Resolving hardware-related error messages

About this topic

This topic describes some hardware-related error messages and their possible causes and solutions. For software error messages, see the VWorks Automation Control User Guide.

Communication- or power-related messages

If the communication or power problem persists after you try the solutions or you cannot locate the error message in the table, contact Automation Solutions Technical Support.

 

Error	Possible cause	Solution
Pipettor not initialized.	A command was issued before the Vertical Pipetting Station was fully initialized.	Initialize or re-initialize the Vertical Pipetting Station.
E-Stop detected.	The robot-disable circuit was activated.	See Recovering from an emergency stop.
Incorrect number of modules found.	The Vertical Pipetting Station is turned off or the power or serial communication cable is not connected properly.	Perform the following steps: 1 Ensure the power switch is set to on (–). 2 Ensure the power cable and serial cables are connected and in good condition. • If the cables are in good condition, click Retry. • If either cable is damaged, go to step 3. 3 Click Abort, and shut down the Vertical Pipetting Station. 4 Replace the damaged cables.
	The computer COM port is not set correctly.	Perform the following steps: 1 Click Abort. 2 In Vertical Pipetting Station Diagnostics, click the Profiles tab, and verify the COM port setting 3 Close the VWorks software. 4 Power cycle the Vertical Pipetting Station by turning off and then turning on the device. 5 Restart the VWorks software.
Could not issue NmcNoOp() to Servo 1 while waiting for E‑Stop clear.	The Vertical Pipetting Station lost power or communications during a process, or the system encountered an error.	Perform the following steps: 1 Click Abort, and close the VWorks software. 2 Turn off the Vertical Pipetting Station. 3 Verify the power and serial cables are in good condition and connected properly. 4 Turn on the Vertical Pipetting Station. 5 Restart the VWorks software. Note: The tips might have liquid that will be expelled when the pipette head moves home.
Motor power fault error.	The servo motors are not working properly.	Try to clear the error as follows: 1 Power cycle the Vertical Pipetting Station by turning off and then turning on the device. 2 Initialize the Vertical Pipetting Station.
Could not establish communication with Vertical Pipetting Station on COM n. CHome: Check Head Type: Could not configure IO 1. EStop Pushed: Unidentified board rev. Could not issue NmcNoOp to x. Could not issue ServoSetloCtrl. Can’t get board revision number. Error initializing IO subsystem x.	The Vertical Pipetting Station is not connected properly to the computer, or the serial communication is faulty.	Perform the following steps: 1 Ensure the serial cable is in good condition and connected properly to the computer and the Vertical Pipetting Station. See Connecting the power and the computer. • If the cable is in good condition and connected correctly, click Retry. • If the cable is damaged, go to step 2. 2 Click Abort, and shut down the Vertical Pipetting Station. 3 Replace the damaged cable.
Error initializing reagent module. Illegal pump number.	The Vertical Pipetting Station was turned on before turning on the Pump Module.	Perform the following steps: 1 Turn off the Pump Module and the Vertical Pipetting Station. 2 Turn on the Pump Module, wait a minute, and then turn on the Vertical Pipetting Station.

Other hardware-related error messages

Locate the error message in the table and try the solution. If the problem persists after you try the solutions or you cannot locate the error message in the table, contact Automation Solutions Technical Support.

 

Error	Possible cause	Solution
Incorrect head type installed.	The mounted pipette head does not match the head type specified in the selected profile.	If the correct pipette head is already installed: 1 In Vertical Pipetting Station Diagnostics, click the Profiles tab. 2 Verify the selected Head Type matches the installed pipette head, and then click OK. 3 Click Retry. If the installed pipette head is not correct: 4 Click Abort. 5 See Changing the pipette head.
Insufficient air pressure. Excessive air pressure.	The air pressure is not within the required range, or the air-pressure sensor or gauge is not working properly.	Verify that the air pressure is within acceptable range. See Laboratory requirements. Adjust the pressure if necessary, and then click Retry. You can use an independent pressure gauge to verify that the air-pressure gauge on the rear panel is working correctly.
Shelf n timed out moving in.	A blockage prevented the shelf from moving.	Check for a head crash or other shelf blockage. If there is no evidence of blockage, the shelf sensor may have malfunctioned.
Weigh Shelf found without valid reagent module	The system detected a Weigh Shelf but did not detect a corresponding Pump Module.	Verify that the Weigh Shelf and Pump Modules are connected properly. See Setting up a Pump Module.
No tipbox is present.	Tipbox sensor did not detect a tipbox.	Perform the following steps: 1 Ensure a tipbox is on the tipbox shelf or that a tip chute is installed. 2 On the tipbox press, ensure that the sensor LEDs change color when the sensor should be triggered. 3 In Vertical Pipetting Station Diagnostics, click the IO tab, and verify that the tipbox sensor state changes. 4 Click Retry.

Related topics

 

For information about...	See...
Safety guidelines	Safety guidelines
Software error messages	VWorks Automation Control User Guide
Shutting down	Shutting down the Vertical Pipetting Station
Using Vertical Pipetting Station Diagnostics	Using Diagnostics software
Reporting a problem	Reporting problems