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Phoenix Hoop Support (Legacy)

In July 2018, Argent Data Systems took over support of the SpinFx Phoenix smart hoop. Official support for legacy SpinFx hoops is ending. This page provides repair and service information for Phoenix hoop owners and independent repair shops.

⚠️ This information does not apply to Hyperion Phoenix hoops introduced in 2018.

Basic Phoenix Troubleshooting

Internal Reset

Locate the internal reset button on the circuit board near the metal standoffs. Press gently for 5–10 seconds with a blunt object (e.g., paperclip). You should see a green LED and the hoop should restart.

The reset button disables the 3.3V regulator powering the MCU. For fully discharged batteries, hold the button down for a couple of minutes to allow the charger to recover.

Reset button

Bootloader Mode

If your hoop is stuck in bootloader mode, it won't light up but may still respond via USB.

Steps:

  1. Download the updater: Spin FX Firmware Updater
  2. Launch the updater, plug in your hoop, and press the power button.
  3. In the updater, go to Options > Advanced Mode
  4. Select the correct firmware version (based on board color) and click Update Firmware

If it succeeds, your hoop should restart.

Manually forcing bootloader mode:

  • Disassemble the hoop to expose the board.
  • Use tweezers to short the BOOT jumper pads.

Board removed from tubing BOOT jumper location Clamp placement

Then:

  • Run the firmware updater.
  • Press the internal reset button for 5 seconds.
  • You should see: Device Status: BOOTLOADER
  • Proceed with firmware update.

Firmware updater

If the updater still says “waiting for hoop...”, contact support.

Hoop Not Turning On

Most issues are power-related. Disassemble the hoop and check:

  • USB connector: Look for physical damage.
  • Battery voltage (B+ to B-): Should be 3.7–4.2 V. If 0 V, check wiring and cells.
  • Manually charge (with caution): Use 4.2 V max, 100 mA current limit. Monitor closely.

Test point: The top lead of R6 on 2016 boards should show ~5 V when USB is connected.

If not: - Trace between USB and charger IC may be burned. - Only accessible point is the +5V pin on the USB connector. - Use fine tip iron or hot air and liquid flux to bridge to R6.

PCB Versions

  • r92: Green
  • r107: Black
  • r130 (2016): White
  • Argent retrofit: Purple

2016 Phoenix PCB Modifications

PCB is labeled Phoenix_r130. Common fix: wire from USB +5V pin to R6.

Common modifications to PCB

Capacitor Failures

Multilayer ceramic capacitors can fail short due to flex or shock. Check 3.3V rail for shorts. Use hot air to remove bad parts.

Recommended replacement: TDK C1608X5R1A475K080AE (4.7uF)

LED Power Control MOSFETs

  • Original: Infineon BSZ120P03NS3 G (too high Rds-on)
  • Replacement: Toshiba TPN4R712MD,L1Q (preferred)

Only one is needed — the second MOSFET position can remain empty.

Replacement PCB

A new 4-layer PCB replaces the 2016 board. It uses better components and fixes power trace issues.

Phoenix retrofit board layout Phoenix retrofit board schematic

Component updates:

  • MOSFETs: Toshiba SSM3J328R,LF
  • Charger IC: TI BQ24090DGQT
  • Capacitors: Use soft-termination types

2016 Phoenix r130 Bill of Materials

Designator Part Number Description
BT HM-13 Bluetooth module
C1, C2 Murata GRM155R71C104KA88D 0.1uF 0402 capacitor
C9 Murata GRM155R60J102KA01D 1000pF 0402 capacitor
R11, R12 KOA RK73H1ETTP1002F 10k ohm 0402 resistor
R13 Yageo RC0402JR-071KL 1k ohm 0402 resistor
C15 Murata GRM155R61A105KE01D 1uF 0402 capacitor
C6 Murata GRM155R61A225KE95D 2.2uF 0402 capacitor
R1, R2 Panasonic ERJ-2GEJ390X 39 ohm 0402 resistor
R3, R4, R6, R8, R9, R14 KOA RK73B1ETTP472J 4.7k ohm 0402 resistor
C3, C8, C14, C18, C19 Murata GRM155R60J475ME87D 4.7uF 0402 capacitor (replace with TDK)
C7 TDK CGA2B2X7R1H471K050BA 470pF 0402 capacitor
C10 Yageo CC1206MKX5R5BB476 47uF 1206 capacitor
R7, R10 Yageo RC0402FR-077K5L 7.4k ohm 0402 resistor
C25, C26 TDK C1005C0G1H080C050BA 8pF 0402 capacitor
U1 Atmel AT32UC3B1256-AUT AVR RISC MCU (factory bootloader)
U2 Adesto AT45DB321E-SHF-B 32Mbit SPI flash
D5 OSRAM LS Q976-NR-1 0603 red LED
Y1 Kyocera CX3225SB12000D0FFJCC 12 MHz crystal, 8pF
D1, D4 Dialight 598-8070-107F 0603 green LED
U3, U5, U8 ST LDK220M33R 3.3V regulator
U7 Microchip MCP73830T-2AAI/MYY Li-ion charger
Q1, Q2 Infineon BSZ120P03NS3 G P-channel MOSFET (replace with Toshiba)
S1 Panasonic EVQ-P40B3M Momentary switch
S2 C&K KSS241GLFS Momentary switch
U4 Vishay TSOP57438TT1 IR receiver
USB Kycon KMMLX-BSMT5SB-30TR Micro USB receptacle