TPS-Compact doesn't reach speed and pressure display shows 00

Question

My TPS-Compact is lingering in the "ramp" state (status LED is blinking with 400 ms period) and reaching only 3e-5 Torr. The front Pressure Display Module shows "00" and I don't know what that means (no mention of this in the manual). This morning before venting, the pressure in my connected small chamber was 4e-8 Torr (system working correctly). I can't totally rule out a small leak in my vacuum system, but I'm concerned there may be an issue with the turbo pump - maybe the controller? I don't have any sort of read-out connected to the pump, so I don't know the final relative speed of the turbo blades. Has anyone seen the Pressure Display Module show "00" and know what that means?

dahulett · Accepted Answer

The Pressure Display Module will display pressure if a gauge (FRG700) is hooked up to the TPS-Compact gauge connector. 
 Agilent A-PLUS Software is a communication, control, and monitoring software. With A-PLUS, you can drive and control the TPS-Compact by connecting to a PC through RS-232 or RS-485 serial communications. Data logging, chart representation, and network configuration features are included in the A-PLUS software, helping you set up your vacuum devices efficiently and letting you check your vacuum system status at any time. 
 I&rsquo;ve attached some A-Plus Software documents for your reference. 
 Here&rsquo;s the Agilent A-Plus direct download link: https://www.agilent.com/en/products/vacuum-technologies/vacuum-leak-detection-software/a-plus-software 
 Agilent also sells an RS232 Serial cable, with serial connectors at each end. https://www.agilent.com/store/productDetail.jsp?catalogId=9699883 
 Unfortunately, most newer computers don&rsquo;t have serial d-sub connectors. If your using a Serial to USB cable, USB-Serial driver link: Drivers for FTDI Chipset USB-SERIAL Adapters For A-Plus (Windows) http://www.coolgear.com/wp-content/downloads/CDM%20v2.12.06%20WHQL%20Certified.exe

jpark4 · Answer

Hi Aly, I am having a similar problem (status LED blinking with 400 ms period). Unfortunately, my display does not work, so I am not sure which error code it is showing. I was wondering whether you were able to resolve your issue. Thanks!

Aly · Answer

I'm honestly not sure why my system recovered. After encountering this fault wherein the turbo was perpetually in a "ramping" status, I tried venting, checking for leaks, and pumping back down several times without recovery or solution to the issue. I then left the system off with vents closed and the chamber/pump under modest vacuum (~3e-5 Torr) for a few days, then came back and turned the pumps back on and the problem was gone. The turbo status quickly indicated "pump is normally rotating". Not sure what cause the issue, but it hasn't cropped up again since.

jpark4 · Answer

Thank you very much for your quick reply! I am currently trying to talk to the pump via RS232 to find out the error code, but no luck. We will try the same, keeping the system off for awhile, since we are quite confident there is no leak.

dahulett · Answer

Agilent A-PLUS Software is a communication, control, and monitoring software for vacuum pumps. 
 With A-PLUS, you can drive and control the TPS-Compact by connecting to a PC through RS-232 or RS-485 serial communications. Data logging, chart representation, and network configuration features are included in the A-PLUS software, helping you set up your vacuum devices efficiently and letting you check your vacuum system status at any time. You can also read the pressure of a vacuum gauge connected to the TPS unit. 
 
 Here&rsquo;s the Agilent A-Plus direct download link: 
 https://www.agilent.com/en/products/vacuum-technologies/vacuum-leak-detection-software/a-plus-software 
 
 How to Video: 
 A-PLUS Vacuum Pump Controller Software | Agilent 
 
 Agilent also sells an RS232 Serial cable, with serial connectors at each end. 
 https://www.agilent.com/store/productDetail.jsp?catalogId=9699883 
 
 Unfortunately, most newer computers don&rsquo;t have serial d-sub connectors. 
 
 If your using a Serial to USB cable, USB-Serial driver link: 
 Drivers for FTDI Chipset USB-SERIAL Adapters For A-Plus (Windows) 
 http://www.coolgear.com/wp-content/downloads/CDM%20v2.12.06%20WHQL%20Certified.exe

TPS-Compact doesn't reach speed and pressure display shows 00

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