Page 1 Issue: Rev E Part Number PS-U-SM002 © Aim Lab Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transcribed, translated, or reverse engineered into a computer, software program or other manual without the express written permission of Aim...
Page 3 Aim Lab Pty Ltd reserves the right to revise the content of this manual without obligation to notify any person or organization of such revision or changes.
Page 4: Table Of Contents
Sorter Main PCB ............25 Carousel................. 26 Services Module..............27 Specimen Tray ..............29 PathFinder 350S GUI ............30 3.7.1 The Graphical User Interface (GUI) ....... 30 Page 4 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 5 5.3.1 Some Profile Gates Rules........... 58 Specimen Types ............... 58 Application Example ............60 5.5.1 Specimen Types............61 5.5.2 Rack Setup............61 5.5.3 Tray Setup ............62 Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 5...
Page 6 7.3.8 Z-Axis Drive Belt ............100 Specimen Tray ..............101 7.4.1 Specimen Tray PCB ..........101 Customising the Specimen Tray ..........102 7.5.1 Removing a Fence ..........103 7.5.2 Adding Fences ............104 Page 6 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 7 11.2 PS-SRT-A028 7 Position Specimen Tray ......... 140 11.3 PS-SRT-A019 8 Position Specimen Tray ......... 141 11.4 PS-SRT-A027 9 Position Specimen Tray ......... 142 11.5 PS-SRT-A029 10 Position Specimen Tray ........ 143 Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 7...
Page 8: Introduction
 PathFinder 350S Spare Parts Catalogue (PS-U-SM010) Safety Precautions The PathFinder 350S complies with the safety requirements set out in IEC 61010- 1, Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use, Part 1: General Requirements. This manual contains warnings and cautions which, when properly followed, can prevent personal injury and damage to the PathFinder 350S.
Page 9: General Safety
In case of an emergency, use the main power switch on the services module to turn the power OFF. The power to the PathFinder 350S and its control computer will be cut instantly. Restarting will take a few minutes, because it will be necessary to re–boot the control computer and its programs.
Page 10: Approvals
PathFinder 350S Service Manual Approvals The PathFinder 350S is marked to C-Tick, CE and FCC standards. The CE mark is based on compliance to the Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC) and the EMC Directive (2004/108/EC). The PathFinder 350S is RoHS compliant.
Page 11: Specifications
PathFinder 350S Service Manual Specifications The tables below outline the specifications of the PathFinder 350S. Aim Lab Pty Ltd reserves the right to change these specifications at any time without notice. General Specifications Item Specification Footprint 100cm L x 45 cm W x 52 cm H (40” x 18” x 21”) Shipping Dimensions Multiple boxes totalling 0.7m...
Page 12: Electrical
12V DC, supplied by ATX Power Supply. Barcode Reader Power 5V DC, supplied by ATX Power Supply. EMC Certifications EN61326-1:2006 EN61326-2-1:2006 FCC Rules, Part 15, Subpart B Table 2 Electrical Specifications Page 12 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 13: Communications
<10.5ms Access Time 24/7 runtime rating 1GB, DDR2 633MHz Monitor 800 x 600 DPI LCD TFT Monitor 4-wire Resistive Touchscreen – USB Table 4 Embedded PC Specifications Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 13...
Page 14: The Pathfinder 350S
PathFinder 350S Service Manual The PathFinder 350S The PathFinder 350S Workcell is made up of a number of modules. A module is a functional unit that can be deployed and replaced as a single component. The collection of modules is referred to as a Workcell. The Workcell can include multiple PathFinder modules such as Sorters, Cappers, Aliquoters etc.
Page 15: Lcd Monitor
3.1.7 Racks (optional) The PathFinder 350S may be supplied with PathFinder racks (20 or 50 way). In addition the system may include rack adaptors to allow analyser racks to be grouped and placed on the Specimen Tray. Also supplied will be one error rack. The error rack has 4 error wells, 1 STAT tube well, and an open bin.
