What is Troubleshooting: Definition and 327 Discussions

Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state.
In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms.
A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
The methods of forensic engineering are useful in tracing problems in products or processes, and a wide range of analytical techniques are available to determine the cause or causes of specific failures. Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failure of a similar kind. Preventive action is possible using failure mode and effects (FMEA) and fault tree analysis (FTA) before full-scale production, and these methods can also be used for failure analysis.

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  1. T

    Switch Mode DC-DC step-down PSU design troubleshooting

    I am working on a switch mode psu in step down configuration with the key components being: LM2592 (adj) http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/lm2592hv.pdf 530-PC-24-1000 http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/643/PC-594199.pdf GSIB-25 http://www.vishay.com/docs/88646/gsib25xx.pdf Using a slightly modified...
  2. I

    MHB Troubleshooting: A=15-B, C=B+9, D=B+21

    I know that its well above average. So I got A= 15-B, C=B+9 and D=B+21, but I think I made a mistake somewhere
  3. T

    MHB Troubleshooting Mastering Chemistry: P4 + O2 → P2O5

    I am stuck on this chemistry problem using Mastering Chemistry to do my homework. This is the problem. When I enter the answers it keeps saying is that "One or more of the units you entered is not recognized." **My Answers**For part A my answer was 426 g P2O5 and for part B 369 g...
  4. Mert Kerem Yavuz

    Troubleshooting Answers to Easy Physics Questions on LON-CAPA

    Hey guys, hello. There is a system belongs in internet called LON-CAPA, and my teacher told that homeworks are done via that system. So I logged in, the questions are not that difficult to solve. But system doesn't accept some of my answers which I'm so sure that being true. So I'm going to...
  5. Glurth

    Odd troubleshooting results: disobeys ohms law

    I have a DC powered pump, that has suddenly stopped working. During troubleshooting I came up with the following results, that I just cannot reconcile: Input wires, not connected to pump: 12v Input wires connected to pump: 0v Sounds like a short in the pump right? However, connecting the...
  6. S

    Troubleshooting Overhead Crane Gearbox Issues

    I have an overhead crane and we are having some issues with the gearboxes that drive the bridge. The total crane weight is 44250lbs and has a 4 ton capacity. The wheels are 13.5 inches in diameter and have a wheel load of 16500lbs. The gearbox is driven by a 2HP electric motor at 1750rpm...
  7. anorlunda

    LaTeX Troubleshooting Latex Tables in Threads

    I used a table generator site http://www.tablesgenerator.com/ to create this latex code, but it doesn't work in a thread when I paste it in between dollar dollar delimiters. Help please. $$ \begin{table}[] \centering \caption{My caption} \label{my-label} \begin{tabular}{ll} 1 & TW base...
  8. EinsteinKreuz

    Tektronix 2465 Oscilloscope problem

    So I have a vintage analog TEKTRONIX 2465 Oscilloscope that I bought used on eBay for a bargain of $300 last year. When I got it worked okayyyyy except when there was no input the CRT would display Channel 1 and 2 lines slanted and pressing the BEAM FIND button didn't help(nor adjusting the...
  9. olgerm

    Troubleshooting N-Spherical Cap Area Formula

    I am trying to understand N-spherical cap area formula (surface area of blue part), but it seems to give wrong answers. for 1 dimensional cap obviously ## \frac{l_{cap}}{l_{sphere}}=\frac{l_{arc}}{l_{circle}}=\frac{r*θ}{r*2π}=\frac{θ}{2π} ## But according to wikipedia formula...
  10. A

    Troubleshooting Fault Current Limiter Simulation in Ansoft Maxwell 14

    Hi, I'm trying to simulate a fault current limiter at ansoft maxwell 14 and i have a problem when i put the stranded option on winding, the current that appears is always positive, with the axis above zero. Anyone can answer me what's happening and how can i fix this? Some date: Transient...
  11. W

    Troubleshooting a Trap: Debugging the Trapezium Rule

    This is not giving me the right answer! I have checked for errors like integer division and rounding, but can't find any. I am aware the comments are slightly inaccurate and they will be improved. But what's wrong with the actual code? //This method uses the trapezium rule to calculate the...
  12. evinda

