Tecan/IAPS with ILASS Power Cycle Instructions
Note: This article is specifically for Tecan/IAPS with ILASS. For Tecan/IAPS with IAC, see Tecan/IAPS with IAC Power Cycle Instructions.
Why Is it Important to Power Cycle the Tecan/Infinium Automated Pipetting System with Illumina Lab Automation Software Solution (Tecan/IAPS with ILASS)?
Power cycling periodically helps alleviate pressure on and clear out the computer’s RAM, which can get full and fragmented from running scripts over time.
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 ILASS
Illumina recommends power cycling the Tecan/IAPS with ILASS at least once per week at a minimum. Doing it more often is fine, only helpful, and not harmful.
To prevent instrument connection issues and alarms, always exit ILASS (and thereby EVOware) and/or power cycle the personal computer (PC) first before power cycling the Tecan/IAPS.
To properly power cycle the Tecan/IAPS with ILASS PC, the computer must be completely turned off and allowed to sit for at least 30 seconds, not simply restarted.
It is recommended to turn off the Tecan/IAPS with ILASS 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 ILASS
It is critical to leave the water circulator in Standby mode to avoid initialization errors, even if it isn’t being actively used (eg, maintenance washes).
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 the instrument is initialized, to reduce communication issues.
Step by Step Instructions for Tecan/IAPS with ILASS Power Cycle
Exit and close ILASS, if running, first. It is important to turn off the control software before turning off the Tecan/IAPS with ILASS instrument.
Shut down the computer and wait at least 30 seconds.
Turn off the Tecan/IAPS with ILASS 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. The water circulator will display an hourglass while booting up. Ensure it boots into Standby mode.
Turn on the computer.
Turn on the Tecan/IAPS with ILASS 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 ILASS control software.
[Optional] If running XStain, the TeFlow can now be degassed using the instructions in the EX Assay Product Documentation.
If available, select either Platform or Local for authentication mode.
Sign in to ILASS (after signing into EVOware during the ILASS launch).
If available, select option to turn On or turn Off LIMS integration, as necessary.
Select a maintenance or Infinium Assay step to initiate a workflow and follow the prompts to proceed with and execute the run.
ILASS will initialize the instrument only after starting a run. During this process, the system will automatically confirm connection to the water circulator. Should any issues arise, use the respective Corrective Measures above to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Refer to the following documents for additional information:
For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #8647), contact Illumina Technical Support techsupport@illumina.com.
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