Related Manuals for Molecular Devices SPECTRAmax PLUS 384
Summary of Contents for Molecular Devices SPECTRAmax PLUS 384
- Page 1 ® SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual Molecular Devices Corporation 1311 Orleans Drive Sunnyvale, California 94089 Part # 0112-0056 Rev. A...
- Page 2 All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Disclaimer Molecular Devices Corporation reserves the right to change its products and services at any time to incorporate tech- nological developments. This manual is subject to change without notice.
- Page 3 This warranty only covers defects arising under normal usage and does not cover malfunctions of failures resulting from misuse, abuse, neglect, alteration, modification, or repairs by other than an authorized Molecular Devices Cor- poration service facility. Repair or replacement as provided under this warranty is the exclusive remedy of the purchaser (the “Buyer”).
- Page 4 SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
-
Page 5: Table Of Contents
Contents Figures and Table..........vi Conventions Used in this Manual . - Page 6 Chapter 4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting ......4-1 Technical Support ......... . 4-3 Warnings and Cautions .
-
Page 7: Conventions Used In This Manual
Conventions The names of keys that appear on the SPECTRAmax PLUS control panel are shown in boxed Helvetica type. Example: Used in this Manual Italic and boldface type are used for emphasis. Examples: “Press carefully to engage,” “ Do not press down. ” A note provides information that will help you properly execute an NOTE: action or procedure. - Page 8 viii SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
-
Page 9: Instrument Description
Chapter 1 Instrument Description Introduction........1-3 General Overview . - Page 10 Chapter 1 SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
-
Page 11: Introduction
Instrument Description Introduction General Overview The SPECTRAmax™ PLUS microplate spectrophotometer provides rapid and sensitive UV/VIS measurements of a variety of analytes including specific proteins, nucleic acids, and other molecules across a wide range of concentra- tions. It measures the optical density (OD) of samples in both 96- and 384-well microplates or in a cuvette at a selected wavelength for a single point in time (endpoint), over a specified period of time (kinetic), or over a selected wavelength range (spectral scan). -
Page 12: Pathcheck
Chapter 1 An optional printer, for use with the cuvette chamber in a stand-alone mode, can be purchased as an accessory. ™ PathCheck As predicted by the Beer Lambert law of light absorption, absorbance is propor- tional to the distance that light travels through the sample—the longer the path- length, the higher the absorbance. -
Page 13: Component Description
Instrument Description ® reference measurements made with the cuvette. SOFTmax PRO software from Molecular Devices provides full instrument control and statistical data analysis. Component The main components of the SPECTRAmax PLUS are: Description • The control panel • The microplate drawer •... - Page 14 Chapter 1 and opening or closing the microplate drawer. Pressing a control panel key acti- vates the function. A 2- × -20-character liquid crystal display which shows the current instrument set- tings. Keys TEMP (Incubator) Enables/disables the incubator function. on/off (Incubator) Allows you to enter a set point to regulate the microplate and cuvette chamber temperature.
-
Page 15: Control Panel Display
Instrument Description A reading of buffer, water, or air taken in the cuvette that is used as I to calculate Absorbance or %Transmittance. If no reference reading is taken, the SPECTRAmax PLUS will use the I values stored in the NVRAM (non-volatile memory) of the instrument. -
Page 16: The Microplate Drawer
Chapter 1 The Microplate Drawer A1 Indicator Figure 1.4 : Microplate Drawer The microplate drawer is located on the right side of the SPECTRAmax PLUS and slides in and out of the reading chamber. Springs on two sides of the drawer automatically position and hold a microplate in the proper position. -
Page 17: The Cuvette Chamber
Instrument Description The Cuvette Chamber Figure 1.5 : Cuvette Chamber Located at the right front of the SPECTRAmax PLUS , the cuvette chamber has a lid that lifts up, allowing you to insert or remove a cuvette. The chamber contains springs that automatically position the cuvette in the proper alignment for a reading. -
Page 18: The Back Panel
(modem) port of the computer. • Labels—provide information about the SPECTRAmax PLUS , such as line voltage rating, cautionary information, serial number, etc. Record the serial number shown on this label for use when contacting Molecular Devices Tech- nical Services. 1-10 SPECTRAmax PLUS... -
Page 19: Functional Description
Instrument Description Functional Stand-Alone Operation Description The paragraphs that follow describe functions that can be activated during stand- alone operation. When operating the SPECTRAmax PLUS as a stand-alone system, you can obtain a fixed-wavelength reading of the cuvette. The wavelength is chosen by pressing the up or down arrows beneath the display labeled λ. -
Page 20: Data Collection
Chapter 1 Should you turn the incubator back on after a momentary shutdown, NOTE: allow about ten minutes after reaching temperature for the control algo- rithm to fully stabilize the microplate chamber temperature. Temperature regulation and control of the microplate/cuvette chamber are achieved through electric heaters, a fan, efficient insulation, and temperature sen- sors. -
Page 21: Computer Control
® SOFTmax PRO Molecular Devices’ SOFTmax PRO software is a highly integrated program that can be used to control and collect data from the SPECTRAmax PLUS SOFTmax PRO is easy to use, yet is powerful and flexible, and makes it possible... - Page 22 Chapter 1 - Select your own read intervals for kinetic runs - Specify the duration for Automix before and between readings - Read the whole plate or a subset of microplate strips • Read cuvettes for endpoint, kinetic, or spectral scans - Use up to six wavelengths for endpoint and kinetic readings - Perform spectral scans from 190 to 1000 nm - Extend kinetic run time up to 99 hours...
