4 • Troubleshooting
Doc. 031644-02 9/03
4-3
•
A 10BASE-T DX-LAN cable (P/N 960281) must be connected
between the Ethernet hub (P/N 056909) and the
DX-LAN
connector
on the host computer’s internal DX-LAN interface card.
•
Detector and/or control panel not connected to timebase
Add the PDA-100 control panel to a software timebase.
4.3
Noisy Baseline
•
Mobile phase or post-column reagent contains light-absorbing impurities
Prepare all mobile phases and reagents with spectro-grade solvents, reagent-
grade chemicals, and ASTM Type I (or better) filtered, deionized water.
•
Leaking fittings
Locate the source of the leak. Tighten (or replace) all liquid line connections.
If the connections are made with Dionex ferrule fittings, refer to
Installation
of Dionex Ferrule Fittings
for tightening requirements.
•
Insufficient time for system equilibration after turning on lamp(s) or
after changing mobile phase strength or composition
The lamps usually require 20 to 30 minutes to stabilize. For sensitive
applications work or for detector validation, allow at least 2 hours for the
lamps to stabilize. After installing a new lamp, allow from 8 to 24 hours for
the lamp to stabilize.
After changing mobile phases, allow 20 to 30 column volumes for the system
to stabilize.
If the noise is synchronized with the pump stroke, the piston seal or check
valves may need cleaning. Refer to the pump user’s manual for instructions.
•
Strongly-retained components from previous analysis are slowly eluting
To elute strongly-retained species, use a stronger mobile phase. Re-equilibrate
with the standard mobile phase before resuming routine operation.
Clean the column as instructed in the column manual. If the problem persists,
refer to the column manual for troubleshooting guidance.
When using 10BASE-T cabling, always install an Ethernet hub. If you
simply plug the 10BASE-T cable from the PDA-100 into the connector
on the host computer’s DX-LAN card, the connection will not work.
