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Version 6.1 by robert on 2024/12/03 09:37
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robert 1.1 1 {{box cssClass="floatinginfobox" title="**Contents**"}}
2 {{toc/}}
3 {{/box}}
4
5 = Data Loggers (TSAWR & LPR-200) =
6
robert 3.1 7 //(originally written by F. Bozinovic March 2024)//
robert 1.1 8
robert 3.1 9 == Items Required ==
robert 1.1 10
robert 3.1 11 * Multimeter
12 * Power supply 
13 * Correct solar regulator cable
14 * Solar regulator (unmodified) with correct voltage
15 * Battery (with enough charged)
16 * GPS antenna
17 * SD card (FAT32 formatted)
18 * Sensor (known working)
19 * Correct sensor cable
20 * Test Power Plug device
robert 1.1 21
robert 3.1 22 == Power Test ==
robert 1.1 23
robert 3.1 24 Install a known working (and charged) battery into the recorder and turn ON the main power switch, verify that the recorder powers ON correctly.
robert 1.1 25
26
robert 3.1 27 (% class="box infomessage" %)
28 (((
29 Unit powering ON is not instant, there may be a 10 to 15 sec delay.
30 )))
31
32
33 Verify the LCD screen turns on and begins clearly displaying the ANU logo and system parameters correctly once the recorder powers up. Look for signs of flickering, blurring or any other visual artefacts.
34
35 With the recorder powered ON, using a multimeter, test the bias voltage on GPS antenna port; the reading should be 3.3V (outer shell is negative and centre pin is positive).
36
37 Connect “Test Power Plug” into the sensor port and verify the light is turned on, this indicates the power will be correctly delivered to the sensor.
38
39
40 (% class="box infomessage" %)
41 (((
42 The following step, power feature is not present in LPR200, therefore this step cannot be verified for  LPR recorders.
43 )))
44
45 == System Test ==
46
47 * Verify LCD screen works correctly.
48 * Check that the keypad is responsive and functions correctly.
49 * Verify recorder has GPS fix acquired and information is displayed.
50 * Insert SD card and verify the latching mechanism holds the card and releases it.
51 * Verify the SD card is detected and can be erased.
52
robert 4.1 53 === System information ===
robert 3.1 54
55 Record the Firmware version.
56
57 In the Menu under “System Information”, verify that the serial number matches what is written on the case.
58
59
60 == Functional Test ==
61
robert 4.1 62 === Charging ===
robert 3.1 63
64 Verify the battery is charging (LPR differs from TSAWR, additionally, TSAWRs differ between each other based on firmware version).
65
66 Set-up an external power source, by connecting a solar regulator to a power supply  and set voltage to 18V DC. Verify the regulator is supplying the correct voltage of 7.7V and then plug into the “External Power” port of the recorder.
67
68 (% class="box infomessage" %)
69 (((
70 There are two types of solar regulators available. Make sure to not mix them as they supply different Voltages, 7.7V and 13.8V.
71 )))
72
73 Navigate to “System Information” in the Menu and note the battery icon will have a lightning symbol indicating it’s charging, also observe the state of charge % is increasing under.
74
75 === Sensor Reading ===
76
77 Live Seismometer Data is used ONLY for functional verification. It is an indicator that all connections to the sensor and output response is correct.
78
79 Place the recorder on flat surface bench/ table and connect the sensor (ensure the sensor is not tilted, shaken or rough-handled). Level the sensor using the bubble as guide. Turn ON the recorder wait until the self-check has completed and the recorder has acquired GPS fix. Set the parameters to read the correct sensor.
80
81 To verify the sensor is detected and registering, perform a controlled test is performed by having the person press down on the table with their body weight (similar to performing a slow CPR). The flexing of the table will be detected by the sensor and will be clearly visible on screen. This will verify the sensor-cable and the internal digitizer are working correctly.
82
83 (% class="box infomessage" %)
84 (((
85 If the user requires to verify the sensor or the validity of the recorded data, a power spectral density analysis would need to be performed, see rest of document (link here) for instructions on how to perform this test.
