Computrac^®Jerome^®

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.

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.

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 ensure 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I often operate my Jerome^® 431X or 631X instrument in locations where I don't have quick access to mains power and need to regenerate the sensor. Is there anything I can do about this?

The option board can be installed and used with the AZI DC-AC power inverter kit. This kit includes a power inverter that allows the 115 VAC that is required for sensor regeneration to be generated from a 12VDC source, such as an auto battery. The option board switches a relay on an interface board plugged into the communication port that switches the AC inverter on. The inverter supplies the AC power needed for sensor regeneration.

There are two fuse holders inside my 411. What is the value of these fuses?

These are 250VAC 1 A slow blow fuses for 115 VAC power (250VAC .5A slow blow fuses for 230VAC power.) Do not separate both fuse holders at the same time. One circuit is for AC power and one is for DC. If both holders are taken apart, it would be very easy to switch the wires, plugging the AC and DC circuits together, and possibly causing damage to your instrument. If you take a fuse holder apart, check the fuse and replace it before checking the other one.

How do I know if my Jerome^® instrument is giving me the right numbers?

A functional test kit is available from AZI for testing the calibration of your Jerome^® Mercury analyzers, and a functional test module for your Jerome^® H2S analyzers. You can use these any time you wish to verify that your instrument is reading correctly.

Do I need to re zero my Jerome^® Instrument after every test?

No, the Zero should only be adjusted after a sensor regeneration.

How long should I wait after a sensor regeneration before I start taking samples?

You should normally wait 30 minutes after a sensor regeneration. If there is an emergency, you can zero the sensor immediately and run a test.

How often should I perform a film heat (sensor regeneration)?

Do this procedure before beginning to use the instrument, any time the sensor becomes saturated during use, and at the end of the day, before storing the instrument.

The sensor status of my instrument does not return to zero after a sensor regeneration.

This is normal behavior and does not indicate a problem. It is a result of changing resistance in sensor and reference with changes in temperature.

How often should my Jerome^® 411, 431, 631 instruments be calibrated?

Once a year, or whenever indicated by testing with the functional test kit or functional test module.

How often should my Jerome^® 860 be calibrated?

Your Jerome^® 860 should be calibrated before each use and whenever the battery pack is changed. It should also be calibrated every year by technicians at AZI or at an authorized AZI distributor. For your convenience, a calibration kit is available from AZI. If you choose to use an alternate calibration gas source, please check with AZI engineers first to ensure that it will be compatible with your instrument. Alternate calibration gas mixes and manufacturing processes may contaminate your sensor.

My Jerome^® 860 won't hold a calibration, what should I do?

If you have any problems with the instrument holding a calibration, you should return it to AZI or to an authorized AZI distributor for evaluation and repair. Before returning it to AZI, please obtain an RMA number either by phoning our customer service department at 1-800-528-7411 (toll free in the U.S.) or +1-602-470-1414, or submit a Return Materials Authorization request.

Can I replace the battery pack in my Jerome^® 860?

We prefer that you let AZI change the battery pack for you. This service is included in your yearly factory calibration. Since the battery pack is designed to last for at least a year, you shouldn't ever need to change it yourself. Due to UL intrinsic safety regulations, if you choose to change the battery pack yourself, you must purchase a battery pack from AZI that has been manufactured specifically for your Jerome^® 860. We will include instructions on how to change the battery pack when it is shipped.

Can I replace the sensor in my Jerome^® 860?

No, the sensor must be changed by the technicians at AZI or at an authorized AZI distributor.

I can't turn off my Jerome^® 860, what should I do?

If you are in "LOGGING" mode you will need to disable logging first. Go to "LOG" on the main menu then go to "ENABLE" and choose "NO". Now, escape back to the main menu and hold the "OFF" button for three seconds. Your instrument should now be turned off.