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Troubleshooting problems
If you think there is something wrong (broken) with your iDDR, go through the following preliminary steps:
- "Step 1: Check configurations"
- "Step 2: Check connections and external equipment"
- "Step 3: Check system status messages"
- "Step 4: Identify problems using the startup sequence"
Then use the following topics to troubleshoot specific problem areas:
- "Shutdown/restart problems"
- "Checking external equipment"
- "Power connection sequence"
- "Motherboard/BIOS startup"
- "Windows startup"
- "Front panel software startup"
- "iDDR system startup"
- "Thermal problems"
- "Codec board problems"
- "Power supply problems"
- "Front panel problems"
- "DVD drive problems"
- "Video problems"
- "Audio problems"
- "Timecode problems"
- "Operational problems"
- "System problems"
- "Storage problems"
- "Network, transfer, and streaming problems"
Step 1: Check configurations
Many times what appears to be an iDDR fault is actually an easy-to-fix configuration problem. Refer to the Turbo Quick Start Guide for operator tips that help you verify basic configuration and correct common record/play problems.
Step 2: Check connections and external equipment
Loose or improperly connected cables are the most likely source of problems for the system, monitor, or other external equipment. A quick check of all the cable connections can easily solve these problems. Refer to the Turbo Quick Start Guide for help with making connections. Refer to the troubleshooting topic "Checking external equipment" if you suspect a failure in a device connected to the Turbo iDDR.
Step 3: Check system status messages
While the iDDR is in operation, some problems are detected and reported in system status messages. To view system status messages, do one of the following:
- In AppCenter workstation, click Help | System Status.
- On the front panel, press the Menu button, then use the control knob to scroll and select Tools | System Status.
Also refer to "Viewing system status messages".
Step 4: Identify problems using the startup sequence
The startup sequence is your primary tool for identifying a Turbo iDDR fault. As the different levels of the Turbo iDDR system become operational in the startup process, the primary components of the system are checked. You can identify most problems by evaluating the messages, lights, and beep sounds that occur during the startup sequence.
NOTE: This procedure assumes that the iDDR is in the normal mode, not the storage maintenance mode. Refer to "Opening and closing the Storage Utility".
To identify problems using the startup sequence, do the following:
- Connect mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Refer to the Turbo Quick Start Guide. You must observe the VGA screen and in some cases be able to interact with the system via keyboard and mouse to fully identify problems during the startup sequence.
- Restart the iDDR. If you have problems, refer to "Shutdown/restart problems".
- Once the startup sequence begins, observe the progression of behaviors as listed in the following table. These are the behaviors you should expect to see and/or hear for a normally operating Turbo iDDR. If you observe behaviors other than those listed, refer to the indicated troubleshooting topics to identify problems.
Shutdown/restart problems
If the iDDR is inoperable due to a software error it can effect the operation of the standby button. If pressing the standby button does not shut down the iDDR, press and hold the button for five seconds. This forces the iDDR to execute a hard power down. If that doesn’t work, disconnect the power cable. When the iDDR is shutdown by disconnecting the power cable, when the power cable is connected the iDDR immediately begins the startup process.
Checking external equipment
This section provide troubleshooting procedures for external devices that connect to the Turbo iDDR. Before using these procedures, first check connections, as in "Step 2: Check connections and external equipment".
VGA display problems
Keyboard problems
The keyboard is detected during BIOS startup. After the RAM check completes, there should be a very brief message displayed indicating detection of input devices connected to USB or PS2 ports.
Mouse problems
The mouse is detected during BIOS startup. After the RAM check completes, there should be a very brief message displayed indicating detection of input devices connected to USB or PS2 ports.
Power connection sequence
The following table lists the sequence of behaviors you should expect to see and/or hear as you connect the power cable to a normally operating Turbo iDDR. If you observe behaviors other than those listed, refer to other sections of this manual to investigate potential problems.
