InstroTek FAQ / AutoRice FAQs

AutoRice FAQs

This troubleshooting guide aims to provide a structured approach to identifying, diagnosing, and resolving common issues. It is designed to help users and support teams quickly navigate through potential solutions and streamline the problem-resolution process.

Purpose:

  • Offer step-by-step instructions for resolving known issues.
  • Provide a clear escalation path for unresolved problems.
  • Document best practices and key resources.

Audience:

  • Support teams
  • End-users
  • System administrators

Prerequisites:

  • Access to relevant tools and systems.
  • Basic understanding of the product or service.
  • Proper authorization for troubleshooting steps.
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Common Questions

Why is the AutoRice not turning on?
  • Make sure the unit is plugged in.
  • Test the outlet by plugging another device, such as a lamp or fan, into the same outlet.
  • Check the facility’s circuit breaker.
  • Check the fuse at the power module on the front of the AutoRice. If the fuse is faulty, replace it and turn on the AutoRice. If it continues to blow the fuse, check the ratings of the fuse and the power module.
Why won't the vacuum pump/shaker not start?
  • Test the pump and shaker on known good outlets.
  • Make sure the corresponding item is plugged into the correct outlet labeled on the front of the AutoRice
  • Make sure the corresponding item is turned in the ‘On’ position on its respective switch.
  • The AutoRice cannot communicate with more complicated units. The outlets are only supplied with power for the units. If more user input is needed to start the pump/shaker, that will need to be done by the user.
Why is the shaker sensor not reading correctly?
  • Make sure the sensor is plugged into the USB Sensor Shaker Port on the back of the AutoRice.
  • Reposition the sensor on the pycnometer.
  • Test the sensor in the Menu. When the sensor is flat on one of the 3 axes, the reading will be either 1 or -1 depending on the orientation.
  • Recalibrate the shaker sensor in the Diagnostic menu. Select the Cal Shake Sensor option and follow the on-screen prompts.
  • Replace the shaker sensor.
Why is the AutoRice vacuum level getting low?
  • Confirm the offset is appropriate for the system. Follow the guide in the manual to adjust.
  • Check the pump for minimum vacuum by closing all external valves in the Rice Setup and opening the internal valve in the AutoRice Diagnostic Menu. Press the ‘TSR’ or ‘Pump On’ button to find the minimum vacuum that the AutoRice will reach. If the pressure goes to the maximum, the internal valve is stuck closed and needs adjusting, or there is a pinched hose that needs to be replaced.
  • The internal valve may be stuck closed. Run the ‘Stepper Test’ in the Diagnostic Menu to open and close the valve. Open the internal valve and run the minimum vacuum check after the valve has opened and closed several times.
Why is the keypad not responding/indicator lights not turning on?
  • Open the unit and confirm the keypad is plugged into the LCD Assembly. Reseat and test.
  • Feel for inverted domes. Replace if the domes are inverted on the keypad.
  • Replace keypad.
Why is the AutoRice not saving data?
  • Check that Save Data is Enabled.
  • Check USB is inserted.
  • Run the USB test in Diagnostics
  • Update Software.
  • Replace the control PCB.

Errors

I'm getting a "AutoRice Maximum Pressure Error" message. What does it mean?
  • Confirm the offset is appropriate for the system. Follow the guide in the manual to adjust.
  • AutoRice does not reach the setpoint for the Rice test.
  • Check the Pycnometer lid O-Ring for a proper seal.
  • Tighten all hosing.
  • Check the pump for maximum vacuum by closing all external valves in the Rice Setup and the internal valve of the AutoRice in the Diagnostic Menu and pressing the ‘TSR’ ‘Pump On’ button to find the maximum vacuum. If the AutoRice fails to reach a maximum value lower than the setpoint, you may have a bad pump, an internal pinched hose, or the internal valve needs adjusting.
  • The internal valve may be stuck open. Run the ‘Stepper Test’ in the Diagnostic Menu to open and close the valve. Close the internal valve and run the maximum vacuum check after the valve has opened and closed several times.
  • Recalibrate the pressure sensor.