Labcyte Echo 520 User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Labcyte Manuals
  4. Laboratory Equipment
  5. Echo 520
  6. User manual

Labcyte Echo 520 User Manual

Liquid handler
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
For Echo models: 520
550
555

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Labcyte Echo 520

Summary of Contents for Labcyte Echo 520

  • Page 1 For Echo models: 520...
  • Page 2 Copyright © 2013 Labcyte Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Any unauthorized changes or modifications to the Echo® liquid handler will void its warranty. Contact Labcyte Inc. prior to making any change or modification.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Preface Intended audience ......vii Safety warnings and precautions ....viii Safety notation marks .
  • Page 4 1.3.5 1536-plate to 1536-plate liquid transfer ..1-17 1.4 What system configurations are supported? ..1-18 1.4.1 Manual operation ....1-18 1.4.2 Echo applications .
  • Page 5 3.3.4 Electrical ......3-19 3.3.5 Client PC......3-19 3.3.6 Communications .
  • Page 6 6.1.1 Daily maintenance ....6-2 6.1.2 Echo maintenance alerts ....6-3 6.1.3 Scheduled maintenance .

  • Page 7: Preface

    Barcode scanner locations  Using this manual The Labcyte Echo 520, 550 and 555 systems are referred to as the Echo liquid handler throughout this manual. The information and illustrations apply to all models unless specifically stated otherwise. Intended audience...

  • Page 8: Safety Warnings And Precautions

    Safety warnings and precautions The Echo liquid handler has been designed for safe operation. The safety warnings and precautions in this section and throughout the manual must be observed during installation, relocation, maintenance, repair, and normal operation of an Echo liquid handler. Failure to comply with these warnings and precautions, or with specific cautions and warnings found elsewhere in this manual, violates the safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of an Echo liquid...

  • Page 9: Electrical Safety Warnings

    AC power fuse” on page 6-18. If a fuse requires repeated replacement, the Echo liquid handler could have an electrical problem. Do not use a malfunctioning Echo liquid handler. Contact Labcyte Service and Support (see “Contact information” on page 7-1).

  • Page 10: Additional Safety Warnings

    Caution: Do not attempt to service or repair the internal Echo liquid handler mechanisms yourself. The electrical, laser, and mechanical systems must be maintained by Labcyte field engineers. If you have any questions regarding what may be serviced by an Echo liquid handler user, please call Labcyte (see “Contact information”...
  • Page 11 Caution: Do not obstruct the air vents. Keep all air vents free of dirt or dust. Caution: Handle the Echo liquid handler coupling fluid and waste water carefully. Avoid all spills. Caution: Keep corrosive agents, or otherwise damaging material, away from the Echo liquid handler and its attached devices.

  • Page 12: Emergency Off Switch (Emo)

    Emergency Off switch (EMO) The Echo liquid handler includes two Emergency Off switches, also known as EMO (Emergency Motion Off) switches. They are located on the front and rear of the unit and are prominently labeled “EMERGENCY OFF.” See “Emergency Off label,” on the next page for switch location.

  • Page 13: Product Labels

    Product labels You will find the following labels on the Echo liquid handler. Intellectual property label ETL label Laser safety labels Electrical hazard General warning label Water system maintenance label WEEE label Emergency Off label Laser safety labels Product label Pinch point labels High-voltage label...

  • Page 14: Intellectual Property Label

    Intellectual property label The intellectual property label cites United States patents and other applicable legal protection. ETL label The ETL label indicates conformance to ETL SEMKO product safety standards for the US and Canada. Laser safety labels One of two laser safety labels (this one is visible on the instrument back cover).This warning indicates that the Echo liquid handler optionally uses laser- based barcode scanners.

  • Page 15: Water System Maintenance Label

    Water system maintenance label The water system maintenance label is provided by Labcyte to remind the user to follow recommended maintenance procedures. It also emphasizes the use of distilled water. WEEE label Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive The WEEE label signifies that this instrument should not be disposed of in the trash.

  • Page 16: Laser Safety Labels

    Product label The Echo liquid handler product label (located inside, beside the pump), contains Labcyte corporate identification, product identification, product serial number, regulatory agency marks, origin of manufacture, date of manufacture, input power specifications, and CE mark Pinch point label...

  • Page 17: High-Voltage Label

    High-voltage label The high-voltage label warns of possible high-voltage injury from electrical cables, connections, and circuits inside the Echo liquid handler. Preface xvii...

