User manual
Table Of Contents
- N
- Introduction
- Introduction
- Getting Started
- S
- SunScan Tutorial
- M
- Menus and Screens
- More Psion and file handling notes
- M
- Measurement options
- L
- LAI theory
- Technical Reference section
- Maintenance and repair
- Troubleshooting
- Psion Workabout
- Problems running the SunData application.
- While running SunData
- SunData reports “SunScan probe not connected”.
- SunData recognises the SunScan probe, but fails to take readings.
- On running SunData, all the system settings are scrambled.
- “Out of memory” reported on drive A:.
- “Insufficient power to write data” reported.
- When transferring files to a PC, data is transferred, but there are repeated checksum or device IO errors.
- SunScan or BFS give inconsistent light readings.
- Technical Support
- Specifications
- PAR Performance
- Appendices
- Index

64 •
••
• Technical Reference section Document code: SS1-UM-1.05
Technical Reference section
Maintenance and repair
Checking the batteries
The SunScan system requires batteries within the probe and in the Workabout. The
Beam Fraction sensor does not require batteries because it draws its power from the
probe.
The SunScan probe batteries
The probe is powered by 4 AA size alkaline cells mounted within the probe handle.
With typical use, these batteries should last from 6 - 12 months. The probe circuit
automatically "sleeps" when no readings are being taken. There is no probe on/off
switch.
Checking the probe battery level
Connect the probe to the Workabout, and from the SunData program take a reading
with the probe (any light reading will do - it is required only to activate the battery
sensing circuit).
Then press
∪
∪∪
∪+B (or Menu,Utils,About). The screen display will show various
version numbers plus a Battery mV reading.
Replace the batteries if the reading is 4700 mV or less. A reading of 5000 mV or
above indicates that the batteries are healthy. You will get an on-screen warning if
the batteries are low. When this happens replace them as soon as you can.
If you get a 0 mV reading, the probe has not been read. Take a light reading, and try
∪
∪∪
∪+B again.
Probe battery life
With a fresh set of batteries in the probe, you could take about 300,000 readings. If
you took no readings, the batteries would last for about 6-12 months.
Warning! If you are likely to store the probe for a long period, you should remove
the batteries.
Replacing the probe batteries
You must dismantle the probe handle. Disconnect the BFS and the probe's RS232
cable. The baseplate of the probe is secured to the handle by 4 cross-head corner
screws. Unscrew these to remove the handle, whilst carefully supporting the probe.
The battery holder can now be prised out of its compartment, and the batteries
changed.
The Workabout batteries
Checking the Workabout battery levels
The Workabout is supplied with a rechargeable Ni-Cd battery pack and a Lithium
back-up battery installed. Press
Shift+Ctrl+B to display the Psion Battery info
screen. You will be warned when the batteries get low. Switch off and recharge the
batteries as soon as possible.
For full details on the care and maintenance of the Workabout's batteries you should
refer to the Workabout User Guide pages 2-5, but the following brief notes will get
you started.