Page 16: Sorter Module
Specimen Tray via the accessories bus. Gripper Arm (Z-Axis) Tombstone X-Axis covers Grippers Theta-Axis Front Cover (PS-SRT-A036) Rear Cover (PS-SRT-P093) Monitor (PS-E-A288) LEFT RIGHT Barcode Reader (PS-E-A218) FRONT Figure 1 Sorter Components Page 16 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 17: Tombstone Electronics
Sorter Main PCB (PS-E-A282) WCC Hard Drive (G-C-P027) Pico ATX Power Supply (G-E-P288) Barcode Reader (PS-E-A218) WCC Motherboard (G-E-P357) WCC RAM 1GB (G-E-P358) Distribution Block Figure 2 Tombstone Electronics Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 17...
Page 18  The Specimen Tray PCB. The 24V is broken into 5V and 12V rails by the Pico ATX Power Supply and distributed by the power distribution harness. Page 18 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 19: X-Axis And Theta-Axis
These are fastened to the tombstone and end plate by eight M4 screws shown below. The X-axis stepper motor and encoder wheel are in the tombstone. M4 Screws Figure 3 X-axis Cover Screws Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 19...
Page 21: Gripper Arm (Z-Axis)
The rear Gripper Arm cover is fastened to the Z-axis sheet-metal by three M4 self tapping screws. The rear cover must be removed to access the gripper pneumatics and to adjust the Z-axis drive belt tension. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 21...
Page 22 Z-Axis Components - Front Z-Axis Guide Rails Gripper Solenoid (PS-P-P045) (PS-E-A023) Stepper Motor (P-E-A005) Mount block Z-Axis Belt Tension Lock Screw Figure 7 Z-Axis Components – Rear Page 22 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 23 X-axis, through the X-axis carriage, and down into the gripper arm. ‘Reed’ Hall Effect sensors on the cylinder provide feedback on the position of the gripper arms. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 23...
Page 24: Workcell Controller
Presents Controls to the Operator Specimen Tray Database (PostgreSQL) Stores Operational History BCR: RS232, 38400 BAUD Figure 8 Workcell Control Architecture AccBus: RS485, 38400 BAUD ModBus: RS232, 115200 BAUD Page 24 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 25: Workcell Controller Pc
This is how the remote GUI is implemented. This means any number of computers can view the status of the PathFinder 350S without custom software or interfaces. 3.3.1.4 Database The Workcell configuration and operational logs are stored in a relational database (PostgreSQL) on the Workcell Controller.
Page 26: Carousel
Carousel until a valid destination can be determined for the tube. In the mean time the other Carousel positions are used to sort other tubes. By doing this the PathFinder 350S is not affected by intermittent LIS delays. Barcode Reader...
Page 27: Services Module
(PS-E-A003) (PS-E-A242/1) (G-P-P459) Pressure Regulator (G-P-P467) FRONT Cooling Fan (PS-E-A243) Input Socket Air Compressor 24V DC Power Supply (G-E-P285) (PS-E-A245) (G-E-P714) RIGHT Figure 11 Services Module Components Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 27...
Page 28  The Relief Valve can be used to purge air from the Air Tank. It will also automatically dump excess pressure (> 11 bar) from the system. Page 28 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 29: Specimen Tray
Rack Clip (PS-SRT-P007) Rack Fence (PS-SRT-A002) Rack Clip Spring (PS-SRT-P073) Figure 12 Rack Fence Components Fence Cables Fence Cables Tray PCB (PS-E-A280) Figure 13 Specimen Tray PCB Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 29...
Page 30: Pathfinder 350S Gui
Windows XP as well as the PathFinder Graphical User Interface (GUI). The GUI is described in detail in the PathFinder 350S User Manual (PS-U-UM002). This Section provides a brief review of some important aspects of navigating around the GUI as well as switching between Windows and the GUI.
Page 31 Config Page – Administrator Login The configuration page is broadly divided into three areas: Operating Mode, Workcell Configuration, and GUI configuration. The Operating Mode of the PathFinder 350S can be changed by selecting one of these three options:  Production: This is the default start-up operating mode of the PathFinder 350S.
Page 33 A pop-up box will inform you how many lines have changed and ask you to confirm you want to commit the new data. Click OK to save the changes. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 33...
