Service Information

ÄKTA pilot INDEX

No. Date Subject

1 03-03-27 Communication problem
2 03-04-10 Communication problem; more information
3 03-10-08 Pump head information
4 03-10-21 Valve 5 might leak
5 03-12-10 Screen fastener
6 04-04-27 CU-900 PCI replaced by CU-950
7 04-05-25 PSC-900 and UNICORN 5.01

For further information please contact Service Support - Uppsala Telephone: +46 18 612000 Telefax: +46 18 6121841
E-mail: global.customersupport@amersham.com
 Service Information
ÄKTApilot
From
Bo Tidemar
Subject: Communication problem
Priority
Important information
Valid for
ÄKTApilot system 18-1164-95; Ser. No. up to and incl. 01081714.
ÄKTApilot system 18-1170-63 (excl. PC); Ser.No. up to and incl.
01081440.
Message
We have got a few reports on communication problems between
the computer and the pilot controller (PSC-900) or between the
PSC-900 and the valves. Our investigations have shown that some
components were sensitive to excessive heating when mounted
(their values changed).
This has now been rectified by switching to another component type,
both on the PSC-900 board and on the valve boards.
Symptoms
Unicorn might repeat "Scanning for instruments" once or twice until a
connection is established, or the communication might be interrupted
later on. The latter means an error message, either for the PSC-900
("no response PSC-900") or for one of the valves ("Valve not ready"
or similar).
For further information please contact Service Support - Uppsala
No.1
Date Page
03-03-27 1(1)
Recommended action
If the described problem appears, it should be solved by
replacing either the PSC-900 PCB or the Valve PCB indicated
by the error message (the components in question are surface
mounted).
As the communication between the PSC-board and the Valve
boards takes place via communication circuits on both boards,
it is hard to trace the fault. The few reports we have got sofar,
seem to indicate that replacing the PSC-board should be the
first thing to try even if there is a message of a valve trouble,
perhaps with the exception of error 26 in Unicorn (Valve major
fault n), issued if several comm. errors in a row have occured
(n=valve no).
We are in the process of putting PC-boards into stock and
it is possible to put orders for the PSC-900 board on Code No.
18-1169-99. Ordering on the 19-no.(E.U. no.), however, doesn't
work yet. However, to facilitate starting up the exchange unit
routine, we would be grateful if you could return the faulty board.
For the valve board (18-1169-98) it may still be required to
contact Hakan Winald for a special delivery.
The repair should, of course, be handled as a warranty matter.
Telephone: +46 18 612000 Telefax: +46 18 6121841
E-mail: customer_support_biotech@eu.amershambiosciences.com
 Service Information

ÄKTApilot No.2
From Date Page
Bo Tidemar 03-04-10 1(1)

Subject: Communication problem; more information

Priority
Important information
Valid for
See SI No.1
Message
Regarding troubleshooting a system with a communication problem, we have seen that the error
message from Unicorn does not tell the whole truth, at least not regarding valve troubles. Unicorn may
namely tell "Valve not ready: valve 8" only because it starts looking for this valve and it does not tell if
there are additional valves not found ! So if, for example, no valve at all is detected it will just tell "Valve
not ready: valve 8" and that's all !! We are currently investigating how the error reporting can be
improved.
Recommended action
SERVICEmanager is the tool to use for troubleshooting. The useful tests are Valve positioning
and Error status.
Valve positioning will directly reveal which valve that has a communication problem.
In Error status you can, for example, see how many resendings that have been required and to which
valve(s). If desired, you can save the faults to file and mail it to us for evaluation. This file, named
Fault.log is found under SERVICEmgr32\Instrspec\PSC900.
SERVICEmanager version 2.30 will be launched shortly. If you need a beta version beforehand,
please contact us. The version released at the trainings can be used for the above purpose, though.

