Avid Technology S6L Control Surface User manual

S6L Control Surface: Replacing the SBC Motherboard
9329-66194-00 REV A
1
S6L Control Surface: Replacing the SBC Motherboard
This document provides instructions for replacing the SBC Motherboard in the S6L Control Surface. Beginning in late 2019 Avid
introduced a new SBC motherboard model manufactured by Congatec for all S6L control surfaces. The previous model manufac-
tured by Emerson is no longer available. This guide shows how to replace the newer model SBC (Congatec) with a replacement
Congatec. If you need to replace an older SBC, refer to the “EC” version of this guide.
Before you Begin
Make sure to do all the following items before beginning the procedure.
1Backup all Show files, presets, and other user data from the system.
2Make sure you have assembled all Required Tools and Items.
3Put on your anti-static wrist band and configure according to its instructions.
4Shut down your system, and disconnect any cables connected to your S6L control surface.
Required Tools and Items
• 1x 2.5mm Hex driver
• 1x #2 Phillips screwdriver (for S6L-16C only, 12-inch magnetic-tip #2 Phillips recommended)
• 1x 9/32 nut driver, or small open-end wrench
• S6L-24C and 16C Only: Large towel or similar on which to set the MTS (S6L-24C only) or Top Cover (S6L-16C only)
• System Restore USB drive, created to install VENUE software v6.2 or later after replacing the SBC (see the VENUE S6L In-
stallation Guide for instructions on how to download VENUE software and create a System Restore USB drive).
• Anti-Static wrist strap (not included)
• Small cups or other containers to hold and organize the different types of fasteners as you remove them from the unit
• Table or other work surface strong enough to support the S6L control surface while allowing access to the back. For S6L-16C,
make sure the table provides at least 30 cm (+/- 12 inches) at the back of the control surface to set the PSU
What’s Included
• 1x Replacement SBC Motherboard (7020-71507-00)
Images shown in this guide will differ slightly from your system.
Replacing the SBC also replaces the internal hard drive where user data is stored. Backup all user data before proceeding!
Throughout this procedure, keep the removed screws organized to simplify re-assembly.
Replacement SBC motherboard

S6L Control Surface: Replacing the SBC Motherboard 2
Overview of Procedure
Replacing the SBC in an S6L control surface involves the following steps, as detailed throughout the rest of this guide. Be sure to
follow all instructions for your control surface carefully.
1Prepare the Control Surface
• Remove the S6L Back Covers (all systems)
• Disconnect Light Cables (S6L-24C and 16C only)
2Remove the SBC Tray
• Free the Tray (all systems)
• Free and/or disconnect cables (required on S6L-24C, optional with other systems)
• Move the PSU cage (S6L-16C only)
• Remove the Tray and hang it off the back of the chassis
3Remove the SBC
• Remove the shroud
• Remove the SBC from the Tray
4Install the New SBC
• Secure the new SBC to the Tray
• Reconnect all cables
• Re-install the Tray into the chassis
5Complete the Installation
• Perform a System Restore on the control surface
• Pair the new SBC to the engine and re-establish the control surface configuration
• Confirm successful installation
• Reassemble the control surface (back cover and other components)
Identifying Procedures for Your Control Surface
This guide organizes instructions based on the type of S6L control surface:
D-series S6L-48D, S6L-32D, S6L-24D
C-series S6L-24C, S6L-16C
To further help identify which procedures apply to your control surface, the following colors are shown along the right-hand edge
of the page:
To get started, proceed to the section appropriate for your S6L control surface:
•S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D
•S6L-24C and S6L-16C
S6L-48D, 32D, and 24D
S6L-24C and/or 16C

