[RASMB] XLA/computer communications

[John Philo]

Jim,

I've never heard of a similar situation so I suspect this problem is unique
to your computer, XL-A, or software configuration (sorry, small comfort).

With regard to upgrading computer and software, I think right now is a poor
time to do it. Beckman will "soon" be releasing a new version of the
instrument control software (what they call the "GUI") that runs under
Windows 2000, and I think it would be foolish to change until that happens.
I don't think there is a firm date for that release (which is driven by the
need to change the camera chip for the interference optics), but we've been
running beta versions in the new user training course for about a year now.

John Philo
Alliance Protein Laboratories

-----Original Message-----
From: rasmb-admin at rasmb-email.bbri.org
[mailto:rasmb-admin at rasmb-email.bbri.org] On Behalf Of Jim Bloom
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 8:08 AM
To: rasmb at rasmb-email.bbri.org
Subject: [RASMB] XLA/computer communications


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Colleagues:
      I have had a communications problem between my XLA and computer for
several years and would appreciate any insights you might have to 'improve
communications'!
      My XLA was purchased in 1995 and has the original computer and
software (Windows for Workgroups version 3.11; User Interface 1995-1996,
version 3.01g). I turn on the power to the XLA, then the computer and boot
up the software.  I usually then do a 3000 rpm scan to determine if
everything is ok.  I start the centrifuge from the software, it goes to
speed.  However, the software indicates the centrifuge is not spinning and
the scan does not start.  After about 30 min I get a message pop up saying
that there is a communications problem.  I cannot stop the centrifuge from
the software and have to use the XLA console control to stop it.  I then
exit the software and Windows, shut of the power to the computer followed by
the power to the centrifuge.  After about a minute I repeat
the above procedure.   After about 3 of these cycles communications are
established and everything is fine.
      Recently the centrifuge was moved and I had a Beckman engineer set it
up. I did not tell him about the problem above.  When he was done he
indicated that he had observed a communications problem. He knew this
because he had the front panel off the control pedestal on the XLA and could
tell from the red blinking lights on a circuit board whether communications
had been established or not. He suggested that I might try using the
software to switch from Comm 1 to Comm 2
and back again but could not guarantee that this would work.   He did not
have a
solution to the problem.
       My solution to the above problem is to never shut off the XLA and
computer and avoid exiting the control software program.   This solution
works
fine and I am able to leave the system on for weeks without running it and
when I come back to use it everything is ok.
      I have four questions:  1.)  the obvious one, does anyone have a
solution other than never turning the system off;  2.) out of curiosity has
anyone else had the problem (whether they have a solution or not);  3.)  if
I were to get the latest computer and latest software, would the problem be
corrected;  4.) finally a more general question:  latest software and modern
computer....are they worth the cost and hassle?

Jim Bloom
Bayer Corp.
Berkeley, CA



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