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1. Verify that you have a Gen2 Coordinator: A Gen2 Coordinator will have a number that is less than 1,000. If you have connectivity issues and your coordinator number is greater than 1,000 you have a Gen3 system. In that case, contact ANKOM using the...

Use alcohol on both the underside of the modules and the bottles. Do NOT use an autoclave as the electronics and bottle coating will be damaged.

To update your GPM software: 1) Purchase the GPM software appropriate for your system. GEN2 systems (serial #’s <900) require GPM software version 11.4 ( Part #: RF3 ) GEN3 systems (serial #’s >1000) require GPM software version 15.0 ( Part #: RF3X )...

The valve will stay open for 90 seconds. The valve(s) can be closed before this time by clicking the Valve Open check box (to remove the check mark from the box), clicking the Close Valves button, or clicking the R ecord button. Since opening the...

When you press the record button on your GPM software screen, the program automatically stores your data in the file shown in the AutoSave location box. Therefore, if there has been a computer interruption during a study, you will be able to retrieve...

Refer to the Instrument Software Functionality section of the RF Gas Production System Operator's Manual.

Possible causes include: A loose or disconnected wire from the pressure sensor A faulty circuit board To diagnose, unplug the pressure sensor connector from the circuit board and plug in a pressure sensor connector from a working module into the same...

The solenoid will become hot if the valve open check box is left checked. Normal valve openings are very brief and within a range of 10-1000 milliseconds, which does not cause the solenoid cylinder to get hot. If the Open Valves button is clicked or...

There may be a problem with the radio frequency (RF) chip attached to the circuit board. This is a dark green/blue colored chip with a black antenna. Refer to RF Service Procedure Chip and Board Replacement (RFS013) for help in identifying the part...

Please refer to Appendix E of the Operator's Manual.

Yes, Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can cause the flash programming of the XBee chips in your #RF1, RF1X , # RF5 , and RF5X modules to become corrupted and stop communicating with the RF GPM software. Therefore, we highly recommend using an ANKOM Anti...

Yes, the ANKOM RF Gas Production System can monitor negative pressures. When performing oxygen consumption studies, a NaOH or strong base is used to scavenge the CO2 produced by the aerobic metabolism. This produces a negative pressure as the O2 is...

Due to the discontinuation of certain parts, ANKOM can no longer replace the RF programmed chip (Part #: RF45) and the Circuit Board (Part #: 7007) in Gen2 modules. All other repairs and replacement parts will continue to be available indefinitely.

The red septa can be used repeatedly during a study as it reseals when the needle is withdrawn. When pierced during gas sampling, it is important to use a small gauge needle and avoid puncturing the membrane in the same location. The red septa are...

Just prior to use, charge your rechargeable batteries (Part #: RF16 or RF46 ) for at least three hours using the 10-Station Battery Charger ( Part #: RF25 ). A fully charged battery when plugged into a module should read 6.7V or higher on the GPM...

No, the batteries (Part #: RF16 or RF46 ) should not get hot. If this happens, the battery pack may be defective, or the module's circuit board may have failed. Install another fully charged battery pack in the module. Then, perform the module...

You must run GPM software version 9.7 or greater when operating modules with temperature sensors.

The auto-graphing capability provides the user with a visual indication of the data being recorded during a gas study. However, the graphs themselves are NOT automatically stored after the study is complete. There are three ways to save the graphs...

Yes, the Dual Lead Rechargeable Battery ( Part #: RF46 ) allows you to connect the battery to both the module and the charger while the module is in use. Place the dual lead battery in the module and connect one lead to the module and the other to...

Yes, you can wash RF bottles in a laboratory dishwasher if the water temperature does NOT exceed 180°F (82°C) . Exposing the bottles to higher temperatures can damage the coating.

There are several possible reasons for a cumulative pressure drop or negative pressure readings. Refer to RF Service Procedure Curve Identification Chart (RFS010) for curve illustrations. Possible causes include: A leak in the system. First, be sure...

Refer to RF Service Procedure Module Testing (RFS001). First, check the pressure within the module. If the pressure is approaching 10 psi, stop using this module and unscrew the module top immediately to avoid over-pressurizing the bottle. If the...

The pressure sensors are accurate to +/-0.04 psi. Fluctuations in cumulative pressure beyond this correspond to either a leak or a fluctuation in temperature when a module is attached to a sealed bottle. If you check the "valve open" check box, leave...

Refer to RF Service Procedure Gas Sampling for Further Testing (RFS008).

