Smartfade Console Stuck in USB Slave Mode

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Symptoms/Issue

LCD shows USB Slave Mode Waiting to connect
Console is unable to go into diagnostic test mode
No control over console

Explanation of Issue

Pressing and holding << while the console is powering on will boot the console into the USB Slave Mode. If the button is not being pushed during power-on, it is possible that the << button contacts may be shorted, either via corrosion or some other conductive substance

Fix/Solution

If you are comfortable opening your console, use the steps below to troubleshoot. If not, please contact ETC Technical Services to begin the RMA process

Open the console by removing the six (1248/1296 variants) or ten (2496/ML variants) on the under side of the console along the front and back edges. Keep note that these screws are short
Disconnect the power board -> control board ribbon cable. If this is a 2496/ML variant, disconnect the wide ribbon cable that connects the main control board to the extension board
Remove the screws to remove the large circuit board from the face panel. Keep note that these screws are longer than the chassis screws
Lift the membrane keys from the board
Check that the << button contacts are clean. If they are not, clean the contacts using isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab. If the contacts are significantly corroded, a small hobby knife may be needed to carefully scrape between the contacts. Note that if corrosion is extensive, it will likely require a more comprehensive repair
Place the membrane keys back onto the circuit board
Reattach the circuit board to the face panel using the long screws
Plug in the power board -> control board ribbon cable. If this is a 2496/ML variant, reconnect the wide ribbon cable that connects the main control board to the extension board
Reassemble the Smartfade chassis using the short screws. Using the long screws here will cause the screws to go through the face panel and damage the overlay
Power on the console and test