Nord One NCx500 flashing red

[JoshK]

I have a 4 channel Nord One NCx500. Going to use it with the dspNexus 2/8 to power my JBL M2s. Turned it on for the first time today, despite getting it maybe 3 weeks ago and it is flashing red inside the amp and the front blue button goes bright then dim. I sent an email to nord, but I wanted to see if I just missed something simple/stupid.

My build:

In a spring cleaning effort 2 weeks ago, I misplaced my instruction sheet for the 12V trigger. Can't find it online. I turned the back switch to on and pushed the front button to turn on. Both with and without the trigger cable attached.

Does anyone know the XLR pin config for Nord? I can compare that to my dspNexus, which has its in the manual.

Otherwise I am befuddled.

 

[JoshK]

Ok, so my dspNexus uses this wiring config>

 

[RickS]

Did you check the AC voltage jumpers? Perhaps they forgot to add them for 120V operation.

 

[RickS]

J3 in lower left needs to have a jumper...

 

[JSmith]

@boggit10


JSmith

 

[JoshK]

Thanks for the tip,will look it

 

[JoshK]

J3 in lower left needs to have a jumper...

View attachment 429820

That seems to be the answer. Looks like they just happen to forget the jumper for 115v. Easy oversight given they are in the UK (230V).

 

[JSmith]

That seems to be the answer. Looks like they just happen to forget the jumper for 115v. Easy oversight given they are in the UK (230V).

Quite an oversight though... not a cheap amp. Lucky it wasn't the other way around...


JSmith

 

[JoshK]

Quite an oversight though... not a cheap amp. Lucky it wasn't the other way around...


JSmith

I didn't ask my question so we could take stabs at manufacturers who are providing great gear and reasonable prices. Sh*t happens. I ordered during the holidays when everyone was away.

I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. It is a tiny part. I am happy that @RickS pointed me in the right direction.

 

[JSmith]

I didn't ask my question so we could take stabs at manufacturers who are providing great gear and reasonable prices.

You've misunderstood, not my intention at all. That's why I said, lucky it wasn't the other way around... i.e. set to 110/120V and sent to a 220/240V area. That would likely not then be a small oversight at all.

I am happy that @RickS pointed me in the right direction.

As am I... Rick is a champ. Glad you got it sorted without having to send it back.


JSmith

 

[JoshK]

Gotcha! Also it seems like the engineering of the jumper precludes the other way around, and that is good engineering (on Hypex's behalf).

 

[RickS]

Pleased to help.

Did you make a jumper?

 

[restorer-john]

Ineptitude knows no bounds.

 

[JoshK]

Pleased to help.

Did you make a jumper?

I don't have the connector handy, was thinking of modifying a spade connector until I can get one.

 

[JoshK]

Ineptitude knows no bounds.

View attachment 430433

It had the correct IEC outlet, but a simple oversight in a busy time can happen. I assumed it was simple and it was.

 

[RickS]

I don't have the connector handy, was thinking of modifying a spade connector until I can get one.

I had trouble getting one the right size. Would get Nord to send you a couple.

As a temporary fix, can use a quarter inch quick connect. Best if it is a well-insulated one, like this...

Btw, to get it to stay on, may need to flatten it a bit.

 

[JoshK]

I had trouble getting one the right size. Would get Nord to send you a couple.

As a temporary fix, can use a quarter inch quick connect. Best if it a well-insulated one, like this one...

View attachment 430435

Btw, to get it to stay on, may need to flatten it a bit.

That is exactly what I meant by spade connectors. I have a few of those handy from my Jeep hobby. [the female side of spade]

 

[Bruce Morgen]

That is exactly what I meant by spade connectors. I have a few of those handy from my Jeep hobby. [the female side of spade]

In "the biz" those are called faston connectors and a proper jumper is -- or at least was, back in the day -- called a Berg stick

 

[RickS]

It had the correct IEC outlet, but a simple oversight in a busy time can happen. I assumed it was simple and it was.

Yes, seems likely that they removed the jumpers in final test and forgot to replace them. Maybe the amp never had the jumpers but if they shipped the correct power cord, then would think they would check to ensure the jumpers are installed.

Would be best if they test at the AC input voltage at the level specified from the customer order, but does not appear to be the case. File it under lessons learned for Nord and thankfully it was a simple fix.

Hope you enjoy your amp for many years to come!

 

[restorer-john]

Yes, seems likely that they removed the jumpers in final test and forgot to replace them. Maybe the amp never had the jumpers but if they shipped the correct power cord, then would think they would check to ensure the jumpers are installed.

If they performed a "final test" on 230V in the UK before sending the amp to a 120V country without even confirming the 120V functionality they are totally inept.

But not unexpected. I had one on my bench for repair (an older Hypex NC500 based unit) which had cooked itself from the inside out. No consideration whatsoever for thermal management.