Discussion Category: GC Systems
Autosampler not working
Our autosampler report the following error message:
The autosampler has reported an error: Z-axis not at home.
Looks, like the autosampler arm is not rotating when the GC powers on. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Reply byHello,
The fact that your gripper completes the transport of the vial to the injector, convinces me it is not the belt tensioner causing this particular problem. It is possible the rack pinion gear is worn, or your z-belt is torn at one particular spot causing "slippage" preventing the gripper from picking up the vial in the turret of the injector. Unless you are very familiar with these trays, I do not recommend attempting the repair yourself, there is always a risk of tearing the flex cable ($500) and possibly cause further damage. Please contact me for further assistance or if you would like information about our bench repair for these instruments.
Michelle Steger
Automation Support Specialist
Alpha Omega Technologies Inc.
1025 Hwy. 70
Brielle, NJ 08730
(800)-842-5742
Reply byHi ,
My lab has had some chemstation software issues which have now been resolved..however when we now start a sequence/method the autosampler will not pick the vial and transfer to the injector. The injector works fine and cycles through its cleaning but we cant get the vial to the injector! Does this sound like a hardware or software issue?
Reply byHello Gastro,
I need to know what model GC and Auto Sampler Tray you are using with this setup. When you go to start a sequence usually the program will display an error message. If there was a message it'd help to know exaclty that it was. This sounds like a hardware issue IF your sequence includes using a tray, even when recognized. Please call or email me for further troubleshooting. I am always happy to help.
Michelle Steger
Automation Support Specialist
Alpha Omega Technologies Inc.
1025 Hwy. 70
Brielle, NJ 08730
(800)-842-5742
Reply byHi Michele,
The GC is an agilent 7890A. The autosampler is a 7683 series. The only error we get is related to the position of the vial in the sampler tray..i.e. "Location vial 1 is invalid. Valid turret range is 201-201". We dont even have 201 vial slots!
Reply byHello Gastro,
I can assume you have a G2614A Tray. These trays require a cable attached from the back of the 7890 to the tray itself. Make sure the "Autosampler Tray" is enabled, and if so, it is possible it is bad (they have their own main boards now). When a method is setup to run an injector(s) only, depending on whether a front or back injector is installed, it will only accept vial 101+ or 201+, 1-100 is when a tray is recognized and enabled in the method/sequence.
If you have another G2614A tray to install in place, it would definitely tell us what the culprit is. These trays do go bad and blow out because of the main board. As always, make sure never to plug in any instrument to a power source that is ON to prevent main board blowouts.
If you are desperate to start a run, aside from manual injection, you can use the 201 and place your sample vial in the turret of the injector and start.
I look forward to your reply.
Michelle Steger
Automation Support Specialist
Alpha Omega Technologies Inc.
1025 Hwy. 70
Brielle, NJ 08730
(800)-842-5742
Reply byIt is also possible your injector needs to align itself because it thinks it has a hi-density turret installed. To perform this procedure remove the syringe and the needle support. With the metal end of the needle support hit the little button above the lights on the injector. The injector will perform the alignment procedure. When it is complete, re-install the needle support and syringe and power cycle the GC. This may clear up your issue.
Michelle Steger
Reply byHi
Everything was working well and the we ran into some chemstation software issues...we ended up having to reinstall the software. Now the computer and instrument are talking but when we try and run a test sequence the autosampler doesnt operate. I do get a message on the instrument that the tray is not installed. Is there a button in the software that will enable or install the autosampler?
Thanks
Reply byHi...its up and working now....these things seem to have a mind of their own sometimes.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Reply byIt is possible the tray needs to have its firmware udpated, the current version may be too old for the new chemstation software to recognize or be compatible with. If you tell me which revision of firmware your tray has I could find out if they are compatible.
Michelle Steger
Automation Support Specialist
Alpha Omega Technologies Inc.
1025 Hwy. 70
Brielle, NJ08730
Phone: 1-800-842-5742
Reply byGlad to hear, thank you for the update.