tbtupgrade

TBT2 to TBT3 Upgrade Directions

Overview

Thank you for purchasing the McDSP APB Thunderbolt Upgrade Kit. This upgrade will replace your Thunderbolt 2 interface with a Thunderbolt 3 interface. This new Thunderbolt 3 interface uses the now standard USB-C connectors, is twice as fast as Thunderbolt 2, and will improve the overall performance of our APB hardware. Please note this upgrade does not add any additional analog channels or analog processing capabilities to your APB hardware. After performing this upgrade, your APB unit will appear as a Thunderbolt 3 device, just like other currently shipping APB hardware units.

Below are the step by step instructions for performing this upgrade. Please refer to a qualified service center if uncertain about any of the upgrade instructions.

What is included:
• Thunderbolt 3 card
• New rear panel to fit with new USB-C connector ports

Required Tools:
• #2 Philips screwdriver
• #1 Philips screwdriver
• 14 mm socket driver or equivalent (cover end of socket with tape to prevent scratching)
• Computer with internet connection (to view full instructions and download firmware update)

Upgrade steps:
• Power down APB unit.
• Review included safety instructions.
• Disconnect power supply from APB unit.
• Disconnect Thunderbolt cable(s) and word clock cable(s).
• Remove APB unit from equipment rack and set unit on clean, flat, solid surface.

When performing upgrade, use an electrostatic discharge (ESD) mat and wrist ground strap.

Step 1

Remove top panel (16 screws) (#2 Philips).

Step 2

Disconnect DC input from Power board.

Step 3

Remove DC jack and pull from chassis Rear Panel (2 screws) (#1 Philips).

Step 4

Remove Word Clock connector nuts and star washers (14mm socket). Note: can add tape to prevent scratching.

Step 5

Remove rear panel screws and remove rear panel (8 screws) (#2 Philips).

Step 6

Remove Thunderbolt PCBA screws (quantity 4) (#2 Philips).

Step 7

Remove Thunderbolt PCBA by carefully and evenly sliding away from Main board.

Do Not touch gold fingers, handle PCBA by edges only...

Step 8

Install Thunderbolt 3 PCBA. Slide evenly into socket until it is fully seated and mounting holes are aligned. Do Not touch gold fingers, handle PCBA by edges only. Note there are two extra mounting holes on the Thunderbolt 3 PCBA, these are intentional, but not used.