0.

TITLE PAGE

Goddard Notes
to accompany the

GE AMX4 / AMX4+

This document attempts to capture support information for servicing GE AMX4 systems. It was developed
and continues to be improved by contributions from customers, field service engineers, instructors, course
developers, National Support Specialists, and Modality Managers. A list of contributors is provided in the
appendix.

This document is used to train and assist students to service these systems when they return to the field.
Users of this document are encouraged to send real world SYMPTOMS / ROOT CAUSE / SOLUTIONS
(with pictures) along with comments, concerns, questions, suggested improvements, and other feedback to
[email protected].

Best viewing of Goddard Notes

How to use Goddard Notes:

Press Cntrl + F to open a search Window.

Then press the “Browse Headings” icon.

 Adjust the size to fit your monitor:

Right Click in the “Navigation” pane, and select

“Collapse All”.

About this document:

Under each heading is a table like this one, that details everything you need to perform the task. Example:
 Typical Task

Detailed instructions how to perform each step is listed in the This right hand box typically shows a picture of how to
left hand box. do the task or the results you should see once the task
is completed.

Some tabs include troubleshooting guides. These guides are here to help you if you run into problems while performing
the task. Example:

Symptom Cause Solution

No Power Power is applied from the wall outlet. Plug in the system.

Copy the Student Material

Copy the Student Material via USB 3.0:

Use an USB 3.0 port when copying SS = USB 3.0

the student material, since it is faster.

USB 2.0

Get a hold of and copy the “The Example folder on Magic Drive:
Magic Drive”.

If you want to copy the entire Magic drive, you should buy a 500GB drive (or
larger) and format it before copying. This may take up to 10 – 14 hours.
 Cloning takes about 1 hour.

1. SYSTEM OVERVIEW

System Identification

AMX 4 AMX 4+
1993-ish 1995-ish

Dark Gray Collimator face, drive

handle, and top cover and base Drive Handle is Light Blue
are dark gray Collimator face and top cover and base
are light gray

System not covered in this document

AMX 700

AMX 700

May have a tethered or wireless

detector. Due to wear and tear, GE
removed the tether from their contracts.
 AMX700 – uses GE Definium8000
software and software keys

GE’s Engineering code name:

“Roadrunner”

Optima XR220

GE Optima XR220 AMX Detector can be switched from battery

pack or tethered.

The Optima XR220 is covered in a separate class and Goddard Notes document.

Model Differences

4 vs 4+ AMX 4 AMX 4+
Differences: (non-plus)

Collimator
and Drive
Handle Color

Dark Gray Collimator face, drive handle,

and top cover and base are dark gray Drive Handle is Light Blue
Collimator face and top cover and base are light gray

360 degrees 270 degrees in both directions

 Vertical
Column
Rotation

Vertical Slightly Shorter (but can be upgraded to Slightly Taller

Column the taller)
Height (There is also a Japanese version where the column is
designed for lower door frames in Japan.)

HV Cable Shorter and thicker Longer and thinner

dimensions

TAP Relay Five relays positioned vertically on the Three relays on the top and three on the bottom
Positioning left, and one by itself on the bottom

Capacitor Metal Blue

Bank:

AMX1A4A3

Options

Options

Mobil-AIDTM Automatic Exposure Control System (AEC) is an AEC for mobile x-ray systems. It is available as Original
Equipment on many mobile units. It is also available in retrofit form for most mobile units without AEC. Minimizing
retakes in mobile situations greatly reduces the time required for obtaining the needed x-rays.
 Most techs hate this thing because they do not position it correctly for proper feedback.

(Most systems do not have any of this option.)

Wireless exposure switch (replaces the corded hand switch)

If the wireless hand-switch is left out of its cradle too long (2 minutes or more), the cradle will start beeping.

Digital Keypad: 6 digit key pad that takes the place of the blue key.

Part Numbers you can order from APM:

S-SW-AMX4 Inteli Keypad amx 4
S-SW-AMX4+ Inteli Keypad amx 4+

All the units I have seen with the digital keypad retrofit had a tag on the wire harness under the top cover with a 4 digit
factory code. If the code is present you can reprogram it press and hold “1” and hit on (red LED should flash) release
both buttons. Enter the factory code should turn on and (green LED should flash) now enter the new 4 digit code if it
accepts it the unit should turn off. Now you should be able to hit on then the new programmed code. If it doesn’t have
the factory code. You could remove the digital keypad and install the original key switch or you should be able to wire in
a toggle switch. –Steve Barger (March 2017)
 Lock box, which secures the blue key.

Automatic Dose Area Product:

An ion chamber attached to the face of the collimator and electronics to calculate the dose delivered to the patient.
Used more often outside the United States.

DR Options

DR Options

Wireless Detectors: Check with your Life Solutions Champion for a pamphlet.
Konica – Aero DR
Cannon DR2Go – Dunlee (Philips)
Carestream (Kodak)
Samsung DRX (several versions)

Konica – Aero DR
 Carestream (Kodak)

Varex Nexus DR

Knobology / Operation

Main Breaker
Power Plug – Power
Reel

Key Switch If the key is in the “On” position, and then the power cord is plugged in, the display will show
“Charging” or “X-RAYS DISABLED” (depending upon sw version of CPU board). (This is
normal.)

This is a very important observation for the case when your system will not turn off, and it
thinks the keyswitch is always on. Reference “System will not turn off” in this document.

Handswitch (HCU: NOTE: The AMX4 Handswitch has only 4 wires connected within. It may not be
Hand Control Unit) interchangeable with other GE systems: e.g. Prestige uses 6 wires. Using a 4 wire switch on
a 6 wire system may cause intermittent functionality.

Field Light You can turn on the field light from the hand switch or the collimator.

Note: If you turn on the field light from either, and you hear the rotor spin up, then you have a
bad hand switch. –Steve Coyne (Jan 2016)

Collimator Handles Release Brakes – order new screws when replacing the collimator face plate.

Latch Horizontal arm (magnetic switch) must be pushed all the way in, in order to latch. There is a
plunger that locks the Horizontal arm from telescoping out.
 Replace both latch and switch together (top and bottom) – they last longer.

-Patrick McKinley (June 2015)

Power Assist Drive fast = 3 MPH and slow = 1.5 MPH speeds
Handle

Power Assist Override brake release switch

switch

Adjust KV and mAs

controls

Locate the film bin

Position the tube and

film with field light
 Prep / Exposure
Switch (with remote
field light switch)

Take exposures (Tube Warm up is not required)

If you want to be cautious: 74 KV & 0.4 mAs.

Especially in cold environments, or when the tube has been idle (not used) for two weeks or
more. – Fadey (Sept. 2017)

Removing Covers:

Removing Covers

The covers are held on by a combination of snap Pop-open the front cover:
fasteners and screws. The first step in removing
the side covers is to remove the front cover plate
first. The front cover plate is held in place with
snap fasteners.

Using a screwdriver, pry the front panel away from

the side panels.

Front Cover Plate

(pry open with flat headed screw driver)

Rear bottom kick plate

Remove the rear kick panel by removing the 2 Remove this plate if side cover screws are present behind it.
Allen head screws that hold it in place. Two bolts: 5/32 Allen Key
 Remove top-rear screws that secure the side
panels.

Right-Side Cover (be careful of the prep-switch Now the remaining screws in the side panels can be removed.
cord and socket) Once the screws are removed, the side panels can be pried off
with a screw driver.

NOTE: When removing the right side cover, disconnect the

exposure switch cable first.
Left-Side Cover (as viewed from the drive handle
side)

Top Cover: (three #6-32 x 3/8” socket head screws)

7/64” allen wrench
To remove the top cover, first remove the trim ring
around the park latch.

remove three screws from latch base (three #6-32

x 3/8” socket head screws)
Loosen the white cord reel guide or the top cover Loosen this white cord reel guide.
may break.

5/32 Allen Key

To release stress on this bracket:

The bracket may break loose:

Use plastic epoxy to repair.

Turn the two tabs under the top-inside ledge

 Film Bin Lift the Film Bin out:

Remove three, and loosen 2 screws for the hinge.

Safety

Personal Safety:

Radiation Safety time, distance, shielding

Blood-borne Pathogens clean bottom well - it collects icky stuff from all over the hospital

MRSA is not killed by Hand Sanitizer – use soap

Fuse F10 (brake release switch) is connected F9 & F10 F1 & F2

directly to the battery (even with breaker off).

Electrical Safety WARNING: THESE BATTERIES CAN KILL YOU

 Remove the Battery Terminal Wires.

Note: As a rule of thumb, always remove the

Negative Terminal first, and then the Positive.
When reinstalling, connect Positive first and
then the Negative last.

Battery Terminals: 7/16” wrench

Use proper Lock-out Tag-Out precautions. Remove positive battery terminal from top lug of main circuit breaker,
and tape up the cable to isolate the system from the battery packs.

Use proper Tag-out procedures.

Wrap electrical tape around your tools or use

electicly safe tools.

Negative Battery Wires taped up:

 Battery Packs

The large tray weighs over 120 lbs.

The smaller tray weighs over 96 lbs.

The system has high voltage at various points.

Your test equipment should not be grounded to

anything accept the chassis. (No earth
grounded test equipment)

Rotor Control Board can fail in a condition You may smell burning.
where the resistors get HOT. They can burn hot
enough to cause blisters if you touch them.

Sometimes, they get so hot they can melt the

plastic cover on the relay mounted above them.

Normally this happens when the 5v power cable from LVLE to CPU
fails.
Collision Bumper Hold the Collision bumper in, and then grip the drive handle. It should
say “Reverse Only”

Equipment Safety:

Proper power down: The system will be OK; Software will not be corrupted and no
hardware will be damaged, provided you are not in a calibration
You can remove power (with key switch or breaker) menu.
anytime during any procedure

BE CAREFUL NOT TO MAKE X-RAYS OVER THE It’s a good idea to have the customer remove all cassettes from the
FILM DRAWER AND EXPOSE CASSETTES drawer before you begin service.

Loosen the cord guide or the top cover may break. Loosen this cord guide, or the top cover hinge may break.

5/32” Allen Wrench

When you prop open the top cover, be careful not

to break the Drive Handle connectors or wires.

F1 & F2 fuse holders can break, and short out to

the Chassis frame.
Remove these two fuses prior to changing the
power reel.

Battery Power is always on and distributed to it’s easy to short out boards with screwdrivers, etc
various parts of the system.

Disconnect the exposure switch cable before

removing the right-side cover.

Look under the vertical arm to make sure all bolts Front Under-Side
are present and tight.

Make sure these 4 bolts are tight!

Inspect Wire Ropes If they have any broken stands, replace the entire vertical column

WARNING: The GE Troubleshooting Guide says to DO NOT SHORT ANY DIODES as recommended by the “GE
short out the Zener Diode CR226, however this Troubleshooting Guide”
may smoke the 1KHz Driver Board (and possibly
the Safety Relay).
CAUTION: Be careful not to short out alligator clips
to the frame while doing calibrations.

We can measure mA on the Filament KVP Board.

(Reference PM section of this document.)

WARNING:
Be sure to reattach wires when finished.

WARNING

A bad Fil/KVP Board has been known to blow the If your tube has blown filaments, REPLACE THE FIL/KVP BOARD
filaments in the tube. AS WELL AS THE TUBE!
-Wendi Fresne (Apr 2016)

Facility / Patient Safety:

Lead lined doors, walls, windows, and portable Radiation Safety Measures
shields

Verify Dose during PM See Section 6 of this document.

Electrical shock to the patient (grounding) (touch Check ground drag-wire is not tangled up with hair / debris.
voltage)
 WARNING: If the collimator handle brake release The screws are special. Order them from GE: PN: ?????
switches are compromised, the tube could drift
down and strike the patient….be sure the Always replace the screws when replacing the face plate. The old
counterbalance is set-up correctly so the tube will screws will not tighten properly.
not drift.

2. MAJOR COMPONENTS THEORY

Overview

Overview

All exposures and drives are made with If the unit will drive or make exposures while plugged into a wall outlet,
the power cord unplugged. check “Charging Troubleshooting” in this document.

After “Loading Defaults” the drive motors will activate, even while the power
cord is plugged in. This is normal after you load defaults. See the “Loading
Defaults” section of this document.

All exposures use 100 mA. The system maintains a fixed mA (100 mA) for all exposures.

We can easily measure KV and Time with the Unfors.

We can measure mA on the Filament KVP Board. (Reference PM section of

this document.)
 Field Light and Rotor The Field Light and the Rotor can never be on at the same time. Therefore,
the light will turn off when you press the prep button.

Hardware Block Diagram: Reference: Schematics (2173229-100) when troubleshooting. (The latest
release was 2004.)

Software Block Diagram: Application Mode

– In this mode the system is ready to be used for its intended purpose as an
There are three basic modes to the x-ray machine. All operator functions are available including motor drive.
system software:
Calibration Mode
– Allows the service engineer to calibrate the system

Diagnostic Menu
– Allows tests to be run to diagnose system problems. Error logs can be
reviewed or erased. The system can be restored to a default condition if
calibration data is corrupted to the point that the system will not operate.

Read These:

Home Work; because reading is fundamental!

Parts Replacement Procedure Provides theory specific to each component.

Diagnostics Manual Although the diagnostic manual was written prior to the most
current CPU boards, it is an essential read.

Service Manual 2004 Version

Theory:

Overview:
 Theory Overview

The AMX 4 is a self-propelled battery powered x-ray unit. The

two rear drive wheels are driven by separate motors that allow for
a zero turning radius. Motor speed is proportional to the pressure
on the drive handle. The top speed is 3 mph.

Positioning the Tube The x-ray tube support column rotates 270◦ on an AMX 4+ and
360◦ on an AMX 4. The x-ray tube can rotate plus and minus 180◦
and pivot -10◦ to plus 100◦. The tube arm extends 16” out from the
park position. The collimator can be rotated plus and minus 90◦.
These movements allow for a variety of positioning possibilities
and make the unit useable in every area of the hospital.

Technique Ranges: 110–125kVp 200 mAs

95-105 kVp 250 mAs
50-90 kVp 320 mAs

Operating the system: 1: Make sure that the unit is unplugged.

2: Turn the power key switch on and the self-tests will run.
3: When the self-tests are complete, you may drive the unit to
where you need it.
4: Squeeze the handles on the collimator to release the tube latch
and brakes.
5: Position the tube to take the x-ray.
6: Adjust the collimator to cover the region of interest, not to
exceed the size of the film cassette.
7: Using the up/down buttons on the control panel, select the kVp
and mAs required to expose the anatomy in the region of interest.
Use the technique chart supplied with the AMX or the locally
created chart.
8: Remove the exposure switch from its holder and position
yourself as far away as the cord will allow, from the x-ray tube.
9: Press the exposure switch half way to start the exposure
process and accelerate the anode.
10: When “Ready for x-ray” is displayed on the console, press the
exposure switch all the way down and release the x-rays.
11: Place the exposed film in the film drawer to protect it from
double exposure.
12: Repeat with a fresh cassette if necessary.
13: When finished taking x-rays, return the x-ray tube to the
latched, park position prior to driving
Main Circuit Breaker:

Main Circuit Breaker

On the front of the unit you will find the Main The Circuit breaker has a trip coil use by the system to power itself
Circuit breaker, Retractable Power Cord, and the off when there is an error. The High Tension Transformer can be
High Tension Cables. The High Tension removed by removing the drive controller and power amps and
Transformer is located behind the front panel. sliding the tank out the back.

If the battery voltage drops below 110v (90V on some systems) the
CPU will generate a trip Brkr signal.

Cord Reel:

Cord Reel

Cord Reel: Under the top cover:

LVLE:

LVLE

LVLE Power Supply:

Low Voltage Low Energy (LVLE) Power Supply is a power
supply that supplies DC power to all circuit boards:

+5,+15,-15 and +24.

CPU:

CPU

System Controller (CPU) Board: Under the top cover is the System Controller (CPU) board which
most user control go first all A/D and D/A conversion are done.

The system Controller board (or CPU) has an 80C31 CPU,

Applications
EPROM, Service and Diagnostics EPROM and Zero Power
RAM
for Nonvolatile Memory (NVRAM).
• The early version Controller Board is different from the
current
version:
- EPROMs and Memory are located in the upper left corner on
the early version while the current version has the EPROMS
near the top Right Center or the board.
• Control Board Features include:
- Read input and Write output ports located at CPU addresses
starting at Hexadecimal 1000.
- Write output ports are located at the same addresses as
the Read ports but are not associated to the same signals.
- You can use the Read ports to input the current status of many
of the user controls and system signals used by the Controller.
- The Write ports can be used to manually turn on relays and
exercise controls to system components manually while
troubleshooting problems.
• Near the DC power connector along the Right side of the board
are
test points for all power supply DC voltages.
• A reset switch on the CPU board can be used to initialize the
software similar to a power cycle.
• Eight LEDs on the CPU can be used to indicate CPU
activity
and are very helpful during troubleshooting especially if the
display is not working correctly.
- During Power Up: Displays the Power On Self Test number
being run and if fails displays the number which failed.
- In applications mode: Changes with KVp Selected when Prep
 switch is activated.

System Controller (CPU) Board Schematic: The Controller (CPU) board is a single board computer and
controls all major functions.

• All A/D and D/A conversion is done on the CPU board.

• CPU connects to most other boards including: Charger,

Motor Controller, Rotor Control, 1KHz Inverter, FIL/
KVP Control, Display Controller, and AEC Option

Reference: “Schematics” Folder PDF Document:

“AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 Rev10
2004.pdf” Page 12 (28 of 174)

CPU Connections to Charger, Motor Controller, Signals to/from the Charger board:
and Rotor Control: • The Controller board must tell the Charger board to charge
requiring the
CPU to be mostly functioning in order to be able to Charge the
Batteries.
• Pin 6 - Line Sense, tells the CPU the AC line cord is plunged
in. When
active, key switch is not active.
- When plunged in the CPU will not do anything except charge.
• Pin 8 - Trip Breaker, is an output to the Charger board to force
the
circuit breaker to trip as a result from errors detected by the CPU.
• Pin 10- Charger Relay, turns on the charge relay on the
Reference: “Schematics” Folder PDF Document: Charger Board.
“AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 Rev10 • Pin 12 Charge Scale Select, determines how much to charge.
2004.pdf” Page 12 (28 of 174) Connections to/from the Motor Controller
• Pins 1 - 8 are analog signals. The Left/Right Command signals
are
output to the Motor Controller and determine the speed.
• Pin 10 - Bumper, is the front bumper active signal which first
goes to the
Motor Controller then to the CPU. It function is to permit reverse
only.
• Pin 13 - Full Speed Enable, is an output to the Motor
Controller and is
derived from the Tube Parked Switch.
Connections to/from the Rotor Control Board
• Pin 3 - Rotor Interlock, is a feed back signal which indicates
there is
current flow through the X-Ray Tube Stator. Indicated the X-Ray
Tube
Rotor is turning.
• Pin 9 - Rotor Select, is an output to activate the rotor select
relay on the
Rotor Board. When activated this relay switches 60Hz power
from the
collimator light to the X-Ray Tube Stator.
• Pin 10 - Safety Contactor Enable, turns on the Safety
Contactor relay.
• Pin 11 - 60Hz Inv. Relay, turns on the 60Hz power used to
power X-Ray
Tube filaments, collimator light, and rotor.
 • Pin 13 & 15 - 60 Hz Phase 1 & 2, are output from CPU to drive
the 60
Hz power inverters on the Rotor Control board.

Controller to 1KHz Inverter & Filament / KVP Connections to/from the 1KHz Inverter Board
Control Board • Tap 1 through 6 signals are outputs to turn on the tap relays.
• Tap Feedback 1 through 6 are generated on the 1KHz
Inverter
indicating there is current flow through the specified tap relay. It
does not
verify that the relay is closed nor that the contact have been
activated but
only that current is flowing through the coil.
• Pin 23 - Expose Stop Command, is output to the IKHz Inverter
to stop
X-Rays.
Reference: “Schematics” Folder PDF Document: • Pin 24 & 26 - Are the 1KHz timing signal output from the CPU
“AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 Rev10 used to
2004.pdf” Page 12 (28 of 174) drive the KVp Inverters.
• Pin 25 - Start, is used to start X-Rays by turning on the KVp
inverters.
Connections to/from the Fil/KVP Control Board
• Pins 7 & 8 - FIL, are Filament Demand signals.
• Pins 11 & 12, are KV Demand.
• Pin 21 - MAS, is an input Frequency representative of mAs.
The CPU
counts the pulses to determine the mAs.

Controller to Display & AEC Option Connections to/from the Display Controller
• Pins 14, 18, 24 are power supply voltages to the Display
Controller and
Display board.
- Note that DC power is derived from the CPU and if the
Display
Controller or Display board fail and short the power, the
CPU
will appear to be causing the LVLE Power supply output to
be
shorted.
Connector J7 is only used if the Automatic Exposure Control
Reference: “Schematics” Folder PDF Document: (AEC) Option is
“AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 Rev10 present. AEC is rarely found on AMX-4 systems.
2004.pdf” Page 12 (28 of 174) • The AEC option add the AEC display and control on the top left
side of
the AMX-4 and a paddle with dose chamber is stored on the front
side
and is placed under the patient and film to detect the X-Ray
exposure.
• KVP information for KVP compensation is used when AEC is
on.
• AEC EN from AID module goes false to terminate a photo timed
exposure. Actual MAS is displayed on the 16 character display

Controller Process Block Diagram The CPU board microprocessor (80C31) has a direct input data
port,
Data I/O bus, and 12 Mhz clock.
• P1 INPUT & BUS is used to directly input critical status signals.
These are the most critical signals which must be monitored.
 - Critical Status input signals include PREP, EXPOSE,
TUBE PRESS, 60HZ INV OK, ROTOR INTLK, FILAMENT
SHORTED, 1KHZ INV OK, and X-RAY ON.
• A Read Port Address Decoder and Write Port Address
Decoder is at starting address 1000. The Read Port Address
is activated only during a CPU Read cycle. The Write Port
Address Decoder is activated only during a Write Cycle.
- Read ports are at starting address 1000 for RDP0, through
RDP7. It is important to note that read port address are
separate from write port addresses and latch in differing
signals from the output ports.
- Write port addresses start at address 1000 for WRP0
References: “Schematics” through WRP15. It is important to note that the write port
address are separate from read port addresses and latch
output signals in to output registers which are different from
the same address of read ports.
• A URT is used to provide a serial interface between the
Controller board and Display Controller board.

CPU Analog Input: A 16 Channel Analog Multiplexer is used to select analog signals
and send
them to a sample and hod and Analog to Digital converter.
• Analog input signals include:
- LEFT HALL & RIGHT HALL device or handle drive signals.
- RIGHT and LEFT SPEED CMD
- KVP DEMAND FDBK
- FIL CURRENT DEMAND DAC Feedback
Digital to Analog coveters
• Analog output signals: FILAMENT DMN, KVP DMN, DRIVE
CMD,
References: “Schematics” and CHARGE CMD are accessed by CPU write ports WRP8, 9,
and
11.
• During drive mode the CHARGE CMD signal is used to supply
the
HANDLE CHECK signal. The system can only charge or drive at
the
same time.

Generator:

Generator

X-ray Generator: The x-ray generator is a relatively low frequency inverter

generator running at a frequency of 1000 Hz. The kV is
adjustable from 50 to 125 kVp. The mA is fixed at 100 mA.
Output is controlled by closed loop regulation to ensure accurate
x-ray delivery. The system will compensate for battery charge
and if necessary the mA will auto adjust to correct the kV during
exposure. The high tension transformer and x-ray tube utilize
standard federal connectors

References: “Block Diagrams” Folder, “Generator”

subfolder, “HV Generator” document (Page 1 of 1)
HV Block Diagram:

HV Block Diagram

HV Block Diagram

References: “Block Diagrams” Folder, “Generator”

subfolder, “HV Generator” document (Page 1 of 1)

Filament & mAs control:

Filament & mAs Control

Filament & mAs Control

References: “Block Diagrams” Folder, “Filament &

mAs” document (Page 1 of 1)

1kHz:

1 kHz Board

1kHz Inverter Board: The 1 kHz inverter is a push-pull self commutated design
employing SCRs as switches. Self commutating means
Reference: “Schematics” Folder PDF Document: that one SCR must be turned on in order to shut the
“AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 Rev10 other SCR off. The inverter is stopped and started by Q3
2004.pdf” Page 83 (99 of 174) which
houses two SCRs.
Sequence of Events
1. C12 is charged to -70v during prep.
2. Clocks applied to Q1, Q2 (clocks have dead time as
dictated by driver circuitry).
3. Start SCR fired.
4. Assume Q1 is clocked on, when Q3 start SCR is
triggered.
5. V oltage at Q1 anode goes low, current ramps up thru
battery, thru upper half of T1, thru Q1 SCR thru L1, thru
Q3
start SCR back to battery.
6. V oltage across C5 is 2 times battery voltage (220v).
7. Q1 drives goes low, device continues to conduct
(fundamental SCR).
8. Q2 fired.
9. V oltage at Q2 anode goes low Q1 anode goes to -60
(due to C5).
10. Due to L1, voltage spikes positive at Q1, Q2 cathode.
11. Current ramps up thru bottom half of T1 thru Q2.
12. Current decreases thru Q1 and top half of T1.
13. Circulating current also flows thru aux winding thru Q2
diode thru SCR thru L1 and back to aux.
14. Cycle repeats starting at step 4.
15. To stop inverter, stop SCR is pulsed on.
16. Due to C12, voltage at anode of start SCR goes
negative shutting it off.
17. Current ramps down by charging up C10.
18. Stop SCR turns off due to minimal current thru it.
1KHz BOARD has the 1KHz inverter gate supply for the
auto transformer inverter SCRs,
EXPOSURE START & STOP signals for main SCRs, tap
select logic, KVP feedback, and stop cap
status.
Refer to Page 4-120 thru Page 4-123
Inverter receives 1KHz PHASE 1 & 2 from CPU. Ref. WF
E1 & E5.
Ph. 1& 2 drive FETs through center tapped transformer.
Center tap is connected to 24volts.
Outputs G1 & G2 are sent via twisted pair to inverter
SCRs Q1 & Q2 power blocks which provide AC primary
volts for auto transformer.
1KHz PHASE 1 & 2 are there when prep is pressed.
EXPOSURE START CMND from CPU is about a 3ms
pulse which is sent through a
pulse transformer for the exposure start SCR, Q3. Ref.
WF E2.
EXPOSURE STOP also from CPU works the same.
KV FDBK is sampled from high voltage primaries through
an isolation transformer.
KV FDBK is used by the FILAMENT/KVP Board. to
regulate mA. Ref. WF E3 & E4.
STOP CAP voltage is checked on this board - Page 4-121
(D-7) Ref. WF E6
STOP CAP voltage must be at least -69 volts.
Have measured 77vDC.
Stop cap volts develop 1kHz READY and is checked once
during prep.
If stop caps are not charged, do not allow an exposure.
T AP SELECTS 1-6 are active low from CPU Board.
Selection of relays for the technic selected by the operator
were established during
 calibration.
Active low signals drive opto-iso;
First opto-iso drives transistors which, when conducting,
brings in relay coil
The relay current conducts through the 2nd opto-iso which
is the feedback to
the CPU.
The feedback only detects if current is flowing through the
coil, NOT if the relay
physically came in (contact closure).
During prep, all relays come in 2 times to `wipe' the
contacts, then select
appropriate tap, then bring in safety contactor.

1KHz Inverter Tap Relay Driver & Feedback: Tap Relay signals originate on the Controller board
and are optically isolated on the 1KHz board.

• When a tap relay is turned on by the tap signal

applied to an optical isolator, current is drawn
through a second optical isolator to create the
feedback signal.

• When the Feedback signal is active there is

current flow through the Tap Relay coil.
- The state of the Tap Relay contacts are
not verified and can still be at an incorrect
Reference: “Schematics” Folder PDF Document: state.
“AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 Rev10
2004.pdf” Page 91 (107 of 174)

Filament - KVP Board: FILAMENT/KVP BOARD controls the filaments with pulse
width modulation and regulates KVP by
Reference: “Schematics” Folder PDF Document: varying the filament current.
“AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 Rev10 Refer to Pg. 4-103
2004.pdf” Page 93 (109 of 174) The CPU sets up the FILAMENT DAMAND DAC for the
selected technic as established
during calibration.
This is summed with the actual filament current (C-4) which
makes up the `inner
loop'.
When and exposure is made, the KV DMND and KVP
FDBK modify the
filament/tube current depending on the KV error. This
makes up the `outer loop'.
In other words, this changes the loading on the tube to
increase/decrease the
KVP .
Both KVP DMN and KVP FDBK and FILAMENT DMN are
summed into a sine wave
type waveform which is summed with a 16KHz sawtooth
which, depending on the
level of the desired filament current, determines output
pulsewidth.
P ulse width drive is clocked through RS flip flop and sent
to driver transistors.
The 27VAC supply from the 60Hz Board. supplies the
voltage to the filament
inverter .
PREHEA T (C-6) signal drives PWM to maximum duty
cycle (50%) to boost the filament
to temperature during prep. Ref WF F5.
PREHEA T also desensitizes current limit circuitry.
Comparator AR 79 looks at actual filament current
compared to a reference level. If
filament current gets too high, AR79 will trip disabling
PWM DRIVE (C-7).
KVP FDBK is compared to KVP DMN to detect 75% level
to activate X-RAY ON. Ref
WF F3.
X-Ray ON starts the backup timer on the CPU Board.
During calibration the 75% detector was changed to 33%
with a jumper installed on
TP 14 to TP 15. (F-3).
2 KHZ PHASE 1 & 2 (D-9) square wave from CPU Board
is sent through driver
transistors and to filament inverter transformer.
The center tap of the transformer is the 16kHz pulse width
modulated signal
developed by the filament demand circuit.
FILAMENT current is sensed across R188 @TP 13 (F-9)
at .1 volt per amp for
feedback to CPU Board. Ref. WF F7, F8, F9.
Tube spits will take out diodes CR 281 & CR283 (D,E-10).
Symptom might be
insufficient filament drive Error 45F.
MAS is measured by MA+ & MA- input to bridge and sent
to a VFC to be converted to
pulses. (C-8)
The CPU terminates the exposure by counting pulses for
operator-selected MAS.
Ref WF F11.
Inputs to CPU internal counter.
MA does not have to be exactly 100MA. The CPU is
looking for MAS only.
New boards have pot to compensate for different
manufactures of VFC.
100.0MA= 16 KHZ. Do not adjust in the field.
MA & KVP are monitored by comparators AR153 & AR
244.
If the tube current is over 150 ma AR153 will trip causing
TRIP BREAKER* to go true.
If the KVP FDBK is 15 KVP higher than KVP DMN, then
AR244 will trip causing TRIP
BREAKER* to go true, tripping the main breaker.
The FILAMENT SHORTED signal (F-10) monitors
conduction of the filament.
2KHz Phase 1 is one input from the CPU. PWM RTN 2
is actual filament conduction.
When rotor is first prepped, 2KHz PH 1 is there instantly,
which will trigger
FILAMENT SHORTED true.
When the filaments are first turned on, they are very low
resistance; almost a short.
As the filament heats, resistance and voltage increase
across it since current
though the filament is constant.
V oltage at PWM RTN 2 slowly increase to about 8 volts
which will trip FILAMENT
SHORTED false.
V oltage at PWM RTN 2 is actually voltage from the other
side of the inverter
transformer while Q184 is off Ref. to Pg. 4-103 (E-10).
The FILAMENT SHORTED signal is monitored by the CPU
for timing.
If FILAMENT SHORTED signal never comes up, the PWM
RTN 2 pulses come
up immediately meaning the filament inverter is not
conducting. Error 45E.
If the FILAMENT SHORTED signal comes up and stays up,
PWM RTN 2 never
came up, this means that there is no voltage across the
filaments which means a
possible short. Error 45F.
If FILAMENT SHORTED is high when prep switch is first
pressed, then ERROR
45D occurs. This means that the associated circuitry is
faulty.
LEAK AGE COMP (D-2) from CPU Board is a fixed
correction for transformer
leakage used to modify MAS.
F actor can be changed in DA T A BASE ACCESS.
FILAMENT AND MAS CONTROL REFER TO PG. 4-109
(following page)
Read Bullets in Controller block.
Describe outputs of the Controller board; D to A, clocks,
etc.
Filament/kVp block; note that on prep. FIL DMN drives the
filament through a modulator.
Preheat signal forces the modulator into 50% duty cycle
which provides a `boost' to get
the filament upto temperature. During the exposure kVp
demand and KV FDBK are
then allowed to modify the filament current to deliver an
accurate operator selected kVp
by changing the loading on the tube.
2kHz clocks drive the filament inverter (the 2 FETs). This
frequency and pulsewidth do not
change.
FIL FDBK is sensed across a 0.1 ohm resistor (R188) at
0.1 volt per amp.
FIL SHORTED is a status signal used to indicate
conduction of the filament. When the
filament is first turned on, it is cold and appears to be
shorted. As the filament warms
up, the resistance increases and no longer appears as a
short.
KV FDBK is actually primary votlage feedback, not
secondary feedback. Primary votlage
is sent to a stepdown transformer, rectified and sent out
as KV FDBK; it is not DC
filtered.
MA+ & MA- are sampled from the transformer, rectified,
and summed with LEAKAGE
COMP . LEAKAGE COMP voltage respresents HV
transformer leakage and is
subtracted from the MA from the transformer. The MA
from the transformer is actually
tube current PLUS leakage. Leakage is subtracted to give
true tube current. This is
then sent to a voltage to frequency converter and is sent
out as pulses to the internal
counter T1 in the CPU.
Tube:

Tube

Tube: There are two different tube types used on the AMX 4. The typical
tube used is the GE HRT09. This tube has a 0.75mm focal spot,
low
speed rotating anode (3000 rpm), 15 degree target angle, and a
275,000 heat unit capacity. The Second is called the Orion tube.
This tube was made in France.

Rotor Control Board:

Rotor Control Board

Also known as the 60 Hz Board

Rotor Control Board: ROTOR CONTROLLER contains the 60Hz inverter for the
rotor and the collimator field light.
Reference: “Schematics” Folder PDF
Document: “AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 The inverter also serves as a power supply for other modules
Rev10 2004.pdf” Page 75 (91 of 174) Refer to Pg. 4-87 thru 4-89

60Hz inverter (1-C1) inputs from the CPU are optically

isolated and sent to driver transistors.

The outputs of the FETs are connected to opposite ends of

the inverter transformer.

The center tap is connected to BAT SW through F93 and

surge resistors.

BAT SW came from charger Board through K215.

F or inverter waveforms Soft start is a function of firmware.