S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D 3
S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D
This section provides instructions for replacing the SBC Motherboard in S6L-24D, 32D, and 48D control surfaces.
Make sure to do all the following items before beginning the procedure.
1Make sure you have assembled all Required Tools and Items.
2Put on your anti-static wrist band and configure according to its instructions.
3Shut down your system, and disconnect any cables connected to your S6L control surface.
4Make sure your work area is clear of any debris.
1. Prepare the S6L Control Surface
Prepare the S6L control surface by removing the lower and upper back covers.
The steps required to remove the back cover vary depending on the model of S6L control surface.
To remove the lower back cover from S6L-24D, 32D, or 48D:
1Using a 2.5mm Hex driver, remove the fasteners that secure the back cover to the S6L chassis and set the screws aside.
• S6L-24D uses 8 fasteners
• S6L-32D uses 10 fasteners
• S6L-48D uses 12 fasteners
Throughout this procedure, keep the removed screws organized to simplify re-assembly.
Figure 1. Removing the S6L back cover (S6L-32D shown)
Fasteners:
Tool:
M4x8mm BHCS
2.5mm Hex driver
S6L-24D/32D/48D

S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D 4
2After removing the fasteners try sliding the back cover off the chassis by pushing it down with your hands and simultaneously
pulling the cover away from the chassis. If the cover does not slide freely, do the following:
• Try inserting a small flathead screwdriver along its upper edge as shown in Figure 1 and try to work one side free and then
the other.
• To be able to remove the back cover without risking scratching the chassis, first remove both end caps. (At minimum, one End
Cap needs to be loosened enough to let you remove the top cover later in these instructions. If you remove either (or both) of
the End Caps completely, carefully disconnect the LED power cable before moving the cap(s) away from the chassis.)
• Next, use a #2 Phillips screwdriver and remove one of the small retaining brackets.
3Slide the panel away from the control surface, and set the panel aside.
Figure 2. End Cap and fasteners
Figure 3. Retention bracket and fasteners
Fasteners:
Tool:
M4x8mm BHCS
2.5mm Hex driver
Fasteners:
Tool:
M3x6mm Phillips
#2 Phillips screwdriver
S6L-24D/32D/48D

S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D 5
4Using a 2.5mm Hex driver, remove the upper back cover by removing its fasteners and then lifting the cover away.
• S6L-24D uses 13 fasteners
• S6L-32D uses 16 fasteners
• S6L-48D uses 22 fasteners
5Proceed to 2. Remove the SBC Tray.
Figure 4. Removing the upper back cover (S6L-32D shown)
S6L-24D/32D/48D

S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D 6
2. Remove the SBC Tray
The SBC Tray must be removed from the chassis before replacing the SBC or any of the I/O boards.
To remove the SBC Tray:
1Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to loosen the captive screw below the hole along the right edge of the shroud.
2Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the two fasteners securing the top edge of the purple shroud to the top of the chassis.
Set the fasteners aside to use later when you reinstall the shroud.
3Locate the captive screws securing the SBC Tray to the chassis (these are in addition to the captive screw under the shroud that
you loosened earlier). S6L-24D, 32D, and 48D have four captive screws to loosen, shown below:
Figure 5. Shroud access hole for captive screw below
Figure 6. Fasteners to remove from the top of the shroud
Though the image shown below is of an older series control surface, the location of the captive screws will be the same.
Figure 7. Fasteners securing the SBC Tray to the chassis on S6L-24D, 32D, and 48D
S6L-24D/32D/48D

S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D 7
4Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the captive screws.
5If cables in your unit are bound with a cable tie similar to that shown below, cut the cable tie (this will allow the SBC Tray to
be removed).
In the next step you will lift the Tray out of the chassis and hang it off the back edge of the console chassis. You should not need
to disconnect any cables before lifting the Tray out, but you may need to guide one or more of them away to allow the Tray to be
lifted out of the chassis. If you find you do need more slack, note and/or label and then disconnect any cable that is not long enough
to allow the Tray to be lifted out of the chassis.
6Being very careful to not stretch any cables, use two hands to lift the tray out of the chassis. Tilt the Tray as needed to clear the
chassis, and make sure no cables are caught or stretched.
Figure 8. Loosening one of the captive screws
Figure 9. Cable tie
Figure 10. Lifting the Tray out of the chassis (32D with older SBC shown)
S6L-24D/32D/48D

