Troubleshooting Guide
(Identifying the source of problem)

At the workbench (or anywhere BUT on the strip)

The most valuable tool for determining problems when off the strip is an Ohmmeter. I suggest an inexpensive portable model (such as from RadioShack) with a "continuity" setting. The continuity setting should give off an audible tone when there is low resistance. Also get alligator clips designed to go with the ohmmeter probes.

Check the body-cord:

  1. Always check the body-cord first, primarily because once the body cord is determined good, it will be used to check the weapon.
  2. Check each line individually by connecting one lead from the ohmmeter to one side of the cord and the other lead to the corresponding prong on the other side of the cord (use the alligator clips if you have them).
  3. Each line should give off a continuity tone and read less the 1ohm (1999 USFA Rule book).
  4. Gently pull on each end of the body cord while testing to create tension in the cord and reveal any "soft" breaks in the wire. There should be no shift in the resistance and no tone breaks while pulling on the ends. If the tone breaks, or the resistance increases while testing, either replace the body-cord, or repair it (see body-cord repair section).
  5. Check the A, B, and C lines individually
  6. If a problem with high resistance is found, first check that all of the connecting screws are tight. Pull back the insulating hoods on the weapon and reel ends of the body-cord, and tightening the screws securely.

If this does not correct the problem, there may be a small break in the wire (even though there is no break in the insulation). If this break is close enough to the end of the cord, you can cut out a short length of the cord, and reattach it to the plug. Be sure not to cut out so much that the body-cord no longer meets the specifications for length.

Check the weapon:

  1. For foil, connect the alligator clips from the ohmmeter to the end of the body-cord that normally goes to the reel (ensure that a good body-cord is used). Connect the clips to the center and far posts.
  2. Now connect the body cord to the weapon. There should be low resistance (<~5ohms) and a continuity tone that does not break.
  3. If the weapon is not passing, check that the barrel is tight. The barrel should not be able to be turned by hand. If it is loose, tighten it.
  4. Ensure that the wire is connected properly to the body cord plug on the weapon and the screw holding the wire is tight.
  5. Check that the grip is tight and the bell guard is not loose. If it is, tighten the pommel nut that holds on the grip. The physical connection between the bellguard, blade, and body-cord plug is part of the electrical circuit, and if not tight, can cause electrical problems
  6. If there is still a problem, try replacing the spring and/or tip (not the barrel!).
  7. If there is still a resistance problem in the weapon, the weapon probably needs rewiring. Go to the section on how to rewire a blade.

Checking the floor cord:

  1. The floor cord can be checked in the exact same manner as the body cord.
  2. Check the continuity from line A on one side to the matching line A on the other.
  3. Pull on the cord to check for "soft" breaks in the wire.
  4. Repeat for lines B and C.