Troubleshooting Guides

For addressing common start-up problems with Associated Research Electrical Safety Testers

At AR we strive to offer instruments with thoughtful features and options for more thorough safety testing. Although we design our products to be as user-friendly as possible, we realize that some customers may still require troubleshooting assistance.

In response to customer feedback, AR has created this page to help customers address the most common problems they encounter. This page offer easy solutions so that customers can get their AR instruments up and running quickly.

As always, feel free to contact our customer service department if you require more information or have a question that these pages fail to answer.

Topics addressed in this guide include:

HypotULTRA III Series (7620, 7650) / Autoware S7600

RS-232 Error Messages

This trouble shooting guide offers explanations and solutions for the most common error messages that Autoware S7600 reports to the test operator while using an RS-232 communication interface. The table below contains a series of error codes. Scan these codes until you find the error that you are experiencing. Once you find the appropriate error message click on the code to read about why the error is occurring and how to fix it.

Error - 1073807343

Incorrect COM Port (Hipot)

Background: Automating your testing procedure requires that you interface a computer with your HypotULTRA III. In order to do this you can use the Autoware software to communicate with the Hipot tester in one of two ways: via an RS-232 interface or via a GPIB interface. If you have selected to use an RS-232 interface your computer uses a serial port, which it labels “COM” followed by a number from 0-x (i.e. COM1). If Autoware tries to communicate with the Hipot using the wrong COM port you will receive an error message.

Solution: In order to fix this problem you need to make sure that you have identified the correct COM port so that Autoware can talk successfully to the Hipot.

From the Main Menu select the Setup System Parameters Menu.
The first field asks you to select the communications protocol to use. Make sure that this parameter is set to Serial.
The next field asks you to select which number port to use. Make sure that you select the number that corresponds to the port you have the RS-232 cable plugged into. *NOTE: This may require some trial and error using different ports. If you are using a PC you can identify the correct COM port using Windows Device Manager.
Click OK to return to the Main Menu.

Error - 1073807360

Incorrect COM Port (Scanner/Hipot)

*NOTE: This error can occur due to an incorrect Scanner configuration or an incorrect Hipot configuration. If a Hipot configuration error is suspected, follow the steps outlined in Error – 1073807343 to solve the problem. If a Scanner configuration error is suspected, follow the steps below.

Background: Automating your testing procedure requires that you interface a computer with your remote Scanner (a scanner controlled through a direct connection to the PC). In order to do this you can use the Autoware software to communicate with the remote Scanner in one of two ways: via an RS-232 interface or via a GPIB interface. If you have selected to use an RS-232 interface, your computer uses a serial port, which it labels “COM” followed by a number from 0-x (i.e. COM1). If Autoware tries to communicate with the remote Scanner using the wrong COM port you will receive an error message.

Solution: In order to fix this problem you need to make sure that you have identified the correct COM port so that Autoware can talk successfully to the Scanner.

From the Main Menu select the Setup System Parameters Menu.
The first thing to do is disable the remote Scanner configuration. Click the hot button labeled “Remote Scanners” under the More Settings heading at the bottom of the screen.
Make sure that the “Communication Type” heading is set to Serial.
Using the mouse, scroll through the arrows beneath the heading “Address/Com Port” until the correct port address is chosen.
Click OK to return to the Setup System Parameters Menu.
Click the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

Error - 1073807339

Faulty Interface Cable Connection (Hipot/Scanner)

Background: In order for your Autoware software to communicate properly with the HypotULTRA III and/or SC6540 Scanner, a good connection needs to be made between the serial port of the PC and the interface connector on the instrument. If this cable becomes loose or isn’t properly connected at either end of the system, you will receive an error message.

Solution: In order to fix this problem you need to make sure that your cable is mating properly with both ends of the system and is in good working order.

Unplug your RS-232 cable from each end of the test system and make sure that there are no broken or bent pins.
Reconnect the cable to the PC and the Hipot/Scanner and make sure that it is making a good connection at each end.
Make sure that the Hipot/Scanner power switch is set to the ON position.
If this doesn’t fix the problem you may need to replace your cable.