Page 34: Switching Between Windows And The Gui
2. Open the Windows Start menu and select Programs 3. Under the Startup folder, select Start PF350S.bat 4. This will run a batch script that will launch the Workcell Controller application and the GUI. Page 34 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 35: Service Applications
When it should be used and how is detailed in Section 7.7.2. 3.8.2 pgAdmin pgAdmin is a database viewer and editor that is used to restore the PathFinder 350S database. The use of pgAdmin is described in Section 7.9. 3.8.3 The PDS (PathFinder Diagnostics Software) is a tool used to gain low level access to the Sorter Main PCB.
Page 36 3.8.3.2 Firmware Tab The firmware tab downloads new firmware to the Sorter Main PCB. For the procedure to download firmware see Section 7.7. Figure 21 Firmware Tab Page 36 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 37 The Calibration tab is used to recalibrate the Sorter. It calibrates the accuracy of the gripper arm with relation to the Specimen Tray. See Section 7.8.2 for the calibration procedure. Figure 23 Calibration Tab Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 37...
Page 38 Figure 24 Controls Tab The controls tab can be used to exercise any part of the PathFinder 350S hardware, watch for error events, and watch for barcode or tray events being sent. It is a very powerful diagnostics tool when diagnosing hardware issues.
Page 39: Installation
PathFinder 350S Service Manual Installation This Section will describe how to assemble the PathFinder 350S for installation. Disassembly for shipping or service is the reverse of these procedures. All inter-module connections have unique connectors to prevent damage to modules. Furthermore where a cable is polarized, i.e. cannot be used either way round, it has different connectors at each end.
Page 40: Sorter Module
Air (4 bar) Services Module Compressor Control LCD Monitor 12V DC Power Services Module 24V DC Power Carousel Module Comms and 24V DC Power Figure 25 Sorter Connections Page 40 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 42: Covers
3. Use a 6mm Hex driver to attach the rear cover to the Carousel legs. M4 Screw M4 Screw Figure 28 Rear Cover Installation M8 Screws Figure 29 Rear Cover Installation Page 42 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 43: Front Cover
2. Secure the front cover to the Sorter frame by screwing the two M4 countersunk screws through the lower two holes in the cover. Shoulder Bolt M4 Screws Figure 30 Front Cover Installation Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 43...
Page 44: Lcd Monitor
4. Route the monitor cable behind the monitor and down the back panel of the PathFinder 350S. Use the cable tie points provided to restrain the cable. 5. Plug the monitor connectors into the back of the PathFinder 350S referring to Figure 25.
Page 45: Specimen Tray
30mm (1¼“). Ensure the tray is sitting flat and securely. Step 1 Step 2 Spacers Step 3 Tray tab Slot in Sorter base Figure 32 Specimen Tray Installation Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 45...
Page 46: Services Module
Air. The air line is 4mm pneumatic tubing. Fix one end to the Sorter and the other end to the Services module using the press lock fittings provided. Page 46 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 47: Pre-Power Checks
PathFinder 350S Service Manual Pre-Power checks Before turning the PathFinder 350S on for the first time, carry out the following checks.  Double check all connections are secure, and the cables are routed neatly.  Check none of the cable are pinched or damaged where they pass behind covers and the bench.
Page 48: Post Installation
4.10 Post Installation These post installation checks should be performed before configuring the LIS interface in order to validate the PathFinder 350S hardware. These procedures require an administrator login. Each system has a default Service login (with administrator rights) of...
Page 49: System Validation (Self Test)
The self test picks tubes from an input rack, scans them on the Carousel, and delivers them to an output rack. 1. Check the PathFinder 350S is preconfigured to run the self test profile. The current profile is displayed in the status bar, as shown in the figure below, and should read SELF-TEST.
Page 50 9. When all tubes have been placed to the output rack, press Pause on the home page. If all tubes were picked and placed successfully then the Self Test is complete. To prepare the PathFinder 350S for its first use, change the profile to Production and reset the PathFinder 350S. Page 50 ©...
Page 51: Initial Configuration
Loads the proper well locations for the rack type. Before a rack can be used on the PathFinder 350S is must be entered into the rack registry. Note that racks can be added at anytime, even while the Sorter is running.
