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.
Don’t let this happen to you!
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.
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