  • Page 18: Using This Manual

    Echo liquid handler.  Chapter 6 should be read by everyone who is responsible for user- level maintenance and interfacing with Labcyte service and support personnel. What is in this manual? The Echo liquid handler user manual contains the following: ...

  • Page 19: Conventions Used In This Manual

     Appendix B, “Barcode Locations,” specifies where a microplate barcode label must be placed to be read by the Echo liquid handler.  Appendix C, “Chiller Information,”contains chiller descripton, setup and operation, and troubleshooting. Conventions used in this manual Some of the text in this manual uses special formatting to help indicate emphasis or keystrokes.
  • Page 20 xx Echo Liquid Handler User Manual...

  • Page 21: Chapter 1 Introduction

    All models utilize ADE (acoustic droplet ejection) technology patented by Labcyte Inc. Ultrasound- based ADE precisely transfers nanoliter volumes of liquids, including DMSO, buffers with or without proteins or nucleic acids, surfactants, cell culture media and serum between microplates.

  • Page 22: Acoustic Droplet Ejection

    Acoustic Droplet Ejection Acoustic droplet ejection (ADE) technology is the process of transferring nanoliter volumes of liquid using acoustic energy. The Echo liquid handler uses this technology to transfer fluid droplets from a source microplate to a receiving surface. The following is a simplified sequence of ADE events: 1.
  • Page 23 2. The operator loads the destination plate (can be microplate or slide holder) that will receive the liquid into the Echo liquid handler. Before retracting the destination plate, the Echo liquid handler inverts the plate, with the open microplate wells or slide facing downward. This step is required to receive droplets ejected UP from the source microplate.

  • Page 24: Will The Fluid Splash Or Fall Out

    1.1.2 Will the fluid splash or fall out? The Echo liquid handler performs liquid transfer with an inverted destination plate. Users might question whether all of the droplet remains in the destination plate well after transfer. Will any of it splash out? Will the repeated motions of the destination plate, or simply time passing, allow any of the transferred liquid to fall or drain out of the destination plate well?

  • Page 25: What Are The Echo Liquid Handler Features

    What are the Echo liquid handler features? Echo liquid handlers are well suited to transferring low-nanoliter volumes of aqueous and DMSO-based solutions for a wide variety of applications. Echo liquid handler features that will be important to any organization include: 1.2.1 “Touchless”...

  • Page 26: Reliability

    1.2.2 Reliability The Echo liquid handler has been designed for heavy duty-cycles and reliable operation. Compared to operating and maintaining existing liquid handling equipment, Echo technology offers the customer a simpler, trouble-free device. Proactive control and monitoring of the systems reduce lost operational time or material if an error occurs: ...

  • Page 27: Ease Of Use

    1.2.3 Ease of use An Echo liquid handler is quickly ready for use.  Minimal operator training is required.  User calibration or recalibration are not required.  Preparation for liquid transfers requires little more than defining a transfer protocol and selecting the source and destination plates being used.

  • Page 28: System Integration Friendly

    1.2.4 System integration friendly While manual mode (operator controlled via Labcyte software) and stand- alone mode (hand-loaded microplates) support all functionalities, the Echo liquid handler excels in its ease of integration into automated systems.  The main body of the Echo liquid handler has a very small footprint: 53.9 cm wide and 68.3 cm deep (21.2 in x 26.9 in).

  • Page 29: Low Maintenance Requirements

    1.2.5 Low maintenance requirements Echo instrument up-time is high, not only because it is reliable, but also because very little maintenance is required.  Routine operator maintenance takes only minutes each week— typically keeping the coupling fluid bottle clean and filled. ...

  • Page 30: High Accuracy, Precision, And Speed

    1.2.7 High accuracy, precision, and speed High throughput capabilities are maintained without degrading fluid transfer accuracy and precision. Droplet-to-droplet volumetric precision exhibits a low CV (coefficient of variation) for all fluid types tested to date. This is attributed to the elimination of sample contact with the ejection mechanism.

  • Page 31: Value-Added Quality Control

    1.2.8 Value-added quality control In addition to precise and accurate transfer of fluids, the Echo liquid handler has an auditing function that can provide quality control of fluid samples. The Echo liquid handler applies a low-energy sound pulse to the fluid sample in each well, and the reflected signal is used to calculate the following: DMSO-based solutions: fill height and DMSO/water concentration.