Page 52 Registering an Error Rack The PathFinder error rack is a compound rack because it is used for tube input and output. The PathFinder 350S treats the error rack as three distinct racks, 1) A STAT Well (1 well) 2) An Error Rack (4 wells) Emergency Bin 3) An Emergency bin.
Page 53: Network Setup
Professional, and configuring its network settings is done in the same way as a desktop PC. 1. Exit the PathFinder 350S GUI by pressing F11. The GUI will exit full screen mode and allow navigation through Windows. Close the GUI window and all running applications.
Page 54: Lis Interfacing
PathFinder 350S Service Manual 4.11.3 LIS Interfacing To determine which destination a tube should be sorted to, the PathFinder 350S must obtain information from the Laboratory Information System (LIS). The PathFinder 350S splits its communications with the LIS over two interfaces, Interface 1 and Interface 2.
Page 55: Configuration
Specimen Tray and Workflow profile, the PathFinder 350S can be configured to handle almost any workflow application. This Section describes the configuration of the PathFinder 350S at a high level, and then an example application is discussed to clarify how the configuration relates to the actual workflow of a lab.
Page 56: Locations
The Locations configuration lists all the location ID’s that can be sent to the PathFinder 350S. For each location ID it defines a description of the ID, what type of location it is, and whether any particular specimen type is associated with it.
Page 57: Profile Gates
A profile is a name for the currently running configuration. Several profiles can be defined so the way the PathFinder 350S handles tubes can be changed without reconfiguring the Tray and Locations. New profiles can be added in the Profiles configuration and then configured using Profile Gates.
Page 58: Some Profile Gates Rules
Because the PathFinder 350S operates without tube type identification it is unable to determine the specimen type of a particular sample. Instead, the PathFinder 350S can associate a specimen type to a tube based on either the input location it was picked from or the barcode of the input rack.
Page 59 A lab uses the same barcode on a set of patient samples, including one blood sample and one urine sample. The lab uses the PathFinder 350S to route samples to different departments, so the tubes must be differentiated to allow for proper routing.
Page 60: Application Example
PathFinder 350S Service Manual Application Example In this example the PathFinder 350S is used to process two specimen types. EDTA (Lavender top tubes). These have come off the back end of a Sysmex analyser performing Full Blood Examinations (FBE). They will arrive in Sysmex analyser racks and with the exception of a few samples requiring an ESR test, will need to be stored.
Page 61: Specimen Types
SST tubes, but this is impractical where there may be hundreds of racks. Specimen Type has no effect when the rack is used as an output. The Error rack is pre-configured. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 61...
Page 62: Tray Setup
Locations The LIS will route tubes to their destinations using the Location IDs given in Figure 42. These Location IDs must be registered with the PathFinder 350S in the Locations configuration as shown below. The Input location is associated with the Serum (SST) specimen type. This means that unless the Input rack is associated with a different specimen type, all tubes will be regarded as Serum samples.
Page 63: Profile Gates
The Profile Gates configuration maps the Locations defined earlier to the physical tray gates, as shown in the figure below. The Error Rack must always be configured in this way. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 63...
Page 64: Troubleshooting
LIS and networking errors are addressed in the PathFinder 350S LIS Interface Manual (PS-U-UM008). Hardware/Component Failures 6.4.1 The PDS software is used to gain low level control of the PathFinder 350S hardware. Section 3.8.3 provides an overview of PDS. PDS contains two pages that will be of use during troubleshooting. ...
Page 65 The Event Log captures events sent by the Sorter (to the workcell controller) and displays them for debugging. Figure 43 shows a standard Event Log for the PathFinder 350S. The Log includes the time the event was received, some event metrics, and a description of the event.
Page 66: Initialisation
Open PDS and under the Controls tab, Press Reboot.  Press the reset button on the Main PCB. See Figure 45. Reset Button Figure 45 Main PCB Page 66 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 67 Main still. PCB and the breakout PCB.  If the Z-axis does not move but you can hear the motor turning, then check the drive belt. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 67...
Page 68 Main rear left hand corner of the PCB and the breakout PCB. Sorter.  If the Gripper arm hits the Tombstone, check the X-axis for proper initialisation. Page 68 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 69 The Carousel will then index 3 more times in quick succession. The Carousel will pause and index once more. PDS reports the Module Started event. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 69...