For further information please contact Service Support - Uppsala Telephone: +46 18 612000 Telefax: +46 18 6121841
E-mail: customer_support_biotech@eu.amershambiosciences.com
 Service Information
ÄKTApilot
From
Bo Tidemar
Subject:  Pump head information
Message
1. New pump head design
As from sn 1097452 (systems with SAT) and sn 1097452
(systems without SAT) the pump head has a new design:
The parts sofar used for upgrading the pump heads have been
incorporated (except for the support ring which is no longer
needed due to a change of the recess in the metal housing).
Functionally (as far as we know today) there is no difference in
performance between upgraded and new pump heads, meaning
they may be mixed at a pump repair.
The stock of spare parts (Pump head 400 cpl, 18-1169-87) solely
consists of the new design. The seal kit parts remain unchanged.
2. Check valves
The check valve type that has been used for upgrading has been
factory-fitted in the systems as follows, i.e. started to be included
earlier than the new pump heads:
As from sn 1092765 (systems with SAT) and sn 1092771
(systems without SAT).
For further information please contact Service Support  - Uppsala
     No.3
Date Page
03-10-08 1(2)
The "new" check valve design is more sensitive to the low
backpressure which exists during the installation test.
This is logical as there is no spring pressure on the saphire balls.
For the P-901/903 this was solved by a built-in restrictor before
the pressure sensor.
Thus, the installation test result typically shows some oscillations
around 15 and 85% gradient levels (see fig. 1 on the next page).
We recommend that the installation test is performed using the
standard restrictor of 0.2 MPa (Code No. 18-1121-35). If it is fitted
either in the Column 2 location or at OutletF1 Waste this will prevent
the oscillations (see fig.2).
Note: The restrictor should not be used (is not needed) during normal
chromatography.
The stock of spare parts (Check valve, outer cpl  18-1169-89) solely
consists of the new design.
Telephone: +46 18  612000    Telefax: +46 18  6121841
E-mail:    global.customersupport@amersham.com
 Service Information

ÄKTApilot

 InstallationTest1BOutletF3001:1_UV1_265nm  InstallationTest1BOutletF3001:1_UV2_254nm  InstallationTest1BOutletF3001:1_UV3_280nm

 InstallationTest1BOutletF3001:1_Conc  InstallationTest1BOutletF3001:1_Flow  InstallationTest1BOutletF3001:1_Press1
 InstallationTest1BOutletF3001:1_Logbook  InstallationTest1BOutletF3001:1_UV1_265nm@01,SMTH  InstallationTest1BOutletF3001:1_UV2_254nm@02,SMTH
 InstallationTest1A002:1_UV1_265nm  InstallationTest1A002:1_UV2_254nm  InstallationTest1A002:1_UV3_280nm  InstallationTest1A002:1_Conc
 InstallationTest1BOutletF3001:1_UV3_280nm@03,SMTH
 InstallationTest1A002:1_Flow  InstallationTest1A002:1_Press1  InstallationTest1A002:1_Logbook  InstallationTest1A002:1_UV1_265nm@01,SMTH
 InstallationTest1A002:1_UV2_254nm@02,SMTH  InstallationTest1A002:1_UV3_280nm@03,SMTH
mAU
mAU

400 400

300
300

200
200

100
100

FR902 mounted as column 2
No backpressure added

  0
  0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 min
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 min

Fig. 1  Installation test result;  no restriction Fig. 2  Installation test result;  restriction 0.2 MPa

For further information please contact Service Support  - Uppsala Telephone: +46 18  612000    Telefax: +46 18  6121841
E-mail:    global.customersupport@amersham.com
Service Information

ÄKTApilot No.4
From Date Page
Bo Tidemar 03-10-21 1(1)

Subject: Valve 5 might leak

Valid for
(no serial number information available)
Message view A
In production, there have been some difficulties to make valve #5
pass the tests at 20 bar backpressure. Some valves had a minor
leak at the edge of the membrane. This has now been cured by a A
change of valve plate from type 1 to type 2 which has a smaller
seat for the membrane. After this change, all valves on the high
pressure side have the small seat, which is logical.
Valve plate, type 1
Recommended action
Sofar we have no reports indicating that this potential leakage
has caused any troubles in the field. Should it, however, be found Valve plate, type 2
that the system leaks, valve 5 should be the first one to suspect. (valves 4 – 7)
The symptom can typically be a pressure drop from 20 bar to 16
view B
during 4 minutes but then no further drop.
Valve plate, type 2 is available on Code No. 18-1169-96.
The service manual has been updated to reflect this change.
B

For further information please contact Service Support - Uppsala Telephone: +46 18 612000 Telefax: +46 18 6121841
E-mail: global.customersupport@amersham.com
Service Information

