Doc ID: 20000-150223

Date: 23/02/2015
Author: MC
Page: 1 ! of !11

Connection problem DTprime – computer: optical controller board malfunction

Background

Two separate cases of sporadic connection problems have been reported between a DTprime and
a computer.

It has been observed that this particular problem seems to arise when trying to establish a
connection with the DTprime after a period of inactivity.

Description of error messages

1. After opening up the RealTime_PCR software and connecting to the instrument through
the “Connect” button, an error message is displayed. This error message is repeated 4
times, each time after clicking the ‘’Ok” button.


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2. After the last error message is displayed, the starting screen looks normal:







3. The following error messages are displayed after the protocol has been filled in, and the
“Start Program” and “Save as” buttons have been clicked. 







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 4. After clicking ‘’Ok’, the following error message comes up:


5. After this final error message, it is impossible to start the DTprime program.

Resolving the issue

The issue can (temporarily) be resolved by switching off the DTprime for a short amount of time
& restarting the RealTime_PCR software.

As this only temporarily fixed the problem for one of our customers, a replacement computer
and connection USB cable was sent. This did not solve the problem, as the error messages
recurred, narrowing the cause of problem down to the DTprime itself. A new DTprime has been
sent to this particular customer, and we have not seen these error-messages any more.

DNA Technology’s suggestions and explanation of the cause

Most probably, it's a problem of PC-device connection. It arises when the device fails to read the
booting data. Change the connection USB cable or, when not using the original cable (the one
supplied with device), use the original one. The loss of connection could also be due to a bad
USB slot, so if this errors appears try connecting the device to another PC. 



Another possible reason is poor performance of the inner SD card located on the optical
controller board. In this case rebooting the system will not help, and the optical board will need
to be replaced.


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DTprime optical controller board replacement instructions
Aim

The aim of this instruction is to give instructions on how to replace a faulty optical controller
board with a new one (supplied by DNA Technology)

Procedure



All actions must be performed on an unpowered device:

- turn of device

- unplug power cord

- disconnect power and USB cables (see fig. 1)

Fig. 1

Replace body side panels:


- unscrew the three screws of each side panel ( see fig. 2 and 3.)





























Fig. 2 Fig. 3

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- carefully bend off panel and pull towards rear of instrument (see fig. 4 and 5)

Fig. 4 Fig. 5

Taking off the display:


- use service apertures in underframe of device (see fig. 6 and 7)

- detach display by sequentially using a screwdriver on the four catches which attach to the
display (see fig 6. and 7)

Fig. 6 Fig. 7

- unplug the three connection pins which come to the display (see fig. 8), afterwards leaving the
display in a secure place

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Fig. 8

Unscrew the two front and rear side screws on the device (see fig. 9 and 10), and remove the
upper panel of the body (see fig. 11).

Fig. 9 Fig. 10

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Fig. 11

Tag the optical controller cord connectors (see fig. 12). Pay extra attention to connectors J13,
J14, J15, J21 and J22, as these differ by cable colour only.

Connectors description:

- J13: FAM channel projector connector

- J14: HEX channel projector connector

- J15: ROX channel projector connector

- J21: Cy5 channel projector connector

- J22: Cy5.5 channel projector connector

Fig. 12

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Unscrew the 5 optic controller board mounting screws, after all of the connected cord have been
unplugged (see fig. 13).



Fig. 13

The new optic controller board has to be assembled in inverted order. WARNING! Pay attention
to the dielectric bushings under the optic controller board (see fig. 14).



Fig. 14

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Checking the CCD corner point coordinates of the High-Plex Analyser

1. Open the High-Plex Analyser cycler block. Clear any visual debris out of the 384 well block
using a fine pincer or trimmed cotton swab. Insert an empty or used Step 2 384 well plate.
2. Start up the RealTime_PCR software.
3. Choose Operator and select “Device Handling’'.

4. Choose desired device and select “Connect”.

5. Under “Preference” select “View image’'.

6. If using an empty 383 well plate, adjust the exposition setting to 10,000 msec. When using a
used Step 2 384 well plate, the 1000 msec exposition setting (note: see troubleshooting below)
can be used. Click “View” in order to take a photo of the plate with the selected exposition
setting.

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7. Make sure the High-Plex Analyser’s CCD camera has an optimal focus on all 384 wells, by
verifying whether the sights are neatly focused on all 384 wells.

If this is not the case, adjustments will have to be made to the “Corner points coordinates” (A1,
A24, P1 and P24). Changing these coordinates will shift the sights of the CCD camera. The “zoom
button” can be used to have an enlarged image of a selected well. Adjustments can be made by
inputting corner point coordinate values and hitting 'Enter', or by left clicking a corner point (A1,
A24, P1 and P24) and dragging the sights to its optimal position.

Normally, measurement area sizes of Rx =8/Ry=4 are used.

Troubleshooting

If the default exposition setting is not set to 1000 msec, then this needs to be adjusted. This can
be done by:

1. Going to Preference > Set exposition.

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2. Change exposition setting from 2500 to 1000 msec.

3. Save adjusted setting.

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