A failure in the CMOS battery can often be a cause for an
ISA960 failure, requiring that CMOS settings be reset and the battery replaced. As of Obsession 5.1.1 software
(Obsession II only), the console included an automatic CMOS configuration
program (accessed by typing OBSNCMOS in the DOS prompt). If copied onto a floppy drive, this can be used
on any version of software. The time
and date still need to be set manually.
NOTE: On the diagnostic screen, the errors "Bad CMOS File
Exists!" and "CMOS is Still Bad!" are not valid errors. These errors show up in every version of
software, and is related to Y2K problems.
This will not impact the function of the console whatsoever.
The second most common cause of ISA960 failures is low DC
voltages. Open the case and find the main motherboard power
connector. Put a meter on the red and black wires. If it is any less than
5 volts, there is a very good chance that voltage is dropping over a DC
connection. With the meter still on the main DC 5V line, wiggle the power
connector coming out of the power supply on the power distro board. Then
wiggle the hard drive connections. If you see the voltage suddenly pop
back up to proper voltage, then you have some corrosion on the
connections. The biggest killer of almost all electronics is corroded low
voltage DC connections and the 5 volt line is the first to be hit, which makes
the ISA960 card the first thing to go. Replacing the main DC power
harness is a very common repair for equipment of this age, but it is also
helpful to eliminate the CPU fansink's hard drive power splice connector, which
also drops voltage very commonly. CPU fan power harness can be landed on
the motherboard's fan connection beside the RAM. The pin-out of the motherboard's
fan connector is GND/12V/GND, with the red wire is in the middle.
If your processor hasn't seen repair in a while, it would be
a good idea to send it in, and our repair technicians will inspect all of the
power harnesses, resolder a few things and make sure that all the inherent wear
and tear is dealt with. It is usually a fairly inexpensive repair unless there
is a trouble PCB, which is rare. Errors on a hard drive resulting in
replacement could be a little expensive, but not too bad. Most of the
repairs done Obsession 2s are covered under ECOs, and typically free.
There are no user serviceable items on the ISA960
card to check other than makings sure connections are tight. If the card
edge is lifted near the edge of the case, look underneath to make sure than the
bottom of the card's metal flange is not stuck on the case, although this has never been observed to be an issue.