Bio-Rad PDQuest 2-D Analysis Software - Manual (Page 55)

Section 8
Troubleshooting
8.1 Communication Error
If the computer cannot make communication connection with the spot cutter or the
camera, an error message will appear reading, "Cutter and/or camera not responding. Use
'simulation' to diagnose communication error. Would you like simulation?" This means that one or
the other (or possibly both) devices have not made communication with the computer. If either
part fails, this message will appear. Answer "Yes" to this question and then use the "Simulate"
check boxes to determine which device (spot cutter or camera) is not communicating.
Click on the X in the "Simulate Cutter" box. If it de-selects the box, then the computer has made
connection. If it comes back with the message: "Unable to initialize cutter. Please make sure it is
on and connected." Then the spot cutter is not making connection with the computer. Then, click
on the "Simulate Camera" box. If it de-selects the box, then the computer has made connection.
If it comes back with the message: "Unable to initialize cutter. Please make sure it is on and
connected." Then the camera is not making connection with the computer. Error code 53 is also
an indication that the Camera is not connected or the drivers have not been installed.
Things to check if the Spot Cutter is not communicating:
• Check for Spot Cutter power on. The front panel black I/O switch should be switched to "I".
• Check that Pause/restart button was pushed to reset the spot cutter
• Spot cutter must be started after the computer has booted up.
• Serial cable securely attached
Things to try:
1. Close PDQuest. Turn off power to the spot cutter, then turn on spot cutter and press
Pause/restart button to initialize. Open PDQuest, go to Identification, Basic Excision Tool,
and look for communication connection.
2. Keep PDQuest open. Turn off power to the spot cutter, then turn on spot cutter and press
Pause/restart button to initialize. Click on the "Simulate Cutter" box to deselect. If it
deselects the X, then it has made connection.
3. Turn off Spot Cutter, close PDQuest, and Shut Down computer (do not just restart - but do
a complete shutdown). Turn on computer, and let it boot all the way to Windows. Turn on
the spot cutter, then press Pause/restart button to initialize. Open PDQuest, go to
Identification, Basic Excision Tool, and look for communication connection.
Things to check if the Camera is not communicating:
• Camera not turned on
• Camera cable not plugged into the computer or the camera
• PCI card not properly installed, or camera name not entered in PCI setup. If you
suspect that the PCI card is the problem, go to Section 2.2 of this manual for the
software set up section to review the procedure for installing the camera software and
drivers.
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