Page 70: Specific Failure Modes
6.4.3.1 Intermittent Dropped Tubes From time to time the PathFinder 350S may cause a tube to be knocked out of a rack, or dropped from the grippers, without causing an interruption to the processing. Some failure modes that result in a dropped tube are: ...
Page 71 If the Gripper sensors are not calibrated correctly the PathFinder 350S may not detect that it has picked up a tube. In this event the PathFinder 350S may pick tubes from racks and drop them immediately, before trying to pick up the next tube.
Page 72 If the compressor does run, then the enable signal (generated by the Sorter) is not being seen at the Services Module. Trace the cable into the tombstone of the Sorter looking for loose connections and contacts. Page 72 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 73: Workcell Controller / Software Failures
This error should clear itself. Leave the user interface for at least 2 minutes to re- establish communications automatically. If communications are not restored then remove all racks and tubes from the Sorter and reset the system. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 73...
Page 74 To recover from this error simply press Try Again. The user interface will refresh itself within 30 seconds. If the GUI does not recover, restart the PathFinder 350S. 6.5.1.2 Software Crash If the Workcell Controller application software crashes the user will be presented with the usual Windows error message, shown below.
Page 75 PathFinder 350S Service Manual Press Don’t Send, to close the error box. The PathFinder 350S will restart itself automatically. If the software crashes immediately after the reset, then there are three checks that may get the system operational. Note: all these failure modes should display an error and close the Workcell controller gracefully, however unexpected circumstances may conceivably cause a software crash and this information is intended to help identify the likely suspects.
Page 76 Controller BIOS settings have been changed. This is easily fixed but requires a keyboard to be attached to the back of the Sorter. 1. Switch off the PathFinder 350S and attach a USB keyboard to the back panel of the Sorter.
Page 77: Repairs
4. Fit a suitable ¼” adaptor or push fitting to the input and attach to the auxiliary air source. 5. Turn on the auxiliary air. 6. Reconnect the mains lead and turn on the Services Module. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 77...
Page 78: Piston Cup Seal
The Services Module retains air at 6 bar pressure when switched off. This pressure must be bled before removing the covers. 3. Disconnect all PathFinder 350S cables and the air line from the front of the services module. 4. Remove the services module top cover by unscrewing the six M4 screws from the left and right sides of the cover (twelve screws total).
Page 79 11. Remove the flapper valve from the piston head by removing the single screw shown in Figure 52. 12. Use a Torx driver to remove the piston head. This will also allow the cup seal to be removed. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 79...
Page 80 Do not attach any cables or air lines to the front of the services module other than the mains power. 17. Switch on the mains input switch. Page 80 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 81 23. Purge the air from the accumulator tank by pulling on the purge valve next to the regulator. See Figure 53. 24. Refit the top cover ensuring the earth strap is attached. 25. Reconnect all PathFinder 350S cables and the air line. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd...
Page 82: Replacing Fuses
DC output to the Sorter module. The replacement fuse details are Part Number Description G-E-P269 PathFinder 350S Services Module AC Fuse, 250V, 5AT G-E-P723 PathFinder 350S Services Module DC Fuse, 250V, 10A Table 7 Spare Fuses 7.1.3.1 Mains Fuses Ensure the power to the services module has been turned off and the power supply cable has been disconnected.
Page 83 2. Slide the fuse holder back into the receptacle in the Services Module and screw tight. Reconnect the power supply cable and switch on power to the unit. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 83...
Page 84: Carousel
3. Remove the PCB by unscrewing the four M3 screws circled in Figure 57. When fitting a replacement Carousel PCB, ensure DIP Switches 6 and 7 are ON, all others are OFF. Page 84 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 85: Tube Spin O-Ring
6. Refit the base cover. Hub and Grub Screw Drive wheel and O-Ring Drive wheel position (G-P-P510) set-screw Carousel Body Spin Plate Tube Spin Motor Figure 58 Tube Spin Components Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 85...