    MATLAB Troubleshooting a MATLAB Error: Inner Matrix Dimensions Must Agree

    Hello! (Wave) I have written the following code in matlab: function v=uexact(x,t) v=sin(2*pi*x)*exp(-4*pi^2*t); end function [ex]=test3 h = 1/50; T=1/2500; x=0:h:1; t=0:T:1; ex=uexact(x,t); end I...
  13. M

    IUPAC Naming: Troubleshooting Mistakes

    Homework Statement Give the IUPAC name for the following compound. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution However, the 4 and 7 were incorrect in the blanks. I'm not sure what went wrong.
  14. D

    Troubleshooting Corrupt ISO File Stitching

    I'm trying to stitch a ISO file together and failed. I used SFV Checker to varify every RAR files was Ok and then running latest winrar in WindowsXP_sp3; Winrar went through almost the entire process and gave me this " CRC failed in xxx.iso. The file is corrupt" at the end. It also showed no...
  15. J

    Troubleshooting 1/8 HP Motor w/ SCR & Relays

    I am using an 1/8 HP motor with an SCR type dc drive and 1/4hp AC single phase control relays. I keep having a problem with welded relay contacts. Should I go to 1H/P relays? I don't know why I would have to being the HP of the motor is lower that the relay?
  16. M

    MATLAB Troubleshooting PDEs in MATLAB: Why is My Function Not Affecting the Plot?

    Hi PF! I am trying to solve a pde in MATLAB and started by using the generic code mathwork supplies and then augmenting for my purpose. After defining the function below and run the script, i can do anything to the ##f## and nothing changes. I can literally delete the line and still I receive...
  17. duhuhu

    Can't Connect to Netburner PK70

    Hey guys, I am working with a couple Netburner PK70 controllers and can only access one of them via Ethernet, but the other one (which has been formatted by the previous person on this project) Can't seem to be accessed by any of the Netburner software, I am currently running Advanced IP...
  18. H

    Help with troubleshooting a scissor lift

    I http://www.pentalift.com/lift-tables/scissor-lifts&multi-stage.php. It works fine, when a single person is in the lift, but when 2 people of average weight are in the lift it will not go up properly. We haven’t exceeded the rated maximum capacity of the lift platform. It seems like it does not...
  19. C

    Troubleshooting a Simulation: Acceleration & Velocity Lost in a Jump

    Hello! I have been trying to make a simulation and it doesn't quite work right, don't exactly know why. I have two questions! 1. Acceleration I have been trying I need a formula that uses. frames till full speed (f) (if framerate is 60fps and this value is 60 then player is at full speed...
  20. M

    Help! Troubleshooting Nuclear Decay Equations

    I'm sorry for posting this another thread, but I accidentally posted under to wrong forum initially and could not figure out how to delete it :-(1. Homework Statement Find the missing isotope: Iodine-127 (n, alpha) My answer is Sb- 122 but it was wrong. Also, how would I go about finding the...
  21. O

    Troubleshooting my IGBT: Vge not Meeting Design Requirement

    currently i need to turn on my IGBT. i measured Vge, it shown 8.25V, but my design requirement of Vge is 15V. i did some research, do i need to add in parasitic capacitances to my IGBT??
  22. S

    MHB Troubleshooting: Getting Math Symbols to Display Properly

    I am frustrated because although I put in the symbol for \sqrt{x} it doesn't translate it to the symbol. How can I get the **** thing to do that?
  23. B

    Troubleshooting Circuit with TL594: Output of 10kHz"

    i have set up the circuit, but i do have some problem that i can't figure it out.. my frequency requirement is 20khz, i do follow the formula that the data sheet given, base on my oscilloscope, it shown 10khz.. capacitor voltage is 0.01 micro. resistor value is 5.5k ohms. when i connect the...
  24. dwn