86 )))
87
robert 4.1 88 === Recording test ===
robert 3.1 89
90 Insert SD card and erase the content.
91
92 Set-up the System Parameters (sensor type and interval frequency).
93
94 Ensure the recorder has a GPS Fix.
95
96 Select the recording setting in the menu.
97
98
99 Ensure to allow sensor data recording of overnight or at least 4 hrs.
100
101 Verify the data has recorded correctly by running a power spectral analysis (PSD) script.
102
103
104 (% class="box infomessage" %)
105 (((
106 For procedure on how to use and set-up the PSD script refer to the “Performing PSD function on recorded sensor data procedure” document. (LINK)
107 )))
108
109 === Troubleshooting ===
110
111
112 (% style="width:920px" %)
113 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
114 Antenna open or short circuit
115 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
116 * Check antenna connection
117
118 * Replace antenna if faulty
119 )))
120 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
121 GPS initialisation failed
122 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
123 * A GPS communications issue has occurred
124
125 * Restart the unit
126 )))
127 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
128 Failed to acquire GPS fix
129 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
130 * Reposition the antenna so that it is not obstructed
131
132 * Either monitor the GPS info screen or restart the system to monitor if a fix is now acquired
133 )))
134 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
135 SD card is not inserted
136 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
137 * Insert a FAT32 formatted SD card
138 )))
139 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
140 FAT32 Initialisation failed
141 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
142 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
143
144 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
145 )))
146 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
147 SD card initialisation failed
148 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
149 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
150
151 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
152 )))
153 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
154 RTC synchronisation failed
155 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
156 * Ensure GPS is operating correctly
157
158 * Else communications to RTC failed, restart the unit
159 )))
160 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
161 Start time precedes RTC time
162 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
163 * Alter the start time noting the current time
164 )))
165 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
166 End time precedes the start time
167 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
168 * Alter either the start or stop time
169 )))
170 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
171 Record start time is not set
172 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
173 * Record start mode is set to On Time but the start values have not been set
174
175 * Set the start time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
176 )))
177 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
178 Record end time not set
179 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
180 * Record end mode is set to On Time but the end values have not been set
181
182 * Set the end time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
183 )))
184 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
185 SEED initialisation failed
186 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
187 * Ensure GPS, RTC and SD card have all initialised correctly
188
189 * Restart the recorder
190
191 * In the event restart did not work, replace the recorder
192 )))
193 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
194 Write error
195 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
196 * The SD card may have run out of room during recording
197
198 * Ensure the SD card is adequately sized for the intended use
199
200 * Alternatively the SD card may be faulty and need to be replaced
201 )))
202
robert 4.1 203 (% class="table-condensed" style="width:888px" %)
robert 3.1 204 |(% colspan="2" style="width:885px" %)(((
205 **Error Screen Warnings **
206 )))
207 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
208 **Error **
209 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
210 **Solution **
211 )))
212 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
213 Antenna open or short circuit
214 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
215 * Check antenna connection
216
217 * Replace antenna if faulty
218 )))
219 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
220 GPS initialisation failed
221 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
222 * A GPS communications issue has occurred
223
224 * Restart the unit
225 )))
226 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
227 Failed to acquire GPS fix
228 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
229 * Reposition the antenna so that it is not obstructed
230
231 * Either monitor the GPS info screen or restart the system to monitor if a fix is now acquired
232 )))
233 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
234 SD card is not inserted
235 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
236 * Insert a FAT32 formatted SD card
237 )))
238 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
239 FAT32 Initialisation failed
240 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
241 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
242
243 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
244 )))
245 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
246 SD card initialisation failed
247 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
248 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
249
250 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
251 )))
252 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
253 RTC synchronisation failed
254 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
255 * Ensure GPS is operating correctly
256
257 * Else communications to RTC failed, restart the unit
258 )))
259 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
260 Start time precedes RTC time
261 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
262 * Alter the start time noting the current time
263 )))
264 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
265 End time precedes the start time
266 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
267 * Alter either the start or stop time
268 )))
269 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
270 Record start time is not set
271 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
272 * Record start mode is set to On Time but the start values have not been set
273
274 * Set the start time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
