Owner's Manual

TROUBLESHOOTING AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Error Codes and Fixes
Apogee model MC-100 chlorophyll concentration meters are powered by a 9 V battery. If a meter loses
functionality or will not power on try replacing the battery first. Many error codes can be cleared by performing a
master reset by removing the 9 V battery, holding down the power switch for 30 seconds, reinserting the battery
and powering on the unit. If any of the fixes listed below do not rectify the problem contact Apogee Instruments
technical support.
Error Code
Fix
“SD init error
Continue”
Perform master reset.
“SD error #xx
on command #xx”
“NV load error
Continue”
“! Error Warning !
File System Corrupt!
Perform Format on Unit
Continue”
Reconnect the meter to the computer. Go to My Computer, find the MC-100
drive, and right click the drive. Left click Format, and then left click Start. This will
reformat the drive and subsequently erase all saved data in uSD memory.
“! nvRAM Init !”
Error code may follow a drive reformat, indicating the system defaults are being
restored. Message should clear automatically, otherwise perform a master reset.
“Custom file not found!
CCI units will be used”
Message appears if the “Use Custom Measurement Units [Yes]” setting is
selected and there are no lookup tables available in uSD memory. Turn feature
off to clear the message.
“Warning! Average must
be>=10 pts for std dev
mode. A setting of 10
points will be used.”
Message appears in standard deviation test mode when number of samples is
less than 10. Value must be 10 or greater.
“!! Warning !!
Drive is Full”
Clear uSD memory by deleting or downloading data to computer.
“Sample too dense“
Indicates the amount of signal absorbed by the sample is too great for reliable
measurements. Try locating to a different part of the sample.
“Hold arm down
for whole test!”
Keep sample chamber closed for the duration of the measurement.
“Light Leak!”
Indicates too much light present in the sample chamber. Error may be due to
non-flat samples or worn/damaged gaskets surrounding sample chamber.
“Chamber Light Leak!”
Indicates too much light present in the sample chamber. Error may be due to
non-flat samples or worn/damaged gaskets surrounding sample chamber.
Error Code
Fix
“Clean Sample Chamber!”
Indicates the light through the chamber is below a certain level, and may be due
to dirt on the diffusers or debris in the sample area. Clean chamber as described
in section MAINTENANCE AND RECALIBRATION.
“Source/Detector Fail!”
Indicates the unit has detected a fault with one of its sensing components.
Perform master reset.
“File is Corrupt!”
Error code may occur after aborting a file transfer to a computer or by removing
the 9 V battery instead of using the power switch to turn off the unit. Perform
master reset.