TARGAS-1 Operation Manual V. 1.02
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Routine System Checks Before Starting
The TARGAS-1 is designed to operate with minimal maintenance. The basic routine system checks are
as follows:
•
Absorber Columns -
Check the absorber columns on the back and make sure that they are
properly seated in the correct location (See Back of TARGAS-1 on page 22). You should
periodically lubricate all O-rings associated with the columns (black end caps) with silicone
grease to ensure good seal and to avoid problems associated with cracks and leaks. Also ensure
that the gray foam filters are in good shape and replace when worn.
•
Desiccants -
Check the condition of each desiccant to ensure that they are fresh. Pay special
attention to the soda lime and molecular sieve which visually do not change color like the Drierite.
If you are unsure then you should replace all desiccants to ensure stability and calibration.
•
Zero -
. If the Zero reading in the upper right hand corner of display is 20% or lower you should
change it. Pay special attention to the Molecular Sieve desiccant as this is non-indicating and if
unsure change it out with fresh Molecular Sieve. Reset the absorber column life after replacing
the Molecular Sieve. See Reset Zero Absorber on page 57.
•
rb (boundary layer resistance) and RS Factor –
Make sure both are set properly for your
leaf cuvette and vegetation type.
•
Cuvette Flow rate and Sample rate –
For most plant types and when the chamber head is filled
with vegetation we recommend a cuvette flow rate of 250 cc/min and sample flow rate of 150
cc/min. Cuvette flow rate and sample flow rate can be adjusted by the user as required and
usually based on leaf area and biological state of the plant.
•
System Power -
Make sure that the heart symbol is flashing in the upper left hand corner after
the instrument is powered on. Also check the battery capacity next to the heart to ensure that you
have plenty of power to get you through your measurements. We recommend that you keep the
charger connected to the TARGAS-1 during warm-up to save on battery life.
•
USB Flash Drive –
You must
make sure that you have a USB flash drive (also commonly
referred to as a memory stick or thumb drive) plugged into the USB Memory port on the
TARGAS-1 console for data storage.
If you do not have this you will be unable to save data
and it will have to be recorded manually.
•
Status
– Inspect periodically for error messages/warnings
AND DO NOT IGNORE THEM
. They
are appearing for a reason.
