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Purpose of the kit: The kit is intended to be used to upgrade the power supply of the 861 Surround Controller from the original “switch-mode” module to a higher-performance “linear” PSU. The parts provided allow for various versions of 861. This means that not all the parts will be used in every case. If the 861 is Version 4 or earlier, it may be necessary to modify the Switch PCB within the front-panel. Please note: The Power Supply Upgrade Kit warranty applies to the Power Supply only. Other components or boards in the unit are not covered by this warranty.

Summary of work to be carried out: • On 861V4 and earlier - check Switch PCB within front-panel and fit “Watchdog” modification if required. • Remove the power-supply unit (PSU) from the unit. • Remove the Power (Cap) board from the unit. • Fit the new Power board to the unit. • Fit the new transformer assembly, including the external support plate to the unit. • Re-assemble the unit. • Check the firmware version of the unit and update to the latest version if required. • Using Factory Types, test the unit. • Set the product to the User-Type. • Affix the serial number label for the kit to the back panel of the product. • Complete registration of the kit online.

Procedure: 1. All versions of 861: Remove the Outer Cover assembly

The outer cover comprises of the sides and lid of the unit. Remove the four screws on each side which secure the outer cover to the unit. From the rear of the unit, slide the outer cover backwards away from the chassis.

TN086.3 – 861 PSU UPGRADE INSTRUCTIONS

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2. On 861v4 or earlier: Remove the Front-panel assembly to check the Switch PCB

Remove the Top Cover Assembly as described above Remove the four screws (two on each side) securing the front-panel assembly to the chassis.

Carefully tip the front-panel forward and disconnect this loom from the Display board. The front panel can now be removed from the chassis.

Establish whether the Switch PCB is fitted with the three-pin Watchdog device using the pictures below. If the Watchdog is not fitted, remove the board and modify it as described.

This PCB is not fitted with the Watchdog device and therefore needs to be modified. The presence of this capacitor shows the PCB is not modified.

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This PCB is fitted with the Watchdog device (circled in red) and does not need to be modified.

If modification is required, remove the Switch PCB. Noting its orientation, disconnect the loom between the Display PCB and Switch PCB. Remove the six self-tapping screws and the associated nylon washers. The PCB can now be removed.

Watchdog pin-out –viewed from below

Solder the two outer pins of the IC into the footprint left by the removal of the capacitor. The centre pin (VCC) of the IC should be connected to the 5V track on the PCB. To do this, scrape away a portion of solder-resist from the track and use a flying lead as shown in the picture.

The completed Watchdog modification. Note: Failure to ensure that the Watchdog is fitted may result in the front-panel keys locking up after a power cycle. Following the Watchdog modification, the “Brightness” and “Contrast” of the front-panel display may need adjustment in order to return the product to a standard appearance. See the user-manual for further details. No other adjustments should be necessary.

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3. All versions of 861: Remove and replace the PSU

On each side of the chassis remove the four black self-tapping screws which secure the inner top cover to the chassis.

There are two screws on the top of the inner top cover. Remove the screws and the associated nylon washers. Remove the inner cover

Disconnect the Input and output looms from the PSU.

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Cut the green grounding wire and the blue and brown mains inlet wires a few centimetres from the PSU.

These two T10 Torx screws on the underside of the unit secure the PSU to the chassis. Remove these screws and the PSU can be lifted out of the unit.

Secure the mains inlet wires into the three-way terminal strip as shown. Ensure that the connections are tight.

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Disconnect the two looms connecting the Power board to the Motherboard.

Remove the grey three-way loom from the Motherboard. Discard this loom – it is not required for the new power supply.

Remove the Power board by undoing the four screws securing it to the side of the chassis.

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The new power board looks like this

Fit the new board using the silver cross-headed screws supplied with the kit. Do not use the shakeproof washers which were previously fitted. These can cut through the tracks on the board causing the unit to fail. Note: This picture features an older version of the power board.

Connect the two power looms to the Motherboard

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The transformer assembly is supplied with some connecting wires which are longer than required. The blue and brown wires can be cut and stripped to match the green/yellow earth wire in length. The transformer in the 110V/120V version of the kit also carries a red wire. This red wire should be cut 5-10cm shorter than the other wires and its end should not be stripped.

Use the piece of sleeving provided in the kit to cover the loose wires on the transformer assembly as shown. On 110V/120V units, the red wire should be hidden inside the sleeving so it is insulated.

The transformer assembly should be fitted to the chassis in the orientation shown, with the mounting plate away from the front-panel (see next instruction).

