APPENDIX B: PROCEDURE FOR RUNNING THE EXTERNAL SIMULATOR

The external simulator (Figure ) mimics the signals that would be sent from a cartridge to validate whether the analyzer is functioning properly. In particular, it simulates two levels of electrical signals that stress the analyzer’s signal detection function both below and above measurement ranges. It provides an independent check on the ability of the analyzer to take accurate and sensitive measurements of voltage, current, and resistance from the cartridge. An analyzer will PASS or FAIL this test depending on whether or not it measures these signals within specified limits. The electronic simulator will fail if high relative humidity interferes with the measurements.

If the analyzer and simulator have been stored separately in areas where the ambient temperature differs by more than 3°C (5°F), allow the simulator and analyzer to stand in the same place for 30 minutes before inserting the simulator into the analyzer. Handle the simulator as little as possible to maintain its thermal uniformity and stability.

Procedure for running the external simulator:

Step 1: Power on the analyzer (bottom right button).

Step 2: Ignore options 1 or 2 that appear on the screen and press the Menu button, then select Option 3 for Quality Test.

Step 3: A sub-menu appears; select Option 4 for Simulator.

Step 4: Scan the external simulator’s barcode into the analyzer by pressing and holding the Scan button. Another option is to manually enter the number associated with the bar code.

Step 5: Insert the external simulator into the same port where cartridges are inserted with the “I” facing up (Figure 4); do not touch the contact pads. Cartridge Locked will be displayed, indicating that the simulator should NOT be removed. An attempt to forcibly remove the simulator during this cycle may damage the analyzer. It will take about 60 seconds for the test to run. PASS or FAIL will show on the screen.

- If PASS is displayed, remove the simulator ONLY after the Cartridge Locked message disappears from the screen.
- If FAIL is displayed, repeat the procedure with the same external simulator. If PASS displays after the second attempt, the analyzer may be used. If FAIL is displayed, repeat the procedure with a second analyzer; the analyzer may be used if PASS is displayed. If FAIL is displayed, repeat the procedure with the same, second simulator. The analyzer may be used if PASS is displayed. For a second FAIL display (using a second external simulator), the analyzer cannot be used and should be turned over to maintenance.