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https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-6396
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-6396
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Preprints
07 Jan 2026
 | 07 Jan 2026
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems (GI).

Diagnostic and Recovery Method for Boot Failure in PC/104-Based Geophysical Resistivity Instruments Following CMOS Configuration Loss: On the ABEM Terrameter SAS-1000/4000 Using the PFM-540I Platform

Gideon Fosu Dwamena and Benjamin Ekow Mensah

Abstract. Boot failures in embedded geophysical instruments frequently arise from the loss of CMOS-retained BIOS parameters, a condition well documented in legacy computing systems that depend on fixed hardware configurations. The ABEM Terrameter SAS-1000/4000 relies on a PC/104 controller (PFM-540I), CompactFlash (CF) storage, and specialized BIOS settings to load its internal firmware. When the CMOS battery depletes, the BIOS reverts to factory defaults that are incompatible with the Terrameter's required hardware profile, resulting in complete boot failure and a black LCD screen. This paper describes a full diagnostic and recovery procedure involving external VGA/PS-2 interfacing, jumper validation, CMOS clearing and manual BIOS reconstruction. The restored system achieved 100% boot success, persistent CF detection and stable BIOS retention across multiple test cycles. The findings provide a validated engineering method for maintaining legacy PC/104-based scientific instruments vulnerable to CMOS configuration loss.

How to cite. Dwamena, G. F. and Mensah, B. E.: Diagnostic and Recovery Method for Boot Failure in PC/104-Based Geophysical Resistivity Instruments Following CMOS Configuration Loss: On the ABEM Terrameter SAS-1000/4000 Using the PFM-540I Platform, EGUsphere [preprint], https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-6396, 2026.
Received: 20 Dec 2025 – Discussion started: 07 Jan 2026
Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
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Gideon Fosu Dwamena and Benjamin Ekow Mensah

Status: open (until 12 Feb 2026)

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Gideon Fosu Dwamena and Benjamin Ekow Mensah
Gideon Fosu Dwamena and Benjamin Ekow Mensah
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Short summary
This research was carried out to understand and fix repeated startup failures in an older geophysical measurement device that became unusable after losing its internal settings. The failures prevented the instrument from starting and showing any information on its screen. We carefully examined the cause, connected external display and input tools, and rebuilt the correct configuration step by step. After recovery, the instrument started correctly every time and reliably kept its settings.
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