The error "SDTX: Unspecified Error" during the final step of heat flow calibration ("Accept Results") on a TA Instruments SDT Q600 can have multiple potential causes. I haven't encountered this specific issue firsthand, but here are some possible explanations and troubleshooting approaches to resolve it:

1. Software Corruption or Bugs

• Possible Cause: The software might have encountered an unexpected condition, triggering the unspecified error.
• Solutions:Restart the TA Universal Analysis or SDT software and reload your calibration run. If the error persists, reinstall or update the TA Instrument software to the latest version (check with TA Instruments' support site). Perform a full system reboot (including the instrument control software).

2. Incomplete Calibration File

• Possible Cause: The software might be unable to properly save or validate the calibration data.
• Solutions:Verify all previous calibration steps (temperature, baseline, and heat flow) were properly recorded. Ensure no temperature or signal "limits" have been exceeded during the run. If possible, repeat the entire calibration procedure from scratch (starting with baseline calibration, sapphire standard run, etc.).

3. Data Limits or Improper Inputs

• Possible Cause: Input parameters such as temperature range, limits, or sapphire calibration data may not conform to the expected range.
• Solutions:Re-check the start temperature, final temperature, and temperature ramp rates in your calibration settings. Ensure the sapphire calibration run is completed correctly with consistent signal behavior. Avoid overly tight or unrealistic signal ranges during calibration.

4. Instrument Firmware/Software Mismatch

• Possible Cause: If the SDT Q600 firmware and the installed software versions are incompatible, it might trigger the error.
• Solutions:Check the firmware version on your Q600 (accessible through instrument diagnostics). Cross-verify this with the supported software version from TA Instruments. Update firmware if necessary (contact TA Instruments Technical Support).

5. System Communication or Hardware Glitch

• Possible Cause: An internal communication error between the computer and SDT Q600 might prevent saving the calibration.
• Solutions:Check all USB/serial connections between the instrument and the computer. Try using a different computer (if possible) with the SDT software installed. Perform a reset of the instrument via the control panel or power cycle it completely.

6. File Path and Permissions Issue

• Possible Cause: If the calibration data file cannot be saved properly (due to permissions or file path problems), this error may arise.
• Solutions:Confirm the software has access to the intended calibration data directory. Avoid special characters in file names or paths. Run the software with Administrator privileges.

Next Steps

If the above steps don’t work:

Let me know if you need further clarification on any of the steps!

Mr Sharifi,

Thanks for your reply.

When I work with older calibration data (6 months ago), I do not encounter the issue I mentioned and am able to complete the calibration successfully. Additionally, I do not face any problem with the TGA calibration. In this case, I believe the problem is not software-related (Case-1 and Case-4 ).

I performed the calibration process again by reducing the temperature limit to 1200°C. Unfortunately, the result did not change which means Case-3 eliminated.

When I try to perform calibration processes with the existing files in different combinations, I noticed that I encountered this error in the latest sapphire calibration file. Somehow, there seems to be an issue with the sapphire calibration file.

Unfortunately, I still haven't solved the problem.