  • Page 32: What Types Of Liquid Transfer Are Supported

    What types of liquid transfer are supported? The Echo liquid handler supports a variety of simple to complex microplate liquid transfer protocols. The bundled software program allows a user to set up the following types of protocol transfers: Table 1.1 Liquid transfer types Destination Source (Src) Transfer map type...

  • Page 33: 384-Plate To 384-Plate Liquid Transfer

    Examples of these protocols are described later in this section. Additional and more complex fluid transfer protocols can be defined with the Echo Applications software packages (Echo Plate Reformat, Echo Cherry Pick, Echo Dose-Response, and Echo Array Maker), as well as with the extensive ActiveX control library defined in the Echo Software Development Kit (Echo SDK).

  • Page 34: 384-Plate To 96-Plate Liquid Transfer

    Figure 1.9 illustrates a more complex fluid transfer between two 384-well microplates. Droplets are ejected from multiple source plate wells into the same destination plate well (pooling). This transfer map and its transfer protocol cannot be defined using the current software program, but it can be defined using the Echo Applications software or with the Echo ActiveX programming interface (refer to Echo Integration Guide).

  • Page 35: 384-Plate To 1536-Plate Liquid Transfer

    1.3.3 384-plate to 1536-plate liquid transfer Figure 1.11 illustrates a 384-well to 1536-well interleaved fluid transfer. An interleaved transfer places, or stacks, all source A1 well transfers into a single cluster on the destination plate. Figures 1.12 and 1.11 clearly show these two schemes.

  • Page 36: 1536-Plate To 384-Plate Liquid Transfer

    1.3.4 1536-plate to 384-plate liquid transfer Figure 1.12 illustrates a 1536-well to 384-well quadrant fluid transfer. Wells from a single 1536-well plate can be transferred, or destacked, to four 384-well plates. Individual wells or all wells from each quadrant can be transferred to the corresponding wells in the destination plate.

  • Page 37: 1536-Plate To 1536-Plate Liquid Transfer

    1.3.5 1536-plate to 1536-plate liquid transfer Fluid transfers between two 1536-well microplates are exactly the same as 384-plate to 384-plate transfers, except for the well densities. Note: Echo 555 only: High-throughput transfer of DMSO is available for the 1536-well LDV plate (1536LDV_DMSO_HT). This special calibration type uses the same 1536-well LDV plate that is used for standard DMSO and aqueous transfer;...

  • Page 38: What System Configurations Are Supported

    What system configurations are supported? The Echo liquid handler can be used in a manual configuration or in several levels of automated, system integrated configurations. This section explores the following operating modes:  Manual mode Software-driven mode   Modular workstation mode ...

  • Page 39: Echo Applications

    1.4.2 Echo applications Labcyte provides the following Echo Applications that extend beyond the basic Echo software to enable the operator to easily create a variety of more complex destination plates.Labcyte currently provides the following software applications:  Echo Dose-Response: eliminates the tedious and error-prone steps in manual serial dilution to produce assay-ready microplates for IC , and dose-response curves;...

  • Page 40: Modular Workstation Operation

    1.4.3 Modular workstation operation Modular workstation operation differs from manual operation with the addition of a robot to automate the loading and unloading of source and destination plates. Typically, a custom program is written that controls and synchronizes the Echo liquid handler and robot interactions. An operator is still involved and performs the following functions: ...

  • Page 41: Small Cell Operation

    1.4.4 Small cell operation Small cell operation includes the automation of HTS processes other than liquid transfer. Those processes might include several of the following:  Lidding and delidding  Microplate labeling  Microplate sealing  Incubation  Reaction detection Temperature or humidity control ...

  • Page 42: Fully Automated Operation

    1.4.5 Fully automated operation A more fully automated operation expands on the small cell concept and may incorporate a larger range of processes and operations. Figure 1.16 Full automated mode operation Larger, fully automated drug discovery labs might include the following: •...

  • Page 43: Multi-Client Considerations

    1.4.6 Multi-client considerations Larger research labs may have many computers, instruments, controllers, and other devices interconnected on an Ethernet LAN (local area network). Please review the following information and take appropriate measures to avoid conflicts caused by multiple workstations controlling an Echo liquid handler inappropriately.
  • Page 44 The Echo liquid handler is a client/server system. The “client” is the external workstation that contains the user interface software to define plate and protocol information. The “server” is the controller that runs the instrument motors and sensors. Each subsystem is independent, with its own system checks.

