Troubleshooting
5
5.2.3.SUPERSPRING
A Superspring problem usually results in gravity data with a large drop-to-
drop scatter. A chart recorder is very helpful in monitoring the status of the
Superspring. A two channel recorder can monitor both sphere and coil
output. However, if a one channel recorder is used, it is best to monitor coil
output. A plot of the coil output can also be helpful in identifying seismic
activity or unusually large environmental noise, which produce a larger than
average drop-to-drop scatter. During setup, the operator should exercise care
in leveling the Superspring. Also, if the change in gravity from one site to the
next is very large, it is common for the test mass to be out of range (as
indicated by an LED on the front panel of the Superspring controller). If the
change in gravity from the most recent station to the present one is positive
and the sphere is out of range, the spring will be low and should be driven up
into range. If the change in gravity is negative, the spring should be driven
down into range. It is always very important to monitor the voltage at the
front panel BNC of the Superspring controller marked SPHERE OUT while
the servo loop is still open. The sphere position should be moving
substantially (+/- voltage) when the loop is open and the Superspring is
unlocked. This indicates that the test mass is hanging freely. See Chapter 3,
paragraph 53-54 for more details. Table 5-3 lists possible problems and
solutions pertaining to the Superspring.
5-7
Problem
Solution
Test mass can be driven in one
direction but cannot be adjusted in the
other direction.
Limit switch is limiting the motion.
The solution is either to widen the
range for the limit switch or adjust
the coarse position of the main
spring using the nut on the top of
the flexure.
Sphere shows no oscillations when
unlocked and cannot be driven into
range.
Upper flexure on main spring is
broken and needs replacement or a
delta rod bent.
Spring sphere signal looks quiet but the
gravity data is still noisy as if the
Superspring is not isolating.
The mass is not in range of the
detector.
Summary of Contents for FG5
Page 22: ...Design Components and Function 2 Figure 2 10 The Superspring 2 14 ...
Page 31: ...Design Components and Function 2 Figure 2 13 Rotation Monitor 2 23 ...
Page 32: ......
Page 42: ...How to Set Up and Run the FG5 3 3 10 ...
Page 44: ...How to Set Up and Run the FG5 3 Figure 3 2 V Post 3 12 ...
Page 53: ...How to Set Up and Run the FG5 3 1 Backup the data 2 Shut off computer power 3 21 ...
Page 87: ...Adjustment and Maintenance 4 4 29 ...
Page 91: ...Adjustment and Maintenance 4 4 33 ...
Page 104: ...Troubleshooting 5 5 2 ...
Page 117: ...Troubleshooting 5 5 15 ...
Page 131: ...Checklists and Logs Appendix D 9 3 ...
Page 140: ...Checklists and Logs Appendix D Table 9 6 Replacing Drive Belt 9 12 ...
Page 145: ...Checklists and Logs Appendix D Table 9 10 Replace Linear Bearings 9 17 ...
Page 149: ...Checklists and Logs Appendix D Table 9 13 Replace Shaft Encoder 9 21 ...