    Constructing a NAND Gate as Inverter: Troubleshooting Needed

    Homework Statement Constructing a NAND gate as an inverter. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I've attached the image at my attempt to construct the circuit. The output is always on, which it should be except when both inputs are zero. Could someone explain what I am doing wrong...
  25. S

    Troubleshooting Transformer Core Loss Simulation Error

    Hello Engineers, while simulating transformer core losses in transient Maxwell sollution, I have got an error: Current leak to the air. does anyone ahev idea to solve this problem Thank you
  26. B

    Troubleshooting a PWM Circuit Design

    I need to design a pwm circuit, i using the circuit from internet that i attached it.. freq is 20khz which is my requirement and 15v to power up the tl494.. there is no response when i connect potentiometer to it... waveform is attach can anyone give me advice?
  27. M

    Troubleshooting: No Module Named Cython with Ipython Notebook

    Hi guys, I want to use the C-extension of Python (Cython) in order to speed up my Python codes. I have already installed the Cython package using the command $ pip install Cython. Now I want to apply the package in Ipython notebook and when I start with the command: %load_ext cythonmagic I...
  28. A

    Simulating Electrodialysis with Comsol: Troubleshooting Voltage Issues

    hi I want to simulate electrodialises process by Comsol software. my simulation exactly is the same of the electrodialises of comsol. the initial voltage of Comsol is 1 and 1.5 volt but when i increases the voltage (such 5 or 7 volt) the Comsol can't RUN! whats the problem?
  29. D

    Testing and Troubleshooting Capacitive Sensor Probes

    I am working on a system that uses capacitance sensor probes, the system components are the probe, triaxial cable with LEMO connectors, BNC cable, oscillator, and a demodulator. I have had some trouble finding ways to troubleshoot the system other then basically testing continuity. Are there any...
  30. M

    Mathematica Troubleshooting SumConverge in Mathematica

    Hi PF! So in mathematica I am trying to see if a function converges so I type: SumConverge[2/(n*Pi) Exp[-n^2*t] Sin[n x], n] All mathematica does here is echo back what I typed in. Is something I'm doing wrong? Thanks!
  31. M

    Troubleshooting 2D Conduction With Matlab and Interactive Heat Transfer

    Homework Statement I have to come up with a program that calculates the nodal temperatures of a sheet with a slot with 2D conduction. Due to symmetry the shape can be reduced to an L shape. Matlab and loops have always given me trouble, so I tried the Interactive Heat Transfer 4.0...
  32. Mandelbroth

    LaTeX Constructing Petersen Graph in LaTeX: Troubleshooting

    How would one construct a graph, like the Petersen graph, in LaTeX? Is there a good package to use for it? Edit: I should mention that I'm having trouble using instructions (which are not always consistent) that I'm finding on Google.
  33. N

    MATLAB Troubleshooting MATLAB dmcode in R2013a

    I have MATLAB R2013a. I am wondering why dmcode will not work.
  34. STEMucator

    Troubleshooting a FBD of a Pulley

    Homework Statement I'm having a bit of trouble understanding something from this: http://gyazo.com/88a466b57d8516d2df1b12008947be43 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I understand how to get the components of reaction at ##A## as well as the tension in segment...
  35. E

    Troubleshooting Alarm Logging on a Gas Turbine

    Can anyone tell me what is alarm loging? I m working on a gas turbine,there is a problem in its controller.my instrument fellow told me that alarm loging is not working,I m from mechanical engineering background. Thanks in advance
  36. B

    Troubleshooting Weird LED Behavior on PCB Design

    Hi, I recently designed a PCB in EAGLE, and I got it manufactured and I had all the pieces Sufrace Mounted on it, put it in the oven, everything seems fine and dandy, but I already killed 3 LEDs because of some weird thing going on. I have 5 different LEDs conneced to my circuit, the leds run...
  37. Neptune2235

    Troubleshooting My Homemade Smoke Bombs

    Hi, Recently, I made a batch of smoke bombs using potassium nitrate, sugar, and baking soda (to regulate reaction speed). My first batch took about four days to dry which seemed odd, however, they produced a fair amount of smoke. For my second batch, I decided to put the potassium nitrate I...
  38. ShayanJ