Error - 1073807195

Incorrect Communications Protocol Selected

Background: Automating your testing procedure requires that you interface a computer with your HypotULTRA III. In order to do this you can use the Autoware software to communicate with the Hipot tester in one of two ways: via an RS-232 interface or via a GPIB interface. If you are using an RS-232 interface and you have configured Autoware to use a GPIB interface you will receive an error message.

Solution: In order to fix this problem you need to make sure that you have selected the Serial (RS-232) communication option. This selection allows Autoware to talk successfully to the Hipot.

From the Main Menu select the Setup System Parameters Menu.
The first field asks you to select the communications protocol to use. Make sure that this parameter is set to Serial.
The next field asks you to select which number port to use. Make sure that you select the number that corresponds to the port you have the RS-232 cable plugged into. *NOTE: This may require some trial and error using different ports. If you are using a PC you can identify the correct COM port using Windows Device Manager.
Once you have the proper COM port configured make sure that the proper “Instrument Under Control” is selected in the Main Menu. Use the arrow keys to scroll through the options until the model and COM port information for your Hipot is selected.

Error 1 occured at Error with Command "ADD..." - Event Register = 0

Incorrect Local Scanner Configuration

Background: The HypotULTRA III is capable of interfacing with several different local Scanner configurations (none, 1 x 4 internal, 1 x 8 internal, 1 x 8 external, and 1 x 8 internal with 1 x 8 external). All of these Scanner channels are controlled locally by the Hipot tester. When incorporating a Scanner into your testing procedure, it is important to define the correct configuration so that the Autoware software knows how many channels are present in the system. If you have selected fewer Scanner channels than are actually present (1 x 4 internal with a 1 x 8 internal, 1 x 8 internal with a 1 x 8 internal and 1 x 8 external, etc.), Autoware will still function properly without error. However, if you have selected a Scanner configuration with more channels than actually exist, or if there is no Scanner at all, Autoware will display an error message similar to the one above (depending on the scanner configuration).

Solution: In order to solve this problem you will need to reconfigure your Scanner settings.

From the Main Menu select the Setup System Parameters Menu.
From here you will need to select the appropriate Scanner configuration. The fourth field from the top edits the Scanner parameters.
Using the mouse, click on the up and down arrows to scroll through the different Scanner configurations until you have set the parameter to the correct number of channels (none, 1 x 4, 1 x 8, 2 x 8).
Click OK to return to the Main Menu.

Remote Scanner Set Up as Local Scanner

Background: The HypotULTRA III is capable of interfacing with both an internal and external Scanner controlled locally by the Hipot tester, or with a remote Scanner which is controlled by the Autoware software through a direct connection to the PC. When incorporating a Scanner into your testing procedure, it is important to define whether Autoware should treat the Scanner as a local Scanner or a remote Scanner. If you have selected that your Scanner is to be controlled locally and the Scanner is actually a remote Scanner that is controlled through Autoware directly, Autoware will display an error message similar to the one above (depending on the scanner configuration).

Solution: In order to solve this problem you will need to reconfigure your Scanner settings.

From the Main Menu select the Setup System Parameters Menu.
The first thing to do is disable the internal Scanner configuration. The fourth field from the top edits the Scanner parameters.
Using the mouse, click on the up and down arrows to scroll through the different Scanner configurations until you have set the parameter to “None.”
Next you must configure the remote Scanner parameter to match your current configuration.
Click the hot button labeled “Remote Scanners” under the More Settings heading at the bottom of the screen.
Using the mouse, scroll through the arrows next to the heading “Number of Remote Scanners.” Depending on your configuration, you can set up a total of 12 remote Scanners. Once you have selected the correct number of remote Scanners you must then edit each Scanner’s operating parameters.
Make sure that the “Scanner Type” matches your Scanner (SC6540 or HS-16).
Set your communication type to either Serial (RS-232) or GPIB.
Next configure the proper port/address for the current Scanner (for more information on this read the Background section under the Error – 1073807343). Finally, set the correct number of HV (high voltage) channels you have opted for with your Scanner.
Once all of the parameters for each Scanner have been set correctly click OK to return to the Setup System Parameters Menu.
Click the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

