Support for your CPLC and Thermoshake LC Liquid Cooled Heater/Cooler 

Description
The INHECO Demo Tool software is mainly designed to check the main functions of the MTC/STC connected devices. It also allows to send single commands and to read out the error code report.
In case a problem with the MTC/STC and connected devices is detected this tool can be used to identify problems. The Demo Tool and its manual can be downloaded from the login area (MTC/STC) of our webpage.
Please make sure that the .exe and .dll are saved in the same folder. 
If you have any issues or problems with using the Demo Tool software, please contact us directly for support
The MTC/STC firmware command set can be used to determine the necessary command to read out specific settings from the Controller. During a support case INHECO will sometimes ask you to send specific commands to analyze the problem.
When a recommended command includes an X this means slot ID your device with problems is connected and you need to enter the slot number instead of the X.

Here is one example:
You have a MTC with several devices and a device is having an issue one command provided by INHECO could be xRAT.
If the device with the problem is connected to slot 3 the command would be 3RAT. The answer would for example be 3rat00220. This means the device currently has a temperature of 22°C (the temperature is shown as 1/10 °C).

Description
Incorrect heating or cooling can be identified with a variety of methods:
1. The Temperature displayed on the temperature controller is not changing.
2. Biological results are not good indicating a problem with the temperature
3. Automated deck system software is reporting that set temperature is not reached.
4. A Temperature probe is showing incorrect results.

Root causes
1. Hardware defect at controller board in MTC/STC or device, e.g.
a. defective peltier element at device (= error 11 slot) 
b. defective fan (= error 6 at slot)
c. problem with the cooling liquid reservoir (= error 7 at slot). Device needs service when the error is still shown after refill of cooling liquid.

2. Ambient temperature on automated deck is too high e.g., not enough space in front of the fan (at least 30mm) or another device is blowing hot air on the device.
3. Robotic system software communication issue not providing the correct temperature to the device.
4. Temperature probe not usable for INHECO device.
5. Programmed heater offset for device is not correct
6. Programmed disposable offset was not considered while measuring temperature with IMP or with temperature probe.
 

Solutions

Use our IMP (INHECO Measurement Plate) for temperature verification and send the IMP data to techhotline@inheco.com. This is the only recommended procedure to verify INHECO devices. As the usage of other temperature probes is not tested by INHECO.

 
Use the demotool software (INHECO support software) to exclude any influence of the robotic system software (communication issues).
 
How to analyze
The Demo Tool and its manual can be downloaded from the login area (MTC/STC) of our webpage: 

Please make sure that the .exe and .dll are saved in the same folder.  
If you have any issues or problems with using the Demo Tool software, please contact us directly for support
 
When a recommended command includes an X this means slot ID your device with problems is connected and you need to enter the slot number instead of the X.

- run the .exe Demo Tool
- start Controller 
- read out error codes 
- uncheck the refresh button 
- write xRHO in command section
- send command
=> if the answer is not 0 than it indicates a set heater offset, and you need to check with INHECO whether this might be causing your temperature issues.
 
- write xSDO in command section
- send command
=> if the answer is not 0 than it indicates a set disposable offset, and you need to check whether this is causing your temperature issues.
 
- write xRTT in command section
- send command 
=> compare the target temperature displayed in the answer with the temperature you are expecting. If this is different there might be a problem with the selected target temperature in your robotic system software
 
- write xRRT in command section
- send command
=> if this is showing 320 (=32°C) or higher the operating temperature is out of specifications.
 

If you need assistance in interpretation send the error code report to techhotline@inheco.com.

Furthermore, please check: 
-    Ventilation has a space of 30mm. For further
information about ventilation position and directions of air flow, visit the device specific manual.
-     Ambient temperature is out of specifications, e.g. an adjacent device is blowing hot air in the ventilation opening 

Description
You observe problems with the shaker performance? For example, the shaker seems just to vibrate or is shaking slower as you want? Or maybe it is not shaking at all?
 
First Root cause
The shaking performance depends on the different factors, such as weight of plate or fixation to the ground. Especially if you observe only vibration.
Description
You observe problems with the shaker performance? For example, the shaker seems just to vibrate or is shaking slower as you want? Or maybe it is not shaking at all?

