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Electronic Theatre Controls Inc

Irideon MCP (Master Control Processor) Troubleshooting

Cannot connect PC to MCP.

  1. Are the 5 volt and 24 volt LEDs on? No- Check input voltage to the MCP. Yes- Continue to the next line.
  2. Are the other LEDs operating normally? No- Unplug the output connections at the MCP. If the MCP begins to operate normally, you have a DC wiring problem and need to check for a shorted 24 volt line. If not, replace the MCP PCB. Yes- Continue to the next line.
  3. Are you using an serial extension cable? Null modem cables will not work. No- Replace cable. Yes- Reset MCP and PC. Continue to next line.
  4. Are both the PC and MCP running the same of version software? No- Pull current composer file from MCP with correct version; then update the MCP to the current software version. Yes- Continue to next line.
  5. Is the Composer software setup for MCP? No- Select MCP in the system menu. Yes- Continue to the next line.
  6. Is the Composer software setup for the correct com port? No- Correct in the system/select commport menu. Yes- Continue to the next line.
  7. Check to see if your selected comm port is setup correctly. You may need to slow down the speed. Consult your computers owners manual and your windows guide as needed.
  8. Reset MCP and restart PC. There may be an unseen application accessing the com port. Disable all other applications in the Startup Folder and restart. A typical culprit is a PalmPilot HotSync driver. Look for this in the lower right hand area of the PC and disable it. Restart Composer and verify operation.
  9. Replace MCP.

Cannot connect PC to Remote Programming Receptacle

  1. Are you using a serial extension cable with all pins connected straight through? No- Change cable Yes - Continue to the next line
  2. Verify all items in previous troubleshooting section (Cannot connect PC to MCP).

MCP won't take OS

  1. Reduce speed of send buffer.
  2. Cycle power to MCP and restart PC.
  3. Reinitialize MCP.
  4. Delete Composer from PC and reinstall.
  5. Replace MCP PCB.

MCP lost OS
Reload OS and program data.

MCP won't take programming data.

  1. Reset MCP and retry download.
  2. Reload OS.

MCP gets an error code on the LCD screen and stops playing.
Reload MCP OS. If problem continues, replace MCP PCB.

PC won't go into 'Live Mode' while connected to the MCP.

  1. Verify settings at PC. Reduce transmit buffer settings.
  2. Reload OS to MCP.
  3. Replace MCP PCB.

Douser controls diffuser or diffuser controls douser.
Check personality settings in program.

MCP will not communicate with the lighting fixtures, i.e. Self test will not run.

  1. Are the 5 volt and 24 volt LEDs on? No- Check input voltage to the MCP. Check Voltage to the MCP PCB. Replace MCP power supply. Yes- Continue to the next line.
  2.  Verify MCP has OS.
  3. Meter the data fuses on the MCP. Replace blown fuses.
  4. Verify data wiring between MCP and lighting fixtures.

MCP will not communicate with remote stations, i.e. Will not run self tests.

  1. Verify MCP has OS.
  2. Meter the data fuses on the MCP.
  3. Verify wiring between MCP and Remote Stations.
  4. Verify DC wiring between MCP and Remote Stations, i.e. Positive to + and Negative to -, or shorted connections. If power was reversed , it is possible damage may have occurred to the station, especially Remote Programming Receptacles.
  5. Verify there is a terminating resistor at the end of the data line.

MCP will not accept button presses from a single Remote Station.

  1. Verify data wiring from MCP at that Remote Station.
  2. Verify DC wiring between MCP and Remote Stations, i.e. Positive to + and Negative to -, or shorted connections. If power was reversed , it is possible damage may have occurred to the station, especially Remote Programming Receptacles.
  3. Start System Test from MCP. Do the LEDs on the remote station flash in a regular pattern? No- Replace station. Yes- Check station address.
  4. On an 8 Button Station, if the LED flashes on and off at 1 second intervals. This means that the intensity is set at 0%. Press the up arrow until the intensity is at the desired level.
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