Dropouts under a very weird condition

[Tim Curtis]

Usually when there is no useful information or errors from the software its best to start swapping the hardware to see if the issue can be isolated.

First I would take the DDC device out of the audio chain and connect the Pi directly to the AVR via USB. If the AVR doesn't have USB audio in then try HDMI.

[Snoil]

The Pi and the DDC power are plugged into a powerstrip, which I use to cycle both on.  The DDC is up almost instantly while Pi is going thru its bootup.  I can change the DDC to get power from the USB bus.  I have run it like that in the past, and honestly don't hear any differances.

were there any dropouts then?

with the powerstrip and all it could power usb first and a bit later switch to the external whilst rpi is booting and maybe that or sth. else is glitchy with the two power sources.
It's just guess after all.
Maybe worth a try to power the DDC externally first and then start the rpi or disable the +5v on the usb if that's even possible.

[SerbJ]

Usually when there is no useful information or errors from the software its best to start swapping the hardware to see if the issue can be isolated.

First I would take the DDC device out of the audio chain and connect the Pi directly to the AVR via USB. If the AVR doesn't have USB audio in then try HDMI.

The AVR has a front panel USB A port but it is just for plugging in a thumb drive with some files to play.

I do have a micro to "normal" HDMI cable, and plenty of HDMI inputs.  Standard 4K cables work? Curious on what happens with the video lines?  

The new DDC and USB cables are suppose to be here tomorrow.  I think I'll try that first.  I'll also swap the coax cable to an optical and input.   At that point, everthing is new upto the AVR.   If still happens, will try HDMI.

What I am struggling with, is why only when I stand and move some?  It has been way too many times just to be a coincidence.   I thought it might be a vibration thing, but there is very little floor vibration from standing/moving.  The shaking I did today, was enough to damage a stylus if it was playing.  

Also, taking a closer look at the AVR.  I shut the bluetooth off, which I don't use.  It is also connected to router on the 2.4G network.  There is an app on iPad that I use to control it, but the app wasn't open during todays and yesterdays dropouts.  I'll shut the AVR wireless off and just use remote or the front panel. 

As mentioned earlier, I can't remember with certainty that it happened with the prior AVR, HK520.  Worst case, I'll swap it back.  Still happens? I guess I just keep seated while listening.

[SerbJ]

The Pi and the DDC power are plugged into a powerstrip, which I use to cycle both on.  The DDC is up almost instantly while Pi is going thru its bootup.  I can change the DDC to get power from the USB bus.  I have run it like that in the past, and honestly don't hear any differances.

were there any dropouts then?

with the powerstrip and all it could power usb first and a bit later switch to the external whilst rpi is booting and maybe that or sth. else is glitchy with the two power sources.
It's just guess after all.
Maybe worth a try to power the DDC externally first and then start the rpi or disable the +5v on the usb if that's even possible.

When I first hooked up the DDC with its separate power, wasn't on a power strip.  After a few times of forgetting to turn on the DDC, is when I added it.   As I recall, Moode still worked without having to reboot it.  

I did not have any dropouts for a few months after going live with the Pi FLAC player.  The 1st couple of times it happened, wasn't sure what was going on.  By the third time, the pattern was established.  Given I have had one each day, within a 1/2 hour of playing, it seems to be occurring more frequent now.

[SerbJ]

The cables and DDC came in yesterday, but only had time to install and prove it was working.  I replaced the coax with a new coax instead of switching over to optical.  Didn't want to mess with reassigning inputs on the AVR.

I got to listen to it for about 1 1/2 hours today.  I got up and walked around the chair, numerous times.  I did not experience any dropouts.  Positive sign, but will wait until having 3-4 more listening sessions before claiming victory.

This DDC is the smallest yet.  Tiny thing and uses a type C connector VS B, like the other two I have.  It is still USB 2.0.  I went with a 1' usb cable VS the one meter I had.  The one I had was "stiffer" than I like.  I think it was putting more stress on the connectors.  I did order a 6" USB to leave the DDC on top of the cabinet.  The other one was buried within.

On a side note, found a Moode feature I wasn't aware of.  Using preferences to link to Wikipedia (or other options) from the play screen song title.  I like it!  

[SerbJ]

Had a few more listening sessions and no return of the mysterious dropp-out. Very positive! A few more and will declare it fixed.