Here are some troubleshooting notes for the 5 Amp Cu MiniForm XL:
Solid USB Warning Indicator
The USB wall adapter and/or cable is not compatible with MiniForm. MiniForm will automatically limit the maximum amperage setpoint depending on the capabilities of the USB wall adapter. If the provided wall adapter and cable are being used, inspect for corrosion.
Solid Output Warning Indicator
Miniform has detected an open connection. Check that the lead wire clips are securely connected to the anode and cathode wires, and that the anode and cathodes are not touching. Scrub clean any corrosion present. To maintain a good connection, keep MiniForm’s surface, lead wire clips, anode, conductive bus bar, and suspension wire free from corrosion, which can be caused by splashes, droplets, or prolonged proximity to the electroforming solution. Output warning errors can also be caused by a superficial connection between a conductive busbar and the suspension wire. Only use bare copper for the cathode suspension wire and anode. Do not use products that have a coating or anti-tarnishing film over the conductive wire. This will block the current from flowing through the circuit.
Rapid Flashing Output Warning Indicator
An abnormally high voltage is detected, this can be due to very small surface area, series connected baths, or poor connections. Refer to Table 4 in the technical datasheet for suggested series connections. The datasheet is available for download on the Enchanted Leaves website MiniForm product page.
Intermittent Flashing Output Warning Indicator - More On Milliramp
If abnormally slow progress is detected, MiniForm’s output warning indicator may intermittently blink to warn the user that copper deposition is slower than expected. This intermittent blink does not necessarily mean something is wrong, but that the setup should be double checked. This is often caused by too few coats of conductive paint and/or the suspension wire not making a good connection with the conductive paint.
MilliRamp begins by applying a limited voltage and extremely low current for up to 20 minutes to attempt to establish a copper bond with the conductive paint. While this is happening, the output warning indicator will not illuminate, even if there is a poor connection. This is because it is normal for the early stages to have high resistance, and electrically appear to be a “bad” connection even if they are not. After this time, if a poor connection is detected in the circuit, the output warning indicator will illuminate.