Video Toaster Not Responding Error

Product: Video Toaster

Platforms: 2000 3000 3000T 4000 4000T

Problem: When the Toaster software is run, the error "Toaster Not Responding" occurs:

1) Center Frequency requires adjustment to range -2.1 (+/-.1) Volts DC. See: Center Frequency Adjustment

2) Bad video input, or bad sync between inputs. Test with no connectors on inputs 1-4, or direct from camera to input 1. If the Toaster comes up, try other sources on input 1, to see if the Toaster can boot with another source than you were originally using. If so, test your original source to be sure it is proper RS170A NTSC video. Check cabling and connectors, and check that all video sources are in sync as they arrive at the Toaster inputs.

3) Remove anything plugged into the Amiga parallel port and try again. Certain printers, scanners, and in some cases, printer switchboxes, will cause a "TNR" or a "Toaster Unable to Genlock" error.

4) Toaster component cards not pressed together properly. Remove the Toaster and make sure all subbooards are tightly pressed together.

5) The Toaster card is not seated in slot properly (all models), or not in correct slot (A3000 or A4000). Check the manual for your system to be sure that you have the Toaster in the video slot, and not in an ISA (PC compatible) slot. Remove and reseat the Toaster card.

6) Toaster edge connector contacts need cleaned, slot needs cleaned. You can clean the Toaster card's contacts with a rubber eraser. Computer slots should be cleaned with a cleaning solution such as ElectroWash, which may be sprayed into the slot, and does not require a utensil to be swept through the slot. Alternatively, you can use 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol as a cleaning solution on an appropriate lint-free cloth or utensil to sweep the contacts *very carefully*.

7) In A3000: Toaster card may be touching the top of the computer case. Place a non-conductive insulating material between the Toaster card and the top of the case. A full-length anti-static bag would do the job just fine.

8) In A4000: card may be touching the A4000 RAM. Be sure card is supported at front of CPU by slot guides. If necessary, place a nonconductive material between the Toaster card and the A4000 RAM.

9) Both A3000 and A4000 desktop models: the expansion daughtercard is loose, or faulty, or power to the daughtercard is faulty, or the Buster controller has failed. If you suspect this, refer to a service center for diagnostics

10) In A2000 with VT2000: the FCC shield bracket may be touching pins on the Toaster card. Check the position of the FCC bracket, and shift it away from any pins it may be touching.

11) Untrimmed pins on the Toaster main board resistor packs may be bent into contact with one another. Remove the toaster card from the system, and look at the back of the full-length main board, at the end of the half-height section. There are several rows of leads (pins) protruding through the board at this location from a number of resistor packs. On some productions units these were not trimmed off quite short enough, and the pins may bend and touch one another. If the leads look too long, they should be trimmed using a small wire cutter, to a length that does not allow them to touch one another. When this problem has produced the "TNR" error, trimming the leads will usually restore operation. If the leads were in contact with one another, but trimming the leads does not restore operation, call NewTek Tech Support for an RMA, and be sure you describe the condition of the pins to the technician.

12) A DCTV unit is attached. Some users report that the DCTV can be used successfully with the Toaster, but other users have reported having a DCTV attached will prevent proper Toaster function; some have even reported that they suspect attempts to use a DCTV and Toaster on the same system have damaged the DCTV, the Toaster, or the host system. We do not recommend using the DCTV and the Toaster on the same system.

13) All else fails: Toaster card is defective, call for an RMA.