S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D 8
7Align the edge of the Tray with the edge of the chassis as shown in Figure 11 so that the Tray hangs off the chassis.
3. Remove the SBC
After hanging the SBC Tray on the chassis you are ready to remove the shroud, disconnect and replace cables, then remove the old
SBC.
Removing the Shroud
Original Congatec S6L SBC assemblies included a purple plastic shroud, but current assemblies do not. If your system has a
shroud, do the following to remove it from the SBC tray and then recycle the shroud (you do not need to re-install it).
To remove the old shroud:
Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the purple shroud by doing the following (keep all fasteners organized to reuse later):
• Remove the screw that secures the front edge of the shroud to the Tray.
• Remove the two screws that secure the back edge of the shroud to the Tray.
• Remove and recycle the shroud and its fasteners.
The image shown below is of an older series control surface.
Figure 11. SBC Tray hung off the back edge of the chassis
Do not attempt to transfer the SSD from the old SBC onto the new SBC.
Figure 12. Removing screws that secure the front of the shroud (shown at left) and back of the shroud (one shown, at right)
S6L-24D/32D/48D

S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D 9
Disconnecting and Replacing Cables
All cables must be disconnected from the SBC.
To disconnect and replace cables:
1Before disconnecting cables from the old SBC, take a photograph and/or label each cable (label cables by SBC port).
After the new SBC is installed it is crucial to reconnect cables correctly. For a diagram that identifies ports, see S6L SBC Ports.
2After photographing and/or labeling all cables and connectors, disconnect all cables from the old SBC.
Removing the SBC
To remove the SBC:
1Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the 4 fasteners indicated in Figure 13 that secure the SBC to the Tray. Set these fasteners
aside to use later when you install the new SBC.
2Carefully pull the SBC away from its faceplate until all ports clear their openings and tabs on the faceplate, then lift the old SBC
out and set it aside.ift the old SBC out and set it aside.
3Return, reuse, or recycle the old SBC, cables, and faceplate (if present).
4Proceed to 4. Install the New SBC.
Figure 13. Fasteners that secure the SBC to the Tray
Figure 14. Lifting the SBC away from the Tray
If you received your replacement component via an RMA with Avid Customer Support, return the old components to Avid as in-
structed. If you are not required to return the old component then please dispose of old components responsibly by recycling them;
look for a reputable e-waste collection resource in your area. Do not discard electronic components by putting them in the trash.
S6L-24D/32D/48D

S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D 10
4. Install the New SBC
You are now ready to begin installing the new SBC, which involves the following procedures:
• Installing the new SBC onto the Tray
• Reconnecting all cables
• Installing the Tray in the chassis
SBC Faceplate
On newer control surfaces the SBC tray includes a faceplate with mounting bracket for the ports on the side of the SBC. Older, orig-
inal 32D and 24D surfaces do not include a faceplate or mounting bracket. If your control surface does not have this bracket and
faceplate, it is not required to install a faceplate.
Installing the New SBC Onto the Tray
To install the new SBC onto the Tray:
1Remove the new SBC from its packaging.
2Place new SBC in position on the Tray:
• Be sure to orient the new SBC correctly and align it with the threaded receivers on the Tray.
• Be sure to guide the ports on the left side of the new SBC through their openings in the faceplate and below the tabs.
3Reinstall the 4 screws around the perimeter of the new SBC to secure it to the Tray.
Figure 15. Securing the new SBC to the Tray
S6L-24D/32D/48D

