The Consequence of Not Calibrating

There is much talk about the risks associated with inadequate calibration, but many people have asked whether the risks are real or just theoretical.

"Looks like someone forgot to calibrate the 'Instrument Landing System', captain."

Here are a few real-life incidents to start you worrying....

Getting Overheated ?

A manufacturing process used an oven with a "calibrated" temperature controller. After three months the controller was found to be mis-calibrated meaning that the actual temperature was substantially higher than specified. The quality and reliability of products made during the whole period were now in question and a costly product recall seemed necessary. Although it finally transpired that the error didn't adversely affect manufactured product, it took a month's work to prove it.

Anything Good on TV Tonight ?

A TV station's studio-transmitter-link microwave carrier frequency was incorrectly tuned such that the receiver captured the signal from a competing broadcaster. Suddenly, the station was transmitting pictures from the other channel's studio. It transpired that although the frequency counter had been checked, its reference oscillator (timebase) hadn't been adjusted back to nominal.

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