2103 Modem Module Section 6 Maintenance

6.3 Desiccant

The 2103 Modem uses desiccant to protect the internal components from moisture damage. The cartridge is filled with indicating silica gel, which is blue or yellow when dry. As the desiccant becomes saturated, the color changes from blue to pink, or from yellow to green. Replace the desiccant before the entire length of the cartridge turns pink or green.

6.3.1 Replacing the

The desiccant is contained in a cartridge located on the left side

Desiccant

of the 2103 Modem. To remove the cartridge, unscrew the collar

 

and slide the cartridge out of the 2103 Modem. The clear tube

 

reveals the silica gel desiccant inside.

Collar

To replace the silica gel desiccant:

 

1.

Hold the cartridge upright with the collar at the top.

 

2.

As shown in the margin, push the collar off the cartridge.

 

3.

Empty the saturated silica gel beads or granules.

 

4.

Fill the tube with new (Isco P/N 099-0011-03) or reacti-

 

 

vated (see section 3.3.2) silica gel desiccant.

 

5.

Press the collar onto the tube.

 

6.

Slide the cartridge into the 2103 Modem. Tighten the collar

 

 

to seal the cartridge in place.

Cartridge

 

 

6.3.2 Reactivating the

Silica gel beads and granules of desiccant can be reactivated.

Desiccant

 

CAUTION

 

 

 

Desiccant may produce irritating fumes when heated. Observe

 

the following precautions:

 

Use a vented oven in a well ventilated room.

 

Do not remain in the room while the regeneration is taking

 

 

place.

 

Use the recommended temperature. Avoid heating the

 

 

desiccant at higher than recommended temperatures.

There is the potential of irritating fumes coming from the desiccant during reactivation. Because of this, we urge you to use caution, and to heat the desiccant in a well ventilated room. Material Safety Data Sheets are in the back of this manual.

The desiccant’s ability to remove moisture may lessen with each saturation/reactivation cycle, resulting in a need for more frequent service. After several cycles, the desiccant may no longer be effective as it saturates too quickly. At this point, replace the desiccant.

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