S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D 11
Reconnecting All cables
To reconnect cables:
Reconnect cables as per the following table. (For a diagram identifying ports on the SBC, see S6L SBC Ports.)
Cables are listed by Part Number, which is printed on each cable.
Be especially careful with the braided cables that have identical connectors/headers (follow instructions below for correct orienta-
tion), and with the two RJ-45 cables (one Ethernet jumper connects the S6L AVB card to the left-most RJ-45 port, the other jumper
connects the S6L ECx port to the right-most RJ-45 port.
* Two port IDs “Lower” and “Upper” are provided for port X16, since this port receives two separate cables. Orientation (lower
or upper) is while standing at the back of the control surface. Be sure to connect each cable to its correct port, and to orient the cable
as described in the table above.
S6L Control Surface SBC Cable Labels
Congatec SBC
Port IDs /
Cable PN (newer units) Source / Notes
X19J2
(7070-30554-00) Back panel DVI
X49
(7070-30597-00) PDB J2
X5 J2
(7070-35031-00) Switch
X6 J2
(7070-35029-00) Back panel ECx RJ45
X39J2X
(7070-30621-00) Carbon 2 J32
X25J2
S6L-48D/32D/24D: (7070-35148-00)
S6L-24C: (7070-35149-00)
MTS CN1 (LVDS cable)
Orient cable so white wires are closest to you (see Figure 17)
(n/a for S6L-16C)
X22J2
(7070-35147-00) GPIO J11
X16 Lower
(7070-30616-01)
CON 1 Touch Controller
Orient cable so black wire is to the right (see Figure 18)
(n/a for S6L-16C)
X16 Upper
(7070-30593-00)
From MIDI J11
Orient cable so black wire is to the right (see Figure 18)
X15J2
(7070-30563-00) Back Panel Dual USB
X13J2
(7070-30618-00) Front Panel Dual USB Mount
S6L-24D/32D/48D

S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D 12
S6L SBC Ports
The following diagram identifies SBC ports by number.
Cable Connections
The following diagrams show correct orientation for specific cable connections.
LVDS Cable
The LVDS cable connects to port X25 from the side. Be sure to connect the cable to the port above the SBC board (not the one be-
low), and orient the connector as shown below with the white wires closest to you (closest to the back of the control surface).
Also, be sure to secure the LVDS cable using the cable clamp you removed earlier.
Cables for Port X16
Two cables connect to the two separate connectors on port X16, one to the upper half of the port and one to the lower. Be sure to
connect each cable to the correct port, and to orient each cable as shown below, with the black wires to the right.
Figure 16. S6L SBC wiring legend (Congatec)
Figure 17. LVDS cable correctly oriented and connected
Figure 18. Cable correctly oriented and connected to port X16
X15
X22
X25
X39
X16
X49
MB
X13
X6
X5
X19
MB SIDE VIEW
S6L-24D/32D/48D

S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D 13
Installing the Tray Into the Chassis
To re-install the Tray into the chassis:
1Lift the Tray off the edge of the chassis and carefully re-insert it into the chassis.
Angle it in as necessary. You can use one hand to keep cables clear while using the other hand to angle the Tray in.
2Make sure the Tray is fully seated in the chassis and that the tabs protruding up from the chassis align with and fit into their slots
in the bottom of the Tray.
3Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, secure the Tray to the chassis by tightening the captive screws you loosened earlier (including
the one accessible through the hole in the shroud).
4Proceed to 5. Re-establish the Control Surface Configuration.
Do not yet replace the back cover.
5. Re-establish the Control Surface Configuration
After installing the new SBC hardware you must perform a System Restore to install VENUE software 6.2 or later, recreate the
Control Surface configuration and then pair the new SBC to the control surface AVB network.
Perform a System Restore to Install VENUE Software on the Control Surface
After installing the new SBC you must install VENUE software onto the control surface by performing a System Restore.
For complete instructions refer to the VENUE S6L Installation Guide.pdf, available for download from your Avid account or from
the S6L Documentation article on our Knowledge Base.
The System Restore process involves the following general steps:
• If you have not already done so, download VENUE System Restore software and create a System Restore USB Drive for the
S6L control surface.
• Install S6L Console System Restore software on the S6L control surface and configure touch screens.
• Connect your S6L control surface to your E6L engine and Stage I/O unit(s).
• Activate Windows on the S6L control surface
After installing System Restore software, confirm that the system starts up and the control surface connects to the engine.
Proceed to Configure the Control Surface.
Configure the Control Surface
To reestablish the Control Surface configuration:
1Re-connect your USB keyboard and mouse, external DVI display, and power cables to the S6L control surface.
2Power up your S6L system.
• If the system doesn't start up, or displays errors, double-check all cabling and connections.
Reminder: You do not need to re-install the purple shroud. Please recycle it responsibly.
Be sure to install the same version of VENUE software as is currently installed on your E6L engine. Reminder: Congatec SBCs re-
quire VENUE 6.2 or later.
Do not connect two systems for IO Sharing before completing the entire SBC replacement procedure.
S6L-24D/32D/48D

