[Willybb]

Hi Guys

Tried to power up my PCNC1100 today and got the following error, "Mesa Interface Error", "Firmware failed to update properly on Mesa Interface"

Last year I installed the Series 3 Motion Upgrade Kit P/N 32010 and a new Pathpilot Controller P/N 35286. Mill was checked out and everything worked correctly after upgrades.
Now after sitting for a while, Pathpilot will not boot up.

Any sugestions what I should look for?


My Mill is an early one #213 with the following upgrades:
(1) Spindle upgrade.
(2) Series 3 Motion upgrade.
(3) Control Board replacement.
(4) New Pathpilot Controller/Computer.
(5) Cooling Fan upgrade.

[PCW_MESA]

Hi Guys

Tried to power up my PCNC1100 today and got the following error, "Mesa Interface Error", "Firmware failed to update properly on Mesa Interface"

Last year I installed the Series 3 Motion Upgrade Kit P/N 32010 and a new Pathpilot Controller P/N 35286. Mill was checked out and everything worked correctly after upgrades.
Now after sitting for a while, Pathpilot will not boot up.

Any sugestions what I should look for?


My Mill is an early one #213 with the following upgrades:
(1) Spindle upgrade.
(2) Series 3 Motion upgrade.
(3) Control Board replacement.
(4) New Pathpilot Controller/Computer.
(5) Cooling Fan upgrade.

Could be a PC or Mesa card problem

If the interface card is a 5I25 you might try removing / cleaning / re-seating
the card.

If the problem persists you can return the 5I25/6I25 card to Mesa for
evaluation/repair/replacement

[Willyb]

Hi PCW_Mesa

Pulled the Interface card and reinstalled. Also checked remaining connections. Computer now boots up fine into Pathpilot.
Obviously this computer doesn't like to sit. I'm sure sitting in a cold garage doesn't help? I never shut off my Home PC and zero issues in 10+ years.

Questions
(1) What do you recommend to clean the edge terminals of the Card?
(2) Is there anything that could be added to the terminals to help prevent these bad connections?

Thank you for your help.

Willy

[PCW_MESA]

Hi PCW_Mesa

Pulled the Interface card and reinstalled. Also checked remaining connections. Computer now boots up fine into Pathpilot.
Obviously this computer doesn't like to sit. I'm sure sitting in a cold garage doesn't help? I never shut off my Home PC and zero issues in 10+ years.

Questions
(1) What do you recommend to clean the edge terminals of the Card?
(2) Is there anything that could be added to the terminals to help prevent these bad connections?

Thank you for your help.

Willy

I use 100% Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning edge connectors and slots
(to clean slots a piece of card stock soaked in alcohol works well)

I don't think any contact cleaner type chemical is a good idea as these
often leave a sticky residue that makes the inevitable dust in PC cases
stick to contacts

Large temperature changes can be bad especially if you bring a cold device
into a warmer area as this can result in condensation and electrolytic corrosion

( forgot to say unplug PC before cleaning and wait till all alcohol evaporates / dissipates before powering again. that is, don't set fire to your PC )