GBS Elektronik MCA 166 - Manual (Page 8)

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automatically. It is made sure, that the set up and the spectrum previously gathered is
saved in the memory of the MCA 166 for at least several month.
The remaining battery life time is sufficient to transfer the measured spectrum to a
computer. It is recommended, before reading out the MCA 166, to connect it to the
charger.
In the case that the battery voltage drops below its lowest value, the battery itself switches
off. This can be, for example, the result of a lasting short circuit at the preamplifier power
supply. As a consequence the internal setup and the measured values are lost. The
MCA 166 has to be connected to the charger to recharge the battery.
2.2.2 Switching on
The MCA 166 is set into operation by turning the power switch on (see Fig. 1 for it’s
location). After a waiting time of a few seconds for the internal reset and check up, the
green power ON LED flashes with a frequency of 2.5 Hz if no MMCA software runs on the
connected computer. If the power switch is already in position ON (for example after an
automatic switch off due to a complete loss of battery power) switch OFF and to ON
again. When the power ON LED does not flash, connect the MCA 166 with the charger
and repeat once more. The MCA166 is online with the computer if the LED flashes with
1.2 Hz. Irregular flashing of the lamp indicates an error.
Figure 1 Front Panel of MCA 166
2.2.3 Connecting the MCA 166 to the Charger
Before connecting the charger to the MCA 166 pull out the mains power connector of the
charger! Otherwise the charger does not work properly.
In one version of the charger, make sure that the switch is in the “charge” position.
First connect the Lemo (see Table 1 in chapter 4.2 for a wiring diagram) to the MCA166.
Then plug the power connector (see Fig. 12 in chapter 4.2 for a block diagram) into the
power socket. The CHARGE lamp (orange) of the charger will light and charging will
begin. When the charging is completed, the CHARGE lamp will switch off.
If the CHARGE lamp flashes permanently, check the connection to the MCA 166, and
disconnect and connect the power connector to the power socket again.
It is possible to work with the charger permanently connected to the MCA 166.
2.2.4 Connecting the MCA166 to a Computer
The MCA166 is interfaced to the serial port (Table 2) with a fixed baudrate of 38.4 kBaud.
The baudrate on the computer is set automatically by the MMCA software. The special
short serial interface cable is used to connect the HP 200LX proprietary connector to the