PAX A920 System Recovery Troubleshooting - Solar Faults | terminalfaults.org

Technical Background:

The Android System Recovery is a failsafe environment. Boot process interruption can be triggered by corrupted system files, power fluctuations, or holding specific button combinations during startup. Signal attenuation in the power cable could also cause intermittent power loss, leading to file corruption.

Symptoms:

Device displays 'Android System Recovery' screen. Normal boot process is interrupted. User reports no intentional initiation of recovery mode.

Possible Causes:

Intermittent power supply from the AC adapter.
Damaged or improperly connected USB-C cable causing data or power corruption.
Unintentional pressing of the volume and power buttons during startup.
Corrupted system files due to previous software update interruption.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) during operation or handling.
Low battery voltage causing instability during boot.

Solution:

1

Safe Handling: Unplug the PAX A920 from the power outlet.
2

Inspect the USB-C cable for any physical damage (fraying, bends, or exposed wires). Replace if damaged.
3

Ensure the USB-C cable is securely connected to both the PAX A920 and the power adapter.
4

Plug the PAX A920 back into the power outlet. Use a different outlet if the problem persists.
5

Attempt a normal boot by pressing the power button. Observe if the device boots successfully.
6

If the device still enters recovery mode, perform a 'Wipe Cache Partition' from the recovery menu (using volume buttons to navigate and power button to select). This does not erase user data.
7

If the issue continues after clearing the cache partition, a 'Factory Reset' from the recovery menu may be required. Note: This will erase all data on the device. Only proceed if data backup is available (if applicable/allowed by PCI-DSS). Contact support before factory resetting.

Safety Warning:

Avoid opening the device casing. The PAX A920 is a PCI-PTS device with tamper-evident features. Opening the casing will trigger the tamper protection mechanism and render the device unusable. Static electricity can damage the device. Discharge static electricity by touching a grounded metal object before handling the device, particularly in dry environments. Ensure the power outlet is properly grounded.

Prevention:

Implement the following measures to minimize future occurrences:
• Secure the USB-C cable to prevent strain and accidental disconnections.
• Ensure stable power supply to the device.
• Train staff to avoid pressing buttons during startup.
• Implement regular device cleaning to minimize ESD risks, especially during dry/winter months.

Expert Tip:

Try booting the device without the battery installed (if possible, by simply letting the battery drain completely after unplugging and waiting an hour). Then, plug it back into the power adapter and attempt to boot. This can sometimes clear corrupted boot flags. Some PAX devices enter recovery mode if the battery is very low and then charged during boot.

Frequently Asked Questions

•Is the device still under warranty?

Check the warranty status. If under warranty, contact PAX support before attempting any troubleshooting steps beyond basic cable checks and reboots.

•Has the device experienced any recent physical trauma (drops, spills)?

Physical trauma can cause internal component damage leading to boot failures. Escalate for professional repair if physical damage is suspected.

•Are there any error messages displayed in the recovery menu?

Record any error messages for technical support. Error codes can provide clues to the underlying cause of the failure.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•Is the device still under warranty?

•Has the device experienced any recent physical trauma (drops, spills)?

•Are there any error messages displayed in the recovery menu?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: