31
5. Service Information
5.1 Maintenance
Two regular maintenance operations are recommended for the PI4100.
●Cleaning: Clean the unit’s outside surface with a cloth dampened with water only, not a
solvent, as needed. A mild solvent such as a citrus product may be used for spot cleaning, but do not use
a solvent of any kind on the display window, which is polycarbonate. A brush or vacuum may be used to
remove dust from crevices.
●Battery charging: When not in use the battery slowly discharges itself and its voltage drops.
The voltage must not go below 6.0 V before recharging. Therefore if the 4100 is not used for three
months or more, charge its battery three to four months after the unit was last used, and at three to four
month intervals thereafter until the next use. Experience may show that the maximum time between
charges needs to be reduced as the battery ages. If the battery voltage is allowed to go below 6.0 V before
charging, the charge time may become very long because the charge rate is low until the voltage exceeds
approximately 6 V. For long battery life, store the unit at or somewhat below normal room temperature
and avoid excessive heat (see Sec. 4.4, Battery Information).
5.2 Troubleshooting and repair
●Unit does not operate: If a PI4100 does not respond when its POWER Key is pressed, the
most likely cause is low battery voltage. To check this, open the battery door at the bottom of the panel,
pull the battery out, and measure the battery voltage at its connector using sharp probes. If the voltage is
less than 6.0 the unit will not turn on and the battery must be charged or replaced.
●Operating problems: If a PI4100 or its Data Downloader software appears not to function
properly in any respect, the following course of action is recommended: (1) prepare a written description
of the problem, including all factors and conditions that might be related to the problem; (2) contact the
nearest designated service facility (see Contact information below) with the problem description, in order
to discuss the problem. It will then be decided how to deal with the problem, in consultation with the
factory. It is also possible to contact the factory directly (see Contact information below) with the
problem description in as much detail as possible.
●Repair: The PI 4100 is not considered field repairable, except that some minor repairs and
possibly module replacement can be done at an authorized service facility. Future problems are less
likely when all but the simplest repairs are done at the factory, especially if they involve opening the unit..
See Figure 1, PI 4100 Functional Block Diagram, which depicts the functionality and interrelationship of
the replaceable modules. The Front Panel Switch Matrix, LCD Display, GPS Receiver, and GPS antenna
are purchased third party components. The remaining modules are manufactured by Potomac
Instruments, inc. and their respective schematic diagrams are provided as reduced images in this book but
are also provided as PDF files (for greater viewing detail) on the CD that is supplied with the instrument.
●Repair under warranty: Units that are under warranty should be returned to the factory for
any needed repairs. Potomac Instruments warrants each new equipment to be free of defects in material
and workmanship, for a period of one (1) year after the date of receipt in good operating condition by the
initial customer. Any instrument which is found within one year not to meet the foregoing standards after
examination by our factory, will be repaired or at the option of Potomac Instruments replaced without
charge. This warranty does not apply to equipment which has been altered, improperly handled, or
damaged in any way.
To Next Page
Loading...