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View additional product information for 3730 DNA Analyzer - FAQs (3730S)
62 product FAQs found
When contacting Genetic Analysis Support (FAS, FSE, Technical Support), we can address your inquiry most efficiently if you have the following information:
- Instrument Model and Serial Number
- Version of the software you are using
- Application and/or Kit Information
- Kit Lot Number
- Number of runs on the Capillary or Array
- Polymer Type and Lot Number
- Buffer Lot Number
- Hi-Di Formamide Lot Number or Loading Solution Information
- Sample data that can be sent to the Support Person
Please also provide details on:
- Reaction set up (i.e. how much DNA was used, Primer, etc.)
- How the reactions were cleaned up (Alcohol precipitation, columns, etc)
- What template DNA was used (i.e. Plasmid, PCR product)
- How was the Template DNA prepared?
All of this information will help the Support representative quickly and accurately assess the problem and provide you with recommendations for resolution.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
This error appears when the there is a mismatch between the plate information and what is loaded or available on the system. The Event Viewer will usually specify what failed validation. If this message comes up, please check the following:
- Has a spatial calibration been run?
- A new spectral may be needed or be made active (or the wrong instrument protocol was selected for the run).
- The plate record may indicate one type of plate is being used but another was loaded (e.g. plate record may say that the plate is septa sealed but the plate is actually heat sealed).
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
The EPF file is a temporary file that can be used for troubleshooting purposes. A new file is usually generated at the start of each run. However, if the Applied Biosystems Data Collection Software is not shut down properly, the EPF file does not close properly and the run data for subsequent runs gets written to one file. This file gets larger and larger until it fills the drive. If you get the message, go to the EPF folder (default location is the C drive, but due to the size, service may move the folder to either the D or F drive) and delete the EPF files. After deleting them, restart the system. If this folder is empty, then the drive may be full for another reason. If the full drive is your C or E drive, please work with your local IT department to determine cause and to free up space. If the full drive is D or F, these are the Oracle drives – please contact Thermo Fisher Scientific Technical Support for assistance.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
The calib.ini file is a file holds settings for the autosampler, polymer delivery system, and spatial. Check to make sure the user who is performing the spatial has administrator level rights to the Windows Operating System. Administrator level rights are necessary for updating the calib.ini file.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
The "Tray Type Disagreement" Error is generated when the instrument senses a plate that does not match the plate record information. For example: if the plate record indicates a septa sealed plate but a heat seal plate is in use.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
The file naming convention can be changed but the sample name (as entered on the original plate record) cannot be altered after a run is completed from within the Data Collection Software. The re-extraction pane allows editing of the Results Group selection. Edit the existing Results Group or create and apply a new Results Group and re-extract the data. Sample Name information can be edited in the Analysis Software, but only one sample at a time.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
No. The name of the computer workstation cannot be changed after installation. Doing so will sever communication between the computer and the Data Collection software. Typically, the Viewer service will not go to green. The computer must be re-imaged by an Applied Biosystems service engineer if the name is altered.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
If a particular Applied Biosystems Data Collection Software service (in Service Console) fails to go to green, first choose the "Stop All" command on the Service Console to stop all the services. After all services have shut down, reboot the computer and the instrument, wait for the green light on the instrument, and try launching the Data Collection software again. For services that remain yellow or red: Right-click and choose "Show Console". The console will have error information in the lower pane. Copy the information messages and contact Thermo Fisher Scientific Technical Support for assistance. NOTE: Loss of administrative privileges, change of computer workstation name, other changes to the computer workstation, or software corruption may adversely affect the Data Collection Software services.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
The Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer utilizes an Oracle database to store raw data generated by the system. Additionally, sample files extracted from the database are created on the hard drive. Routine maintenance must be performed to ensure that the appropriate database and hard drive space is available for new data; otherwise, new runs cannot be started and error messages will be generated. The "Cleanup Processed Plates" command in the Database Manager pane will allow you to delete all processed run data and processed plate records from the database. Before running this utility, ensure that all runs have been extracted from the database.
