Broken Input Jack fix? (Firepod)

[Toxikator]

My Firepod's been working fine for nigh on one year now, until today, for some strange reason, the TRS portion of my Input 1 jack stopped working. I tried assorted cables to see if the problem was something other than the terminal itself but it doesn't appear to be.

The weird thing is, it still makes that noise when you plug the cable in, and the XLR portion of the jack still works fine.

Even more bizarre is that I have pretty much never removed/inserted the cable from that or any jack on the Firepod (I just leave it all connected), so I can't concieve of what wear/tear would cause it to break, or why all of a sudden it broke even though the connection itself wasn't even touched.

I assume this is something that needs a manual fix; is fixing one of those Neutrik connectors (I assume the problem must be within the connector, given that half of it works) something that can be DIY'd? I don't really have the time to send this thing out right now...

EDIT: Thinking myself somewhat clever, I decided to try to remove the faceplate myself to see what the problem was. The first screwhead was completely stripped by the first turn of the driver. The second screw I was able to loosen with more meticulous unscrewing, but it snapped in half, removing the head of the screw and leaving the threaded bit down inside the hole. After that I gave up, since I don't figure completely annihilating all of the cheaply made bits holding it together will do me any good.

[Hikerspud]

It would be difficult for me to say with some certainty (not hearing or seeing the problem in person), but it sounds as though your combo XLR/TRS jack may have lost its connection, to some extent, with the PCB. I've NOT had this problem with XLR connections or combo inputs such as channels 1 and 2 on a Firepod; however, I've had it countless times with TRS inputs on amps and effects pedals. Usually it is simple to repair. Unplug the unit, take it apart and take a look at the connection of the input to the PCB and locate the break in solder. Take a solder iron to renew the connection and all should be good. I don't know the inside of a firepod all that well, but with some delicate electronics you should use heat shunts to dissipate the heat.

It is very simple to do, even for the not-so-technically inclined. If you have never soldered before, you can pick up a basic iron at radio shack, and practice finishing the ends of speaker wires you have probably stripped to extend your stereo, before digging into the firebox.

Good luck!

[Toxikator]

Any tips for getting out the damaged screws, then? I can't seem to get it apart without destroying them (already broke two, didn't want to break two more).

[Hikerspud]

Phillip's head screws are my kryptonite. I always strip them and it is usually screwdriver fault (incorrect size, too worn, etc.); however, I can be at fault by not putting enough weight behind it, having the axis of the screw offline with the axis of the screwdriver. Some new screwdrivers are roughed up to provide extra friction.

Good luck, I'd probably have stipped the hell out of 'em as well.

[bluesbreaker18]

Go to HomeDepot or Lowes (or whatever hardware store you like). You can get a special drill bit (sometimes called an "Easy Out"). Its threaded backwards so it goes in lefty instead of righty. It fits into any adjustable drill -- I actually had to use one once with a pair of pliers. Anyway, you screw it into the center of the stripped or broken bolt. Eventually it will tighten enough to grip the bolt and begin to unscrew it.