Unit 3 — Setup Procedures

TM-CAL-011 — Open Handout TM Chapter: Chapter 4 ELOs: Execute setup steps in correct sequence; verify readiness before calibration Estimated time: 15 minutes

Step 1: Read the TM

Open TM-CAL-011. Read Chapter 4 — Assembly Procedures completely.

Then come back here.

Chapter 4 Content

  1. Solder 1kΩ resistor and 100 nF C0G capacitor in series on small PCB. Mount cap vertically to minimize stray capacitance to ground.
  2. Connect output across capacitor to BNC output connector.
  3. Connect input (drive side of resistor) to BNC input connector via signal switch.
  4. Keep lead lengths short (<15 mm) to minimize stray inductance and capacitance.
  5. Mount in small shielded enclosure. Ground the enclosure.
  6. Connect switch control line to GPS 1PPS output for step-function generation.

Setup is Part of Calibration

Chapter 4 specifies 6 setup steps.

A calibration is only valid if the setup is correct. Common setup errors that invalidate results: - Skipping warm-up time - Wrong input range or measurement mode selected - Reference connected to wrong terminal - Ground loops or interference from adjacent equipment

If Chapter 4 specifies a verification at the end of setup (e.g., "confirm instrument reads X before proceeding"), do it. That check exists because someone discovered a failure mode that made it necessary.

Self-Check Questions

SC3-1. How many steps does Chapter 4 specify for setup?

SC3-2. What is the first step? State it exactly from the TM.

SC3-3. Does Chapter 4 require any verification before proceeding to calibration? If so, state it.

SC3-4. What is the last step of Chapter 4 (immediately before you begin the Chapter 5 calibration)?

SC3-5. What would you do if a setup step produced an unexpected result?

Answer Key

SC3-1. Count the numbered steps in Chapter 4. The answer is in the TM.

SC3-2. See Chapter 4, step 1. Copy it exactly.

SC3-3. Scan Chapter 4 for steps containing "verify," "check," "confirm," or "measure." If present, they are hold points.

SC3-4. See the last numbered step in Chapter 4.

SC3-5. Stop. Do not proceed to calibration. Diagnose the unexpected result — it may indicate a setup error, a faulty reference, or a failed instrument under test.

Checkpoint

Before proceeding: - [ ] You have read Chapter 4 completely - [ ] You can state the number of setup steps - [ ] You understand setup errors invalidate calibration results

→ Proceed to Unit 4