Bio-Rad SmartSpec Plus Spectrophotometer - Manual (Page 53)

Problem Cause Solution
RS232 serial port/no Incomplete system 1. Power down unit/Restart unit.
response initialization during power up.
PC setup incorrect/wrong
2. Check spreadsheet program
instruct mode. setup.
Cable's not fully connected/ 3. Check all connections.
wrong adaptor.
Serial Port not selected in 4. Enter Setup function and
Setup ensure that the serial port is
activated.
Cuvette does not fit in Cuvette wrong size. 1. Chamber accommodates
cuvette chamber cuvettes up to 12.5 mm width.
Cuvette spring in wrong 2. Re-insert spring to correct
location. location.
Cuvette spring missing. 3. Obtain new cuvette spring.
Negative values/no No sample. 1. Add Sample to solution
absorbancy
Cuvette light path 2. Check cuvette window
orientation incorrect. orientation.
Wrong wavelength setting. 3. Check assay wavelength
requirement.
May have blanked the 4. Reblank the instrument using
instrument using sample buffer or water.
instead of blank solution.
Cuvette window "Z"
5. Use only 8.5 mm "Z"
height incompatible with dimension cuvettes.
cuvette chamber.
(See Section 11.4.)
Fluctuations Interference in light path. 1. Check that there are no
scratches on the cuvette.
2. Check that there are no
particles floating in the
cuvette.
3. Wipe the cuvette walls with
lint-free tissue.
4. Make sure the sample is in
the recommended working
range i.e. 0.1–1.5 AU.
5. Clean cuvette chamber as
described in Section 9.1).
Section 9
Maintenance
9.1 Cleaning Up a Fluid Spill
In case of a spill in the cuvette chamber, clean up the spill using the following proce-
dure:
1. Turn the instrument off and unplug the power cord.
2. Use a damp coton swab to clean the cuvette chamber.
3. Use a cotton swab to dry the cuvette chamber.
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