This only happens when the 60Hz inverter is turned on for
the first time after the unit
has been turned on.
The frequency starts at about 200 Hz and slews down to
60Hz..
Prevents inrush of current.
K121 is a hardware soft-start. It comes in upon 60Hz turn-
on to short the resistors
that allow the capacitor to charge up (D-4) after power up
and stays in until unit is
turned off or reset.
The 60Hz inverter transformer supplies not only rotor and
collimator light but also
commutation capacitors, 27VAC used by the FILAMENT/KVP
Board, and develops
60Hz INVERTER OK.
K39 contacts (1-C7) select either the rotor windings or the
collimator light
ROTOR SELECT (1-H1) comes from the CPU Board operated
by the field light
button.
When ROTOR SELECT false, the collimator light is enabled .
If light is on when rotor button is pressed, K39 energizes
routing the voltage to
the rotor windings.
Rotor has priority over the collimator light.
VOL T AGES; J3-2 & 3 measured 105 vac out of
transformer.
Rotor windings: BLK to WHT =105 VAC ; GRN to WHT
=165 VAC.
Collimator light transformer output is tap selectable.
FMI 10257 instructed to install collimator light lead to TS1-8
Battery @112V TS1-8=22.7 Lamp=21.6
Battery @116V TS1-8=23.5 Lamp=22.4
This will help lengthen bulb life.
Also recommend changing FLD LT ON TIME in calibration
mode to be 15-20
seconds.
27V AC supplies the 60Hz INVERTER OK to the CPU for
status check and supplies the
FILAMENT/KVP Board filament circuit.
COM CAP CHARGE is about 83VAC during prep and
charges the commutation caps in
the generator for exposure shut off.
SAFETY CONT ENB* relay K37 (H-2) brings in contacts (A-8)
for safety contactor.
K37 is operated by the CPU and is enabled by the PREP
SWITCH.
The Rotor Interlock is made up of current transformers and
circuitry Pg. 4-89 (C-6
thru C-9)
When rotor is called for, current flows through T5 & T6.
The voltage is sensed and trips both op amps in U20. U20
is wired AND circuit. Ref.
WF D4 & D5.
Output is ROTOR INTERLOCK +V. Goes to CPU for
monitoring. +24volts when
happy .
Problems with board were corrected with resistor changes
(blowing F93).
When the operator presses the prep switch, the CPU enables
the 60Hz inverter and rotor
select relays. The CPU starts the clocks which are isolated
from the drivers. FETs are clocked on
and off alternately in the primaries of the 60Hz transformer
supplied by battery voltage. The
secondary supplies the rotor, filament supply, and the
commutation capacitor.
The only difference between the collimator light and the rotor
is K39. When the collimator
button is pushed, the ROTOR SELECT* signal is NOT
selected, therefore, voltage is sent through
the normally closed contacts to K39 to the collimator light
transformer (not shown in diagnostic
block diagrams).
60Hz INV OK is used during 60Hz turn on for the collimator
lamp. Both ROTOR INTLK and
60Hz INV OK are looked at for rotor sequence by the CPU.
ROTOR INTLK is developed from 2
 current sense transformer in series with the GRN and BLK
wires.
COM CAP CHARGE signal goes to a bridge rectifier in the
HV module which will charge up
the commutation capacitor. Note that the commutation cap
gets charged in both modes; when
collimator light is lit and during rotor.

Collimator:

Collimator

Collimators: There are two collimators used on the AMX 4. The differences
are minor. Both are manual collimators with dial indicators to
indicate field size at a specific SID. The collimator handles have
a switch bar to release the tube column brakes and the park latch.
The collimator is held in place by three socket head Allen screws.
On GE tubes the collimator mount is factory installed and
adjusted for central ray alignment. Light field to x-ray field is
checked and adjusted in the field. The only serviceable parts are
the front cover and brake switch.
Horizontal Arm:

Horizontal Arm

Horizontal Arm: The Horizontal Arm holds the x-ray tube mount and provides a 16”
extension to help reach beyond the machine
The park latch is located on the bottom side of the Horizontal Arm.
There is an electromagnetic brake inside the arm. There is no
adjustment for the brake
Replacing the brake or cables requires removing the arm from the
column.

Vertical Column:

Vertical Column:

Vertical Column: On earlier models of the AMX 4 there was a problem with
cracking of the base/chassis. This problem has been reported as
solved, but you may still encounter an older system that might
develop cracks in the frame.

Depending on the use (abuse) of the machine by the customer, it

is not impossible for cracks to develop on the frame. If cracks
develop or other issues arise it may be necessary to remove the
column in order to make repairs. GE has a block that can be
bolted to the top of the column that has an eye bolt attached to
make it easier to attach a chain or cable hoist to the top of the
column. If you do not have this “tool”, you can have one made
out of a piece of ¼” thick steel 2” wide and 7” long. Drill two 3/8”
holes 4 5/8” apart in the steel piece and one ½” hole in the
center.
 Bolt an eye bolt to the center hole and put two 5/16” bolts (long
enough to allow clearance for the nut on the eye bolt) through the
3/8” holes and into the top of the column.

The column contains the x-ray tube counter weights, so be sure

to position the horizontal arm mount at the top of the column if
you are removing the column. The counter weight cables need
to be inspected with each PM. If there are signs of fraying, the
cables will need to be replaced.

The column also includes brakes for vertical travel and rotational
pivot. Mounted to the outside of the column is the Terminal Box.
The Terminal Box holds a terminal strip that connects the control
cable to the collimator, brakes and other components.

Batteries:

Batteries:

Battery Charger Board: Power is supplied by 9 sealed lead acid batteries connected in series.
The batteries have a limited amount of electrolyte and are considered
Reference: “Schematics” Folder PDF safe from leaking even if punctured. The system runs entirely off of the
Document: “AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229- batteries. Plugging in the power cord places the unit in charge mode
100 Rev10 2004.pdf” Page 63 (79 of 174) and will disable all functions except the CPU board and battery charger.
The unit does not need to be turned “on” to charge the batteries.

Battery Charger Board:

Battery Charger Board

Battery Charger Board: BATTERY CHARGER BOARD consists of a constant current

battery charger capable of charging batteries to 145 volts at a
rate of 3 amps. When the charger cord is plugged in: Line
Reference: “Schematics” Folder PDF sense relays K216 and K196 energize K196 contacts bring
Document: “AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 battery voltage to the charger board and the rest of the
Rev10 2004.pdf” Page 63 (79 of 174) system by means of BAT SWT, TP7.

K216 contacts sends a signal to the CPU telling it that the

cord is plugged in and to go to the charge mode.

If the unit will not charge, chances are the line sense relays
are not energized. AC power is applied to the full wave bridge
and to the phase control SCR.

The average current is controlled by varying the conduction

angle of the SCR by means of an optically coupled triac. A
ramp generator is synced with the zero crossing of the AC
line Charge current feedback is accomplished by picking off
the charge current through a 2.5 ohm resistor in series with
the charger and the batteries.

The voltage drop across the resistor is fed into an isolation

circuit Then to gain network operated by CHARGE SCALE
SELECT changes gain by a factor of 10.

When low, the charger is in the HIGH charge rate

When high, the charger is in the LOW charge rate

I-CHARGE CMND is a 0 to 10 volt signal from the CPU that

is compared to the actual charge current. The output is the
charge current error .
During power-up, POWER STABLE* & POWER OK (F-1)
signals are generated by power supply monitor U20 (H-3).

This provides a delayed signal to allow the power supplies to

stabilize as well as a fast power down warning for the CPU
Board. (renamed POWER DWN RST)

POWER STABLE is also used to hold off the trip breaker

signal on power-up and power-down.

BREAKER TRIP from FILAMENT/KVP Board trips the circuit if

KV >15KV above demand or MA > 150 mA.

NOTE: J4-8 BREAKER TRIP* on Charger Board comes from

FILAMENT/KVP Board as TRIP BRKR*.

Q228 drives the trip coil of the main breaker

When POWER STABLE* is true, then Q210 off. This
desensitizes the breaker trip circuit on power-up until power
supply is stable.

POWER STABLE* is not used off the board.

When TRIP BRKR from CPU is false and BREAKER TRIP

from FILAMENT/KVP

Board is false, Q228 remains off.

If either trip breaker signals go true, then the breaker will trip.
Battery voltage and charge current are sampled and sent to
the CPU Board.
Battery voltage from BAT SW is fed to a voltage sense
circuit, (B-5), through a select FET switch to a Voltage-to-F
requency Converter (VFC)
The charge current is sampled through another FET switch
and also is sent to the VFC.

When BAT V & CHARGE CUR SELECT (A-1) is low, the

battery voltage line is selected. When high, the charge
current line is selected.

During voltmeter cal, the frequency is read for 5 sec for max
accuracy.

VFC output (typical) : 7.8 khz to 4.6 khz

Batt.=120v TP6=7.8KHz
Batt=115.5v Batt=114.5v TP6=7.299KHZ
When the charger is plugged in, the LINE VOLT AGE is
supplying the BAT SWT volt
age to the rest of the system (LVLE).
The voltmeter is not affected by this because of diode CR81
(D-8).
This would eliminate the system running off of the batteries
since the unit might sit around a while after the CHARGE
COMPLETE message appears.
This prevents unnecessary battery drain.
KEY SWITCH ON SEQUENCE
Main breaker on
+BA T T volts through F6 to KEY SWITCH
KEY SWITCH to ON position
sends voltage to Charger Board J4-1 (D-9) through K149
contacts.
K215 energizes bringing battery voltage to the board and out
to BAT SWT (D-8).
BA T SW also goes to the power supply monitor to develop
POWER OK &
POWER STABLE *
BA T SW voltage feeds the LVLE power supply
K62 energizes closing contacts (3C9) which go to CPU Board.
This lets the CPU know
that the key switch is on.
CPU starts power-up sequence.
BA T TERY POWER AND CHARGING - Refer to Pg. 4-75
thru 4-79
SEE PAGE 4-77 FOR CHARGE CYCLE
LINE SENSE is energized when the charger cord is plugged
in. Also relay K196 comes in
bringing battery voltage to the system as BAT SWT. BAT
SWT supplies, among other
things, the LVLE . When the LVLE supply comes up, the
CPU powers up, sees LINE
SENSE and proceeds to the charger mode. K150 comes in
from the CPU to bring
power to the charger bridge.
I-CHARGE CMND is output from the CPU to the Charger
Board and is summed with the
charger feedback. The output is compared to a ramp
generator which is line-synced.
This fires SCR to give average current through the batteries.
I-CHARGE FDBK is developed across a 2.5 ohm resistor
behind the ground stud. It is
scaled depending if batteries need high charge or low charge
mode. This feedback
goes through a MUX which selects between charge fdbk and
battery voltage, then to a
V oltage to Frequency Converter (VFC).
 BA T V & CHARGING CUR is sent to the CPU's internal
pulse counter T1 input and
converted. The CPU counts these pulses for a fixed time to
determine their value.
A new circuit designed into the charger runs the system off
the line when plugged in from
the REGULATOR. This supplies BAT SW to the LVLE .
Diodes were installed to allow the
voltmeter to read the voltages on the batteries, not the
regulator KEY SWITCH brings in K62 (KEY SWITCH ON) and
K215 (BAT SWT). Note that K215 and
K196 are in parallel; one for charging, one for key switch
operation. Also note that when
the charger is plugged in K150 opens and disables the key
switch whether it is on or off.
POWER UP DELAY is operated by the BAT SWT signal. It
provides a power up delay as
well as a fast power down. PWR STABLE desensitizes the
Trip Breaker circuitry while
the power supplies come up.
TRIP BREAKER from the CPU board & BREAKER TRIP*
from the FIL/KVP board are low
voltage signals designed to trip the breaker as follows:
CPU - if battery voltage is less than 110 volts in standby.
if charge current feedback is not within 20% of expected
value.
if CPU cannot terminate exposure normally
FIL/KVP - if KV is 15 KV above demand
if ma is greater than 150 ma.
When the breaker is to be tripped, 0 volts is given to the trip
coil of the circuit breaker.

To troubleshoot breaker tripping symptoms, disconnect wire at

J4-5. this will eliminate or indicate blocks of circuitry as a
possible cause. If the breaker still trips, then there is an
actual overload; whether it is a tube spit or inverter latchup.
Watching the wire marked #5 to the START/STOP SCR jerk is
also a good indication that a high current situation occurred.

Collimator brake release switches operate K1 located under the

CPU board.
This brings battery voltage to the positioning brakes and park
latch.

Motor Drive System:

Motor Drive System

Motor Drive System: The rear wheels are driven independently with a separate motor.
The speed of the motors is controlled by the amount of pressure
the operator places on the drive handle. Strain gauges in the
drive handle mounts deliver a voltage level, proportional to the
 pressure applied to the handle to the drive controller. The
operator can drive the unit forward or back with little or no effort.
The maximum speed is 3 mph. If the tube is not latched down
the speed is limited to 1.5 mph. If the front bumper switch detects
a collision, the unit will only drive in reverse.

Behind the film drawer is the Drive Power AMP, Drive Controller
board, Drive Fuses, and Drive Motors. Below the drive handle on
either the left or right side, is the Break Release Button. Pressing
the Break Release Button will release the electric brakes on the
drive motors.
The Drive Controller is the bottom board it that the DC signals
from the CPU and creates the timing signals needed to control
References: “Block Diagrams” Folder, and “Drive” the power amplifiers to the Drive Power Amp board.
subfolder, “Left & Right Drive Function” document
(Page 1 of 1) DRIVE CONTROLLER used in conjunction with the DRIVE
POWER AMP to deliver up to 1KW of power to the motors.
Drive Controller & Drive Amplifier Boards are Circuitry between right and left drives is identical.
located behind the Film Bin.
The CPU Board reads the inputs from the Hall Effect
sensors from the handle. Voltage depends on how hard the
handle is pushed.

Then the CPU outputs LEFT/RIGHT DRIVE CMND to

DRIVE CONTROLLER (F-1). LEFT DRV CMND enters board at
(F-1).
Command is+10v full forward; 0 v stopped; and -10 v full
reverse.

DRV CMND is summed in AR154 (F-6) with drive FDBK. The

error then goes through an invert/non-invert amp, depending
Drive Controller Board:
on direction of command. The “absolute value” error output
Reference: “Schematics” Folder PDF Document: is connected to a voltage clamp CR197 (F-8) .
“AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 Rev10 The error voltage is sent to AR260 (C-7) 555 timer used
2004.pdf” Page 103 (119 of 174) as a voltage to pulse width converter. As the command
increases, the error increase, the pulse width increases. Direction
Drive Power Amplifier Board:
is determined by the polarity at TP5 (D-6)
Reference: “Schematics” Folder PDF Document:
If TP5 is + then TP15 =1 for reverse direction.
“AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 Rev10 U283 flip flop has 2 outputs; Q (CCW) enables U282 to
2004.pdf” Page 121 (137 of 174) pass pulses from AR 260;
Q* (CW) output disables other U262 and blocks pulses
from AR260.
U283 outputs also drive FET switches to invert/non-invert
amps & FET
switches at (D-2) which maintain the polarity of the motor
feedback regardless
of direction the motors are turning.
Output of U280 has only 2 outputs pulsing at a time and
are 180 out of phase .
These pulses are sent to the DRIVE POWER AMP.
Stall circuitry is provided to detect when the current
through the motors is too high. (A-7)
A stall is also caused by overheated motors.
When a stall occurs, U283 trips and sends a signal to the
CPU.
The stall is reset when the handle is released. Can't see
the stall LEDS.
Refer to Page 4-151
DRIVE ENA SWITCH (C-1) and POWER OK develop +5V-
DRV (C-5) which goes to the
DRIVE POWER AMP.
MOTOR ENA (D-1) from CPU develops BRAKE RELEASE,
RIGHT & LEFT MOTOR
ENA .
They go to the DRIVE POWER AMP drivers that pull in the
brake release and motor
relays.
Inputs from both bumper switches develop BUMPER* to the
CPU board.
This signals the CPU that there is an obstruction and
disables MOTOR ENA and causes
the software to output a display REVERSE ONLY, enable
MOTOR ENA, then to ignore
any forward direction handle commands until the obstruction
is cleared.
FULL SPD ENA (H-1) from the CPU Board brings in a
resistor which changes the gain of
the op amp which lowers the voltage at TP11.
This lower voltage causes voltage clamp diode CR197 to
become forward biased if the
voltage at TP12 (F-7) goes higher than the +PW LMT.
This imposes a new limit on the max voltage the error
amp can put out, therefore
limiting max speed.
FULL SPD ENA is operated by the TUBE PARK SWITCH
through the CPU.
DRIVE POWER AMP
DRIVE POWER AMP delivers pulsed voltage from batteries
to the motors through a
transistor bridge circuit. •Left" will be discussed.
Refer to Page 4-147
+5V-DRV from the DRIVE CONTROLLER supplies voltage
for the input to the
opto-isolator (C-3).
Motor is powered by varying pulse width or duty cycle and
polarity, giving variable speed
and direction.
Turning the unit is accomplished by pulling one end of the
handle back and pushing the
other end forward.
Right and left drives are identical and completely
independent from each other.
One wheel will drive in reverse; the other forward, allowing
the unit to turn on a dime.
DRIVE EXAMPLE Ref WF I1 through I4.
IDLE-Drive switch not activated; +5V-DRV is absent. BOT
CW & CCW are high to
turn on Q165 & Q5 (This keeps noise away from motors
by shorting it out.)
DRIVE MODE
When handle is picked up, +5V-DRV becomes active
supplying 5 volts to the high
side of the opto isolators U96 and U65.
P ulses are supplied to TOP CCW; pulse width is
determined by the operator
pushing or pulling on the handle for desired speed.
In this case, we are in reverse.
TOP CCW is active low, which causes U96 output to go
high, Q94 to turn on, Q93
to turn off, and Q90 to turn on.
This supplies the +battery volts to the motor.
B OT CCW is active low (does not pulse) turns off Q15,
turns on Q12, turns Q14 off,
turns Q5 on.
B OT CCW stays active low and does not pulse so long
as the unit is traveling in
the same direction.
This supplies ground to the other side of the motor.
At the same time TOP CCW is true (Q98 is on), BOT CW
is normally high but pulsed
low (Q165 turns off).
When Q98 is off, Q165 is on, providing ground to both
sides of the motor.,
This is used for dynamic braking and better response in
case of a direction
change.
The timer circuit at (F-3) and the transformers are a supply
for the TOP circuits of the
drive amp since the reference used in NOT ground.
The secondary of the transformer has a diode and filter
cap to supply DC voltage to
those circuits.
LEF T V+ comes from the drive relays in bottom of the
drive module (BAT T V)
MOTOR ENB comes from the DRIVE CONTROLLER and
brings in the drive relays.
BRAKE RELEASE operates relay K145 (E-F, 7-8) which
energizes the brakes on
the back of the drive motors to release. (BRAKE RELEASE
1 & 2, 120V.)
K145 also brings power to the timer circuit (F-2) and the
transistor/
transformer circuit (F-3). LEF T DRIVE - Refer to Page 4-
155
Note: The left and right side are identical therefore only
cover the left drive.
TUBE PARKED SW-(S1 is normally open switch shown
incorrectly in the blocks).
This signal tell the CPU if the tube is parked or not
through the CHGR & DRV
ST A TUS input port. This operates FULL SPD ENA sent
to the drive module.
FULL SPD ENA from the CPU operates a voltage clamp on
the Drive Controller board.
Therefore the maximum speed is hardware limited.
DRIVE ENA SW developed from S4 & S5 `deadman'
switches. Both switches must work before
the drive is enabled. This signal goes to the CPU board
and splits up-one to an input port;
the other, off the board to the drive module to supply +24
volts to the + side of the drive
relay , K1. DRIVE ENA SW to the CPU input port tells
the CPU to read the Hall Effect Sensors
and output MOTOR ENA & DRIVE RESET. MOTOR ENA
develops 0 volt path to the drive
relay LEFT MOTOR ENA and also develops BRAKE
RELEASE.
LF T MAN TDS OUT is the output of the left Hall Effect
Sensor. This output is sent to the CPU's 16
channel analog MUX and converted to digital. The CPU
then outputs +10v to 0v to -10v
signal to the Drive Controller. The polarity determines
direction of the motors.
LEF T DRV CMND on the Drive Control board is summed
with the drive feedback to give an error,
 then is voltage clamped (for maximum speed control). The
voltage is then converted to a
pulsewidth and sent to drivers. Polarity of the error is
sensed which is a function of desired
direction (pushing forward or backward on the drive handle)
then converted to an absolute
value so that there is always a positive voltage going to
the voltage-to-frequency
converter . Depending on the desired direction CW or
CCw, different drivers are enabled
which eventually provides reversible current flow through the
motors.
LEF T TOP CW*, LEFT BOT CW*, LEFT TOP CW*, LEFT
BOT CCW* are sent to the Drive Amp
where the pulses are amplified through opto-isolators and
power FETs.
LEF T IM is the feedback signal from the motor drives.
The analog MUX is there to maintain a
relationship with the DRV CMND so that they are always
opposite since the motor
feedback is always positive. This is done by a direction
detect or a invert/non-invert amp.
LEF T DRV FDBK is also sent to the CPU for monitoring.
The BUMPER switches are normally closed and go to the
Drive Controller board.
BUMPER* is developed and sent to the CPU board.
When the bumper switches open, the
CPU turns off MOTOR ENA to stop the motors. It also
prompts the CPU to ignore any
forward commands from the drive handle until the
obstruction is cleared.
BRAKE RELEASE is from the white pushbutton under the
drive handle is wired ORed with the
BRAKE RELEASE 1 on the Drive Power Amp. The white
pushbutton is connected directly
to the battery in case the unit will not stay on to drive out
of the way.
CAUTION - When working around this module, there will be
battery voltage present if the white
pushbutton is pushed.

Drive Wheels:

Drive Wheels

Drive Wheels The drive wheels and motors are in the lower rear part of the
frame assembly. They can be accessed by removing the
cassette drawer. The wheels have a planetary gear reduction
built in and are belt driven. Belt tension should be checked
during a PM. It is not uncommon for the drive wheels to start to
“squeak” or some say, sound like a cat crying. When this
happens, the planetary gear reduction has become worn and the
wheel needs to be replaced. While one person can replace the
wheels, because it requires lifting the AMX and placing it on
 blocks to remove the wheels, it is best to have a second person
present for safety.
Lifting the AMX will require an ATV jack or low profile automotive
hydraulic jack capable of lifting at least one ton.
The drive wheels are removed by dropping them through the
bottom of the machine.

Motor & Brake Assembly:

Motor & Brake Assembly

Motor & Brake Assembly The Motor and Brake Assemblies are mounted below the film bin and
are removed from the top. Each motor has an electromagnetic brake
that can be turned off in an emergency by pressing the brake release
button under the drive handle. The brake release button will be either on
the left or right depending on the release of machine you are working on.
 Front Casters:

Front Casters

Front Casters:
The front casters are industrial sized swivel casters. Some units
have casters with springs to provide minimal suspension. The
bearings are the failure point of these parts and it may be
necessary to replace as the unit ages. The casters should be
checked during PM. It is possible for the caster to fail without an
obvious tilt to the machine, but a dangerous condition will exist
where the unit could tip over without warning, especially when
turning.

Left Side:

Left Side

Major components under Left cover: The major components under the left side panel (as seen from the
-Charger Board rear) are the Charger Board, Rotor Control Board, Battery
-Rotor Board Compartment Access Panel, Fan and Circuit Breaker. T2 is the
-Battery Access Field light Transformer,T3 is the AC transformer and T1 is the 60 Hz
-T1 transformer for the rotor control board
-T2
-T3
Power-On Sequence:

Power-On Sequence:

Power On In this chapter we will discuss the distribution of power and signals
through the AMX 4/4+. This can get a little confusing, but if you
refer to the diagrams it should help.
Reference: “Schematics” Folder PDF Document:
“AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 Rev10 The block diagrams have colored lines for you to follow during this
2004.pdf” Page 12 (28 of 174) explanation.

To get things started we need to turn the power on. Start by

following the Red Line ( Page 17 ) in the block diagram. Begin
your electrical journey at the AMX2 A3 Battery Pack located on the
upper right of the diagram. The +BATT power runs through circuit
breakers CB1 and CB2 and on to fuse F6. From F6 it goes to the
key switch on the top cover of the machine. When the key switch is
turned on, the signal name changes to KEY SWITCH and passes
through normally closed relay K150 (or K149 depending on which
charger board you have) and on to turn on relay K215 and then
turns on relay K62.

Now jump back to circuit breaker CB1 and follow the Purple line
power Block Page 19. +BATT also becomes CB1 BATT and enters
the charger board on J2 pin 4. After entering the charger board
CB1 BATT passes through the now closed contacts of K215 and
then leaves the charger board on J2 Pin 9. The signal name now
changes to +BATT SWITCHED and goes to the Low Voltage
Limited Energy Power Supply (LVLE). The LVLE then supplies
+24, +15, -15, and +5 VDC to operate the circuit boards on the AMX
4/4+.

Boot Sequence: Now that the LVLE has power, +24V ( Blue line Power block page 21
)travels through now closed contacts on K62 on the battery charger
board (turned on in step one). This provides the signal KEY SWITCH
ON to the Controller Board (CPU). KEY SWITCH ON tells the micro-
controller to begin running power-on self-tests:

Test 00 – Checks the operation of the CPU.

Test 01 – Checks the checksum of the software code.
Test 02 – Checks the battery voltage of the NVRAM. If the voltage is too
low (below 2 volts) the NVRAM is considered corrupt.
Test 03 – Checks the CPU RAM.
Test 04 – Calibration Data Checksum test. This test checks to see if the
calibration data is good.
Test 05 – Checks to see if the Watchdog Timer is functioning. The
watchdog time gives a limited amount of time for code to execute before
declaring a fault. If the software hangs or the cpu stops running the
watchdog timer will create an error.
Test 06 – Checks to see if the 2 Programmable Interval Timers are
working.
 Test 07 – Checks the A/D converter and multiplexer are working
correctly. Analog voltages are measured through the A/D converter.
This includes signals like kV, mA, and battery voltage.

“Testing Complete” indicates that the boot sequence is finished.

Boot-up Power (continued) The signal +BATT SWITCHED that supplied power to the LVLE also
goes to the ANALOG MUX ( Green Power block page 23 ). The
ANALOG MUX feeds the voltage to the VOLTAGE TO
FREQUENCY CONVERTER. The output of the VOLTAGE TO
FREQUENCY CONVERTER sends a frequency that is relative to
the battery charge level to the PULSE COUNTER on the CPU. The
CPU then determines the charge based on the pulse count and then
displays the relative percent charge on the charge bar display. If
there is enough battery capacity to make an x-ray, “READY FOR
XRAY” will show on the display and the machine is ready to use.

If the Batteries are less than 112V, the CPU will send a signal to
CB1 & 2 to trip off. This starts at the CPU (Controller Board) with
the signal TRIP BRKR (Yellow line power block page 23). TRIP
BRKR leaves the Controller Board and goes to the Battery Charger
Board where it passes through some logic circuits that allow the
Filament/kVp Control Board a chance to trip the breaker and prevent
a false trip during power up. Leaving the Battery Charger Board, the
signal now becomes BREAKER OPEN and then on to the trip coil in
the breakers.

Drive Motor Control Sequence:

 Drive Motor Control Sequence:

Drive Motor Control Sequence: To enable the drive squeeze the handle activating the drive enable
then push/pull on the handle to drive in the forward/reverse
direction.
• Hall-effect sensors are in the left and right handles and each
side provides independent control to the appropriate left/right
motor.
• Pushing on one side will turn the system.
• When the drive system fails the system has what is considered
a Fatal Error.
• When transporting the system the tube should always be
latched in the tube latch.
- When latched the tube latch signal enables high speed
to about 3 miles/hour.
- When not latched the system goes to 1/2 speed for
positioning near a patient.
• The front bumper has micro-switches used to inhibit or stop
the system when something is hit driving in the forward
direction.
- The front bumper, when the micro-switch is activated,
disables forward drive and the Alpha Numeric display will
display a message “Reverse Only”.

Major Components

Major Components

Right Side
Capacitor Board is in the lower middle of this picture.

Left Side
 Rear

AMX1A5

Top - Rear
 LVLE: Low Voltage Low Energy

Note: All connections have the same outputs. So, you can measure on the open connector. –Steve Coyne (Jan 2016)

Under Top Cover

Top - Front
Minor Components

Minor Components

Main Breaker

Power Plug /
Cord Reel
 Tube Standard Tube: Orion Tube:

KV and mAs Operator Controls

Controls

Prep / Standard Hand Switch: Wireless Option:

Exposure
Switch

System Serial “*********WK#”

Number

Battery
Charger Board

Rotor Control
Board (aka 60
Hz Board)

CPU Board

aka: Controller
Board
Filament / KVP
Board

1 KHz Inverter
Board

Capacitor Capacitor Board AMX1A4A3

Board There are large capacitors behind this board.

Display Displays KV and mAs values

Controller
Board

(aka: Display
Control Board)

Display Board Info display and KV and mAs Buttons

The sticker / membrane wears out, and can be replaced. Use a heat gun and peal it off and replace it.
You can also replace the metal plate (Items 295 and 296) behind it so you don’t have to mess with
the glue residue.
 Note: glue the spacers in place on the display controller board so they will not fall out while you are
swapping out the board.

-Steve Coyne (Jan 2016)

Drive Control Amplifier is in front, and Drive Control is behind it.

and Amp
Boards

Latch
Mechanism

Rear Wheels
and Motors

Drive Handle

Low Voltage
Power Supply
(LVLE)
Tap Relays

T1, T2, T3, Safety Contactor

and Safety
Relay (Safety
Contactor)
 The Micro Switch on the side of the Safety Contactor engages when you prep. It is not a separate
part number; it comes with the Safety Contactor when you order it. –Steve Coyne (Jan 2016)

T2 T2 on the Left side of the system: T2 on the Right side of the system:
(There are two
T2
Transformers)

Terminal Strips Search in this document for TS#.

Example: “TS2”
 R1 Large Ceramic Resistor behind the fan, under T2 on the Left Hand Side

Assembly Designation Codes:

Assembly Designation Codes

(Location “address” Code)
Example: AMX1A3CB1

See Schematics Document, Renewal Parts

AMX1 = Generator (Top box)

AMX1 A1 Top Cover

AMX1 A2 Top Deck (under top cover)

AMX1 A2 A1: CPU

AMX1 A3 Left Side

1A3F3 through F7 (fuse block below the Battery Charger Board)
1A3A2: Rotor Control Board

I don’t understand why the drawings show F1 and F2 designated as AMX1 A3, when they
clearly reside on AMX1 A2.

AMX1 A4 Right Side

1A4A3: Capacitor Board

AMX1 A5 Rear

AMX1 A6 High Voltage Transformer

 AMX2 Base
(Bottom Section below the electronics)

AMX2 A1 Rear

AMX2 A2 Front

AMX2 A3 Battery Compartment

AMX3 Tube Column

AMX3 A1 Column

AMX3 A2 Tube Arm

AMX3 A3 Tube
 AMX3 A4 Collimator

Specific Designations:

AMX1 A3 F1 Located above LVLE

AMX1 A3 F2

AMX1 A2 TS1 = 1A2TS1 1A2TS1: Behind the left side of the CPU board.

Terminal #8:
“+BATT SWITCHED”
Violet Wires to:
LVLE 117 V DC
AMX1 A2 TS2 1A2TS2
1A2TS2

AMX1 A2 TS3 Terminal Strip 3 is located above the Battery Charger Board
(AMX1A2TS3)
AMX1 A2 TS4 1A2TS4 is below the K1 relay, which is behind the right side of the
CPU board.

AMX1 A2 K1 relay behind CPU

AMX1 A2 R1

AMX1 A3 TS1 Terminal Strip TS1 (above fan)

Top terminal is open

White / black stripe → Orange
White / brown stripe → no connection
(This is the Field Light)
Red → no connection
Orange → no connection
Green → no connection
Black → no connection
Blue → no connection
Yellow → no connection
AMX1 A3 TS2 Terminal Strip TS2

AMX3 A1 TS1 AMX3A1TS1

Rotor: Three wires (Black, White, and Green)
Terminal Strip on the vertical column.

See notes under “Tube” in this document for resistance

measurements.
AMX1 A3 Fuse block below Battery Charger Board and T3 and T1
Fuse Bracket

PN: 46-279235G1

1A3F3
1A3F4
1A3F5
1A3F6
1A3F7

F3, F4, F5, F6, and F7

Note: Sometimes people confuse the “F6” on the drawings for “F8”
There is no “F8” on the system.

TS3
Connections 1-4
L1 and L2 on Left Side: L1 and L2 on Left Side:
L1, L2 and T1 on Right Side: L1 on Right Side:

L2 and T1 on Right Side:

 A3FL1 Line Filter in line with the cord reel, F1, F2, and T3

EMI Filter

Troubleshooting Guides:

Troubleshooting Guides & OEM Courses

Most useful troubleshooting tool: However it

is a GE Proprietary document.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE:

AMX4 TSG Rev 0

 AMX4 TSG Rev 1

GEMS Training

Overview Folder →

GE Training – Slides for 4 day course 1301 Pages

Overview Folder →
“GE Training Slides - 4 day course.pdf”

Documentation:

Available Documentation

GE Documentation Website:
http://www3.gehealthcare.com/en/support/support_documentation_library
Then click on “X-ray” → Select “AMX4+” → then click on “Search”
Manual(s) Order from GE
PN: 2166910-100 Rev 24
There are several versions under this
folder:
-Diagnostics
-Calibration
-Functional Checks
-HV Cables
-Installation
-Operator’s Manual
-PM Manual
-Rating and Specs
-Renewal Parts
-Schematics
-Service
-Steel Cable Inspection

Specifications

Installation Manuals

Parts Identification

Schematics Direction 2173229-100 Revision 7

Diagnostics Manual (aka: “Yellow Direction 46-017207 Revision 10, 11

Binder”)

Keep in mind: the Diagnostic Manuals were written for the early CPU
boards, and was never updated for the current CPU boards.

Service The Service Manual is basically a description of how to replace parts.

Reference the “Parts Replacement Procedures” section of this document.
 Service Information Technical
Supplement:

Calibration

Replacement Procedures Horizontal Arm Removal

Preventive Maintenance Light Measurement Conversion

Functional Check

Additional Manuals

Operation Operator’s Manual

Operation Video
Optional AEC owner’s manual
Optional Remote / wireless exposure switch user’s manual

3. SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Software

Software: There are no software disks for this unit; all software resides on the CPU board’s Dallas chips.

Boot Sequence:

Reference: Notes in the “Power Troubleshooting” and “Boot Troubleshooting” sections in this document.

Each time the unit is turned on it runs 7 power-up self-tests. The system displays the test number and any errors on the
Display Board. If a failure is detected the unit will not enter into application mode.

Boot Sequence – with power cord

Reference detailed explanations in the Diagnostic Manual.

Time Turn on the CB1 Each time the unit is turned on it runs 7 power-up self-tests. The test being run and
Breaker any errors are displayed on the console display. If a failure is detected the unit will
not enter into application mode. If an error occurs during the use of the AMX an error
message will be displayed on the console to inform the operator of the system status.
0:00 Turn on the Key Switch The K215 relay on the Battery Charger Board engages when you turn on the key
switch.

Test 00 The CPU LEDs will illuminate briefly during the bootup sequence, but will turn off
once bootup is finished.

Test 01 EPROM Check Sum is calculated and compared with stored value. Error Code 81
EPROM Check Sum Hex is recorded in Error Log for a failure.

Test 02 Ram Battery Test: The first write to the RAM (or NVRAM) will not be stored if the
RAM Battery Test RAM battery is below 2.0 volts. The processor writes to RAM then reads the location.
An error occurs if the value written is not the same as the value read. Error Code 82
Hex is recorded in the Error Log for a failure.

Test 03 Auxiliary RAM Test: Preserves data form bottom of RAM to top of Data Base. Does
Auxiliary RAM Test not preserve data above top of Data Base. Error Code 83 Hex is recorded in the Error
Log for a failure.

Test 04 Calibration Data Base Check Sum: Calculates the Check Sum for the Calibration
Calibration Data Base Data Base and compares it with the stored value. Test fails if they are not equal.
Check Sum Entering Calibration will give a more specific error code for the check sum failure.
Error Code 84 Hex is recorded in the Error Log for a failure.

You will get “TEST 04 FAIL” after you load defaults or if you install a new CPU board
or New Dallas Chips. THIS IS NORMAL…..You MUST CALIBRATE THE MACHINE!!!

If you get a Test-04 Error, you can try a “Checksum Bypass”, in order to get past the
error and get into calibrations. Your Volt Meter cal and your mAs Cal must be good in
order to clear this error.

“Test 04 Failure” means that one of the calibration steps needs to be run. Try
“Calibrate Volt Meter” and “mAs Calibration”, then cycle power. See if the error goes
away. If you still have the problem, you may have to perform a complete calibration.

Test 05 Watchdog Timer: Write to timer and read back several times. Test fails if timer is high
Watchdog Timer for more than 75 milliseconds or less than 25 milliseconds. Error Code 85 Hex is
recorded in the Error Log for a failure.

