Velodyne ULD subwoofer Servo Cable Question

VonDrake

VonDrake

It began with FantaSound
I am currently using a vintage Velodyne ULD-15 subwoofer from 1986 in my home theater setup.

More or less happy with it, although I suspect the 5-pin servo cable has a short in it somewhere.
The cable works well, but If it's moved, it sometimes causes the driver to pop, or worse - so I don't move it.

I would like to replace the servo cable. I doubt I can find a vintage Velodyne cable.
I have heard one can use a 5-pin male to male XLR connector (not a MIDI cable, as they're DIN and won't work?).

Anyone here know about or have experience with this? I'm looking for a 25 foot length.
Some photos of my sub below.

Thanks!
Velodyne ULD-15_03A

Velodyne ULD-15_03A

  • Media owner VonDrake
  • Date added
2
Velodyne ULD-15_01B

Velodyne ULD-15_01B

  • Media owner VonDrake
  • Date added
1
Velodyne ULD-15_01A

Velodyne ULD-15_01A

  • Media owner VonDrake
  • Date added
3
 
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Ok, I think you should be fine with a decent Midi, if the pattern is the same, cable of the length you need, as no subwoofer audio should be running through that 5 pin cable, and it may not even use all 5 pins for connection to the amp..

That cable is used for the servo information from the motion of the woofer to the amps servo circuitry for woofer motional correction.

I have 4 of the later version of that ULD 15 powered sub model, and mine uses a plain 2 conductor RCA shielded cable from the Sub cabinet to the amp for motional feed back to the amp`s servo circuitry..

Pop the cover of the amp, unplugged from the AC, of course, and look at the back of the 5 pin din socket connector to see how many wires are actually soldered to it, and post a pic.

Ok, after thinking about this, the earlier version design scheme, Velodyne may have used 2 more wires, for a total of 4, to provide low voltage/current to the servo signal booster IC chip inside the subwoofer`s cabinet that amplifies the woofer mounted sensor`s motional information back to the power amp`s servo circuitry, whereas sometime later, Velodyne`s engineers figured out how to multiplex both the servo signal and the micro power to the booster IC chip on just 2 wires, like my B-I-L, friend, & mine latter versions are.

Though, a common decent Midi labeled cable, if the same 5 pin configuration pattern, whether 2 or more wires are used, should work with no issues.
Let us know.

I love mine ULD 15`s since my first purchase in 1993.

Ciao
 
Bill Ferris said:
Ok, I think you should be fine with a decent Midi, if the pattern is the same, cable of the length you need, as no subwoofer audio should be running through that 5 pin cable, and it may not even use all 5 pins for connection to the amp..

That cable is used for the servo information from the motion of the woofer to the amps servo circuitry for woofer motional correction.

I have 4 of the later version of that ULD 15 powered sub model, and mine uses a plain 2 conductor RCA shielded cable from the Sub cabinet to the amp for motional feed back to the amp`s servo circuitry..

Pop the cover of the amp, unplugged from the AC, of course, and look at the back of the 5 pin din socket connector to see how many wires are actually soldered to it, and post a pic.

Ok, after thinking about this, the earlier version design scheme, Velodyne may have used 2 more wires, for a total of 4, to provide low voltage/current to the servo signal booster IC chip inside the subwoofer`s cabinet that amplifies the woofer mounted sensor`s motional information back to the power amp`s servo circuitry, whereas sometime later, Velodyne`s engineers figured out how to multiplex both the servo signal and the micro power to the booster IC chip on just 2 wires, like my B-I-L, friend, & mine latter versions are.

Though, a common decent Midi labeled cable, if the same 5 pin configuration pattern, whether 2 or more wires are used, should work with no issues.
Let us know.

I love mine ULD 15`s since my first purchase in 1993.

Ciao
Click to expand...

Thank you Bill Ferris for your very thorough response.
The reason for this post is because i would like to replace my original Velodyne servo cable (which I suspect has a short in it), with a new cable.
In doing research, I came across this quote on AVS Forum's Velodyne Support Thread >>

"Early ULD series products did use XLR connectors, which are available in varying pin counts. It's made a bit tricky because the position of some XLR connectors can be variable.
I believe I have seen 5-pins with a single pin in the center and 4 pins arcing around it, and 5-pins with 5 pins in an arc. So take a look at your gear before committing.

That said, I suggest searching "5 pin xlr cable" in Amazon and other places. If Velodyne was specifying "standard" cables, you won't have to be very picky about what you buy as long as it's shielded.

MIDI cable's aren't XLR, as you say. They're DIN and won't work."

I am asking here on AudioKarma if anyone knows whether a 5-pin MIDI cable would work on this servo subwoofer, or do I need to order the more expensive XLR cable.
Thanks again!
 
Looks like a Midi cable 5 pin configuration pin layout cable to me !!
Try a Midi molded cable out, if issues, look else where..
 
