Apollo G100RF-A: dead backup battery wipes generator settings
What happened
The generator showed a 'GEN battery LOW' warning, and the stored generator settings were lost.
What was checked
- Check the backup battery on the generator control board — a discharged cell can wipe the stored configuration.
- Confirm the actual system configuration (detector type, image intensifier, tube type) before re-entering parameters, so calibration matches the stand.
- Prepare the manufacturer's service documentation covering the reset and calibration sequence for this generator.
Cause
The engineers found that the backup battery on the generator control board had discharged, and the stored settings were lost.
What was done
The battery was replaced with the system powered down and isolated from the mains. The reset to factory defaults and the manual re-entry of the full configuration, followed by tube calibration, were done as a procedure from the manufacturer's service documentation, done by authorised personnel. Reported in the case: the unit was returned to working order.
Safety
After any generator recalibration, verify radiation output with a dosimeter against the service documentation values before returning the unit to clinical use.
Lesson: Backup batteries on control boards are consumables with a limited life — replace them on a schedule, not after they have already wiped the calibration.
Covered in the course: X-ray Service — Level 2: Fault-Finding →
Written from an anonymised case shared by service engineers. It is not a manufacturer instruction and grants no authorisation. Independent note; names are trademarks of their owners.