Edition: 3

Chapter 7: Instrument Errors

List of Instrument Errors .......................................................................................................................... 1
Instrument Errors Details ......................................................................................................................... 3

CA-104 S/M November 2013

List of Instrument Errors

The analyzer does not start

The display shows no characters
The display shows block characters

The analyzer does not heat up

The analyzer gets very hot
Display shows “COOL DOWN”

No correct Keyboard function 2-Channel

No correct Keyboard function 4-Channel

Date and time setup are not OK

No automatic printout
No manual printout

No automatic printout on external printer

No manual printout on external printer
Printer prints “crazy” characters on external printer

Display shows “meas // plot”

Display shows flashing “P”

Display shows flashing “E”
Display shows flashing “e”
Display shows flashing “F”
Display shows flashing “W”
Display shows flashing “D”

Error message “break: motor”

Error message “ERROR: xxx”

Error message “ERROR recursive…”
Error message “ERROR REGLER: re_adc(): adc_err=3 $0,$0”
Error message “WATCHDOG: eewrite(3): EEPROM faulty!$0,$0”
Error message “parameter error! Press `7`…”

Display message “timeout”

Display message “bottom”
Display message “dark”
Display message “top”
Display message “drift”
Display message “break: readjust”
Display message “break: jump”

CA-104 S/M 7-1 November 2013

List of Instrument Errors contd.

Self starting measurement

No starting measurement

Liquid has pipetted direct into measuring channel

Motor is making sound while spinning

Display message “TEMP // WARN”

Printout “Warn: Temp instable”
Display message “STIR // WARN”
Printout “Warn: Stirrer rpm error”

CA-104 S/M 7-2 November 2013

Instrument Errors Details
Problem
The analyzer does not start
The display shows no characters
There are no beep tones by pressing keyboard
There are no beep tone while starting up
The display shows no characters
There are single beep tones while starting up
The display shows no characters
There is a continuous beep tone every second
The display shows “block” characters
There are no beep tones by pressing keyboard
There are no beep tone while starting up
CA-104 S/M
Possible solution
- Check power connections
- Echeck external power supply
- Check secondary fuse (internal)
- Check power supply 5VDC / 24VDC
Change power supply (external)
Change PCB Ext. DC-Power (internal)
- Check PCB mainboard Voltage LEDs
5VDC / 12VDC / 24VDC
- Check PCB mainboard
Change PCB mainboard
- Check power connections
- Echeck external power supply
- Check secondary fuse (internal)
- Check power supply 5VDC / 24VDC
Change power supply (external)
Change PCB Ext. DC-Power (internal)
- Check PCB mainboard Voltage LEDs
5VDC / 12VDC / 24VDC
- Check PCB mainboard
Change PCB mainboard
- Check display contrast
- Check internal cable connection between
display and PCB Mainboard
- Check LCD-Module (display)
Change display
- Check PCB mainboard
Change PCB mainboard
- Check LCD-Module (display)
Change display
- Check PCB mainboard
Change PCB mainboard
7-3 November 2013
Instrument Errors Details
Problem
The analyzer does not heat up
(Thermal Block)
The analyzer gets very hot
(Thermal Block)
Display shows “COOL DOWN”
CA-104 S/M
contd.
Possible solution
- Recalibrate thermal block temperature
- Check thermal block Connector to PCB
Mainboard
- Check thermal block heating
- Check thermal block sensor (100K at 25°C)
- Change thermal block
- Change PCB Mainboard
- Recalibrate thermal block temperature
- Check thermal block Connector to PCB
Mainboard
- Check thermal block sensor (100K at 25°C)
- Change thermal block
- Change PCB Mainboard
- Check if analyzer is placed in direct sunlight
- Check if analyzer is placed next to a heating
- check present thermal block temperature
with external thermometer
- Recalibrate thermal block temperature
- Check thermal block connector to PCB
Mainboard
- Check thermal block sensor (100K at 25°C)
- Change thermal block
- Change PCB Mainboard
7-4 November 2013
Instrument Errors Details
Problem
No correct Keyboard function 4-Channel
Problem
Date and time setup are not OK
Date and time setup are not OK
When analyzer was switched off
CA-104 S/M 7-5
contd.
Possible solution
- Check if 2-Channel Software is installed
- Check if keyboard is damaged
- Check if keyboard is connected properly
(inside analyzer)
- Check if keyboard cable is damaged
(inside analyzer)
- Change keyboard
- Change PCB Mainboard
Possible solution
- Check date and time in UTILITIES menu
- Change PCB Mainboard
- Check date and time in UTILITIES menu
- Replace battery
- Change PCB Mainboard
November 2013
Instrument Errors Details contd.

