CHEMSTATION error: Tune action stopped: Gain and offset = 0

[Elston]

Halfway through the sample run on friday 6/6 MS response dropped to zero. Software and GC contnued to run producing multiple sample results with no ion response.

Autotune fails with error: "Tune action stopped: Gain and offset = 0 and peaks are too narrow!"

Pftba ions no present. Direct inject of BFB produces no peak. Scanning during "Edit MS Tune parameters" yields few interference ions of abundance less than 100..

Autotune peak adjustments (screen with three peaks) has only interference with abundance less than 20. No peaks.

Actions Taken: Replaced Electron Multiplier -- no improvement
Made sure column wasn't protruding too far into source (>1/8 inch from column tube).

Any suggestions?

[AICMM]

Elston,

Sounds like a filament problem. I would switch filaments in the software first. If no response, I would check to make sure you have got continuity on both of the filaments? If no, replace both filaments. If yes, then I would clean the source next (not the likely problem based on what you describe but easy enough to do.) IF still no response, lots of potential problems but probably want a service engineer in on the discussion at this point.

Best regards.

[gyzmo]

I am seeing this same symptom on our 5973. Was it the filaments Elston?

[shoom]

I am seeing this same symptom on our 5973. Was it the filaments Elston?

I am getting this to today. What was the problem? The source has been cleaned prior to this and new filaments installed. It worked fine and then nothing. No trace in the TIC at all.

[jas_tobias]

Hello,

facing the same problem, any new solutions so far?

[tlahren]

Hello,

facing the same problem, any new solutions so far?

Go into the "View - Tune" option. Browse to "Manual Tune." Switch from Filament 1 to Filament 2. Select the "Scan" or "Profile" button at the bottom left of the window and see if any ions are being detected. Switch between Fil-1 and 2 and if one shows ions and the other doesn't then the one is burned out. If both show no ions then try to "Restore Previous Tune" under the "File" menu. Sometimes the Tune File gets corrupted (no one knows just how but it is well documented) and needs to be loaded from a previous good tune file and then re-saved as Autotune.U or whatever tune file you are currently using.

If none of these options work then you may need to replace your EM or HED. We did have an HED power supply go bad on a 5973 once and produce a similar symptom.

Try these in this order and let me know what you find out.