11-1
11.
Service and Troubleshooting
11.1
Preventative Maintenance
Routine maintenance for the BAS 100B consists of making certain that the forced air
cooling systems are cleaned and checked regularly. Forced air is employed for both the
power supply and circuit board enclosure. The cooling air inlet and air filter are located
on the front panel. A routine inspection (perhaps weekly in a dusty area) is required for
the filter. Cleaning is required if the filter has trapped dust and lint on its surface, or is
turning white in color. The filter is not removable for cleaning, but can be easily cleaned
with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a brush accessory. Be sure that the BAS 100B
power switch is off before cleaning so that the internal fans do not pull in dust that is
dislodged during filter cleaning.
If a fan operates in a “sluggish”, “noisy” or abnormal way, then replacement is
recommended.
Periodically examine both internal and external cables and wires for damage to the
insulation or connectors and replace as needed. Periodically check the system for loose
screws, brackets, fans, etc.; tighten as necessary.
11.2
Troubleshooting
When intermittent or unusual problems arise, often they are induced into the BAS 100B
through the environment or power source. Ungrounded or fluctuating electrical power
sources many also cause abnormal operation. Operate your BAS 100B from a power
source that is free from heavy loads or cycling devices such as; refrigerators and ovens.
A major culprit causing BAS 100B malfunction can be the discharge of static into the
unit. Symptoms include aborting of an experiment in mid-run, resetting periodically with
no operator intervention, or an inoperable keyboard. Anytime the unit is doing unusual
starting, stopping, drifting into uncalled responses or commands, static discharge is most
often the problem. The solution is to eliminate it or provide a means to dissipate the
charge. For example, placing the unit on a good static mat should reduce this problem.
This problem is also more prevalent in the winter months when the humidity is low.
Analog electronic devices tend to drift over time (months, years), and so periodically
require recalibration. This typically required that the circuit board(s) be returned to BAS.
In contrast, any problems in the digital circuitry generally leads to catastrophic failure, so
should be obvious.