275 )))
276 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
277 Record end time not set
278 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
279 * Record end mode is set to On Time but the end values have not been set
280
281 * Set the end time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
282 )))
283 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
284 SEED initialisation failed
285 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
286 * Ensure GPS, RTC and SD card have all initialised correctly
287 )))
288 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
289 Write error
290 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
291 * The SD card may have run out of room during recording
292
293 * Ensure the SD card is adequately sized for the intended use
294
295 * Alternatively the SD card may be faulty and need to be replaced
296 )))
297
robert 4.1 298 (% class="table-condensed" style="width:1063px" %)
robert 3.1 299 |(% colspan="2" style="width:1060px" %)(((
300 **General System Errors **
301 )))
302 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
303 **Error **
304 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
305 **Solution **
306 )))
307 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
308 The unit does not start
309 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
310 * Ensure the battery pack being used is fully charged and replace if necessary
311
312 * Connect communications via the monitor port and restart the unit to determine whether it is just the display which is faulty
313
314 * Disconnect external connections to see whether they are blowing the internal fuse1
315
316 * Else use an alternative unit
317 )))
318 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
319 The screen does not respond to wakeup during recording
320 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
321 * Wait 30-45 seconds before reattempting  as the display will not respond while the unit is writing data to disc
322
323 * Connect communications via the monitor port to ensure there is not a display issue
324
325 * The battery may have gone flat during recording and the unit will not respond
326 )))
327 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
328 There is no response from the seismometer
329 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
330 * Ensure the seismometer is connected correctly
331
332 * Ensure the appropriate seismometer model is selected in the system configuration screen
333
334 * Try an alternative seismometer
335
336 * Restart the unit to reinitialise the ADCs
337
338 * Try an alternative unit
339 )))
340 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
341 The display does not respond to commands
342 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
343 * The buttons may be faulty or the unit may have frozen
344
345 * Restart or try an alternative unit
346 )))
347
robert 4.1 348 (% class="table-condensed" style="width:1066px" %)
robert 3.1 349 |(% colspan="2" style="width:1063px" %)(((
350 **Battery Errors **
351 )))
352 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
353 **Error **
354 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
355 **Solution **
356 )))
357 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
358 The unit never fully charges
359 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
360 * There may be an issue with one or more cells
361
362 * Cease charging immediately and use an alternative battery pack
363 )))
364 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
365 The unit does not live up to expected life cycle
366 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
367 * There is a damaged cell
368
369 * Use an alternative battery pack
370 )))
371 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
372 The unit does not charge at all (none of the indicators light up)
373 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
374 * Check charging voltage and current
375
376 * Check connections 
377 )))
378 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
379 The unit does not appear to trickle charge via the external connector
380 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
381 * Check external power connections
382
383 * Ensure solar panel is not obstructed and receiving direct sunlight
384
385 * The seismic recorder may be damaged from a pervious overvoltage/ current state on the external power line, try an alternative unit
386 )))
387 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
388 The charging indicator lights up but the power indicator does not
389 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
390 * The power indicator is controlled by a single charging chip and will light up when sufficient power is applied to fully charge the batteries
391
392 * This feedback is normal whilst trickle charging
393
394 * May indicate that one or more of the charging circuits is faulty
395 )))
396 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
397 Power Light is on but both charged and charging light is off
398 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
399 * Can be caused by the unit being above 40°C and surpassed the recommended charging temperature of the batteries
400
401 * One or more of the cells could be damaged and need to be replaced
402 )))
403 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
404 The battery charged LED does not turn on after a full charge is expected
405 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
406 * This LED is prone to failure and may need to be replaced
407 )))
408 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
409 The battery pack has swelled and is difficult to insert remove
410 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
411 * There is a damaged cell which will need to be replaced
412 )))
413
robert 4.1 414 (% class="table-condensed" style="width:1064px" %)
robert 3.1 415 |(% colspan="2" style="width:1061px" %)(((
416 **Hardware Errors **
417 )))
418 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
419 **Error **
420 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
421 **Solution **
422 )))
423 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
424 The unit does not start
425 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
426 * Check input voltages and fuse
427
428 * Check voltage rails and port voltage outputs
429
430 * Reprogram the unit
431 )))
432 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
433 The battery gauge has an unexpected voltage
434 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
435 * Try another battery to confirm error
436
437 * Replace RV7 as it is prone to failure
438 )))
439 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
440 The SD card won’t lock in or isn’t detected
441 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
442 * Clean the connector with some compressed air
443
444 * Replace the SD card
445
446 * Reformat the card (FAT32)
447 )))
