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5
Technical Data & Troubleshooting
5.1 Overview
A consequence of modern surface-mount construction is that it is frequently no longer possible for localre-
pairs to be made. Special and expensive equipment is required to change parts. As well, today’s equipment is
very complicated and requires repair technicians to have detailed experience and training, and have access
to high-end test equipment.
At the same time, the advent of overnight delivery services means that equipment can be returned to the
factory for quick turn-around repair. Therefore, we do not expect you to fix this unit at the component level,
and we do not include schematics of the unit in the manual. Upon request, our support staff can fax or mail
you the needed schematic. Please see the first pages of this manual for proper procedures on returning units
for repair.
There is the possibility, however, that you could repair the unit by swapping subsystems such as plug-in
modules or power supplies. The Telos customer support crew is standing-by to assist with this, if you need it.
5.2 System Software & Firmware
Viewing Version Information
To assist with troubleshooting, Telos customer support may ask you to provide some software version
numbers. There are two major software components to the system:
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System software – This is the software that can be updated by downloading new software.
♦
Firmware – This code is analogous to a bootstrap loader and contains certain critical low level
software. This information can only be updated or changed at the factory. It is stored in a partition of
the non-volatile memory on the motherboard.
The software version and software build date can be determined from the start-up screen. The software
version and software build date are shown.
5.3 General Troubleshooting
Thinking about Problem Solving
Despite best intentions, something could always go wrong. Sometimes troubleshooting a balky set-up can
make even the toughest engineer a Maalox and Rogaine addict.
You can’t fix any system without the right world view; a zeitgeist of suspicion tempered by trust in the laws
of physics, curiosity dulled only by the determination to stay focused on a single problem, and a zealot’s
regard for the scientific method. Perhaps these are characteristics of all who successfully pursue the truth.
In a world where we are surrounded by complexity, where we deal daily with equipment and systems
only half-understood, it seems wise to follow understanding by an iterative loop of focus, hypothesis, and
experiment.
The notions here apply whether you are solving problems at the system level or at the component level. At