This utility does not delete:
- Data files that have already been extracted
- Spectral data and Spectral plate records
- Spatial information
Thermo Fisher Scientific recommends that this procedure be performed every 400–600 runs. If the database gets too full, an error message will advise the database cleanup. Extracted data (typically in the E drive) will also build-up over time and should be archived off of the computer workstation. After archiving, the extracted data should be deleted.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
If a solid yellow light remains on the Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer, perform the following steps:
1) Cycle power on the system in the proper order:
a. Boot/Reboot the computer workstation and log in to the computer workstation
b. Ensure that the buffer, water, and waste reservoirs are in their appropriate stations.
c. Close the oven door, stacker drawer, and instrument doors.
d. Cycle power on the Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer.
2) Confirm that the original communication cable is attached properly ("computer" labeled end attached to computer and "instrument" labeled end attached to instrument). NOTE: the original communication cable must be used as it is of a non-standard design.
3) Reset the "3730User" account password. To do so:
a. Right click on "My Computer" and click on "Manage".
b. In the Computer Management window, click on "Local Users and Groups" and click on "User".
c. On the right side of the window, there should be a username "3730User" Right click on that and select "Set Password".
d. Set the password to "3730User" (case sensitive). Confirm the password entry then click on "Ok".
e. In the Computer Management window, right click on "3730User" and select "Properties". "User cannot change password" and "Password never expires" should be selected.
f. Click on "Ok" and exit out of Computer Management window.
4) Confirm whether or not your IT department has:
a. Changed the name of the computer workstation.
b. Installed or configured firewall/antiviral software on the computer workstation.
c. Altered the original IP address of the computer/network card.
d. Configured the computer for network access.
e. Installed any updates or patches for the Operating System/Service Pack. NOTE: These changes may disrupt communication between the instrument and the computer.
5) Ensure that the "3730calib.ini" file is in the appropriate place. The file location on the Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer running Data Collection v3.0 and v.3.1: C:/AppliedBiosystems/Firmware.
If the problems persist, contact Technical Support or Instrument Service.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
Leaks can occur at the following locations:
- Array knob
- Polymer tubing fitting (Upper block to polymer bottle)
- Polymer block interconnect tubing fittings (Upper block to lower block)
- Lower block/Pin valve
- Check valve (Backflow into polymer bottle)
- Capillary (Check the length of the capillary for cracks)
- Detection Cell (Check the detection cell for any visible compromise)
Check all locations and verify that fittings are properly threaded and tightened. Look for visible signs of polymer leaks. For the Lower block/Pin valve: Inspect the lower block/pin valve contact area and polymer block interconnect tubing for either particulate matter (black specks) or haziness (brown tinge). If either symptom is observed, the lower block may have been subjected to arcing, which may compromise the seal of the pin valve. Remove the buffer jar, dry the lower block with a lint free laboratory wipe, run a spatial fill, and determine if polymer is leaking at the lower block. A visible droplet of polymer will be noticeable at the tip of the pin valve - block interface. If leakage is detected, the lower block may need to be replaced, or the pin valve solenoid may need adjustment.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
The appropriate volume to use in the buffer, water, and waste reservoirs is 80mls. The black line on the reservoir body is a reference only and should not be used to determine the fill volume. For accuracy and reproducibility in filling the reservoirs, a graduated cylinder should be used each time the reservoir fluids are replaced.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
The 1x Running Buffer can be stored for 1 week at room temperatures (20–25°C) or for 1 month at refrigerated temperatures (2–8°C).
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The Running Buffer on the Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer has a use-life of 48 hours on the instrument. Replace the Running Buffer (in both the buffer jar and reservoirs) every 48 hours.
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The Water Wash Wizard is an automated procedure to clean the block, polymer channels, and tubing of the Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer. The Water Trap Flush is a manual procedure to clean/refill water in the Water Trap of the Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer's Polymer Delivery Pump (PDP) block. Also refer to FAQ "What is the "Water Trap"?
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
A few small bubbles are acceptable; however, it is still a good idea to flush the "Water Trap" if there is any doubt. Excessive bubbles will decrease the efficiency of the "Water Trap" from keeping polymer out of the PDP mechanism. The "Water Trap" should be flushed weekly with a good, clean source of distilled/deionized water. Refer to FAQ "Where is the Water Trap and how do I clean it?"
