Cascade Pro, Elite and Cascade 16 systems depend on a dedicated network connection between the Cascade base unit and the Cascade computer. Failures in that connection result in a “Communication Error.” The causes are varied and generally fall into the following categories: network cable failure, incorrect network settings, network card failure, interference by firewalls or anti-virus programs and base failures. When the cause of the communication error is unknown, troubleshooting is done from basic to advanced.
Basic troubleshooting:
- Verify base unit is powered on
- Check network cable connections – check that cable is tightly connected to appropriate connectors (jacks) – reconnect so that the network connector snaps into place – try swapping ends of network cable
- Try a different network cable – a standard Ethernet cable
- Reboot the base
- Reboot computer and base
Verify Network Card Settings:
- Locate Windows Network connection for your base (Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network Connections\Change Adapter Settings located in left panel)
- Look for “disabled” status. If the network connection is disabled, right click to enable it.
- Look for X status. X status usually indicates a physical problem
- Faulty network cable
- Loose or broken network jack
- No base power
- Malfunctioning base unit – view the status lights of your base to look for normal vs. abnormal status light sequence. Instructions located in Advanced troubleshooting section
- Check the network card settings.
- Instructions are on page 3 of the linked document:
Installation and Network setup instructions Link
- Instructions are on page 3 of the linked document:
Advanced troubleshooting:
- Check Cascade base unit status lights :
L = Link light is located next to the network connection on the Cascade 16 and Pro bases. Light is on when there’s a connection established between base and PC.
D = Data light located near network connection on Cascade 16 and Pro and on the back panel of the Elite. Light flashes when there’s communication between base and PC.S = Status light is located on the front of the Pro base, and on the back of the Elite base. The light flashes in various patterns. Abnormal flashing indicated by very rapid flashing. The Cascade 16 pop sound upon power up is the status indicator. No pop sound indicates failure.
P = Power light should be solid when base unit is on. Base failure is indicated by a flicker power light or no light at all. -
Contact Cadwell Service for base failures
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Turn Windows User Account Control setting to “never notify”.
- Temporarily Disable Windows Firewall located in Windows Control Panel.
- Finish any ongoing Windows updates. Windows updates can interfere with communication between base unit and PC.
- Add Anti-Virus exceptions for Cascade. Cadwell Cascade Antivirus Exclusions
- Consider un/re-installing network card – computer repair specialist should perform this.
- Update Network Card Driver software – computer repair specialist should perform this.
May 19, 2017 1866 Cascade IONM FAQs