Page 86: Barcode Reader Alignment
While the light is on, adjust the light to the desired position. Figure 59 shows an ideal adjustment. Barcode Reader Bracket Barcode Read Light Barcode Reader M3 Cap Screws Figure 59 Barcode Reader Alignment Page 86 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 87: Sorter Module
3. Pull the bridge retainer of the connector down and slide back into the connector to lock the cable into position. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 87...
Page 89 7. Wrap both FFC cables together. From the Z-Axis PCB pass the FFC cables to the gripper side of the Theta Shaft. Wrap one complete turn and connect to the Theta-Axis PCB. 8. Secure the FFC cables by using the clamp strip. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 89...
Page 90 After installing the PCB, position the encoder wheel in the middle of encoder sensor and tighten the grub screw. c. To wrap the Z-axis FFC cables around the Theta shaft refer to Figure 62. Page 90 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 92: Workcell Controller Hard Drive
Furthermore the installation requires a spare PC. Therefore every hard drive ordered as a spare part will be preloaded with Windows XP and the default PathFinder 350S software and configuration. The Windows XP license is attached to the back of the Sorter module.
Page 93: Atx Power Supply
The Output cable connects to the power distribution cables via standard 4-way PC power plugs. 2. Press the release tab on the ATX connector and gently pull the supply off the motherboard. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 93...
Page 94: Workcell Controller Mother Board
5. Remove the RAM DIMM from the old Motherboard and fit it to the new motherboard before installing. 6. Ensure the connectors align with the shield plate pressed into the back panel of the Sorter. Page 94 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 95 Enter. Select CRT. 14. Press F10 to save and exit the BIOS. 15. The first time the PathFinder 350S boots will display some Found New Hardware dialogs. Always select Install Automatically and click Next until all the new hardware is found and configured.
Page 96: Theta-Axis Ffc Cables
The cables should have no slack when the Gripper Arm is at the right hand end of the X-axis, but they should also not be strained. Page 96 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 99 4. Tighten the M3 lock screw. The tensioning spring sets the belt-tension; it is NOT intended to maintain the tension during normal operation. Tensioning Spring X-Axis Shafts X-Axis Belt Lock Screw Tensioning Idler Pulley Figure 71 X-Axis Belt Tensioning Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 99...
Page 100: Z-Axis Drive Belt
3. Tighten the M3 lock screw. The tensioning spring sets the belt tension; it is NOT intended to maintain the tension during normal operation. Page 100 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 101: Specimen Tray
The Specimen Tray PCB handles all the rack sensors and LED’s and informs the Sorter when a rack is placed or removed. 1. Remove the Specimen Tray from the PathFinder 350S. 2. Remove the base cover by unscrewing the eight M4 screws shown in Figure 73.
Page 102: Customising The Specimen Tray
This is a location for a rack. It is numbered (1 thru 10) from the left of the tray Label Strip Clear window that can be used to label Location ID’s Figure 75 Specimen Tray Terminology Page 102 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 103: Removing A Fence
4. The front of the fence hooks over the red retention strip. To remove, lift the back of the fence until the dowel pins are clear of the slots, then slide the front of the fence forward - off the retention strip. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 103...
Page 104: Adding Fences
5. Turn over the Specimen Tray so the fence cables can be attached to the Tray PCB. Each fence has two cables: a Rack Sensor Cable (labelled PS-E-A025) and a Rack Indicator Cable (labeled PS-E-A026). Page 104 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 106: Naming The Tray
The tray name is configured via PDS. 1. Close the GUI and PathFinder 350S applications and start PDS. See Section 3.8.3. 2. Once connected, select the Control tab indicated in Figure 79.
Page 107: Configuring The Pathfinder 350S
7.5.4 Configuring the PathFinder 350S The physical layout of each Specimen Tray must be defined in the PathFinder 350S configuration so when a new Specimen Tray is placed on the Sorter the tubes can be located accurately.
Page 109: Configuration Variables
Main PCB to retain the calibration for the Sorter. The configuration variables are accessed by running PDS – See Section 3.8.3. Configuration Tab Save and Load Buttons Configuration Variables Figure 81 PDS – Configuration Variables Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 109...