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
The "Water Trap" should be flushed weekly.
1) Fill a clean 20mL, all-plastic Luer lock syringe (Cat. No. 4324463) with clean distilled or deionized water. Expel any bubbles. NOTE: Do not use a syringe smaller than 20mL or excessive pressure may be generated.
2) Attach the syringe to the forward-facing Luer fitting. Hold the fitting with one hand while threading the syringe onto the fitting with the other hand.
3) Open the forward-facing Luer fitting by grasping the body of the fitting and turning it and the syringe approximately one-half turn counterclockwise.
4) Open the exit fitting at the left side of the pump block by turning it approximately one-half turn counterclockwise.
5) Hold an empty beaker under the left side fitting while pressing gently but steadily on the syringe plunger. IMPORTANT: Take approximately 30 seconds to flush 5mL of distilled or deionized water through the trap. Excessive pressure can damage the "Water Trap" seals. Make sure that the exit/waste seals are open, in order to avoid pressure buildup. Continue to gently flush the full 20ml volume through the trap.
6) Close the forward-facing Luer fitting first (hand-tight only).
7) Close the left side exit fitting second (hand-tight only).
8) Remove the syringe from the forward-facing Luer fitting by holding the fitting with one hand while removing the syringe counterclockwise with the other hand.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
The "Water Trap" is a circular chamber situated within the Polymer Delivery Pump (PDP) block designed to ensure the PDP integrity/lifetime. This chamber sits on a horizontal axis directly behind the front-facing Luer fitting and encircles the PDP piston. The "Water Trap" acts as a barrier to keep the PDP mechanism (above the trap) isolated from the polymer (below the trap). A small amount of water in the trap dilutes any polymer that moves into the "Water Trap" during normal function of the PDP piston. Proper maintenance, which includes flushing the "Water Trap" with fresh water weekly, ensures that the diluted polymer is removed, along with any bubbles that may have formed. The "Water Trap" holds approximately 325µl of water. Refer to FAQ "How and When to Clean the "Water Trap".
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
A spatial calibration should be run:
- When a new/used array is installed.
- Whenever the array detection cell is moved/repositioned.
- If the instrument has been moved.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
A spatial calibration is a "map" of where the capillaries are positioned relative to the CCD camera. An accurate spatial is required to ensure accurate data is collected. It is very important to carefully review the results of each spatial calibration to ensure proper mapping/correct identification of each capillary within the spatial run.
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There is no fixed time as to when a spectral must be run. However, some users prefer to run a new spectral at a preset time to ensure it is up to date. Data quality will be the largest indicator of when a new spectral is required. A separate spectral calibration needs to be performed for each dye set, array type, and array length. For G5-RCT dye set users only: a spectral calibration must be re-run if the array detection cell is moved/repositioned. Refer to FAQ "When should I run a spectral calibration?" for more information on when a spectral should be run.
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A new spectral calibration should be run:
- Whenever a new dye set is used on an instrument.
- After any optics adjustment performed by a service engineer.
- If the instrument has been moved.
- If you see a decrease in spectral separation (pull-up and/or pull-down peaks).
- If you alter any conditions (dye set, array type, or array length).
- For G5-RCT, Any4dye-HDR, and S dye set users only: Any time the array detection cell is moved/repositioned.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
A spectral calibration is an algorithm applied to raw data, which converts it into the component 4 or 5 dye data stored in the sample files. A spectral is created for a specific dye set (combination of dyes), array type (4 or 16 capillaries), and array length (36cm or 50cm). It is used to correct for the natural overlap of the fluorescent dyes.
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The life span of an array can vary depending on the application, sample prep (clean-up), and excessive handling. Each Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer capillary array (regardless of length or number of capillaries) has a minimum specification of 300 runs within 1 year of purchase under normal run conditions. This minimum specification assumes careful maintenance and proper usage of the system.
