we upgraded our FACSort with a loader about a year ago. initially we
had some problems with the o-ring not making a tight seal around the
sample tubes and some miscommunications between the FACS and CPU. Got
new silicon ring and had BD do a complete software re-install. since
then we have had very few problems. when we get a cracked tube or other
malfunction, we do have to re-run the whole rack. a provision for
recovering the run at the point you stopped is much needed. only see
"invalid tube sequence error" when we really have an error. don't know
what to say except complain to BD.
well, that's all i have to say about that
gary woo
>----------
>From: Lamb, Holly B.
>Sent: Thursday, March 27, 1997 9:17 AM
>To: Cytometry Mailing List
>Subject: FACSCalibur loaders
>
>
>Hi to all fellow Calibur users out there,
>
>HELP!!!
>
>In October we received a FACSCalibur with a loader, powermac, and no second
>laser or sorting option. Since then we have been trying to get the Calibur
>with the loader to run, without much success. We also have the BDPAC
>connection problems so many others have, but we can work around that if we
>only have to start the machine once a day. However, we are experiencing
>another problem we have not found a way around. When we open the cover to
>reseat a tube or replace a cracked tube, or sometime even to change to the
>next rack, we often get an "invalid tube sequence error". At that point we
>are forced to stop the run entirely. If we simply restart the run again
>without changing a thing, the run will continue just fine. Anyone running
>this system knows how much time it takes to generate a report and relaunch
>the software. It clearly is not a walk-away from system. So far we have
>replaced the loader, the electronics module on the loader, the entire
>computer, disconnected our system from the network, reloaded the software
>multiple times, rebuilt the desktop daily, run Norton utilities, loaded the
>newest version of CellQuest 3.0.1f, and taken up drinking....and still get
>the intermittent "invalid tube sequence error".
>
>Any suggestions would be of GREAT help. We are at the end of our rope.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Holly
>
>Holly B. Lamb
>Flow Cytometry /Optical Morphology Core Facility
>Mayo Foundation
>Rochester, MN 55905
>
>lamb.holly@mayo.edu
>127-5198,
>(507) 284-4241
>
>
>