Test 06 Programmable Interval timer: Checked Timers and MUX circuits for duty cycle
Programmable Interval
Timer

Test 07 Analog to Digital Test: Read +5 volt power supply. Test fails if result is below +4.5
Analog to Digital Test volts or above +5.5 volts. Error Code 87 Hex is recorded in the Error Log for a failure.
Also tests +24V and 15 supplies if option switch is set to do so. (+24V and 15V supply
test only with firmware 46–302688G1/ 46–302687G1 and later on CPU 46–264974.
Test enabled by dip switch #3.)

2.85 Testing Complete Boot up successful

Sec.
Errors occurring while in Application mode will be displayed on the Display Board.
Note: You can try a “Checksum Bypass”, in order to get past any boot-up error.

Locate the Service Switch

Service Switch

The Service Switch is located under the left side Reach through the Film Bin, and under the top cover to access
front cover. this switch.

Note: Your system may have this switch installed Therefore you may have to toggle the switch in the opposite
upside down. direction than the documented illustrations.

Charger Diagnostics Menu Access

How to enter Charger Diagnostics

NOTE: Perform Charger Diagnostic tests with unit plugged in.

Plug in to a wall outlet, and turn Key Switch to The display should say “Charging”.
“Run” (Normal Applications Mode).
Flip the service switch after it displays “Charging” The system should display the Battery Voltage and Charge
Current.

Example: 115.0 Battery VDC and 0.67 Charge Current in Amps

You may have bad batteries if these values never increase.

Toggle the service switch to exit. Unplug the

power cord, and turn on the machine to return to
Applications Mode.
Service Menu Access

How to enter Service Menu

The system should be unplugged.

Turn off key switch

Toggle the service switch open film bin, and reach under top cover for toggle switch on left
side

Turn on key switch SERVICE MENU:

• END SERVICE
• DATA BASE ACCESS
• CALIBRATE SYSTEM

Use the kVp & mAs buttons to navigate through menu items.
 To exit this mode, turn the Key Switch off and flip the service switch back to its original position.

Calibration Menu Access

How to enter Calibration Menu

Reference: See Calibration section in this document.

Access the Data Base: Avoid this area.

How to enter the Data Base

Avoid going into the Data Base. You could foul up the system if you change anything in the data base.

Reference the Diagnostic Manual

page 10-1 (90 of 216)

Diagnostics Menu Access

Search the Diagnostics Manual for explanations of the various menu items.

How to enter Diagnostics Menu (with unit unplugged)

 Flip (toggle) the service switch after “TEST Typically you can turn the Key Switch, and then immediately flip the
– 01” but before the self-test reaches Service Switch after “TEST – 01”
“TEST – 04”

“END SERVICE MODE” should be SERVICE MENU:

displayed • END SERVICE MODE
• DIAGNOSTIC ITEMS

Press “KV ↑”: Should Display

Press “mAs ↓”:
“DIAGNOSTIC ITEMS”
The display should read:

“ENTER PASSWORD”

This is the password:

“mAs ↑”
“mAs ↓”
“KV ↓”
“KV ↑”

You are in the Diagnostic Items Menu “SYS DIAGNOSTICS”

when the display reads: “SYS
DIAGNOSTICS”

Menu Tree:
Data Log:

Diagnostics → Data Log:

Data Log Reference “Diagnostics Manual”

AMX4 Diagnostics 46-017207 Rev 11.pdf page 6-1 (68 of 216)
Press “mAs ↓” to select these
items: For PROMs 46-302688G1/46-302687G1 or 46-303272G1/46-303273G1:
Monitor Mode Timer: software monitor “on” time in minutes (FFFF = 45 days)
- View Data Log Drive Mode Timer: drive time in minutes (FFFF = 1100 Hours)
 - Init Data Log Charge Mode Timer: charging time in hours (FFFF = 7.5 Years)
- Load Data Log X-ray Mode Timer: prep & expose time in seconds (FFFF = 1100 minutes)
Number of equalization cycles (not used) (number of complete equalization cycles)
Number of Charge Cycles: number of complete charge cycles
Total Amp-Hour Charge: amount of charge returned to batteries
AHR Sense Equalization (not used) (Amount of charge returned to battery since last
complete equalization cycle.)
Exposure Counter: number of exposures
Energy Meter: applied energy in Joules
Exposure Time Meter: exposure “on” time in milliseconds

For PROMs 46-303815G1/46-303816G1 and later:

Monitor Mode Timer: software monitor “on” time in minutes (FFFF = 45 days)
Drive Mode Timer: drive time in minutes (FFFF = 1100 Hours)
Charge Mode Timer: charging time in hours (FFFF = 7.5 Years)
X-ray Mode Timer: prep & expose time in seconds (FFFF = 1100 minutes)
TTL ON-TIME TMR: total “on” time in hours (FFFF = 7.5 Years)
High Charge Timer: high charge time in hours (FFFF)
Number Charge Cycle: number of complete charge cycles (FFFF)
Total Amp-Hour Charge: amount of charge returned to batteries
Number Charge Init – number of charge cycles initiated
Exposure Counter: number of exposures
Energy Meter: applied energy in Joules (volts x amps) (FFFFFFFF = 4 Million KW)
Exposure Time Meter: exposure “on” time in milliseconds (FFFF = 1200 Hours)

Initialize the Data Log - Reference Diagnostics Manual page 6-3 (71 of 216)
You can “Init Data Log”
(initialize or erase) the log, then After replacing the tube you should Initialize the Data Log. Then perform a complete
come back later to see activity. calibration.

System Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Items → System Diagnostics

“System Diagnostics” Menu:

Press “mAs ↓” to select System Diagnostics

Press and hold “mAs ↑” to exit any test or just flip the service switch back to run. (This is true for any mode but NOT
FOR ANY CALIBRATION MODE!)

Block Test:
 Diagnostic Items → System Diagnostics → System Block Test

This test loops the following tests: NOTE: The test will stop on the failed TAP (and will not continue to the
-System Analog Test next TAP), but will continue to loop.
-TAP test

“TAP SELECT PASS”

To exit this test NOTE:

Press and hold “mAs ↑” (for one sequence) to exit “System Block
Test”…and be patient….the test will perform one more loop after you
release your finger.

Alternatively, you can just switch the system off to exit.

OP Switch Test:

Diagnostic Items → System Diagnostics → OP Switch Test

OP Switch Test You can test the prep & exposure switch, “KV ↑” and “KV ↓” and “mAs ↓”,
Collimator Light Switches (both on the hand switch and on the front of the
collimator), the Drive Handle, and the front Bumper (collision switch).

Note: there is no feedback from the Collimator Handle Switches or Wheel

Brake Release switch.

Display Control Test:

Diagnostic Items → System Diagnostics → Display Control Test

This test cycles through illuminating all the (Note: There is no “8”; the last digit on the right is never illuminated.)
display segments.

It should display the words: “General

Electric”, and numbers “0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7”
 To exit this test: NOTE: Press and hold “mAs ↑ to exit “Display Control Test”…be patient.)

Display Battery Volts:

Diagnostic Items → System Diagnostics → Display Battery Volts

Display Battery Volts You can display the battery voltage without having to open the cover:

Loop Test:

Diagnostic Items → System Diagnostics → Loop Test

Loop Test AVOID THIS AREA…..You can easily corrupt the data while in “Loop
Test”
Force Charge Batteries:

Diagnostic Items → “Charge Batteries “

See “Force Charge” in the “Batteries” section of this document.

Error Log:

Error Log Menu Tree:

 Reference the Diagnostic Manual See “Error List”, “Histogram”, and “Decipher Error Codes” below
in this document.

Error List:

How to view the Error List:

Access from DIAGONSITCS Flip (toggle) the service switch after “TEST – 01” but before the
self-test reaches “TEST – 04”

Diagnostic Items → Error Log → Error List “Error List” press “mAs ↓” to select it
 “View Error List” press “mAs ↓” to select it

The last 256 Errors are listed. The errors are listed from earliest
to oldest.

“Initialize” erases the error list

(always erase both the error list and the histogram on the same
day, so that they will correlate accurately)

Histogram:

How to view the Histogram

Reference the Diagnostic Manual

Access from DIAGONSITCS Flip (toggle) the service switch after “TEST – 01” but before the self-test
reaches “TEST – 04”

Diagnostic Items → Error Log → The histogram is a list of the number of occurrences of each error code.
Histogram
 The Histogram holds up to 255 entries, after which, any additional entries are
ignored.

“Initialize” erases the histogram

(always erase both the error list and the histogram on the same day, so that
they will correlate accurately)

Decipher Error Codes:

Decipher Error Codes

Reference the following:

-Search this document for the error code
-Diagnostic Manual
-Troubleshooting Guide

Boot-up Errors: Test 01 through 07

Checksum Errors Can happen at boot-up or during calibration. This means the data
is corrupted or incomplete.

Check Sum Errors / Check Sum Err:

Reference the Troubleshooting Guide or Diagnostics Manual.

ERROR CODE XX (2-digit or 3 digit codes) Search the Diagnostics Manual for the two digit error code
number, in order to find the full error code number. (e.g. 05 = 105,
14 = 214, 20 = 320)
Error Codes:

Error Codes

Reference the following: -Search this document for the error codes

-Diagnostic Manual
-Page 7-7 (78 of 216)
-Page 12-2 (131 of 216)

-Troubleshooting Guide

Most significant digit: 100’s: Charging Errors

200’s: Drive Errors
300’s: Generator Errors
400’s: Filament / Tube Errors

Error Codes Error Name displayed on the Operator Special Notes:

as displayed Display:
in “Error List” Search in the section below for specific notes for each error
and/or code.
“Histogram”

Error 00 Error 100

Error 01 Error 101
Error 02 Error 102
Error 03 Error 103
Error 04 Error 104
Error 05 Error 105
Error 06 Error 106
Error 07 Error 107
Error 10 Error 210
Error 11 Error 211
Error 12 Left Drive Stall
Error 13 Right Drive Stall
Error 14 Error 214
Error 15 Error 215
Error 16 Error 216
Error 17 Error 217
Error 18 Error 218
Error 19 Error 219 Release Handle
Error 20 Error 320
Error 21 Error 321
Error 22 Error 322
Error 23 Display Error 23
Error 26 Error 326
Error 2F Error 42F
Error 30 Error 430
Error 31 Error 431
Error 32 Error 432
Error 33 Error 433
Error 35 Error 435
Error 36 Error 436
Error 37 Error 437
Error 39 Error 439
Error 3A Error 43A
Error 3B Error 43B
Error 3C Error 43C
Error 3D Error 43D
Error 3E Error 43E 43E will only display after 100 occurrences
Error 43 Error 443
Error 44 Battery Too High
Error 45 Battery Too Low
Error 50 Error 450
Error 53 Error 453
Error 54 Error 454
Error 56 Error 456
Error 57 Error 457
Error 58 Error 458
Error 59 Error 459
Error 5A Error 45A
Error 5B Error 45B
Error 5C Error 45C
Error 5D Error 45D
Error 5E Error 45E
Error 5F Error 45F
Error 60 Error 460
Error 61 Error 461
Error 62 Error 462
Error 63 Error 463
Error 65 Error 465 465 will only display after 100 occurrences
Error 66 Error 466
Error 67 Error 467
Error 68 Error 468
Error 69 Error 469
Error 70 Halting Error 70
Error 81 Test – 01 Failed
Error 82 Test – 02 Failed
Error 83 Test – 03 Failed
Error 84 Test – 04 Failed
Error 85 Test – 05 Failed
Error 86 Test – 06 Failed
Error 87 Test – 07 Failed

Checksum Bypass

Checksum Bypass
 This mode is used to bypass checksum errors at boot-up, and allows you to access Diagnostics Mode or Calibration
Mode, or make exposures. (To make exposures, your Volt Meter and mAs Calibrations must be good.)

Typically you would use this if you see “Test 04 Failure” at boot-up. “Test 04 Failure” means that one of the calibration
steps needs to be run. Try “Calibrate Volt Meter” and “mAs Calibration”, then cycle power. See if the error goes away. If
you still have the problem, you may have to perform a complete calibration.

This will allow you to access “Diagnostic Menu”. Flip (toggle) the service switch before “TEST-04 FAILED” goes
away.

This will allow you to access “Calibration Menu”. Flip (toggle) the service switch before “TEST-04 FAILED” goes
away, and flip it again before “Testing Complete”

Drive Diagnostics Access

Drive Diagnostics

Boot normally into applications mode. Wait for the

system to boot completely. Then flip the service
switch.

(Be sure to unplug the unit from the wall.)

Use drive handle to move the system. Once you press the drive handle the display shows.

The first six digits provide a hex code that corresponds to the
output from the CPU to the drive system. You should be able to
notice trends between left and right and front and back.
 The value should increase as you move forward, and decrease
when moving backward.

The last two digits are the Feedback from wheel movement. If the
wheels are not moving, or not providing feedback, the last two
digits will read “7d”.

-Geno Mercado (June 2016)

How to test : Left output – Left Feedback

Right Output – Right Feedback

Also try forward and reverse.

Loading Defaults
Also known as: Load Defaults

You will get “TEST 04 FAIL” after you load defaults or if you install a new CPU board or New Dallas Chips.

THIS IS NORMAL…..You MUST CALIBRATE THE MACHINE!!!

Loading Defaults

CAUTION: AVOID LOADING DEFAULTS – When you might need to Load Defaults:

Anytime “Load Defaults” is selected, a complete If you replace the CPU board, you will have to Load Defaults and
calibration MUST be performed. If the system recalibrate.
currently has a problem, it may not be able to
complete the calibration without errors, therefore Sometimes when the system is confused, you may have to load
loading defaults will only compound the problem. defaults and recalibrate.

The GE Troubleshooting Guide says to “Never – Never load

Conflicting Statements: defaults”; however there are times when you should load defaults.
 Access Calibration Menu, and then locate the Press “mAs ↓” to Load Defaults.
“Load Defaults” option.

You will have to cycle through the “Check Sum Use “mAs ↑” to get past each error.
Errors” in order to get into the calibrations.

Normal Conditions After “Load Defaults”

Test 04 Fail This is normal after you load defaults. You must perform a complete calibration.

Drives while plugged in: The drive motors will activate, even while the power cord is plugged in. This is normal
after you load defaults.

4. NETWORK CONFIGURATION – N/A

There is no network connection.

5. SERVICE TOOLS

Recommenced Tools:

Service Tools

Grease for High Tension Cables Dow Corning #4 PN: 453566343951

PN: 6Y765 (Grainger)
AMCI:
 CAUTION: DO NOT CONFUSE THIS WITH SILICON PASTE (GLUE)

This stuff is shipped with Claymount HV Cables; it is very slippery. Just a

couple of drops on the floor spreads to a large slippery area. This will be a
slip hazard, and is very hard to remove. Use alcohol prep pads to clean spills.
_____________________________

DO NOT USE THIS STUFF

_____________________________

Claymount PN: 10149

Silicone Oil
Wacker AK350

Golf Ball or Pen with Electrical Tape WARNING: Although this makes life easier, it is not recommended to leave
any system unattended while making x-rays.

ESD Strap Use an ESD strap to hold down the prep expose button during lengthy
calibrations.
 -William Lobsinger (Sept 2016)

Special floor jack (for replacing wheels Or use blocks of wood (move tube to one side to
counter weight)

Harbor Freight – low clearance – light weight – PN:

Alternate Method

Or use a pallet jack

Wire Rope Lubricant Lubrication: use STP Oil Treatment or any wire rope lubrication (lubrication
may attract dust) (Alternative: Slick-50) You can pick this up at any auto
supply store.

DO NOT USE WD-40: This will remove all lubrication and cause wear

Light (to X-ray) Meter – Unfors option PN: 8151011-B Unfors DXR+
 (This is really handy for Mammo.)

Light-to-Xray Measurement Metal plate with marks: 2% of SID test tool

“Collimator Test Tool”
Part Number: M334773
Fluke Biomedical: PN: 07-661

Step 0: Position the collimator to 100 CM SID.

Step 1: Align the light field to the on the blue square.
Step 2: Shoot 60 KV and 10 mAs
Step 3: Open the Collimator Blades all the way open.
Step 4: Shoot another 60 KV and 10 mAs
Step 5: Process the image, and verify that the xray image is within 2cm of the
blue line on all four edges.
Step 6: Adjust collimator blades if necessary.

HV Cable Spanner Wrenches GE: (included in AMCI kit)

HV Cable Spanner – Gedore Gedore Vanadium

No. 44/7”

Chop-stick style spanner wrench

PN: 453566262621
 Radiation Meter Unfors or Ray Safe X2

LOTO (lock-out, tag-out) Kit PN: 453598615891

If you don’t have one, please email

Wallace, Amy <[email protected]>

AMCI Kit:

AMX4 Spare Parts Kit (PM Kit)

AMCI PN: 2801070
Reference: “Deluxe First Aid PM Kit.pdf” located under the “Parts Identification” in the
student material. You can order this from AMCI.

AMX4 Fuse Kit AMCI PN: 2801106 (included in kit above)

 Hand Switch (included in kit above)

Hand Switch Cable (same as phone (included in kit above)

cable) Gray:
Black:

AMX collimator fastener kit (included in kit above)

PN: 2801072

Filament Test Tools:

Optional Service Tools

Cathode Side – Filaments Small: approximately 0.4 Ohms

Large: approximately 0.5 Ohms

NOTE: The system only uses the Small Filament. The Large and Common are
shorted together in the HV Tank.

Use an old HV Cable Candle Stick for

checking filament resistance.

WARNING
ONLY USE THIS WITH POWER
OFF!

FCS Collimator Bulb Place across to test filament glow.

 WARNING
Prep only – DO NOT EXPOSE

While working on a GE MPH (I know, poor me!! ), I was

trying to determine if my filament issue was within the HV
tank, tube or control circuits. I had a couple FSE’s suggest
I hang an auto headlight on the HV cable and this should
help differentiate between tube/tank. I went to the local
auto parts store and got a 9003 dual filament model, but
the results were inconclusive. When revisiting the talk with
my fellow FSE, he said the 9007 model has never given an
issue with this test, so I went back and got that particular
model. Suffice it to say, using that 9007 model SAVED my
bacon!!

Synopsis of what appeared to be happening: The large

focal spot in the tube was being told by the CPU/Cmd 2
bd. to shut down (not sure just why, as the filaments read
at nominal resistance values). This almost caused me to
order the CPU/Cmd 2 bds. and come back the next day.
When I used the 9007 bulb, I got normal standby/boost
operation on both the filaments (until I boosted just a bit
too much and blew the bulb, glad I got twin pack ☺). This
test allowed me to verify that the issue was definitely in
the tube. With this being a T&M account, I wasn’t able to
use the “replacing parts” methodology. FYI, I had already
replaced the heater board, as that is where the symptoms/
diagnostics had pointed to first. This MPH has a SCPU gen.,
also, the MPH console has separate prep/expose switches,
so I felt that, even though I’m from ‘Bama, I could handle it
without lighting up the room, if you get my drift!!

I am a true believer in using the 9007 model exclusively!!

I’ve attached a SnagIt pic of the bulb, for reference. BTW,
as a side note, I almost always use SnagIt to send pics, as
it cuts the file size to around 30kb, or so and allows me to
crop out any unwanted info – efficiency in action.

I’m not wanting to stir up a troubleshooting conversation,

 as there are quite a few other things I had already done,
just share some info that may save YOUR bacon, someday.

Thanks and GOD bless

-AlabamaJohn Lemire (Sept 2015)

Leakage Current & Ground Resistance:

Leakage Current / Ground Resistance Measurement / Touch Voltage

Tools

See “PM” in this document

Fluke ESA612 Electrical Safety Analyzer

Leakage Current Measuring Tool

Philips PN: 452298038081
 Z-Box Ground measuring tool

DALE601 Touch Voltage Tool

(old and unreliable)

Miscellaneous:

Miscellaneous Cool Stuff

Mini Ratchet Set Wadsworth Mini Ratchet Set: This set is awesome!

Google it.

Chapman: This set is rubbish.

PN: 452214239251 – This part number is for the Chapman yellow ratchet set, which is not as
good as the red (Wadsworth) set.

How to access the http://pww.toolcatalogue.service.ms.philips.com

Philips Tool Catalog
5.1 BATTERIES:

Specs & Stuff

Reference: Battery System Troubleshooting & Maintenance (PDF file located in the student material folder called
“Batteries”)
Reference: “Parts Replacement” section of this document.

Batteries

9 sealed lead acid batteries connected in series.

REPLACE ALL BATTERIES: Never replace just one battery. (Technically, you should not be able to order just one
battery.)

Life Solution Opportunity

Panasonic Style

HBS Style
Order batteries as a Life Solution:

http://lifesolutions.htce.nl.philips.com/index.php/mv-battery-amx4-w-sensebrd-30b021s3.html

Check with your Life Solutions Program Manager / Champion. – John Webb (Feb 2017)

Battery Part Numbers: Life Solutions Portal:

APM PN: AMX4BATTKIT1

Main Battery Vendor (name unknown): PN: 30B021S3

Battery Type Lead Acid

Battery Life: Batteries last between 5 – 7 years

Good Housekeeping: Leave the system plugged in until it reads, “Charge Complete”.
Then you can unplug it, and the batteries should stay charged for
a couple of weeks when not in use.

Plugging in the power cord places the unit in charge mode and will
disable all functions except the CPU board and battery charger.

The unit does not need to be turned “ON” to charge the batteries.

Storage: If not used often:

-charge completely

-check battery voltage periodically

Maximum Battery Voltage 116 V DC (we measured 117.9 V DC with the switch off)

While Charging: we have seen up to 132 V DC.

AC for charging: Power is provided through Cord Reel and fuses. If the battery
voltage gets below 112V or 110V the CPU will generate a “trip
Brkr” signal. (I have been told that 90V will trip the breaker.)
 Exposures All exposure power comes from the batteries (not from the wall
outlet).

Charge Modes The Battery Charger Board controls the charge mode.
Trickle: 0.6 volts across R1
Fast: 6 volts?
Normal: 1.7 volts across R1

Safety: The batteries have a limited amount of electrolyte and are

considered safe from leaking even if punctured.

When installing new batteries, make sure all the Some terminals come loose in shipment.
terminals are tight.

WARNING: Clear plastic covers may come loose. BE SURE TO SECURE PLASTIC COVERS!

Battery Cover Plate is a “load bearing” part of the Be sure the screws are tight.
frame -Cracks may appear in the frame if this plate is not secured.

Measure Battery Voltage

How to Measure Battery Voltage

Measure the voltage from the top terminal of the

CB1 and Ground stud with the cord unplugged
Test Battery Condition

How to Test Battery Condition

Unplug from the wall outlet

Measure the voltage across the batteries (top

terminal of the CB1 and Ground stud)
 Make an 80 kV / 100 mAs exposure and observe
the change in voltage

Take 10 shots one minute apart.

OR

Make an 125KV / 4 mAs exposure and observe

the change in voltage. This technique from the
GE manual may be too fast to observe the
change in voltage.

The difference in voltage should not exceed 17 volts. Set the meter
to measure Min/Max or use a scope to view the drop.

Measure Individual Batteries

How to Measure Voltage on each Battery Individually

Old Style Battery Sense Board

Not all systems have this terminal strip.

Some are not connected (when the

batteries were replaced).
 HBS style

Verify Charging
 Verify the batteries are charging.

Power Cord must be plugged into wall Fan should be running

outlet Green light should be illuminated
Relay K196 and K215 (on the Battery Charger Board) should be energized
Display should say “CHARGING”

Measure the voltage drop across R1 The voltage should be between 0.5 volts and 6 volts DC (or more)
with the Key off and plugged in

NOTE: The batteries are not charging if the voltage drop is zero volts.

2.5 Ohms = 2.5 Volts / Amp

Force Charge
 If the batteries will not charge….Force the Batteries to Charge.

When would you do this? If the system needs to be calibrated, but you can’t calibrate because the batteries are not
charged to at least 114V.

The power cord should not be plugged

in at this time.

Check Fuses: Check Fuse F4 or F5 before you begin.

Enter Diagnostic Mode (enter Flip (toggle) the service switch after “TEST – 01” but before the self-test
password) reaches “TEST – 04”

See “Diagnostic Mode” in this document.

Cycle through the options using KV If the “ACCESS DENIED” message appears, the CAL VOLT METER and CAL
keys until “Charge Batteries” is BATT CHARGER must be performed.
displayed, and press “mAs ↓” to select
it.

Follow the actions presented on the “Plug in Charger”: Plug power cord into an outlet
Display

“Switch to Run Mode” flip (toggle) service switch

The display should now show “Charging”

This may flash to “Recharge Recommended”

The charge indicator will illuminate. Confirm the batteries are charging by measuring voltage across R1.

Once charged, you can perform the Measure the voltage drop across R1 with the Key off and the power cord
Battery Charger calibration. plugged in to a wall outlet. The voltage should be between 0.5 volts and 6
volts DC (or more)

Place a “DO NOT DISTURB” sign on

the machine.
Resuscitation

How to force charge when batteries can’t even boot the CPU.

This procedure will force the batteries to charge up to 112V DC, at which point the system can be returned to normal
condition, and the CPU logic will be restored.

BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN PERFORMING THIS PROCEDURE!!

IT IS MUCH BETTER TO JUST REPLACE THE BATTERIES.

Check the input into the LVLE. It must be greater than 70 VDC in order to turn on.
Check all LVLE outputs, and the CPU 5V.

If the unit is drained so low the CPU

will not boot, follow this procedure to
force the charging process.

Remove the K150 Relay Alternate Method: Remove batteries, and charge each cell with car charger.

Close the contacts on K150 Remove the plastic relay cover on K150, and close the relay with a tie-wrap.

Or

Insert a jumper (paper clip) in both sets of the common-to-closed contacts of

the K150 socket.
 Install a 100 Ohm – 100 Watt resistor Connect one end of the resistor to the positive battery terminal of CB1, and the
across CR11 (jumper around it) other end of the resistor to the fuse F55.

Anode of CR100 and TP10

Charge Batteries until they are greater Plug in the unit.

than 112V DC.
The voltage will creep up at a rate of approximately 1 volt per minute.
When the charge reaches about 80V,
you may be able to go into “Force WARNING: The resistor will become very HOT.
Charge” mode.

Return the system to normal condition. Turn off the main breaker and remove the resistor and replace K150.

Battery Issues

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Low techniques work without Will not complete exposure Replace battery packs
errors, but high techniques
(above ?0 KV) or long mAs shots Grease High Tension Cables
give errors.

“X-Ray Overtime” error Replace battery packs

462 Errors See this error in the Error List

Synchronize Charge Display

Synchronize the bar graph to the actual battery voltage.

Whenever batteries are replaced, you Some units will do this automatically. However, some do not. Therefore we
should Synchronize the bar graph to should perform this task to play it safe.
the actual battery voltage.
This will clear the battery aging
algorithm. If you don’t do this, the
system will think you still have old
batteries, and you can have problems
calibrating.

Synchronizing Internal Capacity Meter to

Capacity Displayed

Firmware (CPU Part #)46–329187G1

and 46–329188G1 or 46–329187G2
and 46–329188G2 ONLY

It is possible when servicing the AMX–4 to throw the internal capacity meter and the capacity
displayed out–of–sync. This can occur if the batteries are discharged a considerable
amount, say with the battery load fixture, followed by a volt meter calibration. If the
AMX–4 is then put in the application mode, the %capacity displayed will be low while the
internal capacity meter may still be quite high. Given this situation, it may take some time
for the internal capacity meter to “catch–up” with the % capacity displayed.
The reverse can happen if the batteries are charged outside of the application mode (or a
new battery set is installed), followed by a volt meter calibration. In this case the unit may
exhibit rapid bar graph fall off, while the % capacity displayed catches up with the internal
capacity meter which hasn’t changed since the last time application mode was active.

There are a few remedies for these situations.

Method 1:
Charge the unit until this message appears: “CHARGE COMPLETE”. This approach updates both the internal capacity
meter and the % displayed and will eventually synchronize the two.

Method 2:
Just do the battery charger cal and the volt meter cal. Note: GE recommends a generator calibration anytime the volt
meter cal is performed.

Method 3:
Replace the two Dallas Chips, and perform a complete calibration.

Method 4:
“Synchronizing Internal Capacity Meter to Capacity Displayed” – in Yellow Diagnostics manual Rev 11 Page 14-4 (189
of 216).

Using the LOOP TEST diagnostic tool, write FF into location 0CB4. This approach corrupts the internal capacity meter
forcing a synchronization of internal capacity to % capacity the next time the system is powered up in the applications
mode.

Method 5: Zeroing the “Battery Aging Capacity Offset” won’t hurt, but keep in mind the Diagnostic Manual was written for
the early CPU boards, and was never updated for the current CPU boards.

“Battery Aging Algorithm” – in Yellow Diagnostics manual Rev 11 Page 13-32 (181 of 216).
“Loading Defaults does not zero the “Battery Aging Capacity Offset” parameter in the Database. Always zero this
parameter anytime the batteries are replaced.”
Replacing Battery Packs:

Panasonic:

Reference: Battery System Troubleshooting & Maintenance (PDF file located in the student material folder
called “Batteries”)

GE Video on replacing batteries, and battery safety.

There is a pamphlet that comes with the new batteries. CAUTION: The pamphlet may be for old
batteries, and may not be accurate.

Panasonic Style Battery Packs

The large tray weighs over 120 lbs.

The smaller tray weighs over 96 lbs.

Instructions will come with the new These instructions are not clear. Therefore, follow the procedure below.
battery packs.

Remove the plate that covers the 5/16ths Socket Wrench or Open End Wrench
batteries.
NOTE: This plate supports the weight of the frame. The frame can crack if this
plate is not secured.
Remove the old batteries and plastic If the old batteries are not in trays, and are 9 individual batteries, you should
spacers. remove the wires and tape up the terminals on each battery as you pull each
battery out.

Slide in the smaller tray, and push it

toward the back.

Attach the cable from the negative See the picture above.
terminal to the battery in the smaller
tray.

If there is space / gap between the

large tray and the back wall, you can
use one of the plastic spacers.

It is most likely that you will not need

the plastic spacer.
Slide in the large battery tray.

Attach the cable from the positive

terminal to the battery in the larger
battery tray.

Connect the two connections to the

Battery Sense Board (if installed).
Connect the white connector, which
will connect the small battery tray to
the large battery tray.

Follow the procedure for “After

Replacing the Battery Packs” in this
section.

HBS:

Battery Packs
Two large boxes and one small box:

Small Box has 3 batteries:

The instructions are rubbish:

Small Box: Batteries 1 - 3

Panasonic vs. HBS
Slide in the Batteries 1-3:

When you insert the small pack

(Batteries 1-3), make sure you feed
the Positive Battery cable up
through the hole.
When you slide the small pack
(Batteries 1-3) in, hold these cables
out so you can access them with the
battery pack installed.

Lay the other two battery racks side

by side:

Note that Battery Pack 4-6 has

plastic insulators mounted on top.

Place Batteries 7-9 on top of

Batteries 4-6.
Note that the pull handles are facing
the same way on both racks:

Connect the Rear Red and Black

connectors together:

Slide in the two stacked battery

racks:
Caution: These are very heavy.

This box allows you to measure each

battery individually.

Make sure these wires are tight.

Mount the box for testing individual

batteries.
Run the wire for the black box down
through this hole.

Run the wire for the black box down

through this hole.
Connect the wires from the black
box to the individual battery
connectors.
Attach the Positive terminal first.
Attach the Negative terminal last.
 Connect the final Red connector to
the Black connector:

Follow the procedure for “After

Replacing the Battery Packs” in this
section.

After Replacing Battery Packs:

After replacing batteries, you should perform the following calibrations:

 -John Walker (Nov 2016)

Run Volt Meter Calibration See the “Calibration” section of this document.

Run Battery Charger Calibration See the “Calibration” section of this document.

After running the Battery Charger Calibration, “check the outputs of the charger
board”. If they are not correct, perform the Generator Calibration.

6. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE:
Preventive Maintenance (aka Periodic Maintenance, Maintenance Instructions)
YOUR CUSTOMER WILL TREAT THE EQUIPMENT BETTER IF YOU KEEP IT CLEAN.

Reference Documentation

PM Reference Documentation

Reference: Philips MV Document: 70022 GE AMX 4 _ 4+ PORXR rev 06.xlsx

These GE Document: AMX- 4+ Periodic Maintenance No: 2173227

documents
can be found Note: The GE PM documents reference other GE documents that reference additional documents in a
in the never ending rabbit hole. Good luck trying to get to the bottom of anything.
“Preventive
Maintenance” HHS TESTS (Excluding AEC) (Health and Human Services)
folder in the Refer to “HHS Tests (Excluding AEC)” in Section 3 of Direction 2173221−100, AMX−4+ Ratings &
student Specifications, and perform all defined procedures.
material.

Manuals needed:
Section 1-6 Tools and Materials
In addition to the standard service representative’s tool kit, the following items are required:
− Direction 2173221−100, AMX−4+ Ratings & Specifications and associated tools and materials.
− Direction 2173224−100, AMX−4+ Functional Check and associated tools and materials.
− Direction 2173225−100, AMX−4+ Service and associated tools and materials.
− Direction 2190775−100, Stranded Steel Cable Inspection, and associated tools and materials

PA Tool

PA Tool Explanations
 This PA Tool applies to the GE AMX 4 PORXR
following system types: GE AMX 4+ PORXR
GE DEFINIUM AMX 700 PORXR

Visual Inspection

Min Max
Operator’s Console Unit

Switch and display markings legible

kVp Switch - no cuts or punctures

mAs Switch no cuts or punctures

Displays - no cuts or punctures

ON and OFF symbols - good condition

X-Ray Emission symbol in good cond.

Collimator

Field light and SID markings legible

Field light switch in good cond.

Field size knobs not loose.

Guard Arms properly attached.

AKA: Skin spacer bars / Patient Guard

SID indicating tape attached.

Rating Plate installed on the rear of the top cover.

Rating Plate Legible

Rotational Detent Knob present.

Coll. blade symbols in good cond.

Field Light symbol in good condition

Position Control lock labels legible

Body / Frame

Cassette Drawer not dented.

Cassette Drawer handle no sharp edges

Drive Handle no sharp edges.

No dents in side covers.

Rubber mold attached to side panels

Rubber mold attached to front bumper

Be careful not to strip out the screws.

Left and Right are not interchangeable.

Exhaust fan port clean.

Tube Support Column mount secure.

Remove bottom cover, to tighten bolts and recover items that may have fallen under
this cover: e.g. Lead Markers.
Emergency Brake Release label in good condition

Clean system exterior.

Hand Switch receptacle label in good

Look underneath the receptacle.
Steel Counterweight Cable Check

No visible strands broken

No bulges visible

No broken strands at cable ends

No "snags" running cloth over cable

Lubricate cable with STP oil treatment

Power Cord and Reel

Power cord in good condition

Rattle the power cord and listen for lose connections.

Replace with Hospital Grade plugs.
Instruct your customer to pull from the plug (not the cable).
Instruct your customer to slowly retract the cable into the reel.

Ohm 0.15
Check ground cond. Resistance
From ground stun on wall plug to negative battery terminal. 0.15 Ohms max (be sure to
subtract the resistance of your leads).

Functional Checks

Power Up

Completes self test when turned on.

kVp "up" increases kVp display.

kVp "down" decreases kVp display.

mAs "up" increases mAs display.

mAs "down" decreases mAs display.

Drive

Drive enable bar raises/lowers easy

Unit drives forward and reverse

Unit drives left, and right

Drive speed is easily controlled.

Only (goes in) reverse w/bumper pushed in.

You must also grasp the Drive Enable bar in order to see the “Reverse Only” message.

Speed is reduced w/tube arm unlatched

No brakes w/brake release pressed

With the system off, and breaker tripped, make sure you can release the Wheel Brakes
in order to manually push the unit.