Local Scanner Set Up as Remote Scanner

Background: The HypotULTRA III is capable of interfacing with both an internal and external Scanner controlled locally by the Hipot tester, or with a remote Scanner which is controlled by the Autoware software through a direct connection to the PC. When incorporating a Scanner into your testing procedure, it is important to define whether Autoware should treat the Scanner as a local Scanner or a remote Scanner. If you have selected that your Scanner is to be controlled remotely and the Scanner is actually an internal or external Scanner that is controlled locally by the Hipot you will receive an error message.

Solution: In order to solve this problem you will need to reconfigure your Scanner settings.

From the Main Menu select the Setup System Parameters Menu.
The first thing to do is disable the remote Scanner configuration. Click the hot button labeled “Remote Scanners” under the More Settings heading at the bottom of the screen.
Using the mouse, scroll through the arrows next to the heading “Number of Remote Scanners” until the number is 0. You have now disabled the remote scanner configuration.
Click OK to return to the Setup System Parameters Menu.
Next you must enable the proper local Scanner configuration. The fourth field from the top edits the Scanner parameters.
Using the mouse, click on the up and down arrows to scroll through the different Scanner configurations until you find the one that corresponds to your Scanner configuration (none, 1 x 8 channel, 2 x 8 channel, 1 x 4 channel).
Click the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

Error 1 occured at Error with command "SAO" - Event Register = 0

Auto-Offset Error

Background: One of the features of the HypotULTRA III’s Continuity test is an Auto-offset feature that allows the tester to automatically record the test lead resistance and subtract it from the resistance measurement of the Continuity test itself. In order for the unit to make an accurate measurement, the test leads must be shorted together when the measurement is taken. If you attempt to click the “Send Parameters and Load to Memory” button with the Auto-offset feature selected in the Continuity Test Menu and the test leads aren’t connected together you will receive an error message.

Solution: In order to fix this error you will need to make sure that there is continuity in the circuit you are testing when you click the “Send Parameters and Load to Memory” button. This will allow the Hipot to record an accurate measurement. It will then use this measurement every time it performs this test sequence. Once the “Send Parameters and Load to Memory” button has been pressed in the Continuity Test Menu you may disconnect the test leads and continue with the test procedure setup.

Error 1 occured at Error with command "FL1" - Event Register = 0

PLC Implementation Error

Background: The Autoware software may be used with the HypotULTRA III explicitly to log data. In order to do this you need to set the software up in the correct configuration while using the PLC inputs on the back of the Hipot tester. If you attempt to use the PLC inputs while in the Run Test menu you will receive an error message.

Solution: If you are going to be using the Autoware software for remote data capture you cannot use the standard Run Test menu.

From the Main Menu, click the button labeled “Last Test Results/Remote Data Logging.”
From here you can load the correct setup file that corresponds to your test procedure.
You may now use the PLC inputs to control the test procedure. The Autoware software will record the test data as the procedure progresses.

GPIB (IEEE – 488) Error Messages

This trouble shooting guide offers explanations and solutions for the most common error messages that Autoware S7600 reports to the test operator while using an GPIB (IEEE – 488) communication interface. The table below contains a series of error codes. Scan these codes until you find the error that you are experiencing. Once you find the appropriate error message click on the code to read about why the error is occurring and how to fix it.

Error - 1073807302

Incorrect GPIB Port (Hipot)

Background: Automating your testing procedure requires that you interface a computer with your HypotULTRA III. In order to do this you can use the Autoware software to communicate with the Hipot tester in one of two ways: via an GPIB (IEEE – 488) interface or via a RS-232 interface. If you have selected to use a GPIB interface your computer uses a parallel port, which it labels “GPIB” followed by a number from 0-x (i.e. GPIB1). If Autoware tries to communicate with the Hipot using the wrong GPIB port you will receive an error message.

