Technical Support Resources

There are several possible reasons that this message will appear during an EIS scan. The first thing to check is that all of your cell connections are appropriate. If the error continues to appear one should run a full calibration of the system. During the calibration the performance of the EIS components are checked. Depending on the results of the calibration, we can determine if the problem may be cable related or if a repair of the instrument is required. Please email your Calibration Results file (generated during calibration and stored as a .txt file in the My Gamry Data folder) to Gamry by using the Technical Support Form.

The “Reply Timeout” error means that the Gamry Software has lost hardware communication with the instrument. The most common reason for this is the resetting of the USB communication chip inside the instrument, caused by a static discharge. To reset the instrument switch it off AND unplug the USB cable from the back. Ensure that the instrument is being used in an environment that meets the operating conditions laid out in the hardware manual. If it is possible, ground the chassis of the instrument as well. Furthermore, discharge yourself before handling the instrument and cell cables.

Another reason for receiving the “Reply Timeout” error is a communication interruption due to the use of excessively long USB cables and/or passive external USB hubs. The Reference Family instruments are rated and tested with a 6’ USB cable. Longer cables can work, but the quality of USB cables varies quite a bit and the additional length or a poor quality cable will cause issues with instrument communication. Likewise, connecting through a USB hub that is not powered can cause the same problems. For the best performance the instrument should be used with the provided 6’ USB cable, or with active USB cables and powered USB hubs, and high data rate devices (such as external hard drives and video devices) should not be on the same USB hub as the instrument.

General instability in the operation of the IC8 can be caused by many things. Instability refers to a loss of keyboard and mouse input, loss of video or a Microsoft BSOD that can only be resolved by restarting the computer. These problems can come about from a corrupted operating system installation or from hardware problems. Operating system problem diagnosis is beyond the scope of this note. All internal power connectors and data cables should be checked for looseness. The most likely culprits for hardware failures that cause instability are: power supply failure or too weak, loose cables to hard drive, power supply or potentiostats, failure of power regulation components on the single board computer (SBC). Detecting a weak or bad power supply is not easy because they must be tested under proper load. If a power supply problem is suspected it is best to contact Gamry Technical Support to discuss the options for replacing the power supply. Failure of power regulation components on the SBC is indicated by bulging or oozing capacitors in the vicinity of the processor.

It is well documented that certain USB storage devices can prevent a computer from properly booting up. The USB dongle for your MultEchem IC8 system can cause this problem under certain conditions. To prevent it, either unplug the device before booting the computer or modify the BIOS settings for “booting from a USB device” so that the dongle is ignored while the computer is loading.