Tube Column and Arm

Horizontal latch operates smoothly.

Horizontal latch holds securely.

Vertical col rotates 270 deg (AMX4+) in each direction

Tube arm moves smooth bottom to top (vertically)

Tube arm extends and retracts smooth (horizontally)

Tube unit rotates 90 deg left/right

If sloppy or doesn’t click into detents, then adjust this….

Tube unit rotates 10 deg to the back

Tube unit rotates 110 deg to front

Latch holds column in drive position

Lock prevents vertical travel

Lock prevents tube extension

Lock prevents column rotation

Collimator

Collimator is secure to x-ray tube

Only three set screws hold the collimator on!

SID tape extends to 6 ft

SID tape retracts automatically

Hand switch field light switch turn on

Light button on collimator turns light on

Rot Det. Knob loosens center clockwise

Check to see that the Rotation Detent Knob works

Col rotates w/Rot. Det. Pulled

Col rotates w/Rot. Det. Loosened

Col rotates 90deg left and right

Detent catches at 90 deg and center

Size knobs move col blades

Position the collimator blades so that they form a perfect 12” by 12” square on a floor
tile (SID = 40”)

Do the collimator knobs indicate 12” by 12”?

Charger and Battery Operation

Verified charger operation.

Measure the voltage drop across R1 with the Key off and the power cord plugged in to
a wall outlet. The voltage should be between 0.5 volts and 6 volts DC (or more)

NOTE: The batteries are not charging if the voltage drop is zero volts.
2.5 Ohms = 2.5 Volts / Amp

Preform Battery Check procedure

Unplug from the wall outlet
Measure the voltage from the top terminal of the CB1 and Ground stud with the cord
unplugged
Make an 80 KV / 100 mAs exposure and observe the change in voltage

The difference in voltage should not exceed 17 volts. Use a scope to view the drop.

Verify line voltage at charger.

Line Voltage can be measured from the Battery Charger Board J5 pins 3 & 5.

Check J5 on Battery Charger Board. Red wire should have AC Line Voltage on it.

X-Ray System

Pressing "prep" rotates anode

You should hear the rotor spin.

Pressing "expose" releases x-ray

 Exposure tone beeps: you should hear an audible tone

Exposure indicator lights

Calibration

It’s a good idea to perform a complete calibration on your system once a year.

Calibration

Load Defaults: It’s a good idea to load defaults before doing a calibration on a system
that has no problems.

You will get “TEST 04 FAIL” after you load defaults or if you install a new CPU board or
New Dallas Chips. THIS IS NORMAL…..You MUST CALIBRATE THE MACHINE!!!

Calibrate Drive Handle

Calibrate Battery Charger

Calibrate Voltmeter

Calibrate mAs

Calibrate kVp
Calibrate Tap Relays

Calibrate Filament Current

Calibrate Field Light Time

HHS Output Testing

HHS: Health and Human Services
Technique Accuracy and HVL Unit Min Max

52 kV, 50 mAs kVp 49.40 54.60

Use the RaySafe to verify kV.

64 kV, 25 mAs kVp 60.80 67.20

80 kV, 20 mAs kVp 76.00 84.00

Half Value Layer (mfg before 6/10/06) mmAl 2.50

80 kV

Reference the “HVL” in this document.

Half Val Layr (mfg on/after 6/10/06) mmAl 2.90

80 kV

Reference the “HVL” in this document.

115 kv, 5 mAs kVp 103.50 126.50

HVL

Half Value Layer

Track this value to justify a tube change prior to tube failure.

SID Any SID will give the same reading.

Position the probe Make sure the dose probe is perpendicular to tube and centered. (The new
RaySafe X2 does not have to be perpendicular.)

Select 80 KV Record the Half Value Layer in “millimeters of aluminum”: mmAl

New Tube will have a clear tube Clear Tube Port:

port.

The added filtration in the beam Tungsten coated tube port:

path will filter out soft radiation,
and the system will compensate by
driving the “KV ↑”, leaving primarily
a hard beam. A physicist will check
and recommend that the customer
have the tube replaced.

Your tube may be at the end of its

life. As the tube ages, and HVL
increases, KV will drive higher and
image quality will decrease.
Light to X-ray Field

Light to X-ray Accuracy

Light to Xray Field = 2% of SID (adjust the light bulb so that light matches the x-ray field)
Penumbra: off-focal light/radiation – blurring effect (increases with magnification)
Multiple crosses – fuzzy: could be a short in the filament

Place the Unfors Light to X-ray probe on the edge. Unfors Light to X-ray probe

Since SID = 40, then it should be less than 12.8 block

(each block is a 16ths of an inch)

If you have a phosphorescent piece from an old Set your phone camera up to record video, turn off the room
cassette: Line up the Allen wrenches to the light field. lights, and make a long exposure.

If you don’t have an Unfors Light to X-ray probe, you

can use Allen wrenches and a coin: CR Plate image

50KV and 3 mAs

CR Reader Menu
 Turn off :
Black Surround Mask
Edge Enhancement

FDA Spec: 2% of SID

SID = 40” = 101.6 cm
Delta Left + Delta Right < 2 cm
Delta Top + Delta Bottom < 2 cm

Adjusting Light to X-ray Field

Adjusting the Light Field to match the Xray Field:

If it is out of spec: There are several methods listed in the service manual.

Service Manual (search “Light Field Adjustment”) (page 26 of 123)

AMX4+ Service 2173225 Rev 5.pdf (page 19 of 132)

Schematics: Nates Notes: Page 7 of 48

Bulb: Collimator Lamp
24 VAC, 150 W
PN: 2136989
(This part is included in the AMCI kit.)

Remove the rear cover of the collimator to access the bulb.

Use “The Ove Glove” because the parts will get hot while the bulb is illuminated.
-Tim Herr (March 2016)

There are two adjustment screws that move the bulb position.
Collimation

Collimation Unit Min Max

17" x 17" coverage at 40" SID

With collimator blades open to 17” on each of the collimator dials, your light field
should be at least 17 by 17 at 40” SID.

Check Light to Rad field at 5” X 5” at 40" SID

Reference “Light to X-ray Field” in this document.

Expose 60kV, 5 mAs

Measure exposed length inch 4.2 5.8

Measure exposed width inch 4.2 5.8

Mark center of light field markers

Mark center of exposed field

Distance from light center to exposure center inch 0.8

Field Light Intensity

Field Light Illumination Intensity: Measure how bright the light bulb is using a light probe.

Field Light Intensity Unit Min Max

Open coll blades to 8"x10" @ 40" SID

Turn off room lights

Turn on field light

Measure light in 4 quadrants

Place light meter at 40” SID. Measure the illumination in each of the four quadrants.

If the collimator lamp is not bright enough:

-clean the plastic cross hair plate
-clean the mirror
-replace the bulb
-change the taps on T2 (check with NSS or John Walker first)
Quadrant 1 ft cndl 16

Quadrant 2 ft cndl 16

Quadrant 3 ft cndl 16

Quadrant 4 ft cndl 16

AEC Option

AEC Exposure check with AEC Attachment (option)

50 KV exposure, with AEC Paddle; no attenuation mAs

PM Part Replacement

Hand Switch Replacement

Replace Hand switch replace every 3 years

(add the date you replaced it into the PA Tool)

Replace Dallas Chips

Replace Dallas Chips (NVRAM Chips)

 Replace the two Dallas Chips every 4 years!
PN: 46-230318P1
Description: RAM IC
Quantity: 2

Step 1 Be sure the unit operates properly in all modes.

Step 2 Replace the two Dallas Chips on the CPU

Step 3 Load Defaults

Step 4 Perform a complete calibration.

Other Checks Not in the PA Tool

Other Checks

How to Inspect the HV Cables Tube Side:

Replace Grease if it becomes Dry Pasty – then White – then Yellow
Perform tube side on one PM, and
HV Tank side on the next PM. Position the tube so you can access the wells easily.

Clean out wells and candle sticks,

and apply new grease.

HV Tank Side:
Replace Grease if it becomes Dry Pasty – then White – then Yellow
Never fill the candlestick wells with oil (wells are mounted horizontally – it will spill
out)

Make sure the HV cable collars are secure with AMX tool.

Check the drag wire Be sure it is still connected and not coated with hair or dust.

(Grounding Strap)
PN: 2234673
 (Note: Some very old units do not have a drag wire.)

Mechanical Counter balance, collimator, brake release handles.

(There may not be an adjustment for the counter balance.)

Try lubricating the wire ropes (cables).

Clean gunk from wheel wells Front – shelf behind column shaft
Rear – ledge in front of wheels, and window on sides

Vertical / Horizontal Brake Tension Teflon Coated Wear Strip will eventually crumple and will need replaced

Do not lubricate Teflon coated surfaces – this will break down the Teflon

Disassembling the vertical or horizontal arm is a pain – better to replace the arm

Front Wheels / Front Casters Sealed bearings: “do not lubricate – if you must , use sparingly” – GE

Zerk Fitting (Grease gun fitting)

 “ONLY ONE HALF A SQUIRT EVERY TWO YEARS. DO NOT OVER-GREASE or
it will make a mess.” – GE

Rear Wheels Do not require any lubrication.

Check wear on motor brushes if you have motor problems:
“We changed out (or sometimes just cleaned) the brushes, and our systems drove
a lot better”. – Steve Coyne (Jan 2016)

Check the belt tension on the rear wheels. We are not sure what the belt tension
should be.

ONLY PERFORM THIS IF YOUR PHYSICIST CLAIMS YOUR MA IS WRONG.

How to Measure mA The system uses 100 mA for all exposures.

WARNING: We can measure mA on the Filament-KVP board:

Be sure to reattach wires when You will have to cut the jumper on J3.
finished. (WARNING: be sure to wire nut this back when you are finished.)

(Be sure the polarity is correct!)

You can measure mA with the Unfors:

 You can measure with an Amp meter or mAs meter.

Measuring mA from the “mA-“ and When we measure mA by placing a calibrated mA meter in-line with the “mA-“ and
“mA+” terminals on the tank DID “mA+”connections on the back of the tank we did not get an accurate reading.
NOT WORK – we do not get an
accurate reading:

The mA signal goes from here to transformer T2 on the right side (top left). Then
from there to the Filament KVP board.

KVP Accuracy 8% in the first 20 mS, and 5% thereafter:

 Reference: AMX4+ Ratings and Specifications.pdf Page 2-5: KVP Accuracy

Terms / Explanations

Other Items Explained

Older PA Tool checks required “Type B Equipment Label”

making sure this label was
present.

This form was used with PA Tool “Reproducibility and Linearity Worksheet.xlsx” in the Preventive Maintenance
prior to 2016. folder of the student material.

“Linearity/Reproducibility Form”
7. PARTS REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES

What I tried to do in this section is to capture all information that is known about each of the major components.
Also reference the GE Service Manual for replacement of parts.

Battery Charger Board:

Battery Charger Board Notes:

An easy way to remember what the When K196 is engaged, the unit should be Charging the Batteries from the AC
Battery Charger Board is doing: wall plug.

When K215 is engaged, the unit is not charging, and is in normal operation,
drawing power from the batteries.
Part Numbers: 46-288786G1 or G2 (prior to Q4 2009) (K149 – see power up troubleshooting)
NOTE: if you have a G1 you can upgrade to G2, but it is not backward-
These boards are virtually the same compatable.
and are interchangeable.
46-288034G? (after Q4 2009?) (K150 – see power up troubleshooting)
(These board are now obsolete.)

The Latest Board:

5350026 This board can replace any type board. Observation: It has mostly
surface mount components.

How to test the Battery Charger Battery Charger Calibration test:

Board:
Perform the Battery Charger Calibration and verify that the “Charge Complete”
message appears.

NOTE: It may take 20 minutes to 8 hours to charge, depending upon the

condition of the batteries.

Measure the voltage drop across R1 with the Key off and plugged in
The voltage should be between 0.5 volts and 6 volts (or more)

NOTE: The batteries are not charging if the voltage drop is zero volts.
Test Power-On

With Key-Switch Off, plug the unit into an outlet: it should display “Charging”
 Unplug the system from the outlet and turn on the Key-Switch: the system should
boot

The following components do not F4 and F5 are in the fuse rack below the Battery Charge Board (Fuse block
reside on the Battery Charger Board: below T3 and T1)

R1 is the large brown ceramic resistor on the bottom left, below the fan and
Transformer T2 on the left hand side.

Detailed Theory:

BATTERY CHARGER BOARD consists of a constant current battery charger capable of charging batteries to
145 volts at a rate of 3 amps. When the charger cord is plugged in: Line sense relays K216 and K196 energize
K196 contacts bring battery voltage to the charger board and the rest of the system by means of BAT SWT,
TP7.

K216 contacts sends a signal to the CPU telling it that the cord is plugged in and to go to the charge mode.
If the unit will not charge, chances are the line sense relays are not energized. AC power is applied to the full
wave bridge and to the phase control SCR. The average current is controlled by varying the conduction angle
of the SCR by means of an optically coupled triac. A ramp generator is synced with the zero crossing of the
AC line Charge current feedback is accomplished by picking off the charge current through a 2.5 ohm resistor
in series with the charger and the batteries. The voltage drop across the resistor is fed into an isolation
circuit…..Then to gain network operated by CHARGE SCALE SELECT …….changes gain by a factor of 10.
• When low, the charger is in the HIGH charge rate
• When high, the charger is in the LOW charge rate

I-CHARGE CMND is a 0 to 10 volt signal from the CPU that is compared to the actual charge current. The
output is the charge current error. During power-up, POWER STABLE* & POWER OK (F-1) signals are
generated by power supply monitor U20 (H-3). This provides a delayed signal to allow the power supplies to
stabilize as well as a fast power down warning for the CPU Board. (renamed POWER DWN RST) POWER
STABLE is also used to hold off the trip breaker signal on power-up and power-down.

BREAKER TRIP from FILAMENT/KVP Board trips the circuit if KV >15KV above demand or MA > 150 mA.
NOTE: J4-8 BREAKER TRIP* on Charger Board comes from FILAMENT/KVP Board as TRIP BRKR*.
Q228 drives the trip coil of the main breaker When POWER STABLE* is true, then Q210 off. This
desensitizes the breaker trip circuit on power-up until power supply is stable.

POWER STABLE* is not used off the board.

When TRIP BRKR from CPU is false and BREAKER TRIP from FILAMENT/KVP Board is false, Q228 remains
off. If either trip breaker signals go true, then the breaker will trip.
Battery voltage and charge current are sampled and sent to the CPU Board. Battery voltage from BAT SW is
fed to a voltage sense circuit, (B-5), through a select FET switch to a Voltage-to-Frequency Converter (VFC)

The charge current is sampled through another FET switch and also is sent to the VFC.
When BAT V & CHARGE CUR SELECT (A-1) is low, the battery voltage line is selected. When high, the
charge current line is selected.
During voltmeter cal, the frequency is read for 5 sec for max accuracy.
• VFC output (typical) : 7.8 khz to 4.6 khz
• Batt.=120v TP6=7.8KHz
• Batt=115.5v Batt=114.5v TP6=7.299KHZ

When the charger is plugged in, the LINE VOLT AGE is supplying the BAT SWT voltage to the rest of the
system (LVLE).

The voltmeter is not affected by this because of diode CR81 (D-8).

This would eliminate the system running off of the batteries since the unit might sit around awhile after the
CHARGE COMPLETE message appears.
This prevents unnecessary battery drain.

KEY SWITCH ON SEQUENCE

1. Main breaker on
2. +BA T T volts through F6 to KEY SWITCH
3. KEY SWITCH to ON position
4. sends voltage to Charger Board J4-1 (D-9) through K149 contacts.
5. K215 energizes bringing battery voltage to the board and out to BAT SWT (D-8).
6. BA T SW also goes to the power supply monitor to develop POWER OK &
7. POWER STABLE *
8. BA T SW voltage feeds the LVLE power supply
9. K62 energizes closing contacts (3C9) which go to CPU Board. This lets the CPU know
10. that the key switch is on.
 11. CPU starts power-up sequence.
12. BA T TERY POWER AND CHARGING - Refer to Pg. 4-75 thru 4-79
13. SEE PAGE 4-77 FOR CHARGE CYCLE
14. LINE SENSE is energized when the charger cord is plugged in. Also relay K196 comes in
15. bringing battery voltage to the system as BAT SWT. BAT SWT supplies, among other
16. things, the LVLE . When the LVLE supply comes up, the CPU powers up, sees LINE
17. SENSE and proceeds to the charger mode. K150 comes in from the CPU to bring
18. power to the charger bridge.
19. I-CHARGE CMND is output from the CPU to the Charger Board and is summed with the
20. charger feedback. The output is compared to a ramp generator which is line-synced.
21. This fires SCR to give average current through the batteries.

I-CHARGE FDBK is developed across a 2.5 ohm resistor behind the ground stud. It is scale depending if the
batteries need to be in high charge or low charge mode. This feedback goes through a MUX which selects
between charge fdbk and battery voltage, then to a V oltage to Frequency Converter (VFC).
BA T V & CHARGING CUR is sent to the CPU’s internal pulse counter T1 input and converted. The CPU
counts these pulses for a fixed time to determine their value.

A new circuit designed into the charger runs the system off the line when plugged in from the REGULATOR.
This supplies BAT SW to the LVLE . Diodes were installed to allow the voltmeter to read the voltages on the
batteries, not the regulator KEY SWITCH brings in K62 (KEY SWITCH ON) and K215 (BAT SWT). Note that
K215 and K196 are in parallel; one for charging, one for key switch operation. Also note that when the
charger is plugged in K150 opens and disables the key switch whether it is on or off.

POWER UP DELAY is operated by the BAT SWT signal. It provides a power up delay as well as a fast
power down. PWR STABLE desensitizes the Trip Breaker circuitry while the power supplies come up.

TRIP BREAKER from the CPU board & BREAKER TRIP* from the FIL/KVP board are low voltage signals
designed to trip the breaker as follows:
• CPU - if battery voltage is less than 110 volts in standby.
• if charge current feedback is not within 20% of expected value.
• if CPU cannot terminate exposure normally
• FIL/KVP - if KV is 15 KV above demand
• if ma is greater than 150 ma.

When the breaker is to be tripped, 0 volts is given to the trip coil of the circuit breaker. To troubleshoot
breaker tripping symptoms, disconnect wire at J4-5. This will eliminate or indicate blocks of circuitry as a
possible cause. If the breaker still trips, then there is an actual overload; whether it is a tube spit or inverter
latchup. Watching the wire marked #5 to the START/STOP SCR jerk is also a good indication that a high
current situation occurred.
Collimator brake release switches operate K1 located under the CPU board. This brings battery voltage to the
positioning brakes and park latch.

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

All signs indicate that the Check F4 or F5 Fuse block below T3 and T1 Replace F4 or F5 Fuse block
batteries are charging, but they below T3 and T1
are not.
Circuit Breaker Trips Most Probable: Any of the six MR756 diodes Replace the Battery Charger
(CR81, 100, 101, 102, 134, 135) Board
Possible: MosFET Q228
Least Probable: Zener Diode CR226 failed

WARNING: The GE Troubleshooting Guide

says to short out the Zener Diode CR226,
however this may smoke the 1KHz Driver
Board (and possibly the Safety Relay).

Circuit Breaker Trips when: Q210 is shorted (on newer boards this device Replace the Battery Charger
BOTH the Key Switch is turned is a surface-mount component) Board
on AND when the unit is
plugged in.

When the power cord is NOT Battery Charger Board: Relay K215 is stuck Replace Relay K215
plugged in, and the Key-Switch (welded shut in closed position)
will not turn off the system.
See Service Note: “AMX4/AMX4+ WILL NOT
System will not turn off TURN OFF”

Class bug: shove a piece of paper in the relay.

When the power cord is plugged Relay K196 is stuck Replace Relay K196
in, but the Key-Switch will not
turn the system on.

Fails Volt Meter Calibration U109 or U182 failed Replace U109 or U182

Charger Cal Fails* Fuses F4 or F5 are blown (these fuses are Replace Fuses
mounted on the fuse rack below the Battery
Charger Board)
Charger Cal Fails* Battery Charger Board: Connection J11 are Replace connections.
corroded or bent, which increases resistance
and corrupts the feedback signal
Charger Cal Fails* Something in the input loop or feedback loop Troubleshoot the input and
has failed. feedback to divide and conquer.
U141, pin 1
 No voltage (0.2mV) across OP AMP: 1458N Replace the Battery Charger
sensing resistor R1 (large brown (most probable) Board
ceramic resistor) U159, pin 6
Looks like it is charging, but it OP AMP: OP07 Training Bug: SN: BC9TUE
really isn’t charging. U115, pin 6
K150 is chattering OP AMP: OP07
(least probable)

Test Error 4 on boot up, and Something is not calibrated. Look in “Calibration” for Check
system will not charge batteries. Calibrate Volt Meter, and cycle power. See if Sum errors that will identify which
the error goes away. subsystem is not calibrated.
Test 4 Failure
Test-04 Failure Follow procedure to force the unit
to charge.

NOTE: *See Battery Charger Board Schematic labeled “Sheet 2”.

J11 Brown wire: Pin 4

Symptoms:

-The Charger never turns off.

-The display indicates the batteries are fully charged.

-You may get “Charging Error 106”

-The CB1 breaker eventually trips.

Battery Sense Board:

The Battery Sense Board is mounted to batteries. It comes in various versions:

Cord Reel:

PN: 46-303474p1

HV Cables:

HV Cables

Part Numbers Ge sure to order the correct PN:

AMX4 (shorter and thicker)
AMX4+ (longer and thinner)

Pivot the tube head so you can

access the candle sticks easily.

Notes: The resistance measurements looked good on the old cathode HV Cable, but I
still had this error until I replaced it.

Note: When you order HV Cables they only come with one cable, so be sure to
order two.

-Jim Dufresne (July 2015)

Tube:

The x-ray tube can rotate plus and minus 180◦ and pivot -10◦ to plus 100◦. The tube arm extends 16” out from the park
position.
Tube Types: AMX 4 and AMX4+ can use either “Standard” or “Orion” Tubes. These tube are NOT the same and can’t
be interchanged, since the CPU board firmware must match.
CAUTION: You must have a matching CPU board for your tube type!!!

WARNING

A bad Fil/KVP Board has been known to blow the If your tube has blown filaments, REPLACE THE FIL/KVP
filaments in the tube. BOARD AS WELL AS THE TUBE!
-Wendi Fresne (Apr 2016)

Standard Tube:

Standard Tube
Dunlee Part # D2642P
AKA: USA/Mexico style
The typical tube used is the GE
HRT09.

This tube has a 0.75mm focal

spot, low speed rotating anode
(3000 rpm), 15 degree target
angle, and a 275,000 heat unit
capacity.

Cathode Side – Filaments Small: approximately 0.4 Ohms

Large: approximately 0.5 Ohms

NOTE: The system only uses the small filament. The Large and Common are
shorted together in the HV Tank.

Rotor AMX3A1TS1
1B: Black
2B: White
3B: Green
 Black to Green: 120 Ohms (Total Resistance)
Black to White: 30 Ohms
White to Green: 90 Ohms

Tube Front Cover:

Part# 46-279018P1

Tube Back Cover:

Part# 46-279006P1

Separation cover (the cover in

the middle between the front
and back covers).

PN: 2238277.
Orion Tube:

Orion Tube
Dunlee Part # D2652P
AKA: French / Indian style
This tube was made in
France.

Cathode Side – Filaments Small: approximately 0.4 Ohms

Large: approximately 0.5 Ohms

NOTE: The system only uses the small filament. The Large and Common are shorted
together in the HV Tank.

Rotor 1B: Black

2B: White
3B: Green
Black to Green: 70 Ohms (Total Resistance)
Black to White: 50 Ohms
White to Green: 20 Ohms

Part# 2238275 - Front

Cover for X-ray Tube
(Confirguration 2) New
Style 4 holes for
RADPLUS 2100 *** WITH
OUT THE HOLE ***

Part# 2238276 - Back

Cover for X-ray Tube
(Confirguration 2) New
Style 4 holes for
RADPLUS 2100 *** WITH
THE HOLE ***
Part# 2238277 - Seam
Cover for X-ray Tube
(Confirguration 2 ) for
RADPLUS 2100

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Tube Replacement:

Tube Replacement Procedure

Reference:

Before replacing the tube you

must/should:

After replacing the tube you Initialize the Data Log - Reference Diagnostics Manual page 6-3 (71 of 216)
must/should:
Then perform a complete calibration – check with NSS or John Walker
Rotor Control Board:

Rotor Control Board

If you replace this board, check the volt meter cal. (If the volt meter value is not accurate, then perform a complete
calibration.)

F93, Q85 & Q86

You can replace just these FETs. If one is bad, replace both.

Test FETS Q85 and Q86

Remove F93 and use a Diode Tester between the FET case and Chassis Ground.
 Test Point 4 to J1

Test Point 5 to J1

60 Hz to anode rotation The Rotor Control Board not only generates 60 Hz AC to control the rotation
Field light speed of the rotor (a.k.a.: stator), it also provides the voltage to turn on the field
light.

There is no rotor brake The Rotor will just spin down. This is because the rotor doesn’t have to spin too
fast since only the small filament is used. In other xray systems, a brake is used
so that the rotor doesn’t cross the tube housing’s resonant frequency which can
cause it to shake itself apart.
Part Numbers: 46-232786 G1 or G2
These boards are virtually the same 5350020
and are interchangeable.

Fuse F93 NOTE: GE installs a 6 amp fuse for F93, however a 5 amp fast-blow fuse will
protect the board better. NOTE: “312” stamped on a fuse means fast-blow
(FU93) – if the collimator light turns
on, then F93 is good. If the fuse is blown….replace the board…don’t bother trying to replace just the
fuse. Check your CPU voltage, it may be too high or too low.

How to Test the Rotor Control Board: Test the field light switch on the collimator and the hand switch and verify that
the light stays on for the proper calibrated duration.

Make exposures using the lowest KV setting. The duration (mAs) should be long
enough to test the rotor control (e.g. 100 mAs).

Check the temperature of R122 and R123: if these two brown ceramic resistors
are hot to the touch (after a couple of minutes of powering up the system) then
replace this board.

Rotor / Stator (windings) / Starter:

Black: Phase 2
White: Common
Green: Phase 1

GE Training Slides 4-day course:

Page 1103 of 1301.

AMX3A1TS1
Rotor: Three wires (Black, White, and Green)

See notes under “Tube” in this document for resistance measurements.

Measurements: Resistance:
Black to White: 30 Ohms
White to Green: 94 Ohms
Black to Green: 124 Ohms

Voltage:
Black to White: 103 – 105 Volts AC
 White to Green: 143 - 165 Volts AC
Black to Green: 68 Volts AC

Reference: AMX4 GEMS Training “CPU Charger and Rotor”

Stuff you don’t really need to know. ROTOR CONTROLLER contains the 60Hz inverter for the rotor and the
collimator field light. The inverter also serves as a power supply for other
modules. Refer to Pg. 4-87 thru 4-89. The 60Hz inverter (1-C1) inputs
from the CPU are optically isolated and sent to driver transistors. The
outputs of the FETs are connected to opposite ends of the inverter
transformer. The center tap is connected to BAT SW through F93 and
surge resistors. BA T SW came from charger Board through K215. For
inverter waveforms Soft start is a function of firmware. This only
happens when the 60Hz inverter is turned on for the first time after the
unit has been turned on. The frequency starts at about 200 Hz and slews
down to 60Hz..
Prevents inrush of current. K121 is a hardware soft-start. It comes in
upon 60Hz turn-on to short the resistors that allow the capacitor to
charge up (D-4) after power up and stays in until unit is turned off or
reset.
The 60Hz inverter transformer supplies not only rotor and collimator light
but also commutation capacitors, 27VAC used by the FILAMENT/KVP
Board, and develops 60Hz INVERTER OK.
K39 contacts (1-C7) select either the rotor windings or the collimator light
ROTOR SELECT (1-H1) comes from the CPU Board operated by the
field light button.
When ROTOR SELECT false, the collimator light is enabled .
If light is on when rotor button is pressed, K39 energizes routing the
voltage to the rotor windings.
Rotor has priority over the collimator light.
VOL T AGES; J3-2 & 3 measured 105 vac out of transformer.
Rotor windings: BLK to WHT =105 VAC ; GRN to WHT =165 VAC.
Collimator light transformer output is tap selectable.
FMI 10257 instructed to install collimator light lead to TS1-8
Battery @112V TS1-8=22.7 Lamp=21.6
Battery @116V TS1-8=23.5 Lamp=22.4
This will help lengthen bulb life.
Also recommend changing FLD LT ON TIME in calibration mode to be
15-20 seconds.
27V AC supplies the 60Hz INVERTER OK to the CPU for status check
and supplies the FILAMENT/KVP Board filament circuit.
COM CAP CHARGE is about 83VAC during prep and charges the
commutation caps in the generator for exposure shut off.
SAFETY CONT ENB* relay K37 (H-2) brings in contacts (A-8) for safety
contactor.
K37 is operated by the CPU and is enabled by the PREP SWITCH.
The Rotor Interlock is made up of current transformers and circuitry Pg.
4-89 (C-6 thru C-9)
When rotor is called for, current flows through T5 & T6.
The voltage is sensed and trips both op amps in U20. U20 is wired
AND circuit. Ref.WF D4 & D5.
Output is ROTOR INTERLOCK +V. Goes to CPU for monitoring.
+24volts when happy .
Problems with board were corrected with resistor changes (blowing F93).
When the operator presses the prep switch, the CPU enables the 60Hz
inverter and rotor
select relays. The CPU starts the clocks which are isolated from the
drivers. FETs are clocked on
 and off alternately in the primaries of the 60Hz transformer supplied by
battery voltage. The secondary supplies the rotor, filament supply, and
the commutation capacitor.
The only difference between the collimator light and the rotor is K39.
When the collimator button is pushed, the ROTOR SELECT* signal is
NOT selected, therefore, voltage is sent through the normally closed
contacts to K39 to the collimator light transformer (not shown in
diagnostic block diagrams).
60Hz INV OK is used during 60Hz turn on for the collimator lamp. Both
ROTOR INTLK and 60Hz INV OK are looked at for rotor sequence by
the CPU. ROTOR INTLK is developed from 2 current sense transformer
in series with the GRN and BLK wires.
COM CAP CHARGE signal goes to a bridge rectifier in the HV module
which will charge up the commutation capacitor. Note that the
commutation cap gets charged in both modes; when collimator light is lit
and during rotor.

The CPU only sends the 60Hz signal when you turn the Field Light on or Prep.
 Symptom Probable Cause Solution

F93 is blown Check your CPU voltage: may be too high or

Field Light gives error 320 too low
Prep gives error 458 (FU93) – if the collimator light turns
on, then F93 is good. Check the rotor wires.

It may trip main breaker during Replace the Rotor Control Board
prep and/or field light Test FETS Q85 and Q86
(APM replaces the F93 which is normally a 6
Amp with 5 Amp.)

Search this document for all of the “458” and

“320” entries.

Class Bug:
J7 on Rotor Control Board and connection on
Capacitor C1 (mounted near the Rotor
Control Board) should be 124 VAC.
Remove F93 and use a Diode Tester
between the FET case and Chassis
Ground.

Shorted FETS listed above

Rotor wire is disconnected on the

terminal block which is mounted on
the vertical column.

Error 320, 321, 430 Shorted FET or Open F93

 Check your CPU voltage: may be too high or
(FU93) – if the collimator light turns too low
on, then F93 is good.
Replace fuse FU93 and check FETS
Replace the Rotor Control Board

Error 320 and 458 A failure in a component from J1 to Check Rotor Wires
TP4 or TP5
Compare TP4 and TP5 with Oscilloscope. (A
Rotor wire is disconnected on the functional system will have identical square
terminal block which is mounted on waves.) Follow the lost signal back along the
the vertical column. circuit to find the failed component.

Test FETS Q85 and Q86 Search this document for all of the “458” and
“320” entries.

Remove F93 and use a Diode Tester

between the FET case and Chassis
Ground.

Excessive heat from R122 and Inverter Circuit is Faulty Replace the Rotor Control Board
R123

Rotor Control Board fails Field light switch in the collimator is Replace the field light switch in the collimator.
intermittently. shorting out.
CPU Board:
aka: Controller Board

Before replacing the CPU board, try replacing just the two Dallas Chips (RAM Chips). You will then have to perform a
complete calibration.

You will get “TEST 04 FAIL” after you load defaults or if you install a new CPU board or New Dallas Chips.

THIS IS NORMAL…..You MUST PERFORM A COMPLETE CALIBRATION!!!

The CPU Board receives all feedback from, and originates all commands to all the sub-systems of the AMX unit.
CAUTION: The RAM chips (Dallas Chips) on these boards hold all the calibration and configuration data. If these
chips fail, all data will be lost. Replace the (U54 & U107) Dallas NVRAM Chip(s) (46-230318P1). Note:
Some older systems only have one Dallas chip.

NOTE: Dust from the latch mechanism can fall onto the chips on the CPU board causing weird problems.

CAUTION: You can’t change the RAM on the newest model CPU boards. PN: ???
CAUTION: New CPU boards require 24 hour charging after replacing batteries: If you don’t charge the new batteries for
24 hours you will not be able to calibrate.

CAUTION: Load Defaults and Perform a complete calibration when replacing the CPU board.

Good Idea: It’s a good idea to initialize the Error List and Histogram after replacing the CPU board. (Diagnostics
Manual page 78 of 216)

The AMX 4 is a microprocessor controlled inverter generator. The main CPU board controls all operations in the machine
from battery charging to collimator lamp timing. The kV and mA are directly controlled by the CPU. All calibration data is
stored on bat-rams on the cpu board. This makes calibration, self-diagnostics, and some troubleshooting a little easier,
but the cpu board becomes the central point of failure in the system. All circuits are dependent on cpu board command
and control.
The system Controller board (or CPU) has an 80C31 CPU, Applications EPROM, Service and Diagnostics EPROM
and Zero Power RAM for Nonvolatile Memory (NVRAM).
• The early version Controller Board is different from the current version:
EPROMs and Memory are located in the upper left corner on the early version while the current version has the
EPROMS near the top Right Center or the board.
• Control Board Features include:
- Read input and Write output ports located at CPU addresses starting at Hexadecimal 1000.
- Write output ports are located at the same addresses as the Read ports but are not associated to the same
signals.
- You can use the Read ports to input the current status of many of the user controls and system signals used by
the Controller.
- The Write ports can be used to manually turn on relays and exercise controls to system components manually
while troubleshooting problems.
• Near the DC power connector along the Right side of the board are test points for all power supply DC voltages.
• A reset switch on the CPU board can be used to initialize the software similar to a power cycle.
• Eight LEDs on the CPU can be used to indicate CPU activity and are very helpful during troubleshooting especially if the
display is not working correctly.
- During Power Up: Displays the Power On Self Test number being run and if fails displays the number which
failed.
- In applications mode: Changes with KVp Selected when Prep switch is activated.

Types / Versions: Orion and Standard boards are NOT the same and are not interchangeable.
Part Number: Tube Type: Board Revision:
 5350022 Orion n/a
46-264974 Orion G4 or G6
46-264974 Standard Tube G1, G2, G3, or G5

NOTE: Identify revisions by components and firmware (since Rev Numbers are not always accurate)
NOTE: Some versions can be upgraded.

AMX IV and IV+ CPU/CHARGER BOARD COMPATIBILITY

• CPU 46-232828G1 this is the first version in AMX4 and was replaced soon. This board works with the Charger
board 46-288034G1.
• CPU 46-264974G1 first replacement board and works with Charger board 46-288786G1 and 46-288786G2.
• CPU 46-264974G2 second replacement, tighter tolerance and works with Charger board 46-288786G2
• CPU 46-264974G3,G5 is for standard Tubes and works with Charger board 46-288786G2
• CPU 46-264974G4,G6 is for Orion tubes and works with Charger board 46-288786G2
• CPU boards ending with G4 should only be used on machines fitted with Orion tubes.
• CPU board ending with G6 can be used on all machines irrespective of the tube type.

