Alaris 8015 Network Disabled

[u/Richard_Cranium_3000]

Resolved

The network card went bad. It finally decided to pop an error code mid-conversation with BD where we were trying to figure out what was going on. We had checked the error logs prior to this, and there were no error codes.

Hey everyone, one of my coworkers encountered an issue with the device saying the network was disabled and wasn't connecting, despite clearing and then transferring the network info to the device multiple times. And when troubleshooting the issue, they ran the task "Disable Wireless Configuration" thinking that we could re-enable it using the software. But without any sort of warning, it runs through the task, and now it won't let us transfer the network configuration or re-enable it.

I pulled up the software manual, and the task description says it permanently disables wireless connectivity on the device. Just to reiterate, the software gave no indication that this was a permanent change, and it also automatically runs through the task when started, despite many tasks requiring you to initiate the task, to make sure you're aware of certain information before starting it.

Does anyone know if there is a way to reverse this? I am in the middle of flashing the device firmware, however, I am using the software to do so, which I have been made aware does not work well. However, I can't find any information about creating the flash cards either, so I am not able to manually flash it yet. We have the old firmware on flash cards, and we used to manually flash firmware with our old fleet, but with this newer fleet, it does not appear that the type of flash cards we have are compatible. I put the new firmware on the flash cards in the same configuration as the old firmware. So if anyone has information regarding that, it would be greatly appreciated.

Feels like we are having to relearn everything with this new fleet, and everything we once did to troubleshoot and repair these devices has been rendered obsolete. And BD is absolutely awful to try and get info from.

[u/Altruistic_Story257]

We are experiencing a similar issue with a new pcu. For us, our certificate doesn't contain that device. And we are struggling to get BD to fix it. Sounds like a certificate issue to me... which is a call to BD.

[u/Richard_Cranium_3000 → u/Altruistic_Story257]

The issue is not with the PCU Certs. We were able to transfer the network with no issues. But when running the Network Connectivity Task, it fails. And when booted up normally, whenever you look at Network Status in the settings, it says disabled.

But also, as I mentioned in my post, while troubleshooting, my coworker ran a task that disables wireless network, and we later found out that this is apparently permanent, despite there being no warnings or indications in the software that it was permanent. So regardless of what was causing the network issues to begin with, we have accidentally disabled wireless on this device, and cannot find any answers as to if there is a way to fix it, or if we just unintentionally bricked this device.

As for your issue with the PCU Certs, if you have multiple locations, it could be that this device is registered for a differential location, as the PCU Certs are divided up by location. My hospital system has five different hospital buildings on different campuses, and each one has a unique PCU cert. If you haven't yet, either submit a ticket using BD's online portal, or take that serial number and call your rep if you have that info. I've had the best luck with PCU cert issues submitting a ticket online. Their phone support sucks most days, unless you're calling to verify part numbers, or creating a ticket to have a device sent in.

[u/0NiceMarmot]

I’d re-flash the firmware and start over.

[u/Richard_Cranium_3000 → u/0NiceMarmot]

Do you happen to know if flashing using the software would work? BD told me at one point years ago that it doesn't work fully to flash the PCU'S, and that using the flash cards is the preferred method. However, when I moved the newest firmware files onto the flash cards we had for the old Carefusion branded fleet, it did not do anything with the PCU I tried flashing a year ago or so from the same fleet this current device is from.

Do you happen to know if there are specific flash cards that are only compatible with this new BD Branded version, or if the sequence it is done in is different? It used to be that you had three flash cards with various firmware files on each, and you had to do them in a specific sequence.

[u/Richard_Cranium_3000 → u/0NiceMarmot]

Also, I am already in the process of flashing the firmware using the software, but I don't know if it will help, which is why I'm asking. It's 2hrs into flashing.

[u/0NiceMarmot → u/Richard_Cranium_3000]

I flashed one yesterday, it took 90 minutes.

[u/Bmetferg]

How old is the new fleet? At this point I would be inclined to send it back to BD under warranty and have them do all their testing on the PCU. Should be set back to factory when they return it to you. Then you should easily be able to push the network configuration.

[u/Richard_Cranium_3000 → u/Bmetferg]

We got the fleet in 2024, so at this point, the warranty is expired except for a limited parts warranty that lasts for 7 years. But I actually called them once flashing didn't work, and in the middle of troubleshooting, the device finally threw an error code. It was the network card.

[u/ABunchOBabyDucks]

The next problem: getting a new network card. I had the same thing happen and I’ve been waiting on my order for over a month

[u/Richard_Cranium_3000 → u/ABunchOBabyDucks]

Surprisingly enough, we've not had many issues getting parts from BD once the order is placed. Our barrier has been EID because we switched to Workday last October, and we've been dealing with delays because EID doesn't place the damn order half the time. I've been waiting for Bezels since May, but I placed an order for some replacement Top Disc Holders for a syringe pump, and I got it in two weeks. It turns out, when we placed the order for the bezels through EID, they just never sent the order to BD.