I have a Creative Inspire 4.1 4400 multi-channel speaker system. The problem is that the power/volume control unit does not work any more. I searched their website and came to know that they don't sell any spare parts. I went to their service centre in S.P.Road and the person there said, "We don't have spare parts but you will need to get the entire system and we will send it to the company in Mumbai and then they will service it and send it back."
Well I felt it was a rip-off because they did not even bother to ask what the problem was and then there was no information regarding the process or the cost that might be incurred.
I contacted their service centre in Malleshwaram and the person there was kind and honest. He said that they don't have spares but they can check and get back. He took my phone number and promptly called me back in about an hours time. He said that they do have a spare but its from another broken unit and can be used. It will cost Rs.350. Hmmm.... Though it was not a fair price he was at least frank to keep informed everything about it.
Then my curiosity said why should you spend Rs.350 when we can take a look at it and try to figure out what is the problem. Well I was successful in solving the problem and felt like sharing the solution with everybody and hence writing this blog.
What you need is a 5 pin 10K Potentiometer which costs about Rs.20 (~50 US Cents), a soldering gun and soldering lead (paste) both of which I already had at home. Please note that this is a quick fix and not an elaborate solution. This solution works if you are sure that the problem is specifically isolated to the power/volume control unit. Please make sure that all the terminals are disconnected from electric connections before you start to do any of the below mentioned steps. Please double check and make sure that the power supply is off and disconnected as the speaker's power adapter output is AC.
When I opened the power/volume control unit, I saw the circuit board as shown in the following picture:
The board has a couple of numbers: MS0240A and 010128. It also has Copyright Creative Technology Ltd. 2001.
I prepared the circuit diagram to understand how it is built and to plan what can be done before diving into action. As a project manager, my experience tells me very clearly to plan properly before doing anything.
What I did was to cut the power/volume control unit cable and have the wires ready to connect to the 10K Pot.
Connect the coloured wires as shown below and solder the terminals for a firm contact. That's all there is to it.
Once complete, for your own safety, wrap the pot with an insulating tape.
Peace!!!
Well I felt it was a rip-off because they did not even bother to ask what the problem was and then there was no information regarding the process or the cost that might be incurred.
I contacted their service centre in Malleshwaram and the person there was kind and honest. He said that they don't have spares but they can check and get back. He took my phone number and promptly called me back in about an hours time. He said that they do have a spare but its from another broken unit and can be used. It will cost Rs.350. Hmmm.... Though it was not a fair price he was at least frank to keep informed everything about it.
Then my curiosity said why should you spend Rs.350 when we can take a look at it and try to figure out what is the problem. Well I was successful in solving the problem and felt like sharing the solution with everybody and hence writing this blog.
What you need is a 5 pin 10K Potentiometer which costs about Rs.20 (~50 US Cents), a soldering gun and soldering lead (paste) both of which I already had at home. Please note that this is a quick fix and not an elaborate solution. This solution works if you are sure that the problem is specifically isolated to the power/volume control unit. Please make sure that all the terminals are disconnected from electric connections before you start to do any of the below mentioned steps. Please double check and make sure that the power supply is off and disconnected as the speaker's power adapter output is AC.
When I opened the power/volume control unit, I saw the circuit board as shown in the following picture:
The board has a couple of numbers: MS0240A and 010128. It also has Copyright Creative Technology Ltd. 2001.
I prepared the circuit diagram to understand how it is built and to plan what can be done before diving into action. As a project manager, my experience tells me very clearly to plan properly before doing anything.
What I did was to cut the power/volume control unit cable and have the wires ready to connect to the 10K Pot.
Connect the coloured wires as shown below and solder the terminals for a firm contact. That's all there is to it.
Once complete, for your own safety, wrap the pot with an insulating tape.
Peace!!!
36 comments:
Hello!
Thank you for this guide, it's amazing!
I have a similar problem. Actually I got the speakers for free from freecycle but they didn't have the volume control so I have to make one myself. I have found the DIN plug required (to connect to the subwoofer) but could you please guide me with the pinouts? I mean, what is the purpose of every cable leaving the subwoofer? I can see in your photograph that they have different colours but which is which? :)
Thanks a lot!
Dimitris
Is this diagram valid? Do the pin numbers match the colours? Thank you! http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Products/LT0146/images/LT0146-Pin-Out-LT0146.jpg
Thank you for this guide.
