Technical support and FAQ

What Windows software do I need to download data?

Data can be downloaded from all of our instruments using the included "Data Capture" Windows software. Contact OSI to receive the latest version at no charge.

Data can also be downloaded using most terminal software, including Hyperterminal, a program included with most installations Microsoft Windows. Instructions for using Hyperterminal with our instruments can be found here.

As our instruments have a strong history of trouble free maintenance, we currently only offer spare batteries, clip accessories, and fiber optics.

All instruments being returned for service should be sent to:
Opti-Sciences, Inc.
Service department
8 Winn Ave
Hudson, NH 03051
USA
Be sure to remove the battery, and pack it separately. This will aide in the prevention of damage to the unit during shipment. Also include a description of the problem, contact name and phone number.

Under normal circumstances, our instruments require no calibration. All optical sources are fully regulated for consistent intensity. Accessories, such as the PAR clip, should be calibrated every two years.

Most of our instruments will measure kinetics on algae. The following is a reference chart on concentration levels required for a good measurement.

	Sensitivity in micrograms per liter of algae
OS-5FL AFM Xenon	0.1 ug/l
OS-5FL AFM Standard	10 ug/l
OS-5FL	>100 ug/l
OS-1FL	>350 ug/l
OS-500	>350 ug/l
OS-100	>500 ug/l
OS-50	Not rated for use on algae
OS-30	Not rated for use on algae
OS-30p	Not rated for use on algae
OS-25	Not rated for use on algae

My instrument does not turn on

• We ship all of our instruments with the battery disconnected for safety.
• Make sure that the battery is securely connected.
• If so equipped, check the fuse. The fuse may blow if the battery is connected backwards. If your instrument has an external type fuse holder, there should be a spare fuse contained directly behind the cover.
• Some of our instruments will not operate properly from the battery charger alone. The battery must be connected, and have sufficient charge to power the electronics.
• If you are using a battery eliminator (laboratory power supply), be sure that it is an approved type, and all connections are secure.
• The battery has a self-discharge rate. If it has not been used for a prolonged time, it will need to be re-charged before use.

• Most of our fluorometers will not take a measurement until Ft reaches a certain minimum value. To increase Ft beyond the threshold value;
  • Increase the modulation intensity.
  • Increase the detector gain (if available).
  • Move the probe closer to the sample.
  • Increase the concentration of the sample (if a liquid suspension).
• If you initiate a test, and the fluorometer either "re-boots", shuts off, or goes dark, the battery may be weak.

• As the battery ages, it will loose it's capacity. When it's capacity becomes unsatisfactory, it will need to be replaced.
• The average life span of the sealed Lead-Acid batteries we use is approximately 3 years. Life span can be increased by keeping it charged during storage.
• Check the connections on the battery charger, and the fuse on the instrument. If your charger is equipped with indicator lights, verify that they indicate a charge is being delivered.

• Be sure that the instrument is operating properly. If it looses it's memory when turned off, or there are unusual characters on certain screens, the program memory may be corrupt. This may prevent a proper data download. Contact OSI for service.
• See Software support if you are having difficulty downloading data using the supplied Windows software.