Eclypse FAQ's
1.1 - General Questions (all Models)
Q: How often should the analyzer be aligned?
A: There are many variables that can affect this answer. Typically Eclypse recommends that the analyzer be aligned at least every sixty (60) days. However, this interval should be decreased for systems that are used in harsh environments or are transported to different locations regularly. Alignment should also be executed when a system problem is suspected. Since the alignment process requires very little time and is mostly automated, it can be run on a daily basis if necessary.
Q: How often should the alignment tool be calibrated?
A: The answer to this question is most often answered by the metrology lab or internal requirements of the customers company. However, since the system accuracy is dependent on the accuracy of the tool, Eclypse recommends that the alignment tool values be verified at least once a year.
1.2 - Model 501 & 1502 1.2.1
Q: What should I check first if I have no stimulus output from the analyzer?
A: Each system has a program bus fuse. This bus supplies the power to both the stimulus and measurement control circuits. The fuse is located on the front face plate of the power board (or on the upper left corner of the power board on older model 501 systems). If fuse is blown, replace with value and type indicated on system info label (usually on rear panel).
Q: Where is the systems main AC input fuse?
A: On the portable models the input fuse is located in the same AC input
module as the power switch and the power cord. Larger systems have an instrument
breaker instead of a input fuse.
1.3 - Model SAC-512
Q: When I have the front panel removed, how do I access the J9 connector points?
A: With the front panel removed, you will be using the "front panel simulator" to power up the unit. This tool provides the same A, B, C, and D tip jacks that are located on the "Alignment Tool". Any manual test of the 400Hz power supply can be made from either the "Alignment Tool" or the "Front Panel Simulator Tool".
1.4 - Model DMS 1.4.1
Q: Can this model run standard Eclypse test files?
A: Yes, as it is a standard feature found in our models 501/1502, the DMS also can execute ".TE" and ".RO" test files formats.
Section 2 - Software 2.1 - General Questions 2.1.1
Q: Can I load other non-Eclypse software onto my analyzer's operating computer?
A: Generally, Eclypse recommends that the PC used with the analyzer be dedicated for that purpose only. Other software sometimes changes the memory settings of the PC which can cause conflicts with the Eclypse software. Obviously we can't stop people from loading other software, but we will stipulate that you do it at your own risk.
2.1.2
Q: Can I just turn the power off while I'm in the Eclypse software or should
I exit first?
A: Definitely exit the software first! The Eclypse generates a hidden temporary file in the root directory using a DOS random file name generator. This file gets erased as you exit the software. The problem is, if you don't exit the software then the E.O.S. has no way of knowing what the old temp file name was. Therefore, these hidden files keep piling up in your root directory until you run out of hard disk space. These files can be deleted from the root directory.
2.2 - E.O.S. (operating software for all models, ver 2.3.0 and later) 2.2.1
Q: After I complete the alignment procedure, where do the values get stored?
A: The alignment values get stored in a file named CAL_DATA.INI which is located in the Eclypse directory.
2.2.2
Q: How do I operate the Eclypse analyzer if I forgot my password?
A: Oh well, you'll just have to buy a new Eclypse test system... just kidding. Give us a call and we can explain how to get around this nasty little problem.
2.2.3
Q: When I execute Eclypse.exe, the main screen appears then it kicks me out
to DOS, what's wrong?
A: Check your "PATHS.501" file (which is located in the Eclypse directory) with Ecledit. Make sure that all the directory paths that are listed actually exist. If they don't, either create the directory as listed or remove the listing from the paths file.
2.2.4
Q: When I execute Eclypse.exe I get a "Critical Memory Error",
what's wrong?
A: Most likely you have run out of hard disk space. Since the Eclypse software works with virtual memory, you need to maintain at least a few megabytes free for the software to function correctly. If you believe that this error was not caused by too many test files (or other software) loaded onto the system, you may have a bunch of useless hidden temporary files in your root directory (reference question 2.1.2).
2.2.5
Q: When I execute a test file I get the message "ID File Not Found",
what's wrong?
A: First, be sure that the ID file being call from your test file in fact does exsist. Next, verify that the directory name where the ID file resides is included in the PATHS.501 file. And lastly, make sure that all the directories that contain test files are included in the PATH= statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file in the C: root directory.
2.3 - Ecledit
2.3.1
Q: Can I edit files other than Eclypse test files with this editor?
A: Yes, Ecledit is an ASCII based editor and is quite capable of editing any ASCII based test or text file. In fact, I used Ecledit to create this .TXT text file.
2.3.2
Q: When I execute Ecledit.exe I get a "Critical Virtual Memory Error",
what's wrong?
A: Check your DOS base memory using the DOS "MEM" command. You need at least 540K free base memory to run Ecledit.
2.4 - IDE 2.4.1
Q: Can I edit Eclypse .ID files with Ecledit or another ACSII file editor?
A: No, Eclypse .ID files are not ACSII based files.