Preparing For A Cuvette Or Microplate Reading - Molecular Devices SpectraMax M2 User Manual

4. Operation
4.3.
4.3.1.
4.3.2.
SpectraMax M2 & SpectraMax M2e Multi-mode Plate Readers User Guide — 0112-0102 Rev. D
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Select the desired instrument settings (read mode, type of analysis, template, etc.) using
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SoftMax Pro software on the external computer.
If you are performing kinetic analysis, add substrate at this time.
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Load the prepared microplate into the drawer, being sure to match well A1 with the A1
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mark on upper left-hand corner of the drawer.
Using SoftMax Pro, start the reading.
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PREPARING FOR A CUVETTE OR MICROPLATE READING

TURN THE INSTRUMENT AND COMPUTER ON
The power switch is located on the back panel. Press the rocker switch to the ON
position.
The instrument automatically performs diagnostic checks to ensure that it is functioning
correctly. Turn the computer on at this time also and start the SoftMax Pro software
program.
SET THE TEMPERATURE (OPTIONAL)
To set the temperature within the microplate or cuvette chamber, you should turn on the
incubator first, allowing enough time for the temperature to reach the set point before
performing a reading. When you first turn the instrument on, up to 60 minutes may be
required for the temperature within the chamber to reach the set point. Turning on the
incubator and choosing a temperature set point can be done using the software or the
front panel of the instrument (described here).
Temperature cannot be regulated at a set point that is lower than 4°C above the ambient
temperature.
To enable the incubator:
Press the incubator
TEMP on/off
>
The LCD display indicates that temperature control is on and shows the set point and
>
current temperature of the chamber.
To change the temperature set point:
Press the up or down arrow keys until the desired temperature set point is shown in the
>
display.
The chamber temperature is maintained at the set point until you disable temperature
control by touching the incubator key again. When the incubator is off, the temperature
within the chamber gradually returns to ambient.
Should you turn the incubator back on after a momentary shutdown, allow about ten
minutes for the control algorithm to fully stabilize the chamber temperature.
key.