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Say-It Module Odd Experience (Thank You Parallax) — Parallax Forums

Say-It Module Odd Experience (Thank You Parallax)

Martin_HMartin_H Posts: 4,051
edited 2011-06-07 16:46 in General Discussion
Late last November I bought a Say-It module and it worked great for a month, but then mysteriously failed when one component got really hot and then it only returned comm errors after that. Parallax sent me a replacement as I was within the warranty period. But I didn't try the new one until last night.

As soon as I plugged it into the app mod socket, I smelled frying circuits and the Say-it GUI couldn't communicate with it. When I pulled the module out of the app mod socket one component was hot enough to burn my finger:

Say-it-finger.jpg


Ouch to say the least. Next time when pulling a circuit that's starting to smell bad I'll grab it by the sides. Frankly I'm mystified. I don't know if the modules or prone to fail or I'm doing something really wrong.

I am sure I plugged it into the ground, 0, 2, 4,..., 5v row. I checked the app mod socket with my DMM and ground was at ground, 5V at 5V, and the pins weren't shorted to either. But when I plugged in the second one it failed right away. The BS2 seemed to work fine after each module failed, so I really don't think there was high voltage at the pins.

Here's a picture of the module:

Say-it 002.jpg


The component which got hot is the top rectangular on the left which isn't quite square on its pads.

What is that component? Any ideas if I messed up or is that component shorted because it isn't on its pads right?

Comments

  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,938
    edited 2011-05-19 01:46
    That's a capacitor and yes, it's position on the pads could easily cause it to short to the resistor that is above it which would explain the "hot failure". I would recommend that you contact Parallax tech support as I would assume they will probably want to send it to the manufacture (by replacing yours)
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2011-05-19 02:17
    I usually keep one finger on the voltage regulator when I power up something new - just in case I've done something wrong. It may be low tech, but it is a great indicator and preventer of damage at the initial assembly phase.

    It could be that the capacitor is rated for the wrong voltage or that there is a solder bridge some place. I am sure Parallax is more than willing to work with you on this as they really want customers to feel complete satisfaction with whatever they sell.

    If I am seeing correctly, that capacitor certainly does look as if it isn't fully on the pads as intended. Something may have been positioned wrong in the automated assembly process.
  • Martin_HMartin_H Posts: 4,051
    edited 2011-05-19 06:06
    OK. Thanks to both of you. I've contacted them via e-mail.
  • RobotWorkshopRobotWorkshop Posts: 2,307
    edited 2011-05-19 07:36
    If that was a tantalum capacitor then it could have been under rated or installed backwards. If the capacitor is installed backwards they will fail like that.

    I haven't heard of any other modules with problems like that so it is probably isolated to a few odd modules that got through QC...
  • Martin_HMartin_H Posts: 4,051
    edited 2011-06-07 16:46
    Thank you to Parallax for replacing the Say-It module. I was using the new one tonight and it is working fine for training. The next step is a voice controlled Penguin.
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