This power connection sequence assumes that before the power cord was removed, the iDDR was properly shut down from AppCenter, from the Windows operating system, or from the standby button. If the power cord was removed without a proper shutdown, when the power cord is connected the iDDR might go directly to the startup sequence. Refer to "Shutdown/restart problems".
Motherboard/BIOS startup
A few seconds after startup, on the VGA monitor a black screen is displayed with system information messages. This is the BIOS Power On Self Test (POST). Press Delete on the keyboard during this time to enter the BIOS settings pages. When the BIOS POST completes, a single beep emitted from the motherboard indicates success. At that point the Windows operating system begins to load.
If during the BIOS POST time a message appears that requires your input or if the iDDR does not progress to Windows startup, it indicates a problem at the motherboard level. To correct problems of this nature, contact Grass Valley Support.
Windows startup
After the motherboard startup processes complete the Windows operating system starts up. Normally the Windows operating system completes its processes automatically without the need to press keys or respond to messages. The iDDR is set to automatically log on (username: administrator; password: triton) without any input. When the Windows startup is complete the Windows desktop is momentarily displayed.
If the Windows startup screen does not proceed automatically or if a message appears that requires your input, it indicates a problem at the operating system level. If the problem cannot be corrected with a supported procedure (such as networking), the Windows operating system is not operating as it should. To correct problems of this nature, restore your system software. Refer to "Restoring the default system".
Front panel software startup
Once power is applied, the front panel touch screen runs as a self-contained system, similar to a PDA-type device. The first application to load is the Panel Control System. Its purpose is to manage the front panel applications and their connection with AppCenter workstation. The Panel Control System idles until the Windows XP operating system is fully loaded, at which time an application on the iDDR host system (Windows XP) begins delivering to the front panel system the necessary software components. This is indicated by the following messages displayed on the front panel:
- Receiving components… — This message indicates that the front panel is receiving software components from the host system.
- Receiving application… — This message indicates that the front panel player, recorder, and other control applications are being loaded.
- Connection established… — When this message closes it indicates that the front panel applications and AppCenter workstation are operating in tandem as designed.
After all the messages complete successfully the Panel Control System runs in the background and the primary front panel applications open.
Front panel applications require that AppCenter workstation be up and running. There is constant communication between AppCenter workstation and the front panel so that the front panel knows that AppCenter is running. When AppCenter workstation is closed or is otherwise not functioning, the Panel Control System closes the front panel control applications.
iDDR system startup
After the Windows operating system startup processes complete, iDDR system startup processes begin. The iDDR determines that system health is adequate by checking critical subsystems and supporting subsystems as follows:
- Critical subsystems are those upon which the iDDR depends for core functionality. Critical subsystem checks are displayed in the System Startup message box.
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When all critical subsystem checks are successful, AppCenter workstation opens. If one of the system checks fails, a message appears and the iDDR is rendered inoperable. Refer to "Critical system startup messages" for a list of the messages that can appear.
- Supporting subsystems are those that provide functionality in isolated areas that are not core to the system. The iDDR can start up and provide basic functionality, even if a supporting subsystem is having a problem. The iDDR checks supporting subsystems during startup. If a supporting subsystem fails, the message is displayed briefly in the status bar, and then a status icon is displayed. To read messages, refer to "Viewing system status messages". Refer to "Supporting subsystem messages" for a list of messages.
To correct problems revealed at system startup, use the indicated troubleshooting information from the following sections.
Thermal problems
Problem Possible Causes Corrective Actions The fans are noisy or otherwise run erratically. The iDDR overheats. This can be accompanied by a Status Pane message indicating a temperature or fan problem. Airflow is blocked.The fan module is not operating correctly. Ensure adequate airflow around the iDDR.Inspect the fan module and its connections for proper operation. The fan gets its power from the motherboard, so make sure the motherboard is not faulty as well. If the fans are not operating correctly, replace the fan module as explained in "Fan module removal".Codec board problems
To test the codec board, do the following:
- Set the iDDR to front panel control mode. Do all configuration and channel control in this procedure from the front panel.
