Resolving error messages

About this topic

This topic describes commonly-encountered error messages for the Microplate Labeler and how to resolve them.

If you encounter a problem, review the following tables first to see if you can solve the problem:

•	Air pressure messages

•	Applicator head error messages

•	Communication messages

•	Printer error messages

If you have a hardware problem, see Troubleshooting hardware problems.

If your problem is not listed, or you are not able to resolve the problem, contact Agilent Automation Solutions Technical Support. See Reporting problems.

Air pressure messages

 

Error message	Possible cause	Solution
Air pressure is out of range.	The air pressure is too high or too low.	In Microplate Labeler Diagnostics, check the air pressure reading on the I/O Functions tab. See Checking the basic applicator functions.
An unknown error occurred when reading the air pressure before stage motion.	The air pressure is too high or too low.	In Microplate Labeler Diagnostics, check the air pressure reading on the I/O Functions tab. See Checking the basic applicator functions.

Applicator head error messages

 

Error message	Possible cause	Solution
An error occurred when picking the label.	Dirty vacuum pads or worn vacuum pads.	Clean and inspect the vacuum pads. Replace worn vacuum pads. See Cleaning and replacing the vacuum pads.
	The wrong type of media is installed, or the media is installed incorrectly.	Make sure that you are using the ribbon and labels provided in the Microplate Labeler Media Kit. See Loading labels and ribbon for installation instructions.
An error occurred when extending the head.	The air pressure is too high or too low.	In Microplate Labeler Diagnostics, check the air pressure reading on the I/O Functions tab. See Checking the basic applicator functions.
An error occurred when applying the label.	The plate stage does not contain a microplate.	Ensure that a microplate is on the plate stage and try again.

Communication messages

 

Error message	Possible cause	Solution
A serial error occurred.	The communications cable is not connected properly, or the wrong cable is being used.	Verify that the computer was connected correctly to the serial port on the Microplate Labeler connection panel (at the back of the applicator). See Connecting the device to the computer.
	The wrong COM port on the computer is specified in the profile.	Verify that the selected profile specifies the correct COM port on the computer. To verify the COM port in the profile: 1 In Microplate Labeler Diagnostics, click the Profiles tab. 2 Select the profile, and verify the selected COM port is correct for your connection. See Creating a profile.
An unknown error has occurred.	An unknown error has occurred.	At the Microplate Labeler connection panel (on the back of the applicator), press the power switch to the off (o) position, wait a full 5 seconds, and then press the power switch to the on (|) position.

Printer error messages

 

Error message	Possible cause	Solution
An error occurred when adjusting the printer format.	The label format contains errors.	Open Microplate Labeler Diagnostics and check label format. See Creating and editing label formats.
An error occurred when form feeding the printer.	The wrong type of media is installed, or the media is installed incorrectly.	Make sure that you are using the ribbon and labels provided in the Microplate Labeler Media Kit. See Loading labels and ribbon for installation instructions.
Either the printer command was malformed or the barcode size settings are too large.	The label format contains errors.	See Creating and editing label formats.
Empty input, please try again.	The label format name is missing.	Enter the label format name.
The printer is not ready.	The printer was not initialized properly or the power was cycled too quickly.	At the Microplate Labeler connection panel (on the back of the applicator), press the power switch to the off (o) position, wait a full 5 seconds, and then press the power switch to the on (|) position.
	The display on the front of the printer indicates a state other than Ready.	Return the printer to the Ready state. For the cab SQUIX printer, see Using the cab SQUIX printer touchscreen. For the cab A2+ printer, see Using the cab A2+ printer display and navigator pad.
	The printer power switch is in the off (o) position.	Ensure that the power switch on the back of the printer remains in the on (|) position at all times.

Related topics

 

For information about...	See...
Routine maintenance	Routine maintenance
Troubleshooting the hardware	Troubleshooting hardware problems
Reporting problems	Reporting problems