Sonics VC50T 50-watt (1997) - Manual (Page 7)

7
TUNING
Tune the power supply in accordance with the following procedures each time a new
converter or probe is used.
1. Ensure that the probe is not immersed in the liquid and that it does not come
in contact with anything.
2. Set OUTPUT CONTROL TO “100”. (to “60” with the 2mm (5/64”) probe).
3. Set 25-50 POWER MONITOR SCALE SELECT SWITCH to “25”.
4. Set POWER SWITCH to ON, if Ultrasonic Processor is equipped with a
timer, set timer ON/OFF switch to OFF, and rotate the TUNE CONTROL
clockwise or counterclockwise until minimum (not maximum) reading
(usually less than 30) is obtained on the POWER MONITOR. If minimum
reading cannot be obtained, make certain that the probe is tight.
5. Set OUTPUT CONTROL to “60”. (to “40” with the 2mm (5/64”) probe).
6. Set POWER SWITCH to OFF.
7. If a footswitch is used, plug into the FOOTSWITCH CONNECTOR. Make
sure that the plug is inserted forcefully all the way in. Prior to inserting or
removing the footswitch plug, ALWAYS set the POWER SWITCH to OFF to
prevent fuse failure.
CAUTION
The power supply should be tuned after the probe has reached operating temperature. When working with
low or high temperature liquids, immerse the probe in the liquid for a few minutes, withdraw the probe
out of the liquid, and then, tune the power supply.
Ensure that the optional micro cup horn does not contain any liquid when tuning the power supply.
NOTE
The amount of power delivered to the sample is unaffected by the 25-50 switch setting. The switch only
increases – in the “25” position, and decreases in the “50” position, the sensitivity of the meter. When
tuning in air, or when working with a small sample, it is recommended that the switch be set at the “25”
position in order to obtain optimum reading.
NOTE
1. The probe is tuned to vibrate at a specific frequency – 20 kHz ±50Hz. If the resonate frequency of the
probe has changed, due to cavitation erosion or fracturing, minimum reading will not be obtained. If
minimum reading cannot be obtained, check the instrument without the probe to determine which
component might be defective and should be changed.
2. A loose probe will usually generate a loud piercing sound.
3. Since the amplitude required is application dependent, and subject to the volume and composition of
the sample, it is recommended that the amplitude be first set at mid-range, then empirically
determined and optimized while the sample is being processed.