Self-Test Mode

I just received an AX3500 controller from my professor for a robotics project, and I've been trying to connect it to my laptop, but I can't even seem to get Self-Test Mode to work correctly. I should just need to hold the setup button while I'm connecting the power, correct? I shouldn't need any other connections to the controller for the purposes of this test?
<BR>The controller just displays an "8" or sometimes just a random set of lines on the LED, and the display never seems to change. Is this a clear indication that the controller is not working, or could there be some other issue (such as a power issue)?

Thanks for the help.

If the controller displays a solid 8, this normally indicates an undervoltage condition.

Connect the controller to the PC and see if you can get it to communicate.

The PC utility will give you a lot of insight into the controller for diagnostics.