problem solved
Hi folks, spent a few hours cleaning plugs, checking multicable for shorts and found a cure for this meterless unit. Plugged the control panel into the rear remote location and it worked-didn't forget about the front/rear switch either. Looks like the front control plug is faulty but, no problem, the light show works and we're tracking. Awesome, smooth, quite running unit, much more civilized than my old Tascam 80-8, now if I can find a manual or someone who can make me a copy.