Different radions on 75/motherboard repair?

[Scottyxcameron]

Just received some heartbreaking news.... My Radion Gen 3 pro suddenly shut off over the weekend. I sent it back to Ecotech and was given the news that the motherboard is unable to be fixed.

So my question is, does anyone run two different Radions? If so, is there any noticeable difference? If not, do you think I will notice a difference?

I’m considering keeping my Gen3 pro and either getting a Gen4 non pro or a Gen 4 pro. I’m also thinking about selling my gen 3 pro and switching to kessils(just unsure if 2 will be enough light for a standard 75 gallon?)

Anyways, I’m completely bummed out... especially since I JUST finished installing my new vectra(which completed my set up) last Tuesday....

 

[jda]

There are usually some available on the used market. I know that they are a risk also to fail, but they are cheaper... is used a risk vs. reward that you might consider?

 

[Scottyxcameron]

Honestly if I were tech savvy I would consider it..... unfortunately that’s not the case haha... I wouldn’t even know where to begin looking?

 

[jda]

Go on the Drygoods For Sale forum here. Used Gen 3 Pros are offered every day or two. There are three on eBay right now for between $200 and $300.

 

[Scottyxcameron]

I thought you meant the mother boards....

 

[jda]

Ha. I see. Man, that is tough... I know that the price-tag does not say so, but these are disposable-grade products.

I have a guy in the next town over that repairs high-end stereo equipment that I found to fix a tube amp. I took him a controller board for a chiller that I had and he fixed it for $40 or $50. If you are getting your unit back, then you could see if an electronics guy would want to touch it. ...this is a total long-shot.

 

[jda]

I think that it is possible since EcoTech's stance is to repair nothing out of warranty and just try and sell you a new unit for slight discount. This is what they did when the purchased AI and walked back all of their promises for parts and upgrade-ability. It is possible that it is not as bad as what EcoTech told you.

Whatever you do, good luck.

 

[oreo54]

Yea, not sure I'd buy that either..
Main failure points are fans and power supplies.. not usually circuit boards..

I'd even check the fuse inside, though if blown, then you may have problems anyways..

If the pucks are still good, not hard to get them "functional" w/ drivers..though not really ideal.
Biz contract out x number of boards from China and when the stocks gone.. it's gone..IF there were any extras to begin with.

 

[Scottyxcameron]

Yeah it is tough man. I still am in disbelief that this happened lol....

Anyways, I would love to get it fixed but I have to agree with the above reply. The fuse wasn’t cooked and the lights/pucks are perfectly fine... the whole thing just shut off...

 

[jda]

Do a visual for burnt stuff, dirty/loose connections and the like. It is a long shot, but worth a few minutes. Anybody with an O'scope could see what is bad, but it could cost you an hour of labor to find out that the board is not economically fixable.

I would bet even money that they just got the package, opened it and sent you the note. I have seen/heard nothing to otherwise indicate that they want to help people fix old stuff instead of buying a new unit. They have earned this rep, IMO.

 

[Scottyxcameron]

Wow seriously?

 

[jda]

BTW - I like your putters... I have about four dozen of them.

 

[Scottyxcameron]

Lol I have the addiction obviously.... I know I could sell one for a new light! Buttttt that’s not in the cards

 

[oreo54]

Yeah it is tough man. I still am in disbelief that this happened lol....

Anyways, I would love to get it fixed but I have to agree with the above reply. The fuse wasn’t cooked and the lights/pucks are perfectly fine... the whole thing just shut off...

and you are certain it's not the power supply?

 

[Scottyxcameron]

Positive... I cross checked everything with the lights that are already working

 

[jda]

If you need to sell a IBBF Laguna to light your reef, send me a PM. I prefer the oil can version.

 

[oreo54]

Then I'm done.. Since you have zero power to anything I suspect you blew the main voltage regulator..
Find an electronics geek. Should be a fairly easy fix..