This document describes how to investigate the cable and belonging connector(s) are broken/defect.
Sometimes, we can get Purpose
This guide helps determine if a cable or connector is causing an unstable connection to a sensor. This will be seen as Symptoms of a poor connection include gaps in echograms seen in inspector and grafana.
This is because the Inspector and Grafana due to unstable communication between the CPU and the sensor is unstable. This must be .
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Possible Causes
Unstable connections may result from one of the following reasons:
1) Bad inner cabinet (and/or
Cage Cabinet
Inner Cabinet
Internal Cables (from sensor port to CPU)
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CPU
Cable
Connector
Sensor
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Step 1:
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Almost for all cases, we only have bad connection with only one of the two sensors.
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Top sensor is now connected in Port A
Bottom sensor is connected to port B.
By switching the top- and bottom sensor (now top sensor is in Port B, and bottom sensor is in Port A), we will get two scenarios:
The top sensor starts working
We know that the sensor and cable is good → The error must come from the inner cabinet towards port A
The top sensor still doesnt work, but bottom sensor works
We know that the inner cabinet is good
We know the issue must be in 2) or 3) - Bad cable/connector or the top sensor itself
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We now need to figure out if the communication error is caused by
Cable OR
Top sensor
Inspecting Connectors
Our Binder-connector consist of three parts:
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Photos and LED-activity in CPU
Some photos before- and after enables us to better understand the root cause and gives us a better oppurtunity to implement a solution.
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Its of great interest to know the LED activity on the port before- and after. LED activity indicates active communication to the sensor.
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Step 2: Test the Inner Cabinet (Port Replacement)
If only one sensor is experiencing issues, the problem could be with the port connection in the Inner Cabinet. By swapping ports, we can see if the problem follows the sensor or stays with the port.
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Example:
Scenario: The top sensor has a poor connection.
Current Setup:
Top sensor → Port A
Bottom sensor → Port B
Swap the Connections:
Connect the top sensor to Port B.
Connect the bottom sensor to Port A.
Possible Outcomes:
Outcome 1: Top sensor works in Port B, and the bottom sensor stops working in Port A.
Diagnosis: Port A in the Cage Cabinet is likely faulty.
Solution: Replace the Cage Cabinet.
Outcome 2: Both sensors work after the swap.
Diagnosis: The Cage Cabinet is working fine. The issue might be with the cable or sensor.
Outcome 3: The top sensor still does not work, but the bottom sensor works.
Diagnosis: The Inner Cabinet is functional. The problem is likely with the cable or top sensor.
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Step 3: Determine if the Issue is with the Cable or Sensor
Now that we've ruled out the Cage Cabinet, let's check if the cable or sensor is causing the issue.
Inspect the Connector
The connector has three main parts:
Contacts – The end of the connector where the conductive components are located.
Housing – The outer shell that holds the components connector together. (The middle piece of the connector)
Strain Relief – A section that prevents Prevents stress on the wires . (The inner piece that and is closest to the cable)
These parts must always be assembled so that they do not rotate relative to each other without significant force.
If there is rotation:
Inspect both the inside and outside of the connector to see if there is humidity/water or corrosion
Assemble the connector so it becomes firm
If firmly mounted and no rotation or looseness:
Inspect the outside of the connector for corrotion or any other visible damage
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Inspection Steps:
Check for Rotation:
The parts should not rotate against each other easily. If they do, inspect for:
Humidity, Water, or Corrosion: Look inside and outside the connector for signs of moisture or corrosion.
If rotation is present, reassemble the connector firmly.
Check for Firmness:
Ensure there is no rotation or looseness.
Inspect the outside for corrosion or any visible damage.
Reconnect and Test:
Once the connector is firmly reattached, plug it back into the Inner Cabinet port.
Check the LED activity to confirm if the sensor is now operational.
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Note: If the sensor remains unresponsive after these checks, the issue may lie with the sensor itself. We will then need to replace the sensor.