Solution: In order to fix this problem you need to make sure that you have identified the correct GPIB port so that Autoware can talk successfully to the Hipot.

From the Main Menu select the Setup System Parameters Menu.
The first field asks you to select the communications protocol to use. Make sure that this parameter is set to GPIB.
The next field asks you to select which number port to use. Make sure that you select the number that corresponds to the port you have the GPIB cable plugged into.
Click OK to return to the Main Menu.

Error - 1073807265

Incorrect GPIB Port (Scanner/Hipot)

*NOTE: This error can occur due to an incorrect Scanner configuration or an incorrect Hipot configuration. If a Hipot configuration error is suspected, follow the steps outlined in Error – 1073807302 to solve the problem. If a Scanner configuration error is suspected, follow the steps below.

Background: Automating your testing procedure requires that you interface a computer with your remote Scanner (a scanner controlled through a direct connection to the PC). In order to do this you can use the Autoware software to communicate with the remote Scanner in one of two ways: via an GPIB (IEEE – 488) interface or via a RS-232 interface. If you have selected to use a GPIB interface, your computer uses a parallel port, which it labels “GPIB” followed by a number from 0-x (i.e. GPIB1). If Autoware tries to communicate with the remote Scanner using the wrong GPIB port you will receive an error message.

Solution: In order to fix this problem you need to make sure that you have identified the correct GPIB port so that Autoware can talk successfully to the Scanner.

From the Main Menu select the Setup System Parameters Menu.
The first thing to do is disable the remote Scanner configuration. Click the hot button labeled “Remote Scanners” under the More Settings heading at the bottom of the screen.
Make sure that the “Communication Type” heading is set to GPIB.
Using the mouse, scroll through the arrows beneath the heading “Address/Com Port” until the correct port address is chosen.
Click OK to return to the Setup System Parameters Menu
Click the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

Faulty Interface Cable Connection

Background: In order for your Autoware software to communicate properly with the HypotULTRA III or SC6540 a good connection needs to be made between the parallel port of the PC and the interface connector on the instrument. If this cable becomes loose or isn’t properly connected at either end of the system you will receive an error message.

Solution: In order to fix this problem you need to make sure that your cable is mating properly with both ends of the system and is in good working order.

Unplug your GPIB cable from each end of the test system and make sure that there are no broken or bent pins.
Reconnect the cable to the PC and the instrument and make sure that it is making a good connection at each end.
Make sure that the Hipot or Scanner power switch is set to the ON position.
If this doesn’t fix the problem you may need to replace your cable.

Incorrect Master Scanner Address

Background: The Associated Research SC6540 modular scanner can be configured in multiple ways. Each Scanner is either designated to operate as a main or a secondary before it leaves the factory. Each main Scanner can control up to four secondary Scanners. In order for your Autoware software to communicate properly with each SC6540, the Scanner’s address needs to be set manually. Each scanner must be addressed using the 8 DIP switches located on the rear panel. A main’s address must correspond to the GPIB address being used to control it by the computer.

Solution : In order to fix the problem you must make sure that the GPIB address being used to control the main SC6540 Scanner corresponds to the address of the Scanner (as set by the 8 DIP switches).

From the Main Menu select the System Parameters Menu.
The first field asks you to select the communications protocol to use. Make sure that this parameter is set to GPIB.
The next field asks you to select which number port to use. Make sure that you select the number that corresponds to the port you have the GPIB cable plugged into.
Once you have selected the correct GPIB port you must configure the DIP switches on the back of the Scanner to match this address. The Scanner’s address is set using switches 1-5. The address is set using a binary system. The DIP switch is set in the up position for ON (or 1) and in the down position for OFF (or 0). Refer to the SC6540 manual for more information on this. Use the following table to set the correct scanner address:

