User's Manual Part 3

05-4446A01, Rev. D Mercury Reference Manual 147
4.1 TROUBLESHOOTING
Successful troubleshooting of a wireless system is not difficult, but
requires a logical approach. It is best to begin troubleshooting at the
Access Point unit, as the rest of the system depends on the Access Point
for synchronization data. If the Access Point has problems, the operation
of the entire wireless network is affected.
When you find communication problems, it is good practice to begin by
checking the simple causes. Applying basic troubleshooting techniques
in a logical progression identifies many problems.
Multiple
Communication
Layers
It is important to remember that the operation of the network is built on
a radio communications link. On top of that are two data levels— wire-
less MAC, and the data layer. It is essential that the wireless aspect of
the Access Point and the Remotes units to be associated operates prop-
erly before data-layer traffic will function.
Unit Configuration There are numerous user-configurable parameters in the Management
System. Do not overlook the possibility that human error is the cause of
the problem. With so many parameters to view and change, a parameter
might be incorrectly set, and then that change is forgotten.
To help avoid these problems, GE MDS recommends creating an
archive of the transceiver’s profile in a Configuration File when your
installation is complete. You can reload this file into the transceiver to
restore the unit to the factory defaults or your unique profile. For details
on creating and archiving Configuration Files,
see “Configuration
Scripts Menu”
on Page 130.
Factory Assistance If problems cannot be resolved using the guidance provided here,
review the GE MDS web site’s technical support area for recent soft-
ware/firmware updates, general troubleshooting help, and service infor-
mation. Additional help is available through our Technical Support
Department. (See “TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE” on the inside of the
rear cover.)
4.1.1 Interpreting the Front Panel LEDs
An important set of troubleshooting tools are the LED status indicators
on the front panel of the radio case. You should check them first when-
ever a problem is suspected.
Table 2-2 on Page 30 describes the func-
tion of each status LED. Table 4-1 on Page 148 provides suggestions for