First Root cause
The shaking performance depends on the different factors, such as weight of plate or fixation to the ground. Especially if you observe only vibration. 

Solution:
Please visit the device specific manual to check the maximum allowed weight. Check your weight of adapter and plate.

For your information:
The standard shaker such as the Thermoshake or the Teleshake have a maximum speed of 2000 rpm when empty. As soon as weight is applied it cannot reach the maximum speed anymore. 
For example, at a weight of 250g the maximum possible shaking speed is about 1300 rpm and with 500g the maximum possible shaking speed is 1100 rpm. 
If you need to shake plates with high weights with high shaking speed, we recommend using the Thermoshake AC or Teleshake AC with active clamping. The shaking motor is less depending on the weight and can shake up to 3000rpm event with maximum allowed weight of 1000g.

Second Root cause
Shaker is not fixed properly to the ground. 

Second Root cause
Shaker is not fixed properly to the ground. 

Solution:
Visit the device specific manual to learn more about the fixation of your device. Without fixation the shaker is imbalanced, and the devices stops shaking at high speed.

Third Root cause
Hardware defect at shaking motor or at clamping mechanism. In this case you should see a shaking specific slot error at the display or in the error code report of the INHECO Demotool. 

Solution:
Check the error code list for recommendations regarding the error displayed at the controller or in the error code report. 

Forth Root cause
If you use an adapter it might have been screwed too tight to the shaking device. Please note that only up to 10 Ncm are allowed to by used. 

Solution: 
loosed the adapter and tighter it with not more than 10 Ncm

Description
While shaking the device sounds different than usual?
 
Root causes
Labware it not fixed correctly
Labware holding screws in the corner are too loose
Screw in the middle of the device is not tightened enough.
Shaker motor is defective

Solutions
Visit the device specific manual to learn more about the plate fixation. As soon as the labware is tightened correctly it could solve the problem.When you hear the sound even without plate inserted tighten the holding screws just a bit. 
 
Check the screw in the middle of the device and try to tighten it

 

If the instructions above, do not solve the issue the shaker is defective and needs to be returned to INHECO.

Description
You received unexpected answers from the MTC which lead to a stop of your robotic system software?

Root cause
Your robotic system software is not programmed correctly to handle the following answers.

• An empty reply or nonsense
• ErrD1llCalc
• ErrD1llCRC
• ErrD1llNoreply 
• or 7mtcDllErrorTO

Answer includes the information from the command before

Solution
Contact techhotline@inheco.com for assistance for such communication issues. We can help to discuss the issue with your software provider and provide them with recommendations to solve the issue.

General Information about the .dll
Dll version 1.2.7.2 is compiled for any CPU
Description of dll is in chapter 9 of Firrmware Command Set
The target framework is .net 2.0 . It does not work with .net core. You need to use .net frameworks.
It is recommended to use C# and not VB.net. Most of our customer successfully integrated c# we do not have much experience with VB.net
As an example: This is how our own demotool software works:

GlobCom Go = new GlobCom();
 
int ID;
if (Go.FindTheUniversalControl(ID) == 0)

//no connection

else

  string str;
  str = "0AVO1";
  Go.WriteOnly(str);
  string tmp = Go.ReadSync();

Description
When the temperature is set to 37°C the sample in the labware does not reach this temperature?
 
Root cause:
The heat loss during heat transfer from device to sample is too high.

Solutions:
Use an adapter for your labware to minimize the influence of ambient temperature especially on the outer wells. 
Inheco Adapters
Use a disposable offset. => learn more about this in the controller manual on pages 21 ff.

As explained in the Controller manual on page 21 it is sometimes necessary to program a temperature offset to ensure that the temperature within the sample is the desired one.
The temperature shown on the controller is always the temperature of the heating plate. There is a loss of temperature from the heating plate into the sample. The loss differs depending on the used labware, used adapter, volume in the labware, surrounding temperature and so on which we cannot determine for each customer, and each set up.
To determine the heat loss, you need to measure the temperature within the liquid. For example, if the temperature difference is about 2°C between temperature at display and the liquid, set the temperature offset to 2°C with xSDO20.
 
