Section 15- Troubleshooting
This error indicates that there is insufficient light getting through to make good absorbance measurements. Check that the sampling
arm is in the down position and the power is connected.
Error 9003
This error indicates that the monitor resolution is below the 1024x768 required. Check the computer settings. Be sure that the start
menu tool bar is set to the bottom and not along the side.
Low Detector Bias…
This occurs when the software has detected a problem with the detector. Contact NanoDrop Technologies or your distributor if you
encounter this error.
OOIDRV\ Timeout
This error occurs when a necessary file is deleted as a previous version of the software is uninstalled. Reinstall the newest software to
correct the problem.
EZUSB.SYS Cannot Be Found…
If this error message appears, do the following:
•
Windows 2000: Type C:\WINNT\INF in the file path text box.
•
Windows XP: Type C:\WINDOWS\INF in the file path text box.
This should allow the installation to complete successfully.
Driver X Configuration Failed- You Must Manually Edit the Registry
This error message (or others with similar wording) occurs when attempting to install the operating software on a computer running
Windows 2000 or XP. It occurs because the user does not have the necessary authorization to install the software. Contact your
system administrator if this occurs.
Insufficient Memory…
This error message (or others with similar wording) occurs when attempting to install the operating software on a computer that does
not have at least 40MB of free hard disk space.
No Printer Connected…
This error appears when attempting to print when a printer is not attached to the PC. It is non-fatal and will not cause the software to
shut down.
Sample Accuracy and Reproducibility
If you are obtaining results that seem inaccurate or not reproducible, it could be the result of sample or aliquot non-homogeneity or
liquid column breakage. It may be helpful to try the following to ensure representative results:
Make sure the sample surfaces are clean before starting the software module
A dirty sample pedestal on startup can cause erroneous absorbance readings (even negative values) and signal saturation. It is always
a good practice to clean the sample surfaces with de-ionized water to remove any dried sample that might be present.
Use a 1.5-2 ul sample size
Very strange results can occur when the liquid sample column is not completely formed during a measurement. While making a
measurement, visually confirm that the liquid column is formed. If necessary, try 1.5-2 ul samples to ensure the column is formed.
Also, proteins and solutions containing surfactants are known to “un-condition” the measurement pedestal surfaces so that the liquid
column does not form. If this occurs, “buff” the measurement pedestal surfaces by rubbing each with a dry laboratory wipe 15-20 times.
This will “re-condition” the surface allowing for the liquid sample column to form.
Heat DNA samples to 55 °C and vortex before measurement
Due to the small volumes required by the ND-1000, it is extremely important to ensure that the sample being measured is
homogeneous. Field experience has shown that samples containing large molecules such as genomic or lambda DNA are particularly
susceptible to this phenomenon. Note: Larger volumes used by cuvette-based spectrophotometers will minimize or mask the effect of
sample non-homogeneity.
Perform a Blanking Cycle
This will confirm that the instrument is working well and that any sample carryover from previous measurements is not a concern. To
run a blanking cycle, perform the following:
Open the application software module.
Load an aliquot of the blank (the buffer, solvent, or carrier liquid used with your samples) onto the lower measurement pedestal
and lower the sampling arm into the ‘down’ position.
Click on the ‘Blank’ (F3) button to store the blank reference.
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