Paul Gunston
Carlos VargasThis Information Applies To: Agilent Spectroscopy Systems, SPS 3, SPS 4 Autosamplers
Issue: The Agilent SPS 3 or SPS 4 autosampler performs its power-up initialization sequence, but displays Sampler Offline status in SpectrAA Software in the Optimize page.
The Sampler Offline message (Figure 1) indicates that the PC/SpectrAA Software is not communicating with the autosampler. Successful communication displays status Sampler Online.
Figure 1. 1 Location of Sampler Offline message
Table 1 contains the possible sources for the error, and actions to identify and correct the problem. If these actions do not correct the error, the error will be an autosampler hardware fault or corrupted firmware. To identify a hardware fault, refer to Agilent SPS 3 Autosampler Initialization Sequence and Troubleshooting OR Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler Initialization Sequence and Troubleshooting.
Table 1: Sources of error and action to correct
| Error source | Actions |
| Incorrectly selected or configured COM port on the PC | The autosampler must use COM1 for the communication setting on the PC. If using a USB to serial adaptor (or cable), confirm it is mapped to COM1. The adaptor may also be faulty. Your IT Department may be required to check these settings and operation |
| Failed autosampler initialization | Ensure that the autosampler initialization process is completed successfully with no errors before opening SpectrAA Software. The autosampler probe moves on all three axes and there are no error LEDs on the autosampler when the movements are completed. |
| Power interruption | Restart the autosampler, ensure that autosampler initialization process is completed successfully with no errors then open the SpectrAA Software |
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Improper shut down of the SpectrAA Software |
Save and close all worksheets then shut down the SpectrAA Software, then switch off the autosampler. Restart the autosampler, ensure that autosampler initialization process is completed successfully with no errors then open the SpectrAA Software |
| Starting the SpectrAA Software before switching on and initializing the autosampler | Close the SpectraAA software, start the autosampler, ensure that autosampler initialization process is completed successfully with no errors then open the SpectrAA Software |
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Caution: Please keep hands and any loose articles away from the autosampler during the initialization process
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Learn how to effectively operate your Agilent SPS 3 Autosampler: Agilent SPS 3 User’s Guide
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