If you have no suitable probe for this, you need to determine the correct temperature empirically. For example, the disposable can be increased step by step to find the suitable temperature.

Please get in contact with techhotline@inheco.com to get a quote for part numbers 1004468 and 1004469.
 
Or use the following references to organize replacement.

• The reference number for the syringe is: 4613554F (B Braun)
• The reference number for the Needle (Tip 15GA GP .054X1.5 amber) is: 7018062 (Nordson)

 
If you have a syringe and needle with similar specification as the above-mentioned reference, just use these.

Please follow the recommendations within the firmware update manual.
The most successful way to get this tool recognized is to use a windows 7 device. As the company MicroChip did not provide an updated driver for windows 10 on the Chip on the MTC mainboard.
If you do not have a windows 7 device you can also use windows 7 in a virtual machine. This is also not really easy going, but it was successful. It is important to immediately attached the USB device to the virtual player with Win7 every time again since it is dis- and reconnecting for a couple of times during the process.

Description
The mainboard error 08 indicates there is a problem with the analog and digital sensor on the mainboard of the controller.
 
Root cause:

• Ambient temperature problem
• Defective fan of controller
• Problem with specific set parameter
• Defective microcontroller on controller mainboard

Solutions:
Check ambient temperature, it should be below 32°C
Check whether fans are not blocked and operable.

How to analyze and solve setting parameter

• Restart your PC and the Controller
• Execute the Demotool software
• Connect to Controller
• Enter 0RFV2 in command section
• Send command
• Enter 0RLO5 in command section
• Send this command several times

Is answer always:

• Enter 0rlo00050
• Send command
• Enter 0RHV4
• Send command
• Enter 0RHV2
• provide the answers to techhotline using the “save text” button next to the reply section
• With the provided answer INHECO support will create a command to reset the parameter.

If the create command, does not solve or the answer on 0RLO command is always 0rloC0050 the mainboard is defective, and the controller need to be returned to INHECO.

Description
Display or error code report show Error 27-30 at mainboard
 
Root cause
connection between slot and connected device is not good or was lost while the controller was still on.

Solution

There are several factor influencing the connection.

• If cable of the device is tightened with the screws to the slot. If this is not the case tighten the plug
• If someone disconnected the devices while the controller was running, make sure this cannot happen again.
• If there are other error entries in the error code report visit the information in this list, e.g. error 02 slot or error 11 slot
• It could also be related to communication issue. There are some known issues, so please contact techholine@inheco.com in case you excluded the first three points.

The mainboard error 04 indicates that the humidity is out of range. This error message is to ensure that the mainboard is not damaged due to high humidity but sometimes this error is set although the humidity is not as high. If you are sure that humidity does not exceed 80% there is the opportunity to avoid the error message with a special command (SLO) which increases the preset humidity range and also a command to erase errors (SEC). However, INHECO can only provide you with the commands when the serial number of the mainboard (controller) is available. This is needed to retrieve the keyword for the command. So please send the serial number.
However before changing the presetting please check if ventilation slot is not covered and ensure that the airflow is granted.
 
Please perform the following steps:
 
-    start Controller
-    find Controller with Demo Tool (ID)
-    Please send 0RFV2 for serial number
-   overwrite with next command 0RHV3
-   send command
      -   check if ventilation slot is not covered and ensure that the airflow is granted.
       -   send 0RHV3 again
       -   send screen shot of reply section

The Mainboard error 03 means the temperature measured at the mainboard temperature sensor is out of preset range. This sensor is needed to ensure that the mainboard is not getting too hot. There are several reasons for this error message:
1. Ventilation does not have enough space or something is blocking the ventilation inlet.  
2. A device next to the controller is blowing warm air on the device. 
3. Something might be wrong with the sensor. For this there might be two reasons:

• Defective fan in this case you would see mainboard 07 also
• Hardware of Sensor defective => mainboard must be changed
• Firmware problem with sensor => mainboard might be cured with some firmware commands.

 
When root cause 1 and 2. can be excluded. Please perform the following steps to start adjustment of sensor:
- start MTC and software
 - find MTC
 - Enter the commands
   - 0RFV2
    - (send command)
    - 0RLO5
   - (send command)
    - 0RHV4
    - (send command)
    - 0RLO5
    - (send command)
    - 0RCI
    - (send command)
    - 0RCT
    - (send command)
    - 0RLO5
    - (send command)
 
Please send all answers (best the saved file from the replies) to us, so we can identify hardware or firmware problem.
 
