The FinePointe™ WBP controller has the ability to calibrate itself.  During the course of calibration, the controller performs a series of diagnostics checks to ensure the system is functioning and will perform as expected. When problems are detected, it is usually due to something not properly connected outside the unit; or caused by parts that require cleaning or servicing. 

Error: "Pressure too high"

The pressure of the charged calibrator was measured, and it exceeded 22 cm H₂O.  This could happen if the calibrator is overfilled or if the internal reservoir transducer is bad.

Error: "Pressure too low"

The pressure in the charged calibrator was measured and it was less than 18 cm H₂O. This could happen if the calibrator is underfilled or if the internal reservoir transducer is bad.

Error: "Unable to charge calibrator"

The system is unable to charge the calibrator despite several attempts. Possible causes are related to the calibrator and/or the chamber and its accessories and connections:

1. Calibrator is not connected
2. Calibrator is empty (or really low)
3. Pump is bad (inside the controller) and is unable to charge the calibrator
4. Internal reservoir transducer is not reading a pressure and may be bad (inside the controller)
5. There is a huge leak (likely inside the controller)

Error: "Unable to detect calibrator"

The volume delivered from the calibrator yielded too small of a change in the box flow. Possible causes are related to the chamber and its accessories and connections:

1. Chamber is not connected
2. Ports are open on the chamber
3. The flow transducer is not connected to the chamber
4. Too much resistance in the bias flow tubing
5. Isolation resistor is clogged (older version of the bias flow tubing from chamber to controller may have this resistor on the end)
6. Bias flow tube is not connected to the chamber
7. Bias flow tube is connected to the wrong chamber

Please note that to isolate the issue to the chamber and not the tubing, please refer to VIDEO: Leak Test Process for FinePointe WBP Chambers

Error: "Unable to charge reservoir"

After trying for more than 10 seconds, it was unable to achieve a stable pressure near the target.  This could happen if there is a huge leak preventing the reservoir (inside the controller) from filling or if there is an enormous amount of noise on the pressure signal.  Please contact DSI Support (support@datasci.com) as this will need to be repaired.  

Error: "Distribution leak"

After the calibrator is charged, it holds the level for a couple seconds to make sure the pressure does not change.  If it drops by more than 1 cm H₂O this error is raised.  This can be caused by a leak in the calibrator or an internal leak on the distribution manifold of the controller.  Please see 'Distribution Leak Error when Calibrating with the FinePointe WBP Controller' and contact DSI Support (support@datasci.com) for further troubleshooting.

Error: "Bias Flow is inverted"

The system calibrated the bias flow, but the calibration was inverted from what it expected.  This is the result of an internal controller error.  Please contact DSI Support (support@datasci.com) for further troubleshooting. This error can occur if the internal connections of the controller are incorrect:

1. The tubing on the bias flow transducer is reversed
2. One of the bias flow tubes is not connected
3. The bias flow tubing between channels is jumbled
4. The bias flow transducer has failed

Error: "Box flow saturated"

At various times during the calibration procedure, the system measures the box flow.  If the box flow voltage is too close to the limits that can be read, this error is raised.  Possible causes are related to the chamber and its accessories and connections:

1. The chamber pneumotach is plugged or too resistive
2. The chamber pneumotach is wet
3. Box flow transducer (attached to the chamber) is bad or has obstructions in the prong

Error: "Bias Flow saturated"

The bias flow signal exceeded voltage limits. Please contact DSI Support (support@datasci.com) for further troubleshooting or send it in for repair.  Possible causes are related to the Bias Flow Transducer (internal controller component): 

1. Bias flow resistor tube is clogged
2. Bias flow transducer is bad

Error: "Bias Flow is insensitive", "Bias Flow is too sensitive"

After calibrating bias flow, it was determined that it did not fit within the necessary bias flow range.  This is an internal controller error, which may indicate that the bias flow valve or resistor tube needs to be cleaned. Please contact DSI Support (support@datasci.com) for further troubleshooting or send it in for repair.

