COMPUTRAC® FAQ
Question: We have frequent short power outages that abort our tests. What can be done about this?
The Computrac® MAX® 500, 1000, and 2000 series instruments and the CT-3000 have internal batteries
that maintain power to the memory during times the instruments are switched off, or in the case of a mains power failure. This
should prevent the loss of test parameters or stored data in memory should the power fail. However, a test in progress will be
aborted.
These instruments should not be left unplugged for weeks at a time, since the batteries could run down, resulting in the loss of
stored calibration parameters and memory start information. These batteries are replaced by the factory when the instruments
are sent in for annual calibration.
The memory backup battery in the CT-3000 is rated for 10 years of service.
If short power outages are frequent at the installation site, small battery back up Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS systems)
can be obtained from third party suppliers that can provide short term power backup protection and avoid lost test results when
power outages occur.
Question: We have frequent thunderstorms and I am afraid my Computrac® will be fried by a lightning strike. What can
I do to prevent this?
There is no reasonable protection available that can protect instruments from a nearby lightning strike, other than perhaps
turning off and unplugging the instruments during a lightning storm. This also applies to computers and telephone equipment.
Fortunately, most destructive power spikes, whether caused by lightning or switching equipment, can be filtered out by
inexpensive spike and noise protectors or isolation transformers.
Question: My Computrac® sometimes resets when standing idle or in the middle of a test. What should I do?
This behavior is most likely caused either by voltage sags that often occur during periods of high power demand, or by power
line noise. To prevent these problems, first insure that there is a good third wire ground at the electrical outlet your
instrument is plugged into. Running your instrument on a dedicated power line can reduce the noise that appears on the power
line. Noise and spike filters are a relatively inexpensive way to clean up the power that the instrument sees. Finally, in
severe cases, isolation transformers can solve most noise and spike power problems.
If the problem is low voltage, power conditioners can be purchased which condition the voltage to within acceptable limits.
Tap switching technology is preferred to constant voltage transformers in this application, since the large difference in
power demand by the instruments when the heaters switch on and off will cause CV transformers to run hot.
Question: How should I pack my Computrac® instrument to send in for repair?
Your instrument should be packed in its original shipping container to insure it arrives safely. If you no longer have the
shipping carton, please contact AZI and we can send you another one.
Question: How many tests can I run with a bottle septum on my CT-3000 before replacing the septum?
The septa are usable for 4 or 5 tests before they need to be replaced.
Question: What should I do about low weight tests on my Computrac® MAX® 2000, 1000, or 500?
Perform a 20 gram balance calibration and run your weight test again.
Question: The pan support on my new Computrac® Max® doesn't turn in the balance like it did in
my old MAX® 50.
The balance in the MAX® 2000 and MAX® 1000 is more sensitive than the ones in the older
instruments. The pan support pin fits into the balance more tightly and should not be spun. In fact, the pan support
stem is designed to break if excessive force is applied in order to avoid a much more expensive balance repair charge.
Question: Can I use the same test temperature on my product on the MAX® 2000 and MAX® 1000
instruments as I do on my MA and MAX® 50s?
The new instruments are designed with more accurate temperature control circuits with calibration directly traceable to
NIST. The temperature at which the instrument test results will calibrate to a standard method is typically 10 to 15
degrees lower than that of the older instruments.
Question: How often should my Computrac® instruments be calibrated?
The balance calibration procedure for the MAX® 2000 and MAX® 1000 should be performed once
per week, whenever an instrument is moved, or whenever a problem is suspected. The temperature calibration procedure
can be run once per month on the MAX® 2000, or whenever a verify test fails. The MAX® 1000
should be returned to the factory for yearly temperature calibration.