Troubleshooting hardware problems

About this topic

This topic lists some potential hardware problems that you might encounter when using the Bravo Platform. If you encounter a problem, locate the problem under one of the following categories, and try the recommended solution to resolve the problem.

If you cannot resolve the problem or do not find the problem listed in this topic, see Reporting problems.

For error messages, see Troubleshooting hardware-related error messages.

Communication or power problems

 

Problem	Potential cause	Solution
The Bravo Platform does not turn on.	The device electrical requirements are not met	Ensure that the site meets all the electrical requirements for the Bravo Platform. See the G5562A, G5563A Bravo Platform Safety and Installation Guide.
	The device is not connected to the power source, or the power cord is damaged.	Ensure that you are using the Agilent-supplied country-specific power cord and plug. Inspect the power cord and connections, and ensure that the device is connected to the power source.
	The AC inlet fuse is bad.	See Replacing the fuse. If the fuse blows immediately after replacement, stop using the device and contact Agilent Technical Support.
The Bravo Platform cannot be initialized.	The communications cable is not properly connected, or the wrong cable is being used.	Check the Ethernet cable connections. If necessary, power cycle the device and then try initializing again.
	The Bravo profile is not configured correctly for the device or the IP address setting is incorrect.	In the software, ensure that the device is configured correctly. See Creating and managing profiles. If necessary, power cycle the device and then try initializing again.

Bravo gripper problems

 

Problem	Potential cause	Solution
The gripper holds the labware loosely, does not keep it level, or drops the labware while moving between locations.	The labware definition has errors.	Verify that the labware definition is correct. See the VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide.
	The gripper pads (black rubber) on the interior side of each gripper finger are dirty, worn, or partially out of alignment.	Gently clean the gripper pads using a soft cloth dampened with water. Inspect the gripper pads for wear and ensure they are aligned. If necessary, contact Agilent Technical Support to replace the gripper pads.
	The gripper fingers are bent or misaligned.	Perform a visual inspection to ensure the gripper fingers are aligned and are not bent. If necessary, contact Agilent Technical Support.
The robot attempts to grip too high or low on the labware.	If this problem occurs at all Bravo locations, the Bravo gripper range in the labware definition requires adjustment.	Verify that the labware definition is correct. See the VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide.
	If the problem is specific to a particular Bravo location, the location might require a teachpoint adjustment.	Verify that the location teachpoint is correct. See Setting teachpoints.
The labware does not sit level within the platepad.	An obstruction is preventing proper seating of the labware.	Verify that the setscrews in the platepad tabs are recessed and not protruding into the plate nest. A protruding setscrew will prevent proper seating of the labware.
The gripper cannot pick or place labware at a location.	The labware does not match the specified labware definition, or the labware might be damaged or deformed.	Verify that the correct labware is on the deck, in good condition, and corresponds to the selected labware definition.
	The location requires a gripper teachpoint adjustment.	See Setting teachpoints.
The head or gripper movement is rough or strained, or rubbing or scraping noises are audible during moves.	The Bravo Platform might require service.	Contact Agilent Technical Support.

Pipetting or teachpoint problems

 

Problem	Potential cause	Solution
The Bravo head fails to put tips on.	The tips are damaged or deformed.	Repeat the operation using a fresh box of good tips.
	The labware definition for the tip box is incorrect.	Verify that the correct tip box is in the correct location and that the labware definition is correct.
	The deck location teachpoint is incorrect for the installed liquid-handling head. An Alignment Station might be required for Tips On operations.	See Setting teachpoints. IMPORTANT Pressing pipette tips on the head requires a high degree of precision in the positioning of the head relative to the tip box, especially for 384-well tip boxes. The Alignment Station provides greater tip-loading precision than a platepad.
The tip box raises off the platepad during Tips On operations.	The tip box stripper pins on the liquid-handling head are retracted.	Release the tip box stripper pins on the liquid-handling head. See Retracting tip box stripper pins.
Tips Off operations are not successful.	Stacked tips on a barrel. Static electricity is causing the tip to cling to the barrel during Tips Off operations, and then a second tip is pressed on during Tips On operations.	To resolve Tips Off problems caused by static electricity, select the Enable tips-off tip-touch option in the profile.
	Dropped tips. Static electricity is causing tips to cling to the barrels during Tips Off operations. As the Bravo head moves, these tips drop on top of a tip box or on the deck.	To resolve Tips Off problems caused by static electricity, select the Enable tips-off tip-touch option in the profile.
Tips are askew in the tip box or not returned to their designated well locations after Tips Off operations.	The tip box on the deck does not match the labware definition specified in the protocol.	Verify that the correct tip box is in the correct location.
	The tip box location requires a teachpoint adjustment.	See Setting teachpoints.
The pipetting accuracy is inconsistent or poor.	The bias table in the liquid class requires adjustment for your pipetting device.	See the Calibrating the pipettor topic in the VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide.
	The liquid-handling head might have damaged barrels or require an O-ring replacement.	Contact Agilent Technical Support.
Liquid fails to pump into or drain from an autofilling reservoir.	The Pump Module tubing has deteriorated or is not connected properly.	Inspect the tubing and the connections, and replace, if necessary.
The liquid in the wash trays or reservoirs is overflowing causing flooding.	The tubing is kinked or the Weigh Station might require recalibration.	Inspect the tubing. If necessary, recalibrate the Weigh Station.

Related information

 

For information about...	See...
Laboratory requirements and safety guidelines	G5562A, G5563A Bravo Platform Safety and Installation Guide
Stopping in an emergency	Emergency stops
Reporting a problem	Reporting problems