Owner's manual
Table Of Contents
- CFX Automation System II Installation
- Using the CFX Automation System II
- Starting an Automation Run
- Adding Plates after Starting an Automation Run
- Canceling an Automation Run
- Pausing or Canceling a Single Plate Run in a CFX System
- Emptying the Waste Rack
- LIMS Information
- PrimePCR Information
- Create the Plate List: Additional Features
- Barcode Controls: Advanced Features
- Modify Settings
- Status Tab
- History Tab
- Resources
- Ordering Information

| 35CFX Automation System II
Chapter 3: Resources
| 35
View Logs
The CFX Automation Control Software tracks information about the state of an instrument
during an automation run. Use these logs to track events that occur on instruments and in the
software, and for troubleshooting. To open the log, select Tools > View Log.
Logs are also stored in file folders. The file path to access these files is:
C:\ProgramData\Bio-Rad\CFXAutomationSystem\Logs.
Error Messages
Error messages inform the user of problems requiring immediate attention. If an error occurs
during operation, the CFX Automation System II stops and an error message is displayed on
the computer screen. Error messages along with the probable causes and possible solutions
are listed in Table 12.
Table 12. Error messages, possible causes, and solutions.
Error Message Possible Cause Possible Solution
Another instance of The automation software was To use both CFX Manager Software and
CFX Manager
™
Software is opened prior to opening the automation software at the same
already running CFX Manager Software time, open CFX Manager Software first
Plate list [xx] has paused. Unable to Incompatible plates may be The CFX Automation System II is
load plate in CFX System. Check for being used compatible with Hard-Shell
®
Low-Profile
obstructions. Restart or cancel the 96-Well and 384-Well Skirted PCR
plate list after correcting the issue Plates. See Table 7 for detailed ordering
information.
Plate list [xx] has paused. Unable to The CFX Automation System II Test the calibration using the calibration
load plate in CFX System. Check for is not properly calibrated wizard (see Test the Calibration).
obstructions. Restart or cancel the Recalibrate as required
plate list after correcting the issue
Problems with Calibration
Inadequate calibration can result in the following observations:
■n
Plates are not smoothly picked up and/or released
■n
Plates are not perfectly placed into the CFX System
■n
Plates scrape against the racks
If any of the above situations are observed, first ensure the instrument is level relative to the
CFX System(s). See Level the Plate Handler section for detailed leveling instructions. A properly
leveled system is essential for system calibration.
After confirming the system is level, recalibrate any positions that are not properly calibrated.
See Calibrate the Automation System for detailed instructions. Also, confirm the racks are
properly seated and in their corresponding rack positions.
Additional Problems
If the CFX Automation System II does not start up or initialize properly when switched on,
carefully review possible causes and solutions listed in Table 13.