VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2007 2:29 pm Post subject: Zephyr 9202 Display

Suddenly, the LCD display on my Zephyr is NOT SHOWING me anything.
I can get it to show contrast in debug mode (pressing Yes and No upon startup), but it still won't show me the current connection or init or anything.
The volume of the tone when the buttons are pushed is WAY LOUD as well.

I've tried leaning on the HELP button, but it doesn't appear to reset the RAM, which is what I am guessing is screwed up.

Yoiks!
I can't tell what's going on.
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Brett Mason · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2007 2:58 pm Post subject:

Edo · Guest

Dear Deir...

I looked this one up in the manual, dunno whether it'll help or won't...

Condition: Front Panel Display Problems
If the LCD is dark or unreadable, the special front panel diagnostic and set- up mode may be useful. To enter this mode, press the <YES + > and <NO - > buttons simultaneously while powering- up the Zephyr. All LEDs should illuminate and the LCD displays the famed “Kevin Icon.” The <SEL> buttons adjust the backlight level, while the <YES+> and <NO-> buttons control the LCD contrast. The unit must then be switched- off and on again to resume normal operation.

If this does not work then the Zephyr’s internal ROM settings may have been scrambled. In this case hold the HELP button depressed for 5 to 10 seconds and release. The default contrast and brightness values have now been set. If neither of the above works try the COLD BOOT command.

(I couldn't find out so quickly what they mean by COLD BOOT).

Wanna read more? Check the MANUAL

Good luck!

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2007 6:15 pm Post subject:

Edo-- you're a doll.

I did that Yes/No thing and the Help Button thing.

I have a hard copy of the manual here and I've been looking at the one online.

I'm in touch with Telos service and they think it might be the LCD display itself. If they can get me a loaner, I'll ship this one off to be repaired.

xo
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LaughterHeals · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2007 6:26 pm Post subject:

Deirdre · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2007 6:55 pm Post subject:

James, just in case you don't know, this LCD display is about 3.5 inches wide and an inch tall, and is built in. It shows the transmit/receive protocols and connections.

The Yes/No thing involves holding down the YES and NO buttons as you boot up the machine. (not yes/no prompts) It shows all the LEDs and a little doo-dad on the LCD that lets you adjust the contrast.

THAT works, but it's not displaying the regular start-up stuff and connection stuff. I don't want to cold boot the machine, because if I set it to facotry defaults and STILL can't see the display, I can't use it for my daily work.

gah!
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bobbinbeamo · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2007 7:29 pm Post subject:

WOW, DB, glad it's figured out. My zephyr, fortunately is functioning well. I've heard your problem is a tad unusual, as these puppies have few problems.
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LaughterHeals · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 9:01 am Post subject:

Deirdre · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 1:42 pm Post subject:

And today it's working-- so what the heck.

I may just send it in to be serviced as a precaution. I have had it for 6 years with NO trouble. . . I don't want it to suddenly give up the ghost.
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bobsouer · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 1:47 pm Post subject:

Or the ghoul as it were. Wink

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TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 3:08 pm Post subject:

Now that it's working properly it might not be a bad idea to get that null modem cable and see if you can port the status information to the computer. That would be nice to have as backup.

The question will be, do you have a serial port on your computer? Those are going by way of the ISA and AGP slots. It's a 9 pin D shell connector. A null modem cable just swaps a couple of lines around to allow the transmit pins to talk to the receive pins.
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Hart · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 6:52 pm Post subject:

I just had to have Telos repair a Zephyr I bought. I was very pleased with their service - from the guy I first talked to on the phone to the turnaround time and everything. And they packed it up wonderfully for shipping (I'm kinda anal about that). My only gripe is that I sent the power cord with it and they didn't send it back. No biggie, I've got extras laying around.
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bobbinbeamo · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 8:48 pm Post subject:

DB- Hope there's no "ghost in the machine". Halloween is on its way, after all.
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JTVG · Backstage Pass Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 433

DB,

Talk to David in Tech support at Telos. I've been talking to him off and on for a few months in regards to a couple of problems I've had with my Zephyr, which were also very unusual. Nice guy and very educated about the product.

Joe
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Frank F · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 2:14 pm Post subject:

A little bit of a threadjack here, but in light of DB's Telos debacle - and because I have taken a lot of flak regarding this subject - I had to post this:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6519681.stm

Toodles

F2
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