Device: Synaccess netBooter NP-0501DU Date: 2025-10-15 Reason: Device in broken state with inverted logic, commands failing
- All outlets report inverted state - Status says OFF when outlets have power
- LEDs don't match reality - LEDs OFF when outlets are powered
- Explicit commands fail -
$A3and$A7commands return$AF(failed) - Only toggle works -
rly=Xcommand works but doesn't fix the state - Web interface locks unchecked - Not a permissions issue
- No configuration options - No settings for relay logic or power states
- ✗ Reboot device - No change
- ✗ Explicit ON/OFF commands (
$A3) - Returns$AF(failed) - ✗ Set all commands (
$A7) - Returns$AF(failed) - ✗ Web interface unlock - Already unlocked
- ✗ Configuration settings - None available
Conclusion: Factory reset is the only remaining option.
From the manual (Part #1291 V4, Page 2):
"To restore the factory default settings, you need to press a push-button switch located on the front panel for 20 seconds."
-
Locate the Reset Button
- Look on the front panel of the device
- Button may be labeled "Rst", "Default", or "Reset"
- Likely recessed (may need a paperclip or pen)
-
Press and Hold
- Press the button with a paperclip/pen
- Hold for 20 seconds
- You may see LEDs flash or change during this time
-
Release and Wait
- Release the button after 20 seconds
- Wait for device to reboot (30-60 seconds)
- All LEDs should go through a boot sequence
-
Verify Reset
- Device will return to default IP: 192.168.1.100
- Your computer must be on 192.168.1.x subnet to access it
- Default credentials: admin / admin
If you need to keep using 192.168.50.x network:
Option A: Use temporary static IP on your computer
- Set your computer to static IP: 192.168.1.50
- Access device at http://192.168.1.100
- Login: admin/admin
- Change device IP back to 192.168.50.224
- Restore your computer's network settings
Option B: Use DHCP on device
- Before reset, configure your DHCP server to assign 192.168.50.224 to the device's MAC
- After reset:
- Shutdown device
- Press reset button while powering on
- Hold for 3 seconds after power on
- Device will boot with DHCP enabled
- Change default password immediately
- Update admin password to your current one
- Configure network settings (IP, subnet, gateway)
After reset, immediately test outlet behavior:
-
Check initial state (all outlets should be OFF after reset)
curl -u admin:admin "http://192.168.1.100/cmd.cgi?\$A5" # Expected: $A0,00000,0.00,XX
-
Turn on ONE outlet via web interface
- Click outlet 1 to turn ON
- Verify LED turns ON ✓
- Verify outlet has POWER ✓ (test with multimeter/load)
-
Check status matches reality
curl -u admin:admin "http://192.168.1.100/cmd.cgi?\$A5" # Expected: $A0,00001,0.XX,XX (bit 4 = 1 for outlet 1)
-
If still inverted → HARDWARE FAULT
- This would indicate a hardware or firmware defect
- Contact Synaccess support
- Consider RMA (return for replacement)
Status Report: $A0,00001,0.15,XX
Outlet 1: LED=ON, Power=ON, Status bit=1 ← All aligned!
- LEDs will match outlet power state
- Status bits will match reality
- Explicit commands (
$A3) will work (no$AFerrors)
Status Report: $A0,00000,0.15,XX
Outlet 1: LED=OFF, Power=ON, Status bit=0 ← Still inverted!
This indicates:
- Hardware defect - Relay wiring issue
- Firmware bug - Deep firmware corruption
- Factory defect - Unit may have left factory in bad state
Action Required: Contact Synaccess support at:
- Website: www.synaccess-net.com/support
- Phone: (928) 257-xxxx (from manual)
- Email: support@synaccess-net.com (likely)
Provide them with:
- Model: NP-0501DU
- Serial number (on device label)
- This test data showing inverted logic
outlet_mapping_results_20251015_131625.json
Before reset, you may want to save current settings:
- Login to web interface
- Look for "Save Settings" or "Backup" option
- Download configuration file
From manual:
Download "synCfg.exe" by visiting www.synaccess-net.com/support Run the program at DOS prompt: "syncfg.exe –h"
Note: Since device is in broken state, saved config may restore the broken state too!
Before or after reset, check for firmware updates:
- Login to web interface
- Look for "System Info" or "About" page
- Note current firmware version
- Visit www.synaccess-net.com/support
- Check for newer firmware for NP-0501DU
- Follow their upgrade instructions
Warning: Firmware upgrade can brick device if interrupted. Ensure stable power!
After reset, run this to verify device is working correctly:
# Test script
source .venv/bin/activate
python test_device_discovery.py
# Should show:
# - Status matches reality
# - LEDs match power state
# - No inverted logicBefore reset:
- Backup any important settings (if possible)
- Note current IP configuration
- Have paperclip/pen ready for button
- Plan network access strategy (temp static IP or DHCP)
After reset:
- Verify device boots (LEDs active)
- Access at 192.168.1.100
- Login with admin/admin
- Test ONE outlet thoroughly
- Verify status matches reality
- If fixed: reconfigure network settings
- If broken: contact Synaccess support
If factory reset doesn't fix the inverted logic:
This device is fundamentally broken and should NOT be used in production:
- Safety hazard (can't trust status)
- Unreliable automation
- Potential equipment damage
Options:
- Return/RMA - Get replacement unit
- Use as-is - Build software workaround (not recommended for production)
- Replace - Buy different PDU model
My recommendation: If reset doesn't fix it, pursue RMA/replacement. Don't build automation around a broken device.
Last Updated: 2025-10-15 Status: Ready for factory reset attempt