448
robert 1.1 449 = Sensors =
450
451 Sensors can be tested in many ways...
452
robert 3.1 453 == ... via Centaur (Nanometrics sensors) ==
robert 1.1 454
robert 5.1 455 //(originally written by F. Bozinovic May 2024)//
robert 1.1 456
robert 5.2 457 === Process ===
robert 5.1 458
459 The Centaur data recorder can generate and output an analog signal using a 16-bit internal digital-to analog converter (DAC). The DAC output is applied to the sensor for calibration purposes via the matching sensor cable. Make sure to use manufacturer cables as the correct signal lines have been connected to the correct pins of the mating connector. The Centaur CTR, CTR2 and CTR3 series models may generate signals of up to ±5 V amplitude, while the Centaur CTR4 series models have an enhanced calibration output.
460
461 Calibration output signal actions are launched from the Waveform page in the Centaur Web interface. A synthetic waveform signal generator allows you to generate sinewave and pseudo-random binary (PRB) signals on demand. User can configure the sine frequency or PRB pulse width, signal duration and amplitude as well as specify lead-in and lead-out silence intervals before and after the calibration waveform. One can also select and play a calibration file containing any other desired digital time series waveform that by uploading it to the Centaur, such as a swept sinewave, step function, random noise, or chained PRB sequence.
462
463 The following sample calibration files are supplied with the Centaur. These files may be used to visually verify functionality and approximate sensitivity of the sensor by inspection of the output waveform:
464
robert 5.2 465 * **sine_5V_30s** generates a 1 Hz sine wave with 5 V amplitude lasting 30 seconds.
466 * **step_0V_to_5V_15s** generates a 0 V signal for 15 seconds followed by a positive 5 V step function lasting 15 seconds.
467 * **prb 1V 20ms 10min** generates a 10 minute PRB sequence using 20 ms pulses and 1 V amplitude.
468 * **prb 1V 5s 150min** generates a 2.5 hour PRB sequence using 5 second pulses and 1 V amplitude.
469 * **prb 2V 5s 8hr** generates an 8 hour PRB sequence using 5 s pulses and 2 V amplitude.
robert 5.1 470
471 === Procedure ===
472
473 1. Log-in to the Centaur Web Interface and use the Admin credentials
474 1. Navigate to the Health page and verify that the sensor is properly levelled and recognised by its serial number.
475 1. To configure the calibration parameters, navigate to the Waveform page.
476 1. From the Calibration panel at the top page, select Type from the drop-down list and  choose Sine.
477 1. For the CTR4 series models, additional option to select between Voltage or Current is available.
478 1. Click on the Configure button to access the calibration dialog box for the selected Playback.
479 1. Configure the signal characteristics by selecting 5V, 30 sec with gain of 1.
480 1. Configure the padding before and after the calibration signal, enter 5 seconds.
481 1. The Duration (s) time can be made shorter or longer as required by user. NOTE, for shorter frequencies a longer duration will be required for the signal to complete its full cycle and to capture the entire waveform on the screen.
482 1. Click OK button to close the dialog box and save the settings.
483 1. Click the start calibration button  [[image:1733178329484-829.png]] to begin the process. Approximately 5 seconds of time padding ( as set in Step 8) will past before the sensor responds to the injected signal and display the sine wave feedback response.
484 1. The calibration will end after 30 seconds (as set in Step 7) or can be terminated manually by pressing the stop button. The calibration will then stop after 5 seconds and any configured lead out silence will be skipped.
485 1. Click on the pause button on the bottom of the page to stop the live stream and use the arrows to centre the sine signal response. Note that the screen waveform will turn Blue and the stream will freeze. Avoid capturing live streaming signal!
486 1. Once the response signal is cantered, perform a screen-capture “Print Screen” button or use “Snippet” tool and save the captured image locally. In the nametag, include a Serial number, date and sensor type.
487 1. Archive and back-up the file.
