29-0047-78 AC 04-2014
11
3. TROUBLESHOOTING
Detailed in the table below are the most common faults found whilst using our
spectrophotometers
Instrument
Problem
Possible causes
Ultrospec 10
A flashing Absorbance reading of 2.00 Abs is
obtained.
This indicates an Absorbance of more than
1.99 and is therefore out of range. The
sample needs to be diluted.
Ultrospec 10
REF is displayed when T is pressed.
The instrument has not been zeroed
before a sample measurement has been
attempted.
All instruments
A negative reading is obtained.
In normal measurements the test sample
has a positive Absorbance compared to that
of the Reference. Negative readings will be
obtained if the Reference and Test cuvettes
are mixed up.
All instruments
Unexpected results are obtained.
Any bubbles in solution will produce
considerable error.
All instruments
Absorbance values higher than expected.
Possible issue with optical alignment.
Contact service support.
All instruments
Absorbance values lower than expected.
Check sample cuvette filled to 20 mm from
base of cuvette.
Possible stray light issue. Contact service
support.
All cuvette models
Instrument will not zero.
Cuvette placed in wrong orientation, Wrong
cuvette material used for wavelength.
Novaspec III
Error code 001 symbol .
Lamp needs changing.
Novaspec III
Error code 006 symbol .
Pixel clock too high. Instrument needs
optical alignment. Contact service support.
Novaspec III
Error code Flashing number!
Wavelength accuracy failure. Instrument
needs optical alignment. Contact service
support.
Novaspec plus
X against Lamp on initialisation screen.
Lamp needs changing.
Novaspec plus
X against Wavelength calibration on
initialisation screen.
Check sample beam is clear when
instrument switched on.
Novaspec plus
- against all calibration items on
initialisation screen.
Instrument needs optical realignment or
reprogramming. Contact service support.
GeneQuant 100/1300,
Ultrospec 2100,
Ultrospec 7000/8000/9000
Poor reproducibility on DNA concentration
and purity measurements.
Wrong cuvette being used – not a 15 mm
beam height or wrong material – not letting
UV light pass through.
Background correction mode not switched
on.
Measured Absorbance too low, should be
>0.1 A for accurate results.
GeneQuant 100/1300,
Ultrospec 2100,
Ultrospec 7000/8000/9000
Instrument fails start up calibration check.
Check sample and reference beams are
clear when instrument switched on.
GeneQuant 100/1300, Ultrospec
2100/7000/8000/9000 report failure
message to service support.
