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Overview of the AST 8800 chamber controller, highlighting its advanced features and ease of use.
Lists the essential components needed for the AST 8800 to operate.
Details on how to use the AST 8800's touch screen interface for operation.
Explains the file management capabilities using standard Windows dialog boxes.
Describes the various file types used by the AST 8800 system.
Instructions on how to use the Export Data Wizard to export program and log files.
Overview of the main screen components and their functions.
Details the function of each action button available at the top of the screen.
Explains how to assign and use user-defined quick navigation buttons.
Describes the function of each button located on the right side of the screen.
Guide on how to manage access levels and set passwords for the AST 8800.
Introduction to the various setup panels for configuring the AST 8800.
Configuration options for general settings, alarms, and system time.
Details on configuring temperature scale, screen saver, and auto shut-off.
Instructions for setting high and low limits for process alarms.
Configuration settings related to the refrigeration system anticipator time.
Settings for auxiliary cooling systems like LN2 or CO2.
How to set and manage the system's real-time clock and date.
Configuration options for how the AST 8800 recovers after a power interruption.
Enabling and configuring the controlled stop safety feature.
Defines optional actions when the chamber door is opened.
Configuration of the Product Dew Point Control (PDC) option.
Settings for Humidity and Accelerated Stress (HASS) testing options.
Configuration of deviation alarms and response actions.
Settings for accelerometer inputs and vibration control parameters.
Configuration of accelerometer types, sensitivity, and naming.
Options for using multiple accelerometers for control signal generation.
Main options for vibration control and analysis, including PSD lines.
Defining a subset of the frequency spectrum for vibration control.
Setting limits to abort testing if vibration levels exceed defined thresholds.
Allows setting limits to abort tests if specific PSD spectrum portions exceed user-defined limits.
Adjusting chamber performance parameters like proportional band and integral time.
Configuration of computer interface ports for communication.
Details on COM2 (RS-232), Network (TCP/IP), and Computer I/O ports.
Configuration settings for the RS-232 serial communication port.
Configuration settings for TCP/IP network communication.
Configuration for the control module's optional computer I/O interface.
Tools to examine current computer I/O communications and error logs.
Information on compatibility with previous instrument command sets.
Setting up AST 8800 programs to occupy legacy instrument's program slots.
Creating and displaying custom messages based on system events.
Configuration of system events to monitor variables and control outputs.
Assigning descriptive names to auxiliaries, channels, and inputs.
Utilizing built-in functions for backing up and restoring system settings.
Detailed steps for operating the AST 8800 in manual mode.
Description of manual mode settings like Set Point, Ramp Rate, and deviation.
Overview of operating the AST 8800 using programmed intervals.
Instructions for selecting and starting a program profile.
How to resume a test that was previously stopped.
Description of programming temperature and process variable cycles.
Steps for creating new programs or editing existing ones.
How to view and customize program data using the graph interface.
Accessing and interpreting vibration analysis screens.
Explanation of the PSD plot and its analysis features.
Viewing how enabled channels relate to each other via the Transmissibility tab.
Displaying a histogram of peak and valley distribution.
Calculating and accumulating fatigue damage due to vibration stress.
Displaying oscilloscope-style readings of time domain signals.
Monitoring the status of impactor components for potential wear.
Instructions for calibrating impactor readings to 0 psi.
Operating the repetitive shock system with multiple vibration control loops.
Setting up and configuring multi-zone vibration control modes.
Viewing graphical representations of chamber data and customizing the display.
Navigating and modifying graph views using available buttons.
Configuring graph properties like colors, axis limits, and data display.
Overview of the Therm-Alarm system for product protection.
Description of the different operating modes for the Therm-Alarm.
How to display current Therm-Alarm settings.
Instructions for adjusting Therm-Alarm limits and parameters.
Managing audible alarms by muting or resetting the Therm-Alarm.
Specific steps for muting or resetting an active Therm-Alarm.
Procedure for calibrating the temperature and analog channels of a Therm-Alarm.
Step-by-step guide for calibrating the temperature alarm.
Step-by-step guide for calibrating the analog alarm.
Overview of the vibration level monitor and its purpose.
Technical specifications for the vibration level monitor's input and power.
Configuration of alarm limits, warning bands, and delay times.
Procedure for calibrating the vibration level monitor.
Steps to verify the accuracy of the vibration level monitor.
Monitoring chamber processes and setting alarm limits for monitor channels.
Diagnostic information for mechanical cooling and refrigeration monitoring.
Viewing and filtering system activities by date.
Displaying schematics and live data for control module inputs and outputs.
Examining computer I/O communications and error logs.
Testing the functionality of the COM2 serial port.
Displaying general system information like software version and configuration.
Accessing verification and calibration functions for process variables.
Comparing raw input/output data with calibration equipment.
Using wizards to calibrate analog input and output channels.
Calibrating inputs and outputs using the USB-DAQ option.
Fine-tuning process variable channels with offsets and breakpoints.
Checking raw input data for Therm-Alarm calibration needs.
Verifying input channel readings and performing self-calibration.
Performing internal self-calibration of the DAQ card for accuracy.
Introduction to the AST 8800 interface command set for host computer control.
Describes the fundamental command structure and syntax for communication.
Details addressing parameters required for proper multidrop communication.
Commands and syntax for GPIB communication.
Capability for the AST 8800 to request service via the GPIB SRQ line.
Explains query and operation commands, including syntax rules.
Commands used to request information from the controller.
Commands that instruct the AST 8800 to perform an action.
Categorization of commands into functional groups.
Commands that control the AST 8800's operating mode.
Commands used to write and load programs to the AST 8800.
Detailed description of various interface commands.
Command to send alarm status for selected channels.
Command to send or load auxiliary settings.
Command to send or load Therm-Alarm settings.
Basic troubleshooting for computer interface issues.
Solutions for common problems like communication failures.
List and explanation of AST 8800 computer interface error codes.
Configuring SCI Vibration Mode settings in manual mode.
Selecting vibration modes within program mode for intervals.
How PDC operates to limit chamber dew point below product temperature.
Steps to set up the PDC option, including thermocouple placement.
Coarse adjustment of control algorithm using proportional band settings.
Fine adjustment to control algorithm using integral time parameters.
Procedure for tuning proportional band and integral time for optimal control.
Coarse adjustment of the PTC control algorithm using gain parameters.
Fine adjustment of PTC control algorithm using integral time parameters.
Procedure for tuning PTC parameters for optimal chamber performance.
General| Temperature Range | -70°C to +180°C |
|---|---|
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.5°C |
| Humidity Uniformity | ±2% RH |
| Humidity Ramp Rate | Variable |
| Communication Interface | RS-232, Ethernet |
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