DIAGNOSTICS 26
CARETAKER PLUS INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
Diagnostic Modes
The Caretaker Plus has an extensive self-test diagnostic capability. Normally these
features are only accessed by a technician to determine a failure with the unit.
Through the diagnostic modes, you can:
Print the configuration menu
Print a repeating test pattern on the printer
Restore the non-volatile memory to its factory defaults
Test the EPROM, buffer memory, and non-volatile memory
Test all signals on each I/O port
There are three diagnostic modes that can be entered.
1. Short test - Print configuration menu, printer test pattern, and reset non-volatile
memory to factory default are accessed through this mode. This test is called the
short test because its test of the dynamic memory (test #2) is not as long as the
other tests.
2. Long test with loopback connectors - tests all functions of the unit except the I/O
ports are only tested for open loop conditions.
3. Long test with no loopback connectors - tests all functions of the unit including that
the I/O port drivers and receivers are all functional.
Short Test
This mode is entered by holding down both front panel switches while turning the unit's
power on. The unit will continuously go through its power up sequence and stop if it
encounters an error, displaying the error on the LEDs and indicating servicing is
required. Note that the memory test (test t2) performed in this mode is more extensive
and thus takes more time to execute than in the power up test. It is not as extensive as
the long tests. To leave this mode power down the unit, then power back up with no
switches pressed.
Restore To Factory Default
There are two ways to reload the factory default configuration. The first is if an error
occurs in powering up the unit and the unit halts with error 4 (ERROR LED and LED 4
are lit). To reload the defaults push the advance switch, the unit is then ready for
operation. if this occurs frequently, it indicates excessive static electricity or poor power
to the unit.
The other method of reloading the factory defaults is through the short test diagnostic
mode. This mode is entered by powering the unit off and pressing both the advance and
select switch and then powering up the unit. Release the advance switch (the one on the
left) and continue to hold the select switch (the one on the right) while the switch cycles
through its normal power up sequence. The switch will halt with LED 4 lit. Release the
select switch. Momentarily press the advance switch and all lights should come on to
indicate a successful reload of the factory defaults. The unit stays in this short diagnostic
mode and continuously cycles through the 4 tests. On a subsequent cycle, It you receive
an error 4 (restore to default failure), the unit must be serviced. To resume normal
operation, you must power the unit off and back on. The unit is now set at its factory
defaults. You must reconfigure the unit, if necessary, to correspond to your equipment
settings.