Maintaining the Smart Chamber

The Smart Chamber may require periodic maintenance, which is described in this section.

Updating the software

The embedded software that runs on the instrument may need to be updated periodically. Software updates include new features and bug fixes. We recommend that you always run the most current software on the Smart Chamber.

To update the software:

  1. Acquire the updater application from licor.com/env/support/Smart-Chamber/software.html and install it on your computer.
  2. The updater is available for both Windows and macOS computers.
  3. Power on the Smart Chamber.
  4. Connect the Smart Chamber to your computer or your local network using a standard RJ45 network cable.
  5. We do not recommend using a wireless connection to install the update. Use a wired network connection if possible.
  6. Launch the updater application.
  7. It will display a list of all Smart Chambers on your network. Select the Smart Chamber to update and then click Update Software. The application will load the new files onto the Smart Chamber. It may take several minutes. Be sure that the computer and the Smart Chamber are powered on until the update is complete. Prevent your computer from entering sleep mode during this time.

Replacing the chamber air input filter

There is one air filter (part number 301-08119) in the pneumatic circuit that drives air into the chambers. The filter can become clogged, which will affect the performance of the pump. Do not run the pump if you think the filter is clogged. Doing so can damage the pump.

To replace the filter, locate it according to the diagram below. If you are careful, you can cut the 1/4" Bev-A-Line tubing to remove the old filter and install the new filter in place of the old one. Additional tubing and an additional filter are included in your Smart Chamber spares kit. If you find that the tube is too short after cutting it, use the additional tubing and cut one or two pieces to use in place of the old ones. The filter is not reusable. It can be disposed of with municipal waste. Additional filters can be purchased from LI-COR.

Maintaining the gaskets

The Smart Chamber uses three gaskets to seal the chamber during a measurement. The first is a black neoprene gasket that is located on the bottom of the chamber. This gasket will not typically require maintenance unless it is physically damaged during use. The other two gaskets are located on the bottom chamber, beneath the metal flange that surrounds the soil collar. The 8" soil collar gasket (part number 6581-108) and white foam gasket (part number 6581-107), may need to be replaced on a more regular basis.

Chamber gasket

The bottom of the bowl has a gasket that forms a seal when the chamber is closed. The gasket should be replaced if it has visible damage or if it no longer forms a seal when the chamber is closed.

  1. Unscrew the four cap nuts and washers from the cap bolts seated in the bottom of the chamber supports.
  2. Gently move the supports slightly out of the way so they are clear of the bottom plate assembly, and remove the bottom plate assembly.
  3. Remove the damaged gasket from the bowl. You can pull the gasket off or use a razor blade to trim it. Be careful not to damage the finish of the chamber bowl. After removal, clean the chamber surface with alcohol to remove any adhesive residue.
  4. Cut a piece of new gasket material to a length of about 63 cm (25").
  5. Remove the adhesive backing from the new gasket material and install the gasket around the bottom of the chamber bowl.
  6. Trim the ends of the new gasket so both ends are touching and apply Loctite to glue the ends together.
  7. Reassemble the chamber.

Foam gasket

The foam gasket is the most easily damaged. Inspect the foam gasket before you start making measurements each day. If the foam is torn or compressed, or if it appears as though the foam will not make a good seal, you should replace it.

You do not need to remove the gasket plate when replacing the foam gasket. Simply pry it out with a blade or screw driver and press the new one in place. In some cases, you can reuse a foam gasket by flipping it over. Work the gasket into place with your fingers. Be careful not to stretch the gasket. Be sure it is seated all the way and that it lays flat in the flange.

Collar gasket

The collar gasket should not need to be replaced unless it is torn. To replace the gasket, loosen each of the six gasket plate screws until the plate is free of the chamber. Remove the plate and old gasket. Align the new gasket with the screw holes and reassemble the chamber.

Storing lithium-ion batteries

Batteries are manufactured by Inspired Energy®. Comprehensive storage and shipping information is available at www.inspired-energy.com/shipping.

Store the batteries with a 30 to 50% charge. Replenish the charge every 6 months of storage to avoid excessive discharge.

The battery storage conditions should be -20 to 60 °C, <80% relative humidity. However, it is best to store them below 21 °C in a cool, dry, well-ventilated facility free from corrosive gas or vapor. Storage at elevated temperatures (>45 °C) will degrade battery performance and reduce battery life. Storage at low temperatures may affect initial battery performance. Extended storage may require a calibration cycle or a few regular operating cycles to restore full accuracy to the fuel gauge.

If a battery exceeds a temperature or load threshold, a non-resettable fuse will open, rendering the battery non-functional.

If a battery become excessively discharged in storage, you can attempt to restore it by charging. The charger will supply a 3-minute wake-up charge in an attempt to activate the electronics. If this does not work, the battery should be replaced.

Shipping lithium-ion batteries

Many new LI-COR instruments include removable lithium-ion batteries. We recommend that you do not ship these batteries when shipping your instrument to the factory.

Effective April 1, 2016, new shipping requirements were issued regarding the shipment of lithium-ion batteries. There are three separate shipping scenarios described below: 1) Batteries are packaged with the original equipment, 2) Additional batteries (quantity of two or fewer) are packaged without the original equipment, and 3) Additional batteries(quantity of three to ten) are packaged without the original equipment.

Shipping batteries with equipment

When packed with equipment, lithium-ion batteries (quantity 1-3) are classified as UN3481, packing instruction 966, section II, and require that the package be labeled with the lithium-ion battery handling label (see Figure 7‑1). A full-size copy of this label that can be printed and affixed to the package is available from licor.app.boxenterprise.net/v/Li-Ion-Shipping-Label.

Shipping batteries without equipment (2 or less)

When packed without equipment, lithium-ion batteries (quantity 1-2) are classified as UN3480, packing instruction 965, section II, and require:

  • Not declared as Dangerous Goods.
  • One or two batteries.
  • Shipper’s Declaration: Quantity and type of packing - Packing: 1 Fiberboard Box, Quantity: 0.46 kg weight per battery.
  • Label package with lithium-ion battery handling label; a copy is available from licor.app.boxenterprise.net/v/Li-Ion-Shipping-Label.
  • Label package as Cargo Aircraft only.
  • Airway bill states “Lithium-ion batteries in compliance with Section II of PI 965”.
  • Only one package per consignment.

Shipping batteries without equipment (3 to 10)

When packed without equipment, lithium-ion batteries (quantity 3-10) are classified as UN3480, packing instruction 965, section IB, and require:

  • Is declared as Dangerous Goods (Proper shipping name: UN3480 Lithium Ion Batteries, Class 9)
  • Three to ten batteries
  • Shipper’s Declaration: Quantity and type of packing - Packing: 1 Fiberboard Box, Quantity: 0.46 kg weight per battery
  • Label package with lithium-ion battery handling label; a copy is available from licor.app.boxenterprise.net/v/Li-Ion-Shipping-Label.
  • Label package as Cargo Aircraft only
  • Label package with Class 9 hazard label
  • Airway bill states “Lithium-ion batteries in compliance with Section IB of PI 965”

Notes

  • These packages must be handled with care. A flammability hazard exists if the package(s) is damaged.
  • If package is damaged in transport, it must not be loaded until the condition of the contents can be verified. The batteries contained in the package must be inspected for damage and may only be repacked if they are intact and protected against short circuits.
Figure 7‑1. Battery handling label.