Test: If the system can pass the following tests, then it is probably good.
• Load Defaults
• Perform a complete calibration
• Test high/low speed, forward backward, left/right turns, and the motor over-ride switch
• Test Battery Charge (measure voltage across R1 with system off)
• Test Field Light
• Take exposures, and verify KV and mA are within spec (what is the spec?)

CPU Connections: Purpose:

J1

J2

J3

J4

J5

J6

J7 Peripherals: This is where peripheral devices connect to the CPU.

-AEC
-Digital Systems

2173229-100 AMX-4 PLUS Schematics rev 05 (2000): (Page 41 of 100 pages)

(John Walker’s favorite set of schematics.)

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

 Various weird symptoms: Digital voltage is low on CPU Check connections to LVLE
-Breaker Trips TP3 (+5V) and TP4 (LGND)
-Drives Only Measure voltage on LVLE
-other weird stuff Measure voltage 5V on CPU
(Typically the problem is in the cable)

When the 5V is low, it can blow

up the Rotor Control Board.

Replace cable: (order from All Parts Medical –

GE will only sell you the entire LVLE cable

bundle.)

IO Connections: The Controller (CPU) board is a single board computer and controls all major functions.
• All A/D and D/A conversion is done on the CPU board.
• CPU connects to most other boards including: Charger, Motor Controller, Rotor Control, 1KHz Inverter, FIL/KVP
Control, Display Controller, and AEC Option
Connections to Charger, Motor Controller and Rotor Controller:

Signals to/from the Charger board:

• The Controller board must tell the Charger board to charge requiring the
• CPU to be mostly functioning in order to be able to Charge the Batteries.
• Pin 6 – Line Sense, tells the CPU the AC line cord is plunged in. When active, key switch is not active.
- When plunged in the CPU will not do anything except charge.
• Pin 8 – Trip Breaker, is an output to the Charger board to force the circuit breaker to trip as a result from errors
detected by the CPU.
• Pin 10- Charger Relay, turns on the charge relay on the Charger Board.
• Pin 12 Charge Scale Select, determines how much to charge.

Connections to/from the Motor Controller

• Pins 1 – 8 are analog signals. The Left/Right Command signals are output to the Motor Controller and determine
the speed.
• Pin 10 – Bumper, is the front bumper active signal which first goes to the Motor Controller then to the CPU. It
function is to permit reverse only.
• Pin 13 – Full Speed Enable, is an output to the Motor Controller and is derived from the Tube Parked Switch.

Connections to/from the Rotor Control Board

• Pin 3 – Rotor Interlock, is a feed back signal which indicates there is current flow through the X-Ray Tube
Stator. Indicated the X-Ray Tube Rotor is turning.
• Pin 9 – Rotor Select, is an output to activate the rotor select relay on the Rotor Board. When activated this relay
switches 60Hz power from the collimator light to the X-Ray Tube Stator.
• Pin 10 – Safety Contactor Enable, turns on the Safety Contactor relay.
• Pin 11 – 60Hz Inv. Relay, turns on the 60Hz power used to power X-Ray Tube filaments, collimator light, and
rotor.
• Pin 13 & 15 – 60 Hz Phase 1 & 2, are output from CPU to drive the 60 Hz power inverters on the Rotor Control
board.
Controller (CPU) connections to 1KHz Inverter & Fil/KVP Board:
Connections to/from the 1KHz Inverter Board
• Tap 1 through 6 signals are outputs to turn on the tap relays.
• Tap Feedback 1 through 6 are generated on the 1KHz Inverter indicating there is current flow through the
specified tap relay. It does not verify that the relay is closed nor that the contact have been activated but only that
current is flowing through the coil.
• Pin 23 – Expose Stop Command, is output to the IKHz Inverter to stop X-Rays.
• Pin 24 & 26 – Are the 1KHz timing signal output from the CPU used to drive the KVp Inverters.
• Pin 25 – Start, is used to start X-Rays by turning on the KVp inverters.

Connections to/from the Fil/KVP Control Board

• Pins 7 & 8 – FIL, are Filament Demand signals.
• Pins 11 & 12, are KV Demand.
• Pin 21 – MAS, is an input Frequency representative of mAs. The CPU counts the pulses to determine the
mAs
Connections to/from the Display Controller
• Pins 14, 18, 24 are power supply voltages to the Display Controller and Display board.
• Note that DC power is derived from the CPU and if the Display Controller or Display board fail and short
the power, the CPU will appear to be causing the LVLE Power supply output to be shorted.

Connector J7 is only used if the Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) Option is present. AEC is rarely found on AMX-4
systems.
• The AEC option add the AEC display and control on the top left side of the AMX-4 and a paddle with dose
chamber is stored on the front side and is placed under the patient and film to detect the X-Ray exposure.
• KVP information for KVP compensation is used when AEC is on.
• AEC EN from AID module goes false to terminate a photo timed exposure. Actual MAS is displayed on the 16
character display
Controller Processor Block Diagram
The CPU board microprocessor (80C31) has a direct input data port, Data I/O bus, and 12 Mhz clock.
• P1 INPUT & BUS is used to directly input critical status signals.
These are the most critical signals which must be monitored.
- Critical Status input signals include PREP, EXPOSE, TUBE PRESS, 60HZ INV OK, ROTOR INTLK, FILAMENT
SHORTED, 1KHZ INV OK, and X-RAY ON.
• A Read Port Address Decoder and Write Port Address Decoder is at starting address 1000. The Read Port
Address is activated only during a CPU Read cycle. The Write Port Address Decoder is activated only during a
Write Cycle.
- Read ports are at starting address 1000 for RDP0, through RDP7. It is important to note that read port address are
separate from write port addresses and latch in differing signals from the output ports.
- Write port addresses start at address 1000 for WRP0 through WRP15. It is important to note that the write port address
are separate from read port addresses and latch output signals in to output registers which are different from the same
address of read ports.
• A URT is used to provide a serial interface between the Controller board and Display Controller board.
Controller Analog Input
A 16 Channel Analog Multiplexer is used to select analog signals and send them to a sample and hod and Analog to
Digital converter.
• Analog input signals include:
- LEFT HALL & RIGHT HALL device or handle drive signals.
- RIGHT and LEFT SPEED CMD
- KVP DEMAND FDBK
- FIL CURRENT DEMAND DAC Feedback
Digital to Analog coveters
• Analog output signals: FILAMENT DMN, KVP DMN, DRIVE CMD,
• and CHARGE CMD are accessed by CPU write ports WRP8, 9, and 11.
• During drive mode the CHARGE CMD signal is used to supply the HANDLE CHECK signal. The system can only
charge or drive at the same time.
Relay Chassis:

Relay Chassis

Located under the CPU board

Filament-KVP Board:
Also known as: (Filament KVP Board) (Fil/KVp Board) (Filament/KVP Board)

WARNING

A bad Fil/KVP Board has been known to blow the If your tube has blown filaments, REPLACE THE FIL/KVP
filaments in the tube. BOARD AS WELL AS THE TUBE!
-Wendi Fresne (Apr 2016)

Filament KVP Board Theory

In a nutshell:

The CPU Board sends Filament demand and KVP demand signals to the Filament-KVP board, which sends the
appropriate power to the generator. The Filament-KVP board returns the actual values as feedback to the CPU board.
This board also controls all exposures to 100mA which is verified by the CPU board.

Detailed Theory

FILAMENT/KVP BOARD controls the filaments with pulse width modulation and regulates KVP by varying the
filament current. Refer to Pg. 4-103

The CPU sets up the FILAMENT DAMAND DAC for the selected technic as established during calibration.
This is summed with the actual filament current (C-4) which makes up the `inner loop’. When and exposure
is made, the KV DMND and KVP FDBK modify the filament/tube current depending on the KV error. This
makes up the `outer loop’. In other words, this changes the loading on the tube to increase/decrease the
KVP.

Both KVP DMN and KVP FDBK and FILAMENT DMN are summed into a sine wave type waveform which
is summed with a 16KHz saw-tooth which, depending on the level of the desired filament current, determines
output pulse width. Pulse width drive is clocked through RS flip flop and sent to driver transistors.

The 27VAC supply from the 60Hz Board supplies the voltage to the filament inverter . PREHEA T (C-6) signal
drives PWM to maximum duty cycle (50%) to boost the filament to temperature during prep. Ref WF F5.
PREHEA T also desensitizes current limit circuitry. Comparator AR 79 looks at actual filament current
compared to a reference level. If filament current gets too high, AR79 will trip disabling PWM DRIVE (C-7).
KVP FDBK is compared to KVP DMN to detect 75% level to activate X-RAY ON. Ref: WF F3.

X-Ray ON starts the backup timer on the CPU Board. During calibration the 75% detector was changed to
33% with a jumper installed on TP 14 to TP 15. (F-3). 2 KHZ PHASE 1 & 2 (D-9) square wave from CPU
Board is sent through driver transistors and to filament inverter transformer.
The center tap of the transformer is the 16kHz pulse width modulated signal developed by the filament
demand circuit. FILAMENT current is sensed across R188 @TP 13 (F-9) at .1 volt per amp for feedback to
CPU Board. Ref. WF F7, F8, F9. Tube spits will take out diodes CR 281 & CR283 (D,E-10). Symptom
might be insufficient filament drive Error 45F.

MAS is measured by MA+ & MA- input to bridge and sent to a VFC to be converted to pulses. (C-8) The
CPU terminates the exposure by counting pulses for operator-selected MAS. Ref WF F11. Inputs to CPU
internal counter. MA does not have to be exactly 100MA. The CPU is looking for MAS only.New boards
have pot to compensate for different manufactures of VFC. 100.0MA= 16 KHZ. Do not adjust in the field.
MA & KVP are monitored by comparators AR153 & AR 244.

If the tube current is over 150 ma AR153 will trip causing TRIP BREAKER* to go true. If the KVP FDBK is
15 KVP higher than KVP DMN, then AR244 will trip causing TRIP BREAKER* to go true, tripping the main
breaker. The FILAMENT SHORTED signal (F-10) monitors conduction of the filament.

2KHz Phase 1 is one input from the CPU. PWM RTN 2 is actual filament conduction. When rotor is first
prepped, 2KHz PH 1 is there instantly, which will trigger FILAMENT SHORTED true.

When the filaments are first turned on, they are very low resistance; almost a short. As the filament heats,
resistance and voltage increase across it since current though the filament is constant. Voltage at PWM RTN
2 slowly increase to about 8 volts which will trip FILAMENT SHORTED false.

Voltage at PWM RTN 2 is actually voltage from the other side of the inverter transformer while Q184 is off
Ref. to Pg. 4-103 (E-10).

The FILAMENT SHORTED signal is monitored by the CPU for timing. If FILAMENT SHORTED signal never
comes up, the PWM RTN 2 pulses come up immediately meaning the filament inverter is not conducting.
Error 45E. If the FILAMENT SHORTED signal comes up and stays up, PWM RTN 2 never came up, this
means that there is no voltage across the filaments which means a possible short.

Error 45F. If FILAMENT SHORTED is high when prep switch is first pressed, then ERROR 45D occurs. This
means that the associated circuitry is faulty.

LEAK AGE COMP (D-2) from CPU Board is a fixed correction for transformer leakage used to modify MAS.
F actor can be changed in DA T A BASE ACCESS. FILAMENT AND MAS CONTROL REFER TO PG. 4-109
(following page) Read Bullets in Controller block.

Describe outputs of the Controller board; D to A, clocks, etc. Filament/kVp block; note that on prep. FIL
DMN drives the filament through a modulator.

Preheat signal forces the modulator into 50% duty cycle which provides a `boost’ to get the filament upto
temperature.
 During the exposure kVp demand and KV FDBK are then allowed to modify the filament current to deliver
an accurate operator selected kVp by changing the loading on the tube. 2kHz clocks drive the filament
inverter (the 2 FETs).

This frequency and pulsewidth do not change. FIL FDBK is sensed across a 0.1 ohm resistor (R188) at 0.1
volt per amp.

FIL SHORTED is a status signal used to indicate conduction of the filament. When the filament is first
turned on, it is cold and appears to be shorted. As the filament warms up, the resistance increases and no
longer appears as a short.

KV FDBK is actually primary 208 voltage feedback, not secondary feedback. Primary voltage is sent to a stepdown
transformer, rectified and sent out as KV FDBK; it is not DC filtered. MA+ & MA- are sampled from the
transformer, rectified, and summed with LEAKAGE COMP .

LEAKAGE COMP voltage represents HV transformer leakage and is subtracted from the MA from the
transformer. The MA from the transformer is actually tube current PLUS leakage. Leakage is subtracted to give true
tube current. This is then sent to a voltage to frequency converter and is sent out as pulses to the internal
counter T1 in the CPU.

Part Numbers: These part numbers are virtually the same and are interchangeable.
46-264986G1
46-264986G2

Test:
• Full Generator Calibration: mAs, KVp, Taps, Filament Current Table
• Exposure tests at various techniques.
o 52 kV and 320 mAs
o 64 kV and 100 mAs
o 85 kV and 50 mAs
o 120 kV and 20 mAs

CAUTION: This board is often mis-diagnosed. Feedback too high / low.

NOTES:
• KVP Demand → HV Tank
• KVP Feedback → CPU
• Fil Demand → Filament
• Fil Feedback → CPU
• 2 KHz → Filament Shorted Signal (Single Pulse @ Prep)
• Two Filaments in tube, but only small is used. (Large Filament is Shorted to Common)
 • Trip Breaker Signal
o KVP Demand vs Feedback
o mA Demand vs Feedback
• You must calibrate circuit (TP3 and TP4 = Should be 15 V….if zero check your Amp meter fuse).
o This is only used during calibration to generate 100 mA
•
Symptom Probable Cause Solution
Check:
• Fuse in your Amp Meter
In most cases the Filament-KVP board is not
• Verify ~15V from TP4 to
Fails Filament Current Table the problem, and the problem lies in the CPU
Ground
Calibration board or in the Batteries.
• Check CPU board
• Check Batteries

Fails mAs Calibration Reference frequency is zero Replace the Filament – KVP Board
during calibration.

Replace the Filament – KVP Board

CAUTION: A bad Filament KVP board may blow

“Filament Shorted” signal
up your tube!
Error 45F remains high after prep pulse.
Therefore, if you get a 45F Error, replace the
Tube has open filament.
Filament KVP board, and if that doesn’t fix your
problem, then replace you tube.

“Filament Shorted” signal fails to Replace the Filament – KVP Board

Error 45E
go high during prep pulse.

1KHz Driver Board: (1 KHz Inverter ) (1 KHz Driver Board)

This board is located behind the Filament/KVP Board.

The 1Khz inverter board drives the HV section with 1Khz frequency. The Auto –Transformer takes the 1KHz AC power
which drives the primary AC voltage to HV transformer. The Taps relays insert or remove portions of the Auto
Transformer which determines KVp based on battery voltage.

The 1 kHz inverter is a push-pull self-commutated design, employing SCRs as switches. Self-commutating means
that one SCR must be turned on in order to shut the other SCR off. The inverter is stopped and started by
Q3 which houses two SCRs.
Sequence of Events
1. C12 is charged to -70v during prep.
2. Clocks applied to Q1, Q2 (clocks have dead time as dictated by driver circuitry).
3. Start SCR fired.
4. Assume Q1 is clocked on, when Q3 start SCR is triggered.
5. Voltage at Q1 anode goes low, current ramps up thru battery, thru upper half of T1, thru Q1 SCR thru L1,
thru Q3
start SCR back to battery.
6. Voltage across C5 is 2 times battery voltage (220v).
7. Q1 drives goes low, device continues to conduct (fundamental SCR).
8. Q2 fired.
9. Voltage at Q2 anode goes low Q1 anode goes to -60 (due to C5).
10. Due to L1, voltage spikes positive at Q1, Q2 cathode.
11. Current ramps up thru bottom half of T1 thru Q2.
12. Current decreases thru Q1 and top half of T1.
13. Circulating current also flows thru aux winding thru Q2 diode thru SCR thru L1 and back to aux.
14. Cycle repeats starting at step 4.
15. To stop inverter, stop SCR is pulsed on.
16. Due to C12, voltage at anode of start SCR goes negative shutting it off.
17. Current ramps down by charging up C10.
18. Stop SCR turns off due to minimal current thru it.
1KHz BOARD has the 1KHz inverter gate supply for the auto transformer inverter SCRs, EXPOSURE START
& STOP signals for main SCRs, tap select logic, KVP feedback, and stop cap status. Refer to Page 4-120 thru
Page 4-123 Inverter receives 1KHz PHASE 1 & 2 from CPU. Ref. WF E1 & E5. Ph. 1& 2 drive FETs through
center tapped transformer. Center tap is connected to 24volts. Outputs G1 & G2 are sent via twisted pair to
inverter SCRs Q1 & Q2 power blocks which provide AC primary volts for auto transformer. 1KHz PHASE 1 & 2
are there when prep is pressed. EXPOSURE START CMND from CPU is about a 3ms pulse which is sent
through a pulse transformer for the exposure start SCR, Q3. Ref. WF E2.
EXPOSURE STOP also from CPU works the same. KV FDBK is sampled from high voltage primaries through
an isolation transformer. KV FDBK is used by the FILAMENT/KVP Board. To regulate mA. Ref. WF E3 & E4.
STOP CAP voltage is checked on this board - Page 4-121 (D-7) Ref. WF E6 STOP CAP voltage must be at
least -69 volts. Have measured 77vDC. Stop cap volts develop 1kHz READY and is checked once during prep. If
stop caps are not charged, do not allow an exposure.

TAP SELECTS 1-6 are active low from CPU Board. Selection of relays for the technic selected by the operator
were established during calibration. Active low signals drive opto-iso; First opto-iso drives transistors which, when
conducting, brings in relay coil The relay current conducts through the 2 nd opto-iso which is the feedback to the
CPU. The feedback only detects if current is flowing through the coil, NOT if the relay physically came in
(contact closure). During prep, all relays come in 2 times to `wipe’ the contacts, then select appropriate tap,
then bring in safety contactor.

Purpose / Function:
1. When the Control Board sends the signal, the 1KHz Driver Board energizes the Tap Relay(s), and returns a
feedback signal to the Control Board indication that the action was performed.
2. The 1KHz Driver Board amplifies a (5V Square Wave) which drives the Auto Transformer, which in turn supplies
feedback to the 1KHz Driver Board, which then drives the Filament KVP Board, which provides the X-Ray ON
signal.
3. When the Command Board sends the Exposure Start command, the 1KHz Driver Board energizes the Start
SCRs.
4. When the Command Board sends the Exposure Stop command, the 1KHz Driver Board energizes the Stop
SCRs.
5. When the 1KHz Driver Board receives the Inverter Ready Signal it sends the Interlock Signal to the Command
Board.

1 KHz Board OEM Part #: Versions:

46-288764G1
 Has pins missing on the board side.

This pin is not used, so you can remove the pin from the cable.

5350024 n/a
46-232838G1 n/a
The board has all pins present, and the connectors have plugs
that match the missing pins.
46-264984G1
Picture here of the white connectors.

How to Test the 1KHz Board

Test: Theory: Notes:

Take exposures
at various
techniques.
System Block Tap Relay signals originate on the CPU- When a tap relay is turned on by the tap signal
Test Controller board and are optically isolated on applied to an optical isolator, current is drawn
the 1KHz board. through a second optical isolator to create the
NOTE: feedback signal.
(“mAs ↑”to exit
“System Block When the Feedback signal is active there is
Test” current flow through the Tap Relay coil
…and be
patient.) NOTE: The state of the Tap Relay contacts are
not verified and can still be at an incorrect state

When replacing the 1KHz Board

Replace the 1KHz Driver Board and then If you don’t run these calibrations, the system
Run Taps and Filament Current Table may fail at the higher techniques.
Calibrations.
 Symptom Probable Cause Solution

439 Error when you attempt to T120 Failed and possibly FETS Clean the contacts on the TAP relays.
expose. Q115 and Q116
Replace the 1KHz Driver Board and then
Run Taps and Filament Current Table
T25 Failed Calibrations.

Error 469: We replaced the Fil/KVP board and

Class bug: Remove J3 on the the 1KHz Driver board and did a complete
1KHz Driver Board calibration and the system was good to go! –
Lenny Luba (April 2017)
DO NOT PERFORM THIS BUG:
It may blow up the 1KHz board.

?
439 Error During Applications
&
Error 469 During Calibration

Display Controller Board:

(aka: Display Control Board)

V.F.D: Vacuum Fluorescent Display
VF Supply
32/100
40V

The Display Controller Board is the link between the Display Board (operator interface buttons) and the CPU. The
exposure buzzer is mounted on this board as well as the seven-segment arrays for displaying KV and mAs values
Part Numbers: These boards are virtually the same and are interchangeable.
• 46-232830G1
• 46-264982G1:
• 2409241

How to test this board:

• Run the Display Controller Test and verify all segments of the seven-segment array are functional and equally
bright. (Allow this test to run for a minute or more.)
o Service Mode → Diagnostics Mode → Display Controller Test

• Take a few exposures and verify the buzzer sounds and the “X-ray On” light is illuminated during each exposure.

Describe the DC power path and voltage levels from the LVLE to the Display Controller Board & Display Board:

LVLE provides 24V DC to the

CPU which provides 24V DC to
the Display Controller Board,
which in turn has a 24 DC to 40
DC converter (X83) that
provides 40VDC to the Display
Board.

Reference Documents: AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 Rev10 2004.pdf” Page 12 (28 of 174)

AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 2004.pdf” Page 18 of 174

GE Training – 4 Day Course – page 103 of 1301

 Symptom Probable Cause Solution
Display Board has no power. The 24Vdc to 40Vdc converter, Replace Display Controller Board
which powers the Display Board
System appears as if it is not 24V PS is shorted somewhere Something in parallel with the input DC to DC
booting….the displays are not converter is shorting out.
illuminated.
Typically the Display Controller Board fails and
You may hear a high pitched pulls down the LVLE. Unplug J6 on CPU board
squeal sound from the LVLE to verify everything but the display works (e.g.
Drives)….then replace your Display Controller
Power input to the LVLE is 112V Board
DC
Check the input coil on the DC to DC converter
If you disconnect all the loads (may be labeled X83 or PS2).
from the LVLE, the breaker trips
because the breaker-trip signal. Check all diodes and capacitors that are in
parallel with the DC to DC Converter.

46-264982G1 display dim or Display is faulty Replace Display Controller Board

otherwise not functioning
Display Board: (NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE DISPLAY CONTROLLER BOARD)

This device provides the following:

• KVp and “mAs ↑” / “mAs ↓” buttons – inputs for the operator
• a battery “% Charge” bar graph display
• message display
• “X-Ray ON” light

How to Test the Display Board:

• From the Diagnostics screen, run the “Display Control Test” and observe results.
• Close the collimator, and make an exposure to test the “XRAY-ON” lamp (located above the charge display).

Part numbers:

46-232832G1: Display Board

46-270738P1: Membrane Only (Charcoal Gray color)

46-270738P2: Membrane Only (Light Gray color)

 Item 295: 2135423: “Panel” – “AMX4 Panel”

Item 296: 2135423-2: “Panel” – “AMX4 Panel”

AMX-4+ Renewal Parts Rev 15.pdf (Page 15 of 68)

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Display is Dim Faulty display Replace the Display Board
Buttons are stuck Faulty button(s) Replace the Display Board
Segments do not illuminate Faulty Segments Replace the Display Board
Random / odd segments are (For 46-232832G1 only)
Replace the Display Board
illuminated on character display Faulty U13

Drive Control and Drive Amplifier Board:

The Drive Control board is mounted behind the Drive Amp Board. These boards provide power and control to the
operated assisted motors for driving forward, backward, steering; both in fast and slow speeds.
The AMX 4 is a self-propelled battery powered x-ray unit. The two rear drive wheels are driven by separate motors that
allow for a zero turning radius. Motor speed is proportional to the pressure on the drive handle. The top speed is 3 mph.
Types / Versions: These boards are virtually the same and are interchangeable.
OEM Part #: Description Versions:
46-232834G1 Drive Control Board All versions are compatible
46-232836G2 Drive Amp Board All versions are compatible

Test:
• Latch the tube and run in Fast drive speed, then unlatch the tube, and repeat in slow speed:
• Drive the unit up and down a long hallway (100 feet or more)
• Turn corners
• Back up (reverse)

Drive Control Board:

Symptom Probable Cause Solution
U32 or U52 have failed
Feedback Error 214 – 218 (Failures may have been caused Replace U32 or U52
(left/right is too high/low) by failing components on Driver (Also troubleshoot the Driver Amp Board.)
Amp Board.)

Drive Amp Board:

• H-Bridge
• CW
• CCW
• IM = Motor Current
• Brake Release

Drive Amp Board:

Symptom Probable Cause Solution
One or more FETs have failed.
Diode Test each junction of the eight FETs.
Feedback Error 214 – 218
(Failures may have been caused
(left/right is too high/low)
by failing components on Driver (Also troubleshoot the Driver Control Board.)
Control Board.)
The system reboots after the
U152 is shorted Replace the Drive Amp Board
drive handle is released.
Latch:

The latch assembly secures the tube arm in place. Only when the tube arm is latched will the drive assembly move at high
(fast) speed. There is an Upgrade Kit that was designed to reduce the amount of time the latch release solenoid would be
engaged, which increases the life expectancy of the solenoid. With the upgrade, the solenoid only engages when the
magnet is sensed.
NOTE: The horizontal telescoping arm that holds the tube must be fully retracted for the system to latch properly.
Otherwise the pin that contacts the top of the latch will not retract.
This Upgrade Kit includes the parts listed below:
OEM Part #: Description Notes:
Has 2 relays that mount under the CPU
46-316198G1 Latch Upgrade Kit
The Top Latch Assembly (has magnet)
46-316308G1 Bottom Latch Assembly (w/ Hall Effect Sensor)
46-316307G1 Top Latch Assembly n/a

Test Procedure (with upgrade installed):

• Latch the tube arm, and verify the system will drive in fast mode, but will not make xrays.
• Unlatch the tube arm and verify that the system drives in slow speed, and that the latch release solenoid does not
energize.

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Large relay under CPU is stuck

All brakes are engaged Release or replace relay

(no lock release) F3 Fuse block below T3 and T1

F3 Fuse block below T3 and T1

Front Bumper:

Front bumper: aka: Collision Bumper

Location: During our last class we couldn’t find where these switches are located.

Reference:
“Movement” Troubleshooting section of this document.
Left & Right Drive Function.pdf page 1 of 1
Block Diagrams (page 4 or 5 of 9) (bottom right hand corner of the page)

OEM Part #: Description Notes:

Test Procedure:

Only reverses w/bumper pushed in.

You must also grasp the Drive Enable bar in order to see the “Reverse Only” message.

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

“Reverse Only” Check the front bumper. Reference Block Diagrams (page 4 or 5 of 9):
Check J11 on Drive
Control Board (this is the
board that sits behind
the Drive Amplifier
board)
Horizontal Arm:
Do not try and repair the inner parts to this arm, just replace the entire horizontal arm.
The Horizontal Arm holds the x-ray tube mount and provides a 16” extension to help reach beyond the machine.
The park latch is located on the bottom side of the Horizontal Arm. There is an electromagnetic brake inside the arm.
There is no adjustment for the brake. The wire for this electromagnetic brake can become frayed or broken. When the
customer extends the horizontal arm, this wire can short out and trip the main breaker.

Replacing the brake or cables requires removing the arm from the column.

CAUTION: Careful of screw length when re-assembling; screws that are too long can puncture internal cables or impede
telescoping abilities.
Vertical Column:

Replace the vertical column if wire ropes are frayed.

On earlier models of the AMX 4 there was a problem with cracking of the base/chassis. This problem has been reported
as solved, but you may still encounter an older system that might develop cracks in the frame. Depending on the use
(abuse) of the machine by the customer, it is not impossible for cracks to develop on the frame. If cracks develop or other
issues arise it may be necessary to remove the column in order to make repairs.
GE has a block that can be bolted to the top of the column that has an eye bolt attached to make it easier to attach a
chain or cable hoist to the top of the column. If you do not have this “tool”: pick up I-hooks, threaded rod, washers and
nuts. If you have a chain hoists, you can lift the entire column.

The column contains the x-ray tube counter weights, so be sure to position the horizontal arm mount at the top of the
column if you are removing the column. The counter weight cables need to be inspected with each PM. If there are signs
of fraying, the cables will need to be replaced.

The column also includes brakes for vertical travel and rotational pivot. Mounted to the outside of the column is the
Terminal Box. The Terminal Box holds a terminal strip that connects the control cable to the collimator, brakes and other
components.

CAUTION: Check the four bolts under the base that secure the vertical column; make sure they are not missing or loose.
 Replacing the Vertical Column
See GE Video and replacement procedure
Remove tube from horizontal arm

(You may not have to remove the horizontal arm if

you are just replacing the vertical column
rotational lock.) –Steve Coyne (Jan 2016)
Secure tube on a chair

Do Not Mess with these three screws on the ends.

Raise the horizontal arm to the top. Remove the

screws.

Remove these screws on top of the Horizontal

Arm.
Remove bottom cover

(recover items that may have fallen under this

cover: e.g. Lead Markers.)

Four bolts on the bottom.

 WATCH OUT FOR THIS CABLE WHEN YOU INSTALL THE NEW
VERTICAL COLUMN!

Buy this stuff at a hardware store:

I-hooks, threaded rod, washers and nuts

If you have a chain hoists, you can lift the entire

column.
Rear Wheels: (Drive Wheels)

These wheels are attached to motors that propel the system left/right, forward/backward, fast or slow.
Inside the wheels are gears.
Outside the wheels are calipers.
OEM Part #: Description Versions:
46-270166P6 Rear Wheel n/a

Test: If the customer complains that the system is noisy or vibrates during movement, then replace the wheels

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Symptom Problem Solution

Rubber is cracked or missing Replace wheel
chunks
Squeak (like a crying cat) Gears or calipers in wheel are Replace wheel
Or Howling noise bad -Shannon Seager July 2013

The drive wheels and motors are in the lower rear part of the frame assembly. They can be accessed by removing the
cassette drawer. The wheels have a planetary gear reduction built in and are belt driven. Belt tension should be checked
during a PM. It is not uncommon for the drive wheels to start to “squeak” or some say, sound like a cat crying. When this
happens, the planetary gear reduction has become worn and the wheel needs to be replaced. While one person can
replace the wheels, because it requires lifting the AMX and placing it on blocks to remove the wheels, it is best to have a
second person present for safety.
Lifting the AMX will require an ATV jack or low profile automotive hydraulic jack capable of lifting at least one ton.
The drive wheels are removed by dropping them through the bottom of the machine.
Front Casters (Front Wheels):

The front casters are industrial sized swivel casters. Some units have casters with springs to provide minimal suspension.
The bearings are the failure point of these parts and it may be necessary to replace as the unit ages. The casters should
be checked during PM. It is possible for the caster to fail without an obvious tilt to the machine, but a dangerous condition
will exist where the unit could tip over without warning, especially when turning.
Grease: ONLY ONE HALF A SQUIRT EVERY TWO YEARS. DO NOT OVER-GREASE or it will make a mess.
Here is a picture of a front caster we had to replace. –John Webb (Feb 2017)

Drive Handle:

The operator uses the Drive Handle to activate the motorized assisted movement of the unit forward, backward, left, right,
at both a slow speed or a fast speed.
Part Numbers:
• 46-302276G1
• 46-302276G2
• 2273437
Test: Test the Drive Handle to verify that it activates the motorized assisted movement of the unit at both the slow speed
and fast speed: forward, backward, left, and right
Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Drive Motors:

The Motor and Brake Assemblies are mounted below the film bin and are removed from the top. Each motor has an
electromagnetic brake that can be turned off in an emergency by pressing the brake release button under the drive
handle. The brake release button will be either on the left or right depending on the release of machine you are working
on.