Page 110: Saving (Backup)
5. Press the Copy All File to User button. The file values will be copied to the User Value column. 6. Press the Write All to Module button. This will write all the configuration variables to the Main PCB. Page 110 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 111: Loading Firmware
6. At the end of the programming the Sorter will initialise. Once initialisation is complete, press the Query button to confirm the firmware version has changed. 7. Restore the Configuration Variables, see Section 7.6 Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 111...
Page 112: Sam-Ba
Samba uses a .bin file format for the firmware image. 1. If not already attached, plug a USB keyboard into the back of the Sorter. 2. Exit the PathFinder 350S applications… a. Press F11 to take the GUI out of Full Screen mode.
Page 113 The windows desktop should be displayed. 3. To use SAM-BA the Main PCB must be physically accessible. Remove the tombstone rear cover (see Figure 2) while the PathFinder 350S is still switched on. No hazardous voltages exist inside the Sorter tombstone.
Page 114 16. Press the Reset button on the Main PCB. The Sorter will initialize itself. 17. Use PDS to check the firmware version and restore the Configuration Variables, see Section 7.6. 18. Turn off power to the PathFinder 350S and refit the tombstone cover. Page 114 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd...
Page 115: Calibration
The reed sensors on the sides of the gripper cylinder activate when the cylinders piston is at either end of its travel. In this way the PathFinder 350S can determine if the grippers are fully open or fully closed. If neither sensor is activated it means the cylinder piston has stopped half way between the ends –...
Page 117 2. Close the grippers. Check the Fully Closed reed sensor is activated. To tune it’s position… a. Using a small flat blade screwdriver loosen the grub screw next to the LED. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 117...
Page 119: Sorter
Sorter. Contact Aim Lab for original configuration variables. The original factory set variables for each PathFinder 350S is stored against the Sorter serial number. If the Sorter has undergone mechanical repairs then it should be recalibrated by following this procedure.
Page 120 Calibration Tool Tombstone Dimple Point A Half Shears LEFT Point A Point A Detail Point E FRONT Point B RIGHT Calibration Points Figure 89 Calibration Points Page 120 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 121 The following steps involve moving the Gripper Arm manually so the calibration tool points to the calibration points. The Gripper Arm should be moved gently; any jerking or rough handling may invalidate the calibration. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 121...
Page 122 Tray, or any other part that may deflect the at rest position. Point E Point E – 1 Orientation Point E Point E – 2 Orientation Figure 91 Calibration Point E Orientations Page 122 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 123: Handover Position
Handover Position The handover point is the point where tubes are picked and placed to the Carousel. The handover position is calibrated at installation – See Section 4.10.1. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 123...
Page 124: Database
7.9.1 Backup 7.9.1.1 Individual tables The PathFinder 350S GUI can be used to backup the database in sections. This allows selected data to be archived. 1. Navigate to the Tools Page on the GUI. 2. Press Backup Database button. The backup page shown in Figure 92 will be displayed.
Page 125: Restore
1. Attach a USB keyboard to the back of the Sorter. 2. Exit the PathFinder 350S GUI… a. Press F11 to take the GUI out of full screen mode. b. Close the GUI window.
Page 126 Programs  PostgreSQL 8.1  pgAdmin III 9. pgAdmin should open to display the PathFinder 350S database (PFSDB) in a tree view on the left of the screen. If the tree view is not displayed, connect to the database server by double clicking the item PostgreSQL Database Server 8.1...
Page 127 Figure 95 will be displayed. 14. Select the database file to be restored. The default factory database is stored in C:\PFSDB\ 15. Tick Disable Trigger and press OK. Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 127...
Page 128: Pre Packaged Scripts
Restore Database 17. Expand the public schema to view its contents. The Tables item should show 57 tables. 18. Close pgAdmin and restart the PathFinder 350S. 7.9.3 Pre Packaged Scripts Updates to the default database will be distributed as pre-packaged scripts. These may include new rack types, customised trays etc.
Page 129: Resetting Postgresql
7.9.4.1 Checking PostgreSQL 1. Attach a USB keyboard to the back of the Sorter. 2. Exit the PathFinder 350S GUI… a. Press F11 to take the GUI out of Full Screen mode. b. Close the GUI window. c. Close the other open PathFinder application windows.