S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D 14
3“Unclaim” all CFMs, CKMs, CTMs, and the MLM by doing the following as appropriate (you do not need to unclaim the MTS):
On CFMs, CKMs, and MLM, hold down the two furthest right switches on each module until the lowest left LED lights orange.
• On CFMs, hold strip 8 Menu and Safe.
• On CKMs, hold strip 7 and 8 Sel.
• On the MLM, hold the two Flex Fader Mute switches.
4Unclaim all CTMS by doing the following (refer to Figure 20):
• Using both hands, touch and hold all four corners of each CTM screen until choices appear on the display.
• Touch Unclaim.
After unclaiming all modules (except the MTS), you must reconfigure the surface.
To reconfigure the surface:
1On the MTS (Master Touch Screen), tap the Gear icon in the bottom right corner and then tap Control Surface Configuration
in the top left corner.
2Tap the gray Console button in the top right corner. If necessary switch the console type to the correct console model.
3Select the first module, tap Assign, then touch any fader on the corresponding module.
4Repeat for all other modules, including CTMs (but not the MTS).
After recreating the Control Surface configuration, the final step is to pair the new S6L control surface’s new SBC with AVB.
Figure 19. Unclaiming a CFM (shown at left) and a CKM (shown at right)
“Unclaiming” a module clears its association with its previous Control Surface configuration, which is stored on the SBC.
Figure 20. Unclaiming a CTM; 4-finger hold (shown at left) and selecting Unclaim (shown at right)
Reminder: You do not need to unclaim the MTS.
S6L-24D/32D/48D

S6L-24D, S6L-32D, and S6L-48D 15
Pair the New SBC with AVB
To pair the new SBC with AVB:
1Enter Support Mode by holding down Control + Shift on the USB keyboard while typing SUPPORT.
2When the Support shortcuts are now enabled message appears on the MTS, tap OK.
3On the external screen, navigate to Options > Devices.
4Enable Config mode: double-tap SHOW in the bottom right corner so it displays CONFIG mode.
5While holding down the Control key on the USB keyboard, right-click (or touch and hold) on the S6L Control Surface icon and
choose Pair Console to AVB Card from the pop-up menu.
6If any devices, modules, or components do not seem to be functioning, power down all components and then check connections
to the new SBC.
7When you have confirmed a successful installation, proceed to 6. Complete the Installation.
6. Complete the Installation
After confirming a successful installation of the new SBC, re-install the upper and lower back covers to complete the installation.
For details and illustrations, refer to the earlier instructions for disassembly.
To reassemble the S6L-24D, 32D, or 48D control surface:
1Making sure to orient it correctly, re-install the upper back cover on the control surface and secure it with the fasteners you re-
moved earlier (refer to Figure 4).
2Making sure to orient the back cover correctly, slide the cover back into position on the control surface.
3Reinstall the fasteners to secure the lower back cover to the S6L chassis.
Your S6L control surface is now ready for use.
Reminder: Make sure systems are not connected for IO Sharing while pairing with AVB.
Figure 21. Replacing the S6L back cover (S6L-32D shown)
Fasteners:
Tool:
M4x8mm BHCS
2.5mm Hex driver
S6L-24D/32D/48D

