My device will not take a reading/PBM won’t turn on
The following issues can be observed by users resulting in them being unable to take a reading:
- The PhotonMaster Bluetooth Module (PBM) won’t turn on
- The PhotonMaster Bluetooth Module (PBM) is not holding a charge
- The lights are illuminated on the PhotonMaster however the PBM cannot turn on
- The PhotonMaster lights flicker and shut off when taking a manual reading
The PhotonMaster Bluetooth Module (PBM) is a battery and data collection device for the PhotonMaster luminometer. The PBM allows you to power and operate the luminometer alone or paired via Bluetooth to your mobile device through our myLuminUltra Test + Analyze area.
If the device does not take a reading, the issue is with your PhotonMaster Bluetooth Module.
Typically, the common issue observed with the PBM is the device does not have a minimum charge and might take some time to turn on if it’s been a while since the last charge. The best practice is to leave the PBM unplugged from the PhotonMaster Luminometer while charging and to charge via a wall outlet, not a laptop.
Complete the following steps:
Ensure the device is properly charged
- Unplug the PhotonMaster Luminometer from the PBM
- Plug the PBM into a wall outlet (using any standard USB charger) for 40 minutes
- Try to turn the PBM on. Does the PBM turn on?
- If no, unplug for 10 seconds, plug back in, and try again for another 30 minutes.
- Is the red charging light visible when the device is plugged in and turned on?
If PBM does not turn on, attempt with a different power source and micro-USB - USB cable.
Clear Memory on the PBM
To clear the memory on your PBM, complete the following steps:
- Turn the device on
- Use the arrows to navigate to delete
- Select Yes
- Clear Memory
- Continue Testing
Power Cycle the Device
To power cycle the PBM complete the following steps
- Disconnect the PBM from a power source
- Allow the PBM battery to drain (you can leave the PBM plugged into the PhotonMaster to drain the battery faster)
- Charge the PBM
- Attempt to complete readings
I am experiencing higher-than-expected readings
A Luminometer in good working condition should produce a background reading of less than 20 RLUs. A "blank" or "background" reading refers to the RLU produced when taking a reading of the luminometer chamber without processing a sample.
Abnormal Readings Observations
- Blank or Background RLU readings (bRLU) are in excess of 20 RLU
- Excessively high or excessive fluctuations in repeated test readings
First steps:
These issues are most commonly the result of three things, please attempt the following steps
- Static electricity interference. Ground yourself before conducting tests (a common way to do this is to touch a faucet), use a different brand of gloves, or move to a different location.
- Dirty or scratched assay tubes. Discard the tube and try another one.
- Dirty luminometers (tube chamber). Clean instrument regularly and immediately when experiencing abnormal readings with the PhotonMaster Luminometer Maintenance Kit
High background readings are usually caused by dirt and debris in the assay tube through spilled reagent or dirt and dust collecting in the chamber. It is recommended that you have a PhotonMaster Luminometer Maintenance Kit on hand and complete a cleaning every 3-4 months and a linearity check should be done annually. When not in use, it is recommended that the PhotonMaster be stored in its field case to prevent any accidental damage to the unit.
When in operation, the sample door should remain closed except when a sample is entered or removed from the luminometer.
If you continue to experience high background readings after completing troubleshooting steps #1-3, we recommend generating some data for our technical team to investigate. Please complete the following blank readings and note the RLUs in each light setting.
Once you’ve generated the information below, please share the .CSV file to technical.support@luminultra.com along with the device Serial Number
| In Brightly Lit Room | In the Dark | |
| Chamber Blank | X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X | X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X |
| Assay tube blank | X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X | X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X |
| Luminase Blank | X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X | X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X,X |