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POP-7 polymer can maintain its performance for seven days on the Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer at standard lab conditions. After seven days, perform all required maintenance (including the Water Wash Wizard) and replace with fresh polymer. Do not "top off" the polymer bottle (add fresh polymer to old polymer), which can adversely affect data quality and consumable lifespan.
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On the 36 cm array:
- The Standard Sequencing run module has a run time of 60 minutes and an average read of 700 bases with a QV >20.
- The Rapid Sequencing run module has a run time of 35 minutes and an average read length of 550 bases with a QV >20.
On the 50 cm array:
- The Extra Long Read Sequencing run module has a run time of 180 minutes and an average read length of 900 bases with a QV >20.
- The Long Read Sequencing run module has a run time of 120 minutes and an average read length of 850 bases with a QV >20.
- The Fast Sequencing run module has a run time of 60 minutes and an average read length of 700 bases with a QV >20.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
The Instrument serial number can be found on the back or bottom side of most instruments. For easier customer access, Thermo Fisher Scientific has produced adhesive holders that can be used to display the serial number and history log on the front or side of your instrument. To obtain a holder, please contact your local service engineer, field application scientist or call technical support.
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It looks like you may have chosen the 6-dye license renewal instead of the BASE license renewal option from the software.
For detailed instructions on renewing the license on the Applied Biosystems 3130 and 3730 Series DNA Analyzers, please refer to the Applied Biosystems 3130 Series Genetic Analyzers and 3730 Series DNA Analyzers: Renewing the Software License (Data Collection Software v.4) Technical Note (https://www.thermofisher.com/content/dam/LifeTech/Documents/PDFs/3730-3130-License-Renewal.pdf). Be sure you are logged onto the computer with Administrator rights before attempting to install the software license file.
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A patch is available on the following link (http://resource.thermofisher.com/pages/WE28396/) to fix this.
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You can purchase a computer for installation of the secondary analysis software packages (e.g., Sequencing Analysis, GeneMapper software) as long as the computer meets the software compute requirements (for processor speed, the minimum speed of the processor should be at least 3 GHz) and you can install the software yourself.
For the instrument computer, the computer system has a much more stringent requirement and undergoes thorough testing to make sure it can handle the flow of data from the instrument to the computer. The images for the computer system are streamlined to make sure they have the proper drivers for the computer components and the Operating System optimized to make sure there is nothing running in the background that might slow the computer down, take up memory, or conflict with our software. Purchasing a computer commercially can introduce too many variables in terms of hardware and software that can negatively affect the data collection process so we cannot support connecting it to the instrument.
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Installation of the Data Collection Software for the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer is a complex process that requires a Field Service Engineer to install the software properly.
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It is possible that the instrument and computer had a communication issue, disassociating the data from the plate record, resulting in no history and no data files. If this happens, shut down the instrument and the computer, wait 2 minutes and restart the system following the instructions in the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzers: Shutting Down the Instrument Technical Note (https://www.thermofisher.com/content/dam/LifeTech/Documents/PDFs/3730-Shut-Down-Procedures.pdf) and Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzers: Starting Up the Instrument Technical Note (https://www.thermofisher.com/content/dam/LifeTech/Documents/PDFs/3730-Start-Up-Procedures.pdf).
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
When placing the array on the instrument, the last step in the process is to loosen the array knob and the instrument forces any air bubbles around the array tip through the threading and the middle of the array knob. Some polymer gets pushed through as well and when it dries up, it appears as a white, flaky residue. Use a damp, lint-free cloth to remove it. If more residue appears after the cleanup, it is possible that the array knob is not tightened enough or the array ferrule may require replacement.
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If the array is stuck in the pump, even after loosening the knob, squirt around the edge of the array head with distilled water and try to remove it again. If the array will not move, a service call may be required. Do not use excessive force or tools to try and remove it.
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It is possible that the polymer tube fitting may not be screwed into the pump properly, allowing air to get pulled in as the piston retracts. It is also possible that some debris may be stuck in the check valve, locking it in the open position. It may be necessary to detach and carefully attach the polymer tube again and then perform a water wash wizard to remove the bubbles and clear any debris from the check valve.
