Bristol 871A - Appendix D - Instrument Troubleshooting

Model 871A User’s Manual APPENDIX D – TROUBLESHOOTING
Bristol Instruments, Inc. 72
APPENDIX D – INSTRUMENT TROUBLESHOOTING
The 871 Laser Wavelength Meter continually checks the quality of the signal it is
analyzing and alerts the user to unusual conditions that might affect the precision of the
wavelength measurement.
Error Messages
The following table provides a list of error messages and what they mean. If an error
message is displayed, please call Bristol Instruments for additional information and/or
instructions.
Error Message
Description
Laser Not Stable
This indicates that the internal reference laser has not
stabilized yet.
Reference laser
stabilizing!
The reference laser is performing its self-test. Once the
self-test is complete, the instrument is ready for
calibration.
Calibrating
The instrument is currently calibrating.
Calibration failed
The previous requested calibration failed.
Measurements will be discontinued until a valid
calibration is acquired.
Temperature Out of
Bounds
This indicates that the instrument temperature is
outside of the allowed range of 0C to 50C for the
temperature sensor, or that there is a problem with the
sensor. Measurement will continue using the
temperature at the end of the allowed range closest to
the temperature sensor’s reading.
Pressure Out of Bounds
This indicates that the ambient pressure is outside of
the allowed range of 500 to 900 mm Hg, or that there is
a problem with the pressure sensor. Measurement will
continue using the pressure at the end of the allowed
range closest to the pressure sensor’s reading.
Detector signal
saturated
The input light has saturated the detector signal. If
automatic attenuation is on, reduce the input laser
intensity.
Detector signal low
The intensity on the detector is low. Measurements will
continue to be reported but with potential for increased
noise. Consider increasing laser power or decreasing
frame rate.
No signal detected
No interference signal detected. Verify laser parameters
meet instrument specifications.
Wavelength accuracy is
reduced
The instrument has encountered an error with the
interference fringes from the final etalon, and the
instrument will not meet its stated accuracy specification.
Ensure that the input signal is single mode with
bandwidth less than 1 GHz and that the power is not
near the upper or lower bounds of the instrument..