Campbell Scientific CR6 CR6 Measurement and Control System - Page 471
Troubleshooting
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10. Troubleshooting If a system is not operating properly, please contact a Campbell Scientific application engineer for assistance. When using sensors, peripheral devices, or telecommunication hardware, look to the manuals for those products for additional help. Note If a Campbell Scientific product needs to be returned for repair or recalibration, a Return Materials Authorization (p. 3) number is first required. Please contact a Campbell Scientific application engineer for the required information and procedures. 10.1 Essential Tools • Multimeter (combination volt meter and resistance meter). Inexpensive ($20.00) meters are useful. The more expensive meters have additional modes of operation that are useful in some situations. • Cell phone with contact information for Campbell Scientific application engineers. • Product documentation in a reliable format and easily readable at the installation site. Sun glare, dust, and moisture often make electronic media difficult to use and unreliable. 10.2 Error Sources Data acquisition systems are complex, the possible configurations endless, and permutations mind boggling. Nevertheless, by using a systematic approach using the principle of independent verification, the root cause of most errors can be determined and remedies put into effect. Errors are indicated by multiple means, a few of which actually communicate using the word 'error.' Things that indicate a closer look should be taken include: • Error • NAN • INF • wildly fluctuating measurements • measurements out-of-range These occur in different forms and in different places. A key concept in troubleshooting is the concept of independent verification, which is use of outside references to verifty the function of dis-function of a component of the system. For example, a very good place to start looking for trouble is in the data produced by the system. At the root, you must be able to look at the data and determine if it falls within a reasonable range. For example, consider an application measuring photosynthetic photon flux (PPF). PPF ranges from 0 (dark) to about 2000 µmoles m--2 s--1. If the measured value is less than 0 or greater than 2000, an error is probably being introduced somewhere in the system. If the measured value is 1000 at noon under a clear summer sky, an error is probably being introduced somewhere in the system. Error sources usually fall into one or more of the following categories: 471