Service manual

PN 4237242C
E.1-1
E
E
INTELLIGENT SOFTWARE LINK (ISL) OPTION
E.1 ISL OPTION FOR RALS
ISL Description
The intelligent software link (ISL) is a software protocol designed to allow a host system to
operate the user interface portion of a Coulter instrument remotely. Since this communication
involves more than a data interface, it is a separate entity from the host computer interface
currently available on most instruments. The ISL is a generic design that is currently used on
the MD II but may in the future be used by different Coulter instruments and with different
host systems.
The initial ISL will be launched in the US only, will be used by MD II Series instruments, and
will be used with Remote Automated Laboratory System (RALS), a laboratory networked
system sold by MAS. Starting with MD II software revision 1.4, the ISL software will be
incorporated in all MD II software.
RALS Installation, Training and Service Responsibilities
Customers will purchase the RALS from MAS. MAS will install, connect, train, and provide
the key disk necessary to enable ISL communication. Coulter Corporation and Coulter
Service will only be responsible for the MD II.
If problems occur with the link, the customer will call MAS first. MAS will check
communication problems and determine whether the RALS is receiving the correct signals
from the MD II. Coulter Service will only be called if MAS determines that the MD II is not
sending the correct signals to the RALS.
Recognizing an MD II Linked to RALS
A key disk is used to enable the ISL option. An MD II that has not had the ISL option enabled
appears and responds just like any other MD II, even if it is linked to a RALS. If the ISL option
has been enabled, but the RALS is not active, the letters "ISL" appear after the software
revision number on the Revision screen (
5 SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
tt
5 SERVICE
tt
6 REVISION
).
The RALS is connected to the SERIAL 1 port of the MD II, just like any other host computer
system, but when the RALS is enabled, the SERIAL 1 port is no longer an ASTM Host
Communication port. The Host Communication settings screen applies to the SERIAL 1 port
for setting communication protocols for RALS. When the RALS is connected and active, it
runs the MD II remotely, leaving the LCD screen blank and disabling the keypad. Even
aspiration is initiated at the RALS terminal.
Servicing an MD II Linked to RALS
To service an MD II linked to RALS, you disable the RALS and service the MD II just like an
MD II without a RALS. To disable the RALS, either disconnect the RALS cable from the MD II,
or ask the supervisor of the system to disable the RALS from the terminal.
If you need a Printer for troubleshooting purposes (Service Report), you can connect the
Ticket Printer attached to the RALS terminal to the MD II. You must turn on Auto printing
and select the Ticket Printer option. A ticket key disk is provided with the ISL key disk. MAS
enables the Ticket Printer option when they install the RALS system. Remember to turn off
Auto printing when you have finished servicing the MD II.
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