Possible Solutions to Common Problems

Possible solutions to some of the common issues that users encounter are discussed in this section.

Unable to Import Parameters

When importing parameters, make sure that the Run Type Garages and the Run Type Categories are identical in both scenarios.

Error in Loading Blocks into Blockbuster

When loading blocks into Blockbuster, an error message appears stating that a block has a missing pull-in or pull-out but when you check the block in Trapeze FX, the pull-in is correct. This means that the division is missing from the pull-in, pull-out, or one of the trips.

In Trapeze FX, click Blocking Division Assignment. The Division Assignment dialog appears. Reassign the division to the appropriate blocks.

Blocks Fail to Load But No Error Message is Shown

If blocks fail to load into Blockbuster and there is no error message displayed on screen, click CDBLOG on the Windows Status bar.

The CDBLOG screen opens. This log is automatically created when you open BlockBuster. It records all errors that occur as you work through the application. Check the messages.

Click File > Log Options. The Debug Manager control dialog opens. Make sure that the Alert Trace Level is set to Error and the Log Trace Level is set to Messages.

Scenario Fails to Open

When you try to open a scenario, it fails to open and instead you get an error message that says “Null Run.”

  1. Press F3. The Context dialog appears.
  2. From the Scenario drop-down list, select a <New> scenario. All the blocks should appear on the right grid.
  3. Click Blockbuster > Import/Export Runs . The Import/Export dialog appears. The Import From Another Scenario option is selected by default.
  4. Click OK. The Import Runs dialog appears.
  5. From the Signup drop-down list, select the correct sign-up period.
  6. From the grid, select the scenario that failed to open.
  7. Click OK. The runs should be imported into your new scenario.
  8. ClickParameters > Import Parameters. The Import Parameters dialog appears.
  9. Select the same sign-up period and scenario.
  10. Click OK.
  11. Click Save.

Undefined Runs

In BlockBuster, a run should always be classified under a run type. The system uses the run type to push the run towards becoming legal or desirable.

If a run does not match any of the available run types, BlockBuster calls the run <undefined>. You can not successfully runcut or improve runs if you have <undefined> runs.

The common causes of undefined runs are:

  • Number of pieces in Run Types
  • Sign-on/sign-off location or meal break location is not in Run Type Garages
  • Garage is not assigned to the division
  • Missing travel between the sign-on point and the relief point

Illegal Run Although Breaks Appear Correct

If a run has more than one break, BlockBuster evaluates each break as both a shift break and a piece break, and every combination of the two. If no combination is correct, the system displays the first one (typically Piece/Piece or Piece/Shift). In order to determine the problem, it may be necessary to calculate each break possibility by manually checking the travels, run type garages, and piece break and shift break work and pay rules.

Too Many Runs

Check the parameter values of all your run types. For example, you may need to increase the platform time or penalties on breaks and restrict the total number of runs.

Finding Node, Vehicle Type and Line Parameters

All BlockBuster parameters that are based on a node, vehicle type, or line can be found in the associated screens in Trapeze FX. In the Trapeze4 workstation, click File > Ancillary Data > Fixed.

Runcutting with Exceptions Off

When runcutting with Exceptions Off, be aware that all reliefs are available; therefore, it is possible to have mutually exclusive reliefs on the same block. A block could have Sch and NonSch reliefs; therefore, a run could be cut potentially starting on a Sch relief and finishing on a NonSch relief.

Only cut with Exceptions Off if you do not have exceptions or the exceptions are not mutually exclusive.

Unhooking in FX and Blockbuster

If a trip is unhooked in Trapeze FX, it is transferred from the left grid to the right grid on the BlockBuster screen. If a piece of work is unhooked in Blockbuster, it remains in the left grid.

To send a piece of work to the right grid, click the Uncut button:

The icon for Unhook in FX is the same as the icon for Uncut in Blockbuster; the Unhook icon in Blockbuster is unique to Blockbuster.

Not Sufficient Break Times

Check that the appropriate parameters related to break times are set. For example, Meal Break Times enables you to control the placement of the meal breaks within the run.