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It is not unusual to see a large bubble at the tip of the piston while performing the water wash wizard on the system. When the polymer is put back on to the system, the difference in viscosity is usually enough to dislodge the bubble and push it out. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to repeat the wash and go back and forth between the water and polymer to force it out.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
If the system has not been started in the last week, completely shut off the instrument and the computer, wait for 2 minutes and restart it in the order in the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzers: Starting Up the Instrument Technical Note (https://www.thermofisher.com/content/dam/LifeTech/Documents/PDFs/3730-Start-Up-Procedures.pdf) or the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer Getting Started Guide (http://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/4478016A.pdf).
If the computer itself seems to be running slowly after restarting, you may need to defragment the hard drives. For the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer, only defragment the C and E drives. Do not defragment the D and F drives-the Oracle database is installed on these drives and defragmenting the Oracle drive may cause functionality issues with your Data Collection and GeneMapper software.
If the system has been restarted and the computer slowdown is limited to the instrument Data Collection Software, it's possible that the database/data store is getting full. For the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer, after the Data Collection software has launched select “Database Manager” on the left side. If there are more than 300 runs or the database is greater than 10% full, you will need to click the Cleanup button to remove all Processed plates in order to increase the speed of the system. Should the database remain this way or continue to get filled, it will eventually hit a point where it will lock up and a service call will need to be opened for re-imaging and re-installation.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
1.Completely shut down the instrument and computer. Wait 2 minutes and restart the computer, log in, then turn on the instrument and wait for the green light.
2. Right click on “Computer” and select “Manage”. Expand “Services and Applications” and click on “Services”
3. Scroll down to “Oracle” in the list on the right. Any Oracle service that has a startup type of “Automatic” should have a Status of “Started”. If not, select the service and click Start.
After the services have started, wait 2 minutes and then try to launch the Data Collection Software.
If the services do not start or if this does not resolve the issue, please contact Technical Support at techsupport@thermofisher.com for further assistance. This symptom may require a service call.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
The location of the files is determined by the Results Group. Double check the Location tab in the Results Group selected for the run to make sure it has not been changed and the files saved to a different location.
On the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer, you can click on Run History in the Data Collection Software, select your plate and go to the Re-extraction heading under Run History to try and recover the data files.
Some other causes of missing data include:
-If the system is networked and something interrupts the network connection then it might interrupt the connection between the instrument and the computer. Depending on when it occurred, you might be able to recover it on Re-extraction. If you are saving the samples to a network drive and the location is unavailable, the data may still be in the Oracle Database on the Applied Biosystems 3130/3130xl Genetic Analyzer and can be re-extracted.
- The Event Log might show that the run aborted due to the user aborting it, so the run will appear to have completed or stopped with no errors and no data. A possible cause is septa that is old/re-used. Septa can become sticky and gummy over time and eventually start sticking to the array. In the best case scenario, the array will lift the plate off of the autosampler just enough to break the connection with the plate sensor and abort the run. Worst case scenario is that the plate remains on array as the autosampler starts to move, bending the electrodes and breaking the array. We officially recommend that the plate septa be used one time only. Re-use of septa can result in contamination and sample degradation. However, we are aware that some of our customers will rinse the septa with water and re-use them. If choosing to re-use septa, do not use bleach, detergents, or solvents to clean the septa, it will cause them to dry out faster and risks contaminating the system.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
“Leak detected” error messages can also occur when the piston on the pump moves further than expected during the movement of the pump. The usual cause for this is a leak on the system, usually due to either an improperly tightened or improperly threaded fitting or a broken capillary. However, if this is not observed, some of the other reasons are:
1.Valve stuck in open position
2.Large air bubble under the piston
3. Polymer:
-Wrong polymer type (e.g., instrument thinks it has POP-7 on it but it really has POP-4).
-Old/degraded polymer
4. Improper/no maintenance on the system
Inspect the system for leaks. If you do not see any leaks on the system, perform a water wash using the water wash wizard and place fresh, non-expired polymer and freshly made 1X Running Buffer on the system. If the problem persists, a service call may be required.
