Tecan/IAPS with IAC Power Cycle Instructions
Note: This article is specifically for Tecan/IAPS with IAC. For Tecan/IAPS with ILASS, see Tecan/IAPS with ILASS Power Cycle Instructions. ## Why Is it Important to Power Cycle the Tecan/Infinium Automated Pipetting System with Illumina Automation Control (Tecan/IAPS with IAC) Frequently?
Power cycling frequently helps alleviate pressure on and clear out the computer’s RAM, which can get full and fragmented from running scripts over time. For high-throughput users, consider power cycling prior to each run.
Power cycling allows the memory to unload completely and reduces the likelihood of the computer freezing under certain circumstances (i.e., when using the IAC legacy software), which can cause the instrument to stop in the middle of runs.
Proper power cycling resets all instrument memory and electronics which clears any temporary issues and allows everything to start fresh for the next run.
As a troubleshooting tool, power cycling helps to resolve various anomalies (eg, instrument communication or initialization interruptions, LiHa or RoMa arms not functioning properly, water circulator communication issues).
Power Cycle Recommendations for Tecan/IAPS with IAC
Illumina recommends power cycling the Tecan/IAPS system at least once per week at a minimum. Doing it more often is fine, only helpful, and not harmful.
To prevent instrument connection issues, always exit IAC and/or power cycle the personal computer (PC) first before power cycling the Tecan/IAPS.
To properly power cycle the Tecan/IAPS PC, the computer must be completely turned off and allowed to sit for at least 30 seconds, not simply restarted.
After power cycling and initializing the instrument, IAC allows the robot to be initialized at any time thereafter via controls (Sys Init) within IAC. Power cycling the instrument may be necessary at times if IAC fails to initialize the instrument.
It is recommended to turn off the Tecan/IAPS with IAC instrument and PC at the end of each day, or after use to save energy and help preserve the electronics. However, it is not necessary, and the instrument can be left on between periodic power cycles.
Water Circulator Recommendations for Tecan/IAPS with IAC
It is critical to leave the water circulator in Standby mode to avoid initialization errors, even if it isn't being actively used.
The water circulator should only be turned off for an extended period of time using the switch on the back of the unit, if the PC and instrument are also turned off at the same time (eg, in between uses). Then turn everything back on when the system is used again.
In general, it is only necessary to power cycle the water circulator by itself as a troubleshooting step, with the PC and instrument left on, and only before or after the instrument is initialized, but not during initialization, to help reduce communication issues. If any issues arise, ensure the circulator is on and run Sys Init again to re-initialize the entire system.
The water circulator can always be power cycled by itself with the PC and instrument on and IAC launched (open). Avoid power cycling the water circulator during the Tecan/IAPS initialization process. If any issues arise, ensure the circulator is on and run Sys Init again to re-initialize the entire system.
Step by Step Instructions for Tecan/IAPS with IAC Power Cycle
Exit and close IAC, if running, first.
Shut down the computer and wait at least 30 seconds.
Turn off the Tecan/IAPS instrument for at least 30 seconds.
Turn off the water circulator at this point using the main switch on the lower back panel of the circulator. Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This can also be done independently with both the PC and instrument on and connected, as indicated above. In either case, the water circulator will display an hourglass while booting up. Ensure it eventually boots into Standby mode.
Turn on the computer.
Turn on the Tecan/IAPS instrument.
Enter the user name and password for the instrument control computer.
After the "Standby" screen appears on the water circulator control panel, launch the IAC control software.
Select Yes to initialize the robot when the prompt appears.
If necessary, check and activate the water circulator through the IAC software to verify a connection to the controlling computer.
Double check the circulator is online by selecting File -> Configuration… from the top menu to ensure that the General Circulator Property CirculatorComPort is assigned and that CirculatorOperatingMode says Online.
Next, select Robot QC Tasks from the workflow menu on the left.
Select Circulator Manager.
Use the drop-down menu to select Circulator - Activate.
Select Execute. Confirm the circulator is now on and therefore connected to the computer.
Use the drop-down menu to select Circulator - Standby, then select Execute to put the circulator back into Standby mode so it's ready for use.
Refer to the following documents for additional information:
For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #2765), contact Illumina Technical Support techsupport@illumina.com. |
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