Bill Ferris said:
Looks like a Midi cable 5 pin configuration pin layout cable to me !!
Try a Midi molded cable out, if issues, look else where..
Click to expand...

Bill Ferris - Thanks again for your advice. I will order a 5-pin male-to-male MIDI/DIN cable and report back as to whether it worked with the Velodyne ULD-15 or not.
 
VonDrake said:
Bill Ferris - Thanks again for your advice. I will order a 5-pin male-to-male MIDI/DIN cable and report back as to whether it worked with the Velodyne ULD-15 or not.
Click to expand...

Hi VonDrake - I found your thread and discussion with Bill Ferris. I have the same situation you're experiencing. I have a ULD-15 Series 1 system, but have misplaced the servo connector. Were you successful in finding a MIDI/DIN cable that works? I've also heard that possibly a XLR-male to XLR-male cable may also work. I found one on ProAudioLa website in a 20 foot length (XLR-Male to XLR-Male Cable | Made from Mogami 2552 & Neutrik Nickel Connectors).

Any feedback you can provide would be appreciated. If you did find a cable that works, can you indicate where you purchased from.

Best!
 
I have the same sub woofer, mates very well with my Vandersteen Sig. 3 I have in storage.
That being said open up servo unit and check the solder joint to female din. Sounds like you may have some cracked solder. Heat up a soldering Iron and seal solder back together and let it cool. No soldering iron? Use silverware knife,get it red hot and put it on crack in solder. If it shorts when you wiggle the cable I'm sure its cracked solder.
 
qdrone said:
I have the same sub woofer, mates very well with my Vandersteen Sig. 3 I have in storage.
That being said open up servo unit and check the solder joint to female din. Sounds like you may have some cracked solder. Heat up a soldering Iron and seal solder back together and let it cool. No soldering iron? Use silverware knife,get it red hot and put it on crack in solder. If it shorts when you wiggle the cable I'm sure its cracked solder.
Click to expand...

I believe he just needs a cable ATM, because the original is too short and he requires a longer one for his desired setup, qdrone.

He will find out when he obtains a long enough Midi cable, whether he needs to address any DIN connector circuit board weak soldering issues.
 
Dave Sanford said:
Hi VonDrake - I found your thread and discussion with Bill Ferris. I have the same situation you're experiencing. I have a ULD-15 Series 1 system, but have misplaced the servo connector. Were you successful in finding a MIDI/DIN cable that works? I've also heard that possibly a XLR-male to XLR-male cable may also work. I found one on ProAudioLa website in a 20 foot length (XLR-Male to XLR-Male Cable | Made from Mogami 2552 & Neutrik Nickel Connectors).

Any feedback you can provide would be appreciated. If you did find a cable that works, can you indicate where you purchased from.

Best!
Click to expand...
Hi Dave - Everyone on AudioKarma has been incredibly helpful, especially Bill Ferris - I love this site!
I have been lazy and have not done anything about replacing the cable, so unfortunately I don't have an answer for you. At the moment my Velodyne is working well, as long as I don't fiddle with the cable, so I try to leave it alone.

My idea was to order a 25 foot DIN cable on Amazon, try it out, and if it didn't work or fix my problem, simply return it. Then try a different type of cable.
If you do find a solution, PLEASE post it here to help me and others who might have the same problem.

Of course I am always on the lookout for an original Velodyne cable, as I imagine you are as well!

qdrone has an interesting theory that my cable might benefit from some soldering - we'll see.
 
Bill Ferris said:
I believe he just needs a cable ATM, because the original is too short and he requires a longer one for his desired setup, qdrone.

He will find out when he obtains a long enough Midi cable, whether he needs to address any DIN connector circuit board weak soldering issues.
Click to expand...

Hi Bill - The original Velodyne cable that I am using is 25 feet long, which is just the right length for my needs. The problem is that I suspect there is a short in the wire or connector, because if I fiddle with the cable where it connects underneath the sub,
all sorts of horrible noises ensue. At the moment my Velodyne is working well, as long as I don't fiddle with the cable, so for the moment I'm just letting things be.
 
qdrone said:
I have the same sub woofer, mates very well with my Vandersteen Sig. 3 I have in storage.
That being said open up servo unit and check the solder joint to female din. Sounds like you may have some cracked solder. Heat up a soldering Iron and seal solder back together and let it cool. No soldering iron? Use silverware knife,get it red hot and put it on crack in solder. If it shorts when you wiggle the cable I'm sure its cracked solder.
Click to expand...

Thanks qdrone for your help. I'd like to think my problem could be solved with a bit of soldering.
If my cable has a short, the problem seems to be where the cable connects underneath to the driver, If I fiddle with the cable, all sorts of horrible noises ensue.
At the moment my Velodyne is working well, as long as I don't play with the cable, so I don't.
 