  • Page 45: Chapter 2 Installation And Relocation

    H A P T E R NSTALLATION AND ELOCATION HAPTER Labcyte installs the Echo liquid handler and Echo software for the customer. However, site preparation and additional software installation are the customer’s responsibility. This chapter covers pre-installation requirements, additional software installation, and instrument relocation.

  • Page 46: Pre-Installation Requirements

    Note: Less height clearance (>2.5 in) is acceptable if there is sufficient space to lift the top and slide it all the way forward. Talk to your Labcyte field engineer. Front clearance: sufficient clearance to load and unload microplates by hand or by robot.
  • Page 47 1034 kPa (150 PSI) maximum. Consumption not to exceed 1cf/m @ 150 PSI. Labcyte provides the compressed air line and fitting with the Echo liquid handler, but the customer must provide a source compatible with 170 in ID/.250 in OD tubing.

  • Page 48: Additional Components

    2.1.2 Additional components The following components are needed to work with the Echo liquid handler:  Chiller for maintaining a constant fluid temperature. Included with the Echo system. See “Chiller Information” on page C-1 for more information.  Distilled water for filling the chiller well, coupling fluid bottle, and coupling fluid circuit.

  • Page 49: Installation Overview

    Installation overview The Labcyte Echo liquid handler is installed by Labcyte field engineers. The following is a brief overview of the hardware and software installation steps they perform: 1. Unpack the Echo liquid handler and place it in the area that meets the minimum operating space requirement.

  • Page 50: Software Installation

    Software installation Labcyte installs the Echo software onto the client PC that is connected to the Echo liquid handler. If you need to install the software onto additional computers, such as network PCs, use the instructions provided in this section.

  • Page 51: Install The Software

    2.3.1 Install the software The following procedure describes installation of Client (Only) software. For information on installing Client + Server software, refer to the Labcyte Echo Integration Guide. To install Echo liquid handler software: 1. Insert the Echo liquid handler software installation CD into the CD drive.
  • Page 52 INISH Note: Read the release notes for information about the version of software being installed. The release notes are stored in the Labcyte Echo liquid handler folder on your Windows Desktop for later viewing. 2-8 Echo Liquid Handler User Manual...

  • Page 53: Uninstall The Echo Software

    ROGRAMS 4. Select Echo liquid handler and click R EMOVE 2.3.3 Upgrade the Echo software Upgrading the software requires a new Echo software CD. Contact Labcyte Service and Support for the most current version. See “Contact information” on page 7-1.

  • Page 54: Instrument Relocation

    Service and Support. Do not attempt to move the Echo liquid handler yourself.  If the move can be easily accomplished using a moving dolly or cart, the move can be performed without Labcyte involvement. If you have any questions, contact Labcyte Service and Support See “Contact information” on page 7-1.

  • Page 55: Reinstall The Echo Liquid Handler After A Move

    2.4.2 Reinstall the Echo liquid handler after a move After the move, use the following procedure to restore an Echo liquid handler to normal operation. 1. Ensure that the new mounting surface is level. 2. Set up the Echo liquid handler, bottles, computer, and other ancillaries. Remember to allow for minimum operating space around the Echo liquid handler.
  • Page 56 5. Connect the air pressure and vacuum pressure supply lines to the fluidics panel. The connections are labeled for easy reference. Figure 2.6 Bottle connections Coupler fluid bottle cap (blue bottle cap) To coupler catch nozzle (long, straight tube) From catch basin From vacuum source (J-tube) Caution: Do not run the pump until the vacuum source is connected...
  • Page 57 Caution: Do not run the pump until the chiller tubing is connected. Running the pump without the chiller tubing may damage other system components. Figure 2.8 Tubing connections on the Echo system Fluidics panel From chiller (Water In) To chiller (Water Out) Compressed air line (Air In) Vacuum line (Vacuum) 7.
  • Page 58 2-14 Echo Liquid Handler User Manual...

  • Page 59: Chapter 3 System Description

    H A P T E R YSTEM ESCRIPTION HAPTER This chapter covers the following Labcyte Echo liquid handler features and components:  System overview Front panel  Back panel   Component description Process door  Source plate gripper stage ...

