Displays on s8 go on, off, on, off, on, off constantly

Rene_van_Weelden · January 29

Hello all, I have been reading a lot but now I'm here to ask because I can't find any answer to help solving my problem.

I use a traktor kontrol s8 sinse 2018. All worked fine until recently. I always update traktor software so now on traktor Pro 4.1.1. Kontrol s8 has latest firmware and also mij lenovo Windows 11 laptop is up to date with drivers.

The problem started with the s8 doing nothing when pushed the on off button to on. When I tried a few times more with different power supply it came back to life.

Now when I turn it on at first the displays show the normal red/brown screens asking if you want to go in midi mode (or something like that)

When I start traktor on my laptop it loads the screens as normal. But after a minute or so the displays go on and off every 2 seconds.

I can work with the traktor and everything works fine.

Also tried to go back to traktor Pro 9 but same problem.

And also tried my old dell windows 10 laptop but same problem.

USB cable is original but I tried a different one also original, but no Succes.

Does anyone have experience with this problem?

Is there a solution I can do myself or is there a real hardware problem?

Thanks in advanced for your support on this.

Best regards

René

Martiniix_NI · January 30

Heyo!

The fact that the problem persists across different laptops and Traktor versions strongly points to a hardware issue with the S8 itself. Here's a breakdown of further troubleshooting steps and what you can do:

1. Deep Dive into Power Issues (Even Though You Tried This)

Different Outlets: Don't just try different power supplies, try different outlets in your house. A faulty outlet could be the culprit. Test with an outlet you know works reliably with other devices.
Power Supply Specs: Double-check the specifications of the power supply you're using. It absolutely must match the S8's requirements (voltage and amperage). Even if it "looks" like it fits, an incorrect power supply can cause these symptoms. Look on the bottom of the S8 for the power requirements.
Power Supply Test (If Possible): If you have a multimeter, you could test the output of your power supply to ensure it's delivering the correct voltage. Be very careful working with electricity if you're not experienced.

2. MIDI Mode Check (Just to be Absolutely Sure)

Force MIDI Mode: When you power on the S8, deliberately choose MIDI mode. See if the displays remain stable in MIDI mode. This helps isolate whether the problem is related to the Traktor communication or something more fundamental.

3. Firmware Re-Flash (Worth a Try)

Even if you have the latest firmware: Sometimes, firmware can become corrupted. Try re-flashing the firmware on the S8, even if you think you already have the newest version. This is a long shot, but a relatively easy step. Make absolutely certain you download the correct firmware for your S8 model from the Native Instruments website.

At this point, it strongly suggests a hardware fault: Since you've isolated the problem to the S8 itself, contacting Native Instruments support is your best course of action. Explain the troubleshooting steps you've already taken.

https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/de/sections/15449821909021

Rene_van_Weelden · January 30

Dear Martiniix,

Thanks for your reply.

I know a lot about electricity as I am an engineer in machine building.

So the first steps I already did.

The supply is original and has the right voltage. I measured it. The second one I tested is from NI Maschine mk3 and should also be usable. The power socket works with all my other gear.

But..... I wil repeat these steps anyway.

To go into midi mode is a good idea. Did not try this before so I will.

Also firmware I will reload new.

I'll keep you posted here when I have the results. But I'm afraid that you are right and it is a hardware issue.

Thanks for now

Rene_van_Weelden · February 2

Hello Martiniix and everybody else who is reading this.

Today I did some more checks and tests to see if I could get my traktor Kontrol s8 back to normal functioning with steady functioning displays.

This is what I did:

Martiniix wrote:

1. Deep Dive into Power Issues (Even Though You Tried This)

Different Outlets: Don't just try different power supplies, try different outlets in your house. A faulty outlet could be the culprit. Test with an outlet you know works reliably with other devices.

I checked the outlets and they are fine but to be sure I did all other tests connected to a different outlet that has a pc running on it normally.

Power Supply Specs: Double-check the specifications of the power supply you're using. It absolutely must match the S8's requirements (voltage and amperage). Even if it "looks" like it fits, an incorrect power supply can cause these symptoms. Look on the bottom of the S8 for the power requirements.

I checked ones more my power supply. It is original native instruments and 15Vdc 2,66A just as stated on NI website product page TK s8

Power Supply Test (If Possible): If you have a multimeter, you could test the output of your power supply to ensure it's delivering the correct voltage. Be very careful working with electricity if you're not experienced.

I measured with my fluke multi meter and the voltage coming from the power supply is correct : 15Vdc

2. MIDI Mode Check (Just to be Absolutely Sure)

Force MIDI Mode: When you power on the S8, deliberately choose MIDI mode. See if the displays remain stable in MIDI mode. This helps isolate whether the problem is related to the Traktor communication or something more fundamental.

I started the TK s8 and switched to MIDI mode. Result is the displays keep going on and off in MIDI mode.

3. Firmware Re-Flash (Worth a Try)

Even if you have the latest firmware: Sometimes, firmware can become corrupted. Try re-flashing the firmware on the S8, even if you think you already have the newest version. This is a long shot, but a relatively easy step. Make absolutely certain you download the correct firmware for your S8 model from the Native Instruments website.

I downloaded from NI download page :
-driver for s8 for windows 7 and above
-device updater for Traktor Kontrol s8 1.1.0 Windows

I followed the instructions.
-unzipped the device updater s8
-First without the s8 connected, I uninstalled the driver.
-Installed the fresh downloaded driver.
-Connected the s8 and run the exe device updater.

The device updater gave a green field telling the device already has the latest firmware.
I am wondering if this is the same as re flashing the firmware to s8 to help in case the firmware in the s8 is corupted.
I don't think so wright?
On the download page of NI there are for other devices, downloads that are named " Firmware updater"
This was not available for the s8.

Did I do this test correct or do I need a different approach for re flashing the firmware?

At this point, it strongly suggests a hardware fault: Since you've isolated the problem to the S8 itself, contacting Native Instruments support is your best course of action. Explain the troubleshooting steps you've already taken.

I tested ones more with my new Windows 11 laptop and my old Dell laptop.
I used two different original NI power supplies and two different original NI USB cables.

It becomes more and more likely there is something defect or wrong with the hardware s8 :(

Hope someone can give me some info on the flashing firmware procedure (If I did it wrong)

Thank you for reading and helping me.

Best regards,

René

Martiniix_NI · January 30