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Lost snapshots

PostPosted: Fri May 09, 2014 7:07 pm
by PMAlvarez
Hi all,

I had heard about this issue from old postings on the original forum but never experienced it until yesterday. We were only using about 5 snapshots and they're easy to reconstruct but I wanted to ask for any history on this (early hardware, any particular versions of SW etc.) from other users and if any root cause was found for this.

The board has worked flawlessly for us until this issue yesterday so not sure what we need to do to resolve if it occurs again.

Would appreciate feedback.

Cheers,
Paul

Re: Lost snapshots

PostPosted: Fri May 16, 2014 9:29 pm
by jeff92k7
Unfortunately, with the loss of the old forum, documentation about obscure problems like that was also lost. I personally don't remember any details about that problem, but I will do what I can to help.

First, do you have a recent backup of the console? If so, then just restore that. That is by far the easiest way to fix it.

Second, make sure you are running the latest firmware (build 110, I think it was). If your version is older, then you need to update it.

Third, and this will be the most effective fix... Get a different console. Seriously. This board has been out of production for five+ years now. It is next to impossible to get replacement parts. Any parts you can find will be used or refurbished. New parts just don't exist any more.

All that said, I don't think the problem you describe was very widespread. I wouldn't expect it to happen again. Keep in mind that the console is just a specialized computer. Computers have glitches. If it does happen again, that would be a very strong indicator that circuitry is degrading and the console needs to be replaced asap. Until then, just update/reinstall the firmware, restore your snapshots from a backup and go on with your day.

Re: Lost snapshots

PostPosted: Sat May 17, 2014 11:07 pm
by PMAlvarez
jeff92k7 wrote:Unfortunately, with the loss of the old forum, documentation about obscure problems like that was also lost. I personally don't remember any details about that problem, but I will do what I can to help.

First, do you have a recent backup of the console? If so, then just restore that. That is by far the easiest way to fix it.

Second, make sure you are running the latest firmware (build 110, I think it was). If your version is older, then you need to update it.

Third, and this will be the most effective fix... Get a different console. Seriously. This board has been out of production for five+ years now. It is next to impossible to get replacement parts. Any parts you can find will be used or refurbished. New parts just don't exist any more.

All that said, I don't think the problem you describe was very widespread. I wouldn't expect it to happen again. Keep in mind that the console is just a specialized computer. Computers have glitches. If it does happen again, that would be a very strong indicator that circuitry is degrading and the console needs to be replaced asap. Until then, just update/reinstall the firmware, restore your snapshots from a backup and go on with your day.


As you noted about glitches, the computer I was using to store the backup of the console had failed a while back and was not recoverable so I lost the control SW and the backup. As I noted, the other 4 snapshots that I lost were derivatives of the original so were easy to reconstruct. I have thought about a different console but this has worked flawlessly until the recent issue so I don't feel the need to spend money right now to get a new console. If I was to consider that, what would you recommend that provides the same or better functionality?

Separately, Mackie did reply to an email that they were unaware of this issue so did not have any advice.

I do appreciate your input and feedback.

Cheers,
Paul

Re: Lost snapshots

PostPosted: Mon May 19, 2014 6:23 pm
by jeff92k7
Backups are important, but if you don't have any available, then I guess rebuilding the snapshots will have to work. It's good that you said the snapshots will be easy to rebuild. It would have taken me days to rebuild all the snapshots in the console at my last church.

As far as a replacement console, I can't really make any specific recommendations without knowing your situation and needs. If you want to stay digital, there are a variety of options available now. Yamaha LS9 (or whatever they are replacing that with now), Behringer x32, Allen & Heath QU series or GLD series, Presonus has a couple, Midas even has the Pro1 which is still in the same price bracket (under 10k).

For analog, there are a lot. I won't even bother listing them.

As I said before, that glitch wasn't too common and likely won't appear again unless the hardware is failing. You might as well run the TT24 until it dies if it is working well for you.

Re: Lost snapshots

PostPosted: Thu May 22, 2014 6:16 am
by csp
Jeff,

Nice to see you are still lingering around !!!

Last I heard, you were looking for a new desk, if so what did you finally settle for?

The old TT-24 that I used, I believe is still sitting in the now VERY defunct theatre and I don't think would even turn on without catching fire --- it would have had all forms of animals/vermin urinating all over it --- the last time I was able to sneak into the theatre (very late one night while security were engaged elsewhere !!!) the stench was un-bearable and there were mushrooms (or similar) growing out of the chairs.

Re the console I would now recommend as a replacement for the TT-24 is the Behringer X32 and its associated snake. From the little amount of experience I have had using it (did a couple of freelance jobs) it is a great desk and very easy to use --- quite similar to the TT-24. AND much cheaper to buy.

On that topic, I read yesterday that Behringer is no longer supplying the Guitar Center (they were putting the squeeze on Behringer to lower there wholesale price), so there could possibly be some good buys --- just a bit far away for me unfortunately.

David

Re: Lost snapshots

PostPosted: Thu May 22, 2014 10:30 pm
by jeff92k7
csp wrote:Jeff,

Nice to see you are still lingering around !!!

Last I heard, you were looking for a new desk, if so what did you finally settle for?



Yeah...I poke my head out once in a while. As for the desk... I settled for a new church. They are still using the TT24, but due to ongoing problems, I think they are finally planning to replace it this year. I believe they are planning to go back to an analog console simply for volunteer friendliness.

Before I left, I was shopping for an Allen-Heath GLD console or a Midas Pro1. The Behringer just wasn't big enough (and I just can't get over the name on it - I've been burned by that brand too many times). I'm also tossing around the idea of picking up an Allen-Heath QU-24 for personal stuff (one-offs, hired events, etc.). Though I've also been looking at the new Yamaha QL series - and I'm not a big yamaha fan.