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8 Maintenance and care of the VS+
8.1 General
Attempts to dismantle or repair the VS+ and accessories can be hazardous and costly if attempted by untrained
personnel. Unauthorised attempts to carry out maintenance work on the equipment will void all warranty cover.
Maintenance carried out by the operator should be restricted to the cleaning and inspection of external surfaces,
lens windows and operating controls.
In addition, you should carry out regular functional testing of the system. Detect and report damage, malfunctions
or poor performance to Carlson or a local Carlson representative.
Arrange a yearly calibration for your VS+ system to ensure that it is kept in optimum condition and to ensure the
highest possible quality of data.
A troubleshooting guide which outlines some of the most common support questions is included in the
accompanying
Carlson Scan
software manual. For other issues, contact Carlson for further assistance.
8.2 In use
Avoid directing the VS+ laser towards the sun or other high-power infrared light sources.
Avoid mechanical shock.
Avoid manually moving the scan head, either horizontally or vertically, as this can strain the mechanics within the
probe.
Ensure the boom or other mounting system is securely set up and on stable ground to avoid the instrument being
disturbed or knocked over. When moving from one instrument set-up to another, always detach the VS+ from the
boom or tripod and carry the two items separately.
The internal battery in the VS+, as well as the optional battery pack, benefits from being kept fully charged and
receiving steady use. Recharging the battery after a short period of use will not affect its performance or life
expectancy.
Inspect and check the probe and accessories for wear, tear and damage after each use.
Always clean and dry the equipment after use. See below for details.
8.3 Cleaning the VS+
Always ensure that the VS+ and all accessories are thoroughly cleaned and dried before packing them in the transit
case after a deployment.
Use clean water to remove mud, grit and other materials from the main body of the probe after use. Do not immerse
the VS+ in water. The VS+ is rated IP65: it is dust-tight and protected against high pressure water spray from all
directions, but not against submersion.
For further cleaning of the VS+ metalwork and side panels, Carlson recommends that you use a product such as
Amberclens anti-static foam cleaner. If this is not available then use a generic, mild dishwashing liquid diluted in
warm water (0.001%, i.e. 1 ml for every litre of water). Do not use paint solvents or any other personal, laundry, or
household cleaning detergents as they may contain chemicals that could corrode seals in the VS+. Apply the diluted
detergent with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.
