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

Hi all!

The overheating mentioned initially is intended as a warning that the battery temperature is too high for further charging. The manikin can continue running, but charging will be disabled. There are further thresholds that if passed, will shut down the manikin, so you should be safe continue running. We have altered the message in the SW version 1.1.0 and also will not display it more than once, to avoid causing too much distress.

That said - if you continue getting this message, and the ambient temperature is normal room temperature, I would suggest you contact Laerdal support and ask for further help.

Running the manikin without batteries is absolutely OK. The manikin's internal disk is write protected and will not be harmed by power loss (unless you are in the process of updating it). The only problem in this case is as mentioned above - you will lose the ongoing simulation.

Kind regards

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Dag Sanna
Laerdal Medical AS

The issue of power outage with batteries out is the same result that happens when a standard SimMan has power loss.  The scenario is over. ;0)

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Michael Young

Hi，cweidman：

         Take it easy.   I think you can work for sometime,and have a rest for a short time without skin.  But I want to know how serious the overheating ? 

Hello!

>But I want to know how serious the overheating ?

OK, I will reveal another small secret for you hard core 3G users. New in SW version 1.1.0, is a diagnostic tool we have made for use with 3G. It is primarily intended for tech support etc, but we decided to provide it with the SW so that users like you also could access it.

The tool connects to the manikin just the same way as the Instructor Application and the Patient Monitor Application. It provides direct access to sensors and actuators as well as diagnostic features not available anywhere else. Note that this utility is intended for expert users. Whenever possible, use functionality through standard interface. Especially avoid unnecessary calibrations etc.

The tool can be found in this path: Program Files\Laerdal Medical\SimMan3G\AuxiliaryTools\ManikinBaseboardTester\SimMan3G Test Utility.exe

I have attached a screenshot of the "Power" tab of the utility, which displays battery temp (deg C).

Kind regards

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Dag Sanna
Laerdal Medical AS

Hi ,Dag,thank you very much!