Measurement Computing DataShuttle - Manual (Page 85)

DataShuttle and DynaRes 11-13-01 ACAO Analog Output & Control Board Technical Notes 9-7
Troubleshooting: Operation
Operating Qs And As
1. Problem: Initial startup of software; can see ACAO but software says can’t connect to ACAO board
number.
Action: Run ACAOCAL to initialize ACAO in STIDRV.INI file.
Proper instillation will cure this.
2. Problem: After changing the switch settings on my board from voltage to current or to different
voltage ranges, my outputs are inaccurate.
Action: If you change any switch settings on the board, you must update the software as well. To do
so, go back to DOS and rerun the GFIND command with the -c parameter.
3. Problem: I get a “Reference Error” message when I run GFIND.
Action: This error occurs when the traces labeled F1 and F2 (found on the bottom right of the board)
are burnt. In these cases, you must replace the burnt traces with a 1Amp maximum resistor fuse.
4. Problem: At start-up, I get a “Cannot Calibrate – check for short” message.
Action: This error message occurs primarily when the channel in question is set to voltage. During
start-up, calibration is performed on the board if the -c parameter is used with the GFIND command.
Voltage calibration can only be completed if nothing is connected to the terminal panel. If there is a
connection, you will usually receive this error.
To correct this error, you can remove any connections to the terminal panel. Alternatively, you can
rerun the GFIND command without the -c parameter.
5. Problem: At start-up, I get a “Cannot Calibrate – check for open” message.
Action: This error message occurs primarily when the channel in question is set to current. During
start-up, calibration is performed on the board if the -c parameter is used with the GFIND command.
For current calibration to take place, the +12V terminal must be connected to the +ve terminal of the
channel in question. If this connection is not made, you will usually receive this error.
Ensuring this terminal connection will usually get rid of this message. Alternatively, you can rerun the
GFIND command without the -c parameter.
6. Problem: My board used to work, but now the software cannot find it, or reports an error.
Action: Check to make sure the Board Number Switches are not set to “0.”
7. Problem: When my software starts, the outputs of the board momentarily go to full scale.
Action: If the GFIND program is run with the -c parameter, the ACAO board will be calibrated by
sending full scale outputs. Removing the -c will prevent this from happening at a slight loss of
accuracy.
If you Need Customer Support
What to do before calling technical support, to help us serve you better:
1. Have the part numbers of your boards and terminal panels ready.
2. Have the type and version number of the software you’re using.
3. Have your computer’s type, model, and the version of the operating system.