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Some of the other causes of an Unstable Electrophoresis current detected error message are:
1.Leak on the system
2.Polymer that:
-Has expired
-Has been left on the instrument for more than the recommended time
-Is a mixture of expired polymer and non-expired polymer
3.Using Running Buffer that was:
-Diluted to 1X incorrectly
-Swapped with the water position on the
Autosampler deck
-On the instrument longer than 48 hours
-Not filled to the fill line or evaporated below the fill line
4. An arcing event that was not cleaned afterwards using the water wash wizard
5. Not performing regular maintenance on the instrument
6. Hardware issues
Inspect the system for leaks. If you do not see any leaks on the system, perform a water wash using the water wash wizard and place fresh, non-expired polymer and freshly made 1X Running Buffer on the system. If the problem persists, a service call may be required.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
A perpetually blinking amber light usually indicates that there is a door open on the instrument or a bad door sensor. Open the main door, the oven door and the detector cell door (small black door with the laser warning on it) and close them again. After the autosampler stops moving the light should change to green. If the amber light does not go to green, it is possible that a door sensor is not working properly and a service call may be required.
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The amber light starts to blink once the instrument has logged onto the computer using the
-User password has expired or changed
-Firewall is on
-Cable is plugged into the wrong port
-The wrong network card was configured to connect to the local network
-Bad network card
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A blinking red light on the instrument may indicate that a hardware component has failed or a possible communication disruption has occurred between the instrument and computer. Completely shut down the instrument, wait for 2 minutes, and then start up in the order documented in Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzers: Starting Up the Instrument Technical Note (https://www.thermofisher.com/content/dam/LifeTech/Documents/PDFs/3730-Start-Up-Procedures.pdf) or the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer Getting Started Guide (http://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/4478016A.pdf).
If the instrument goes from a flashing amber light to red light, one or more of the hardware components has failed the hardware diagnostic and a service call should be opened up.
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The initial software registration is performed with your Field Service Engineer during the instrument installation. Once the initial registration is done, you will need to renew the license annually. There is no cost associated with renewal, just a computer with internet access and email access.
For detailed instructions on renewing the license on the Applied Biosystems 3730 Series DNA Analyzer, please refer to the Applied Biosystems 3130 Series Genetic Analyzers and 3730 Series DNA Analyzers: Renewing the Software License (Data Collection Software v.4) Technical Note (https://www.thermofisher.com/content/dam/LifeTech/Documents/PDFs/3730-3130-License-Renewal.pdf).
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
If we do not specify the expiry date or number of uses, the warranty will last for 12 months from the date of shipment.
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If you map the network drive so it shows up under Computer as a drive letter, then this feature can be configured from the Instrument Data Collection Software through the Results Group by going to the Destination tab, clicking “custom” and then browsing to the location on the network.
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The instrument computer can be connected to your local network via the second NIC card by your local IT group. We don't offer Technical Support to assist with networking issues, and our warranty and service contract terms exclude coverage for instrument system problems that are caused by the network connection (i.e., computer virus, hacking, updates, or patches that alter the compute environment). However, our field service team will respond during the warranty period and while the instrument is covered by an AB Assurance service contract to isolate the cause of any problem either with instrument hardware, software, chemistry, or that arises from an external environmental source including the connection to a customer-owned internal network. Beyond that we can escalate issues to a product technical team who can review instrument logs and advise on the nature of the problem in an effort to help customers find and correct the source of the problem.
For tips on connecting your computer to the local network, please see the Instrumentation Networking Technical Note (https://www.thermofisher.com/content/dam/LifeTech/Documents/PDFs/Instrumentation-Networking.pdf).
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All of our systems have been tested with Norton Anti-Virus Software.
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The arrays are warrantied for a certain number of runs or one year from date of shipment, whichever comes first. If you notice that you are starting to get reduced data quality (e.g., shorter reads, trailing peaks in all 4 colors) even with the Sequencing Standard, these may be signs that the array requires changing.
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Thermo Fisher Scientific can only provide warranty on performance on non-expired reagents. Using reagents past their expiration date is a risk and may compromise your data integrity.