Problem Possible solution

No automatic printout - Check if printer is switched “Auto”
Results should be printed when clotting is found - Check printer connection (cable connection)
- Check printer paper
- Check paper sensor (printer)

No manual printout - Check if printer is switched “ON”

Results should be printed when displayed and - Check printer connection (cable connection)
Ch x-key is pressed - Check printer paper
- Check paper sensor (printer)

Problem Possible solution

No automatic printout on external printer
Results should be printed when clotting is found
- Check if printer is switched ON
- Check if printer is ONLINE
- Check printer connection (cable connection)
- Check analyzer setup
Port A = ext. printer
printer = Auto
- Check correct setup of external printer

No manual printout on external printer - Check if printer is switched ON

Results should be printed when displayed and - Check if printer is ONLINE
Ch x-key is pressed - Check printer connection (cable connection)
- Check analyzer setup
Port A = ext. printer
printer = ON
- Check correct setup of external printer

Printer prints “crazy” characters - Check analyzer setup

on external printer Port A = ext. printer
printer = Auto
- Check correct setup of external printer

CA-104 S/M 7-6 November 2013

Instrument Errors Details contd.

Problem Possible solution

Display shows “meas // plot” - Press CH x – key to show result
No result is shown / printed
- Check analyzer setup
Port A = OFF (!)

CA-104 S/M 7-7 November 2013

Instrument Errors Details contd.

Problem Possible solution

Display shows flashing“P” - Remove SD-Card
P = write protected - disable write protection on SD-Card (switch)

Display shows flashing “E” - Check Size of SD-Card

E = error reading / writing 128MB, 256MB, 512 MB, 1GB
- Check Type of SD-Card
no SD-HC-Card alowed
no SD-XD-Card allowed
- Check file structure FAT on SD Card
- Check for enough memory space on SD-Card
- Format SD-Card with FAT file system on
digital photo camera
- Change SD-Card

Display shows flashing “e” - Check Size of SD-Card

e = error reading / writing 128MB, 256MB, 512 MB, 1GB
- Check Type of SD-Card
no SD-HC-Card alowed
no SD-XD-Card allowed
- Check file structure FAT on SD Card
- Check for enough memory space on SD-Card
- Format SD-Card with FAT file system on
digital photo camera
- Change SD-Card

Display shows flashing “f” - Check Size of SD-Card

f = failure reading / writing 128MB, 256MB, 512 MB, 1GB
- Check Type of SD-Card
no SD-HC-Card alowed
no SD-XD-Card allowed
- Check file structure FAT on SD Card
- Check for enough memory space on SD-Card
- Format SD-Card with FAT file system on
digital photo camera
- Change SD-Card

Display shows flashing “W” - writing on SD-Card

W = writing remove SD-Card if required

Display shows flashing “D” - writing on SD-Card

D = deleting remove SD-Card if required

CA-104 S/M 7-8 November 2013

Instrument Errors Details contd.

Problem Possible solution

Error Message “break: motor”
Less than three beep tones after switching on
- Check of dirt in measuring channel
- Check of dirt on magnet (inside analyzer)
- check if parts at magnet may block the motor
example: mixing-bar
- Check distance magnet vs. sensor
- Check if motor is spinning in service mode
- Check if speed sensor is detecting correctly
- Change motor
- Change PCB mainboard

Problem Possible solution

Error Message “ERROR: xxx” - Contact LABiTec’s
Xxx = specific note service & support department

Error Message “ERROR recursive” - Contact LABiTec’s

service & support department

Error Message - Contact LABiTec’s

>>> ERROR <<< service & support department
REGLER: re_adc(): adc_err=3 $0,$0 - Change PCB mainboard

Error Message - Press Enter to quit message

WATCHDOG: eewrite()3: EEPROM faulty!$0,$0 - Press 7 key to load factory default parameters
ERROR - calibrate thermal block temperature
- re enter conversion values
(calibration values)

Error Message “parameter error! Press - Press 7 key to load factory default parameters
`7`…” - calibrate thermal block temperature
- re enter conversion values
(calibration values)