If the error 03 is still persistent after adjustment of sensor there is a hardware defect and the device needs to be returned for repair.

The Mainboard error 07 means that the controller (mostly STC) has a problem with its ventilation. So please: Check whether fan is running when connected devices are in operation.
If fan is not operational, please check whether the cable of the fan is connected tight to the mainboard.


You can go ahead and perform your experiments even if the second fan is not operational at the moment. We tested that the STC can work without this fan for some time. However, it should not run for a very long time (days and weeks without rest) as this could lead to overheating of the STC. As soon as you can dispense the Controller for some time you should return the instrument for repair.
If the fan is running than the error message 07 can be ignored.

Do you know if customer recently performed a firmware update? We often see that error 26 is related to this firmware update. In most cases the error 26 can be fixed with a short command using our Demo Tool. If the error 26 is persistent it would be better to fix it as it could interfere with the standard commands of the Single TEC Control.
 
With help of CRC Reset Tool
 
We have developed a CRC Reset tool which can be downloaded from our ftp server. You will find the manual for this tool in also in the customer log in section.
Copy the tool and the .dll into the same folder on the PC (same PC you installed the update tool)
 
If the CRC Reset tool does not work and the error 26 does not disappear, you can try the next option:
 
Please send the following command with our Demo Tool to the MTC/STC

0RFV2
Send command
xRFV2 (x=slot ID 1-6)
Send command
0RCF0
Send command
0RCF1
Send command
xRCF0 (x=slot ID 1-6)
Send command
xRCF1 (x=slot ID 1-6)
Send command
 
Provide us with the answers (best the saved file).
With the help of the answers we can see whether there is a hardware defect or a wrong message which can be repaired. In the second case we would send you some commands to repair the error.

Description:
Device received the command to shake at a rpm speed it is not possible to run
 
Root cause:
Wrong set speed via software
CPAC connected which cannot shake at all
 

Solution:

• Check set shaker speed on display of controller or make sure you send a correct shaking speed via your software
• Check what device is connected and whether it can shake the speed which was selected

e.g. CPAC shaker speed not allowed. Thermoshake Classic shaker speed up to 2000rpm and Thermoshake AC up to 3000 rpm allowed.

Description:
CRC failure at the slot.
 
Root cause:
Problem during shut down, causing a wrong check sum between Eerprom of device and Slot
Hardware defect

Solution:
 
Use the INHECO Demo Tool software to send the command: 0SDOx,5,0 (slot x; x= slot ID 1-6), e.g. 0SDO1,5,0 when error occurred at slot 1. This will heal the CRC problem during shut down.
 
The Demo Tool and its manual can be downloaded from the login area. Please make sure that the .exe and .dll are saved in the same folder.
 
start Controller
find Controller with Demo Tool (ID)
open error code report
write down number of occurrences (make screenshot)
close error code report
send the command 0SDOx,5,0
restart MTC
find Controller
open error code report*
if number of occurrences counted up (even after CRC reset), by 1 than the EEPROM of the connected device is defective and needs to be exchanged at INHECO site
 
*Instead of opening the error code report and note the number of occurrences you can also check whether the display shows the slot error again. If the error is persistent even after sending the command 0SDOx,5,0 the EEPROM is defective.
 
Thus, the system must be returned to INHECO please follow return instructions on Inheco Returns Rma
 
If you urgently need the device for experiments and don´t have the time for repair, we can offer a work around to change from internal device EPROM to external device EPROM on the slot. The device will work again, and the error will not happen. However, in this case the slot is the one telling the controller what device is connected. Thus, in case you change the connected device the slot won´t report this e.g., currently you have a CPAC and you change for a Thermoshake the controller would not be able to send the shaking command.

Description:
Error 06 at a slot means that there is a problem with the device fan.
 
Root cause:
false warning, as the fan is still running
something is blocking the fan
defective fan or controlling PCB

Solution:
Please check whether the fan is running or if something is blocking the fan. Please note: The fan of a CPAC only runs during cooling processes. The pump of the Thermoshake which is connected to the same circuit must run during all activities, of course.
 