ÄKTApilot No.5
From Date Page
Bo Tidemar 03-12-10 1(2)

Subject: Screen fastener

Valid for
(no serial number information available)
Message
Rapidly changing PC screen designs on the market has made it
tricky to find suitable ways of attaching the screens to the
supporting table. The new approach will be the use of self-
adhesive reclosable fasteners instead of screws/clamps (see fig).
These fasteners were primarily intended for the new HP 1530
screen but have proven to be generally usable, i.e. both for the
existing (old) screen types and most probably even for future types.
The fasteners provide a stronger fit than most similar fasteners and
they are just one type (i.e. not split into mail & female types).
They will be supplied with the systems from now on.
Recommended action
The illustrations on page 2 show how to fit the fasteners (four
pieces á 125 mm) for the HP1530. A similar layout can be tried
for other screens as well.

For further information please contact Service Support - Uppsala Telephone: +46 18 612000 Telefax: +46 18 6121841
E-mail: global.customersupport@amersham.com
Service Information

ÄKTApilot
Page
2(2)

35
90 90

(2x)ø 4.6
120.5 ±0.3
90 90
35

238 ±0.5
Fasteners fitted to screen foot (HP 1530)

237.5 ±0.5

Fasteners fitted to support table

For further information please contact Service Support - Uppsala Telephone: +46 18 612000 Telefax: +46 18 6121841
E-mail: global.customersupport@amersham.com
Service Information

ÄKTA pilot No.6

From Date Page
Bo Tidemar 04 04 27 1(2)

Subject: CU-900 PCI replaced by CU-950

Valid for
ÄKTApilot, as from Ser.No. 01125277 / 01125914 (no SAT).
CU-950
Message
As from March 2004 (approx.) the CU-950 control box replaces the
CU-900 PCI control board in ÄKTApilot.
CU-950 is located inside the cabinett, underneath the pH/C-901 (see fig.
on page 2, also showing the cable connections). All cables are already
attached according to that figure when the system is delivered.
The Ethernet cable, however, has to be temporarily replaced by the
USB cable (supplied) during configuration, when IP address etc. is setup.
Please refer to CU-950 Service Manual section 2.2.2 for procedure.

The CU-950 is fitted in a chassis together with a power supply module

(see fig. on this page).

Power supply module

Input: Mains voltage
Output: 24 V DC

For further information please contact Service Support - Uppsala Telephone: +46 18 612000 Telefax: +46 18 6121841
E-mail: global.customersupport@amersham.com
 Page
2 (2)

to mains distrib. panel Door inside

Internal I/O PCB Power
UV-901 Fan Fan
Continue/Run

Mains switch

Pause

Air sensor 925 mains distrib. panel

PSC-900

pH/C-901 Mains switch; rear view

to mains distrib. panel L2 (Neutral) L1 (Live)

yel/grn
CU-950 Mains in
P-908
blue brn
to mains yel/grn
to gnd tab to V1
distrib. panel
on pH holder
to pr.sensor, 2-port

to pr.sensor, 3-port

P-907

Ethernet

to air sensor 940

from mains supply

Service Information

ÄKTA pilot No.7

From Date Page
Bo Tidemar 04 05 25 1(1)

Subject: PSC-900 and UNICORN 5.01

Valid for
Already delivered ÄKTApilot, for compatibility with UNICORN 5.01.

Message
If an already delivered ÄKTApilot is to be controlled by UNICORN 5.01,
the prom version in the pilot controller PSC-900 has to be updated to
v1.01. This prom namely contains a workaround for a bug in this Unicorn
version. There is no other reason to update.

Recommended action
Please find the prom file in Service Toolbox, in the ÄKTApilot folder.
Download it to SERVICEmanager's prom folder for PSC900.
When you, later on, open the window for flashing, you'll find a selection
between Application code and Bootloader code. The prom file is an
application code so you should ignore the bootloader button.
Note: When the flashing reports "Completed" the PSC-900 starts an
automatic update of the Valve proms and the Pressure sensor proms.
This will take a few minutes during which the system's power lamp will
continue flashing. Avoid rescanning until the power lamp is continuously
lit (may not harm the procedure but causes a lot of error messages).
For further information please contact Service Support - Uppsala Telephone: +46 18 612000 Telefax: +46 18 6121841
E-mail: global.customersupport@amersham.com