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Fluorophos® ALP Test System Model FLM300 Service Manual
Chapter 3
Troubleshooting
Problems with the performance of the FLM300 may be
caused by one or more of the following factors:
• Improper sample preparation
• An error during testing
• An instrument failure
Before performing any service repairs, the user should
turn the instrument o and then back on after a short
delay (the FLM300 stabilizes for 15 minutes after being
turned on); this power o reset will re-initialize the
software and may correct what appears to be a serious
problem. The user should also repeat any test that
displays an error message or gives an inconsistent
reading.
The troubleshooting guides in this manual are divided
into two sections: an error message chart and a
hardware flowchart.
• The error message chart lists messages displayed on
the screen, indicates why the instrument is displaying
the error message, and oers reasons for the problem
and possible ways to remedy it. Error messages are
often the result of improper testing or contaminated
samples and reagents. However, error messages that
repeat after several re-tests may also indicate a
hardware problem.
• The troubleshooting table lists a particular instrument
failure, and oers a series of checks to determine
where the problem is located. Each symptom begins
with simple checks and then proceeds to more
complex checks. If one check passes, the
troubleshooter should continue down to the next
check. If the check fails, the directions under
“Remedy” explain what needs to be done to correct
the problem.
3.1 Sample Illumination LED Test
Check to see that the sample illumination LED is on by
opening the cuvette door. Lift the excitation filter
assembly, marked “ALP” to the right side of the optical
bench, out of its slot. Start A/D Test mode, and there
should be light in the filter assembly’s slot. If this light is
not visible, remove the instrument cover and check the
connections to the LED PCB.
3.2 Emission Filter/Shutter Test
With the A/D test mode still running, place the black
body calibration aid in the sample chamber. Close the
sample door. The FLU count should be 300 ± 10. Open
the sample door and remove the black body calibration
aid. The FLU count should increase in response to room
and LED light. If the FLU count does not change in
response to the light changes, the emission filter, the
shutter mechanism, and the PMT connections should be
checked.
3.3 Excitation Filter Test
Replace the excitation filter into its slot in the optical
bench, with the “ALP” label facing up. There should be a
faint blue light visible inside the chamber. With the A/D
Test mode still running, close the sample door. The FLU
count should be 300 ± 10. If this reading is not achieved,
the sample chamber may need to be cleaned, or the
excitation filter may need to be replaced. Place a
warmed Daily Instrument Control tube in the sample
chamber, and run the Daily Instrument Control Adjust
from the SETUP menu. If the FLU count is not
approximately 602 FLU, make the adjustment, and start
A/D mode again to verify a 602 FLU reading. If the
instrument is unable to read 602 FLU after the
adjustment, the excitation filter may need to be replaced.
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