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Technical Support FAQS

Do I have to upgrade my DIT-MCO equipment’s operating system to run TestLink or other Windows®-based software DIT-MCO offers?
To take advantage of the latest software technology, your hardware must support that technology. At this point, we recommend a Pentium based computer with Windows® 95. TestLink®, TestEdit®, TestAssistant® and FACTworks® take advantage of the latest advantages a Windows operating system allows. If you are not yet using a personal computer to drive your DIT-MCO test system, chances are you could optimize your system to improve productivity and cut costs.

Is there a way to use wire lists to automatically generate test programs?
DIT-MCO's Automatic Program Generator (APG) application software uses wire lists to create test programs. APG reads wirelists in “From-To” and “Node list” format. It also can include FORMAT statements to describe the wirelist type and structure. APG writes a series of test instructions at the appropriate addresses to test the product described by your wire list.

See Application Note 123: Automatic Program Generator for more details.

Sometimes I inadvertently abort my test while it is in progress. How can I ensure that my test results up to that point are saved to an error log?
Starting with T81 version 4.500 operating software, you can now save your error log to a file when you need to (or inadavertently) abort your test while it is in progress. The Abort/Exit Processing feature saves your error(s) to an error log whether you abort from the test program or manual mode session. This feature works whether you press F10 or to exit the test in progress.

To use the Abort/Exit feature, you need to add the ABT directive to your test program. When you exit the test in progress, it generates a three-line message to the error log and executes the user defined ABT sequence of commands. The syntax for this is “ABT” followed by any combination of the below letters:

e - executes a ESR command
d - executes a DRP,ALL command
s - executes a ESD,DSK command

Note the commands will be executed in the order of their selection, so 's' should generally be last. Some syntax examples:

ABT,s
ABT,es
ABT,des

Example of a resulting error log:

SEL,errname.er
ABT,des
PCK,4
test
test
test
OPERATION ABORTED
19 FEB 97 22:56:08
-----------------------------------
******* Abort Processing *******
-----------------------------------
! DRP,ALL
; ESR
String errors: 000002
Bulk errors: 000000
Two point errors: 000015
Total Test Count: 000016
; ESD,DSK

I need to measure low resistance values. Is there a way of improving the low ohm accuracy without using four-wire adapter cables?
The series resistance of adapter cables and the switching system impairs low ohm accuracy. Typically, you need to use four-wire or “Kelvin” measurements to eliminate this resistance using separate power and sensing circuits. However, using four-wire access is costly and more difficult to add to an existing test setup because it requires twice as much switching, special adapter cables and modifications to test programs. Starting with T81, version 4.4, DIT-MCO’s standard operating software, offers a mode directive, Compensated Continuity Resistance (CCR). CCR allows “pseudo” four-wire measurements without using four-wire adapter cables. To make accurate two-wire measurements, CCR uses the resistance mapping of two resistance characterization files, the switching characterization file (SCF) and the product characterization file (PRF).

Below is an example of a test program using the CCR mode directive:

[SHORT/OPEN TEST CABLE 40 FT. LONG
ACT,C:\TESTFILE\TORNADO
PRF, C:\DITMCO\PCF\CABLE.PRF
ENB,CCR,DTB,CES,DIG
F,DCS,100V,>10M,.1T,.5S C,DCS,1A,<5R,.02S
STP
F0
C100
.
.

Model 2115s and Series 2500s now allow you to use CCR. For an existing system with a Digital Comparator System, request the Switching Mapping Kit and version 4.4 of T81.

For more information including accuracy ranges, request Application Note 154.

We have several assemblies that require AC voltage testing for current leakage and arcs. How can I test each of them at their own specified ranges to ensure they will operate safely at their rated voltage without a chance for dielectric breakdown?
DIT-MCO's AC Dielectric Detector applies AC stimulus and detects disruptive discharge “arcing” in the circuit under test. The flexible AC Dielector Detector allows you to define voltage and dwell time. These settings include:

Stimulus voltage
Voltage increment to use to ramp up to the test voltage
Length of test after reaching the test voltage

The AC Dielectric Detector checks in phase (resistive) leakage current and total current. The test stimuli and detection limits allow you to tailor your high potential breakdown tests to your assembly’s requirements. Once you run your tests, you can view your test results on your computer screen, saved them to a file, or print them out.

For more information, request Application Notes AN-122 for test voltages up to 1500 and AN-148 for voltages greater than 1500.

If I need to send a DIT-MCO part in for repair or exchange, what do I need to do?

Call DIT-MCO’s plant at (800) 821-3487 or (816) 444-9700.

Ask for either the Sales or Service department.

Provide the following information:

‘Bill to’ address.

‘Ship to’ address.

Shipping method preferred.

Prepay or collect.

If collect, the account number.

Purchase Order number.

Fax Purchase Order to DIT-MCO at (816) 444-9737.

After receipt of this information, you will be issued a Return Material Authorization number. This number should accompany the returned part(s) and will be used as a reference number to track your job.

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