I am happy to inform you all of the release of VENUS 6.3.2. This version is compatible with STAR, STAR V/VANTAGE, NIMBUS, and NIMBUS 96 and adds support for the new Fluid Motion arm and X1 Channels.
Update VENUS for .NET 8 compatibility
(still needs .NET 3.5 for the deck editor and legacy Run Control deck view)
GUI
Add a button to refresh the Trace Viewer & Run History lists
Installer
Added compatibility for Database Plus add-on installer
Option to not install SQL server if present
DeckWatch
Added .mp4 file format option to export automated recordings
Method Editor
Added ‘Disable Cleanup’ step to STAR and VANTAGE, to skip the instrument cleanup (park channels and grippers, unlock doors, open loading tray, etc.) at the end of the run
Assignment with Calculation’ method step to be executed in list order of entry. Note: The execution order will only be applied to newly created or edited steps. Existing steps in previous methods will keep their original calculation order if are not edited/modified.
Pkg Import: add category selection to Recovery mode
REST API
Add endpoint for instrument connection status and attached components
API Programmer´s manual and code samples (React, Angular and .NET)
STAR
Add ‘Disable cleanup routine’ step to skip the instrument cleanup (park channels and grippers, unlock doors, etc.) at the end of the run
Add method step to disable the instrument cleanup routine at the end of the run
Add step return error code for CO-RE tool eject error
Add step return error code for CO-RE tool pickup error
Add support for IPG on Fluid Motion arm
Add support for new Fluid Motion arm
Add support for new X1 Channels
Add support for QCG with X1 Channels
Weekly maintenance - optimized Autoloader position for easier access and cleaning
VANTAGE
Add ‘Disable cleanup routine’ step to skip the instrument cleanup (park channels and grippers, unlock doors, etc.) at the end of the run
Add Calibration Alignment as option in maintenance routine
Add support for new Fluid Motion arm
Add support for new X1 Channels
Add support for VANTAGE Plus instrument deck extension
Add Track Gripper Move method step
Reduce Track Gripper speed during maintenance routine
Run diagnostics file to include collision control 3D files
Updated Advanced settings in Load and Reload carrier steps
Weekly maintenance - optimized ID Loader position for easier access and cleaning
There were also numerous bug fixes. Refer to the release notes for more details.
If you are interested in upgrading, please get in touch with your local sales and support contacts.
@EricSindelar_Hamilton, if a method sets “Disable cleanup routine” and ends with the CO-RE Grippers on the channels, what happens the at the start of the next run? Does the Star remember that it still has the grippers loaded, or is there a way to detect that they are still on the channels?
Yes, the STAR will remember that the CO-RE Grippers are on the channels when the next run starts. When the Initialize command is reached in the next run, that is when the standard Clean Up procedure will take place (i.e. dialogs to Open Gripper, confirm Traverse is clear, and eject Grippers back to home). This Clean Up during Initialize cannot be skipped. Note that this behavior also holds true for the iSWAP, in that it will park during the Initialize of the following run.
This functionality is the same on the VANTAGE, with the added benefit of the Loading Tray remaining in whichever state it’s in at the end of the run (typically closed and locked).
@EricSindelar_Hamilton Could you provide a document with the release notes for VENUS 6.2.3 starting from version 6.0? Ideally, something similar to the one you shared before, including the full release history. I already have the individual release notes for both versions, but I’m missing a single document that compares them. Thank u in advance
The release notes for the versions of VENUS 6 are uploaded to this folder. I do not have a single document comparing them. In general, we recommend using the latest version of VENUS, as it offers the most functionality, stability, and other benefits.
But I can’t see the release notes for version 6.2.3. We plan to leverage the validation of version 6.0.1 by comparing the differences between 6.2.3 and 6.0.1. That’s why I need to know exactly what changes have been made.
would the New Venus 6.3.2 be compatible with legacy pkg files? We are using v4.3.5 and exported pkg files to be imported to the new version. After importing the legacy pkg to 6.3.2, and running the imported method in Run Control Simulation, it an error when running an HSLFileDirectoryLib, saying "Invalid class string (0x23 - 0x2 - 0x39). Not sure why? Is this library still compatible with V6.3.2?
Thank you!
Yes, 6.3.2 is compatible with pkg files. The error you are seeing is because HSLFileDirectoryLib requires installation. You can download the installer from the link below:
Is it still the case that the clean up during initialize cannot be skipped after a “disable clean up” step?
I would like to send several small methods through the .api (aspirate, move, dispense) without doing cleanup between. Is there a way to do this without a cleanup and initialize between each method?