Change Needle Warning Message on TapeStation Systems

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent 4150 and 4200 TapeStation systems.

Issue

The TapeStation controller software displays a warning message, notify users to replace the needle after 3840 piercings. If the maximum number of 4480 pierces is reached, further analysis is inhibited. Exchanging the needle when the warning message appears ensures optimal piercing of the ScreenTape.

Items Required

Needle Change Cartridge (p/n 5067-5783)

Steps to Follow

Exchange the piercing needle

Caution: Turning off the instrument during the calibration procedure after the needle exchange will result in a fail of all subsequent analysis. Turning off the instrument during calibration will require a different new needle change cartridge. Do not turn off the instrument during the calibration procedure after needle exchange.

Caution: The Needle Change Cartridge cannot be inserted into the ScreenTape nest in normal operation mode. It is required to start the needle exchange process by software first, this will open the ScreenTape nest. Do not use excessive force when inserting the Needle Change Cartridge into the ScreenTape nest. Insert Needle Change Cartridge to the ScreenTape nest only when requested by the software dialogue.

1. In the TapeStation controller software, prepare instrument by clicking Tools (Gear Icon) > Maintenance > Change needle (Figure 1). The exchange process opens the ScreenTape nest to allow insertion of the Needle Change Cartridge.
   

   
   
   Figure 1. Starting the TapeStation needle change
   
   

2. Close the instrument lid, then click Proceed (Figure 2).

   
   
   Figure 2. Preparing for needle change

3. Insert an unused Needle Change Cartridge to the ScreenTape nest. Insert the cartridge with the barcode facing towards the back of the instrument (Figure 3). An unused new cartridge has a new piercing needle in the left side and an empty slot on the right. The open slot on the right side has hooks.

   
    
   Figure 3. Inserting the needle cartridge

4. Click Proceed to continue.

5. After exchange: Remove the Needle Change Cartridge from ScreenTape nest and discard (Figure 4). The used cartridge has an open slot on the left side and the old piercing needle in the slot on the right. The used needle cartridge cannot be re-used dispose of it according to your waste management procedures.

   
   
   Figure 4. Remove the needle change cartridge.
   
   

6. Close the lid, then click Removed.

7. Wait approximately two minutes until the automated pierce needle calibration is complete (Figure 5). Do not to turn off the instrument or terminate the software during the needle exchange as it could impact performance of all future analyses.

   
   
   Figure 5. Needle change complete
   
   

Tip: If the new pierce needle was transferred to the instrument but the automated calibration fails, the system shows dialog boxes, which help to correct this issue. These dialog boxes cannot be turned off. If the correction attempts are unsuccessful, execute the System Verification (Tools > System Diagnostics > Run Tests > System Verification) then export the logs as explained in the article How to Export Agilent TapeStation Logs. Send these logs to technical support. The contact details for your local support team can be found on the Contact Us page.

Learn how to effectively operate your TapeStation System: Agilent 4200 TapeStation System Manual on Agilent.com Agilent 4150 TapeStation System Manual on Agilent.com

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

PR7001-1201