This guide provides step-by-step technical instructions for replacing the control board, SD card, coin battery, and backplane on your Ascent laser system.
Safety First: Ensure the laser system is completely powered off and the main power cord is unplugged from the wall outlet before touching or disconnecting any internal electronics. Do not touch any exposed power supply components.
ESD Precaution: Always wear an anti-static wrist strap grounded to the machine’s bare metal chassis before handling the control board, backplane, or other sensitive electronic components to prevent electrostatic discharge damage.
Section 1: Control Board Removal
Remove Side Panel
Locate and remove the right side panel of the laser chassis to gain access to the electronics.
Remove Control Board Screws
Remove the 4 screws securing the control board to the chassis.
Disconnect Harnessing
Carefully tilt the front of the control board up and disconnect the wiring harnesses plugged into the control board.
Remove Control Board
Unseat and fully remove the control board from the machine. Place it facedown on a safe, static-free surface. Important: Ensure the joystick is either hanging over the edge of the surface or placed on a soft material so that it is not crushed or damaged while you work on the back of the board.
Section 2: SD Card & Coin Battery Replacement
With the control board safely resting facedown, you can now easily access and replace the SD card and coin battery located on the board.
Replace SD Card
Locate the SD card slot on the control board. Gently press the metal holder towards the center of the control board to open the door. Remove the old SD card and insert the new one.
Replace Coin Battery
Locate the coin battery housing on the control board. Carefully slide the old battery out of its retaining clip. Insert the new battery with the positive (+) side facing up.
Section 3: Backplane Replacement
Remove Backplane Screws
Locate the backplane mounted to the left inside of the chassis. First, remove the 4 screws securing the backplane to the chassis to give yourself some slack.
Disconnect Cables
With the board unscrewed, carefully disconnect all wiring harnesses and cables plugged into it. Once everything is disconnected, lift the old backplane out of the machine.
Install New Backplane
Position the new backplane in the chassis. Systematically reconnect all the cables you removed in Step 8 first. Once all cables are securely plugged in, align the board and reinstall the 4 screws to mount it to the chassis.
Section 4: Reassembly & Installation
Reconnect Control Board Harnessing
Carefully bring the control board (with its new SD card and battery) close to the mounting area and reconnect the wiring harnesses to the board.
Seat Control Board
Center the control board directly above the screw holes. Press down evenly and firmly to ensure the board makes a solid connection to the newly installed backplane.
Secure Control Board
Reinstall and tighten the 4 screws to secure the fully seated control board to the chassis.
Replace Side Panel
Reinstall and secure the right side panel of the machine.
Final Verification
Plug the machine back into the wall outlet and power it on. Verify that the touch screen boots up normally and the machine successfully initializes, indicating the new board, SD card, battery, and backplane are all communicating correctly.