VonDrake said:
Thanks qdrone for your help. I'd like to think my problem could be solved with a bit of soldering.
If my cable has a short, the problem seems to be where the cable connects underneath to the driver, If I fiddle with the cable, all sorts of horrible noises ensue.
At the moment my Velodyne is working well, as long as I don't play with the cable, so I don't.
Click to expand...

Ok, I seemed to have miss-read, your post, VonDrake !

My apologies, qdrone, Sir. ! :hug:

If your Velodyne cable`s DIN plugs are not the molded type, & you can open them up to inspect the soldering inside, that will be much easier than removing the woofer to allow you to remove the connection plate(I assume it`s mounting method is the same as my series II.) and inspect the DIN`s socket`s soldering to the small circuit board that it`s most likely mounted to.
If it`s not mounted to a circuit board, but has wire`s soldered to it, there can still be a problem with some of the connections, but probably not.
Also, thinking about it, the multi conductor DIN cable at the subwoofer has to make a fairly sharp bend when plugged in because of the sub being a floor firing style sub, and all it`s connections are subject to being pushed against by the floor to some extent, even with the sub`s ~4" feet, so that pressure, unless that DIN plug happens to be a right angle type, that area of the plug/socket connection is subject to strain & suspect.
Also some DIN plug`s pins/sockets connections I`ve seen will turn black over time, so a good spray with DeOxit type contact cleaner can possibly be helpful, and wouldn`t hurt anyway regardless of any real physical connection issues.

Enjoy your, "stable at the moment", powered Velodyne sub, VonDrake, Sir. :music:
 
Bill Ferris said:
Ok, I seemed to have miss-read, your post, VonDrake !

My apologies, qdrone, Sir. ! :hug:

If your Velodyne cable`s DIN plugs are not the molded type, & you can open them up to inspect the soldering inside, that will be much easier than removing the woofer to allow you to remove the connection plate(I assume it`s mounting method is the same as my series II.) and inspect the DIN`s socket`s soldering to the small circuit board that it`s most likely mounted to.
If it`s not mounted to a circuit board, but has wire`s soldered to it, there can still be a problem with some of the connections, but probably not.
Also, thinking about it, the multi conductor DIN cable at the subwoofer has to make a fairly sharp bend when plugged in because of the sub being a floor firing style sub, and all it`s connections are subject to being pushed against by the floor to some extent, even with the sub`s ~4" feet, so that pressure, unless that DIN plug happens to be a right angle type, that area of the plug/socket connection is subject to strain & suspect.
Also some DIN plug`s pins/sockets connections I`ve seen will turn black over time, so a good spray with DeOxit type contact cleaner can possibly be helpful, and wouldn`t hurt anyway regardless of any real physical connection issues.

Enjoy your, "stable at the moment", powered Velodyne sub, VonDrake, Sir. :music:
Click to expand...

Thanks again Bill Ferris! It seems that the original Velodyne cable is a molded type, meaning you can't open it up unless you cut apart the rubber.
I feel you're right when you say that the underneath "area of the plug/socket connection is subject to strain & suspect" because this is the area where I feel the short exists.

I have some questions about settings for this sub with my AVR (Yamaha RX-V663), which I will ask on this posting in a day or two.
 
Bill & VonDrake - A quick update to let you both know that the MIDI/DIN recommendation worked! I ordered a 30' MIDI Cable made from Mogami 2948 Cable from Pro Audio LA in Glendale, CA. Cable shipped from stock same day and I had it 2 days later. Connected to my ULD15 and ServoAmp, and beautiful deep, pounding bass emerged. Thanks for your correspondence and recommendations!
 
Dave Sanford said:
Bill & VonDrake - A quick update to let you both know that the MIDI/DIN recommendation worked! I ordered a 30' MIDI Cable made from Mogami 2948 Cable from Pro Audio LA in Glendale, CA. Cable shipped from stock same day and I had it 2 days later. Connected to my ULD15 and ServoAmp, and beautiful deep, pounding bass emerged. Thanks for your correspondence and recommendations!
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for the update Dave! I imagine this is the cable you found > https://www.proaudiola.com/product-p/bulk-mogami-molded-midi.htm

I assume you needed a 30 foot length cable, which is not easy to find.
25 foot is easier to find, here's one from Monoprice > https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=8533

Really glad you're enjoying your Velodyne subwoofer - they're terrific when they work!
 
Last edited:
Dave Sanford said:
Bill & VonDrake - A quick update to let you both know that the MIDI/DIN recommendation worked! I ordered a 30' MIDI Cable made from Mogami 2948 Cable from Pro Audio LA in Glendale, CA. Cable shipped from stock same day and I had it 2 days later. Connected to my ULD15 and ServoAmp, and beautiful deep, pounding bass emerged. Thanks for your correspondence and recommendations!
Click to expand...

Well then, very good, Sir. Thanks for letting us know how the problem was resolved. :beerchug:
Painless, and an easy solution, the repair was for you.. :thumbsup:

Enjoy a very good powered subwoofer. :music:
 
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