Mary,

We had a similar problem on one of our Optimas about a year ago- same
intermittent shutdowns and error messages.  After numerous swapping of
various cards from other instruments,  we finally found fault with the CPU
board.  Switching out the EPROM (firmware) didn't fix it, so we actually
ended up purchasing a new CPU board from Micromass.  Trouble shooting at
that board level can be time consuming, and difficult.  The cost of a new
CPU board, as of 8/98 was $992.  If you have another Optima handy, you
could try swapping the CPU board to test(?).  Dave Price at Mircromass
could advise further.

Hope this helps.

For what its worth, in an attempt to extend the life of our Optima
electronics components, we leave the front panel open, and  have a fan
moving more air accross the rack to keep things cooler.   Is it necessary?
Not sure.  Does it help?  We seem to have fewer problems now.

Best of luck

Bruce
_________________________________________________________
        Bruce H. Vaughn, Stable Isotope Lab
        Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research
        University of Colorado  CB 450
        Boulder, Colorado  80309

        Office: 303-492-7985                 [log in to unmask]
        Lab:  303-492-5495                    FAX: 303-492-6388
_________________________________________________________

>Dear Isogeochemists:
>
>Over the past week during autocarb runs on an Optima mass spec using
>software v.2.33 we've been experiencing random software shutdowns.  Trying
>to reopen the software gives the error message "System controller not
>responding".  We can reset the controller and open the software and start a
>run again but have yet to make it through a run without this problem
>occuring.  It does not seem to be occuring at a particular port # or
>process.
>
>Has anyone experienced this problem and can you offer any solutions?
>
>Thanks for your help,
>Mary
>
>Mary Hogan
>University California Santa Cruz
>Stable Isotope Laboratory, E&MS C514
>Santa Cruz, CA  USA 95064
>email: [log in to unmask]
>PH: 831-459-5751
>FAX: 831-459-3074
>   __o
>  -\<,
>(_)/(_)