New User Request for AC4040 Support. Fan not running and test photos with no data

I purchased an AC4040 pro system in 2022. I kept the order in the shipping box until this summer when my observatory was finally constructed and I proceeded to install the mount and OTA. I unboxed the AC4040 (serial #22112501) AFW-10 and SC-3. I updated my installation of MaximDL Pro 7.2.1, installed the camera drivers and updated camera firmware to v17. I have tried to bench test the camera alone and with the AFW-10 and SF-3 assembled on three occasions,. Connections to the cameras and filter wheel are stable and appear to function with 2 exceptions:

1. The fan worked intermittently a few times during the first two testing periods , but has now stopped working- in either auto mode or when setting any speed. While the cooler will cool the sensor to the setpoint, this leads to high heat sink temperatures.

2. All attempts at test exposures appear to work and download, but they are devoid of signal and noise, regardless of readout mode. I've uploaded an example test photo

 

Thank you for responding so quickly Colin. I did not open the shipping box until recently. There was no damage to the shipping packaging, nor to any of the interior packaging. The camera was still sealed in the foam lined carrying case and in the original plastic bag until I started the inspection and assembly about 2 weeks ago, so I don't think anything could have gotten into the fan.
I have been extremely careful handling the assembled system, so the camera exterior is undamaged. The fan blades turn freely. The fan was running smoothly yesterday for a period of time in auto speed mode. But it didn't sound like it was always running when the camera was powered up.

I did have one software hangup occur during yesterday's testing where Mamin DL stopped responding and I used Task manager to close the program while still connected to the equipment.. Any chance this could be a cause for the fan.to stop working- like corrupted software/firmware that doesn't prompt an error message?

Regarding the images, I guess I expected a fully saturated image to appear white instead of completely dark on the Maxim DL screen, and show something on the exposure histogram. It's a relief to learn I was wrong. I initially tried 0.5 sec exposures and then increased the exposure time trying to get something on my PC screen. I have not tried taking dark or bias frame images.

I will complete the RMA. Thank you for your time and attention!

 

Thanks again Colin- I've already received a reply with RMA information from Tim. In retrospect, as a new user I should have reached out ahead of time for preliminary start up advice and guidance. I've read all of the manuals for set up andinstallation but really didn't know what to expect, or how to interpret the data.

 

I can top that even. I've had the CDK-14 and L-350 mount in their crates for nearly 5 yrs waiting for the observatory. My original goal was to retire, relocate to a darker site and build, but those plans kept getting put on hold. I finally decided to build where I am this year and not delay any more. It doesn't count for much, but I just paid off the loan I took from my 401k to purchase the AC4040 system!