Bit 5	Bit 4	Bit 3	Bit 2	Bit 1	GPIB Address
0	0	0	0	0	0
0	0	0	0	1	1
0	0	0	1	0	2
0	0	0	1	1	3
0	0	1	0	0	4
0	0	1	0	1	5
0	0	1	1	0	6
0	0	1	1	1	7
0	1	0	0	0	8
0	1	0	0	1	9
0	1	0	1	0	10
0	1	0	1	1	11
0	1	1	0	0	12
0	1	1	0	1	13
0	1	1	1	0	14
0	1	1	1	1	15

Error - 1073807343

Incorrect Communications Protocol Selected

Background: Automating your testing procedure requires that you interface a computer with your HypotULTRA III. In order to do this you can use the Autoware software to communicate with the Hipot tester in one of two ways: via an GPIB (IEEE – 488) interface or via a RS-232 interface. If you are using a GPIB interface and you have configured Autoware to use a GPIB (IEEE – 488) interface you will receive an error message.

Solution: In order to fix this problem you need to make sure that you have selected the Parallel (GPIB) communication option. This selection allows Autoware to talk successfully to the Hipot.

From the Main Menu select the Setup System Parameters Menu.
The first field asks you to select the communications protocol to use. Make sure that this parameter is set to GPIB.
The next field asks you to select which number port to use. Make sure that you select the number that corresponds to the port you have the GPIB cable plugged into.
Once you have the proper GPIB port configured make sure that the proper “Instrument Under Control” is selected in the Main Menu. Use the arrow keys to scroll through the options until the model and GPIB port information for your Hipot is selected.

Error - 1073807339

Incorrect Communications Protocol Selected

*See Error – 1073807343 for explanation.

Error - 1073807360

Incorrect Communications Protocol Selected

*See Error – 1073807343 for explanation.

Error 1 occured at Error with command "HV..." - Event Register = 32

Redundant GPIB Port

Background: Automating your testing procedure requires that you interface a computer with your HypotULTRA III and accompanying remote Scanner. If you have selected to use a GPIB interface to control both your Hipot and Scanner you need to make sure that each device has a separate GPIB address. The computer uses a parallel port, which it labels “GPIB” followed by a number from 0-x (i.e. GPIB1). If you have set both your Hipot and Scanner to communicate with the same GPIB port the Autoware will display the above error message.

Solution: In order to fix this problem you need to make sure that you have identified the correct GPIB ports so that Autoware can talk successfully to the Hipot and Scanner.

From the Main Menu select the Setup System Parameters Menu.
The first field asks you to select the communications protocol to use for Hipot control. Make sure that this parameter is set to GPIB.
The next field asks you to select which number port to use. Make sure that you select the number that corresponds to the port you have the GPIB cable plugged into.
Next disable the remote Scanner configuration. Click the hot button labeled “Remote Scanners” under the More Settings heading at the bottom of the screen.
Make sure that the “Communication Type” heading is set to GPIB.
Using the mouse, scroll through the arrows beneath the heading “Address/Com Port” until the correct port address is chosen.
Click OK to return to the Setup System Parameters Menu.
Once you have the proper GPIB port configured for both the Hipot and Scanner make sure that the proper “Instrument Under Control” is selected in the Main Menu. Use the arrow keys to scroll through the options until the model and GPIB port information for your Hipot is selected.

Local Scanner Set Up as Remote Scanner

Background: The HypotULTRA III is capable of interfacing with both an internal and external Scanner controlled locally by the Hipot tester, or with a remote Scanner which is controlled by the Autoware software through a direct connection to the PC. When incorporating a Scanner into your testing procedure, it is important to define whether Autoware should treat the Scanner as a local Scanner or a remote Scanner. If you have selected that your Scanner is to be controlled remotely and the Scanner is actually an internal or external Scanner that is controlled locally by the Hipot you will receive an error message.

Solution: In order to solve this problem you will need to reconfigure your Scanner settings.