I couldnt find a 5 pin 10K potentiometer anywhere in my town. However, a 3 pin one is available. Anyway I can fix it using those?
or is it possible to just join the wires such that it is always at max volume (i can adjust the volume in the computer)
@ Ashwin
Actually, it is a 3 pin pot (mono, linear). The other 2 pins on the bottom are for power, therefore you need to buy a pot WITH SWITCH. Then you'll have 5 pins.
hey, i want to know if there is any way of not using a potentiometer and permanently set it to full volume??
Rajeshwar,
it's possible, BUT: The lowest volume you will habe will be pretty high (loud). At least it was on my PC.
I have a inspire m4500 speakers
but its volume controller is not working.
its actually working but unable to function because the 9pin steal thing connecting the volume controller to the subwoofer is damaged.... I tried fixing it but no one could do it around me.... I cut the wire.... And found there are only 3 wires from volume controller going to the subwoofer.... I couldn't understand. How 3 wires are connected via 9 pins!!!
fine I searched for a 9pin mini DIN cable but till now couldn't find it..... :-( plz help me out.ma speakers are dead since 3-4 months
Gracias me sirvio el esquema para haceme el circuito.
pronto posteare en mi web el esquema comple junto a los conectores pin 6 45°
saludos
ozoneekiz
Hola, hello
Could someone give me advice on a similar situation?
In my case I have the part, but the 6 pin miniDIN connector is missing.
I can buy a new mini DIN, but... can someone give advice on the color code? what color cables should go to what pins on the miniDIN ?
Thank you very much, gracias
I found a 10k 3 pin potentiometer.Is that ok if we change the order of the two wires red and white?
1st white
2nd yellow
3rd red
Hi. I am from Mumbai and have the exact same speaker system. In the past 4 years I have spent nearly 1k in fixing this volume controller! I am an extc engineer but very weak with circuits. My inclination is towards software.
I have a 6 pin pot that i got from the local store. couldn't find a 3 pin one. i was wondering if some standard loosely sold volume controller would work?
Hello,
Thanks for this.. I have a broken 9-PIN DIN Controller for my Creative I-Trigue 5600 sound system (there are 9 pins connected to the subwoofer), could you please advise on the Potentiator type which i need.
Any help on this matter would be appreciated, it won't matter if its full volume, as long as it works.
hi raf great post with guide. Need your help to connect a 6 pin pot, as could not find a 5 pin pot . Plz guide i tried to connect the pot but did not helped. Plz help !!!!!
Hi..can you please share the malleshwaram service centre address.. I need to give service
Hi...Please Post a malleshwaram service centre address
Hi, I know it's an old theme, but I hope to get the answer. How do you open the controller like is shown in picture 1 ? I put out some screws from the bottom, put out the bottom, but can't understand how to dissasemble the circuit board from the top? thank you for any help. could send message to my e-mail: adzius@gmail.com .
hi i have same problem but in my controler there is only three wife now how can i fix....
mail me all the deatils
may mail id is\
sanghveer@gmail.com
Hello!
Thank you for this guide, it's amazing!
i have the same problem i do this!
its work perfect.
but after 2 weeks the speakers give a noise
and not sound.
any ideas
Thank you .It helped me a lot to fix a same system where volume control module was missing.
The below forum link with detail diagram is also about the same issue.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/parts/233947-help-volume-control-unit-fix-connector-creative-4-1-4400-a.html
my volume controller is working but the problem i have is, the pins of the volume controller is bent and broken (male joint) and i am not able to connect it to the main speakers to the female joint... please tell me how to fix it
Mini DIN Plug Connector Plastic Handle
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=6pin+mini+din+connector&_sop=15
hi, i am into same irritating trouble and i am not a techie or an engineer :(
ok to spend inr 350 for the volume control unit if someone can offer me now....
PLEASE HELP!!!
Can I get new creative 4.1 volume control.where and which shop.pl help me
Pl reply
I am sure that I will get reply
Hello mere pass creative pinspire 4.1 4400 system hai uska volume control weell nhi hai ye kaha milta hai
the people who are from Mumbai they can easily get B50k potentiometer from lamington road around 10-15 rs.
I have same controller and how to remove the plastic circle (cap) from the PCB? please explain
hi i am from Pakistan i have creative inspire m 4500 i lost the power on volume control unit and i dont know how to turn on the system i tried but not working can anyone please send me the wiring diagram of amplifier circuit which cables need to fix at which points this is my number of whatsapp 00923234123269i just want to see the five cables are connected at which points
I just want say thanks very much. :)
many many many thanks
many many many thanks
Thanks for info bro....god bless u
In main board where black and green calbe are connected
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