HELP: Suni Refuses To Trigger On Certain Tiles In A Layout

SYMPTOMS

From time to time, the Suni system will not trigger a capture on certain tiles of a layout.

CAUSE

This problem has been traced down to the following problems:

1. Sensor cable problems.   When sensors have been used for a while, the wires inside of the sensor cable can become twisted just like a phone cable does after a period of time (even though the cable shielding itself my not exhibit any signs).  In some sensors, this can result in broken wire connections if too much stress is built up in the cable or in the separation of the cable connection from the sensor CCD (because a twisted cable is physically shorter).

2. Too much tension.   When sensors have been twisted into an orientation that places a lot of stress and tension on the sensor cable connection (i.e. vertical bite-wings), the stress may prevent the sensor from signalling the hardware that there has been an x-ray exposure .  Repeated stress on the sensor can significantly reduce the lifetime of the sensor.

3. Software reinitializes the hardware too quickly.  It is possible that the software starts to reinitialize the hardware before the hardware has completed cleaning up after the previous x-ray capture.

RESOLUTION

The following resolutions can be used for each problem:

1. You must get the sensor replaced by the distributor or hardware manufacturer.

2. Try repositioning the sensor so that there is less tension on the sensor cable.

3. Starting with version 3.5 of the software, it is possible to enable a software delay between sensor captures.  To enable this delay:

1. Select Options from the Tools menu.

2. Click on the Sensor tab.

3. Enable the When capturing a layout, pause between sensor captures option.

4. Leave the default timeout value of 2 seconds.

5. Click on the OK button.