- Page 23 Instrument Description - Threshold data as being above, below, or between set limits in a microplate format - Gray scale data in seven shades of gray corresponding to high and low limits in a microplate format - Kinetic or spectrum plots of all 96 or 384 microplate wells - Enlarge the display of individual well plots and overlay multiple well plots - Multiple cuvette data as raw, ranged, threshold, gray scale, kinetic, or spectral scans...
-
Page 24: Specifications
Chapter 1 Specifications Thermal specifications for microplates used in the SPECTRAmax PLUS apply to flat-bottom microplates with isolated wells. All other microplate specifications apply to standard 96-well polystyrene flat-bottom microplates. Performance spec- ifications for cuvette readings apply only to aqueous solutions having solute molal concentrations less than 0.4 M. - Page 25 Instrument Description Photometric Analysis Modes Stand-Alone • Single wavelength Absorbance or %Transmittance reading of the cuvette (or test tube) Using SOFTmax PRO • Express data as Absorbance or %Transmittance • Single wavelength reading of microplate and/or cuvette • Multiple wavelength (up to six) reading of microplate and/ or cuvette •...
- Page 26 Chapter 1 Specifications Thermal specifications for microplates used in the SPECTRAmax PLUS apply to flat-bottom microplates with isolated wells. All other microplate specifications apply to standard 96-well polystyrene flat-bottom microplates. Performance spec- ifications for cuvette readings apply only to aqueous solutions having solute molal concentrations less than 0.4 M.
- Page 27 Instrument Description Photometric Analysis Modes Stand-Alone • Single wavelength Absorbance or %Transmittance reading of the cuvette (or test tube) Using SOFTmax PRO • Express data as Absorbance or %Transmittance • Single wavelength reading of microplate and/or cuvette • Multiple wavelength (up to six) reading of microplate and/or cuvette •...
- Page 28 Chapter 1 Temperature Regulation Reading chamber Isothermal when temperature regulation is not enabled Range 4°C above ambient to 45°C when temperature regulation enabled. The ambient temperature must be >20°C to achieve temperature regulation at 45°C. Resolution ± 0.1°C Accuracy ± 1.0°C for microplate and cuvette chamber Temperature uniformity at equilibrium ±...
- Page 29 Instrument Description General Instrument Display 2- × -20-character backlit LCD Operating panel 9-key membrane keypad Self-diagnosis Continuous on-board diagnostics Spill control Drawer mechanism/reading chamber assembly is protected from ac- cidental spillage by drainage ports Computer interface 8-pin DIN RS-232 serial (double shielding required) Printer interface Parallel 25-pin to Centronics (double shielding required) Microplates supported All 96-well and strip-well microplates, including lids Environmental...
- Page 30 Chapter 2 SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
-
Page 31: Chapter 2 Installation
Installation Installation 1) Always make sure the power switch on the instrument is in the OFF position and remove the power cord from the back of the instrument prior to any instal- Warnings lation or relocation of the instrument. 2) Do not operate the instrument in an environment where potentially damag- ing liquids or gases are present. -
Page 32: Setting Up For Stand-Alone Use
SPECTRAmax PLUS . Connect the male end to a grounded power outlet of the appropriate voltage. Molecular Devices recommends that you use a surge protector between the power cord and the grounded power outlet. 5) If you are using a printer for reading cuvettes in stand-alone mode, locate the... -
Page 33: Chapter 3 Stand-Alone Operation
Chapter 3 Stand-Alone Operation Prepare for a Reading ......3-3 Turn the Instrument and Printer On ..3-3 Set the Temperature. - Page 34 Chapter 3 SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
-
Page 35: Prepare For A Reading
Stand-Alone Operation This chapter contains operating information for the SPECTRAmax PLUS Micro- plate/Cuvette Spectrophotometer. If you are an experienced user of this instrument, you can turn to the Operation Overview on page 3-4 for a quick review of the operat- ing steps. -
Page 36: Read The Cuvette
Chapter 3 Read the After setting the temperature (if desired), and choosing the wavelength for the reading, insert the cuvette into the chamber, making sure that the clear sides are Cuvette to the left and right (facing the instrument). Do not touch the clear surfaces of the cuvette. -
Page 37: Maintenance And Troubleshooting
Chapter 4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting Technical Support ......4-3 Warnings and Cautions ....4-3 General . - Page 38 Chapter 4 SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
-
Page 39: Technical Support
Technical Molecular Devices Corporation is a leading worldwide manufacturer and distrib- utor of analytical instrumentation. We are committed to the quality of our prod- Support ucts and to fully supporting our customers with the highest level of technical service. -
Page 40: General
Chapter 4 Do not touch or loosen any screws or parts other than those spe- CAUTION: cifically designated in the instructions. Doing so could cause misalign- ment and possibly void warranty. General Keep the drawer closed when the instrument is not in use. The drawer can be opened by pressing the DRAWER button. -
Page 41: Changing The Fuses
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Changing the Fuses burn out occasionally and must be replaced. If the instrument does not seem to be getting power after switching it on (the LCD shows no display), first Fuses check to see whether the power cord is securely plugged in to a functioning power outlet and to the receptacle at the rear of the SPECTRAmax PLUS . - Page 42 6) When removed, the fuse assembly will appear as shown in Figure 4.3. The holder inside contains two fuses. 7) It is possible that only one of the fuses may have blown. Molecular Devices recommends that you replace both fuses, however, to ensure continued proper operation.