Refer to RF Service Procedure CO2 Absorption (RFS009).

Check to ensure the procedures sent with your instrument were followed. Some possible variables that may affect your results are: General Problems: Neutral Detergent chemicals can come out of solution. Heat and stir to bring back into solution. The...

Possible Causes: The rinse water supply temperature did not meet method standards. This may affect results with certain samples. Make sure the water supply has a temperature no less than 50°C for Crude Fiber, or no less than 70°C for ADF and NDF...

When the instrument is turned on, the drain valve opens to vent the vessel. If the drain open/close switch is not sensed by the computer, this fault occurs. Possible Causes: (1) Wires on the drain valve have become dislodged. Connections may have...

Rinse water can come directly from the tap. It does not have to be distilled.

Possible Causes: The solution temperature has exceeded the maximum limit. Perform the boil test detailed in Service Procedure Boil Test (AS013).

The MoistureStop Desiccant Pouch is a small, airtight zipper bag, utilized for desiccating all of the Filter Bags that are used with ANKOM instrumentation. A single pouch can hold a full run of F57, F58 or XT4 bags at one time. When folded, 6 IDF or...

Refer to Service Procedure High Blank Bag Values (DES035).

The Blank Bag Correction allows for a weight adjustment based on actions that take place during solubilization. The resulting factor increases or decreases your sample bag weight. To determine the blank bag correction, include at least one empty...

When the neutral detergent solution gets cold, some of the components will begin to precipitate out of solution. As a result, the solution will turn milky white, and particles will be floating in it. These particles can be brought back into solution...

Depending on what you are testing, refer to section ADF Analysis, NDF Analysis, or Crude Fiber Analysis in the DELTA, A200, or A2000 Fiber Analyzer Operator's Manual.

A "Low Pressure" error occurs when the vessel does not have at least 3 psi after 13 minutes. Possible Causes: (1) The lid was not tight. You do not have to over tighten the lid, but it needs to be snug. Usually, a finger tight + 1/4 turn is adequate...

During a crude fiber or acid detergent procedure, the time frame during which samples are exposed to 100°C solution(s) is extremely important. If the Fiber Analyzer begins a procedure at a temperature higher than 20°C, the instrument will heat the...

To properly set up your instrument for the various fiber analyses, refer to the A2000 Operator's Manual.

A "drain error" usually occurs if the level sensor senses the solution in the vessel after the drain has opened. If the vessel is empty, and the level sensor indicates "Full," the level sensor must be fixed. If the vessel is full of solution after...

"----" indicates there has been an electrical malfunction. Reset the Controller. Refer to A2000 Service Procedure Controller (Temp) Menu Setup (AS015). If the "----" still shows, you will need to replace the Ascon Controller ( Part #: A09 ). Possible...

Possible Causes: Faulty A2000 Temp Controller ( Part #: A11 ). Refer to Service Procedure Controller Temp Test (AS014). Faulty Splat Controller ( Part #: A09 ) Poor Connection between the Temp Controller and the Splat Controller (AS020).

Refer to Service Procedure Agitation and System Check (DES031).

It is possible to follow an NDF run with an ADF run using the same sample and Filter Bag. However, samples that are high in pectin, tannins, glucans, and fructans can produce lower-than-expected ADF values when NDF was run first. This is because...

F57 The porosity of the ANKOM F57 Filter Bag is 25 microns. The design of the filter bag provides a three-dimensional filter matrix similar to the filtering effect of a glass crucible. The F57 Filter Bag provides equal filtration without the manual...

Our grinding recommendation for samples to be extracted in our Fiber Analyzer is: 1 mm with a Wiley Mill 2 mm with a Cyclone Mill (such as UDY or Retsch)

The drain valve has been told to open, but after 30 seconds the drain-open switch has failed to open the drain. Possible Causes: (1) The wires on the drain valve have become disconnected. Unplug the instrument, check the drain valve, and reattach any...

Possible Causes: (1) The packing nut may be too tight. For proper tightening instructions, refer to Service Procedure Agitator Packing Maintenance and Nut Adjustment (AS001). (2) The packing assembly may have corrosive buildup. If periodic...

The F57 and F58 Filter Bags are ash-free and therefore can be used for ash determination. Refer to the Ashing Procedure Service Procedure (AS034) linked below.

Refer to Service Procedure Insert Samples Into F58 Bags (AS032).

To minimize bag material abrasion, use the new bag suspender (as of March 2015 - Part #: F11 ). It has been redesigned to include rounded bottom points on each tray.