I had SSH access and was able to access the diag menus successfully at one point. Then it all went wrong.
I would say the device is "Stuck" in debug mode.
Well the screen remains as in the image. When I hold the power button in for 20 seconds, eventually the amber light goes out. When I release the button, the amber light re-lights and nothing else happens. I used the CD and upgraded the firmware as directed but it seems it ruined the Kindle
Ok so you say "Serial cable time." what and how?
I have the USB lead in, but the PC doesn't recognise it.