Running the System Verification on Agilent TapeStation Systems

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent 4200 TapeStation 4150 TapeStation, TapeStation controller software

Issue

The system verification can be run to check the TapeStation performance, for example, when you suspect an instrument hardware fault.

Items Required

4200 TapeStation

• TapeStation Test Tape (p/n 5067-5601)
• Full rack of Loading Tips (p/n 5067-5598)
• TapeStation Tip Waste Bucket (p/n G2992-40046)
• Empty 96-well plate (p/n 5042-8502)
• One regular ScreenTape device

4150 TapeStation

• TapeStation Test Tape (p/n 5067-5601)
• Full rack of Loading Tips (p/n 5067-5598)
• TapeStation Tip Waste Bucket (p/n G2992-40046)

Caution: The TapeStation Test Tape is a specialized test device that differs in physical properties from regular ScreenTape devices. Insert and remove the TapeStation Test Tape from the ScreenTape nest when prompted by the controller software. Only insert the TapeStation Test Tape to the ScreenTape nest. Do not insert the TapeStation Test Tape to the ScreenTape rack for the ScreenTape handling test within the robotics test suite. Follow the instructions during the robotics test suite closely. Protect the TapeStation Test Tape from excessive force. Do not bend or flex the Test Tape and store away from heat, direct light, and chemicals in the provided packaging when not in use.

Steps to Follow

1. Turn on the laptop. Let the operating system start entirely.
2. Power on the TapeStation instrument with the instrument lid closed. Let it initialize entirely.
3. Start the TapeStation controller software and allow the software to detect the instrument. Select the instrument that you want to test from the instrument selector.
   

   Tip: Software revision 5.1 allows the user to connect up to two TapeStation instruments to the computer at one time. Execution of hardware diagnostics is possible for one instrument at a time only

4. Click the gear icon then click System Diagnostics > Run Tests (Figure 1).

   
   
   Figure 1. Opening the hardware diagnostics and functional verification context in the TapeStation controller software
   
   

5. From the TapeStation Hardware Diagnostics and Functional Verification context, click System Verification (Figure 2).
   

   Tips: Two other test suites that are available from the hardware diagnostics and functional verification context. The software installation verification evaluates the computers specifications and verifies that all components have been installed correctly. The hardware troubleshooting is an extended version of the system verification that may be requested by technical support. The software installation verification is included in the system verification, which is itself included in the hardware troubleshooting tests.

   
   
   Figure 2. Hardware diagnostics and functional verification context.
   1. System verification 2. Software installation verification 3. Hardware troubleshooting 4. Result review 5. Export log file.
   
   

6. Select the default tests or omit tests according to your needs. Some individual tests depend on others. When a test is cleared, any dependent tests are also cleared (Figure 3).
   

   
   
   Figure 3. Selecting tests in the system verification test suite.
   1. Test selection 2. Test groups. 3. Individual tests 4. Start button.
   
   

7. Click Start and follow the onscreen instructions. The Start button turns into an Abort button once the test suite is started.
8. Upon request, insert the required items for the test execution (Figure 4).
   

   
   
   Figure 4. Preparing the TapeStation for the system verification. Example shown is for the 4200 TapeStation, the 4150 TapeStation will request fewer items.
   1. Test description 2. Test progress 3. Onscreen instructions 4. Abort button.
   
   

   Tip: The TapeStation Test Tape is designed for instrument diagnostic purposes only, and as such will not apply any changes to the TapeStation instrument. Each TapeStation Test Tape has an operation life of two years. The TapeStation Test Tape is inserted into the TapeStation systems in the same way as a regular ScreenTape device. The label with the barcode faces towards the back of the instrument.

9. Click OK to continue.
10. Upon request, monitor the status LED and lid indicator.
11. Confirm status LED and lid indicator functionality by clicking respective buttons in the pop up windows.
12. Continue to follow the instructions provided in the software.
13. After the tests have finished, you can click Print Report to save the results as a PDF.
14. If a test fails and you wish to share the results with Agilent technical support, collect the logs as described in the article How to Export Agilent TapeStation Logs. 

Tip: Any failed or aborted test remains selected even after the completion of the other tests. After all selected tests have been executed, Start re-appears and allows you to specifically execute these tests again. All repetitions of a test are recorded and are visible for review.

For more information on the system verification, see the Agilent Information Center, or chapter 8 of the applicable system manual.

Learn how to effectively operate your Agilent 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.

PR7001-1394