AN154

Use Soft Reset to Resolve Instrument Firmware Issues

Written by Ed Stevenson for

AEA Technology, Inc.


Abstract

If your instrument is not performing properly (i.e. Measurement screen has

Incomplete data, menu cursor will not move, etc.) Performing the Soft Reset will perform firmware housekeeping and restore the program operation.

NOTES: 1. For the E20/20 Step TDR, 20/20 Step TDR, VIA Echo and the VIA Bravo the Soft Reset does NOT erase saved traces or plots nor does it erase the TDR’s Cable List.

2. For the VIA Analyzer, 140-525 Analyzer, and CellMate EX the memories will be erased

3. The need for a soft reset should be a rare occurrence. If you have to perform a soft reset often (more than once a quarter) please contact our Technical Support department for assistance. See numbers and email at the end of this note.


General

Different model instruments were designed at different times and use different internal components and designs. Below are a list of our instruments and how to perform their soft reset:


E20/20 Step TDR – all models

  1. Turn the instrument OFF. If the TDR will not turn OFF, press and hold the ON/OFF key for 10 seconds until it turns OFF.

  2. Press and hold the ENTER key

  3. Press and release the ON key

  4. Wait 2 seconds and release the ENTER key

Successful reset is indicated by the following displays:

 Start up screens: “Default Settings” briefly displays

 Measurement Screen: Cable Type “MY CABLE Z0 50 VF 77.0”

     Z-Scale = 0-1KΩ

     Range = 100ft (20m)

Alternate soft reset is same as 20/20 TDR instructions


20/20 Step TDR – all models

  1. Turn the instrument OFF

  2. Turn the instrument ON and immediately press the ENTER key 5 times rapidly.

Successful reset is indicated by the following display changes:

 Z Scale = 0-999Ω

 Range = ~5000 ft (2000m)



VIA Echo – all models

1. Turn the instrument OFF

2. Turn the instrument on and immediately press the ENTER key 5 times

rapidly.

3. The Unit will perform the housekeeping necessary to restore operations. A successful reset is indicated by the displays:

 Start up Screens: Warning Default Settings

 Measurement Screen: Left-Total Z, Scale 0-100 Right Z Angle +90—90

     Center Frequency 100.000MHz


VIA Bravo all models

  1. Turn the instrument OFF

  2. Press and hold ENTER key

  3. Press and release ON key

  4. Wait 3 seconds and release ENTER key

Successful reset is indicted by the display change in the Center Frequency

To 12.65MHz .


140-525 Analyzer

  1. Turn the instrument OFF

  2. Press and hold F1 and F5 simultaneously

  3. Press the ON key

  4. Wait for 2 beeps (about 3 seconds) and release F1 and F5

Successful reset is indicated by the beeps and display change in the Center Frequency to 250MHz.


VIA Analyzer

  1. While ON, press any number key to enter the Numerical Entry screen

  2. Turn the VIA Analyzer OFF

  3. Turn the VIA Analyzer back ON to complete the reset

Successful reset is indicated by the display change in the Center Frequency

to 14.2MHz


CellMate EX

  1. Turn the instrument OFF

  2. Press and hold the F1 and F5 key simultaneously

  3. Turn the CellMate EX ON

  4. Wait for 2 beeps (about 3 seconds) and release F1 and F5

Successful reset is indicated by the beeps and display change in the Center Frequency to 800MHz.

 

If you have any questions with these instructions or need assistance please contact

us at 1-800-258-7805 or +1-760-931-8979 or by email at

techsupport@aeatechnology.com.