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Putting the polymer back at 2 - 8 degree C may extend the life of the polymer, however, we do not have any data indicating how long it might extend it. Removing the polymer and putting it back on the system can also result in a trade-off in usage. When placing it back on the system, you will need to degas the polymer for 30 - 60 min, refill the pump/block, array, and remove bubbles, which will cause you to use more polymer for maintenance than you would for running samples and may decrease the number of runs you can get out of a single polymer bottle/pouch
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
If the instrument is not in use, it is not necessary to replace the buffer every 2-3 days. However, the buffer level needs to remain at the fill line to prevent the capillary or array from drying out. Top off the buffer volume with water if necessary. Replace the anode and cathode buffer with freshly made 1X Running Buffer prior to starting a new run.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
For the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer, the buffer can keep for 48 hours.
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For the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer, the polymer can remain on the instrument for a week.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
Maintenance tasks on the Applied Biosystems 3730 series DNA Analyzer are broken down into daily, weekly, monthly, and as-needed tasks. For detailed information on the maintenance steps and when to perform them, please refer to the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzers Maintenance Checklist Technical Note (https://www.thermofisher.com/content/dam/LifeTech/Documents/PDFs/3730-Maintenance-Checklist.pdf) or the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide (http://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/3730SR_3730XLR_4359473_Maint_TroubShoot_UG.pdf).
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
The Data Collection and secondary analysis software requires certain permissions in order to function (Read, Write, Delete). To avoid issues with restrictions placed on user accounts, it is recommended that you log in either as Administrator or INSTR-ADMIN.
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There is no harm in restarting the system daily, but it should not be necessary unless there is an occasional loss in communication between the instrument and computer or the system is running significantly slower than normal. If the problems in run speed or communication loss are persistent, then it may be indicative of a larger problem. Technical Support should be contacted for further assistance at techsupport@thermofisher.com.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
We recommend that you perform a restart of the system once a week. The system may require a restart more frequently if you experience issues related to a communication interruption between the instrument and computer. Some systematic issues include:
1. The software freezing or becoming unresponsive
2. The run timer not counting down or flashing back and forth between 2 times
3. No data present at the end of the run
In the event of a communication issue between the instrument and computer, close the Data Collection Software (perform a forced shutdown of the application through the Task Manager if Data Collection is unresponsive), completely power down the instrument and turn off the computer. To properly clear the memory, power down the system for at least 2 minutes prior to a restart.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
After performing the short-term or long-term shutdown wizards:
1. Click “Stop All” in the Service Console and wait until all 4 services turn green. Close the program.
2. Go to the Start menu and select Shut Down. On Windows 7, click the Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen. Click the arrow next to “Sleep” and select “Shut Down”.
3. Click the power button on the instrument.
Step-by-step instructions for the shutdown procedures can be found in the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzers: Shutting Down the Instrument Technical Note (https://www.thermofisher.com/content/dam/LifeTech/Documents/PDFs/3730-Shut-Down-Procedures.pdf) and the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide (http://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/3730SR_3730XLR_4359473_Maint_TroubShoot_UG.pdf).
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
For the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer, if the instrument will be idle for less than a week, perform the short-term shutdown of the system. If it will be idle for longer than a week, follow the instructions in the user guide for a long-term shutdown using the Instrument Shutdown Wizard.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.
The Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer system includes both the instrument and the computer - you cannot start or restart one without starting the other. Improper boot sequence can lead to communication issues, aborted runs, and possible loss of data. The proper boot sequence is:
1. Turn on the computer and log in as the local administrator.
2. Turn on the power button on the instrument and wait for the green light.
3. Launch the Data Collection Software and wait until all 4 services turn green.
Step-by-step instructions for the start-up procedures can be found in the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzers: Starting Up the Instrument Technical Note (https://www.thermofisher.com/content/dam/LifeTech/Documents/PDFs/3730-Start-Up-Procedures.pdf) and the Applied Biosystems 3730/3730xl DNA Analyzer Getting Started Guide (http://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/4478016A.pdf).
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Capillary Electrophoresis Instruments Support Center.