• If fan is still running you can ignore the error to finish your experiment. Please contact techhotline@inheco.com to find out why the controller shows wrong error message. We have found that sometime a communication issue leads to a wrong error 06 message. Which software are you using?
• If something is blocking the fan, please remove the blocking part.

If fan is not running the device stops heating and cooling and the device needs to be repaired.

Root cause:
Error 07 at slot can have two meaning:

• cooling liquid level of Thermoshake is too low
• defective sensors.

Solution:

• refill cooling liquid according to Thermoshake Manual

If error is persistent or system is not cooling anymore:

• refill the cooling liquid while Thermoshake reservoir is open and pump is running to get rid of air bubbles. Please take care to clean spilled cooling liquid afterwards.

If error is still persistent the cooling liquid was probably missing too long and there are damaged parts within the system. Thus, the system should be returned to INHECO please follow return instructions on Inheco Returns RMA.
 
INHECO offers a maintenance service for Thermoshakes to ensure that the cooling loop is working within its specifications as long as possible. During this process the pump valve and membrane are exchanged or when the pump already had a long run time the pump itself is exchange. The cooling liquid sensor is cleaned and tested.

Description:
If Controller shows error 08 slot nr. X it means that there is a temperature problem. Probably the set temperature at this slot is incorrect.
 
Root causes:

• maximum allowed temperature configured not correctly by INHECO
• defective sensor measuring a wrong temperature

Solution:
If the device is not configured correctly the device can be adjusted at customer site. For this we need to know the following:
1. Device connected to the slot (INHECO part number and serial number)
2. Slot type the device is connected to (INHECO part number and serial number)
3. Error code report of the device (you will need the Demo Tool software for this)
4. Answer on command xRMT1 (you will need the Demo Tool software for this)
5. The Demo Tool and its manual can be downloaded from the login area (MTC/STC). Please make sure that the .exe and .dll are saved in the same folder.
6. start Controller
7. find Controller with Demo Tool (ID)
8. send command: xRMT1 (x= slot ID)
9. Send the answer of Demo Tool software to techhotline@inheco.com
 
If the error is persistent after adjustment or value was already set correct return the device for repair.

Description:
The device will stop heating or cooling
 
Root Cause:
most likely a defective peltier element

Solution:
Use the demotool software to read out the error codes. If the number of occurrences count up, after restart, the peltier element is defective and needs to be repair or the device exchanged.
 
The Demo Tool and its manual can be downloaded from the login area (MTC/STC). Please make sure that the .exe and .dll are saved in the same folder.

• start Controller
• find Controller with Demo Tool (ID)
• send command: xRMT1 (x= slot ID)

If the error is persistent contact INHECO for repair.

The device shows a problem with the motor for the clamping mechanism. In some cases this could be solved by just pressing the handle a bit further into its current position. So please try the following, depending on the current position of this handle.
If it is in closed position.

It it is in open position

If the error 28 is not gone afterwards the device needs to b returned for repair.

Description:
Problems reading the eeprom of the device

Possible Root causes:
firmware of Slot has a problem
defective eeprom

Solution:
Send write Command 0SDOx,5,0, (x=SlotID) to EEPROM. Restart STC/MTC. If error is still shown 2  options are possible: 
1. Switch from external EEPROM (device) to internal EEPROM by using the command xSPO0 (x = Slot ID 1-6)
2. Return device back to INHECO

Possible root cause:
- liquid cooling level too low
- liquid cooling level too low due to leakage
- fan of Heat Exchgner is not running
- pump of Heat Exchanger is not running

Solutions
- refill the cooling liquid according to manual 
- check the system for leakage (e.g. at the connectors of the device, at the quick connectors at the hose, or directly at the Heat Exchanger)
- measure time to cool or use the Inheo Measurement Plate to check the cooling rate. If it is really not sufficient and refilling did not solve the issue contact techhotline@inheco.com to discuss repair options

Contact techhotline@inheco.com to learn more about the possible excahnge of the quick connector. There will be a short instuction and an order number available soon. 

 Contact techhotline@inheco.com to discuss replacement during warranty time.