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To secure the transformer assembly, fit the support plate under the chassis and use the two M3 x 8mm screws (supplied with the kit) with shakeproof and flat washers retained from removing the old PSU. The new screws are slightly longer than the original ones to make this task easier.

Secure the transformer input wires to the corresponding connections on the three-way screw terminal strip; brown-to-brown, blue-to-blue, green to green/yellow.

Create suitable cut-outs at each end of the cable enclosure for the mains wires to pass through.

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Fit the connection enclosure around the screw-terminal strip using the strain-relief clamps to retain the cables. Shut the enclosure and secure with the screw provided.

Fold the large double-sided adhesive strip to create a double-thickness pad.

Apply the double-thickness pad created in the previous step to the connection enclosure.

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Secure the connection enclosure to the floor of the chassis using the double thickness pad.

Locate the display loom which runs along the side of the chassis from the CO00 board to the front-panel. Position the ferrite clamp supplied with the kit to the display loom just behind the Motherboard.

Close the clamp, ensuring that the loom is not trapped in the process. To do this, it will be necessary to fold the loom over on itself as shown.

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Secure the ferrite clamp to the side of the chassis as shown using the small double-sided adhesive pad supplied.

Affix the two safety labels to the Mains inlet panel as shown here. Note: These labels are specific to the operating voltage of the product; either 220/230V or 110/115V. On 220/240V units the fuse remains unchanged. On 110V/115V units, replace the fuse with the 3.15A fuse supplied with the kit.

Refit the inner top cover using the eight screws along the top edges of the side panels and the two screws and nylon washers though the top cover.

Refit the outer cover. The upgrade is now complete.

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4. Update the firmware (where required) The latest appropriate firmware for the 861 can be found on the “Product Support” section of the Meridian website: https://www.meridian-audio.com/en/product-support/ This information is restricted to Meridian Dealers and Distributors If the unit is not running the latest suitable version, it should be updated in the usual way. The firmware files are available from for download from the website: If unsure of how to update firmware, please contact Meridian for further assistance. 5. Test the unit The tests to be carried out will be determined by the version of the unit and the combination of cards fitted. The tests are to ensure that the product the normal functionality of the product. To carry out the testing, the following equipment may be required:

• An analogue line-level source • A digital audio source (SPDIF) • An amplifier or other device capable of playing back a line-level audio signal. • A Meridian product capable of receiving a SpeakerLink signal. • A Meridian product capable of receiving a co-ax digital signal. • A Meridian product capable of outputting a SpeakerLink signal. • A Sooloos system with a network connection available to test the upgraded unit. • A Windows PC running the Meridian set-up program (MConfig), a null-modem RS232 cable and a

proven USB-to-serial adapter if required.

(a) Analogue output check (if “OA” cards are fitted) If the unit is not fitted with any analogue output cards, proceed to section (b). If any analogue output cards

are fitted, test the analogue outputs:

• Set the unit to “Type 1” (all analogue outputs):

• Check that audio is passed from an analogue input to the analogue outputs. If balanced outputs are fitted, this may necessitate the use of balanced-to-unbalanced adapters.

• Check that the volume control varies the analogue outputs as expected.

(b) Test the OE12 digital output card (861V4 only, if fitted):

• Set the unit to “Type 3” (all digital outputs):

• Check that audio is passed from an analogue input to the digital outputs.

• Check that audio is passed from a digital input to the digital outputs.

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(c) Test the SpeakerLink output card (861V6 only):

• Set the unit to “Type 3” (all digital outputs):

• Check that audio is passed from an analogue input to the SpeakerLink outputs.

• Check that audio is passed from a digital input to the SpeakerLink outputs.

(d) Test the Sooloos card (if fitted):

• Set the unit to a Factory Type suitable for whichever speaker set-up is in use. • Use MConfig to assign a source to a Sooloos system on the “Products” page.

• Connect the unit to the network used by the Sooloos system.

• Test for audio playback from the Sooloos system.

• Test for control of the Sooloos system from the 861 e.g. “Pause” and “Play”.

• Test for control of the 861 from the Sooloos system e.g. volume control.

(e) Test the additional digital input card (for units fitted with ID28 or ID29):

• Use MConfig to assign sources to the optical inputs and the SpeakerLink input on the additional input card. Check these produce audio through the 861.

(f) “Soak” test the unit

The unit should be left running for a reasonable length of time while processing an audio signal. Meridian recommends a minimum of eight hours for this procedure. Once the soak-period is completed the unit should be tested once again as described above.

6. Serial Number and registering the warranty Affix the serial number label supplied with the kit to the back of the product. The kit can be registered on the “My Meridian” section of our website: https://www.meridian-audio.com/en/login/ Look for “UPGRADES” in the drop-down list of products.