-
Page 43: Error Codes And Probable Causes
If a problem occurs during operation that causes an unrecoverable error, the instrument will stop and an error code number will be shown in the display on and Probable the front panel. To correct the problem, call your local Molecular Devices repre- Causes sentative for assistance. - Page 44 Chapter 4 If the instrument is functioning normally when using SOFTmax PRO, NOTE: no errors should be in the buffer (except error number 100). Table 4.1. Error Codes, Messages, and Notes about the Errors ERROR ERROR MESSAGE NOTES CODE 100-199: Operator Errors command not found Command string not recognized.
- Page 45 Maintenance and Troubleshooting Table 4.1. Error Codes, Messages, and Notes about the Errors ERROR ERROR MESSAGE NOTES CODE cmd generated too Firmware error. much output fatal trap Instrument error. Instrument locks up. RTOS error Firmware error. stack overflow Firmware error. unknown interrupt Firmware error.
- Page 46 Chapter 4 Table 4.1. Error Codes, Messages, and Notes about the Errors ERROR ERROR MESSAGE NOTES CODE reference gain check fail Power-up check of the Reference amplifier's gain out of toler- ance. Could be due to bad or disconnected pre-amp board or excessive stray light.
-
Page 47: Opening The Drawer Manually
This action will not harm the instrument, but should only be taken if the first two options have failed to open the drawer. If you are still unable to open the drawer, contact Molecular Devices Technical Support or your local representative for assistance. - Page 48 Chapter 4 4-12 SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
- Page 49 Maintenance and Troubleshooting SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual 4-13...
- Page 50 Chapter 4 4-14 SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
- Page 51 Maintenance and Troubleshooting SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual 4-15...
- Page 52 Chapter 4 4-16 SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
- Page 53 Maintenance and Troubleshooting SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual 4-17...
- Page 54 Chapter 4 4-18 SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
-
Page 55: Appendix A Printers And Cables
Appendix A Printers and Cables Compatible Printers ......A-3 Cables ........A-3... - Page 56 Appendix A SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
-
Page 57: Compatible Printers
Please check your printer’s manual to assess compatibility based on this criterion—some printers will not meet this requirement. Please contact your local Molecular Devices representative for information regarding recommended printers. Cables Molecular Devices recommends that you use high-quality, double-shielded cables... - Page 58 Appendix A SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
-
Page 59: Appendix B Accessories
Appendix B Accessories Items Available for Use with the SPECTRAmax PLUS ......B-3... - Page 60 Appendix B SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
- Page 61 Accessories Items Available for Use with the SPECTRAmax PLUS Part Number Cable, RS-232, Macintosh to SPECTRAmax PLUS 8-pin DIN to 8-pin DIN ........9000-0091 Cable, RS-232, PC to SPECTRAmax PLUS 9-pin to 8-pin DIN .
- Page 62 Appendix B SPECTRAmax PLUS Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual...
- Page 63 Index Appendix B Error Messages 4-7 Compatible Printers A-1 Error messages 4-7 Appendix C Accessories B-1 filter cleaning 4-4 Back Panel 1-10 Fan filter 4-4 Bandwidth 1-16 Functional Description 1-11 Fuse 4-5 changing 4-5 Fuses Cables 2-4, A-3 accessing 1-10 connecting 2-4 serial 1-10 Calibration 1-16...
- Page 64 Index Opening the Drawer Manually 4-11 Technical service 4-3 Operation Overview 3-4 Technical Support 4-3 Temperature 1-11, 1-12, 3-4 equilibration 1-12, 3-3 incubator 1-12, 3-3 Pathlength correction 1-4 regulation 1-11 Ports 2-4 set point 1-6, 1-12, 3-3 printer 1-10 setting 3-3 serial 1-10 stabilization 1-12 Power cord 1-10, 2-4, B-3...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the SPECTRAmax PLUS 384 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers