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LaMotte DC1100 Colorimeter Trouble Shooting Guide |
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Problem |
Action |
Check |
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Meter won't come on. |
Battery? |
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| AC Adapter? | To connect meter to a power source, plug the connector of the AC adapter into the small hole at the back of the meter. Plug large end into an electrical outlet (120V, 60Hz). | |
| AC Wall Outlet? | Verify power source. | |
| Contact LaMotte for return authorization. | Return to LaMotte for repair. | |
|
Comes on, but the readings drift |
Are instrument grade reagents being used? | Obtain instrument grade reagents. |
| Are there suspended solids in sample? | Filter both blank and sample (after reaction). NOTE: Do not use filtered blank for sample reaction. | |
| Do readings drift up scale? | Bring samples to room temperature. | |
| Readings drift down scale with cold sample? | Check for sample tube fogging, let sample equilibrate to room temperature. | |
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Suspect Calibration. |
Will meter blank? (zero) | If no, see below |
| Are instrument grade reagents being used? | Obtain instrument grade reagents. | |
| How old are the reagents? | Contact LaMotte to verify age. | |
| Check calibration with standards? | How old is the standard? | |
| Is class "A" volumetric glassware being used to make up the standards? | If not, obtain and see Standard Methods. | |
| Verify standard with alternate test method? | Run alternate test on standard. | |
| Verify with another meter? | Check other meter calibrations. | |
| Contact LaMotte for return authorization. | Return for Calibration check. | |
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Meter won't zero |
Sample tubes free of dirt & scratches? | Check & replace if necessary. |
| Sample tubes clean? | Clean tubes often with soap and a test tube brush. Do not leave reacted samples in tubes, staining may occur. | |
| Possible internal meter components subjected to moisture? | Always dry tubees before inserting. Examine tube chamber for visible moisture or chemical stains. If yes, remove 4 screws from back, split case & dry with hair dryer under low heat (10-15 min). | |
| LED contaminated with dirt and deposits? | Clean square LED and Photodetector w/cotton swab & small amount of window cleaner. EXAMPLE: Windex® | |
| High suspended solids in sample blank? | Filter with coffee filter, or similar, to remove most solids. (Be sure to filter reacted samples as well) NOTE: Do not use filtered blank for sample reaction. | |
| At left of display meter reads 1-w/o samples in chamber | Meter over range? | Contact LaMotte for return authorization & return. |
| At left of display meter reads 1-only with samples in chamber | Meter over range? | Extremely high concentration, dilute sample to see if 1- condition returns to normal condition. |
LaMotte CompanyP.O. Box 329 | 802 Washington Avenue | Chestertown | Maryland | 21620 |
