We are having issues with SimMan 3G overheating! It seems to be happening when we leave 3G plugged into the wall while running scenarios. It's as if we are over charging the batteries. Once we unplug them and run off the battery, it works fine. We are getting an Automatic Shutdown error with a picture of SimMan on fire! Are we doing something wrong, or is there a way to cool down SimMan while running scenariors?

 Please help save SimMan from catching on fire, any advice we will take!

 

 

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Chris Weidman
Simulation Tech
Clarian Health. Fairbanks Hall
Indianapolis, IN

Hello Chris,

Our technical services will contact you as soon as possible regarding this issue.

Regards,

Chris

I see Laerdal says they will contact you. I would really be interested in finding out what they say the  problem is, and how it is resolved. I hope you will post the answers.  We have just started using our Sim 3G, and always good to know ahead of time how to solve any glitches that come up.

Thanks

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Dorothy Cook
Pima Community College
Tucson, Arizona
Nursing Simulation Lab Specialist

I sure will. Just so you know. I read in the manual that if you do not drain the resevoir daily, then that could cause condensation build up, and that may be a part of the issue. I also found cooling pads and cooling fans that can be put on the back of the manikin's computer that I am going to try. But I will post what I find out.

Thanks

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Chris Weidman
Simulation Tech
Clarian Health. Fairbanks Hall
Indianapolis, IN

I would love to hear back about this, Chris. Very interested in a fix.

As of now, we have been alternating between sessions. so if we have 4 in a row, we will do one plugged in, then the next one on batteries, then plugged in, etc. This seems to be working, just have to keep a conscious effort not to overcharge the batteries or to let them run out!

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Chris Weidman
Simulation Tech
Clarian Health. Fairbanks Hall
Indianapolis, IN

So it seems that the problem is from overcharging the batteries, and not an overheated compressor? We will watch out for this. I know the compressor leg gets a bit warm when left on for a long time. In regards to the cooling pads, where exactly do you place them? Thanks for all info, 3G seems to have more glitches to work through than Sim did.

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Dorothy Cook
Pima Community College
Tucson, Arizona
Nursing Simulation Lab Specialist

yes it is over charging of the batteries. Laerdal contacted us and told us that they are not supposed to be plugged in 24/7 while running scenarios. They are made to run off the batteries, then when the batteries get low, that is when you plug them in until they recharge. I haven't yet tried the cooling pads yet, but I was either going to take the skin off the man, then place them on the computer while he laying down, then replace the skin; so the pad is right up against the computer. Or just place the pads between the manikin and the bed, and see if that cools him down at all. It works on any other computer, so I don't see why it wouldn't at minimum help out in this case.

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Chris Weidman
Simulation Tech
Clarian Health. Fairbanks Hall
Indianapolis, IN

We have encountered issues as well. Battery functionality is a great feature, but not really one we will use majority of the time. Could we solve the problem by removing the batteries?

I never thought about trying that. It may work, I'll have to do some research. The only concern I have about is that if by chance the power would get unplugged accidentally, then you have no backup and the manikin will shut down completely....so it will kill your scenario. It works just like a cell phone, they are meant to run on the batteries it's just they will need recharged when they get low.

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Chris Weidman
Simulation Tech
Clarian Health. Fairbanks Hall
Indianapolis, IN