Venus init Key Error

Hey everyon

I’m currently experiencing a Key Error when trying to load a method on a VANTAGE system. The strange part is that the issue occurs even when the method is completely empty. The exact same method loads without any problems on a different VANTAGE unit.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

  • Different laptops (all with Venus installed)
  • Different USB cables
  • Confirmed that the VANTAGE system is visible and accessible via the System Configuration Editor
  • The Arm Configuration loads correctly

However, when I try to load the method, I get the following error in the log:

2025-07-02 11:23:25.604 Venus software version: 6.0.2.3426
2025-07-02 11:23:25.635 SYSTEM : Analyze method - start; Method file ...lidtest.hsl
2025-07-02 11:23:26.391 Microlab® STAR / VANTAGE : Communication - progress; Connection to instrument is created.
2025-07-02 11:23:28.007 Microlab® STAR / VANTAGE : Main - error; An error occurred while running Vector. The error description is: CHxPars::Item could not find a value for key -534183934. (0x4 - 0x2 - 0xa)
2025-07-02 11:23:28.011 SYSTEM : Analyze method - complete with error;

Has anyone encountered this error before or knows what might be causing it?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot!

1 Like

Hi @nnnii

That specific error indicates that during the initial connection between run control and the VANTAGE system, that run control either didn’t receive an expected response from a query sent to a component of the system either at all or within an expected amount of time, or received a response in an unexpected format.

Given that this is occurring during run startup, this may indicate a hardware/electronics issue that could require service. If you were able to upload communication traces from the same day the above run trace was generated, I may be able to provide more information regarding the nature of the issue.

VANTAGE communication traces:
C:.…Hamilton\Logfiles\VStarTranslator20250702.log
C:.…Hamilton\Logfiles\HxTcpIpBdzComm20250702.trc

You can upload the files to the following download URL (password: Hamilton25):

Thanks.

-Nick

1 Like

@nnnii

Thanks for providing the comm logs, they gave the necessary context for your system’s issue.

Channel 5 has an issue with a component of it’s Y drive, and is reporting an init failure when the arm’s controller is requesting it’s current position during run connection/onset. I suspect an issue with it’s encoder board, but could also be a cabling issue. In any case, this should be enough information to get a service engineer started.

You will want to initiate a service ticket with Hamilton Robotic Support (RoboticSupport@hamiltoncompany.com).

Let me know if there is any other information I can provide regarding this issue. Thanks.

-Nick