Anyone Repair Falcon Controllers

**ChiefWarrant** · 08-29-2022, 12:22 PM

Is there anyone out there who can fix an F16v3?

I have a Falcon F16v3 v1.01 that failed a couple of years ago, but it was an early December failure, so not much time to work on it. I just bought a new one and tossed the old one in a drawer.

The symptoms are:

1. I have power in V2 and all the ports show good fuses, but there is no indicator on the PWR LED (under R70).
2. The OLED does not display anything.
3. The WiFi chip in the upper left does not have the traditional red LED lit.
4. When I plug a network cable in, i do NOT see any link lights on either Ethernet port.
5. I tried the EXT PWR connection (5DVC in).
6. I have tried both 5VCD and 12VDC on the V2 connector with no change in symptoms (I did adjust input power jumpers appropriately).
7. I tried "Factory Reset" with no change in symptoms. (LED1/LED2 don't even light).
8. I verified the all the IC's are properly seated.

Has anyone seen this?

**dirknerkle** · 08-29-2022, 06:04 PM

I don't know much about Falcon controllers, but here's how I fix ESP modules...

**Utimgr** · 08-29-2022, 06:10 PM

Like any troubleshooting start with the basics. And depends on your skill level and equipment you have. Check the output of the regulators, since the OLED isn't active, it *could* be the primary 5V or 3.3V is dead. The FPGA core uses 1.0V. So measure across the capacitors (because thats an easy place to check) for voltage. I don't think there are schematics of the board around, but it should be pretty easy to find the regulators and see if anyone is alive.

**Penfold** · 08-29-2022, 06:32 PM

It sounds like there may be a fried power trace or a voltage regulator may have blown. Look at the bottom of the board to make sure there isn't a brown spot or a blown board trace is. This is just the first step. It sounds like you may have a blown chip for the Ethernet port.

**Keith R** · 08-29-2022, 10:10 PM

Call David. I think his number is still up on his website. He used to repair his own boards.

**ChiefWarrant** · 08-30-2022, 03:40 AM

Originally Posted by dirknerkle

I don't know much about Falcon controllers, but here's how I fix ESP modules...

Trust me Dave, I have felt the same way about ESPs. But that is for another thread.

-Tony

**ChiefWarrant** · 08-30-2022, 03:42 AM

The power traces all look clean.

I took some readings at the voltage regulators (VR1-3) and couple of other spots.

Looking at the readings (attached), I am guessing one of the VR's are not functioning properly.

-Tony

**Utimgr** · 08-30-2022, 08:35 AM

You should be seeing 3.3V and 1.0V on the board. Typically a post regulator after the 5V. My Falcon is installed outside in a box, else I'd take a closer look at it. The parts you note that have no voltage, are SOT23-3 parts and typical type of package for a voltage regulator. But unless you have to correct soldering iron and skill set, you can ruin the board removing and replacing the parts, if indeed thats what went out. The thing is, you typically do not see those just going bad on you, something could be shorted and making them shut down. When you do power up the board, another way to find bad parts is by thermally checking them. Carefully use your finger (unless you happen to thermal gun) and look for parts that are screaming I'm hot and burning up. Warm is OK. Hot that you say oh $%&^ when you touch them isn't. That would be my next step.

**ChiefWarrant** · 08-30-2022, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by MikeKrebs

Not that it matters if the VR is bad but did you move the power jumpers when you tested with 5V?

I did move the jumpers.

**ChiefWarrant** · 08-30-2022, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by Utimgr

You should be seeing 3.3V and 1.0V on the board. Typically a post regulator after the 5V. My Falcon is installed outside in a box, else I'd take a closer look at it. The parts you note that have no voltage, are SOT23-3 parts and typical type of package for a voltage regulator. But unless you have to correct soldering iron and skill set, you can ruin the board removing and replacing the parts, if indeed thats what went out. The thing is, you typically do not see those just going bad on you, something could be shorted and making them shut down. When you do power up the board, another way to find bad parts is by thermally checking them. Carefully use your finger (unless you happen to thermal gun) and look for parts that are screaming I'm hot and burning up. Warm is OK. Hot that you say oh $%&^ when you touch them isn't. That would be my next step.

I will take a look for "$%&^ hot" components, either when I get out of work today or in the morning.

I will also measure the voltages on my other F16v3 (a higher Rev board) to see if I can identify major differences.

Thank you
-Tony