  • Page 60: System Overview

    System overview This section provides the location and brief description of the components, followed by detailed descriptions. 3.1.1 Front panel Figure 3.1 Echo Liquid Handler front panel Status indicators LCD screen Emergency off switch Process door (shown open) Upper anti-static bar (behind front cover) Destination plate gripper stage Lower anti-static bar...
  • Page 61 Source plate insert: The plate insert fits between the source plate and plate gripper to ensure that the source plate is properly positioned. For more information and table of insert types, see “Source plate insert” on page 3-6. Figure 3.2 Plate inserts Status indicator lights: There are three status indicator lights on the front of the Echo liquid handler: Power (green): The Echo liquid handler is on and ready.

  • Page 62: Back Panel

    3.1.2 Back panel Figure 3.3 Echo liquid handler back panel Status lights screen Remote Emergency Off cable Emergency Off AC power and fuse (EMO) switch compartment Data connection Tubing and hose Coupling fluid bottle connections and caddy AC power and fuse compartment: The AC power and fuse compartment (also called the power input module) contains the main Echo liquid handler power on/off switch, AC power outlet, and fuse compartment.

  • Page 63: Component Description

    Component description 3.2.1 Process door The process door is normally closed to protect the operator from moving mechanisms in the Echo liquid handler and from any stray light emitted by the barcode scanner lasers. When a fluid transfer protocol is executed, the process door will be opened automatically, allowing easy human or robotic loading or unloading of microplates.

  • Page 64: Source Plate Gripper Stage

    3.2.3 Source plate insert To keep the source plate secure, the plate gripper includes a plate insert designed for specific plate types. See the following table of plate inserts. Table 3.1 Labcyte plate inserts Plate insert Plate catalog # Insert size...
  • Page 65 When you are changing plate inserts, look for the insert size, which is located in the upper right corner. When you place the microplate insert onto the plate gripper, the sensors will be flush against the insert sensor. The plate insert will rest on top of three pads and should move easily from side to side.

  • Page 66: Destination Plate Gripper Stage

    Figure 3.7 Plate insert and gripper arm securely hold the source microplate. A1 well location Sensors Plate insert Gripper arm 3.2.4 Destination plate gripper stage The destination plate gripper stage is the upper plate stage that extends from the Echo liquid handler. The plate gripper holds the microplate that will receive the liquid being transferred.

  • Page 67: Status Indicator Lights

    Figure 3.9 Inverting the destination plate Destination microplate up Plate being inverted Destination microplate down As the destination plate gripper stage retracts into the Echo liquid handler, a sensor detects whether a plate is or is not present. Normally, a transfer will not be executed if a destination plate is not detected.
  • Page 68 Labcyte recommends that you refill the coupling fluid bottle as soon as possible after the Warning light has been turned on (see “Refill the coupling fluid bottle”...

  • Page 69: Lcd Screen

    3.2.6 LCD screen There is a four-row LCD screen on the front of the Echo liquid handler and a duplicate on the rear panel. They display messages that report what the Echo liquid handler is doing or what operator action is required. Types of messages displayed include the following: ...

  • Page 70: Anti-Static Bars

    3.2.8 Anti-static bars The upper and lower anti-static bars (also called ionizer bars) remove any electrostatic charge from the source and destination microplates. Electrostatic charge can affect the placement of the transferred drop during liquid transfer. Figure 3.12 Anti-static bars Upper anti-static bar Lower anti-static bars Barcode scanner...
  • Page 71  Interleaved 2 of 5  UPC/EAN  Contact Labcyte Service and Support to install or move the barcode scanners. See “Contact information” on page 7-1. See “Barcode Locations” on page B-1 for limitations on where barcode labels can be placed on a microplate.

  • Page 72: Ac Power And Fuse Compartment

    If the Echo liquid handler is connected directly to a client PC, the Ethernet cable must be a “cross-over” cable. Other data connection ports are used by Labcyte field engineers. Figure 3.16 External connections: power and data. RJ-45 Ethernet port...

  • Page 73: Coupling Fluid Bottle

    3.2.10 Coupling fluid bottle The Echo system comes with a 1000 mL coupling fluid bottle. See Figure 3.17. Figure 3.17 Coupling fluid bottle. Note: Older Echo systems are also equipped with a 500 mL waste bottle. Next to the coupling fluid bottle is a sensor that is connected by cable to the Echo liquid handler.

