Overview
A Device Swap Test helps determine whether a problem follows a Just Add Power Encoder or Decoder or remains at its original location. Exchange the affected device with a known-working device of the same type, then test both locations.
This procedure applies to Omega Series, Ultra Series, and MaxColor Series devices. For a system operating in 2G Legacy Mode, use Troubleshoot a 2G Legacy Mode System for its diagnostic messages and troubleshooting sequence.
When to Perform a Swap Test
Perform a swap test when initial checks point to one Encoder, one Decoder, or its location, but have not isolated the cause. For example:
- One display or one source continues to have a problem after checking its HDMI and network connections.
- A device does not establish a network link after testing its cable and assigned switch port.
- A device continues to report an unexpected link speed after a direct cable test at its assigned switch port.
- A Decoder continues to show a diagnostic message after completing the checks for that message.
Use Understand Power and Data LED Behavior, Troubleshoot Decoder Diagnostic Screen Messages, or Encoder or Decoder Connected at 10/100 Mbps for the checks that apply to the observed symptom.
Before the Swap
- Identify the affected Encoder or Decoder as the Suspect Device. Identify a working device of the same type as the Control Device. Confirm that their models, operating modes, firmware, and required features are compatible with both test locations.
- Record the original symptom at the Suspect Device's location and confirm normal operation at the Control Device's location. For a Decoder, record the exact diagnostic screen message, if displayed. Record the Power and Data LED behavior at both devices.
- Record each device's model, current location, IP address, and switch port. If the system was configured with AMP, run Gather Details before disconnecting the devices to capture their activity, settings, firmware information, and reported link speeds.
- Identify and label the cables at both locations so each location keeps its original source or display, HDMI cable, network cable, power connection, and switch port during the test.
Before disconnecting a device: Confirm that no AMP operation or firmware update is running. Disconnecting power or network connectivity during an update can interrupt it. Moving an Encoder may also interrupt that source on other displays; check its current use before starting.
Preserve the test conditions: Exchange two devices of the same type between their locations. Use the cables and assigned switch port already present at each location. Do not factory default or reconfigure either device as part of the swap. Device-specific settings and IP addresses move with the devices, so verify that both can operate at their test locations before interpreting the result.
Perform the Swap Test
- Disconnect the Suspect Device and the Control Device, keeping each location's cables in place.
- Connect the Control Device at the Suspect Device's location using that location's original connections.
- Connect the Suspect Device at the Control Device's location using that location's original connections.
- Allow both devices to finish starting. Confirm that each has power and an active network link. If either device does not appear in AMP or cannot operate with the configuration at its new location, document that limitation before drawing a conclusion.
- Repeat the test that showed the original problem at both locations. Record the video, audio, or control result, LED behavior, Decoder diagnostic message, and network link speed as applicable.
Interpret the Results
| Result | Next check |
|---|---|
| The problem follows the Suspect Device. | Investigate that device's hardware, power, firmware, and configuration. A result that follows the device does not, by itself, prove hardware failure. |
| The problem remains at the original location. | Investigate that location's source or display, HDMI connection, network cable path, assigned switch port, power source, and configuration. |
| The problem disappears at both locations. | A connection or temporary condition may have changed while moving the devices. Reseat and inspect the original connections, then monitor for the symptom returning. |
| Both locations have problems after the swap. | Confirm model and configuration compatibility, device discovery, source selection, power, and network links. The test has not isolated a cause. |
Finish the Test
Return the devices to their intended locations unless a configuration change has been planned and documented. Confirm that both locations operate as expected. If AMP was used, run Gather Details again to verify device activity, settings, and link speeds.
If the result points to the installed network path but does not identify the fault, see How to Perform a Device Point-to-Point Test. Record both swap locations, their original and final symptoms, and any AMP results when contacting Just Add Power Technical Support.