S6L-24C and S6L-16C 16
S6L-24C/16C Only
S6L-24C and S6L-16C
This section provides instructions for replacing the SBC Motherboard in S6L-24C and 16C control surfaces.
Make sure to do all the following items before beginning the procedure.
1Make sure you have assembled all Required Tools and Items.
2Put on your anti-static wrist band and configure according to its instructions.
3Shut down your system, and disconnect any cables connected to your S6L control surface.
4Make sure your work area is clear of any debris.
1. Prepare the S6L Control Surface
Prepare the S6L control surface by removing the lower and upper back covers.
The steps required to remove the back cover vary depending on the model of S6L control surface.
To remove the covers from S6L-24C or 16C:
1Using a 2.5 mm Hex driver, loosen or remove both the right and left End Caps by loosening the 7 fasteners securing the caps to
the chassis.
At minimum, one End Cap needs to be loosened enough to let you remove the top cover later in these instructions. If you remove
either (or both) of the End Caps completely, carefully disconnect the LED power cable before moving the cap away from the
chassis.
Throughout this procedure, keep the removed screws organized to simplify re-assembly.
Figure 22. End Cap fasteners
Fasteners:
Tool:
M4x8mm BHCS
2.5mm Hex driver

S6L-24C and S6L-16C 17
S6L-24C/16C Only
2Using a 2.5mm Hex driver, remove the fasteners that secure the back edge of the back cover to the S6L chassis and set the screws
aside.
• S6L-24C uses 8 fasteners
• S6L-16C uses 6 fasteners
3After removing the fasteners try sliding the back cover off the chassis by pushing it down with your hands and simultaneously
pulling the cover away from the chassis.
4Slide the panel away from the control surface, and set the panel aside.
Figure 23. Back Cover fasteners on S6L-24C (above) and S6L-16C (below)
Fasteners:
Tool:
M4x8mm BHCS
2.5mm Hex driver

S6L-24C and S6L-16C 18
S6L-24C/16C Only
5Using a 2.5mm Hex driver, remove the fasteners that secure the top cover to the control surface (S6L-24C and 16C both use 4
fasteners).
6Set a large towel or similar across the upper modules of the control surface (CKM, MTS, MLM) to protect them.
7Carefully lift the top cover off the chassis and set it face down on the towel you placed on the surface, being careful to not stretch
or stress the cables connected to the light sockets.
8Proceed to Disconnect Light Cables.
Figure 24. Top cover fasteners on S6L-24C (above, with End Cap loosened) and S6L-16C (below, showing End Caps removed)
Fasteners:
Tool:
M4x8mm BHCS
2.5mm Hex driver

S6L-24C and S6L-16C 19
S6L-24C/16C Only
Disconnect Light Cables
(S6L-24C and 16C Only)
Before removing the SBC tray you must label and disconnect the two Light cables connected to the Top Panel.
To disconnect the Light cables:
1Do the following:
• On S6L-24C disconnect the cables at the connectors shown below, then set the front panel aside.
• On S6L-16C, disconnect the cables at the connectors shown below.
2Proceed to 2. Remove the SBC Tray.
Figure 25. Light cables (rear view of S6L-16C shown)
Figure 26. Light cables (front view of S6L-16C shown)
LR

S6L-24C and S6L-16C 20
S6L-24C/16C Only
2. Remove the SBC Tray
(All Systems)
The SBC Tray must be removed from the chassis before replacing the SBC or any of the I/O boards.
To remove the SBC Tray:
1Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to loosen the captive screw below the hole along the right edge of the shroud.
2Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the two fasteners securing the top edge of the purple shroud to the top of the chassis.
Figure 27. Shroud access hole for captive screw below
Figure 28. Fasteners to remove from the top of the shroud