Error: "Bias Flow is offset"

The zero bias flow level must be within 10% of a fixed voltage.  If this error appears, it is possible that the bias flow transducer (internal to the controller) is not functioning properly. Please contact DSI Support (support@datasci.com) for further troubleshooting or send it in for repair.

Error: "Reservoir leak"

The reservoir is charged to about -150mBar.  Then pressure is held briefly.  If the system loses 30mBar of pressure within the allocated time, this error is raised.  A significant internal controller error exists.  Please contact DSI Support (support@datasci.com) to arrange for the repair.

Error: "Volume delivered too slowly"

The calibrator has 5 seconds to deliver its volume.   If it takes longer, then this error is raised.  This issue can occur due to

• The likely cause is too much resistance in the bias flow tubing external to the controller or bias flow valve (internal to the controller)
• The isolation resistor on the bias flow tubing (on older version of the tubing) may be dirty. 
• Problem with the USB communication (Data Loss Error Message in FinePointe).  

Error: "Box flow is too sensitive"

After the box flow is calibrated, the effective range must be above +/- 40 ml/sec.   This error occurs if the effective range is below.  Possible causes are likely external to the controller:

1. The chamber pneumotach is plugged or too resistive
2. The chamber pneumotach is wet
3. The box flow transducer is bad

Effective Range

After calibration, Box Flow readings will appear as numerical values ranging from negative to positive. Ideally, the absolute values of the negative and positive readings should be close. For example, a reading of +88 and -89 indicates proper calibration, as the values are nearly symmetrical.  If it is not symmetrical (or unbalanced, please see Effective Range is unbalanced)

In addition to the errors above, the FinePointe™ controller may fail if the calibration is out of range, and it may warn you if it is still usable but borderline.

If the calibration is out of range, it will present the following message:

"Calibration values outside of acceptable range. Ensure the calibrator is filled to the fill line and replace pneumotach screens. Call DSI Tech Support if assistance is required."

This is an error message and will not allow you to acquire data in this condition.  This means the effective range is too large or too small. 

Effective Range is Too Large 

When the effective range is too large, the apparatus is not sensitive enough to make optimal measurements. Possible causes: 

• The calibrator is no longer filled to the fill line (due to evaporation or a spillage)
• Slight leak in the chamber; all ports, o-rings, seals, etc. should be checked.  Please refer to VIDEO: Leak Test Process for FinePointe WBP Chambers
• The pneumotach screens may not have enough resistance and should be checked/replaced
  • WBP Screen Replacement
  • WBP Pneumotach Screen Counts

Effective Range is Too Small

When too small, it is too sensitive and there is a risk of saturating the flow signal or operating with an overly filtered, and therefore somewhat unresponsive signal.  Possible causes: 

• The calibrator is filled over the fill line 
• The pneumotach screens may have too much resistance and should be replaced
  • WBP Screen Replacement
  • WBP Pneumotach Screen Counts

If the calibration is borderline, it will present the following message:

"Calibration values nearing unacceptable range. Ensure the calibrator is filled to the fill line and replace pneumotach screens. Call DSI Tech Support if assistance is required."

This is a warning message and will still allow you to acquire data.  Like the error condition described above, the warning can be remedied by either checking the fill line of the calibrator or by replacing the pneumotach screens (see WBP Screen Replacement).

Effective Range Limits

This illustrates the effective range warnings and error of a mouse pup chamber.

This illustrates the effective range warnings and errors of mouse chamber.

This illustrates the effective range warnings and errors of a rat and guinea pig chamber.

Effective Range is unbalanced

If there is a significant discrepancy between the absolute values of the positive and negative readings, it may indicate that the Box Flow Transducer (located outside the chamber) is not functioning correctly. In such cases, inspect the transducer and its connection at the chamber for any obstructions, residue, or vapor buildup that could interfere with accurate readings.