Discussion Category:  Protein Analyzers

8200 FMAT communications

Our FMAT (8200 cellular detection system) PC cannot communicate with reader/ robot. We have tried switching cables, re-installing the program. We have also tried switching PCs. Applied Biosystems do not seem to have service people that still know the 8200. Any ideas?
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john-mcd
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bhedberg
Hi There I am having the same issue. We stared with a Win7 PC, AppliedBio said to downgrade to XPsp2 so we did + some patches, same problem. They then said to go back to Win2000; we di. Then we couldn't even open the Analysis Software in win2000 until our computer guy rewrote some commands in the Batch file; it opened like a charm under XP and Win7. Argh! Anyhow now that the software runs (under Win2000) it times-out when trying to connect to the scanner, just like it did using Win7 and XPsp2. Did you ever come up with a solution for this? Thanks!! Brad
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john-mcd
Timing out was our initial sign, but it actually was communication issue in the 8200 We initially were not sure whether it was communication from the PC, the robot or the 8200. Yes we did get our's fixed. ABI dropped in with a complete 8200. They mixed and tested different components, blew out some, replaced more, re-installed the program with some fixes a couple of times, trying a couple of different PCs. I think that we may have used up a whole 8200 set of modules to get ours fixed, plus more. We got the robot functioning for a couple of rounds but the interaction with the 8200 was a problem, killing more parts. We had the same problems with our OS and opening the analysis software. Also after it was fixed we had additional problems opening new files with the old program and opposite. but this was an issue withing the saving of the data (a box wasn't checked off). In addition there are batteries in at least one of the modules that normally are not replaced and not mentioned in the manuals, but since the modules are so old now, there is an issue with old batteries in the machine and with the batteries in the off-the-shelf replacement parts. Bottom line was that the tech that was here knew his stuff and finally got it up and runing. Now we have a happy 8200, but I am not sure what is in the future: buy some extra components or an extra 8200 or .......
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bhedberg
Thanks very much for your message! It sounds like we are battling exactly the same problems. It also sounds like the solution is to involve an ABI technician on-site. When did you have them visit you? I see your original post was made in Jun 2010. I sure hope they will be willing to help us out too. We have both an 8200 and an 8100 (the latter we bought for parts). Of course neither is working (as described in my first post). Thanks again and any more pointers or a contact person at ABI would be a big help.
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john-mcd
Brad As mentioned, I do not think that this is an issue that you will fix locally. I do not know where you are located but we had a servise rep from the UK in to help us. Ashley Page Senior Regional Specialist, Service UK and Ireland T +44 141 814 6100 +44 141 814 6100 • M +44 7798582196 +44 7798582196 • F +44 141 814 6260 Ashley.Page@lifetech.com
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