Paco's C3 Tips Archive

This page archives all of Paco's C3 Tips for your reference.

Data Log taking too much time to initiate? (August 2007)
If you notice a long transition time when you switch from the C3 ‘graph’ display to the ‘log’ display, this is an indication that you have a large amount of test data files stored on your SD card. The C3 operating system compiles all the data on the SD card whenever the data log function is initiated. A large amount of files will take more time to access and compile.

The amount of time between downloads will depend on your usage, but a slower data log should is your first indication its time. Heavy users will want to remove the SD card every 4-6 months and transfer the CSV data files to a computer. (An SD card reader is supplied with your C3 for this reason.) The CSV files can be opened by a variety of programs, including Notepad, WordPad, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.

You will notice an immediate change in the data log view time.
 

When should you “burp” the extraction solution bag? (May 2007)

- When you are changing to a new bag.

- Anytime the bag seal is broken.

- Or, if you notice tiny bubbles in the extraction solution.

How is that done?

- Disconnect the water line from the cap, leaving the one way valve still attached to the cap.

- Fit the cap and valve on a bag of extraction solution.

- Hold the bag with the cap in the up position

- Gingerly tap the full bag with your palm and allow any bubbles on the inside of the bag to float to the surface.

- Gingerly squeeze the bag until the air bubble is expressed.

- Reconnect the feed line (be careful not to touch the end)

- Purge for at least 100 cycles in the “Purge” menu to get solution to the head.

- Allow the system to heat up

- Resume testing

To prevent leaking with mechanical through holes . . . (April 2007)

To prevent leaking extraction solution when testing PCAs with mechanical through-holes, use a piece of Kapton tape on the bottom side of your test sample to seal the vias.  Make sure that you check your tape with your C3 to assure your tape brand is ionically clean.  Silicone based tapes are typically cleaner and more heat stable than acrylic based tapes.

Performing a daily purge . . . (March 2007)

When performing a daily purge, place a used test cell into the C3 head and place the cell opening into a container to catch the steam. This will prevent moisture from entering the test head and condensing on the electrical contacts.