  • Page 74: Fluid Chiller

    3.2.11 Fluid chiller Another essential component of the Echo liquid handler system is the fluid chiller. This component draws water from the coupling fluid bottle, adjusts the fluid temperature, and circulates the fluid through the acoustic transducer. Coupling fluid temperature control Correct Echo liquid handler coupling fluid temperature is 22.0°C.

  • Page 75: Fluidics Panel

    3.2.13 Fluidics panel The fluidics panel contains tubing and hose connections to the following components: Figure 3.20 Fluidics panel From chiller To chiller Compressed air line Vacuum line  Chiller tubing. The chiller tubing provides the coupling fluid circulation path between the Echo liquid handler and the chiller. The chiller maintains the fluid temperature at 22°C.

  • Page 76: Specifications

    Specifications Each Echo liquid handler conforms to the following specifications. 3.3.1 Physical Height: 92.5 cm (36.4 in). Width: 53.9 cm (21.2 in). Depth: 68.3 cm (26.9 in). Operating space envelope: Maintain a minimum operating space of 59 cm (23.2 in) width, 99 cm (39 in) depth, and 118 cm (46.5 in) height. Position the Echo liquid handler in the operating space envelope to allow 2.5 cm (1 in) side clearance (add 17.8 cm (7 in) if the coupling fluid bottle is placed on the side of the instrument), 30.5 cm (12 in) rear clearance,...

  • Page 77: Environmental

    3.3.6 Communications Network connection: 10/100/1000 BaseT Network protocol: TCP/IP User account: Labcyte (The client PC must have a Labcyte account, with administrator privileges, that is accessible by LabcyteService and Support to service the Echo liquid handler system.) System Description 3-19...

  • Page 78: Fluid Transfer

    These plate type names are used with instruments that have shipped with Echo Server 2.4. Instruments that shipped with earlier versions of software may use a different naming terminology and may have different transfer specifications. Contact your Labcyte account representative with any questions for your specific instrument.
  • Page 79 Additional notes on Table 3.2 1. At low volumes, transfer times for the Echo 520 and 550 systems are similar; how- ever, as the volume increases, the Echo 550 system shows a faster transfer time. 2. Transfer time is dependent on the number of transfers per plate; therefore, for a full plate, transfer times for a 384-well plate will always be faster than for 1536- well plate.

  • Page 80: Supported Labware

    500 nL from a single well without resurveying. The software will present a warning message when the depletion exceeds 500 nL, but will allow you to continue. Labcyte recommends that you test the performance of any single well depletion greater than 500 nL without a re-survey.

  • Page 81: Coupling Fluid

    • Interleaved 2 of 5 • UPC/EAN 3.3.9 Coupling fluid Fluid: Distilled water + algaecide. Approved algaecide: Labcyte catalog number ECHO-AL04 (4 mL bottle with dropper). Contact Labcyte to reorder. Water/algaecide ratio: 50 μL (one drop) algaecide per 1000 mL distilled water.
  • Page 82 3-24 Echo Liquid Handler User Manual...

  • Page 83: Chapter 4 Manual Operation

    H A P T E R ANUAL PERATION HAPTER ® This chapter describes the manual operation of the Echo Liquid Handler, which involves a human operator performing the following procedures:  Startup/Shutdown  Main screen  Create liquid transfer protocol ...

  • Page 84: Startup/Shutdown

    At this point, the hardware and client PC software installations should be complete. All fluid, air, and electrical connections should be complete and functioning. Your Labcyte field engineer performs a set of function tests to ensure that the system is operating correctly.
  • Page 85 Echo initialization The Echo liquid handler performs a system initialization that includes the following actions:  All three stages move to their home position: Source stage moves front to rear on its Y axis.  Destination stage moves left to right on its X axis, front to rear on ...

  • Page 86: Launch Echo Software

    The Echo software can be launched by either of the following methods:  Open the Labcyte Echo folder on the desktop and double-click the icon for your Echo liquid handler. Figure 4.2 Starting the Echo liquid handler from the Windows Desktop ...

  • Page 87: Turn Off Echo Power

    4.1.3 Turn off Echo power You may need to power off the Echo liquid handler for any of the following reasons:  Extended periods of non-use  Preventive maintenance  Service or repair  Power interruptions, such as scheduled facility power interruptions ...
  • Page 88 Emergency Off switch The Emergency Off switch, also known as EMO (Emergency Motion Off) switch, can be used in an emergency to shut down mechanical Echo liquid handler activity. There are two Emergency Off switches, one on the front panel and one on the rear panel of the Echo liquid handler.
  • Page 89 (see “Motion calibration” on page 5-45). Note: If you cannot determine the original problem or you cannot correct the problem, you must arrange for a Labcyte field engineer to restore your Echo liquid handler to normal use. Manual Operation 4-7...

