GSX fault

[Mr Steve]

Hi,

 

Our GSX has given up counting the date and time. It still displays the date and time on the screen but it's stuck. If you go into setup, you can set the date and time correctly, but when you exit setup, it just displays the new time (still stuck).

 

Does anyone know if it's possible to fix this? The desk still works fine apart from not telling the time.

[peter]

It sounds like an internal battery has run out. These are normally quite easy to replace, but best check with Strand as to the specification and location of the battery in question.

[colinmonk]

Or it could be the software version you are running...

Have experienced that problem before on one due to BETA software running...

[Mr Steve]

I think we have F1.2g

[MarcT]

I believe 1.2g is the latest & greatest software for the GSX. As Peter says its most likely that the internal RTC (Real Time Clock) bettery has died.

 

I would suggest that you replace it ASAP (or have it replaced ASAP). Its not unknown for these batteries to leak all over the motherboard, which could write-off the desk.

 

Dead LBX

 

Marc

[Mr Steve]

Ok, this has now turned into a disaster...

 

I've opened the GSX to look to see if the RTC battery had started to corrode after reading Marc's post. Found the battery (which appears to be soldered on?). Decided to put the desk back together as it is a non standard battery. Powered it up to check that it was all fine, and it does not boot :P

 

It gets stuck on :

 

GENIUS COLD START

LC Subsystem

F1.2g

 

There is no VGA display output, and it gets stuck on this each time. What on earth caused this, and is there a way to "reset" the desk and get it working again?

 

Help! (please :P )

[Frog Genius]

our old gsx did this, when it finally booted it was ok for half an hour and then started flashing and doing other strange things, we had to stop using itand bought a frog. we never found out what it was.

[MarcT]

Oh bugger!

 

I'm sorry to hear that - the suggestion was given in good faith.

 

One simple thing to check is that there aren't any stuck keys, which I think can cause a boot failure. Also, there should be a short pause after the sequence you describe before the VGA comes up.

 

You could also try taking it apart again, and re-assembling making sure that all the internal connectors are securely attached and any socketed chips are firmly home, and no loose bits of metal or screws are floating about.

 

Failing that, a call to Strand or one of their service agents might be in order.

 

Marc

[SparkySteve]

our old lbx did this... ie stuck during boot.... tured out the motherboard had gone. dead lbx!

 

You didn't touch the board when you opened it up did you? static electricity an all that

[Mr Steve]

Oh bugger!

 

I'm sorry to hear that - the suggestion was given in good faith.

No worries! I'm not pointing the blame.

One simple thing to check is that there aren't any stuck keys, which I think can cause a boot failure.

Tried this. I held down a flash key, and it complained of "stuck control keys". Restarting it, it went to the same "LC Subsystem" fault.

Also, there should be a short pause after the sequence you describe before the VGA comes up.

You turn it on, then half way through boot you hear the CRT fire up. No picture comes up, there is no pause as it doesn't get that far, and there isn't the beep it makes when everything is ok.

You could also try taking it apart again, and re-assembling making sure that all the internal connectors are securely attached and any socketed chips are firmly home, and no loose bits of metal or screws are floating about.

Tried it :P Both ribbons are in tight, and the only socketed chip is the ROM one in the centre of the processor board. I will give it one more slow go tomorrow though.

Failing that, a call to Strand or one of their service agents might be in order.

 

You're probably right.

[Ben99]

Hello,

 

Doesn't sound like a disaster to me, especially if the battery hasn't corroded (which I think it hasn't if I've read your post correctly).

 

First thing -

 

Yes there is a way of resetting the desk. Open the desk up. Beneath the right hand panel (along the front edge) there's a tiny white button. Hold this down and power up the desk. This will reset it. You will probably need to re-install the software though, so make sure you have it on disk before you try this. You can download it from Strand's website if you need to. Installation instructions in the GSX manual, also online.

 

 

Next -

 

If that didn't help, you should replace the battery. Or get someone competent to do so, if you're not sure what you're doing. The battery is soldered onto the board, you'll have to de-solder and replace. RS or Farnell sell replacement batteries, just check the component number on the old one.

 

Or -

 

Call Strand for advice.

 

Or -

 

Call the service company (part of Whitelight Group) who will do all this for you, in return for your cash. If you're not happy waving a soldering iron around your desk, this might be the best bet though!

 

Or -

 

PM me if you're really stuck, I might be able to help if you're London based.

 

Also -

 

If any of you good people have dead GSX/LBXs kicking around, PM as I could use the spare parts!

 

Cheers,

 

Ben

[MarcT]

Yes there is a way of resetting the desk. Open the desk up. Beneath the right hand panel (along the front edge) there's a tiny white button. Hold this down and power up the desk. This will reset it. You will probably need to re-install the software though, so make sure you have it on disk before you try this. You can download it from Strand's website if you need to. Installation instructions in the GSX manual, also online.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Ben,

 

Useful info there! Would you also have to re-license the software after such a reset?

 

Cheers,

Marc

[Mr Steve]

ben99It worked!! I owe you massively! It's all up and running, with the correct amount of channels. It's not complaining about registration or anything....I have the codes if it does.

 

I take it this is the operation where the companies say "no sir, you have to return it to us for £££".

 

Thanks to everyone who contributed!

 

By the way, the date and time work too now. The clock has nothing to do with the battery, apparently, according to Strand, and it turns out that our battery is fine anyway!

[MarcT]

Glad to hear its up and running again! Did you have to reload any software?

 

Marc

[Mr Steve]

Yes, if you do like ben99 said, the LCD comes up asking you to insert the operating software disk. The soft keys say "ABORT" " ROM" or "LOAD", hit load, and it erases the ROM, then loads the OS off the disk back onto the desk. Takes aroun 5 mins. It then restarts and came up as normal, fresh desk.