2021.05.26
•
REV. 1
• DUAL-VALVE PRESSURE CONTROLLER OPERATING MANUAL
21
Troubleshooting
If you run into trouble with your device’s installation or operation, please get in touch with us by phone, chat, or email
). You’ll also find help on our website,
alicat.com/support
, and in the pages that follow.
General Use
Issue:
My device does not turn on or has trouble staying on.
Action:
Check power and ground connections. Please reference the technical specifications to assure you have the proper
power for your model.
Issue:
The buttons do not work, and the screen shows
LCK
.
Action:
The device buttons were locked out via a serial command. Press and hold all four outer buttons to unlock the interface.
Issue:
I can’t read the display easily.
Action:
During the day, you can increase the visibility of the display by increasing the contrast or brightness (
).
For monochrome displays under low-light conditions, push the logo button located below the display to turn on the
backlight (
).
Issue:
The analog output signal indicates values lower than what appears on my instrument’s display.
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:
How often do I need to calibrate my device?
Action:
Annual recalibrations are recommended. Check your device’s last calibration date by selecting
MENU
→
ABOUT
→
About Device
. If it is time to recalibrate, request a recalibration at
or get in touch with support
(
Issue:
I dropped my device. Is it OK? Do I need to recalibrate?
Action:
If it turns on and appears to respond normally, then it is probably OK. It may or may not need a recalibration. Give it a
tare, and compare it against a pressure standard you know is accurate. If it checks out, keep using it, but tell us about
the drop at your next annual recalibration so we can check it out for you.
Issue:
How can I see pressure in different units?
Action:
From the main menu, select
SETUP
→
Sensor
→
Engineering Units
. For more information, see (
).
Pressure Readings
Issue:
My controller won’t reach its setpoint.
Action:
You must ensure that there is enough supply pressure to reach the setpoint. If increasing the pressure doesn’t help,
check to see if there is a clog. Teflon tape can get stuck in the flow channel and block flow. Make sure to clean out
any loose Teflon tape and never tape the first two threads entering the device to help avoid this issue
Issue:
My pressure readings are negative.
Action:
If a negative reading is not expected, your device may need to be tared (
). Ensure pressure is at zero, and
tare it.
Issue:
My pressure readings jump to zero when pressures are low.
Action:
Your device is equipped with a programmable zero band that is preset at the factory. Reduce your deadband threshold
by selecting
SETUP → Sensor → Zero Band
.
Issue:
Does the controller work if it is laying down? Will it be accurate?
Action:
Yes to both for small valve controllers! The pressure controller is internally compensated for many situations, so you
can use it sideways, on its back, or upside-down. For upside-down installations, you may want to rotate the display
180° (
). However, they should be tared again after changing their orientation. Large-valve controllers
(PCRD- and PCRD3-Series) should be operated with the valve cylinder vertical and upright.
Issue:
Can I attach the controller to a vibrating device? Will it be accurate?
Action:
Yes, and yes! The pressure controller is internally compensated for any changes in orientation, including rapid vibrations.
Noise will increase if the pressure controller is vibrating. Large-valve controllers are not recommended for use on
vibrating surfaces.
