GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS CT 9800 QUICK SYSTEM
Rev. 1 Direction 18000
8-5-1
SECTION 5 DATA PROCESSING SUBSYSTEM
5-1 - Problem Isolation
Most of the documentation and diagnostics treat the computer, disk drive, and mag tape drive as separate,
independent units, so the first step in troubleshooting a data processing problem will be to isolate the prob-
lem to one of the above three units. Separate procedures are provided for Zebra and Argus Disk Systems.
Because of the complexity of the interaction between the three units of the data processing system, isolating the
source of a fault may require a judgment call based on symptoms, error messages and diagnostic results. Many
of failure symptoms and error messages will give a clear indication of the failing unit. If this is the case, it may
then be confirmed by running the diagnostics for the suspected unit.
ARGUS ONLY - As an aid to problem isolation, you should refer to the Data General “MAINTENANCE SERVICE
GUIDE, MODELS 6236/6237, DISK DRIVE SUBSYSTEM” manual in D.G. Volume #13. Be certain to read and
observe the Cautions and Warnings in this Chapter and in the D.G. Service Guide before servicing an Argus
system.
ZEBRA ONLY - As an aid to problem isolation, a known good scratch pack, fully initialized and loaded with
software, should always be kept on site. This scratch pack may be loaded with system software, service
diagnostics, or DTOS diagnostics depending on the priorities of the site. Instructions for creating a DDOS pack (a
pack loaded with DTOS programs) may be found in the DTOS Manual Volume #1, Part 2, Appendix C. As well as
allowing comparison of system operation with a known good pack, the DDOS pack allows computer and mag
tape diagnostics to be run without relying on the mag tape drive.
ZEBRA ONLY - If trying to isolate a problem between the computer and disk drive (or disk- resident software),
you may run computer diagnostics from mag tape and eliminate the disk from the system. If the computer
checks out OK, then run disk diagnostics. If the disk drive checks out OK, or if the disk pack and software are
suspect, try to boot and run off a different disk pack.
ZEBRA ONLY - If trying to isolate a problem between the computer and the mag tape drive, computer and mag
tape diagnostics should be run off a DDOS pack if available. If a DDOS pack is not available, it may be possible
to load the diagnostics off the DTOS tape since many mag tape problems are intermittent and may not occur in
the short period of time needed to load a DTOS program. If diagnostics can’t be loaded at all, refer to Chapter 4 -
Functional Checks of CT 9800 System Manual (SM 9800B) for a step by step checkout which uses the Power-up
Selftest and some “toggle-in” programs.
NOTE: DTOS, SEARCH, & ADES are software packages that MUST be obtained by license from Data
General Corporation. This software is not provided with the Quick system. The same applies
for the diagnostic documentation for these programs. Contact Data General Corporation to
obtain a copy.