Chapter 6: Troubleshooting - Molecular Devices SpectraMax ABS User Manual

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting

The SoftMax Pro Software displays error codes when a situation arises that requires attention.
Any read in progress will stop. Warning messages do not stop a read but are logged in the
error buffer. Warning messages indicate a situation that requires attention but is not sufficient
to stop or prevent a read. Examples of situations that might cause warning messages are low
memory, entries being out of range, or operations that could result in loss of data. These
messages are generally self-explanatory. For assistance regarding warning messages, contact
your local Molecular Devices representative.
Error Code Classifications
Not all error messages are listed in this manual. The errors are grouped in relationship to
possible causes as follows:
Table 1: Error Code Ranges
Error Code
Number
100-199
200-299
300-399
400-499
500-599
Some errors are considered fatal. If these errors are detected during power up, the instrument
aborts the power up sequence and the SoftMax Pro Software displays FATAL ERROR if the
software is connected to the instrument.
Check the following list to see if there is something that you can do to change the condition of
the instrument to prevent the fatal error. (e.g., closing the cuvette door during the power up
sequence prevents errors 111, 219, 302, and 310).
After you correct the problem, leave the instrument on for about five minutes, turn it off and
then back on.
If the fatal error message continues to display on power up, record the error message number
and contact Molecular Devices Technical Support or your local representative for assistance.
If the instrument functions normally when you use the SoftMax Pro Software, no errors should
be in the buffer (except error number 100).
5065390 C
Possible Causes
Errors possibly caused by unrecognized commands being sent from the computer to
the instrument.
Errors probably due to a main board failure or an error in the firmware code. Most of
these errors require the assistance of Technical Support.
Instrument errors due to either a main board failure or other system failure. Most of
these errors require the assistance of Technical Support.
Errors caused by a motor motion failure. Most of these errors require the assistance of
Technical Support.
Errors due to failure or improper initialization of the instruments non-volatile memory
(NVRAM). All of these errors require the assistance of Technical Support.
6
27