Is it possible to recover from failed and stuck Software Upgrade? QSS3502

[kodakman7]

We had been getting the 6901-0008 Arcnet error on our 3502 SM machine. It would sometimes go away after restarting the machine but always return again after varying intervals.  After the usual efforts of re-seating ACRCNET card in computer, vacuuming the fibre connecting ports at PC and processor control PCB, then trimming the Fibre cables (OMRON cutter) I attempted the Software upgrade HD in service mode. All softwares except the Main upgraded successfully- the main terminated abnormally at 4%.  A side note is that the board has been replaced previously with the J391181 variant but I am assuming that would have been compatible with the software Upgrade anyway........?       Now we cant get the machine to proceed to operation mode- it repeatedly suggests to run the Software Upgrade, and if we can jump past that for a moment we get the 6900-0001 "Main Control System Error".  I have got it to the normal start screen but there are no temperature info etc.    I did also run the ARCNET Self Check and got the attached which sort of indicates the LVDS (??) card in the PC.  I was inclined more to the PCB but interested to hear comments from experts.  So what is the likelihood of the PC card having failed? Is the processor board now toast or would it recover if a faulty PC card was replaced and the upgrade ran successfully? I am chasing a new PCB anyway.  Is there a known fail point on the PCB? I have read that the fibre LED's dim with age- can they be replaced or is it likely somewhere else on the PCB ?  Akk guidance and information will be much appreciated

[Dave S]

Did you quit the QSS software before trying to run the ARCNET test software?

You need to take out the QSS icon from the start up folder to stop the QSS software from starting.

Unitl you get stable ARCNET communication it will never successfully upgrade.

Yes the fiber optic ports can be replaced, but the trouble is the parts have been discontinued by Toshiba so are unobtainable.

[kodakman7]

Thanks Dave- re quiting the QSS before running the diagnostic- Im actually not sure now...... To be honest its the first time I have run it- and it was  only as a consequence of  reading about it in another post where it was mentioned.  Regretting it now!!

Am i correct to assume that  if there is no stable ARCNET and the cause of that IS the printer control board- theres no point to trying the upgrade anyway? QED if the board is faulty it wont/cant upgrade? 

What is the likelihood of the LVDS/ARCNET  card in the PC being the the cause of the ARCNET issue? IF it was and could be replaced with functional interface card, then the Upgrade might/should run?

I may be able to get a donor machine in the next few days (subject to a 1600km round trip by road) so am hoping to be able to isolate and fix the issue after that.

Is there a schematic diagram of the ARCNET pathways and connections in the 3502 SM ?

Re the fibre optic ports, are they the most likely fail point? I would consider salvaging some from another donor PCB to effect a repair if it was the most likely fault. I am wondering what is the most likely board to be "low mileage" (hours) for maximum future LED life?

As always, thank you for your knowledge and insight?

[Dave S]

Running the ARCNET test software will not do any harm, trying to do the software upgrade with bad ARCNET communication can cause issues.

To disable the QSS startup, press the Windows key, Programs, Startup, Copy the QSS Icon to the desktop, then delete the QSS icon from the start up folder, restart the PC, check the QSS software does not start up.

Now run the ARCNET test software again and see what you get.

It's less likely the LVDS/ARCNET card will be at fault.

If there is one bad ARCNET fibre optic port or connection, it can often bring the whole network down.
You need to unplug one Fibre Optic cable cable at a time until you get the communication back. Start with the Processor Control PCB, then the Scanner (if installed) then Printer control PCB.
Each time you uplug a fibre optic cable run the ARCNET test to check the status.
Remember to check both ends of the fibre optic cable.

All the boards will have run for the same hours, my guess is the boards that are in a hotter area tend to get weak ARCNET ports sooner, check by looking at the brightness of the red light from the white port, the brighter it is the more healthy it will be.

 

[archehdz]

On 12/4/2025 at 5:00 PM, kodakman7 said:

Habíamos estado recibiendo el error Arcnet 6901-0008 en nuestra máquina 3502 SM. A veces desaparecía tras reiniciar la máquina, pero siempre volvía tras intervalos variables. Tras los habituales esfuerzos de volver a colocar la tarjeta ACRCNET en el ordenador, aspirar los puertos de conexión de fibra en el PC y la PCB de control del procesador, y luego recortar los cables de fibra (cortador OMRON), intenté actualizar el software HD en modo servicio. Todos los softwares excepto el principal se actualizaron con éxito: el principal terminó de forma anormal al 4%. Un apunte es que la placa ya había sido reemplazada previamente por la variante J391181, pero supongo que eso habría sido compatible con la actualización de software de todos modos........? Ahora no conseguimos que la máquina pase a modo de operación: sugiere repetidamente ejecutar la actualización de software, y si podemos saltar un momento de esa parte obtenemos el 6900-0001 "Error del Sistema de Control Principal". He conseguido ponerlo en la pantalla de inicio normal, pero no hay información sobre la temperatura, etc. También ejecuté la autocomprobación de ARCNET y conseguí la adjunta, que indica más o menos la tarjeta LVDS (??) en el PC. Me inclinaba más por la PCB, pero me interesaba escuchar comentarios de expertos. ¿Cuál es la probabilidad de que la tarjeta PC haya fallado? ¿La placa del procesador está ahora dañada o se recuperaría si se reemplazara una tarjeta defectuosa y la actualización funcionara correctamente? De todas formas, estoy buscando una nueva PCB. ¿Hay algún punto de fallo conocido en la PCB? He leído que los LED de fibra se atenúan con el tiempo: ¿se pueden reemplazar o es probable que sea en otra parte de la PCB? Se agradecerá mucho la orientación e información sobre los AKK

I have the same problem, but I haven't been able to solve it to date. Check your power supplies.

[kodakman7]

Well I got a replacement main control PCB and have been able to revive the machine. I wasnt game to run any of the diagnostics as I was just relieved to have it operational again before Christmas and didnt want to tempt fate. I had a couple of false starts with the new board starting up and went through and cleaned checked (vacuumed) the ports on the ARCNET/LVDS card and then got a normal startup. I havent gone back to try the card I thought was problematic after that- so it could have been a dirty connection as you say. When I get home and have some time I will swap it out to try at least. Many thanks for your insights and assistance.