Problem

"A Communication Service error occurred: <Location Code/Message>"

Solution

Start by going through the Optimizing A3200 Performance and Updating Windows 10 guides. Not every PC is compatible with INtime, the real-time operating system that installs with A3200. Some PCs simply cannot be used with A3200 as they are not capable of maintaining the level of real time performance required for a software based precision automation controller. A list of supported PCs can be found here. Even if a PC has been tested by Aerotech and found to be supported, certain Windows and BIOS settings must be disabled to improve real time performance and reliability. 

This is not an exhaustive list of causes, but some common or reoccurring sources of these particular errors.

  • Disable any sleep/hibernation settings and turn off Windows Fast Startup. See Optimizing A3200 Performance for instructions to disable these settings.
  • Reinstall A3200
    • Uninstall A3200
    • Uninstall INtime (separate program from A3200)
    • Restart the PC
    • Install A3200 (INtime will install automatically)
    • Restart the PC
  • Create a technical support case to troubleshooting this error. Capture and attach the following to the case:
    • Capture a System Snapshot (Start > Aerotech > Automation 3200 > System Snapshot)
    • Open Event Viewer, right click "System" under Windows Logs in the explorer pane, and select "Save All Events As". Do the same for "Applications".
    • In Event Viewer, right click "INtime" under Applications and Services Logs in the explorer pane. Save this log as well and attach it to the case.
  • Upgrade to A3200 version 6.02 or newer. A bug was fixed in 6.02 that had previously caused the Communication Service to stop responding during the first controller connect after a PC restart. This problem is intermittent and is known to occur on only some PC platforms.
  • Upgrade to A3200 version 6.03.002 or newer. A bug was fixed in 6.03.002 that could cause a stack overflow exception if many Service Control Requests are made over a long period.