OpenLab CDS: "Error Downloading Method to TriPlus"

[Kenny87]

Hi all,

New to the forum and straight in with a question!

We've been in the process of transferring our Stand-Alone EZChrom chromatography equipment to a Client/Server OpenLab CDS (EZChrom Edition) environment.

Although somewhat functional, we've got a very persistent and highly annoying bug with our autosamplers.

We use Thermo Scientific TraceUltra GC's with TriPlus autosamplers. Unfortunately, sequences randomly terminate with a "Hardware Status Fatal - Error Downloading Method to TriPlus Sampler" error message.

Our TriPlus autosamplers are connected to our instrument controllers using RS232 cables (not through GC!).

What we (somewhat) have been able to exclude so far:
- Standby or power saving settings in Instrument Controller blocking communication. All standby and hibernation modes are deactivated.
- Corrupt/faulty instrument controller. The problem persists when connected to a different controller.
- Corrupt/faulty method. The problem persists even when recreating methods and making them as simple as possible.
- Corrupt/faulty instrument configuration. The problem persists even after recreating the instrument configuration.
- Corrupt/faulty firmware. Reinstalled and upgraded the firmware on all TriPlus autosamplers. Problem still persists.
- Corrupt/faulty TriPlus hardware. The problem presents itself on multiple GC's which were working fine in Stand-Alone configuration.

It happens randomly in the sequence. Could be the first sample, could be the third, could be the fiftieth, anything goes! I also haven't been able to reproduce the error message on demand.

Our vendor has "delegated" the issue to the manufacturer, who has in turn "delegated" it to Agilent. As you can imagine, I'm not holding my breath for a solution.

I know it's a long shot, but I'm hoping someone here has had similar issues and might have a possible fix or workaround?

Any help is much appreciated!

[varossf]

~Kenny, which RS232 connection you are using. Thermo is using MOXA USB-RS232 in their facilities in Italy to test. We have a similar problem in a customer here and replaced the multiplexer RS232 card in the AIC (4 or 8 connections) with it and all worked fine.
As an alternative you can also use a PCI/PCIExpress card with 2 RS232 connectors on it.

[Kenny87]

Thanks for your reply!

I think we have the same multiplexer PCI(e?) cards you mentioned. Using a MOXA switch definitely sounds like a good upgrade. I've just ordered one and will update once I've installed it.

Fingers crossed!

[Kenny87]

Freek,

We're still working out the exact location, but the statue in your honor should be finished pretty soon!

It's been roughly three weeks since I installed the MOXA switch and we went from at least 1 error a day to 0 errors in three weeks under heavy use!

If anyone is curious, we bought a MOXA UP-1610-8 switch to be precise. Easy to install, works like a charm.

[varossf]

Excellent.