A This is relatively easy, but should be attempted in a relatively clean environment. An annotated picture to help with this is available here.

1. Remove the spinner from the protective enclosure.
2. Loosen the screws holding the rotation sensors (either side of the toothed metal plate) and move the assembly aside.
3. Loosen the screw holding the restrictor collar and move it down the rotating shaft.
4. Remove the sample shaft pin and the sample shaft from within the shield.
5. Trace the ribbon cable from the base of the shield and disconnect it.
6. Rotate the shield retaining pins so that the sheild can be removed These are on the top plate of the Minispin. An annotated picture showing these is available here.
7. Carefully lift out the shield assembly.
8. Remove the riser guide by removing the screw under the shield.
9. Raise the entire shaft assembly to expose the bearing and add a drop of multi-purpose oil (15W/40 is fine but most car oils will do. NOTE: this will also raise the sample riser mechanism.
10. Replace the shaft assembly and ensure the bearing is correctly seated ensuring the drive belt can be fitted.
11. Replace the riser guide (ensuring it is within the riser fork) and the restrictor collar and tighten the retaining screw.
12. Replace the shield being careful to ensure the ribbon cable sits in its channel.
13. Using the shield retaining pins, lock the shield in place and reconnect the ribbon cable (it will only go in one way).
14. Replace the sample shaft in the shield and carefully insert the sample shaft pin into the threaded end ensuring that the pin is above the riser fork.
15. Replace the rotation sensor and ensure the toothed wheel is as deep in the sensors as possible without preventing free rotation.
16. Tighten the rotation sensor screws.
17. Manoeuvre the belt into the groove at the bottom of the white plastic boss under the toothed wheel.
18. Keeping the belt in the groove on the white plastic boss, fit the belt into the groove on the motor pulley.
19. Check the instrument functions correctly. If not adjust the rotation sensor position.
20. Return the spinner to its protective enclosure.

A This is relatively easy, but should be attempted in a relatively clean environment. (NOTE: if the spare belt has already been used, you should follow the disassembly instructions to oil the bearing above)

1. Remove the spinner from the protective enclosure.
2. Remove any remnants of the old belt.
3. Release the spare belt from the grips attached to the bottom plate.
4. Manoeuvre the belt into the groove at the bottom of the white plastic boss under the toothed wheel.
5. Keeping the belt in the groove on the white plastic boss, fit the belt into the groove on the motor pulley.
6. Check that the assembly rotates freely. If it doesn't, adjust accordingly.
7. Return the spinner to its protective enclosure.
8. Order a new drive belt either from Molspin or from the supplier used by Molspin. Click here to select correct part.

A The calibration curve was supplied to you as part of the initial equipment delivery. It will have been in the document case accompanying the equipment.

A Fault finding on the Minispin is easy. Depending upon the issue, many faults can be rectified by a competent operator.

1. When switched on, does the Minispin spin before settling down or does it have a read out of approximately 1.6? If not, possible electrical problem - go to point 4
2. When the spin button is pressed, does the Minispin attempt to spin but look as if it is constrained/jammed? Possible mechanical problem. Remove any materials that should not be in the shielded area. Remove the spinner from its protective enclosure. Check for mechanical jams to the rotating spindle and clear accordingly.
3. The belt could have broken. Remove the spinner from its protective enclosure. Check drive belt is in tact and in position. If not follow the FAQ on replacing the drive belt.
4. Is the power supply operating? If the power supply or charger unit is not working, check the fuse in the mains lead and on the unit. This can be checked by turning the selector switch and looking for changes in the unit. There are additional checks to carry out (this picture is necessary and will help you with the diagnostics):-
1. The battery should read about 70% of full scale deflection (fsd) on the analogue meter (ie about 7 volts)
2. The 5 volt position should read about 50% of fsd (ie about 5 volts)
3. The +14V should read either about 40% (if the dc/dc has been changed to a modern one) or about 42% ie about 14 volts if not
4. Same for -14V where the fsd is negative
5. With no sample and the switch in the analogue position, the meter should show about 50% of fsd (i.e. close to zero as mid scale is Zero).
6. If a calibration sample is in the sample holder, turn the sample by hand and the meter should go to the left and to the right of the no sample position.
5. If all these readings are ok, use a double beam scope and connect as shown in this image. Set the trigger from the single pulse from the lower resistor. The voltages should be about 5 volts.