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Troubleshooting
5
5.2. System Problems
5.2.1.DROPPING CHAMBER
It is extremely important that all dropping chamber systems (dropper
servo, vacuum, etc.) operate properly to achieve the best results possible. Table 5-
1 lists problems related to the dropping along with possible solutions.
Problem
Solution
Dropping chamber will not drop
Travel lock engaged
Controller not initiated
Current at portable ion pump power
increases after each drop.
Ferrofluidic rotary feedthrough
needs to be replaced.
Vacuum level (ion pump current)
consistently high.
This can be caused by a small leak
in the dropping chamber (usually
at an O-ring seal). Also, the ion
pump may need to be replaced.
Leak check the dropping chamber.
If no leaks are found, replace the
ion pump. The life of the Ion Pump
is rated as 20,000 hours at 1 x 10
-6
torr (continuous operation).
However, ion pump life is usually
much less if the pump is shut off
and restarted often.
OSC mode does not operate
continuously, and cart drives into
lower spring
Velocity servo needs to be adjusted
Noisy catch.
Catch offset and ramp need to be
adjusted
5-2
Summary of Contents for Micro-g LaCoste FG5
Page 7: ...Table of Figures This Page is Intentionally Blank vii ...
Page 8: ......
Page 13: ...Design Components and Function 2 Figure 2 3 Side view of the dropping chamber 2 3 ...
Page 23: ...Design Components and Function 2 Figure 2 9 The Superspring 2 13 ...
Page 31: ...Design Components and Function 2 Figure 2 12 Rotation Monitor 2 21 ...
Page 32: ...Design Components and Function 2 This Page is Intentionally Blank 2 22 ...
Page 36: ...How to Set Up and Run the FG5 3 Figure 3 1 Superspring Interferometer Setup 3 4 ...
Page 56: ......
Page 59: ...Adjustment and Maintenance 4 4 3 ...
Page 78: ...Adjustment and Maintenance 4 4 22 ...
Page 106: ......
Page 138: ...Checklists and Logs Appendix D Measure gap between two levers near ZPM 9 24 ...
Page 143: ...Checklists and Logs Appendix D This Page is Intentionally Blank 9 29 ...
Page 144: ......