CA-104 S/M 7-9 November 2013

Instrument Errors Details
Problem
Display Message “timeout”
the “wait for reagent time” (xxx ul // GO-S)
exceeds 180 sec,
Display Message “timeout”
the measuring time exceeds 420 sec,
Display Message “bottom”
Display Message “dark”
Display Message “top”
Display Message “drift”
Display Message “break: readjust”
Error while adjustment.
Display Message “break: jump”
Clot detection may be caused by signal jump
maybe caused by air bubble
CA-104 S/M
contd.
Possible solution
- Check for continuous workflow while pipetting
- Check for correct pipetting sample and reagent
- Check for existing clot formation inside cuvette
- Check for turbid fluid inside cuvette
- Check for turbid fluid inside cuvette
- Check for clear fluid inside cuvette
- Check for direct ambient light
from lamp or direct sunlight
- Close light protection cap
- Change analyzers placement
- Check for air bubbles inside cuvette
- Check for correct test volume inside cuvette
- Check for pipetting direct into cuvette
Rinsing fluid on cuvette wall is not allowed
- Check for a clean measuring chamber
- Check for foreign parts in bottom of measuring
channel (example: mixer-bar)
- Check for direct ambient light
from lamp or direct sunlight
- Close light protection cap
- Change analyzers placement
- Check for air bubbles inside cuvette
- Check for correct test volume inside cuvette
- Check for pipetting direct into cuvette
Rinsing fluid on cuvette wall is not allowed
- Check for a clean measuring chamber
- Check for foreign parts in bottom of measuring
channel (example: mixer-bar)
- Check for direct ambient light
from lamp or direct sunlight
- Close light protection cap
- Change analyzers placement
- Check for test application; learn + lag is not
appropriate as required settings.
- Check for fluid inside cuvette, turbity could
change too fast.
- Check for air bubbles inside cuvette
7-10 November 2013
CA-104 S/M 7-11 November 2013
Instrument Errors Details
Problem
Self starting measurement
Incubation timer starts without cuvette
Self starting measurement
Incubation timer starts without cuvette
Self starting measurement
Incubation timer starts without cuvette
Self starting measurement
Incubation timer starts without cuvette
Self starting measurement
Measuring timer starts without adding start
reagent
Self starting measurement
Measuring timer starts without adding start
reagent
CA-104 S/M
contd.
Possible solution
- Remove cuvette from measuring channel
- Close light protection cap
- Switch OFF analyzer
- Switch ON analyzer
- Wait until message “remove cuvette…”
- Make sure no cuvette is in measuring channel
- close light protection cap
- Press Start-key for “autoblanking” process
- keep light protection cap is closed while
processing
- Check for direct ambient light
from lamp or direct sunlight
- Close light protection cap
- Change analyzers placement
- repeat “autoblanking” process as described
before
- Remove used cuvette immediately after result
appeared
- keep light protection cap closed when waiting
for measurement and in standby
- repeat “autoblanking” process as described
before
- Check for correct test-setup
(at each test application)
Cuv remove detection = OFF
- repeat “autoblanking” process as described
before
- Check for air bubbles inside cuvette
- Check for correct test volume inside cuvette
- Check for pipetting direct into cuvette
Rinsing fluid on cuvette wall is not allowed
- Check for a clean measuring chamber
- Check for foreign parts in bottom of measuring
channel (example: mixer-bar)
- Check for direct ambient light
from lamp or direct sunlight
- Close light protection cap
- Change analyzers placement
- Check if cuvette detection is “confused”
- repeat “autoblanking” process as described
before
7-12 November 2013
Instrument Errors Details contd.

Problem Possible solution

No starting measurement - Check for enabled start-pipette
Measurement does not start after adding start set Port A = OFF
reagent

No starting measurement - Dispense straight into the cuvette from centre of

Measurement does not start after adding start the light protection cap
reagent - Care for correct handling while adding
start reagent

Problem Possible solution

Liquid has pipetted direct into measuring
channel
There was no cuvette inside before pipetting
- Aspirate fluid with a pipette out of the channel
- Disassemble analyzer
- Clean thermal block with alcohol and fleece
- Clean optics on PCB with alcohol and fleece
carefully
- Clean magnet with alcohol and fleece
- Check / adjust distance between magnet and
speed sensor
- Reassemble analyzer

Problem Possible solution

Motor is making sound while spinning - replace the motor

Note:
During the lifetime of the motor it is giving more
or less sound while spinning.
If there is no further error message in display,
the motor is not defect.

CA-104 S/M 7-13 November 2013

Instrument Errors Details
Problem
Display message “TEMP // WARN”
Printout "WARN: Temp. instable"
After measurement
Note:
This warn flag appears if
thermalblocktemperature was too hot while
measurement.
Display message “TEMP // WARN”
Printout "WARN: Temp. instable"
After measurement
Note:
This warn flag appears if
thermalblocktemperature was too cold while
measurement.
Display message “STIR // WARN”
Printout "WARN: Stirrer rpm error"
After measurement
Note:
This warning flag appears if speed of reagent-
stirrer-motor was to low before or while
measurement.
Display message “STIR // WARN”
Printout "WARN: Stirrer rpm error"
After measurement
Note:
This warning flag appears if speed of reagent-
stirrer-motor was to high before or while
measurement.
CA-104 S/M
contd.
Possible solution
Warning flag
- Check if result is valid
- Check if analyzer is placed in direct sunlight
- Check if analyzer is placed next to a heating
- check present thermal block temperature
with external thermometer
- Recalibrate thermal block temperature
- Check thermal block connector to PCB
Mainboard
- Check thermal block sensor (100K at 25°C)
- Change thermal block
- Change PCB Mainboard
Warning flag
- Check if result is valid
- check present thermal block temperature
with external thermometer
- Recalibrate thermal block temperature
- Check thermal block connector to PCB
Mainboard
- Check thermal block sensor (100K at 25°C)
- Change thermal block
- Change PCB Mainboard
- Check if Teflon stirrer for stirring the reagent
has the correct size (3x13mm)
- Check if parts at magnet may block the motor
example: mixing-bar, washer, etc.
- Check distance magnet vs. sensor
- Check if motor is spinning in service mode
- Check if speed sensor is detecting correctly
- Change motor
- Change PCB mainboard
- Check if parts at magnet may block the motor
example: mixing-bar, washer, etc.
- Check distance magnet vs. sensor
- Check if motor is spinning in service mode
- Check if speed sensor is detecting correctly
- Change motor
- Change PCB mainboard
7-14 November 2013