4 • Troubleshooting
Doc. 031644-02 9/03
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Bandwidth is too narrow
Select a wider sample bandwidth and reference bandwidth, if appropriate for
the application. For guidelines when selecting the sample and reference
bandwidths, see Section 3.4.
•
Flow cell cover, lamp cover, or front panel is missing
Optical components are sensitive to temperature and light. Do not operate the
PDA-100 unless the flow cell cover, lamp cover, and front panel are in place.
•
Crimped or plugged tubing
Over time, tubing may become pinched off and plugged. Periodically check
all tubing and replace as needed (see Section 5.1).
•
Flow cell installed incorrectly
Be sure the cell is inserted straight into the optical bench and is fully seated
(see Section B.4.2).
•
Inappropriate rise time
In general, the rise time should be approximately 25% of the peak width at
half-height of the narrowest peak of interest. See Section 3.4 for more
information.
•
Detector exposed to high vibration
Optical detectors are sensitive to vibrations. Make sure the PDA-100
installation site is vibration-free.
•
Filter paddle has malfunctioned
The filter paddle is tested during the autozero routine. If the software displays
an error message that the filter paddle test failed, remove the flow cell, check
that at least one lamp is on, and then autozero the detector. If the error
message appears again, contact Dionex Technical Support for assistance.