  • Page 90: Main Screen

    Main screen The Echo software opens in the Main screen. The Main screen shows tabs for each major function and user interactive area for selecting from a list of protocols or clicking options or function keys. The first tab shows the window.
  • Page 91  Tabs: Each tab opens a window for a function or related group of functions. Protocols: In the Echo software, a protocol is a set of user-selected  parameters (plate/fluid type, plate mapping, transfer volume, and repetition) that define a single liquid transfer procedure. The window lists the protocols available to run.

  • Page 92: Create Liquid Transfer Protocol

    Create liquid transfer protocol The liquid transfer protocol specifies how much fluid will be transferred from the source microplate to the destination microplate, and in what well order a plate map that the Echo instrument uses to perform the transfer. —...

  • Page 93: Add New Protocol

    4.3.1 Add new protocol 1. From the P ROTOCOLS window, click the A button. The New Protocol wizard will begin. 2. Enter the protocol name (for example, 384LDV Aqueous P 10 nL) and select the source and destination microplate types from the drop-down lists.
  • Page 94 6. Click the V button to display the D window. EFINE EFINE ELLS Figure 4.9 Defining transfer wells 7. Specify the source wells from which to transfer fluid. To define the region A1 through E4, click cell A1 and drag the mouse pointer to cell E4.

  • Page 95: Run The Liquid Transfer Protocol

    Run the liquid transfer protocol Before running the liquid transfer protocol, you will need to prepare the compound to be transferred and set up the microplates. 4.4.1 Prepare the microplates Prepare the microplates as follows: 1. Prepare the source microplates. Consider the following factors: ...

  • Page 96: Start Liquid Transfer Run

    2. Place the appropriate plate insert onto the plate gripper (if it is not already in position). See “Source plate insert” on page 3-6. 3. Collect the microplates that will serve as destination plates to receive the compound. A destination microplate definition must exist or be created. For example, knowing the plate height of the destination microplate allows the Echo liquid handler to lower the destination microplate into very close proximity to the source microplate, improving droplet ejection...
  • Page 97 Figure 4.11 Starting transfer protocol 3. Load the source microplate with well A1 in the inner-left corner. Click the N button. Figure 4.12 Loading source plate The source plate gripper stage retracts into the Echo liquid handler and the destination plate gripper stage is extended outside of the Echo liquid handler.
  • Page 98 While the destination plate gripper stage inverts the microplate, the source microplate is surveyed. The Echo liquid handler determines the fluid composition and fill height, and then calculates the fluid volume in each well. For aqueous solutions, the fluid volume is an approximation and may vary depending on protein and surfactant concentrations, among other factors.
  • Page 99 Figure 4.15 Removing destination plate The destination plate gripper stage retracts into the Echo liquid handler and the source plate gripper stage extends outside of the Echo liquid handler. 7. Remove the source microplate and click the D button. Figure 4.16 Removing source plate The source plate gripper stage retracts into the Echo liquid handler.
  • Page 100 4-18 Echo Liquid Handler User Manual...

  • Page 101: Chapter 5 Echo Liquid Handler Software

    ANDLER HAPTER OFTWARE The Labcyte Echo liquid handler comes with user software. The Echo liquid handler software (referred to as the “Echo software” from this point on) provides a Windows-based graphical user interface (GUI). The user can control the Echo liquid handler and execute most of its functions, which include the following: ...

  • Page 102: Protocols Window

    Protocols window The P tab is the first window that opens when you start the Echo ROTOCOLS liquid handler software. The Protocol List displays the liquid transfer protocols that are stored in the Echo database. A tool tip displays many of the protocol parameters.
  • Page 103 Echo Cherry Pick and Echo Plate Reformat applications, or by programming your own custom protocols with the Echo ActiveX programming interface (refer to the Labcyte Echo Integration Manual). * Compound from the source plate wells are transferred to the same relative well posi- tions in the destination plate.

