I would like help with two problems we are  having with our Bio-Rad MRC-1024 confocal running LaserSharp 3.2 software.  Any input from others on the list would be greatly appreciated.
         One problem involves corruption of the <lsrsharp.ini> file that contains information used for individual user folders.  We maintain separate directories for each user in the <ls_user> folder.  We carefully purge the image files to maintain plenty of room on the hard drive.  However, when we reach about 50 users we have had corruption of the <lsrsharp.ini> file. The software will crash and when we reboot there will only be manager and default user files accessible. 
        The second problem involves the filter wheel on PMT1.  The wheel will stop in a position partially blocking the beam path to the PMT or it may move to a totally incorrect filter position.  The software GUI indicates the proper postion but the filter wheel is physically not in the correct position.  This is most obvious when you see the reflected image of the illuminating beam creating an interference fringe pattern. 
        Bio-Rad has promptly replaced numerous electronic components on several occasions. These repairs  seem to cure the problem for a while ,  but  the problem slowly returns  over the course of several weeks use of the system. We would like to hear from anyone else who has seen these problems.  Thanks.


Ken Orndorff
H.C. Englert Cell Analysis Lab
Dartmouth Medical School
Borwell 383 West
Lebanon, N.H.  03756

Phone:  603-650-7661
FAX:  603-650-6130
Email:  [log in to unmask]