Behind the film drawer is the Drive Power AMP, Drive Controller board, Drive Fuses, and Drive Motors. Below the drive
handle on either the left or right side, is the Break Release Button. Pressing the Break Release Button will release the
electric brakes on the drive motors.
The Drive Controller is the bottom board it that the DC signals from the CPU and creates the timing signals needed to
control the power amplifiers to the Drive Power Amp board.
DRIVE CONTROLLER
DRIVE CONTROLLER used in conjunction with the DRIVE POWER AMP deliver up to 1KW of power to the
motors. Circuitry between right and left drives is identical. Refer to Page 4-143
The CPU Board reads the inputs from the Hall Effect sensors from the handle. Voltage depends on how hard
the handle is pushed. Then the CPU outputs LEFT/RIGHT DRIVE CMND to DRIVE CONTROLLER (F-1) LEF T
DRV CMND enters board at (F-1). Command is+10v full forward; 0 v stopped; and -10 v full reverse. DRV
CMND is summed in AR154 (F-6) with drive FDBK. The error then goes through an invert/non-invert amp,
depending on direction of command. The `absolute value' error output is connected to a voltage clamp CR197
(F-8) . The error voltage is sent to AR260 (C-7) 555 timer used as a voltage to pulse width converter. As
the command increases, the error increase, the pulse width increases.
Direction is determined by the polarity at TP5 (D-6) If TP5 is + then TP15 =1 for reverse direction . U283 flip
flop has 2 outputs;Q (CCW) enables U282 to pass pulses from AR 260; Q* (CW) output disables other U262
and blocks pulses from AR260. U283 outputs also drive FET switches to invert/non-invert amps & FET switches
at (D-2) which maintain the polarity of the motor feedback regardless of direction the motors are turning. Output
of U280 has only 2 outputs pulsing at a time and are 180 out of phase . These pulses are sent to the DRIVE
POWER AMP. Stall circuitry is provided to detect when the current through the motors is too high. (A-7) A
stall is also caused by overheated motors. When a stall occurs, U283 trips and sends a signal to the CPU.
The stall is reset when the handle is released. Can't see the stall LEDS. Refer to Page 4-151
DRIVE ENA SWITCH (C-1) and POWER OK develop +5V-DRV (C-5) which goes to the DRIVE POWER AMP.
MOTOR ENA (D-1) from CPU develops BRAKE RELEASE, RIGHT & LEFT MOTOR ENA . They go to the
DRIVE POWER AMP drivers that pull in the brake release and motor relays.
Inputs from both bumper switches develop BUMPER* to the CPU board. This signals the CPU that there is an
obstruction and disables MOTOR ENA and causes the software to output a display REVERSE ONLY, enable
MOTOR ENA, then to ignore any forward direction handle commands until the obstruction is cleared.
FULL SPD ENA (H-1) from the CPU Board brings in a resistor which changes the gain of the op amp which
lowers the voltage at TP11. This lower voltage causes voltage clamp diode CR197 to become forward biased if
the voltage at TP12 (F-7) goes higher than the +PW LMT.
This imposes a new limit on the max voltage the error amp can put out, therefore limiting max speed. FULL
SPD ENA is operated by the TUBE PARK SWITCH through the CPU.
DRIVE POWER AMP
DRIVE POWER AMP delivers pulsed voltage from batteries to the motors through a transistor bridge circuit.
Refer to Page 4-147
+5V-DRV from the DRIVE CONTROLLER supplies voltage for the input to the opto-isolator (C-3). Motor is
powered by varying pulse width or duty cycle and polarity, giving variable speed and direction.
Turning the unit is accomplished by pulling one end of the handle back and pushing the other end forward.
Right and left drives are identical and completely independent from each other.
One wheel will drive in reverse; the other forward, allowing the unit to turn on a dime.
DRIVE EXAMPLE Ref WF I1 through I4.
IDLE-Drive switch not activated; +5V-DRV is absent. BOT CW & CCW are high to turn on Q165 & Q5 (This
keeps noise away from motors by shorting it out.) DRIVE MODE When handle is picked up, +5V-DRV becomes
active supplying 5 volts to the high side of the opto isolators U96 and U65. P ulses are supplied to TOP
CCW; pulse width is determined by the operator pushing or pulling on the handle for desired speed. In this
case, we are in reverse.
TOP CCW is active low, which causes U96 output to go high, Q94 to turn on, Q93 to turn off, and Q90 to
turn on. This supplies the +battery volts to the motor.
B OT CCW is active low (does not pulse) turns off Q15, turns on Q12, turns Q14 off, turns Q5 on.
B OT CCW stays active low and does not pulse so long as the unit is traveling in the same direction.
This supplies ground to the other side of the motor. At the same time TOP CCW is true (Q98 is on), BOT
CW is normally high but pulsed low (Q165 turns off).
When Q98 is off, Q165 is on, providing ground to both sides of the motor., This is used for dynamic braking
and better response in case of a direction change.
The timer circuit at (F-3) and the transformers are a supply for the TOP circuits of the drive amp since the
reference used in NOT ground. The secondary of the transformer has a diode and filter cap to supply DC
voltage to those circuits.
LEF T V+ comes from the drive relays in bottom of the drive module (BAT T V) MOTOR ENB comes from the
DRIVE CONTROLLER and brings in the drive relays. BRAKE RELEASE operates relay K145 (E-F, 7-8) which
energizes the brakes on the back of the drive motors to release. (BRAKE RELEASE 1 & 2, 120V.)
K145 also brings power to the timer circuit (F-2) and the transistor/ transformer circuit (F-3). LEF T DRIVE -
Refer to Page 4-155 Note: The left and right side are identical.
TUBE PARKED SW-(S1 is normally open switch shown incorrectly in the blocks). This signal tell the CPU if
the tube is parked or not through the CHGR & DRV ST A TUS input port. This operates FULL SPD ENA sent
to the drive module. FULL SPD ENA from the CPU operates a voltage clamp on the Drive Controller board.
Therefore the maximum speed is hardware limited.
DRIVE ENA SW developed from S4 & S5 `deadman' switches. Both switches must work before the drive is
enabled. This signal goes to the CPU board and splits up-one to an input port; the other, off the board to
the drive module to supply +24 volts to the + side of the drive relay , K1. DRIVE ENA SW to the CPU input
port tells the CPU to read the Hall Effect Sensors and output MOTOR ENA & DRIVE RESET. MOTOR ENA
develops 0 volt path to the drive relay LEFT MOTOR ENA and also develops BRAKE RELEASE. LF T MAN
TDS OUT is the output of the left Hall Effect Sensor. This output is sent to the CPU's 16 channel analog
MUX and converted to digital. The CPU then outputs +10v to 0v to -10v signal to the Drive Controller. The
polarity determines direction of the motors.
LEF T DRV CMND on the Drive Control board is summed with the drive feedback to give an error, then is
voltage clamped (for maximum speed control). The voltage is then converted to a pulsewidth and sent to
drivers. Polarity of the error is sensed which is a function of desired direction (pushing forward or backward
on the drive handle) then converted to an absolute value so that there is always a positive voltage going to
the voltage-to-frequency converter . Depending on the desired direction CW or CCw, different drivers are
enabled which eventually provides reversible current flow through the motors.
LEF T TOP CW*, LEFT BOT CW*, LEFT TOP CW*, LEFT BOT CCW* are sent to the Drive Amp where the
pulses are amplified through opto-isolators and power FETs. LEF T IM is the feedback signal from the motor
drives. The analog MUX is there to maintain a relationship with the DRV CMND so that they are always
opposite since the motor feedback is always positive. This is done by a direction detect or a invert/non-invert
amp. LEF T DRV FDBK is also sent to the CPU for monitoring.
The BUMPER switches are normally closed and go to the Drive Controller board. BUMPER* is developed and
sent to the CPU board. When the bumper switches open, the CPU turns off MOTOR ENA to stop the motors.
It also prompts the CPU to ignore any forward commands from the drive handle until the obstruction is cleared.
BRAKE RELEASE is from the white pushbutton under the drive handle is wired ORed with the BRAKE
RELEASE 1 on the Drive Power Amp. The white pushbutton is connected directly to the battery in case the
unit will not stay on to drive out of the way.
CAUTION - When working around this module, there will be battery voltage present if the white pushbutton is
pushed.

Notes:
The rear wheels are driven independently with a separate motor. The speed of the motors is controlled by the amount of
pressure the operator places on the drive handle. Strain gauges in the drive handle mounts deliver a voltage level,
proportional to the pressure applied to the handle to the drive controller. The operator can drive the unit forward or back
with little or no effort. The maximum speed is 3 mph. If the tube is not latched down the speed is limited to 1.5 mph. If
the front bumper switch detects a collision, the unit will only drive in reverse.
Re-attaching the spring:
Symptom Probable Cause Solution
 Symptom Problem Solution
Howling Noise See Wheel problems

GE AMX4 Motor Brushes:

• Found them on Grainger website. http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/ecatalog/N-/Ntt-GE+motor+brush
• Replacement Motor Brushes,For 1VUC2,PK 2
Item # 1VUC7
Replacement Motor Brushes, Use Up To 60 to 80 Hours, For Use With 1VUC2 Polisher, Package Quantity 2
LVLE / Low Voltage Power Supply / (Low Voltage Low Energy):

This device converts the 150 volt D.C. input into the following outputs: +24v DC, +15v DC, -15v DC, and +5v DC
Low Voltage Low Energy (LVLE) Power Supply is a power supply that supplies DC power to all circuit boards +5,+15,-15
and +24,
CAUTION: DO NOT DISCONNECT HOT – YOU MAY BLOW THE LVLE!

Outputs:

Note: All connections have the same outputs. So, you can measure on the open connector. –Steve Coyne (Jan 2016)

9 +5
8 Ground
7 PFD “Power Fail Detect”
6 +15
5 Signal Ground
4 -15
3 Key
2 24
1 Ground

OEM Part #: Description Versions:

46-302350-P1 AMX4 Low Voltage Power Supply Color finish: gold “Ascent”
46-302350-P2
46-302350-P3
46-302350-P4

2318476 AMX4 Low Voltage Power Supply Color finish: silver “Condor”

The Silver Condor power supply

System Will Not Turn Off: has an adjustable 5 volts. (This
In-rush specification of 10A is greater than the contact Silver Condor” has been known to
rating (10A) of the K215 relay on the charger board. have Cold Solder Joints on R13)
new modified CONDOR inrush specification of 3A Color finish: silver “Condor”
power supply
This style has trim pots to adjust
Vendor part# your voltages.
MDSP1733A

GE part# 2366118

Connections:

Note: All connections have the same outputs. So, you can measure on the open connector. –Steve Coyne (Jan 2016)

J1 Power input to the LVLE

J2 CPU Board
J3
J4
J5
J6
J7
J8

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

(Silver “Condor” LVLEs only) U8 Over Voltage IC has failed Replace the LVLE
24 volts is missing (65% of the time, U8 is the cause
of this problem)
NOTE: D35 (fast switching diode)
may test good when no power is
applied, but fails when the circuit
is activated. Therefore we
replace D35 whenever we
replace U8.

(Silver “Condor” LVLEs only) Cold Solder Joints Re-solder or replace R13
Visual inspection of R13
indicates bad connections
AMX in Applications Mode….Will Relay K215 contact is welded Replace the defective CONDOR power supply
Not Turn Off shut on the charger board (46- (Vendor part# MDSP1733, GE part# 2318476)
288786G2) that has an inrush current greater than the
contact rating (10A) of the K215 relay on the
charger board.
It is intermittent problem replaced
key switch still have problem. When the AMX4/AMX4+ system
is switched from an “OFF” state
-Steve Coyne (Jan 2014) to “ON” state, a peak inrush The replacement is a new modified CONDOR
current spike greater than the power supply (Vendor part# MDSP1733A, GE
10A rating of the K215 relay part# 2366118) with an inrush specification of
contacts was observed. This 3A. The new supply has an inrush current
spike has the potential to weld profile that is much smaller than the existing
the contacts of the K215 relay. supply.
This welding action causes the
system to remain in the “ON
“state even after switching the
state to “OFF.”

Contacts of relay K215 (46-

270778P2) on battery charger
board can weld. Known problem
on older units. Replacing the DC
power supply with a newer
version was the fix besides
replacing the relay. See
attachment.

-Larry Huber (Jan 2014)

Stuck relay on Battery charger

board. AMX1 A3 A1

-Randall Sauer (Jan 2014)

Tank:
High Voltage Tank (HV Tank) aka: High Tension Transformer
The High Tension Transformer is located behind the front panel. The High Tension Transformer can be removed by
removing the drive controller and power amps and siding the tank out the back.
 Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Generator System: (also see notes for the individual components in this document)

The x-ray generator is a relatively low frequency inverter generator running at a frequency of 1 KHz. The kV is adjustable
from 50 to 125 kVp. The mA is fixed at 100 mA. Output is controlled by closed loop regulation to ensure accurate x-ray
delivery. The system will compensate for battery charge and if necessary the mA will auto adjust to correct the kV during
exposure. The high tension transformer and x-ray tube utilize standard federal connectors
Filament and mAs Control:
Symptom Problem Solution
Collimator:

Collimator:

Lamp:

After replacing the light You must adjust the light to xray (X-ray to Light Field): See Preventive Maintenance
bulb: section

Collimator Rotation: The collimator can be rotated plus and minus 90◦.

Two Types of Collimator There are two collimators used on the AMX 4. The differences are minor. Both are
manual collimators with dial indicators to indicate field size at a specific SID. The
collimator handles have a switch bar to release the tube column brakes and the park
latch. The collimator is held in place by three 9/94” socket head allen screws. On GE
tubes the collimator mount is factory installed and adjusted for central ray alignment.
Light field to x-ray field is checked and adjusted in the field. The only serviceable parts
are the front cover and brake switch.
WARNING: If the brake switches are compromised, the tube could drift down and strike
the patient….Tighten the screws near the handle switches and be sure the
counterbalance is set-up correctly so the tube will not drift.

Symptom Problem Solution

Field Light Switch shorts out and Field Light Switch in the Replace Field Light Switch in the collimator
blows the Rotor Control Board collimator is shorting out
Intermittent collimator / brake Cable is shorting where it enters Replace the cable.
release functions when collimator the back of the collimator.
rotates.
Safety Relay:

Safety Relay / Safety Contactor

Safety Relay / Safety Contactor

The Micro Switch on the side of the Safety

Contactor engages when you prep. It is not
a separate part number; it comes with the
Safety Contactor when you order it. –Steve
Coyne (Jan 2016)

Lead #9 and Lead #6:

WARNING:
BE CAREFUL TO WIRE CORRECTLY TO
AVOID CATCHING THE SYSTEM ON
FIRE!!!!!!!!
 Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Error 439 Safety Contactor (aka: Safety Relay) Clean the contacts on the TAP
relays.
Safety Contactor smells burnt.
TAPS or Tap Relays:

TAP Relays

AMX4+

Top 3:
PN: 46-184877 P2

Bottom 3:
PN: 46-184904 P2

AMX4

6 Tap Relays along the right side:

PN:

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Error 439 (could be intermittent) Safety Contactor (aka: Safety Relay) Clean the contacts on the TAP
relays.
Safety Contactor smells burnt.

System Block Test

NOTE:
(“mAs ↑” to exit “System Block Test”
…and be patient.)

Transformers and Relays:

Name: Location: Description:
T1 Left Side 60 Hz transformer for the rotor control board (aka: 60 Hz Board)
T2 Left Side Field Light Transformer
T3 Left Side AC Transformer

Left Side

Name: Location: Description:

Auto Transformer Right Side Auto Transformer takes the 1KHz AC power which drives the primary AC voltage
to the HV Transformer
Safety Contactor Right Side Safety Contactor terminates overly-long exposures. (aka: Backup Contactor)
Tap Select Relays Right Side Tap Relays insert or remove portions of the Auto Transformer to provide various
levels of KVP.
Symptom Probable Cause Solution
Capacitor Module:

Commutation Capacitors

AMX4+ Capacitors are blue, AMX (non-plus) are metallic.

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Hand Switch:

Types / Versions: These hand switches are virtually the same and are interchangeable.
• Version 1: PN:
• Other Version: PN:
• Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Key Switch:

Notes:
Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Hardware for AMX4:

Provided by Jon Gibson

Size/Part #: Description
Latch base three #6-32 x 3/8” socket head screws
M3x6 Collimator Cover Screws

Skins / Covers / Upgrades

Skins / Covers / Upgrades

You can order a Skins Upgrade kit to make your Nate Greztinger has performed this upgrade on many AMX4s.
system more aesthetically pleasing. [email protected]

You can sell the customer an upgrade where you Life Solutions
send AMCI your old system, and they send it
back fully upgraded. They will also do an Dave Thacker has sold 3 of these upgrades.
exchange, or an upgrade exchange (e.g. AMX3
to an AMX4+ Digital).

See “Escalation” section of this document: Upgrades

8. CALIBRATION

Reference:
-Service Manual
-Troubleshooting Guide
-Service Information Technical Supplement
 Use the kVp & mAs buttons to navigate through menu items.

BE SURE TO EXIT CALIBRATION PROPERLY

When finished with cals:

Carefully exit from the calibration menu tree (by

pressing “mAs ↑” / KVP buttons) until you see: “END SERVICE MODE”

press “mAs ↓” to select “End Service” This will effectively save all calibration data.

When “SWITCH TO RUN” is displayed, flip the service switch.

Then when “CYCLE KEY SWITCH” is displayed, turn off the key switch.

The system can then be turned back on.

CAUTION: New CPU boards require Calibration.

NOTE: The AMX4 Field Light will not illuminate once you enter calibrations; because the Field Light is
deactivated while in Calibration Mode. Either position the dose meter before entering calibration, or just
put the probe on a piece of foam against the collimator Plexiglas.

What is a “Complete Calibration”:

A “Complete Calibration” consists of following these steps, in this 1) Drive Handle

order: 2) Volt Meter
3) Battery Charger
4) Generator
a) mAs
b) KVP
c) TAPS
d) Filament Current Table
5) Light Field On Time

Step 0: Preparations before calibrating

Step 0: Preparations Before Calibrating

Optimal battery voltage when you start the If the battery voltage is too high: it may trip the main breaker during
calibrations is 114V +/- 0.5 volts DC. cal.
–Steve Coyne (Jan 2016)
If the battery voltage is too low, it may drop below 112V by the time
you finish with the calibrations.

GE Document specifies 112 to 113

GE Calibration Video specifies:

Minimum of 112
Maximum of 114
 Measure this voltage with the power plug unplugged from the wall,
and the system turned on.

Best Option to bring the voltage down: Alternate Options 1:

-leave the system on for a couple of hours.
If voltage is too high (over 114 volts) then turn
on collimator light, and prep and expose, then Alternate Options 2:
wait for batteries to stabilize. -connect a load to the battery terminal (e.g. halogen light bulb,
soldering iron, heat gun, etc.)

Take a test exposure to make sure your Unfors Alternatively, you can place foam in the collimator to position the
is ready and setup correctly. Unfors probe.

Position the Unfors probe before entering

service mode, because the field light will not
illuminate while in calibration mode.

The Awesome Fadey Method:

 Perform a battery test. If the batteries are old, it may not have enough oomph to get
through all the calibrations.

Load Defaults – It’s a good idea to start fresh. If your system has no problems, Loading Defaults will clear out all
the data before you start a calibration.

You will get a “Test 04 Fail” after you load defaults. This is normal; a
complete calibration is required.

Perform ALL the calibrations in the prescribed It’s a good idea to perform ALL the calibrations, and do them in the
order. proper order.

Enter into Service Mode:

Symptom Problem Solution

“Check Sum ERR 5” F4 10 Amp Fuse in Fuse block below

T3 and T1 on the Left Hand side.

Step 1: Drive Handle

Step 1: Calibrate Drive Handle

Use KV buttons to select “Calibrate System”. Press “mAs ↓” to enter the System Calibration.

Use KV buttons to select “Calibrate Drive Handle”. Press “mAs ↓” to enter the drive handle calibration.

The system should display: Don’t push the drive handle at all, and press “mAs ↓” to record

“Release Handle” It should say: “Zero Point Set”

Theory:
 During this step the voltage of the hall-effect sensors is stored in
the CPU board. The value is then digitized and stored in the
database as “Right Input Zero Point” and “Left Input Zero Point”

“Left Forward” is displayed Push hard on the Left side of the handle while pressing “mAs ↓” to
record

Theory:
Drive Handle Gain determines the torque delivered to drive
circuits. For each forward and reverse gains, the voltage is read
into the CPU. Gains, Minimums, Maximums, and Polarity are
calculated and stored in the database.

“Right Forward” then press “mAs ↓” to record Push hard on the Right side of the handle while pressing “mAs ↓”
to record

Left – Reverse then press “mAs ↓” to record Pull hard on the Left side of the handle while pressing “mAs ↓” to
record

Right - Reverse then press “mAs ↓” to record Pull hard on the Right side of the handle while pressing “mAs ↓” to
record

It should display: “Calibrate Drive Handle” again. Use “KV ↑” or “KV ↓” to proceed to the next cal.

Symptom Problem Solution

“Drive Word Limit” The values recorded in the database Repeat the cal correctly.
were out of range of the expected
values. Check for damaged drive handle or
switches.
 Try the calibration again; you didn’t do
it right or there is something wrong with
the drive handle switches.

Check to see if the handle is cracked.

Be sure to press the Handle hard, or

maybe you pressed it too hard.

Look for Cracks in center of Order the entire assembly. DO NOT

drive handle bar. order just the bar.

Drive Handle Replacement:

“RAM READBACK ERROR” Data read from the memory location is Reboot
not what was written to that location.
Check 5 Volts on the CPU board.

Reseat this power connection.

Push on the CPU chips.

At last resort – load defaults.

Replace CPU chips.

Step 2: Volt Meter

Theory:
The Volt Meter Calibration establishes the relationship of actual battery voltage to the VCO output delivered from the
battery. This allows the system to determine current battery voltage when measurements are taken. For example, during
CAL TAPS, which is stored in memory as “BATTERY VOLTS CALIBRATION COUNTS”.

Step 2: Calibrate Volt Meter

“Cal Volt Meter” is displayed. Press “mAs ↓” to enter the Volt Meter calibration.

It should say “Install Meter”.

CAUTION: Be careful not to short out alligator clips to the

frame while doing calibrations.
Place your volt meter on TP10 and TP9 on the Battery Test Points 9 & 10 on Battery Charger Board:
Charger Board

Alternative: just measure from the negative and positive

battery leads.

Press “mAs ↑” The display should briefly show “- - - CALIBRATING - - -"

It should then say “Enter the Value”

Use “KV ↑” and “KV ↓” to adjust the displayed value until

it matches the measured value.

Press “mAs ↓” to enter the value.

 It should say “Remove Meter” Remove the DMM.

Press “mAs ↑” to exit the calibration.

It should display: “Calibrate Volt Meter” again. Use “KV ↑” or “KV ↓” to proceed to the next cal.

Proceed to “Cal Batt Charger”

Step 3: Cal Battery Charger

Wendi Frensley suggests Calibrating the Battery Charger as the 3rd Step.

Step 3: Calibrate Battery Charger

“Cal Batt Charger” is displayed. Press “mAs ↓” to enter the Battery calibration.

“Plug in Charger” Plug in the power cord to a wall outlet.

The display will briefly read: “-Converting-” Eventually, it should display “Enter Value”; adjust “KV ↑” and “KV
↓” until it matches the measured value.
Measure DC voltage across R1

The first measurement should read between 1.2 – 1.9 V DC.

Press “mAs ↓” to enter the value.

The display will briefly read: “-Converting-” again Eventually, it should display “Enter Value”; adjust “KV ↑” and “KV
↓” until it matches the measured value.

The second measurement should read between 2.4 – 2.6 V DC.

Press “mAs ↓” to enter the value.

NOTE: if your voltage is showing a voltage over 2.6 (we had a

system that was at 3.3V DC), then wait for it to stabilize closer to
2.6 volts before continuing.

The display will briefly read: “-Converting-” a third Be patient…just wait; Eventually it should display “Remove
time. Charge Cord”.
 “Remove Charge Cord” is displayed. Remove the power cord from the wall outlet.

It should then display “Cal Batt Charger”, Calibration of the Battery Charger is now complete.
indicating that the calibration is complete.

Use “KV ↑” or “KV ↓” to proceed to the next cal.

Symptom Problem Solution

“Charg Word Limit” displayed at The CPU lost its mind during the Double-check 5V to CPU.
the end of the battery charger calibration.
calibration. Repeat the “Volt Meter” calibration,
and then try the Battery Charger
calibration again.

Display hangs up on briefly read: The voltage across R1 should never Correct the 5V on the CPU board.
“-Converting-”, and VR1 is over 9 exceed 2.4 volts during the Battery
Volts DC! Charger Cal.

The 5V DC on the CPU is low.

[email protected]
(Feb 2017)

Step 4: mAs

Theory:
This calibration step injects a 100mA signal through an Ammeter (Amp Meter). The VCO is converted and read on the
display. The engineer is prompted to enter the value read on the meter. The output is 16 KHz at 100mA. VCO output is
converted for three seconds and stored as “MAS FREQUENCY AT 100MA”.

Step 4: Calibrate Generator – mAs

It should display: “Cal Generator”. Press “mAs ↓” to enter the generator calibration.

It should display: “Calibrate mAs”. Press “mAs ↓” to enter the mAs calibration.

“Install Meter” is displayed. On the Filament-KVP Board:

TP3 (negative BLACK lead)
TP4 (positive RED lead)

Set Digital Multi Meter (DMM) to read mA DC

-plug the red lead to into “400mA-Fused”
-check the fuse in your meter
 Set meter to mA DC

After installing AMP meter: It should briefly display: “- - - CALIBRATING - - -".

Press “mAs ↑” to proceed. It should then display: “Enter the Value”.

Use “KV ↑” and “KV ↓” to adjust the displayed

value until it matches the measured value.

NOTE: The displayed value should be 95 to 105

mA and very close to what you see on then
meter. If not, back out of this step, and come
back in.
-Steve Coyne (Jan 2015)

Press “mAs ↓” to enter the value.

It should say “REMOVE METER”

If you loaded defaults, the AMX4 display my read “000.0”

Once finished: REMOVE PROBE FROM TP4 (positive RED lead)

FIRST, before removing the BLACK lead from TP3.

Press “mAs ↑” to exit the calibration. Note: If you exit too far to the “Generator Calibrations”, you can go
back in and proceed with the next cal.

It should display: “Calibrate mAs” again. Use “KV ↑” or “KV ↓” to proceed to the next cal.

Symptom Problem Solution

During the Calibrate mA Fuse in Amp meter is Replace amp meter fuse.
step the blown.
Amp Meter reads zero
 If during the Calibrate mA Fluke 177 will reads 0.001mA AC, you should press the
step the yellow button and switch to DC.
Amp Meter reads anything
other than 100mA +/- 5.

e.g. 0.001 mA

Step 5: KVp

Theory:
During this calibration step, the KVP demand is matched to KVP FDBK at 52, 64, 85, and 120 kVp. KVPFDBK is a sample
of the primary volts. The software adjusts the filament demand and kVp demand until KVP FDBK matches the demand
kVp, and the emission current is close to 100 mA.
Before each kVp station, the battery voltage is read once during a no load condition and once when loaded. It is loaded
when 60Hz inv. & rotor is turned on.
Battery voltage is displayed briefly: generally the voltage drops 0.9 to 1.1V.
This data is stored in “CALIBRATE X-RAY PARAMETERS”.

Step 5: Calibrate Generator – KVP

The display should read: “Calibrate KVP”. Press “mAs ↓” to enter the KVP calibration.

It should display “Install Jumper”

Install the jumper on Filament KVP board, TP14 TP15 is on top, and TP14 in the bottom.
and TP15

Press “mAs ↑” to proceed

Prepare your Unfors to measure exposures.

It should display “Press Prep - -“ If your Unfors is

ready, press Prep and Expose

Observe the Unfors KV value.

It should display “Enter Value”; enter the value

you observed on the Unfors by using “KV ↑” and
“KV ↓” to adjust. Press “mAs ↓” to enter the
value.

The system should shoot about 2 – 6 shots per

KV Station. Between each KV Station, the display
will show the battery voltage.

KV Stations:
52
64
85
120

First attempt at 64 KV

Final exposure for 64 KV

Once 120KV step is completed: Remove the Jumper

It should display: “Remove Jumper”. and then “mAs ↑” to exit the calibration
It’s a good idea to save all your data at this point. Save the data by exiting properly all the way out. Then come back
-Tom Goddard (Jan 2016) into calibrations to continue with the next step.

BE SURE TO EXIT CALIBRATION PROPERLY

Save the completed calibrations at this point.

Carefully exit from the calibration menu tree (by “END SERVICE MODE” should be displayed
pressing “mAs ↑” / KVP buttons) until you see:

press “mAs ↓” to select “End Service” This will effectively save all calibration data.

When “SWITCH TO RUN” is displayed, Flip the service switch.

Then when “CYCLE KEY SWITCH” is displayed, Turn off the key switch.

The system can then be turned back on. You can now go back into service mode to continue the last
calibrations.

Symptom Problem Solution

Can’t complete a KVP Batteries are low Batteries are low – charge the
calibration station (e.g. 85KVP) batteries before calibrating (see Force
Taps are pitted or oxidized. Charge)

Candle Sticks are loose

KV station stays stuck in a loop Clean tap contacts with fine abrasive
(relay contact burnishing tool)

System Block Test Replace Taps

You may have to enter values closer

to the expected values, in order to get
through the cal. Once it passes, go
back through with actual Unfors
measured values.

Error 458: (with no other errors) Rotor wire is disconnected on the terminal Check Rotor Wires
block which is mounted on the vertical
column. Replace Rotor Control Board….you
may want to consider replacing the
cable from the LVLE to the CPU
board, since a low 5V on the CPU can
damage the Rotor Control Board.
 Search this document for all of the
“458” and “320” entries.

F93 on Rotor Control Board

DO NOT REPLACE THE FUSE!
(see notes under “Rotor Control Board” in
this document)

(FU93) – if the collimator light turns on,

then F93 is good.

Test FETS Q85 and Q86

Remove F93 and use a Diode Tester

between the FET case and Chassis
Ground.

“X-Ray Word Limit” Something went wrong during the cal. Restart Generator Calibrations

“KVP Cal Error 1” Our unit had weak batteries. Replace Batteries.

“Check Sum ERR 7” Our unit had weak batteries. Replace Batteries.

Step 6: Taps

Theory:
This calibration step establishes the relationship of tap selection to KVP DEMAND at specific emission currents. It defines
system characteristics of as many as 28 possible tap combinations. System resistance (slope of the tap combination load
line) and effective turns-ratio (y-intercept) KVP at zero ma – battery voltage. It is basically recording the electrical
characteristics for the transformer, batteries, and tube.

Step 6: Calibrate Generator – TAPS

This calibration is required after replacing the following: transformer, batteries, or tube.

“Calibrate Generator” is displayed. Press “mAs ↓” to enter the generator calibration.

“Calibrate TAPS” is displayed. Press “mAs ↓” to enter the TAPS calibration.

You may see: Press “mAs ↓” to start the TAPS calibration.

“New”: select this option to start a new TAPs cal It should display “Press Prep”

“Resume”: resume a previously aborted cal…(you

should never select this option)

Press and hold the “Prep” and “Expose” button for You can use a prep / expose box
the duration of the TAPs calibration.
Golf ball or pen with tape

This procedure can take 20 minutes or longer, as 50 KV

it calibrates the following KV Stations: 55 KV
60 KV
65 KV
70 KV
75 KV
80 KV
85 KV
90 KV
95 KV
100 KV
105 KV
110 KV
115 KV
120 KV

It should display “Calibrate TAPS” when finished. Press “mAs ↑” to exit the calibration.

Use “KV ↑” or “KV ↓” to proceed to the next cal.

Symptom Problem Solution

“Battery Recover” This is a normal message. Just wait for batteries to “recover”
from the last exposure.
 It should eventually change to “Prep”

At the start of tap cal, the system

displays that it is attempting a 50
kVp, 2 mAs shot.

After taking the shot, the

displayed kV goes down to 48 kV
and will keep dropping on
subsequent shots until the
displayed kV bottoms out at
40kV and sits there for each shot
that follows. After several shots,
the error message “System
Resistance Limit” displays.

- Mark Manofsky (Feb 2014)

During KV Tap calibration, this Did a Google search on low filament

error (Low filament limit) was limits in the first hit was a good hit was
consistent. -Paul S. Malmborg from dot.med ….possibly a bad xray
(Sept 2015) tube – Frank Jaros (Sept 2015)

“Sys Resist Limit” System Resist Limit: Replace the batteries

Current feedback is too low, since the
batteries are weak.

Step 7: Filament Current Table

Theory:
This calibration step records the values of filament current needed for each selected kVp with minimum KVP overshoot
or undershoot. The actual x-ray exposures taken at each KVP stations (52, 64, 85, 120 kVp) use two tap combinations.
The tap combinations yield emission currents closest to 90mA & 110mA. Linear interpolation is used to determine the
filament current demand values at 90mA and 110mA for each kVp station. These eight calibrated points are then used
to interpolate the remaining filament current table entries in the database.

Step 7: Calibrate Generator – Filament Current Table

“Calibrate Generator” is displayed. Press “mAs ↓” to enter the Generator Calibration.

“Cal Fil Cur Tbl” is displayed. Press “mAs ↓” to enter the Filament calibration.
It should display “Press Prep” You can use a prep / expose box.

This procedure can take 15 minutes or longer. Golf ball or pen with tape

It should display “Cal Fil Cur Tbl” when it is Press “mAs ↑” to exit the calibration.
finished.
It should briefly say: “Exiting”

Then it should say “Calibrate Generator”

Use “KV ↑” or “KV ↓” to proceed to the next cal.

Symptom Problem Solution

“Battery Recover” This is a normal message. Just wait for batteries to “recover”
from the last exposure.

It should eventually change to “Prep”

“X-ray Word Limit”: Repeat the Filament Current Table

calibration. If this fails more than twice,
then start over from the “mAs Calibration”.

At the next boot cycle: we exited cals at this point without Continue the calibrations from the
calibrating the Charger Board “Calibrate Charger” step.
Check Sum Error 3 –

Or

Check Sum Error 4

Errors that may occur after you Check the Rotor Control Board: Check your CPU voltage: may be too
exit calibrations, and while you Test FETS Q85 and Q86 high or too low
are in applications:
Check Rotor Wires
Error 458:
Replace the Rotor Control
Board…you may want to consider
replacing the cable from the LVLE to
 the CPU, since a low 5V on the CPU
can damage the Rotor Control Board.

Search this document for all of the

“458” and “320” entries.

Remove F93 and use a Diode Tester

between the FET case and Chassis
Ground.

“Cal Tube Err 1” Repeat the Filament Current Table Maybe you should grease the candle
calibration. If this fails more than twice, sticks.
then start over from the “mAs Calibration”.

Step 8: Field Light On Time

Step 8: Calibrate Field Light On Time

Field Light On time: how long the field light will stay on when the field light button is pressed.

You may have to enter this menu, and save the If you do not set this value (or at least go into this cal and then
data or you will get errors. exit) you may get a “Check Sum Error 8” on boot up.

Press “mAs ↓” to enter the Field Light On Time Use “KV ↑” or “KV ↓” to proceed to select how long you want the
Menu. Field Light to remain on; typically we set this value to 25 – 30
seconds.

Press “mAs ↓” to enter your selected duration.

It should then display “Field Light On Time”, Calibration of the Field Light On Time is now complete.
indicating that the calibration is complete.

Exit correctly to save all your data. See procedure below.

Save Data by Exiting Properly

BE SURE TO EXIT CALIBRATION PROPERLY

When finished with cals:

 Carefully exit from the calibration menu tree (by
pressing “mAs ↑” / KVP buttons) until you see: “END SERVICE MODE”

press “mAs ↓” to select “END SERVICE MODE” This will effectively save all calibration data.

When “SWITCH TO RUN” is displayed, Flip the service switch.

Then when “CYCLE KEY SWITCH” is displayed, Turn off the key switch.

The system can then be turned back on. Look for Errors.

Make sure the system boots without errors.

Make sure the system will drive and make

exposures in applications mode.

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

System calibrates without errors. Dallas Chips on CPU board are Replace Dallas chips and recalibrate.
bad
When you cycle power, all
calibration data is lost.

9. DIAGNOSTIC FAULT ISOLATION

Navigating & Theory:

Navigating Block Diagrams:

Navigating Block Diagrams

“AMX Block Diagrams rev2 (9 Pages).pdf” (which are excerpts from the AMX4 Diagnostics Manual)
 The term “Module” refers to an entire For example: “Rotor Control & Battery Charger Module” refers to the Left side
side of the machine. of the system. (Page 3 of 9)

Navigating Schematics:

Navigating Schematics

Coordinates on schematics: [2-E9] = Sheet 2 Coordinates E & 9

“Nate’s AMX Schematics” (48 pages) (does not show the latch upgrade)

2173229-100 AMX-4 PLUS Schematics rev 05 2000:

(100 pages) (John Walker’s favorite set of schematics.)

2173229-100 rev 10 (2004): (174 pages)

“Battery Power and Charging”

“Power Distribution” page 6 (without latch upgrade)
“Power Distribution” page 13 (with latch upgrade)

“Overall_Schematics_For_AMX_IV” Page 6 (22 of 174)

 “Battery Power Discharge Cycle with Charger Board….” (Diagnostics sheet: 15-19 page: 208 of 216)

Block Diagram Theory:

Charger Block Diagram

These notes accompany the following drawing: “Battery Power Discharge Cycle with Charger Board….” (Diagnostics
sheet: 15-19 page: 208 of 216)

1 System Power (+BATT) originates from the battery pack (AMX2 A3 BATTERIES)

2 Power (+BATT) then passes through the double pole main breaker (CB1); where one breaker is 6 Amp and
the other is 64 Amp.

3
 Power (+BATT) then splits in two directions or paths. (The +BATT through F6 path closes the K62 contact to
the CPU Board, while the CB1 BATT path sends 24V from the LVLE across the now closed contacts of K62
in order to provide 24V power the CPU Board.)

3a Power (+BATT) goes through fuse F4 and F6 which are located on the fuse block below T1 and T3.

Power (+BATT) enters the Key Switch (AMX1 A2 TOP DECK) and exits with a new name called: “KEY
SWITCH”

Power (KEY SWITCH) then enters the Battery Charger Board (AMX1 A3 A1 BATTERY CHARGER) on J4
pin 1

Power (KEY SWITCH) then passes through the normally closed contacts of K149 (or K150)

NOTE: K149 on Battery Charger Board 46-288786G2 (prior to Q4 2009)

NOTE: K150 on Battery Charger Board 46-288034G? (after to Q4 2009?)

Power then energizes the coil of relay K215.

Once K215 is energized, K62 is energized; which closes the contacts of K62. (Once the LVLE powers up, the
24 Volt “KEY SWITCH ON” signal will pass through this K62 contact.)

3b The other leg of power (+BATT) splits off before F6 with the name “CB1 BATT” and enters the Battery
Charger Board (AMX1 A3 A1 BATTERY CHARGER) on J2 Pin 5.

3c This power passes through K215 and then exits the Battery Charger Board on J2 pin 9.

3d Power exits J2 pin 9 with the name “BAT SWT” or “+BATT SWITCHED” and powers up the LVLE.

3e The 24 Volts from the LVLE (once energized) is passed through all circuit boards.

3f On the Battery Charger Board, this 24 Volts passes through the contacts of K62 and exits the Battery
Charger Board on J1 Pin 11 over to the CPU Board on J1 Pin 11 on a signal called “KEY SWITCH ON”

4 Once both of the aforementioned paths are completed, the CPU powers up and preforms a power-on-self-
test, of which the status and results are displayed on the segment display on the Display Board. (see “boot
sequence” in this document for details)

5 If all self-tests have passed, the CPU verifies that the battery voltage is high enough to take an exposure.
This is accomplished when the power “BAT SWT” or “+BATT SWITCHED” exits K215 and provides power to
the ANALOG MUX on the Battery Charger Board.

