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Electronic Theatre Controls Inc

How to Deep Clear an Obsession Console

In early revisions of the the Obsession software and hardware, there were occurrences that would cause the console to not boot.  This problem was fixed with the release of ECO2205 and Software version 2.4.1.  The following explains the methods on how to Deep Clear an Obsession console in case you experience problems with a system booting or just need to start from the default settings.

By issuing the [Reset System] command from the [Setup] [1] System Settings [13] Reset System [Enter]
Most easy if the console will boot and functioning.  The reset system command will clear out show and
I/O configuration memory.

By holding down keys on the Facepanel
Use this method when the console will not boot initially.

  1. Turn off the console by using the keyswitch or plugging power
  2. Hold down 7,8,9 keys on the facepanel while turning the keyswitch ON
  3. Hold 789 until console has completed Initialization

By executing the OBS 789 command from the DOS prompt
Another method if the console will boot and is functioning.  This method takes the user into DOS to issue
a command that clears show and I/O configuration memory.

  1. Setup VGA Monitor on diagnostic video port
  2. Keyboard plugged into console with Scroll Lock On
  3. Press and hold [Right Shift] then press [Tab] twice
  4. Diagnostics Screen will now show you DOS prompt in the ETC directory (C:\ETC\)
  5. At DOS Prompt type [OBS]space[789]enter

By interrupting the startup batch file and executing the OBS 789 command
Use this method when the console will not boot and is not responding to holding down keys on the
facepanel.  This is the most difficult method because breaking the startup batch file requires precise
timing. 

  1. Setup VGA Monitor on diagnostic video port
  2. Plug Alphanumeric keyboard into console
  3. Turn console OFF then back ON
  4. Watch Diagnostic Screen; Wait during BIOS and memory check
  5. When you see BIOS Config Box Flash and MSDOS commands start to scroll
  6. Press [Ctrl-C] to terminate batch job;  Press [Y] to continue
  7. Diagnostics Screen will now show you DOS prompt in the ETC directory (C:\ETC\)
  8. If Need be; change directory to ETC; type [cd]space[ETC]
  9. At DOS Prompt type [OBS]space[789]enter
  10. 10. Wait until the diagnostic screen comes up
  11. Watch the message log box until you see the message "Clearing All" appear on the screen
    Once you see the "Clearing All" message you know that the deep clear happened.

By holding down both [Shift] keys upon boot
Use this method when the console will not boot.

  1. Setup VGA Monitor on diagnostic video port
  2. Plug Alphanumeric keyboard into console
  3. Turn console OFF then back ON
  4. Hold down both SHIFT keys on the keyboard
  5. Wait until the diagnostic screen comes up
  6. Watch the message log box until you see the message "Clearing All" appear on the screen
    Once you see the "Clearing All" message you know that the deep clear happened.

By reinstalling software
Use this method when the console will not boot.  Use this as a last attempt to recover system.

  1. Setup VGA Monitor on diagnostic video port
  2. Plug Alphanumeric keyboard into console
  3. Insert Software installation disk into the console
  4. Turn console OFF then back ON
  5. Follow installation process

Checkout System after the deep clear
If necessary reload current show and I/O config into the console.  Either from diskette or hard drive.
Make sure that patch is correct and that dimmers will come up.  Deep clearing and reloading a show
may take 5 minutes to complete, but plan on at least 10 minutes.

 

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