Dear all,
I currently run a DNA sequencing core facility at the
university of Manchester, England, which utilises an ABI 377.
At the moment, I am experiencing some bizarre problems, which I think
relate to networking : In essence, the collection software is mixing up
samples when new sample files are being generated after manual tracking
of a gel. In addition, the gel file is jamming and during manual
tracking etc. the mac is reporting a number of errors , such as
Miscellaneous hardware errors, zero divide errors, chk errors and
segment loading errors.
I am led to believe that these may stem from having file sharing open
during collection of sequencing data. In response to these problems, I
have wiped the hard disk, scanned for viruses, reloaded the software and
even taken the precaution of having the logic board within the
collection mac changed.
I would like some specific answers on the following questions :
1. Should I shut down file sharing, period ,on the collection mac or
just during collection itself ?
2.As a follow on from the above, is it o.k to write sample files over
the network form the collection mac,or is it preferable to have a second
mac for disrtibuting data ?
3. I have started archiving data to an Iomega jaz drive, although I Am
led to believe that these drives in the context of sequence analysis
data may cause problems. Is there any truth in this ? Incidentally, when
I first tried to install the driver software onto the collection mac it
wouldn't have it and subsequently one of the apple talk extensions
became jammed. Ever since then I have had problems like gel files
jamming etc.
4. Has anyone experienced problems with writing gel files over the
network ?
Help !!!
Laurence.
Laurence Hall,
School of Biological Sciences,
2.237 - Biomolecules,
Division of Biochemistry,
Stopford Building,
University of Manchester,
Oxford Rd.
Manchester M13 9PT.
Tel. : +44 (0)161 275 6916. E-mail :
LHALL at fs1.scg.man.ac.uk
Fax : +44 (0)161 5082.
