The gridseed orbs would pop if you hooked up the power cord improperly, I believe the original power cords that were supplied with the orbs had the wires reversed as in Red = Ground and White = +. This might not be the same issue you were having.
Right, I have one Gridseed Blade left to try. These are the original wires. I will test with the wires reversed.
You mention "The gridseed orbs would pop", am I able to purchase replacement "orbs"? If so where could I get them from?