Page 130 13. Ensure the PostgreSQL Database Server service is highlighted and press the Play control button. The service should start successfully. 14. Restore the database by following the procedure in Section 7.9.2.1. Page 130 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 131: Updating The Gui
7.10 Updating the GUI The PathFinder 350S Graphical User Interface (GUI) is web based. Essentially it is an interactive website viewed with Mozilla Firefox in full screen mode. The Workcell Controller runs a web server to host the GUI website called Apache Tomcat.
Page 132 10. Under the Firefox Tools menu, select Clear Private Data. Some options will be displayed. Press the Clear Private Data Now button. 11. Restart the PathFinder 350S. Page 132 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 133: Preventative Maintenance
This Section details the preventative maintenance requirements of the PathFinder 350S. Routine cleaning and maintenance is provided in the weekly maintenance schedule included in the PathFinder 350S User Manual (PS-U-UM002). Preventative Maintenance will ensure the PathFinder 350S operates reliably throughout its service life.
Page 134: Years Or 2,500,000 Tubes
It is expected that after processing 2,500,000 tubes or after 5 years a major service will be required to replace worn mechanical components. This service will also ensure the PathFinder 350S has been updated to the latest revision status including all service packs and software upgrades.
Page 135: Returns
Aim Lab will investigate the PathFinder 350S upon receipt and will advise of identified faults along with associated repair costs and timing. When contacting Aim Lab:  Aim Lab will attempt to diagnose and help fix the problem over the phone or email.  The following information is required: Serial Number of the affected modules.
Page 136: General Warranty
Aim Lab warrants that its products are free from defects in design, material and workmanship. The warranty period is defined in the terms of sale. Warranty does not cover defects over which Aim Lab has no control or influence. For example, ...
Page 137: 10. Recommended Spares
10. Recommended Spares A general call-out of spare parts is provided in the Figures on pages 16 thru 29. The PathFinder 350S Spare Parts Catalogue (PS-U-SM010) provides a comprehensive listing of spare parts including recommended spare part kits. Rev E February 2010 ©...
Page 138: 11. Appendix A Default Tray Configurations
11. Appendix A Default Tray Configurations The following diagrams show the standard Specimen Tray configurations available from Aim Lab. These diagrams can be used when configuring the PathFinder 350S for the first time to record the gate details and Location IDs. Note: ...
Page 139: Ps-Srt-A001 6 Position Specimen Tray
Error Rack (output) STAT Position (input) Emergency Bin (output) Gate Description Location ID Specimen Type Example Input EDTA only EDTA Bloods Input mixed Input Haematology Storage STORE Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 139...
Page 140: Ps-Srt-A028 7 Position Specimen Tray
PS-SRT-A028 7 Position Specimen Tray Profile Name: Tray Name: PFTray7 Gates 11, 12, 13 Error Rack (output) STAT Position (input) Emergency Bin (output) Gate Description Location ID Specimen Type Page 140 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 141: Ps-Srt-A019 8 Position Specimen Tray
PS-SRT-A019 8 Position Specimen Tray Profile Name: Tray Name: PFTray8 Gates 11, 12, 13 Error Rack (output) STAT Position (input) Emergency Bin (output) Gate Description Location ID Specimen Type Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 141...
Page 142: Ps-Srt-A027 9 Position Specimen Tray
PS-SRT-A027 9 Position Specimen Tray Profile Name: Tray Name: PFTray9 Gates 11, 12, 13 Error Rack (output) STAT Position (input) Emergency Bin (output) Gate Description Location ID Specimen Type Page 142 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010...
Page 143: Ps-Srt-A029 10 Position Specimen Tray
PS-SRT-A029 10 Position Specimen Tray Profile Name: Tray Name: PFTray10 Gates 11, 12, 13 Error Rack (output) STAT Position (input) Emergency Bin (output) Gate Description Location ID Specimen Type Rev E February 2010 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Page 143...

Aim Lab PathFinder 350S Service Manual

1 Introduction

2 Specifications

3 The Pathfinder 350S

4 Installation

5 Configuration

6 Troubleshooting

7 Repairs

8 Preventative Maintenance

9 Returns

10 Recommended Spares

11 Appendix A Default Tray Configurations

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