From the Main Menu select the Setup System Parameters Menu.
The first thing to do is disable the remote Scanner configuration. Click the hot button labeled “Remote Scanners” under the More Settings heading at the bottom of the screen.
Using the mouse, scroll through the arrows next to the heading “Number of Remote Scanners” until the number is 0. You have now disabled the remote scanner configuration.
Click OK to return to the Setup System Parameters Menu.
Next you must enable the proper local Scanner configuration. The fourth field from the top edits the Scanner parameters.
Using the mouse, click on the up and down arrows to scroll through the different Scanner configurations until you find the one that corresponds to your Scanner configuration (none, 1 x 8 channel, 2 x 8 channel, 1 x 4 channel).
Click the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

Error 1 occured at Error with command "ADD..." - Event Register = 16

Incorrect Local Scanner Configuration

Solution: In order to solve this problem you will need to reconfigure your Scanner settings.

From the Main Menu select the Setup System Parameters Menu.
From here you will need to select the appropriate Scanner configuration. The fourth field from the top edits the Scanner parameters.
Using the mouse, click on the up and down arrows to scroll through the different Scanner configurations until you have set the parameter to the correct number of channels (none, 1 x 4, 1 x 8, 2 x 8).
Click OK to return to the Main Menu.

Remote Scanner Set Up as Local Scanner

Solution: In order to solve this problem you will need to reconfigure your Scanner settings.

From the Main Menu select the Setup System Parameters Menu.
The first thing to do is disable the internal Scanner configuration. The fourth field from the top edits the Scanner parameters.
Using the mouse, click on the up and down arrows to scroll through the different Scanner configurations until you have set the parameter to “None”.
Next you must configure the remote Scanner parameter to match your current configuration.
Click the hot button labeled “Remote Scanners” under the More Settings heading at the bottom of the screen.
Using the mouse, scroll through the arrows next to the heading “Number of Remote Scanners”. Depending on you configuration, you can set up a total of 12 remote Scanners. Once you have selected the correct number of remote Scanners you must then edit each Scanner’s operating parameters.
Make sure that the “Scanner Type” matches your Scanner (SC6540 or HS-16).
Set you communication type to either Serial (RS-232) or GPIB.
Next configure the proper port/address for the current Scanner (for more information on this read the Background section under Error – 1073807302).
Finally, set the correct number of HV (high voltage) channels you have opted for with your Scanner.
Once all of the parameters for each Scanner have been set correctly click OK to return to the Setup System Parameters Menu.
Click the OK button to return to the Main Menu.

Error 1 occured at Error with command "SAO"

Auto Offset Error

Background: One of the features of the HypotULTRA III’s Continuity test is an Auto-offset feature that allows the tester to automatically record the test lead resistance and subtract it from the resistance measurement of the Continuity test itself. In order for the unit to make an accurate measurement, the test leads must be shorted together when the measurement is taken. If you attempt to click the “Send Parameters and Load to Memory” button with the Auto-Offset feature selected in the Continuity Test Menu and the test leads aren’t connected together you will receive an error message.

Error – 1073807202

Error - 1073807302

Old NI-VISA Error

Background: The Autoware program uses NI-VISA to enable communication with the instrument via the communication ports. The version of NI-VISA must be compatible with the PC’s operating system in order for the program to establish proper communication with the instrument. If the NI-VISA version on the PC is an older version, it may not be compatible with the current PC operating system. As a result, you will receive this error message if you are using Windows VISTA or Windows 7.

Solution: In order to fix this problem you need to update the current NI-VISA to a newer edition and uninstall the old NI-VISA. The Autoware updates on the Associated Research website include the new NI-VISA version.

Go to your PC’s control panel and locate the old NI-VISA runtime engine (the old version is 2.6.1).
Uninstall the old NI-VISA runtime engine.
Once the uninstall is completed, go to the Autoware Updates on the Associated Research website:
https://www.arisafety.com/products/software-solutions/software-updates/
The Autoware Updates have a new NI-VISA runtime engine built in. Run the update and the new NI-VISA will be installed.NOTE: If you are unable to update the version of Autoware, you will need to get the NI-VISA update directly from the National Instruments website. Select the version that matches with your PC’s operating system:
http://search.ni.com/nisearch/app/main/p/bot/no/ap/tech/lang/en/pg/1/sn/catnav:du/q/NI-VISA/