Speakercraft MZC-66

[Watcher]

I have a speakercraft MZC-66 multiroom  amplifier since 2012.

Recently when turned on by the main front switch, all zones get activated and source one gets selected for all zones.
The keypads are unresponsive and no control is possible.

I did tried to connect to the system via RS232 for settings / firmware check but no connection is possible either.
It seems to me that the problem is micro-controller related since all the amplifiers themselves work but I have no idea how to troubleshoot any further.

Anybody has any experience or advice for this unit?

Thanks!

[Grandchuck]

I have no experience with this unit but will ask if you have checked the power supply voltages?

[Watcher]

Hi

Thanks for your message.

No. I haven't opened up the unit inside.
As I said, all amplifier stages seem to work fine (source 1 plays in all zones)
and in addition  the selected Zone 1 is illuminated in all keypads.

It is as if there was a programmed command to turn on all zones and select Source 1 at startup.
I wonder if the firmware was somehow corrupted. However the only documented method for firmware upgrade is through the RS232 port which doesn't work either..

I have also emailed the manufacturer hoping for guidance...

[David_AVD]

I'd be opening it up and casting an eye over the power supply first.

What type of serial connection did you try? Did you have to make up a cable for it?

[Watcher]

I am waiting for the response of the manufacturer and if i get no help from them, I will then open it up as you said.

The unit has at the back a respectable for 3.5mm 4-way (the type usually used for headphones) connector giving access to an RS232 port. I made a cable for this when I first installed it in order to program it and it worked fine.
I used the same cable now. So I don't think  the problem is related to the cable.