QA-101 v3.2 to 3.3 Upgrade

Upgrading your QA-101 from v3.2 to 3.3 makes the following changes:

1. Prints Table of Contents on printer.
2. Plays multi-session discs (Enhanced CD).
3. Prints Date & Time on printout.
4. Displays & prints Burst Errors (BERL + BEGL).
5. Displays as well as prints total Track Loss.
6. No longer prints every instance of Dropout.
7. Reads TOC in a new, more reliable way.  This should eliminate the issue with those certain discs that wouldn't read before.

Instructions for Installing QA-101 v3.3 Firmware

You will need to 1) Change the firmware EPROM, 2) replace the RAM chip with the NVRAM/RTCLOCK module, and 3) change 2 jumpers.  Please read all instructions before starting.

Remove old EPROM:

Unplug the AC power cord from the player.  Remove the top cover of the player by first removing four screws on the bottom of the player.  The top cover slides off toward the rear of the player.  The firmware EPROM is an integrated circuit located on the main circuit board labeled 16-009.  This IC is in a socket labeled U4.  It should have a label on it with the Clover Systems logo.  Remove the chip from the socket using an IC removal tool or small screwdriver.  Gently pry the chip from the socket, being sure that you are prying up the chip only, and not the socket.

Install the new EPROM:

Installation is simply a matter of pressing the new IC into the socket.  One end of the EPROM IC has a notch in it.  Align the chip so that the end with the notch is facing the rear of the QA-101.  Make sure all pins go into the holes in the socket, and press the IC into the socket. 

Replace RAM chip with Clock Module:

The RAM chip, U9 is soldered in, so you will have to remove the main circuit board to remove the chip.  Disconnect connectors J1 –J5 by pushing the plug out with a small screwdriver; do not pull on the wires.

If you do not have special tools, the easiest way to remove the IC is to cut it out with wire cutters, then unsolder the remaining leads one at a time.  Once the old chip is removed, remove all solder from the holes using a solder sucker or solder-wick and install the 28-pin IC socket in it’s place.  Insert the clock module in the new socket.  The small indentations on the module should be facing the rear of the QA-101 chassis.

Change jumpers:

Jumpers JP-1 and JP-4 should be removed, and JP-2 and JP-3 installed.

Testing:

Install the circuit board back in the chassis.  Now make sure it works by plugging in the AC power cord and turning the unit on.  If the front panel display does not come on, make sure that all pins of the EPROM and RAM are inserted into the socket and have not bent over.  Also be sure that the end with the notch is facing the rear of the player.  If the display comes on and everything seems normal, turn the unit off and remove the AC power cord.

Replace the top cover by sliding it on from the rear of the chassis.  One side of the top cover has a lip that mates with the front panel.  If you have trouble getting the top cover to align with the top flange on the front panel, use an ice cream stick (or something that will not scratch the paint) to gently pry it into alignment.  Replace the four screws that secure the cover.