Discussion Category:  FT-IR Spectrophotometers

Error In System Suitability Check Report

Good Day,

When i run the instrument system suitability test, the report shows the message: "return to endstop timed out, Fatal scan error" for Background, Abscissa Check, Throughput check, and Contamination check.

Pls, how do I go about the problem?

Thanks.

 

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Asked by

FT-IR Sol
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cprice

Did you find an answer to this? I am having the same issue. Thanks.

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BerriditReply by
Berridit
This message will generally mean that there's an issue with the scan mechanism. It could mean that the laser has either failed, or may need adjusting. Close down the Spectrum software, then find the Monitor.exe program in the PerkinElmer/ Service or folder. Run this and check the laser energy value, which ideally should be around 1200.
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cprice

Thank you for your quick response!

The laser looks fine, it is reading ~1311.

The IR energy is giving me "ErrLow". There is no interferogram. The initialization check doesn't say there is anything wrong with the source, but I'm wondering if in fact the source is the problem?

 

Capri

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BerriditReply by
Berridit
So, it's possible that the IR detector is faulty. Are you ok opening up the instrument? Another possibility is that the PCB controlling the scan motor isn't working. This can be verified by opening the instrument from the front, switching on the instrument with the lid open and watching to see if the moving coil on the top of the interferometer is moving. Also, while the lid is up, at the back left corner you can see if the IR source is glowing.
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cprice

I don't have a problem opening the instrument, but I can't figure out how to defeat the interlock so that'll turn back on?

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BerriditReply by
Berridit
Sorry, with the lid up, if you put your hand over the back of the power supply on the right back corner, you will either see or feel a white interlock switch. Like an end of a pen. Pull this out or away from you.
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BerriditReply by
Berridit
Sorry, with the lid up, if you put your hand over the back of the power supply on the right back corner, you will either see or feel a white interlock switch. Like an end of a pen. Pull this out or away from you. If it's easier, I can give you my number so you can WhatsApp me?
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cprice

Sure, if that's easier. Thanks for your help! The source is glowing but the coil never moved. 

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BerriditReply by
Berridit
Ok, so if the coil isn't rotating, then the small PCB next to the laser and could may be faulty. When turned in the system will initialise the motors, then try to scan and align. If it's not moving, then I'm sure it's faulty. My number is +447908408854 if you need further assistance. I was the PE European service specialist for IR products for 14 years.
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cprice

Thanks very much for the help. I'll contact Perkin to see how much a replacement for that board would be. It doesn't visually look bad, but who knows. Right now I have to head out- COVID restrictions- only allowed in the lab for certain hours.

Thanks again!

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