Based on the current isogeochem traffic, I am beginning to suspect that
Christmas Gremlins have taken over the isotope geo- and biogeochemistry
field. These Gremlins (and also Fairies) have been noticed previously.
They often "infect" your laboratory during vacation periods, any major
holidays, and also at times not previously discussed--abstract,
presentation, and proposal deadlines.

My preventative solution to Gremlin and Fairy MS infection is to never go
on vacation, take minimal time off for holidays, and try to avoid
submitting as many proposals as possible. Clearly, when the mass
spectrometer's "immune system" has been challenged and subsequently
compromised, that is the most likely time for problems to occur.

Other than making your instruments work all the time and running your
selves into an exhausted state, you can attempt to fool these thoughtless
machines by keeping them in slightly darkened rooms with no actual windows
(this way they may not notice the changes in seasons); have lights turn on
automatically each day (even if you are away drinking eggnog); always wash
your hands before touching the computer's keyboard (thus avoiding sending
subtle chemical signals of apprehension or stress to the mass spec and
peripherals).

If prevention fails you, the following instructions are suggested: Ignore
your mass spectrometer for a couple of days. Use its computer for a little
after Christmas sale shopping on line. Make it think that you are not
anxious. Meanwhile, do as you have been doing--offline, of course, email
your colleagues and Isogeochem and try to "isolate the variables". In our
lab we use the Tom Hoering phrase "Show them who's boss" when fixing
troublesome instruments. Typically within a couple of days (and some show
of $$) machines come back to life and produce for you once again.

Cheers and Happy New Year,
Marilyn Fogel


> I have an Aurora 1030 TOC analyzer, and since starting it up again
> following the holidays, the touch screen on the instrument computer no
> longer responds and consequently, does not connect with the desktop pc
> from which it is operated. The instrument itself appears to operate on
> startup, but the error light goes on. I have tried rebooting, unplugging &
> replugging, etc. etc., with no success. If anyone can offer advice on this
> issue, I'd be grateful.
> Thanks,
> Melissa D. Bautista
> IRMS Research Technician
> Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry
> Southern Cross University
> Lismore NSW 2480
> Phone (02) 66 269 565
> Mobile 0431928278


Dr. Marilyn L. Fogel
Geophysical Laboratory
Carnegie Institution of Washington
5251 Broad Branch Rd., NW
Washington, DC 20015 USA
Phone: 202-478-8981
FAX: 202-478-8901
Website: http://fogel.gl.ciw.edu