Skip to main content

 

Electronic Theatre Controls Inc

White Screen on F-Drive RX Control Card

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF

Issue

On boot, the display of an F-Drive RX control card is all white.

Explanation of Issue

When the display has no signal, it is fully white and shows no text or images. This can be caused by a loose display ribbon cable or a loose daughter card.

Solution

In ETC's investigations, a misaligned SMARC module was found to be more common than a misaligned display connector. Because it is both a more common cause and an easier fix, attempt to reseat the SMARC module before reseating the display connector.

Reseat the SMARC module

  1. Remove the control card from the F-Drive RX enclosure.
  2. Using a #1 Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the two screws at the module's corners and set them aside. Do not remove the captured screws on the heatsink.
    clipboard_e22dc4957d46c3dd1d722d93bf236e0eb.png
    Remove the circled screws.
     
  3. Once the screws are removed, the SMARC module will lift at a 45-degree angle. Remove the module.
    clipboard_ea18b8e4332e90a10c4855f0467b0900e.png
     
  4. Check the connector pins for damage. If they look good, insert the module in the slot, lay it flat, and reinsert the screws. Metal pins on the connector ensure the module is correctly aligned.
    clipboard_eadb0a8d6936781a2666549bd599a45e9.png
    A metal pin on each side of the connector, shown above, fits into notches cut into the module. 
     
  5. Reinsert the card into the enclosure and test it for functionality before attempting any further troubleshooting.

Reseat the Display Ribbon Cable

  1. Remove the card from the F-Drive RX enclosure.
  2. Using a #2 Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the four screws holding the gray facepanel bracket in place.
    clipboard_ea77bd0e9b330fdddd8621287b807913a.png
    Remove the two screws shown above on each side of the bracket.
     
  3. Allow the bracket to rest on its face.
    clipboard_eb444a55a476990848f8971798577a858.png
     
  4. Using a dental tool, tweezers, or similar, flip the latch locking the smaller UI ribbon cable towards you and away from the board.
    clipboard_e692b09a580a1fdabab167f2b1df2e50b.png
     
  5. Remove the UI ribbon and set the faceplate aside.
  6. Using a #1 Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the four screws holding the display PCB to the rest of the assembly. Be sure not to lose the spacers between the screws and the standoffs on the PCB, as they are not secured after the screws are removed.
    clipboard_e1a15c8b8cc2218728f4fce8d3df97fb4.png
     
  7. Pull the display PCB away from the assembly.
  8. Using a #1 Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the four black screws and their star washers on the rear of the display PCB.
    clipboard_e3849d05a5b0cb490322dcbf4d2bcc049.png
     
  9. Using a dental tool, tweezers, or similar, flip the lock on the display ribbon cable 90 degrees towards you and away from the board.
    clipboard_e8e842b28576f6309f12839517d46c53f.png
     
  10. Remove the display and check its ribbon cable for damage. If the connector looks good, perform the previous steps in reverse to reassemble the control card.
    clipboard_e779c77690d38635165832791b0fb12cf.png
     
  11. Test the control card for functionality.
  1. Back to top
  • Was this article helpful?

Recommended articles

  1. Article type
    How-to
  2. Tags
    This page has no tags.