    MATLAB Troubleshooting Simple Harmonic Oscillator in MATLAB

    I'm trying to plot the evolution of a simple harmonic oscillator using MATLAB but I'm getting non-sense result and I have no idea what's wrong! Here's my code: clear clc x(1)=0; v(1)=10; h=.001; k=100; m=.1; t=[0:h:10]; n=length(t); for i=2:n F(i-1)=-k*x(i-1)...
  39. gfd43tg

    Troubleshooting Mathcad Functions for Thermodynamic Calculations

    Hello, I am trying to use some functions in MathCad given in my thermodynamics textbook to calculate thermodynamic properties. I attached the functions below. I try using them and then I get an error saying too many commas I just type in: MCPH(T1,T2;A,B,C,D)= of course with numerical...
  40. J

    Need help troubleshooting problem with Google Chrome on Windows 7

    I need some help with this problem. My housemate, a computer-illiterate lady who uses her daughter's old laptop solely to browse the internet, last evening wanted me to help her figure out how to (illegally) stream the Academy Awards Ceremony. I found a link but it wouldn't play on her Google...
  41. C

    Troubleshooting a Virtual Work Problem

    https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=65907&stc=1&d=1390369310 I've been stuck on doing my revision on this problem. The equation of the virtual work, from what I deduce is [du = 0] -Pdx + mg dh However the answer given is...
  42. B

    MATLAB Troubleshooting FFT code with MATLAB

    ok I wrote my own FFT class and I now have MatLab on my computer. I am comparing my code to mat-lab. so my test i used it this : for (int y = 0; y < 100; y++) { double temp8 = (2D * (Math.Sin(2D * Math.PI * 4D * (double)y / 100D)))...
  43. Safinaz

    FormCalc Troubleshooting: Fixes for Common Errors

    Hi all, I was wondering if someone knows enough about the FormCalc package to help me out: I am using FeynArts to generate Feynman-diagrams for certain tree-level processes in my own model and FormCalc to calculate the squared amplitude of these processes, the problem is that when I make...
  44. T

    Troubleshooting Shear Stress Equation for Physics Test

    Homework Statement i am study for a physics test and i think my physics teacher gave me the wrong equation for shear stress Homework Equations she gave me F=Δx/l *A The Attempt at a Solution
  45. karush

    MHB Troubleshooting a Simple Problem: Tips & Tricks

    I know this is a simple problem but new at it. answer not in book so hope correct.
  46. F

    Troubleshooting XRD Image Analysis on PZT Thin Film

    I have the XRD image of a PZT thin film. While trying to analyze it with JADE software I can not find the proper space group.So it is not giving me the answer I am looking for. I assumed the crystal system to be cubic.
  47. P

    Troubleshooting a Velocity vs. Time Graph: Position at t=10

    We are given a velocity vs. time graph. It starts at 15 m/s at t=0 and goes to -10m/s at t=4 then it goes from -10m/s at t=4 to 15m/s at t=10 and we are told to find the postion after t=10 I first found the slope of the first segment which was -6.25. so I did ∫-6.25t+15 dt from 0 to 4 and...
  48. Tesladude

    Troubleshooting Axe026 Serial Programming Cord Issues

    SO I ordered the axe026 serial preograming cord to use with my picaxe 08m2. To plug it into the usb I am useing a usb to serial converter. But it's not working at all! I know my program is right but do I need a special driver? I downloaded the driver for the 026 AND 027, neither are working
  49. Tesladude

    Troubleshooting an Audio Amp on a Breadboard

    Hello, I am trying to make an audio amp on my breadboard, for fun I guess. But it's not working! I am running off of this circuit of the lm1875...
  50. Tesladude

    Creating a Solar USB Charger: Troubleshooting Tips

    So I want to make a solar usb charger but am having some problems that i do not understand. I know that usb is 5v at 1 amp-ish and so I took 4 rechargable AAs and was getting just over 5v. I want to have the solar pannel charge the batteries when there is nothing being pluged into the usb...
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