6 The ANALOG MUX chip on the Battery Charger Board provides a voltage to the VOLTAGE-TO-
FREQUENCY CONVERTER (also on the Battery Charger Board).

7 The VOLTAGE-TO-FREQUENCY CONVERTER signal exits the Battery Charger Board on Pin 5 and is
called “BAT V & CHARGING CUR” and enters the CPU Board on Pin 5.

7a This frequency signal is passed to the MUX and then Pulse Counter (T1) on the microprocessor.
 7b The CPU then determines the charge based upon the pulse count. The equivalent value is displayed as a
percentage on the “% Charge” bar graph of the Display Board.

7c If there is enough battery capacity to make an exposure, the message “READY FOR XRAY” will be displayed
on the Display Board.

7d If the batteries are less than 112 V (However, we have seen system below 110V that do not trip the breaker),
the CPU will send a signal to CB1 to trip off.

The signal TRIP BRKR exits the CPU on Pin 8 and enters the Batter Charger Board on Pin 8.

This signal passes through some logic circuits that allow the Filament / KVP Control Board a chance to also
trip the breaker to prevent a false trip during power-up.

This signal then exits the Battery Charger Board as “BREAKER OPEN*”.

BREAKER OPEN * enters both poles of CB1 and energizes the trip coils in the breakers.

1st Step Troubleshooting

NOTE: Errors pointing in many different directions usually mean a logic problem –check all DC power supplies

Look here first when troubleshooting.

When cord is plugged in: Fan on?

Green Light on?
“Charging” displayed?

Error code may be displayed. Look up the last two digits of the error code in the “Error Codes” section of this document.

Weird Errors Check 5V on CPU and compare with J2 on the LVLE Power Supply
Example: 45E – Filament
Shorted
 Sometimes if this voltage is low, it can cause damage to the Rotor Control Board

Symptom Problem Solution

CANNOT Calibrate KVP’s (Gets Check 5V on CPU board. Replace the (U54 & U107) Dallas NVRAM
Hung), FIL TAPS or FIL Chip(s) (46-230318P1).
CURRENT TABLE (LOW Dallas Chips are not compatible
FILAMENT ERROR) Etc., with your new CPU board, or Note: Some older systems only have one
they have died. Dallas chip.
Or
Dallas Chips will last about 5
Data In Data Base Access did years in an AMX system.
not load Properly

Can’t Enter Calibration Mode

OR
Getting False Error Codes

“XRAY DISABLED” Message In This Usually Indicates A Bad

Applications Hand-Switch
Assembly.
During Boot-Up the message Is
“RELEASE PREP” appears.

Open Filament In XRT (ERROR Bad FIL/KVP Board (Q170, CAUTION: A bad Filament KVP board may
45F) During Prep. Q160 Or Q173 Shorted—Inverter blow up your tube!
Running At Maximum Output.
Therefore, if you get a 45F Error, replace the
Tube has open filament. Filament KVP board, and if that doesn’t fix your
problem, then replace you tube.

Display Issues—Trashy, If Noise Is Evident, Replace The

Scrolling Or No Display LVLE - If LVLE
Appears OK, This Could Also
During Charge. Monitor LVLE +5 Could Be Caused By A Bad
Volt With A Scope For About 15 Display (Kit 2139946) Or Display
Minutes - Look For Break-Up Controller (46-264982G1). Also
(Noise) On +5 Volt Supply, Could Be Possible Charger
Board Failure—Tap on the relays
to see if the display failure
occurs.
After a tube change: Filaments may be mis-wired at
the Xray Tube.
MA Appears High And KVP’s
Low-Can’t Get The MA Down
- Check To See That The Small
Spot Is Boosting Rather Than
The Large Spot

AMX1A4R7 smoking - NO Errors BAD 1KHZ board (Primary

- KVP Waveform OK Current P1/P2 Approx. 80 Amps
(Should be 50-60 Amps)

– Also Replace AMX1A4R7

KVP’s High In Applications And Bad Charger Board (J1-5:

During And During KVP “Battery V And Charger
Calibration. In The “Check-Sum Currents”
Bypass Mode” (With Defaults Output Improper).
Loaded), Tap Relays (80 KVP
Selected) K2 And K4 NOT NOTE: System Parameters Are
Selected. Still “Looked At” In The
“Check Sum By-pass” Mode.

KVP Output Waveform Initial Q3 Start/Stop SCR Bad And/Or

Rise 10-20 KVP High For 4-5 FIL/KVP Board Bad.
Msec. (During Calibration And
Applications), And Then Drops
To Proper
Selected KVP Value. NO
System Error Codes Displayed
During Applications Other Than
Occasional “KVP LIMITS” Error
During Calibration.

High Pitched Squeal Coming Replace The Display Controller Board (46-
From The LVLE (Low Voltage 264982G1)
Power Supply)

No Display After Installing ESD Board Mounting Screw(s)

Kit Retaining Nut Lock-washers
Impinge On The +40 VDC Bus
On The Display Board (46-
232832G1). The +40 VDC Bus Is
Too
Close To The Retaining Nut
Lock-washers—Shorts Out The
+40 VDC Bus When The
ESD Kit Ground Cables Are
Added. Re-Position Existing
Mounting
Screws/Lock-washers.

F93 On Rotor Board Opens (FU93) – if the collimator light

When A New FIL/KVP Board turns on, then F93 is good. Check your CPU voltage: may be too high or
too low
(46-264986G2) Is Installed-- J8 Connector On FIL/KVP Board Is Mis-keyed.
FET’s On Rotor Board NOT Re-Orient
Blown Key On J8 (FIL/KVP Board Side).

Release Handle Error - When Timing Issue With AMX1A5 K1

Enabling And Pushing Handle OR K2. Replace K1 And/Or K2
Forward
OR Back
SIMULTANEOUSLY

Both Large And Small Filaments Common Lead In The Cathode NOTE: The system only uses the small
Are Lit Simultaneously (View Cable Or X-Ray Tube Is OPEN filament. The Large and Common are shorted
Thru The Port Of The together in the HV Tank.
X-Ray Tube During Prep)

Intermittent “X-Ray On Light” Or Replace The LVLE Power Supply (T3497L)

Sonalert Comes On During
Charge Mode Or During Driving
Or During Idle Mode

469 Error With The Following Bad Tap Relay(s) – CONTACTS NOT FULLY
Resultant Waveform ?? Actuating (Ex. K4 At 80 KVP)

We replaced the Fil/KVP board and the 1KHz

Driver board and did a complete calibration and
the system was good to go! –Lenny Luba (April
2017)

No “normal” KVP waveform can Check Safety Relay Temporarily Jumper TP-14 To TP-15 On
be viewed (Applications Or FIL/KVP Board To Obtain A “normal” KVP
Check-Sum Bypass) With Waveform
Errors 439 Or 469
Clean the contacts on the TAP relays.

Error 469:
We replaced the Fil/KVP board and the 1KHz
Driver board and did a complete calibration and
the system was good to go! –Lenny Luba (April
2017)

Unit Appears “Dead” (No Bad Hand-Switch (New Style) -

Display) - Battery Voltage Remove J8 On CPU (Controller
OK - +24 Volt Output Missing Board)
To Verify +24 Volt Supply
Returns

“BATTERY TOO LOW” Message This Might Indicate Possible This Could Indicate A “Synchronization” Issue
Cell(s) Failure — (The Voltmeter
Calibration Has To Be Accurate In Order To
There Are 3 Ways To Test Run This Test Successfully). This
Cells/Battery Pack: 1] Monitor “Sychronization” Routine Should Always Be
Each Cell under A Lite Load Run – 1) At The End Of Any Major Unit
Condition—Rotor Only; Calibration – 2) Upon Replacement Of The
Charger Board – 3) If The Unit Was Charged
 2. Monitor Each Cell Under A Outside Of Normal Applications Mode (Check
Heavy Load---80 KVP @ 125 Sum Bypass Or Diagnostics Mode). Refer
MÁS. Cell Readings Also To “BATTERY TOO HIGH” Message,
Should Be Within .2VDC Of Each Below.
Other (Ex. 11.9 vdc To 12.1 vdc).
There Should Be
113 VDC Across The Battery
Pack Prior To Running Tests 1 &
2 Above. 3] Refer
Also To ERROR 465,

“BATTERY TOO HIGH” This Usually Indicates That The

Message Unit Was Attempted
To Be Operated (Rotor And
Exposure) Too Soon After A
Charging Cycle. In
Normal Applications, When The
Unit Is Unplugged, It is Normally
Driven To Another
Location (More Than 50 Feet),
Thus Giving The Batteries Time
To “Level Off”.

Display Goes Out On Unit Check The 3 Pins On J1 (Feeds

Intermittently Battery Voltage To The
LVLE Power Supply) And Make
Sure They Are Not Burnt

Unit Resets Itself Under Load Usually Indicates Bad Battery

(while Driving, etc.) Cell(s) Or Loose Battery
Terminal Connections

During “CAL CHARGER” - Unit Bad CPU Board

Works Up To 1.2Volts - When
Value Is Entered, Charger Shuts
Off
And External Voltmeter Goes To
Zero, Then You Get An “X-RAY
BYTE LIMIT”.

Cannot Enter “SERVICE MODE” Bad Display Board

- But Portable Is Operational In
Applications Mode

“AUTO CAL LIMIT” Message In Applications Mode, This

Appears On The Status Message Indicates That One
Display In Applications Mode Calibration
Unit Has Exceeded It’s Proper
Range (Cannot Tell Which One).
The Calibration Philosophy Is
Such That Each Cal Unit (In The
Generator Calibration) Depends
On The Prior Cal Unit That Was
Accomplished (A Confidence
Building Scheme). The ONLY
Solution
For This Error Is A COMPLETE
Re-Calibration Of The AMX-4/4+
Unit. This Message Is Called Out
In The Operators Manual, Under
 The “STATUS MESSAGES”
Section.

*Error Messages:

Reference: Diagnostic Manual, Chapter 12 (page 130-149 of 216)

Error 100 to 107:

Symptom Cause Solution

Error 100 1. Recalibrate The Charger

Error 101
Error 102 2. Replace The Charger Board
Error 103
Error 104 3. ERROR 103 - Safety Contactor Contacts Stuck Closed
Error 105
Error 106 4. ERROR 104 – GE says “Refer to Service Note 3684” (I could not find
Error 107 Service Note 3684 anywhere.)

Error 210 & 211:

Error Codes 210 & 211

Error 210 Check The Drive Controller Board

Error 211 Check The Drive Controller Board

Symptom Cause Solution

Error 212 & 213:

Error Codes 212 & 213

212: “Left Drive Stall”

213: “Right Drive Stall”

Error 212 Check the Drive Motors – brushes, etc.

Check Brake Release
Check Drive Boards
Error 213 Same as 212

Symptom Cause Solution

Error 214 – 217:

Error Codes 214 & 217

Left Drive Check the Drive Motors – brushes, etc.

Error 214 Check Drive Boards and connections to those boards
Error 215 Check AMX1A3F9 (+BATT)
Check wires to both fuses (these are push-on terminal connectors)
Check Fuse holders F1 & F2 (pull each one off and on to clean oxidation)
Loose leads on K1 and K2 relays (Drive Power Amp Board)
Excessive play in Main Drive Wheels or belts. – internal gearing may be worn in
the wheels.

Right Drive Same as 214 and 215

Error 216
Error 217

Symptom Cause Solution

Error 218:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 218
1. Check For Defective Crimp Connections On Harness Leads
Between Handle Assy. And J8 Plug To CPU
2. Defective CPU Or Drive Control/Drive Power Amp. Boards
3. Re-Cal Drive Handle With Drive Enable Picked Up; Can’t
Cal Handle-Replace Handle Assy.
4. Shorted Diode On Brake Assy.
5. Defective Handle Enable Switch(es)
6. CPU 10V Ref. To Handle Transducers Missing Or Low
7. Possible Tube Park Latch Problem (Also Applies To Newer
Hall Effect)
8. Drive Wheel Problems--Drive Belt, Foreign Material
Buildup On Axle
9. Bumper Switch Problems
10. Bad Front Casters
11. Bad Motor Brushes - See NOTE 2 Below.
12. Bad LVLE Power Supply
13. Check R1 And R2 (Dynamic Brake Resistors) For
Proper Soldering/Connection

NOTE 1: Verify That On Older Units That FMI-10231 Was

Accomplished (Upgrading The Drive Control Board 46-232834G1-C/G1-D).

NOTE 2: Random 200 Series s Could Be Caused By Loose

Connections At K1 And K2 Drive Relays, Or Bad Motor Brushes (single brush
assembly is 2170759). Check For Curled Fish-paper Insulator On Rear Of The Cassette Drawer That
Might Be Cutting Into The Cable Assemblies.

NOTE 3: Runs On Charger Board J2-5 To K215 And On Drive Amp Board
J10 To K145 And J5 Or J6 To K145 Burned Open = Shorted Brake Assembly

NOTE 4: Stall LED(s) Lit On Drive Control Board -Try

Re-Calibrating The Handle - Also Could
Be Caused By Poor Ground Connections On AMX1A2TS1-4, 5, 6, Or 7
(Behind LVLE)

NOTE 5: “RELEASE HANDLE” Message And Unit Stops

(Intermittent) - F9 Fuse/Fuse-holder Stressed

NOTE 6: AMX-4 Jerks Forward-Faster Than MAX Speed--+15vdc (LVLE)

Dropped To +9vdc. Replace LVLE (T3497L).

NOTE 7: Unit Drives At Slow Speed Initially (NO Codes), And

Eventually Gets Up To Proper Speed.
SOLUTION: On Newer Style Base Assemblies, With
The Newer Motor Mounting Assy. - Check For Drive Belt Tightness (The Motors Are
NOT Spring-Loaded; They Are Tightened Down After The Proper
Belt Tension Is Obtained.

Error 219:

Symptom Cause Solution

Error 19 Invalid drive command feedback was detected. Infrequent occurrences are
not a problem.
“Release Usually Caused By Unit Traveling From Carpet To Tile;
Handle” Going On To Elevators; Driving Over Uneven Tile Floors Check drive fuses.

- Non-Fatal Error Check to see that connectors

are in place in the drive
module.

Check drive relays.

Error 320:

ERROR 320: When you turn on the Field Light

Error 458: When you press Prep
Search this document for all of the “458” and “320” entries.

Note: If CPU 5V is low, it can cause damage to the Rotor Control Board. Consider replacing the cable from the LVLE to
the CPU board.
Rotor Control Board
Test FETS Q85 and Q86

Remove F93 and use a Diode Tester between the FET case and Chassis Ground.

Symptom Cause Solution

Error 320: See Rotor Control Check your CPU voltage: may be too high or too
Board notes in low
When we turn on the Field Light, something Section 7.
clicks on the Rotor Control Board, but the F93 on the Rotor Control Board
Field Light does not illuminate. Then Error
320 is displayed. NOTE: GE installs a 6 amp fuse for F93, however
a 5 amp fast-blow fuse will protect the board
better. NOTE: “312” stamped on a fuse means
fast-blow. If the fuse is blown, replace the board;
don’t bother trying to replace just the fuse.

Error 320: - Check F7 On AMX1A3

When we turn on the Field Light, something

clicks on the Rotor Control Board, but the
Field Light does illuminate. Then Error 320
is displayed.

- Check For “60 Hz Phase 1” signal at anode of

diode CR53 and “60 Hz Phase 2” signal at anode
of diode CR66 on Rotor Control Board
 - Bad Rotor Board

- Bad CPU Board

- Check Rotor/Stator Cable: Rotor wire is

disconnected on the terminal block which is
mounted on the vertical column.

- Bad CR179 On FIL/KVP Board

Error 321:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 321
1. Items 1. And 3. From Error 320
2. Check For 27 VAC At J4-6 & 7 On Rotor Board
3. Check For 60 Hz Inverter Signal OK Signal At J1-5 On The
Rotor Board
4. If Error 320 Occurs After Error 321, There May Be A Temperature Problem On The 60 Hz Inverter

Error 322:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 322
1. Check Charger Board Feedback At U123(U77) Pin 5 Of CPU
Board
2. Check Charger Board Feedback And Make Sure It Is Going
Out To The CPU (TP-6 On The Charger Board)
3. Check Ribbon Cable From The Charger Board To The CPU
Board
4. Batteries May Be Defective If Voltage Is Really Less Than
90 Volts
5. Bad Charger Board
6. Loose Battery Terminals

Error 326:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 326
1. Items 1. Thru 3. From Error 322
2. Batteries May Be Defective If Voltage Is Really
More Than 150 Volts
Note: If Unit Does Not Charge (No Voltage Across Sense
Resistor A3R1) - Verify That The Safety Contactor Contacts Are Not Welded Shut

Error 42F:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 42F
1. Defective RAM On CPU Board
2. Defective CPU Board

Error 435:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 435
1. Check That All Contactors K1 Thru K6 On AMX1A4 Panel Pull
In when PREP is Pressed
2. Check Installation Of Ribbon Cable From 1 KHZ Board To
CPU Board or Opto-Couplers On 1 KHZ Board

Error 436:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 436
1. Defective FIL/KVP Board

Error 437:

Symptom Cause Solution

1. If 437 Occurs After Exposure, Check HV Xformer Spark Gaps (0.010”)

or XRT May Be Spitting

2. If 437 Occurs other than During Or After An Exposure, The X-RAY ON

Signal May Be Active (As During Pickup Of Drive Handle Or While
Driving)

3. Check Snubbers Across Drive Relays

4. Static Problems (Units Prior To Oct. 1993) ESD Kit 46-329334G1 (S/N
3411-CPU Board Should Be 46-264974G1 Or Later And FIL/KVP Board
Should Be 46-264986G1 Or Later). Measure Drive Wheels To Ground = 8
-10K But Not >25K --- Wheel Shaft To Ground = 5 -10 Ohms

5. Poor Connection To RC Filter Across Q3 Power Pack

6. Poor Safety Contactor Operation During PREP (Safety Contactor OR

Microswitch)

7. Insulate (On Older Units) Capacitor C5 From It’s Retaining Clamp

8. Bad CPU Board

9. Poor Connections(s); Battery Leads, Tap Relays, Etc.

10. Poor Pin Spread On High Voltage Cables

11. Bad Charger Board

12. Bad Drive Handle/Drive Handle Enable Switches—Injecting Noise Into

CPU Board (Also XRAY And SONALERT May Activate)

13. No Diode Across Coil Of K1 Coil (Overall Schematic Sheet #2, Loc. 7-
F). CQA 943970

14. During KVP Cal - Make Sure Jumper Between TP-14 And TP-15 Is
NOT Open

ERROR 437

Error 439:

Symptom Cause Solution

Error 439 Can be intermittent

 Clean the contacts on the
Tap contacts are dirty or pitted. TAP relays.

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

439 Error During Applications Replace the 1KHz Driver Board

& Select 80 Kvp and a large mAs,
Error 469 During Calibration (long exposure time). Measure Error 469: We replaced the Fil/KVP board and
the voltage on TP-3 of the the 1KHz Driver board and did a complete
WARNING: The GE calibration and the system was good to go! –
Fil/KVp board during the
Troubleshooting Guide says to
exposure. Is the voltage at or Lenny Luba (April 2017)
short out the Zener Diode
CR226, however this may close to 4.7 volts?
Class Bug: J3 disconnected on the Fil/Kvp
smoke the 1KHz Driver Board
Board. DO NOT PERFORM THIS BUG: It may
(and possibly the Safety Relay).
blow up the 1KHz board.

Schematic:

ERROR 439 - Will Also Cause Lite Films

1. Recalibrate the Generator Only If The Exposure Time Is Longer Than 2 msec And The KVP Is Less Than Or Equal To
75% Of Selected KVP
2. Check That K7 Contactor On AMX1A4 Panel Closes(Contacts Welded/Loose Leads/BadCoil)/Verify Proper
Microswitch (Aux) Closure (Contactor Kit 46-262695P5). A Faulty K7 Might Not Give Any Errors—But You Will Not Be
Able To CAL THE CHARGER In The Calibration Mode. — As A Rule, If The Unit Was Manufactured Prior To 6-94,
REPLACE The Contactor Assembly (46-262695P5)
3. FIL/KVP Board May Be Defective
4. 1 KHZ Board May Be Defective
5. Loose Connectors On FIL/KVP Or 1KHZ Board
6. Stop/Start SCR Q3 On AMX1A4 Panel May Be Defective
7. If EXP START Is Shaky Or Hi All The Time (It Should Be A Pulse),Troubleshoot The EXP START CMND Circuit On
The 1 KHZ Board
8. Verify That The Tap Relays Contacts Are Coming In Firmly - No External Interference (Fish-paper Loose/Curled On
Inside Side Cover?)
9. Loose Leads On Service Toggle Switch (Not Going To Applications)
10. Bad CPU Board
11. Bad Rotor Board
12. Bad High Voltage Transformer
13. Loose Anode OR Cathode High Voltage Cable-Spread Pins At Both Ends Of Cathode HV Cable
14. P1/P2 Leads Exhibit Leakage To Ground
15. 439 & 462 Errors Together Indicate Battery/Cell Problems
16. 439 & 43E Errors - Replace FIL/KVP And 1KHZ Boards - Check Fil. H/V Cable
17. AMX1A4C5 Leaky To Ground
18. Refer To 469 ERROR Listing
19. AMX1A4C6 Bad (FIL/KVP Bd. J8 Pins 1 & 2)
20. Soft Batteries/Cells
21. Bad Main SCR(s) Q1 Or Q2
22. Bad AMX1A4R7 (Auto-Transformer)
23. Bad Tap Relay(s) – Check The K6 Tap Relay For Good Normally Closed Contacts

Error 43B:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 43B
1. Bad CPU Board
2. Bad Cables From CPU To 1 KHZ Inverter Board And CPU To FIL/KVP Board
3. H/V Cable(s) Bad
4. H/V Xformer Bad (Also Breaker Trips)
5. Bad Or Old Style 1 KHZ Board - Replace With Newer
46-288764G1 Board - (Has More Noise Immunity)
6. Replace FIL/KVP Board
7. Check Tap Relay(s) [Contacts]
8. X-Ray Control Module Assy. Bad

Error 43E:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 43E
1. Re-Cal. Required (KVP Or MAS Out Of Tolerance)
2. Loose Screws On AMX1A4 Q3 Block

Error 443:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 443
1. If Q3 Block Was Replaced In The Field, Black/White Leads
To Q3 Block On AMX1A4 Panel Are Reversed Between G1/K1 And G2/K2
2. Check For Miswired Plug At J4 On 1 KHZ Board
3. Check EXP STOP CMND Circuit On 1 KHZ Board. EXP STOP CMND
And SCR HI/LO Are Single Pulses
4. Defective 1 KHZ Board
5. Defective Q3 Block On AMX1A4 Panel

Error 450:

Symptom Cause Solution

Error 450 Pressure Switch inside the tube should be normally closed. (depending on Class Bug:
when your tube type) Vertical Column Terminal
you prep. Block: AMX3A2TS3: wire 4 or
The pressure switch is an indication of tube temperature. When the oil gets 5
hot, the pressure inside the tube increases.
AMX1A2TS3: 6 or 7
Reference:
AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100 Rev10 2004.pdf Ohm out this wire to CPU
Page 8 (24 of 174) Coordinates: A-11 board J3 pins 6&7. If it ohms
out ok, then consider
replacing the CPU board.

Error 453:

Symptom Cause Solution

Error 453 Bad Rotor Control Board Replace the Rotor Control
Board
Bad 1KHz Board (No “INVERTER READY”)
Replace the 1KHz Board

Error 454:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 454
1. Bad FIL/KVP Board
2. Bad CPU Board
3. Bad 1KHZ Board

Error 456:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 456
1. Check Ribbon Cable From 1 KHZ Board To CPU Board
2. Troubleshoot The 1 KHZ Board—Could Be BAD
3. Bad CPU Board
4. Bad Tap Relay(s) - Feedback

Error 457:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 457
1. Defective Rotor Board
2. Bad FIL/KVP Board

Error 458:

Error 458: When you press Prep

ERROR 320: When you turn on the Field Light
Search this document for all of the “458” and “320” entries.

Note: If CPU 5V is low, it can cause damage to the Rotor Control Board. Consider replacing the cable from the LVLE to
the CPU board.
Rotor Control Board
Test FETS Q85 and Q86

Remove F93 and use a Diode Tester between the FET case and Chassis Ground.

Symptom Cause Solution

Error 458 when we

press Prep -Check your CPU voltage: may be too high or too low

- F93 Blown On Rotor Board (FU93) – if the collimator light turns on, then F93 is good.

- Check for Phase 1 & 2 signals coming from the CPU Board at
anode of diodes CR53 And CR66

- Check for correct wiring of TS2 on Rotor/Charger Panel AMX1A3

- Check for correct plug location and lead orientation of all connections to the Rotor
Control Board
 - Check for correct wiring of BLK/WH/GRN leads to the Tube Stator from J4 of Rotor
Control Board

- Check for correct lead orientation to diode CR4 on AMX1A4 panel

- Check that R6 above the Autotransformer on AMX1A4 panel (older units) is not
shorted to chassis ground

- Check for correct wiring of plug to J8 of FIL/KVP Board

- Check for square wave at C6 on AMX1A4 panel

- Bad Rotor Control Board

- Open Rotor lead(s)

- Bad ribbon cable to CPU from Rotor Control Board (Ribbon Cable 46-302366P1)

- Check lead tightness associated with components AMX1A3C2 And AMX1A3R3

Class Bug: Rotor Wire on AMX3A1TS1: Rotor wire is disconnected on the terminal
block which is mounted on the vertical column.

Error 459:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 459
1. Check The Cable Connection From The CPU Board To
The FIL/KVP Board – Bad Cable (46-302366P2)

Error 45A:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 45A
1. Bad FIL/KVP Board

Error 45B:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 45B
Reference: Troubleshooting Guide: Check “Fil Dmnd” signal on TP27 of the CPU board; voltage should change with
changes in KV selection.
1. Measure the Voltages on the CPU. (5V, +15V, and -15V)
2. FIL/KVP Board May Be Defective
3. CPU Board

Error 45C:

Symptom Cause Solution

Error 45C 45C can be caused by bad batteries. Also See Error 45C under Generator Errors in
-Greg Muir (Feb 2017) this document.

There should be 80 VAC At CR4 Black

Leads On AMX1A4 panel with PREP
pressed.

There should be about 75 VDC Across

AMX1A4 C2/C12 With PREP pressed.

Ensure the Polarity is correct on CR1 &

CR2 (CR7/CR13) on the AMX1A4
Panel.

The 1KHz Board may be bad.

Are the Tap Relays energizing /

engaging?

The 1KHz Board J4-11 “Stop Cap”

signal should be approximately
80VDC.

“Error 45C occurred the 45C can be caused by bad batteries. Replace the 1KHz Driver Board
last time the unit was -Greg Muir (Feb 2017)
operated” R275 is this yellow chip on the CPU board.
Training Class Bug: Bad 1KHz Driver
Board (SN: xxxx)
 Unit will spin the rotor, but
will not make an exposure. Class Bug:
J1 ribbon cable disconnected on the
“Generator Fault – Error 1KHz Driver Board or J4 on the CPU
45C” board.

System Block Test

Only one tap relay is Check to see if the 1KHz Inverter
clicking. All six taps should “Ready Signal” is getting to the CPU.
be clicking.
“1KHz Inverter Ready” signal
measured at CPU R275 Pin 2:
24V DC: Not Ready
0V DC: Ready

AMX-4+ Schematics 2173229-100 Rev

10 2004.pdf (Page 47 (63 of 174):

After an exposure the 45C can be caused by bad batteries. Replace the 1KHz Driver Board
system rebooted. -Greg Muir (Feb 2017)
Replace Batteries
I went back into cals &
again when I got into As it turns out, the issue was being caused by
exposures it started the bad batteries. I just replaced the battery pack in
reboot. four months ago. After I completed calibrations
it was charging (117VDC). I came in this
I ordered CPU board morning and it was dead. It would not boot or
installed & was in the taps anything & batteries read 59VDC. I pulled the
cal when I got a cal tap battery packs out and found only 3 out of the 9
error 3. are good. Some batteries were completely dead
and others were as low as 8VDC. –Greg Muir
When I tried to continue it (Feb 2017)
now gives me a 45C error.

The tap relays come in at

prep but then drop out &
the error occurs.
-Greg Muir (Feb 2017)

Error 45D:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 45D
1. Bad FIL/KVP Board
2. FIL SHORTED (Check J2-25 On FIL/KVP Board)
3. Bad CPU Board
Error 45E:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 45E

Error 45E

Search this document for all instances of the error.

1. Check For 2 KHZ Phase 1 & 2 Signals At J2-17

& 19 Of
FIL/KVP Board

2. Check For Continuity Between J5 Plug On

FIL/KVP Board And
Filament Terminals On HV transformer

3. Check For Open Or Shorted Tube Small WARNING: If your filament is blown, you will have to replace the
Filament – Is The tube, but it is possible that your Fil/KVp Board has caused the
Small Spot Lit During Prep? filament to blow. Therefore you should replace both the Tube and
Fil/KVp Board.
A 6V Battery Voltage Can Be Applied Directly To
The Filament To
See If It Will Lite --- Even Though A Continuity
Check Of The
Filament Might Indicate It’s Ok

4. Check For Defective HV Cathode Cable

(Internal Short)

5. Replace FIL/KVP Board - Check The +24 Volts

To J1-2 Of
FIL/KVP Board

6. Is The XRT From Another Vendor? (Must Have

Internal Resistor In Series With Filament)

7. Bad High Voltage Divider (H/V Bleeder)

8. FIL SHORTED (Check J2-25 On FIL/KVP

Board)

Replace the HV Cables (or at least the cathode The resistance measurements looked good on the old cathode
side) HV Cable, but I still had this error until I replaced it.
 Note: When you order HV Cables they only come with one cable,
so be sure to order two.

-Jim Dufresne (July 2015)

Error 45F:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 45F
1. Check For Correct Wiring Between J5 Plug On FIL/KVP Board
And HV Xformer
2. Check Spark Gaps On H/V Xformer (0.010”)
3. Check That HV Cables Are Not Reversed
4. Check Wiring Of J4 Plug To FIL/KVP Board
5. Check That U18 On FIL/KVP Board Is #1489--NOT #14C89
6. Bad FIL/KVP BOARD (See Additional Notes #3)
7. FIL SHORTED (Check J2-25 On FIL/KVP Board)
8. Insufficient Filament Drive (XS-1 To XS-2 [HV
Transformer] = Approximately 17 VAC @
52 KVP With PREP)
9. Loose J3 On Filter Board

Open Filament In XRT (ERROR Filament KVP CAUTION: A bad Filament KVP board may blow
45F) During Prep. Bad up your tube!
FIL/KVP Board (Q170, Q160 Or Tube has open filament.
Q173 Shorted—Inverter Running Therefore, if you get a 45F Error, replace the
At Maximum Output. Filament KVP board, and if that doesn’t fix your
problem, then replace you tube.

Error 462:

Symptom Cause Solution

Error 462 Reference Error 439 See Error 439

Also Check:
1. Check Wires To Q3 Block On AMX1A4 Panel For Loose Connections

2. Faulty MA Metering Circuit - Or Out Of Cal – (AR125, Pin 1 Or TP-3

[Ref. TP-5] On FIL/KVP Board = 4.7V/100MA)

3. Batteries May Be Soft - Refer To ERROR 465 - Could Be 1 Bad Cell Up

To Full Pack

4. Could Be Faulty H/V Bleeder (Bleeders were used to measure KV

before non-invasive meters)

5. Charger Board Failure Or Fuse F4 Open

 6. Errors 462 And 466 - Tripping Breaker With Exposures Above 48 KVP
= Replace H/V Transformer

7. Error 462 On Exposures >70 KVP And Error 439 <70 KVP =
Excessive Exposure Time (> Closed Loop Resistance?) = Re-Calibrate
Unit

8.ERROR 462 During Cal. With NO Exposure Termination

(Counts Actual Time)—In Check-Sum Bypass Mode, The Exposure
Terminates
Normally (Uses Time Selection ONLY). Solution: SPARK GAP
SHORTED.

9. FIL/KVP Board J3 Pins 3 And 4 (Jumper Has High Resistance)

10. Loose Battery Connections

Error 463:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 463
1. Bad CPU
2. Bad FIL/KVP Board
3. Error 463 And 469 - Loose Connection On/Or Bad 1-KHZ Board
4. Safety Contactor Contact Issue

Error 465:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 465
You should: calibrate the generator, and if you get 465 again within a month or so, replace the batteries.

1. Check J2 Plug From T2 on AMX1A4 Panel/Clean J3 On FIL/KVP

Board
2. FIL/KVP Board May Be Defective
3. Batteries May Be Soft. Perform The Load Test.
BATTERY VOLTAGE MUST BE 113 VOLTS OR LESS TO DO LOAD
TEST! DO NOT CHARGE BATTERIES BEFORE LOAD TEST!!
a. Connect Oscilloscope From Circuit Breaker To Ground
- Use Sample Mode
b. Make Exposures At 80, 100 KVP And 125 KVP, About 10
MAS
c. Read Battery Voltage And Average The Ripple At The
Bottom
d. Battery Voltage Should Drop About 13 VDC +/-10% At
80 KVP
e. Battery Voltage Should Drop About 16 VDC +/-10% At
100KVP
f. Battery Voltage Should Drop About 17 VDC +/-10% At
125KVP
4. If Batteries Pass Load Test, Unit May Require
Recalibration Of MAS, KVP,Taps And Filament Current Tables
5. If Batteries Do Not Pass The Load Test, You Get To
Replace Them!!

