I’m trying to use the Star Tip Tools library for the first time - specifically the defrag Tip racks 1mL on a starlet with an 8 channel + MPH set up (venus 4).
I wrote a super simple method based off the demo example.
However I keep getting an error:
Main - error; An error occurred while running Vector. The error description is: The instrument configuration described in the instrument configuration file does not match the configuration reported by the instrument. (The method is defined for 6 channels. 8 channels were expected.) (0x28 - 0x1 - 0x806)
I can trick the system in simulation mode to being an 8 channel not 6 channels system - and then the method works. How do i change it to expect 8 channels not 6? I assume I’m missing a setting. Is there a pdf describing in more detail the star tools library?
Can you open up Tip Tools (right click on any function in the library and choose open) and confirm the version you have in the abstract? Does it match the version below? If not, I would recommend upgrading to the current version.
If so, click on the Defrag tips and look at the following lines:
They should say (1…16) but if they say (1…6), then that is your problem. If so double click on them and press ok to set them to what your system configuration is (1…8). Afterwards save the library, close method editor to reset and try your test method again.
So my version is old - v1.8. I got the latest version off this site (Star Tools Demo 220421.pkg) - and that has v 2.4. Is there somewhere I can get the newest version you show ?
When I installed the v 2.4 on my computer with no instrument - the defrag now tip works but I got all sorts of warnings during import e.g.
WARNING:
The file "C:\Program Files (x86)\HAMILTON\Library\STAR Tools\STAR Tip Tools.Optimized1mLTipPickup.bmp" cannot be created. This file
is part of the file "STAR Tip Tools.hs_".
The method/libray/workflow may not work properly without this file.
STAR Tip Tools.Optimized1mLTipPickup2.bmp
Do you think it is safe (or easy to fix) to import the v2.4 (or later) on my working instrument? I’m nervous about breaking something in working methods that are in use … The hamilton programmer made our method and it uses startools a lot for our MPH. If I do have a problem, is it as simple as reimporting 1.8, to revert back?
Alternatively I could edit the lines of code in 1.8. But I’m not 100% sure how. It looks like the 1…6 as you mentioned, but it’s set by the channel pattern. Are you saying taking off “Channel selection as variable” and instead just check of all 8 channels?
You can always backup the folder “C:\Program Files (x86)\HAMILTON\Library\STAR Tools” and revert it back any time by deleting the new and pasting in the old. My upgrade recommendation is to always either back up this folder or just delete it prior to importing to make sure everything resets.
There is a newer version of STAR Tools on the download link. Seems that we have a couple versions floating around. Sorry about that! My recommendation is to stay as current as possible, but I understand if you would like to stay with the old for consistency.
You can safely ignore those warnings. Venus was likely still referencing the images in the background, so it wasn’t allowing you to overwrite them. They are just bitmaps and have not changed so there is no issue there.
As far as editing the 1.8 version, the only thing you need to do is double click on it and then press ok. You will then notice it change from (1…6) to (1…8) which is what you need it to say. Saving the library afterwards will lock the change and you shouldn’t get the error that you were observing any more. Make sure to fully close method editor after making this change before testing to make sure Venus resets itself and utilizes the new update.
Thank you! That fixed it. It’s working now.
Last question - i have a carrier of MPH accessible tips that use only track 1 and then the rest of the carrier is off deck to the left. When people clean up tips from this situation, do they typically put them onto the tip support, and then move them off there (since the 8 channels can’t reach them)?
STAR Tools will attempt to add remainder tips back to partial racks if possible (enough space available and sequence doesn’t contain any partial columns or rows). However, considering where the tip racks are located that limits how far you can reach. Typically, tips are on deck to the point that channels can be used to defrag more, if necessary, which is not an option for that location.
