset in bin1x1. Running bin2x2 looks OK (not sure how the software binning in the camera is done, averaging or just adding)

The issue is still intermittent, but the trend is bad - a month ago a simple reconnection of the camera would most often solve the problem. Today its almost impossible to get bin1x1 working.

I first noticed this when the humidity of the autumn came and the dew heaters kicked in overloading the PSU - could low voltage to the camera damage it? Or am I just experiencing a camera that is "worn out" - it has done at least 5000 hours.

Tech@ZWO

amv8vantage It looks like something wrong with the daughterboard, it needs to ship back for repair.

Prismokay

amv8vantage Looks like it's trying to output a CFA image- silly mono, you cant shoot color just because you want to!

Kevin_A

Did you try changing the usb data cable? Worth a try changing power supply and cable too.
Change the cables and ports first will verify an issue with the camera.

amv8vantage

Kevin_A

Yes, done both. No glory.

Also ran only the camera with its own 10A PSU and a USB 3.2 cable directly into the computer with the most basic capture software. Same problems.

hyiger

I would send it in for repair. Be warned that they are going to ask you to repeat this test using ASI Studio (which they did to me) before they will issue an RMA.

amv8vantage

hyiger

Yes, it sure looks like that. And I already tested with ASI Studio.

hyiger

In my case it's been overcast for weeks so I've been stuck trying to confirm on ASIStudio. I have an ASI2600MC camera that is clearly defective and verified with an ASIAir (their own device). Up until 3 months ago I did not have any problems with this same setup. The symptoms are PA fails with exposure errors as well as autofocus with the same. When I switch to Preview and take an image to debug it's all white. If I power cycle the camera it goes away (temporarily). With the same setup (cables, power, ASIAir) when I swap out the camera for my ASI2600MM, it does not have the same issue. So my conclusion is nothing wrong with the power, cables or the ASIAir.

Now, to get an RMA for my camera, they are insisting that I test this first on ASI Studio with a laptop. Apparently this is their test platform. OK, so now I have spend time to do runs and gather evidence on a platform I do not use to prove my camera is not functioning. Had I been using NINA or SharpCap I would say: "You have a point, it could be software you don't own" Instead it's: "Well even though you are testing on a platform we own, it's not sufficient..."

I've never had this kind of grief from other manufactures before.

Tech@ZWO

hyiger Did you try different USB cables, power cables, and power supply?
From your post, the problem may be with the transmission, please replace the cables and power, and do not use any hub, too longer cables are also not recommended.

amv8vantage

Tech@ZWO

OK. Where can I find info on the adress, procedure etc?

amv8vantage

Tech@ZWO

Is it possible to purchase a replacement daughterboard and do the rfeplacement myself?

The camera is out of warranty and I can still use it in Bin2x2 untill a new board arrives.

hyiger

Tech@ZWO

This is my frustration ZWO. I've tried different combinations of cables and still have this issue. I also tried the same set of cables with my ASI2600MM and do not have this issue with that camera. I can conclude that the cables are fine but my ASI2600MC is bad. So I submitted an RMA request and I'm told I have to test this on ASI Studio before an RMA will be issued. This is BS... Why can't I test on the ASIAir? Do you not have confidence in your own product? Do you imply that you don't test your cameras on the ASIAir? I'm frustrated because it's been raining for weeks and I now have to test on a platform I've never used just to get you guys to look at my $2000 camera.

Tech@ZWO

amv8vantage Please submit a RMA ticket here, thanks.
https://rma.zwoastro.com/#/

Tech@ZWO

amv8vantage You can directly submit the RMA ticket, and state your thought, our RMA team will reply to you.

amv8vantage

Before submitting, I had a look inside.
Well, there was a lot to clean inside of the camera after three years of operation, but my main concern is this dent in the ribbon band. Rather tricky to measure the resistance over the leads since one end is glued.

What do you think, should the individual leads survive such a dent?

amv8vantage

A final (hopefully) update:

The ribbon band was ok, but we discovered a couple of spots on the PCB of corrosion/sulphide.

When cleaned away, everything seems to be back to normal, i.e. bin1x1 working regardless of cooling power, exposure times, etc.

Kevin_A

amv8vantage the best thing is… no need to send it away and knowing you fixed it yourself. Win Win!

Tech@ZWO

amv8vantage Glad to know the problem solved.
The new batch of camera boards are coated with three defenses to avoid similar problem

jerryyyyy

Well looks like I am in the same boat. First fan gave out, now this...

This is only on bin 1.

Wasted 2 days on settings... there are other issues with the camera now... focusing software did not work... led me to this.

How do I get to that board? Had the back off to replace the fan... is this visible?

No spay protection on these boards... gotta be kidding... like my old SBIG 8300M... went through 3 boards at finally $1000 a piece!

Tech@ZWO

jerryyyyy The problem on your camera mostly in the daughterboard. and may need toship it back to us for repair.
May i know when and where did you purchase the camera? if it is within warranty you can direclty contact the dealer for after sales service.
All new coole camera boards are came with three-proof glue, so no need to worry on that.