AS-AP Unable to Complete Self-Test

Issue

IC AS-AP Sampler Motor Controller Cable Assembly is used in four places: Carousel, Syringe, Needle (also referred to as Z Drive), and Horizontal (also referred to as X Drive). As the X drive moves left and right, the ribbon cable bends at the  top of the enclosure. This repetitive motion causes the wiring inside the cable to break, resulting in intermittent XZ-arm related errors. The most common error observed is “Needle drive: No communication. Turn the autosampler off and on again or perform a self-test”. 

Environment

AS-AP Autosampler

Resolution

Step 1:  AS-AP error observed in which the sampler is unable to complete self-test or stops in the middle of a run.

Step 2:  View the audit trail for message similar to, "Needle drive: No communication appears in the audit trail."

Step 3:  Check the communication between the PC and the sampler.

Step 4:  If the communication was interrupted, reboot the sampler and/or PC. If rebooting restores the communication and full functionality, the issue is resolved. If the issue is not resolved, proceed to Step 5.

Step 5:  Replace the motor controller cable assembly (P/N 60-074679). See PSB 1054 AS-AP XZ Ribbon Cable on how to replace the cable assembly. 

Note: Replacing the motor controller cable assembly is a straightforward process, following the instructions detailed in PSB 1054 AS-AP XZ Ribbon Cable. One thing to be mindful about is there are ferrite beads mounted on the cable assembly. As a result, it has been known to create difficulties during installation. Thus, removal of certain cables and/or the XZ arm assembly allows easier access and ease of installation. Moreover, once the replacement is done, it’s best to recheck the needle alignment values following the revised instructions in PSB 1079 AS-AP XZ Drive.

Analysis

Maintenance and troubleshooting equipment required:

Parts required: