A little history:
- the first one, NS-HD01, is perfect on every aspect - good reception and battery life, except one thing: it crashes frequently and need to push into the tiny reset hole often. So often that I had to enlarge the hole so I can inert the headphone plug into it.
- the second one, the same version as the first, does exactly the same thing. Then I knew, it was a common design flaw, not just a defective unit that I happened to buy.
- the third one, firmware 04.00.14, no longer crash. But, one day I heard a huge explosion from it while I was plugging it into USB charger, then it went to total silence. It still operates perfectly, just no audio. I tried everything, such as remove the battery, reset to factory, etc.
- so I bought the newer model, NS-HD02. It is totally garbage. Unusable touchscreen, very poor reception and battery life.
- once I saw the latest model, NS-HD01A, I bought it immediately, hoping Insignia have finally done everything right. It was perfect, for the first 3 weeks or so, then it went into DOS exactly like the third one.
Hopelessly, I opened the NS-HD01A to see if anything I can do, like the old Chinese saying: cure a dead horse as it is still alive - nothing to lose but probably a chance of gain. As soon as I saw the Cirrus CS43L21 D/A chip, I knew exactly what's wrong. I brought it back to life with a short wire. Then I added a component, to avoid the DOS problem forever.
I also did the same to the third one, the one with 04.00.14 firmware. Now these two have been working perfectly for several weeks now.
I also tried to fix the 1st and 2nd ones, in vain. They use an earlier version Cirrus D/A chip, CS42L51. This chip has a lot more functions than the newer version.
Now I'm happy, finally, after 3 years of struggling with 4 generations and 5 units.
The Fix
The newer cheap battery
The Fix
The newer cheap battery
HD Radio is a scam!
ReplyDeletehttp://hdradiofarce.blogspot.com
Ok, can you show exactly what you did, I do not see your jump wire or component you said you added. I want to buy the portable unit, but want to be prepared for the 'break'.
ReplyDeleteI have not posted the details. I'd love to share it with all radio lovers, but I don't want Insignia get it for free.
DeleteWould you send the fix to my email address? I have the NS-HD01 that is DOS. Just bought the NS-HD401a, hope it lasts longer.
Deletehttp://kingoftweaks.blogspot.com/2013/03/fix-for-insignia-portable-hd-radio.html
DeleteMy NS-HD01A turns on, changes stations, but there is no sound. Can you send details of the fix to thewiz4@att.net?
ReplyDeleteThanks
I have the same problem as John. Could you send details of the fix to big__al@lycos.com
ReplyDeleteRe-read.
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem with no sound. I would love to know what the fix is, please e-mail me at .
ReplyDeleteI spent $50 on the NS-HD01A and it stopped working!!
Thanks...
Re-read.
DeleteSame problem here. Could you send it to
ReplyDeletedwaynelagrou@charter.net
I would be forever in your debt.
Thanks Dwayne
:{ )
I am trying to open a NS-HD01 to dry it out after leaving it outside in the rain.
ReplyDeleteI have removed the two small screws but the case does not open. How do I open it?
Thanks
Use a guitar pick. Very fragile, but they are just for looks, so even if you break them, the radio won't fall apart and will still be fully functional.
DeleteI too would love the full set of instructions to fix this issue.
ReplyDeleteI pray my solder skills are still up to par.
Thank you for sharing the results of your hard work!
Please send the instructions to MarkBarnardBoise@gmail.com
I would like the "fix" info too. The radio powers up momentarily and shuts down.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard back from Sean Chen. If anybody knows what to solder where, I would really appreciate hearing back. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHello Sean,
ReplyDeleteI have an Insignia NS-HD01A HD Radio that works perfectly except it has no sound output. Please advise if you still repair these. I can send it to you if I get your address. Thank you Sean.
Mike Davis, Jeffersonville, Indiana USA
Services
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ReplyDeleteI purchased my NS-HD01 when I worked at Best Buy about 13 years ago. I never really used it because here in San Luis Obispo, CA we didn't ever have any HD stations. So I could only use it while traveling to the "BIG" cities. Well jump to 2017 I just took it apart and found the ground test pad and the antenna test pad and built an external antenna so I can use it with my home stereo for our one HD station (KCBX). Anyways, for the $15 bucks I spent on it way back then, it was totally worth it!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you still do these repairs. I sent one in to you about 4 years ago to my satisfaction. I would like to do it again with either an insignia ns-hd01a or audiovox equivalent...both have the same internals. Please let me know at my business cell 8632685880 or my business email clicknflipllc@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAre these fixes still available?
ReplyDelete12 years later and this guy wont reveal a fix, that's sad :(
ReplyDelete