Halma ALICAT BC Series, Operating Manual

Page: 29 / 31

29 Troubleshooing
Troubleshooting
If you run into trouble with installation or operation, get in touch with support (see page 2 ).
Issue: The analog output signal indicates values lower than expected.
Action: Analog signal voltage degrades over long distances. You can minimize this effect
by using wires with a heavier gauge, especially in the ground wire.
Issue: I dropped my instrument. Is it OK? Do I need to recalibrate?
Action: If the instrument turns on and appears to respond normally, then it is likely OK. It
may or may not need recalibration. To verify, tare the instrument (see page 14 )
and compare it against a known good flow standard.
Issue: The live flow readings won’t settle down.
Action: The instrument is very fast, so it can detect subtle variations in flow that may go
unnoticed by your other instruments. This sensitivity can help detect problems
with pumps or flow controllers. You can lessen this sensitivity by increasing the
flow averaging (see page 20 ). Adjust the pgain and igain settings to tune the
setpoint algorithm (see page 13 ).
Issue: My controller won’t reach its setpoint.
Action : This is often caused by insufficient supply pressure. Increase the inlet pressure.
If increasing the pressure doesn’t help, check for clogs in the line or ports. Teflon
tape can often get stuck in the flow channel and block flow. Clean out any loose
Teflon tape. As noted on page 6 , never tape the first two threads entering the
instrument to help avoid this issue.
Issue: My flow readings are negative.
Action: Negative flow readings under no flow conditions can indicate a poor tare. Set a
zero setpoint to see if the flow returns to 0 after 2 seconds. If using a controller,
ensure that autotare is enabled and give the controller a zero setpoint for at least
2 seconds.
Issue: Can I put the flow controller on top of a vibrating instrument? Will it be accurate?
Action: Yes you can. However, sensor noise will increase if the flow controller is vibrating.
Issue: My flow readings won’t change when flow changes.
Action: If the flow readings won’t change regardless of actual flow, the flow sensor may be
damaged. Please contact support to troubleshoot (see page 2 ).
Issue: Can I use the controller with other gases?
Action : Your BASIS 2 flow controller is designed specifically to work with 9 preloaded gases
(see page 15 ).
Issue: I can’t communicate with the instrument when it is connected to my PC.
Action : 1. Make sure the baud rate for your software, COM port, and flow controller
match.
2. Check the flow controller unit ID to make sure you are addressing it properly
with your serial commands.
3 . Check the pinout (see page 6 ).
4 .Make sure the COM number matches the one your software is using to connect
to the flow controller.
5 . On the external serial communications instrument (computer, PLC, etc.), be
sure that the flow control (handshaking) settings are correct.
Still experiencing issues? Please contact support (see page 2) .