- Configure an output (P1 or P2) and input (R1) to the same video and audio type.
- Set the output to test mode (colorbars).
- Connect (loop) the configured output directly to the configured input. So this for both video and audio. This provides a verified good signal to the inputs.
- Record a short clip.
- Verify the codec board’s recording functionality as follows:
- Using the other play channel, play back the clip.
- Verify the codec board’s play out functionality as follows
- Repeat this procedure for each video and audio type.
If you get the expected results, the codec board is good and any problems you are experiencing are due to some other cause.
If you get faulty results it indicates a problem with the codec board. Investigate the problem further as described in the following table. If the problem persists, contact Grass Valley Support.
Problem Possible Causes Corrective Actions The front panel startup sequence stalls at “Establishing Connection”.
A system status message indicates a problem with the codec board. The codec board and/or riser board are not connected properly or are faulty. Visually inspect the riser board and codec board. Make sure they are connected properly and there is no sign of physical damage. Restart the iDDR. If the problem persists, replace the codec board. Refer to "Codec board removal".Power supply problems
If the power source and the power cord are OK, replace the power supply. Refer to "Power supply removal".
Front panel problems
On the Windows desktop open My Computer for a quick check of the front panel. If you see the front panel icon, it means the Windows CE operating system is working. If you do not see the front panel icon, investigate the problem further as described in the following table. Also refer to "Front panel software startup".
Touch screen and buttons problems
Problem Possible Causes Corrective Actions Pressing the Record button does not start a recording. Record button functionality is set to Play + Record, meaning both buttons must be pressed to start a recording. Press both buttons or change the Panel Setup Record buttons setting. The touch screen is image is faulty.
The front panel startup sequence stalls at Panel Control System.
AppCenter workstation does not allow you to select View | Front Panel. - A display setting is mis-configured
- There is a connection failure between the front panel and the iDDR motherboard.
- The software or operating system on the iDDR has a fault
- The touch screen itself is faulty 1. Make sure AppCenter workstation is up and running.
2. Remove the top of the iDDR and check the front panel cable connections. If the front panel connector or cable is bad, replace the front panel. If you find no problems, continue with the next step.
2. Press the reset button on the back of the front panel.
3. Connect a mouse, keyboard, and VGA monitor to the iDDR and test functionality. Compare this functionality to that of the front panel. If everything works fine with the VGA monitor but not the front panel, there could be a software problem on the front panel. Refer to "Restoring the default system".
4. If after system install the front panel still does not operate, replace the front panel. The front panel knob operates poorly or not at all. The knob is bent or broken. Inspect the knob to confirm that there is a mechanical problem with the knob. If so, replace the rotary encoder.Front connector board problems
DVD drive problems
Problem Possible Causes Corrective Actions There is no access to a disk in the DVD drive. This can be accompanied by an error message from the Windows operating system. There is a problem with the disk currently inserted in the drive, the Windows operating system is not recognizing the drive, or the drive itself is dirty or faulty. 1. Make sure a correctly formatted disk is inserted correctly. Try another disk if necessary. If the problem persists with a correctly formatted and inserted disk, proceed with the next step.
2. Watch the disk drive access lights while you attempt access to the disk. If the lights do not flash correctly, restart the iDDR and try disk access again. If the problem persists, proceed with the next step.
3. Clean the drive with a cleaning kit (available in computer stores) and try disk access again. If this does not fix the problem, replace the drive as explained in "Removable media drive removal".Video problems
For the corrective actions in this section, refer to the Turbo User Manual for detailed instructions.
Audio problems
For the corrective actions in this section, refer to the Turbo User Manual for detailed instructions
Timecode problems
For the corrective actions in this section, refer to the Turbo User Manual for detailed instructions
Operational problems
For the corrective actions in this section, refer to the Turbo User Manual for detailed instructions.
