A months ago I purchased a used Helix LT and have been using it daily without a single issue whatsoever. A few days ago, after completing an update (sorry but I don't remember which one exactly) I turned it on with the switch, and saw that while the EXP1/EXP2 LED’s came on and remained on, the main screen did not come on at all and Edit (via USB cable to my PC) would recognize any device and would not link.
Pressing various buttons did not change the status, so I turned it off and waited a few seconds and then turned it back on again. This time, the LT screen came on after a few seconds (which was normal) and the Helix Edit program recognized it, and linked up with it. It operated without any noticable issues and I just considered it a "glitch in the matrix".
However, for the past couple of days it is continuing this pattern:
1st attempt to power up, no main screen, now Edit linking, and EXP1 and EXP2 lights remain on.
Turn it off, then back on again, and it boots up with visible screen and Edit linked - and working without any issues found.
My system is:
- Windows 11 Home PC
- SurfShark VPN, Norton, etc. were turned off to prevent interference during any of the updates and I have never encountered any issues during the few Helix updates I have done to any hardware or software. They all appeared to install and function properly with no error or warning messages once completed.
- 32Gb memory, plenty of disk storage
I tried to resolve the problem with the simple things first:
1. Checking the electric power cable connections going directly into a wall plug (not a power strip) - no impact
2. Shut down and rebooting computer and LT at the same time - no impact.
3. None of my PC's UBS ports are "hubs" (that I know of anyway), but I used a different USB cable, and a different USB input port on my PC - no impact.
4. I then chose to reflash/reinstall the Helix's 3.80 firmware using Line 6 Updater program. Backed up entire system, presets, and IR's before starting. Once backups were done, used the Updater to reflash the 3.80 firmware, which took a few minutes, but finished without any errors or warning. Then turned LT off and back on while holding down the #9 and #10 buttons to reset various internal items.
NOTE: The LT did NOT boot up (i.e. screen did not come on) on my first effort with the #9&10 reset method. So turned it off, then back on and it came on fine, and began and finished the reset routine. All my presets were gone with only factory presets remaining.
I restored my backup of presets and IR's to the device and shut it off, then turned back on again. - NO IMPACT as main screen would not come on, Edit no linking - BUT turned off LT and back on again - WORKING PERFECTLY (same as before).
Thinking I may have failed to follow the proper steps during the firmware flash, I then updated all Helix Software before any more attempts to resolve by software update/reinstall. The next TWO firmware reflash were using the following Line 6 Support downloads and updates to: -
1. Helix Edit to version 3.82
2. Helix Drivers to most current date
3. Line 6 Updater to version 1.28, and
4. Line 6 Central 1.04 2.
I followed the steps as outlined by several other persons, FIRST using the Line 6 Updater, and when that did not resolve the problem, then attempting the same steps with the Line 6 Central interface.
In both the Updater and the Central methods, I reset the device with the #9 and #10 button reset technique, AND before reloading my system backup with presets and IR, I turned the LT off, then on again attempting to determine if perhaps any of my presets, IRs, or settings may be the source of the problem. However, after finishing the reset technique without restoring any of my files, the LT displayed the exact same conditions as it did that prompted me to begin this journey - 1st attempt to switch on NO MAIN SCREEN, EXP1/EXP2 REMAIN ON, HELIX EDIT WILL NOT LINK - then turn of LT, and 2nd attempt to power up is perfectly fine with MAIN SCREEN ON, only EXP2 LIGHT ON, EDIT LINKING. and LT operates without a single reason for any reason whatsoever that there is a problem with it.
I have gone ahead and restored my backups on the LT, and still the "EVERY OTHER TIME" condition exists - and I mean this in the most literal sense.
I have also tried the switching on / off test with various permutations and combinations of normal cabling (USB cable / different 1/4" cables, headphone cables in most every possible permutation and combination I can conceive.
AND STILL THE POWER / BOOT UP / DEMON CURSE PROBLEM REAPPEARS and does SO EVERY OTHER TIME IT IS TURNED ON WORKING PERFECTLY WHEN THE EXACT SAME FLICK OF THE POWER SWITCH IS DONE TO START IT UP.
FYI: Although purchased used, this device mint condition when purchased and sits on my desk 95% of the time for programming, tweaking, etc. I have only used it for 2 stage shows so far, with more coming soon. When not on my desk or the stage, I keep it in a hard shell cased. I have never dropped or damaged it, and it has no obviously dents, marks, that would lead me to believe that the previous owner treated it roughly. operated perfectly until recently. It has never been mishandled dropped and I kept on my desk at home, or in a hard shell plastic case when transporting. I am hopeful you can lead me to the correct repair for it.
I am literally at a loss of why this would occur is such a regular manner. If software related, or even an internal electrical component, it would seem logical to believe it would be an "all or nothing" condition, yet it is happening in a manner more predictable than the Japanese Rail system.
If anyone has any suggestions, or finds that I did not follow the proper step by step methods when reinstalling / reflashing the firmware, or knows of a part time Helix exorcist, I would be most appreciative of your input on what may be the next best step in diagnosing this problem, with the understanding that I am hoping to avoid the need to ship it off to a service center if at all possible. I am handy with a solder gun, schematics, multi-meters, and general electrical and mechanical matters. I am not afraid to open it up and look around inside if needed. While I am capable at repair/replacement of electrical components, my skills in diagnosing and locating the exact faulty component(s) among the possible thousands found inside, is not as adequate as I would like.
Thank you to everyone in advance for any information you may have and be willing to share with me. Best wishes and ROCK ON!!!
Gary