With all the automated processing equipment used in Naval imaging today, it is important for you to have a working knowledge of basic trouble-shooting procedures. By having the ability to analyze a situation and perform some trouble-shooting steps, you are able to isolate problems that occur with imaging equipment. Your ability to locate a faulty condition quickly can play an important part in shortening the equipment downtime. Trouble-shooting procedures are useful for automated processors as well as cameras, enlarging equipment, and so on.

As equipment is used, the parts wear out, even with complete and competent maintenance. As this deterioration occurs, more variation occurs in functioning systems (the evenness of the air from one side of an air squeegee to the other, for example). Additionally, the larger, the more complex, and the older the piece of equipment, the higher the probability that it will malfunction.

TROUBLE-SHOOTING EQUIPMENT

To function correctly and efficiently, you must care for and maintain equipment properly. Maintenance should be performed consistently and according to established procedures. On complex equipment there are many adjustments that must be performed. Most of these adjustments are not difficult, particularly if you follow detailed 3-M system instructions and instructions supplied by the manufacturer.

DETECTING MALFUNCTIONS

Troubleshooting a continuous film processor, for example, is an action that evaluates the performance of the processor in terms of both operation and product quality. Each function on a system must operate the way it was designed. If it does not, some signs will become evident. The most common signs are detected as follows:

Hearing. This sense is used to detect malfunctions that produce unusual sounds. Noisy malfunctions may include the improper meshing of gears, worn or improperly lubricated bearings, and

loose or improperly lubricated drive chains. Some types of equipment have alarm systems or buzzers to warn the operator that a problem exists.

0 Sight. At times, malfunctions are indicated long before they affect product quality. These malfunctions include those displayed on the processor control indicators (temperature, replenishment rates, and speeds) and by indicator lights. Other signs of trouble might include movements, such as a rising lift rod or even the presence of smoke. The first step to take in trouble-shooting circuits after securing power is to inspect the circuit visually. Check for loose connections, loose wires, abraded wires, and loose fittings. An overloaded circuit is a serious problem; at times, the electrical demand on a circuit can cause circuit fuses to blow or circuit breakers to trip. In some cases, incorrect sizes of fuses or circuit breakers were used and the wires overheated and burned off the insulation. This condition can cause shorts and grounds that become potential fire or electrocution hazards. Furthermore, some malfunctions can only be detected by visual examination of the finished product. These malfunctions include scratches, developing streaks, drying streaks, and so on.

9 Touch. At times, the sense of touch is the best way to detect malfunctions. This is particularly true when total darkness is required to prevent image loss or with moving equipment parts enclosed in some type of housing. Usually, defective bearings or bushings or the need for lubrication of these parts that are concealed in a metal housing can best be detected by feeling for a buildup of heat or unusual vibrations.

Smell. The sense of smell can be used to identify a problem with a piece of equipment. Smoke, hot electrical connections, and so on, may be identified more readily by smell than by sight.

TROUBLE-SHOOTING TABLES Troubleshooting a processor or any other type of equipment is not a difficult task. Usually, the manufacturer identifies the most common operating malfunctions, their probable cause(s), and the procedure(s) required to correct them. These are often produced in table form.

Most trouble-shooting tables are arranged in columns that list the trouble, the probable cause(s), and the remedy(ies) (table All-1). Once the trouble is identified, you should refer to the table for the probable cause and then make necessary repairs or adjustments to correct the malfunction.

Another type of trouble-shooting table is the logic flow diagram. In a logic flow diagram, you simply "enter" the diagram and follow the arrows to various

blocks or segments and perform the functions indicated or move on to the next segment in a prearranged, logical manner. A logic flow diagram is usually accompanied by other types of diagrams and instructions.