Here's the current status:
As I mentioned in the update above I reset every connector (including all in the clone machine). Second time around I got better results, but still not there: 2 green lights on the controller, but I get a brief (about 2 secs) of a green, then turns red, [led on back of machine].
The ethernet connection flashes blue. For grins, I plugged it into my router; but not seen by router.
Hmmmm... Try this.
Connect the 24 PIN ATX.
There will be 2 EPS plugins. 1st one needs to be the 8pin in EPS_1 and the 4x4pin in EPS_2
Now plug in the 6+2 PIN PCI-E cables into the 1 and 2 spot ONLY.
Now turn it on and see if you can pull up the menu.
When I tried adding more than 2 PCI power spots it was giving me the same errors.
Good Luck
Thanks, your input + Bit-Tech got me to a great power up point... Now I'm trying to configure VIA laptop---which is pretty consistent with Avalon experience so far (i.e. not working).... So this is what I'm doing:
Following the Avalon user guide to set connect ethernet between laptop and Avalon; set laptop ip to 192.168.0.101, then http into 192.168.0.100
No joy, cannot connect to 192.168.0.100 (so, WTF?)
I've been around computers all my life... and I'll say this is.... "Humbling"