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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).
The enzyme tubing should be changed annually under normal use. Heavy use may necessitate a shorter timeframe between tubing changes. The Enzyme Tubing Replacement Kit ( Part #: TDF67 ) is available for purchase by contacting ANKOM Technology at (315)...
This issue may occur if the instrument is not fully purged of the residual enzyme left in the supply lines, especially Trizma. ANKOM recommends flushing the enzyme supply lines with alcohol weekly when enzymes are being used. Further, we recommend...
The enzyme tubing may be clogged. Look at the enzyme tubing from the reservoirs to the Enzyme Pinch Valve and beyond to the manifold. If there is any discoloration or gelled material in the tubing, replace the tubing. Contact ANKOM Technology at...
Refer to TDF Service Procedure E13 Diagnosis (TS001) to diagnose tubing pressure failure.
The following are two possible reasons why enzymes may not be drawn from the reservoir. (1) The silicone tubes may be worn or flattened from use. To inspect the tubing, refer to TDF Service Procedure Tube Replacement (Pinch Valves) (TS005) and...
Do NOT run this instrument without an adequate DRY Nitrogen Supply. The instrument is powered by pneumatics that are not compatible with moisture, commonly found in compressed air. Nitrogen is also recommended as an extra precaution when handling...
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...
This problem could point to one of four possible issues with the instrument. Investigate in the order below. (1) There could be a hole in the suspect bag position’s fluid line after or within the Pump causing a leak in the back of the instrument. To...
The touchscreen display will give you the option to Retry , Override , or Abort the run. Retry will simply try the delivery again. Override will ignore the fault for the remainder of the run. Abort will stop the run entirely. To analyze the problem...
We have found that it is best to slowly ramp up the digestion temperatures so that foaming in the digestion tubes is minimized. As a result, we would suggest the following times and temperatures: 15 minutes at 150°C, followed by 15 minutes at 250°C...
Order the Fill Nozzle Replacement Kit ( Part #: TDF79 ) by contacting ANKOM Technology at (315) 986-8090 or by ordering online. Refer to the TDF Service Procedure Fill Nozzle Installation Procedure (TS014).
If you do the de-fat procedure using ANKOM XT4 filter bags, after you complete the Kjeldahl digestion, there will be a white substance on top of the resulting liquid. This substance is the PTFE coating on the XT4 filter bags. This substance will NOT...
An E11 fault is the result of the high-pressure sensor reading input pressure below 35 psi. N2 input pressure is always monitored and the fault could occur at any point during a run. The fault will interrupt the run and wait for the operator to...
The Silicone Pump Tubing ( Part #: TDF68 ) should be changed when the instrument prompts the user with an E13 warning for weak pump tubes. The pump tubes typically last 6 months under normal use. Heavy usage may necessitate a more abbreviated...
Yes. Please refer to TDF Service Procedure Return Shipping Instructions (TS019) for details.
Static electricity during the weighting process: The largest contributor to poor results is the effect of static electricity on the weighing process. Because plastic gloves can contribute to static electricity, only use anti-static gloves. To...
To properly prepare the IDF & SDF bags for Kjeldahl and Ashing procedures, refer to Section 17 of the TDF Operator’s Manual (Ash Determination) or view the following video: Kjeldahl & Ashing Bag Preparation .
For instruments with version 3.78 or newer software perform the following diagnostics routine: (1) Run a Line Charge two times with “All” selected with the flush tube assembly installed using deionized water. This will prime the lines in the...
Since your GPM software runs on a PC, power sources, the operating system (e.g., Windows) settings, as well as other programs and network connections on the PC can affect the GPM software. Power If your PC is being powered by a battery or an...
There is most likely a problem with the circuit board. Static discharge, high humidity/moisture contact with the circuit board, or physical damage from dropping, etc. may have caused the problem. Contact ANKOM Technology for further assistance.
Yes. If you are looking to get some hands-on experience with the system before putting it to full use in a study, or if you observe results that you don't understand and want to verify that the ANKOM RF Gas Production System is functioning properly...
First, be sure Synthetic Grease w/PTFE ( Part #: RF41 ) was used on the lip of the bottle and the lip of the septa port on bottles so equipped. This aids in making a tight seal. Second, inspect the gasket which seals the module top to the bottle. It...
You should replace the gasket whenever it appears damaged. If you open and close the bottles once a week (on average), you should replace the gasket once every six months.
Refer to RF Service Procedure Vent Valve Cleaning (RFS006).
Battery life can be extended by unplugging the battery (Part #: RF16 or RF46 ) when a module is not being used. In addition, utilizing a longer live interval, such as 60 seconds, will extend battery life. Minimizing the use of the "Open Valves"...