Commands and Tips for Thermo Scientific Devices
Thermo Finnigan Surveyor MSQ: Troubleshooting

Problem: Interruption of the Xcalibur server

Grounding of the USB cable and connector on the MSQ is intermittent and can interrupt the Xcalibur server. Interruption of the Xcalibur server results in the following symptoms:

 Tip:  

The MSQ communicates with the PC via the USB port. Communications function is monitored with the Xcalibur Manual Tune software with a spinning "tune note" in the upper right corner of the screen. Spinning of the "tune note" is the primary indication that the Xcalibur server is operational.

Solution:

  1. Restart the Xcalibur server, following the steps below:

  2. Ensure that the length of the USB cable between the MSQ and PC is of minimum length (preferably 2 meters or less).

  3. Ensure that the MSQ USB connector is grounded. Temporarily insert a conductive material, such as a paper clip or similar, between the MSQ USB connector and the sheet metal panel from which it protrudes. If the Xcalibur server interrupt problem does not re-occur, a more permanent solution would be to utilize a powered USB hub. (A suitable product is available, for example, from Belkin.) Install the hub between the MSQ and PC, using USB cables of minimum length.

 

Problem: Leakage on the return-valve

If the LC pump continues running after shutting down the MSQ, the non-return valve can leak inside the instrument. This is problem especially for high flow applications.

The Turbo pump controller is located directly below the non-return valve. When the non-return valve leaks, it does so onto the controller and pools on the main chassis bottom. In extreme cases, such a leak can cause the Turbo pump controller to fail. In minor cases, the leak causes the inside of the MSQ to be unsightly.

Solution:

A non-return valve removal kit and instruction sheet is available from Dionex. Contact the Callcenter at Callcenter@Dionex.com or 1-800-346-6390. Removal of the valve takes 30 to 60 minutes and can be performed during any other scheduled service.

 Note:  

The removal kit includes an apparatus to provide a continuous nitrogen leak into the MSQ source, when the instrument is not in operation. This configuration consumes more nitrogen and customers may need to take measures to conserve nitrogen when supply is limited. In these cases, Dionex recommends turning off nitrogen at the source when the instrument is not in use. Closely monitor the level of the waste in the source waste bottle and/or leave the source door open slightly when the MSQ is not in use. This will prevent waste from being drawn back into the source when the instrument is turned off.

Problem: No data acquisition for Blank Run Samples

The Inject command of the PGM File is not performed for Blank Run samples (sample type: Blank) because it is not required. However, the MSQ needs this signal from the sample to start data acquisition.

Solution:

There are two possible solutions:

  1. For Blank Run Samples (sample type: Blank), inject the solvent that is in the sample loop. Specify the Inject command as follows:

    Inject Blank=Inject

  2. To analyze blank run samples without an injection, connect a relay, e.g., from the pump or detector, to the IN1 digital input on the Surveyor MSQ User Interface, using the black and the red wire of the three-core cable from the MSQ's accessory kit. In addition, add the following line to the PGM File directly after the Inject command, e.g.:

    Pump_Relay_1.Open Duration=1.00

 

 Note:  

This example refers to Relay_1 on the pump.