System problems
For the corrective actions in this section, refer to the Turbo User Manual for detailed instructions.
Storage problems
Use the following sections if you suspect problems with your iDDR’s storage system.
Media File System problems
Problem Possible Causes Corrective Actions One or more clips do not play or record correctly. This can be accompanied by a Status Pane message indicating a fault in the media file system. The media database is out of sync with the media files or there is a corrupt media file. Also see "Checking the storage system" for causes related to certain usage patterns. 1. If the problem is only associated with a specific clip or clips, delete the problem clips. If the problem persists, proceed with the next step.
2. Work through "Checking and repairing media". If the file system fails the check process you must replace the default system with the system installer process. When you do so you lose all media. Refer to "Restoring the default system". During iDDR startup a “…no file system running…” message appears. The file system is corrupt or disks are faulty/missing such that they are not part of a stripe group. Work through "Checking and repairing media". If the file system fails the check process you must replace the default system with the system installer process. When you do so you lose all media. Refer to "Restoring the default system".Media disk problems
On the Windows desktop open My Computer for a quick check of the SATA drives. You should see C:, D; and V: drives. The C: drive is SATA 0 (under the DVD drive) and the D: drive is SATA 1 (behind the touch screen). The V: drive is striped across both SATA 0 and SATA 1.
Problem Possible Causes Corrective Actions No clips appear in the Clips pane. This may be accompanied by a startup message or a Status Pane message regarding media disks being unavailable. A media disk is bad or there has been a hardware failure. Open My Computer and view drives.
- If the C: drive only is displayed, you have a problem with SATA 1. Check SATA drive connections. Refer to "SATA drive removal".
- If connections are OK and a disk is still not displayed, the drive is faulty. When a drive fails all stored media is lost. Replace the faulty drive with a new drive. On startup the front panel startup sequence stalls at “Connection Established”. There is a problem with SATA 1. On startup the VGA startup sequence stalls at the black screen with a “…select proper boot device…” message. There is a problem with SATA 0. This is the system boot disk. Check drive connections. Refer to "SATA drive removal".
- If connections are OK, the drive is faulty. When a drive fails all stored media is lost. Replace the faulty drive with a new drive. The Status Pane message “Media disks getting full…” appears or a “FSS ‘default(0)’” message appears. The media disks are reaching maximum capacity. In Recorder, select the Time Dome and choose Available Storage. If the Time Dome is filled it confirms that your iDDR is out of space. Make space on the media drives by doing one or both of the following:
- Delete unused clips and empty the Recycled Bin.
- Work through "Clearing media". When streaming to another iDDR the operation fails. In Transfer Monitor the streaming operation shows “Status:Error”. There is a network connection error or the media disks on the destination iDDR are reaching maximum capacity. Check network connections and configuration. Check available storage on the destination iDDR. In Recorder, select the Time Dome and choose Available Storage. If the Time Dome is filled it confirms that the destination iDDR is out of space. Make space on the media drives by deleting unused clips and emptying the Recycle Bin. Playback flashes. After this occurs for several seconds a decoder error occurs and the play channel hangs. One of the disks is not part of the stripe group because there is a disk error or because disks have been re-arranged. If you have recently removed and replaced SATA drives, make sure that you have returned them to their correct position and the cabling is correct. If this solves the problem, work through "Checking and repairing media" to solve related faults. System status message “File system…is fragmented”. Extended record/play activity has fragmented the disks. Defragment disks as explained in "Defragmenting the media disk volume". Continual and noticeable black frames or freeze frames in video. Drives are aging. Look in the Windows system log. Aging drives are indicated if you see a large quantity of the following types of errors:
dmio: Harddisk0 write error at block…
Replace aging drives.Checking the storage system
The following section provides guideline for investigating problem areas related to the storage system. Use this section if you have problems with media input and/or output that are intermittent or seem to be related to certain usage patterns.
Network, transfer, and streaming problems
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