Error 466:

Symptom Cause Solution

ERROR 466
1. During Calibration, Take Unit Out Of Calibration And
Reset CPU Then Restart Generator Calibration (MAS, KVP, Taps, And
Filament Current Table)
2. Check Spark Gaps On HV Xformer For A 0.010” Setting
3. Check For Miswired Or Open Plug J2 From T2 on AMX1A4
Panel To HV Xformer MA+ & MA-
4. Check For HV Xformer Spits
5. Check For XRT HV Spits
6. CPU Board May Be Defective
7. Insulate (On Older Units) Capacitor C5 From It’s
Retaining Clamp

Error 467:

ERROR 467
1. Capacitor C5 Leaky (Does Not Apply To AMX-4+ Units)
2. Bad CPU
3. Bad Cell(s)
4. Bad FIL/KVP Board
5. Unit Calibration Required (If in the“CHECKSUM-BYPASS” Mode)
6. H/V Cable Open/Shorted Internally Or Poor Pin Spread On H/V Candles

Symptom Cause Solution

Error 469 - Calibrations:

ERROR 469
During Calibration:
1. Check If K7 Contactor On AMX1A4 Panel Pulls In -
Check For Welded Contacts
2. Check That No Wires Or Side Cover Insulation
Interfere With K1 Thru K6
Contactors On AMX1A4 Panel
3. Check For Bad Crimp On Red Lead To AA Of Q3 On
AMX1A4 Panel
4. Check For Defective Jumper Harness From J3 On 1 KHZ
Board To J7 On FIL/KVP Board
5. HV Cathode Cable May Be Shorted
6. FIL/KVP Board May Be Defective
7. 1 KHZ Board May Be Defective
8. Check Spark Gaps On HV Xformer For 0.010”
9. Check For Location Of Black & White Leads On Q3
Block On AMX1A4 Panel
10. Q3 Block May Be Defective
11. Check If EXP START CMND Is Shaky (This is like 439 During Applications). EXP START and SCR HI/LO Are Single
Pulses
12. “XRAY ON” Going Low = Bad Tap Relay
Contact(s)
13. Bad Handswitch
14. Bad Rotor Board - Also Check Stator Lead(s) For
Continuity
16. Bad XRT - (HI FIL LIMIT ERROR) With 439, 467, OR 469
Error Alone - Usually At Higher KVP’s (KVP Waveform Will Be Low On The Front
End, Even In Check-Sum Bypass Mode)
17. Bad High Voltage Transformer
18. C5 Leaky Or Bad
19. 439 & 469 ERRORS – Check ALL Leads That Exit The
AMX1A4T1 Autotransformer --- Look For Pinched Or Shorted Leads
To Ground
20. Check Pin Spread On Both Ends Of Cathode Cable (Also
Check For Proper Amount Of Grease In High Voltage Cable Wells)
21. Refer To ERROR 439

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

439 Error During Applications Clean the contacts on the TAP relays.
&
Error 469 During Calibration Replace the 1KHz Driver Board

Error 469: We replaced the Fil/KVP board and

the 1KHz Driver board and did a complete
calibration and the system was good to go! –
Lenny Luba (April 2017)
 AMX came down with short See attachment for error 469.
exposure error Check sum error 11 Filament
current tables error or not
Replaced handswitch and cable calibrated. Calibrate filament
tables again, if still have
Ran generator cal and ran into problems, replace CPU. Order
469 error by part number on CPU board
not parts list.
Did some testing and replaced 1
khz pcb -Harold Brooks (Feb 2014)

After board replaced ran through

complete cal from defaults
No problems all the values were Follow up regarding the amx
good 4 problem – (error 469 during
tap Cal and 1 khz board failing)
Charged system up over We also had problem with the 24
weekend – started popping volts being shorted to chasis in
breaker when driving. the collimator
Recalibrated drive handle –
drove ok gave back to Replacement of 1khz Board and
techs popped again KV/filament board - reset to
defaults and calibrated OK
Reset battery internal Replacement of Rotor board
capacitiy cal – drove ok
-Steve Coyne (Feb 2014)
Still had check sum error 11 –
tried to recal curr filament limits
Popped the fuse and FET on the
rotor board

Checked the batteries and

connections with headlight load
test
All good

Replaced rotor board tried to

calibrate current filament limits
Back to 469 error – which I
believe means I killed the 1 khz
board again

Going to try reset and do full cal

again but am not optimistic

Error 469 - Applications:

ERROR 469
During Applications:
1. There May Be Oscillations Or Trash On The “XRAY ON” Signal (Could Be Bad Tap Relay Contact(s))
2. Could be an Xray Tube spit or bad Xray Tube
3. Possible CPU Board Failure
4. Hand Switch Or Coil Cord Failure
5. Soft Batteries/Cells
6. Tap Relay Contact Bounce - Replace 1 KHZ Board
7. Side Cover Fish Paper Insulation Impacting Tap
Relays When Cover Installed
8. Bad Handswitch
9. Bad Rotor Board
10. Check Stator Lead(s) Continuity
11. Refer Also To Faults “During Calibration” Above

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

439 Error During Applications Dirty or pitted tap relay contacts Clean the contacts on the TAP relays.
&
Error 469 During Calibration Replace the 1KHz Driver Board

Error 469: We replaced the Fil/KVP board and

the 1KHz Driver board and did a complete
calibration and the system was good to go! –
Lenny Luba (April 2017)

Loss of Cal Data:

Symptom Cause Solution

Loss of 1. Static Problems (Units Prior To Oct. 1993) ESD Kit 46-329334G1 (S/N
Cal Data 3411-CPU Board Should Be 46-264974G1 Or Later And FIL/KVP Board
(NVRAM) Should Be 46-264986G1 Or Later). Measure Drive Wheels To Ground = 8
-10K But Not >25K --- Wheel Shaft To Ground = 5 -10 Ohms (see Error
437)

2. LVLE Problem (+24 VDC)—Refer To FMI-10359 For Original Supplies

3. +24 Getting “Gliched”

4. Bad Display/Display Controller (Newer Display Board 46-232832G1)

5. Park Switch Latch (Metal Shavings) = Short +24 To Ground - Get New
Hall Effect Latch Kit 46-316198G1

6. NOVRAM Lithium Battery Drop-off

7. Metal Shavings (fine powder) On CPU Board

8. Replace “old” Style LVLE With T3497L

9. Exercise Collimator Blades And Flex Cable At Rear Of Collimator While

“Scoping” The +24 Volt Pin On The Output Of The LVLE

Loss of LVLE:

Symptom Cause Solution

 LVLE has improper output LVLE should have battery voltage DC input. Disconnect the ribbon cable
voltages. from the CPU to Display
Bad Tube Park Latch (Old Style) = Shorted Switch Controller Board, and see if
Internal. Get New Hall Effect Latch Switch Assy. Kit 46- power to LVLE is restored. If
316198G1 so, replace the Display
Control Board.
Bad Display Board Which Loads Down The LVLE
Through Display Controller Board

*Charging Troubleshooting:

Charging Problems:

R1: A large brown ceramic resistor shown here under the left transformer. R1 should have 0.5 – 6 Volts DC across it
when charging. If the voltage across R1 is zero, and your power cord is plugged in, then you have a charging problem.

Observation: The green light and the fan should turn on when you plug the power cord into a wall outlet. The green light
and the fan should turn off when you unplug from the wall.

Theory:
The CPU sends Charger Cal signals to the Charger Board, which result in a voltage drops across R1 (a current sense
resistor). The voltage is converted to frequency and stored in database under “Charge Parameters”.

Symptom Cause Solution

No Green Light Broken wire on cord reel. Replace cord reel plug – (use
No Fan hospital grade plug – available in
No “Charging” displayed the AMCI kit or from Grainger)

You can turn it on – into Check F1 or F2 above the LVLE.

applications – while it’s
plugged in. (Typically Check F4 & F5
you should not be able Reference Block Diagram (page
to get into applications 7 of 9)
when the cord is
plugged in.)
 Wire on back of AMX1A3F1 fuse holder tends to short
to the frame and blow the fuse.

Reference:
AMX Block Diagrams (page 8 of 9)
Power Schematic with Highlights (first page)

Green light is not Check J2 on Battery Charger Board. Red wire should Class Bugs:
illuminated have battery voltage if CB1 is on. pull J2 Battery Charger Board
pull J2-5 (red wire)
Fan is not running Check J5 on Battery Charger Board. Red wire should move purple wire from J5 pin 3
have AC Line Voltage on it. to pin 4.
“Charging” is not
displayed The “Line Sense” signal must sense the voltage on J5
pin 3.
R1 has zero volts across
it.

System will expose and

drive.

Green light is illuminated Check J5 on Battery Charger Board. Red wire should Class Bug: pull J5 pin 1 (red
have AC Line Voltage on it. wire) on Battery Charger Board
Fan runs
The “Line Sense” signal must sense the voltage on J5
“Charging” is displayed pin 3, and think that it is charging, however J5 pin 1 is
disconnected.

How is K216 energized? (we need to ask John Walker)

R1 has zero volts across

it.

J11 Brown wire: Pin 4

* Breaker Trips:
Theory:

Reference: Block Diagram →

• ILLUSTRATION 15-3 HIGH VOLTAGE GENERATOR
• ILLUSTRATION 15-9 BATTERY POWER AND BATTERY CHARGER BOARD

1. The positive terminal of the battery pack provides the power on a cable called +BATT that goes through the 64
Amp pole of CB1, and then to the SAFETY CONTACTOR.
2. –BATT connects the negative terminal of the battery pack to the SAFETY CONTACTOR and the Rotor Control.

Trip Circuit
The Main Breaker (CB1) can be tripped when the Battery Charger Board turns voltage onto “Breaker Open”.

“Trip Breaker” = signal from CPU to Battery Charger Board

“Trip Breaker” / “Breaker Trip” = Filament KVP Control to the Battery Charger Board

“Breaker Open” = voltage from Battery Charger Board that physically trips CB1

This is a list of events that can cause the breaker to trip:

Detecting KV greater than 15KV above demand
Detecting greater than 150 mA
CPU: Charger & Drive Control → Trip Breaker
Charging Current Feedback is not with +/- 20% of expected value
Batteries below 100V

2 mS

“BREAKER
OPEN” (J4
pin 5) this
signal
physically
trips the
breaker.

“Trip
BRKR+” (J1
pin 8) this
signal comes
from the
CPU.
“BREAKER
TRIP” (J4 pin
8) this signal
comes from
the
Filament-
KVP Board

This figure is an excerpt from the Battery Charger Board Schematic: Manual 2173229-100 Release
2004 page 67 (83 of 174)

Either the Also Reference: Block Diagram (page 7 of 9)

CPU signal Also Reference: Power Schematics with Highlights (page 3 of 4)
or the Fil /
KVP signal
can trip the
breaker.

The third “Trip Breaker” connection should normally be 113V DC. When the “BREAKER OPEN” signal drops to
post on CB1 20 VDC or less, the breaker will trip off.
and R227
should have
about 113V
to ground.

When this
voltage
drops to 20V
or less, it will
trip the CB1
breaker.
 Check blue
or brown
wire on J11
(Battery
Charger
Board).

(You may also get Charging Error 106)

DO NOT
SHORT
THIS DIODE
OUT, as
directed by
GE TSG.

Trip Breaker
signal on Fil-
KVP
Schematic

This figure is an excerpt from the Fil-KVP Schematic: Manual 2173229-100 Release 2004 page 97 (113
of 174)

BREAKER TRIPPING PROBLEMS

1. FIL/KVP Board Sees >15 KVP Above Demand
2. Input Power To Charger Board Stable?
3. Bad/Loose Connections On LVLE
4. Bad Connection J1 On CPU
5. Bad Connection J6 On FIL/KVP Board
6. Batteries Below 110 VDC Or Poor Regulation (Run The
Load Test)
7. J2 1 KHZ Board -- +24 Volt Loss
8. Possible Bad 1 KHZ Board Inverter A4Q1 Or A4Q2
(Short Exposures Approx. .59 Msec)
9. +24 Volt Line Going Low Intermittently
10. Bad LVLE (“Power Fail Detect” From LVLE To
Newer Charger Board)
11. Bad Display Controller/Display Board
12. Check HV Xformer Spark Gaps (0.010”)
13. Re-Grease HV Xformer/XRT Wells
14. Remove Breaker Trip Lead--Still Trip = Bad Stop
SCR Or Bad HV Xformer Or Short On Secondary Of HV Xformer
15. Bad Tap Relay(s)
16. Insulate (On Older Units) Capacitor C5 From
It’s Retaining Clamp
17. K150/K215 On Charger Board Faulty (Tap On It-Breaker
Trips?)
18. During Calibration - Verify H/V Candles Greased And
Pins Spread Properly
19. During Calibration - At Higher KVP’s (>120 KVP) -
Re-Load Defaults And Try Starting The Calibration With 112.5 VDC On The Battery
Pack Instead Of 113.5 VDC

Symptom - Solution:

Symptom Cause Solution

Charger never turns off. Measure voltage across R1 to see if the charger board is Clean contact on blue and
charging. brown wires, or replace the
The display indicates cable.
the batteries are fully Check blue or brown wire on J11 (Battery Charger
charged. Board).

You may get “Charging

Error 106” Contributed by:
James Weese & David Voignier
The CB1 breaker – May 2014
eventually trips.

Breaker Trips when you Class Bug: Pull the yellow wire off of the J6 on the
turn the key switch on. Fil/KVp Board.

Breaker Trips when you Check mA or KV

make an exposure.

*Power-Up Troubleshooting: (Power on Troubleshooting, Power up Troubleshooting)

 Power-up Troubleshooting

Look through this section if battery voltage (about 115V DC) not getting to the LVLE.

Reference:

See drawing: “Battery Power and Charging”

(GE 4-day Training Slides.pdf - page 101 of 1301)

Symptom Problem Solution

Charges when plugged in, Class Bug: K215 has failed (or is
and displays “Charging” just missing completely)
as it should.

However, nothing else works.

No change when we turn the

key.

Other observation:
Brake Release Switch works
correctly.

Charges when plugged in, Fuse F6 (A3F6 on drawing sheet 6 or

and displays “Charging” just 13)
as it should.
Key Switch connection

Battery Charger Board J4

However, nothing else works.

No display when we turn the

key.

Drives do not work.

If the key is in the “On”

position, and then the power
cord is plugged in, the display
will show “X-RAYS
DISABLED”. (This is normal.)
Other observation:
Brake Release Switch works
correctly.

Power cord is unplugged. Class Bug:

J1 (ribbon cable) on Battery Charger board
Turn the Keyswitch on, and is unplugged.
“X-RAYS DISABLED” is
displayed.

Nothing happens when turned See Drawing: Check Battery connections

on.

Nothing happens when power “Battery Power Discharge Cycle with Charge or Replace Batteries
cord is plugged in. Charger Board….” (Diagnostics sheet:
15-19 page: 208 of 216)

Check main breaker

Check Battery connections

Check F6

Check LVLE – fuse, input power

Display is blank, and system This is a very common problem. It’s most likely that the Display Controller
is dead. Board is shorting out the LVLE.
LVLE
24V PS is shorted To check this problem:
Unplug J6 on CPU board (or J1 on the Display
Most likely your Display Controller Controller board) to verify everything but the
Board (the board that displays the KV display works (e.g. Drives, exposure switch).
and mAs buttons) is shorting the 24V to
the CPU. If everything works but the display, then order
a Display Controller Board.
LVLE provides 24V DC to the CPU which
provides 24V DC to the Display
Controller Board, which in turn has a 24
DC to 40 DC converter (X83) that
provides 40VDC to the Display Board.

AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100

Rev10 2004.pdf” Page 12 (28 of 174)

AMX−4+ Schematics 2173229-100

2004.pdf” Page 18 of 174 Something in parallel with the input DC to
DC converter is shorting out.

Check the input coil on the DC to DC

converter (it may be labeled X83 or PS2).

Check all diodes and capacitors that are in

parallel to the DC to DC Converter.
System is completely dead Class bug: Check Battery connections
accept:
Batteries disconnected
When plugged in: Charge or Replace Batteries
-Fan runs
-Green light turns on

Even the brake release button

does not work.

System will not boot. No

displays. Relay K215 on
Battery Charger Board
energizes.

System is completely dead Power to LVLE Replace fuse

except:
Fuse on the LVLE is blown (this fuse is Check connections from Battery Charger
When plugged in: not shown on the drawings) Board K215 to the LVLE.
-Fan runs
-Green light turns on

The brake release button If K215 on Battery Charger Board does

does work. not energize, then check
J2 on Battery Charger Board. Red wire
System will not boot. No should have battery voltage if CB1 is on.
displays. Relay K215 on
Battery Charger Board does
energize.

K62 on Battery Charger Board has

failed

K149 (or K150) on Battery Charger

Board has failed

Breaker Trips Search the word “Trip” in this document.

Reference the “* Breaker Trips” section of
this document.

The main breaker trips when Battery voltage was too high when the See troubleshooting guide.
you turn the key switch or plug system was calibrated.
the power cord. Check Filament – KVP board J6 – Yellow
wire connector may be installed upside
While plugged in the green Battery Charging board trips the down.
light is illuminated and the fan breaker, however the trip signal from
runs. either the

WARNING: The GE -CPU

Troubleshooting Guide says -Fil/KVP Board
to short out the Zener Diode
CR226, however this may
smoke the 1KHz Driver Board Filament / KVP board schematic:
 (and possibly the Safety
Relay).

Check Charger Board K150 / K215 or J4

connector

Check CPU

Wacky stuff: CPU voltage is low or too high. It should Check rotor wires
be between 4.95 and 5.05 VDC
Error 458 between pins TP3 and TP4. Replace the CPU cable from the LVLE. All
Parts Medical has this part number:
AMXCPUCABLE

When this cable fails, the Rotor Control

Board is usually damaged, since the
CPU sends an erroneous 60Hz signal
and the Rotor Control Board has
nowhere to send the current, so it heats
up the two resistors. Also check the FETS on the Rotor Control
Board if it gives you Error 458.

Search this document for all of the “458”

and “320” entries.

*Will not turn off:

Symptom Cause Solution

 AMX in Applications Mode….Will Relay K215 contact is welded Replace the defective CONDOR power supply
Not Turn Off shut on the charger board (46- (Vendor part# MDSP1733, GE part# 2318476)
288786G2) that has an inrush current greater than the
It is intermittent problem replaced contact rating (10A) of the K215 relay on the
key switch still have problem. When the AMX4/AMX4+ system charger board.
-Steve Coyne (Jan 2014) is switched from an “OFF” state
to “ON” state, a peak inrush The replacement is a new modified CONDOR
current spike greater than the power supply (Vendor part# MDSP1733A, GE
10A rating of the K215 relay part# 2366118) with an inrush specification of
contacts was observed. This 3A. The new supply has an inrush current
spike has the potential to weld profile that is much smaller than the existing
the contacts of the K215 relay. supply.
This welding action causes the
system to remain in the “ON
“state even after switching the
state to “OFF.”

Contacts of relay K215 (46-

270778P2) on battery charger
board can weld. Known problem
on older units. Replacing the DC
power supply with a newer
version was the fix besides
replacing the relay. See
attachment.
-Larry Huber (Jan 2014)

Stuck relay on Battery charger

board. AMX1 A3 A1
-Randall Sauer (Jan 2014)

*Interlocks Troubleshooting:

Where are the interlocks and their paths?

Collision sensor on the front.
Rotor Interlock
1KHz Board Interlock
Latch Interlock

Symptom Problem Solution

“Brakes are Broke” The small wire that goes into the Release or replace K1 relay under CPU;
horizontal arm is broken inside the kill the main breaker when you re-install it
All brakes horizontal housing. so that it does not short out.
(vertical/horizontal/rotation) are
engaged (locks will not release) AMX1 A2 K1 (AMX1A2K1) relay 1A3F3 Fuse block below transformers T3
under CPU is stuck, has popped and T1 (left side of unit)
out of the socket.
Reference Block Diagrams: Page 7 of 9
 Drawing:
Check the Troubleshooting Guide

F3 on Fuse block below

transformers T3 and T1 (left side of
unit)

Check connections in the terminal

block located on the Vertical
Column.

Ohm out: AMX3 A1 TS1: 12 and

13
AMX3A1TS1:

Reverse Only Collision Sensor Check Collision switches.

Ohm out on J11 of the Drive

Control Board

Error 217 J11 disconnected on Drive Control

Board
Drive Fault

Drive handle does not respond.

Brake Release Switch works ok.

*Boot Troubleshooting / Software Troubleshooting:

What software is required to power up the system: See boot sequence

Symptom Problem Solution

Test 02 Failed See notes under “Boot Check 5V on CPU

Test 03 Failed Sequence” in this document.
 Replace Dallas Chips (NVRAM chips) and
follow the “Replace Dallas Chips” procedure
in this document.

No Display LVLE power supply fuse failed Replace LVLE Power Supply fuse

The K215 relay on the Battery

Charger Board clicks when you turn
on the key switch.

Fan spins when the power cord is

plugged in

LVLE has 112 V (battery voltage)

DC on J1

Displays are blank, and CPU LEDs CPU voltage is low or too high. Wendi Frensley and Eric Block of APM have
are illuminated and solid (not It should be between 4.95 and had numerous customers with CPU voltage
flashing or scrolling). 5.05 VDC between pins TP3 too high. (Example: 5.39 VDC) In many
and TP4. cases this blows up the Rotor Control Board.

Weird “Klingon” like characters Battery Charger Board: J10 Replace the key switch.
appear on power up.

The key-switch is faulty – has a

dead spot.

Fan spins when the power cord is

plugged in, and the green light is on.

Collimator Handle brake release

switches work fine.

Will not drive.

Will not prep or expose.

Warning: If these weird characters

display too long, the calibration data
can become corrupted.

Without the power cord plugged in, K196 has failed. Replace K196
the system works fine.
Class bug: Remove K196 (or
With the power cord plugged in and mount it in sideways) and then
the Key Switch is turned on, the plug in the unit before asking
system boots through to “Testing the students to troubleshoot.
Complete” then is stuck in a loop
back to Test 1.
 When we swapped K196 and K215,
K196 chatters violently.

During Boot: Rotor Board has a blown fuse Check CPU Voltage: may be too high or too
“Test-04 Failed” F93 (FU93) – if the collimator low
“Test 04 Failed” light turns on, then F93 is good.
“Drives Only” Check rotor wires.
Rotor wire is disconnected on
Error Log: the terminal block which is With Power Off: Check FETS, transistors
mounted on the vertical column. and other components on the board.
Test FETS Q85 and Q86
Go into Service: Calibration: we get
an Error 458 whenever we Prep.

OR

When you try to prep: Error 458

Calibrate Volt Meter, and cycle

power. See if the error goes
away.
Remove F93 and use a Diode Tester
between the FET case and Chassis Ground.
If they all look good, replace the FU93 with a
5Amp fuse. If it blows again, replace the
Rotor Control Board.

Search this document for all of the “458” and

“320” entries.

*Movement Troubleshooting / Movements:

Drive Problems

What is required to make it move:

See drawing: xxxxxxx “Left Drive Signal Flow” (ILLUSTRATOIN 15-5 or 15-6 VEHICLE DRIVE)
NOTE: The Left and Right parts of the drive system are identical; (only the left is described below).
1. When you squeeze bar under the drive handle the switches called LEFT DRIVE ENABLE (S5) and RIGHT DRIVE
ENABLE (S4) will close (see AMX1 A2 TOP DECK (J1 Pin 1).
a. NOTE: both switches must be closed in order to enable the drive.
2. With S4 and S5 closed, +24V will enter CPU Board (AMX1 A2 A1 CONTROLLER) (J8 Pin 27) as signal DRIVE
ENA SW.
a. NOTE: This signal notifies the CPU that the drive is enabled.
3. The DRIVE ENA SW signal exits the CPU Board on J2 Pin 17 and passes through the Drive Controller Board
(AMX1 A5 A1 DRIVE CONTROL) on J2 Pin 17 (and exits on J9 Pin 17) to the Drive Amplifier Board.
4. DRIVE ENA SW signal enters the Drive Amplifier Board (AMX1 A5 A2 DRIVE POWER AMP) on J9 Pin 17 and
exits the board on J4 Pin 1 as DRIVE ENA.
a. The DRIVE ENA SW signal also energizes K145 to release the brakes (LEFT BRAKE SOLENOID AMX2
A1 BRK1).
5. DRIVE ENA enters the Motor Drive Module (AMX1 A5 MOTOR DRIVE MODULE) and energizes K1, which
closes the contacts to the LEFT MOTOR AMX2 A1 MTR1.

• Hall-effect sensors are in the left and right handles and each side provides independent control to the
appropriate left/right motor.
• Pushing on one side will turn the system.
• When the drive system fails the system has what is considered a Fatal Error.
• When transporting the system the tube should always be latched in the tube latch.
• When latched the tube latch signal enables high speed to about 3 miles/hour.
• When not latched the system goes to ½ speed for positioning near a patient.
• The front bumper has micro-switches used to inhibit or stop the system when something is hit driving in the
forward direction.
• The front bumper (collision sensor), when the micro-switch is activated, disables forward drive and the Alpha
Numeric display will display a message “Reverse Only”.
Symptom - Solution:

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Rear Wheels drive Check wear on motor brushes if you “We changed out (or sometimes just cleaned) the
rough. have motor problems: brushes, and our systems drove a lot better”. – Steve
Coyne (Jan 2016)

Will not drive at all, Hall Effect Sensor(s) (speed control) Replace sensor and recalibrate drive handle.
and no relays are in Drive Handle is bad.
responding.
Check cable under top cover –
-no error messages sometimes the cover cuts this cable.

See “Overall Schematics for AMX IV”

(GE 4-Day Training Slides.pdf Page
60 of 1301)

Will not drive at all, Class Bug: J10 on Drive Amplifier

and relays are Board
responding (clicking),
however Wheel Class Bug: J1 or J2 on the Drive
Brakes are not Power Amplifier Board
releasing. (the wheels may drive if you use one
hand, but the wheels lock up when
-no error messages you use two hands)

Class Bug: J1 and J2 are swapped.

The forward and reverse drives are
backward.

When you squeeze F1 Below the Drive Amp Board Replace left and right motor brushes (there are two
the Drive Handle you brushes on each motor)
get Error 214, and Test in “Drive Diagnostics”
the system will not
move. Left or Right Motor brushes failed
Replace F1 Below the Drive Amp Board
Error 214 = Left Ohm out connectors on the Drive
Error 216 = Right Amplifier Board:
J1 – Left Motor
You may get Error J2 – Right Motor Class Bug:
217. With the one brush removed, the voltage across the red
and black wires of J1 or J2 would drive upwards of
Error Message: 30+VDC, whereas the voltages were around 5 – 12VDC
“Release Handle” under normal conditions.
 Check J9 ribbon cable from Drive
Control to Drive Amp board.

Will not drive F9 by the power cord reel F9 by the power cord reel
But Clutch / Break
Releases (left and (see block diagram sheet 2)
right)

Error 216

“Drives Only” Recalibrate the entire system

“Reverse Only” Check the front bumper. Reference Block Diagrams (page 4 or 5 of 9):

Check J11 on Drive Control Board

(this is the board that sits behind the
Drive Amplifier board)

Will only drive slow Check latch sensor or Solenoid Replace sensor

Will drive way too Rear (Drive) Wheels – something Replace both rear drive wheels.
fast, and has a high wrong with the internal parts. -David Padilla (Oct 2016)
pitched squeal.

Latch (Horizontal Arm Solenoid has failed (open circuit – the Replace the latch assembly (or just the solenoid)
Latch) will not release coil is open)

You can manually Class Bug: 1A2TS2 – 4 Red wire

push up on the latch simulate this problem by removing the
to release it. red or 1A2TS2 – 3 black wire.

*Field Light:

The Field Light and the Rotor can never be on at the same time.
Schematics: Nates Notes: Page 7 of 48
Block Diagrams page 8

AMX3A1TS1: Terminal block located on the vertical column.

Reference: AMX4+ Rev23 Dec 2004 folder → Service page 86 of (102 of 108)

AMX3A1TS1
Terminal Signal Name From To
Number AMX1 A2 TS3

1 Rotor Phase 2 3 Black Black AMX3 A3 TS1- X-ray Tube

5

2 Rotor Common 4 White White AMX3 A3 TS1- X-ray Tube

3

3 Rotor Phase 1 5 Green Green AMX3 A3 TS1- X-ray Tube

4

4 X-ray Press Switch 6 White/Orange Blue AMX3 A3 TS1- X-ray Tube

1

5 X-ray Press Switch 7 Gray Red AMX3 A3 TS1- X-ray Tube

Return 2

6 Field Light Switch 8 White/Brown White AMX3 A4 Collimator

7 Field Light Switch 9 White/Red Yellow AMX3 A4 Collimator

Return

8 +12V DC Locks 10 White/Black Red AMX3 BRK2 Column Lock

9 Jumper from 8 Red AMX3 A2 J1 Tube Arm Lock

10 -Batt 11 Violet Black AMX3 BRK2 Column Lock

Return

11 Jumper from 10 Black AMX3 A2 J1 Tube Arm Lock

Return

12 Power Ground 12 Yellow Orange AMX3 A4 Collimator

13 +24V DC 13 Blue Green AMX3 A4 Collimator

14 Field Light 14 Brown Red/Black AMX3 A4 Collimator

15 Field Light Return 15 Orange Brown/Blue AMX3 A4 Collimator

16 Not Used –
no connections here

Base
Ground Ground Green/Yellow Green/Yellow AMX3 A2 J1 Tube Arm Ground
Stud Stud

Green/Yellow AMX3 A4 Collimator Ground

Symptom - Solution:

Symptom Probable Cause Solution

Field Light will not Bulb is blown Class Bug:

illuminate F7
F7

AMX3 A1 TS1 (AMX3A1TS1):

This Terminal Strip is located
on the Vertical Column: 14 or
15

AMX1 A2 TS3: (AMX1A2TS3):

This Terminal Strip is located
above the Battery Charger
Board: 14 or 15

Rotor Control Board

K39

T2 (on left hand side)

*X-Ray Troubleshooting:

Symptom Problem Solution

“Heat Wait” Thermal Switch on Tube Replace CPU board.

System will not make Heat sense algorithm

exposure.
CPU Board

System will not expose Use Operator Diagnostics to test Replace hand switch or phone cord receptacle.
hand switch.

Field Lamp will not F7 Fuse block below T3 and T1 F7 Fuse block on the left side of the unit, below T3
illuminate and T1
Check Rotor Control Board
Will take exposure.
 Class bug: remove J8 on Rotor
Control Board

However drawing (page 73 of

174) shows J7….we don’t know
why.

High Voltage Generation Check Tap relays

fails

Prep and Expose failures See Prep Expose sequence flow

chart

450 Pressure Switch in the tube. Tube is hot, or switch / connections / wiring is bad.
See Error 450 in this document.

45F when exposure is Filament / KVP board failed Replace Filament / KVP board
attempted
Rotor spins OK Training Class Bug: SN: (in rare cases this symptom could be caused by your
BECWAY CPU board)
When you pull the
Cathode candle stick out Tube has open filament. CAUTION: A bad Filament KVP board may blow up
and SAFELY try to expose your tube!
again you get a 45E error
Therefore, if you get a 45F Error, replace the
Filament KVP board, and if that doesn’t fix your
problem, then replace you tube.

Error 458 when Prep Class Bug: Rotor wire is Check the rotor wires. TS1 – 1, 2, and 3.
disconnected on the terminal
It may flash: block which is mounted on the Test FETS Q85 and Q86
“Generator Fault” vertical column.

It doesn’t sound like the

rotor is spinning.

60Hz Inverter OK signal on

CPU board R275 Pin 6 is 7
volts when we prep.

Rotor Interlock is not

getting feedback from the
Rotor. Remove F93 and use a Diode Tester between the
Or: FET case and Chassis Ground.

Rotor Board has a blown fuse If the F93 is good, and the FETS Q85 and Q86 are
F93 (FU93) – if the collimator good, try pulling the Rotor Control Board out, and
light turns on, then F93 is good. then put it back in (it worked in class)…or just reseat
all of the connections.
Class Bug:
J8 on Rotor Control Board Note: If CPU 5V is low or too high, it can cause
damage to the Rotor Control Board. Consider
replacing the cable from the LVLE.
Class Bug:
J7 on Rotor Control Board and
connection on Capacitor C1
 (mounted near the Rotor Control
Board) should be 124 VAC.

Search this document for all of the “458” and “320”

entries.

Will not rotor. T1 secondary 100V output is Check Rotor Wires

missing. Prep or Field Light
Error 458 when we prep. Replace T1 (it is rare that T1 goes bad, but it does
happen)
Error 320 when we turn on Measure 100V AC on Rotor
the Field Light. Board (J3 pins 1&3) Test FETS Q85 and Q86

Many people think the problem

lies in the Battery Charger Board,
since the relay is engaging, but
the 100 V is not present on the
relay.

Class Bug: remove J2 on Rotor

Control Board which provides
power into T1.

-Jim Mann (Oct 2014) Remove F93 and use a Diode Tester between the
FET case and Chassis Ground.

Search this document for all of the “458” and “320”

entries.

Collimator lamp is not See suggestions under the PM Section of this

bright enough document.

*Image Quality Troubleshooting:

Symptom Problem Solution

Too Dark / Too Light Operator Errors: Refer tech to the technique chart mounted on
the system
Incorrect KV or mAs settings
 Incorrect collimation

Bad Cassette
Problem with Cassette Reader

Dark spot in the image. Screw rolling around in the Remove screw. Check for missing screws on
collimator. lead blockers.
Collimator sounds like a maraca -Kris Lafontaine (Aug 2014)
when rolling down the hall.

*Dose:

Symptom Problem Solution

Typically if the dose is incorrect, the Research Error Codes Perform a complete calibration.
system will provide errors, and not
allow exposures.

10. PARTS REFERENCE

Locate Parts:

Locate Parts

Reference: Renewal Parts Manual The figures (pictures) appear first in the manual, and the itemized bill
of materials follows.

APM Hero Kit: good for troubleshooting Which boards are in the Hero Kit?

Part Numbers PWA: Assembly (Bolded text on board = Assembly number)

Silk Screen vs. Stickers
PWB: Board only – no components (Smaller text = board only)

46-XXXXXX: AMX4 part (old style)

5XXXXX: “the five-million number” new style
Difficult to Find Part Numbers:

Other Component Locations & Part Numbers which are difficult to find.

46- I could not find the part number for the exposure hand switch hanger, (which mounts on to the unit and
279005P1 holds the exposure switch) in the parts manual. The part number is 46-279005P1. – Neil Minor (July
2014)

This may come in the AMCI kit.

AMX4 Spare AMCI PN: 2801070

Parts Kit (PM
Kit)

Reference: “AMCI First Aid Kit for GE AMX with pictures.pdf” located under the “Parts Identification” in
the student material.

AMX4+
Exterior
Body Part
Package Set
 AMCI PN: 2801099
AMX4+ PN?

Tube
See the “Tube” section of this document, under “Parts Replacement”
Covers:

Be sure it is still connected and not coated with hair or dust.

drag wire /
cable

(Grounding
Strap)
PN: 2234673
 (Note: Some very old units do not have a drag wire.)

Collimator
Lexan The correct term is “Crossplate”
Window: PN: 46-250207p11
-John Walker (Dec 2013)
Cross Hair
Window:

11. APPENDIX

UNFORS Notes:

Unfors Notes

Unfors company is now called RaySafe Tech Support: 508-435-5600

(8 AM to 5 PM, M-F EST)

Unfors Xi and RaySafe X2 units have been programmed for use with
AMX4 systems.

Use the AMX4 Field Light to position the Unfors Probe before (Because the Field Light is deactivated while in
entering calibrations. Calibration Mode.)

Placing the probe on the floor is OK. The back of the probe is lead, therefore it
should not affected by scatter radiation
bouncing off the floor.

Terms:

Relay Coil Symbol

 Penumbra off-focal light/radiation – blurring effect (increases with
magnification)

Xray Field Light Intensity

2% of SID Source to Image Distance: from the focal spot of the tube to the
imaging plane.

Light to Xray Field adjust the light bulb so that light matches the x-ray field
HVL Half Value Layer: Too high = tube old; too low = passing useless
low energy radiation to the patient
Dose: How is dose calculated?
mA: The AMX systems always generate 100mA for every exposure.
The mAs adjustment is only changing the duration (time, seconds)
of the exposure.

Escalation

MV-NSS (Multi Vendor National Support Dale Laymon

Specialist) 727-729-2816
a.k.a. 2nd Level Support [email protected]

Mike Tully
360-204-0267 (alternate # 360-263-6203)
[email protected]

YOU MUST HAVE MV-NSS APPROVAL GE Cares: 800-437-1171

BEFORE CALLING ANY OEM. (You will need your GE SITE ID Number or Serial #.)

GE Applications: 800-682-5327
GE Parts Identification: 800-548-3366

AllParts Medical: APM would prefer you call your MV-NSS first, to leave this line
615-620-8532 available to external customers.

Your MV-NSS may direct you to contact John Walker or Wendi

Frensley, they are experienced in AMX4 and OEC portables.

[email protected]
[email protected]

AMCI AMCI specializes in AMX4 systems only.

(Houston Texas)
You can call these guys for tech support and parts identification.

713-522-4865

These guys can cleanup your system like new, and even upgrade
to digital systems.

AMX Solutions Inc Dave

866-630-2697
www.amxsolutionsinc.com
Knowledgeable FSEs who can offer assistance: Craig Boyd
Has been working on AMX’s since 1989.
[email protected]
805-390-5424 (Pacific Time Zone)

Jim Mann
870-828-2482
[email protected]

MV FSE Email List: [email protected]

Caution: This list is no longer updated.

Modality Manager: Kevin Milleson Please don’t call the Modality Manager with service issues; contact
your MV-NSS, who will call the Modality Manager if needed.

DotMed Forum
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