Diagnostic Event: Communication Failure - Module

• Blank module(s) on display.
• "Communication Failure" event on one or more but not all modules in the display.

• Products: GS6, GC6, GT6, GT6x, DB-4200, DB-5000, DB-5100, DB-6000, DB-6400, DB-6500, BLD-0100, DXB-0100, DVX, DVN
• Components: Module, Power Supply, SATA cable
• Control Systems: Venus Control Suite; System Health

• Module failure
• Power supply failure
• SATA cable connection problem

Remote Troubleshooting Steps

• This issue cannot be resolved remotely.

Onsite Troubleshooting Steps

Note: If a large section of modules is out you should look at System Health again and see if the issue may be related to a PLR issue.  If the entire display of modules is showing communication failure you should look at System Health and see if the issue may be related to a PLR issue or if there is an issue with something else that would impact the entire display face, like incoming power or disconnected or failed fiber from the video processor.

1. Verify module has power.
   • There are status lights above each of the SATA ports (located on the back of each module) that should be flashing or blinking when the module has power.  If you do not have an access panel on the rear of your display, remove the module from the display face to observe status light activity following:  Display Module: How do I remove it?  
   • If you have a multi-meter you can measure the incoming power connector to the module in question for 12VDC, if you do not have a meter you can try plugging in a known working module to the power connector in question to see if it powers on.
   • If the module does not have power locate power supply for the module and confirm power there.
   • If the module is receiving power but is still not showing the status lights, replace the module.
2. Perform a self-test on the module to confirm function. Display Modules: How do I perform self test on a PL5X series module?
   
   • If the module has an error code, record that error code (four groups of two digits: xx, xx, xx, xx), replace the module, and include the error code when returning the module for repair.
3. Reseat SATA cable connections on blank module.
   • If more than one module is blank, reseat connections on the modules on each end of the outage or diagnostics issue.

Watch the Steps: