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Baldwin & DX Models FAQ
Baldwin & DX Models FAQ
Find answers to common questions about Baldwin, Southwark, and DX model testing systems, including hydraulic fluid specifications, pump startup issues, HVL frame operation, and DX machine error codes covering communication loss, position loop failures, and watchdog timeouts. For accreditation documentation and technical support coverage options that apply across all Instron products, visit our main Technical Support FAQ.
What oil does my BTE, Baldwin or Southwark machine use?
If the machine has the original Helishaw pump one can use Mobile DTE Extra Heavy. This oil is 600 SSU at 100 degrees F. If you tell you oil supplier this information and he can not find Mobile DTE Extra Heavy he should be able to find a substitute.
After opening a procedure on my model DX machine, the pump will not turn on.
The machine frame is not enabled. Enable the machine. For Partner systems, select Machine and then Enable Frame. For Merlin systems, select the Frame icon and Enable Frame. For systems operating with Partner software, the "Enable Frame Timer" setting may be enabled. Verify the status of the "Enable Frame Timer" Check Box in Partner. Select Tools/Configure/Controllers/I5500/Modify. Be sure the "Enable Frame Timer" box is NOT checked.
After starting a procedure on my model DX machine, the live data and live graph appear on the computer monitor but the machine is not moving.
The software could be in Simulation mode. Verify that the lower right corner of the screen does not have the word "SIM". If it does, select Tools/Configure/Simulation and uncheck the "Simulate Test" box.
I am getting this error on my model DX machine: ERROR: System lock up / Test will not start / Test Aborts / Software post and error message stating that communication is lost / Transducers will not calibrate / Flashing single point LED on Diagnostic display is not present. How do I resolve this?
Back out of the software and then turn the PC off.
Remove power from the 5500 controller box and wait approx. 1 min.
Return power to 5500 controller and wait until the leds on the 5500 controller count down to 2. Then turn PC on and get into the testing software.
I get this error on my model DX machine: test will not start / test aborts / pump shuts off / software posts an error message stating "Position loop failure". How do I resolve this?
First check to see if position will read by gently pulling on the string to the position encoder. If position does not read, check the position encoder assembly for damage. If position is reading correctly check to see if the hydraulic ram is sitting at the bottom. If the ram is on the bottom start the pump and move the ram up approximately 6 mm (.25 in), zero all measurements, and calibrate all transducers.
Software posts an error message stating "Control panel watchdog timeout"
Communication has been lost with the user control panel. Check the cable for the user control panel for damage. If damage is found contact the Instron Hardware Technical Support Department at 800-473-7378.
Both the up and down push button switch indicators on the pendant station light when trying to move the crosshead on a HVL frame. (Note: 24V DC system only)
This happens when the overload is tripped on the reversing line starter. Reset the line starter by pressing the button or tab by the overload device in the electrical box.
The 3-phase crosshead motor on a hydraulic HVL testing frame will not operate.
The motor has an overload protection devise on the 3 phase line starter in the electrical box. Turn off the main power and open the box. At the bottom of the reversing line starter is a reset button, it must be pushed in to reset the devise. At least three different styles of line starters have been used over the years, but all of them have the overload in about the same place.
The 3-phase pump motor on a hydraulic HVL testing frame will not operate.
There are several things to consider here:
- The controller type
- The software
- Power to the pump
Check in the following order:
- Make sure the Control box is on and the machine software is running in a pretest menu.
- Make sure there is power to the electrical box.
- Make sure the machine limit switch is not tripped or stuck in the tripped position.
- Make sure the stop button is reset to the on state (Many machines have a twist to unlock switch).
- Make sure the machine is not showing an overloaded condition on the input load signal.
The position is not changing on the display when the ram is raised. (String style encoder box device)
Check to see the string cable from the position devise is attached to the ram assembly. Check the encoder cable connection on both the encoder box and controller for proper installation. Replace the encoder or the encoder board in the controller.
The pump will not come on and all the conditions are met (MATS II Controller)
First: The limit switch rod on many of these machines has a dual purpose; if the crosshead has been run up and is resting on the limit it will prevent the pump from coming on. Back the adjustable crosshead off until this limit is no longer tripped.
Second: There is a pica fuse on the MMR rack in the back of the control box for each relay. The fuse is to the lower left of the relay socket on the board. The fuse is a 5 amp - plug in style that looks like a resistor.
The pump will not start on a HVL style machine.
The limit switch rod on many of these machines has a dual purpose; if the crosshead has been run up and is resting on the limit it will prevent the pump from coming on. Back the adjustable crosshead off until this limit is no longer tripped.
The pump will not start on a HVL style machine with Partner or Merlin software.
Check that the computer is on and that the software is loaded. Next make sure that you are in an application and that the load cell is calibrated. All of these must be completed in order for the pump to start.