488
robert 3.1 489 == ... via data comparision (vs S1.AUANU) ==
robert 1.1 490
robert 3.1 491 CODE & Guide to use code
robert 1.1 492
493
494 = Solar Panels =
495
496 //(originally written by F. Bozinovic November 2024)//
497
498 Testing solar panels is vital for any remote seismic station, since role of the solar panel ensures that the batteries are kept charged throughout the day. Therefore, reliably testing them ensures only the working panels are installed on remote sites, ensuring success of the site operation and serviceability.
499
500 This procedure describes the method for testing solar panels and determining how to identify defective panels. The testing of solar panels should be performed outdoors, under bring sun to obtain accurate results.
501
robert 4.1 502 (% class="box warningmessage" %)
503 (((
504 DO NOT test solar panels indoors using room lighting, this does not provide adequate light energy and will not give reliable results.
505 )))
robert 1.1 506
507
508 Following materials are required
509
510 * Solar panel for testing
511 * Digital multi-meter (DMM)
512 * Load Resistor (designated power resistor of known value)
513 * Wire leads
514 * Alligator clips
515 * Spreadsheet with formulae
516 * Marker/ pen
517
518 Test Method
519
520 1. Clearly label each solar panel to keep track of measurements.
521 1. Record the manufacturers power rating of the solar panel. **Perform all measurement outdoors under bright sunny conditions! **
522 1. Using wire leads and/ or alligator clips measure the open circuit Voltage and Current of the solar panel and record. **Make sure to change the dial on the DMM as taking measurement under incorrect setting will damage the DMM! **
523 1. Using wire leads and/ or alligator clips connect the Load Resistor and measure the Voltage across the resistor and record.
524
525 Ensure the load resistor value is accurately measured and recorded. A difference in 0.1 Ohms results in 1% power difference in calculated result.
526
527 Once all the solar panels have been tested and their results recorded, enter their values under the corresponding panel label in a spreadsheet. The cells containing preset formula will auto-populate and provide the results.
528
529 If the spreadsheets need to be developed, follow the steps in the next section.
530
531
532
533 Developing a spreadsheet
534
535 Create a spreadsheet with following cells
536
537
538
robert 4.1 539 (% class="table-bordered" style="height:563px; width:433px" %)
robert 1.1 540 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
541 Solar panel ID#
542 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
robert 4.1 543 Measurement
robert 1.1 544 )))
545 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
546 Voltage (Voc)
547 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
548 Open circuit Voltage
549 )))
550 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
551 Current (Ioc)
552 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
553 Open circuit Current
554 )))
555 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
556
557 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
558
559 )))
560 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
561 VRL (Measured)
562 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
563 Voltage across load_R
564 )))
565 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
566 VRL (Theoretical)
567 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
568
569 )))
570 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
571
572 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
573
574 )))
575 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
576 Rated Power (Poc)
577 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
578 Theoretical Power
579 )))
580 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
581 Load Power (PRL)
582 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
583 Power under load
584 )))
585 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
586
587 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
588
589 )))
590 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
591 Power Loss %
592 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
593
594 )))
595 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
596 Load (RL)
597 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
598 Load resistor value
599 )))
600
601 For cells in rows (Solar panel #ID), (Voc), (Ioc), (Vrl), enter the recorded values.
602
603
robert 4.1 604 (% class="box warningmessage" %)
605 (((
606 These values should be measured and NOT taken from the panel specification sticker. The values may appear same or similar but these are manufacturer factory values obtained under very strict control conditions.
607 )))
robert 1.1 608
609
610 (Rload) cell is the Load Resistor value. This cell is a constant and does not need to be copied for all entries.
611
612
613 Inside the “Vrl (Theoretical)” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
614
615 [Equation]
616
617
618 Inside the “Rated Power” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
619
620 [Equation]
621
622
623 Inside the “Load Power” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
624
625 [Equation]
626
627
628 Inside the “Power Loss %” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
629
630 The calculated values that are negative represent power loss, and positive values are power gain. Performing “conditional formatting” on these cells with colour gradient (defined by colour break limits) would yield visually easy to recognise defective panels. 
631
632
633 [Equation]
634
635
636 Perform all the calculations for each solar panel ID entered.
637
638 Solar panels with power loss of 20% or more should be clearly marked as defective and not be used in any future deployments.
639
640