  • Page 104: Create A Protocol

    5.1.1 Create a protocol To execute a liquid transfer using the Echo software, the first step is to create a protocol. A protocol defines the source and destination microplates to use, the volume to transfer, number of transfers, and the specific wells involved.
  • Page 105 Source Plate Type: Select a source plate type from the first drop- down list. Note: Only Echo qualified source microplates are listed in the Source Plate Type drop-down list. Contact Labcyte to add more source plates. See “Contact information” on page 7-1.
  • Page 106 2. Click the N button. The second A dialog ROTOCOL IZARD box opens. Figure 5.4 Add new protocol wizard, page 2 of 2 3. Transfer Wells: Click the V button to select the wells to be EFINE transferred from the source plate. a.
  • Page 107 (see “Maximum Transferred Volume:” on page 3-21). For example, for the Labcyte 384-well PP source microplate, the valid range is 2.5 to 10000 nL in increments of 2.5 nL . If you enter the transfer volume directly instead of using the increment/decrement buttons, remember that the value must be an even multiple of the minimum transfer volume.
  • Page 108 Create a new 1536:1536 protocol definition If your Echo liquid handler has been calibrated for 1536-well source plates, you can create a new 1536:1536 protocol definition using the A as described above for 384:384 protocols with the ROTOCOL IZARD following exceptions: ...
  • Page 109 “Maximum Transferred Volume:” on page 3-21). For example, for the Labcyte 384-well PP source microplate, the valid range is 2.5 to 10000 nL in increments of 2.5 nL. If you enter the transfer volume directly instead of using the increment/decrement buttons, remember that the value must be an even multiple of the minimum transfer volume.
  • Page 110 3. Click the N button to open the third A ROTOCOL IZARD dialog box. Figure 5.11 Add new protocol wizard page 3 of 3 You must define a fluid transfer map for each of the source microplates used. 4. Click the V button to create a transfer map for the first EFINE source plate.
  • Page 111 Source Plate Type: Select a source plate type from the first drop-down list. Note: A 1536-well source microplate must already exist in the Echo database. Contact Labcyte to purchase a 1536-well source plate definition. See “Contact information” on page 7-1.
  • Page 112 Figure 5.14 Add new protocol wizard page 1 of 3 3. Click the N button. The second A dialog ROTOCOL IZARD box opens. Figure 5.15 Add new protocol wizard page 2 of 3 a. Transfer Map Type: Select an interleaved or a quadrant liquid transfer protocol type.
  • Page 113 5. Click the V button to create a transfer map for the 1536-well EFINE source plate. The Define Wells dialog box opens. Figure 5.17 Define wells template for interleaved plate map The Define Wells dialog box shows you the source wells (white cells) that can be transferred to the selected destination plate.
  • Page 114 b. Select the wells you want to include in the transfer. For an explanation on how to select wells in a transfer map, see “Create a transfer map” on page 5-14. c. Click the radio button for Dest 2 and select the wells you want to include in the transfer.
  • Page 115 through I6. There are several methods to define which wells belong in the transfer map.  Click a single well to select it and clear all other selected grid squares.  Hold the C key down and click in individual wells. Each well is ONTROL selected in turn.

  • Page 116: Edit An Existing Protocol Definition

    5.1.2 Edit an existing protocol definition To edit an existing protocol definition, click the E button or double-click the protocol name in the P . One of the following edit protocol ROTOCOL dialog boxes will open: Figure 5.21 Edit 384:384 protocol dialog box Figure 5.22 Edit 384:1536 protocol dialog box Any parameter of a user-defined protocol can be edited;...

  • Page 117: Remove An Existing Protocol Definition

    5.1.3 Remove an existing protocol definition If a protocol must be deleted, select the protocol name and click the button. Confirmation of the removal is required. The protocol EMOVE definition is deleted from the Echo database and from the Echo software ROTOCOL 5.1.4 Run a protocol To run a liquid transfer protocol:...
  • Page 118 2. Click the N button. The process door will open and the source plate gripper stage will extend outside of the Echo liquid handler. 3. Load your source microplate with well A1 in the inner-left corner. Click the N button. The source plate gripper stage retracts into the Echo liquid handler and the destination plate gripper stage is extended outside of the Echo liquid handler.
  • Page 119 When the survey is complete, and the destination microplate is positioned correctly above the source microplate, the liquid transfer process begins. Using the data contained in your destination microplate definition, the protocol definition, and the source microplate survey just performed, droplets are ejected from each specified source microplate well into the corresponding destination microplate well.

  • Page 120: Labware Window

    Labware window The L window is used to manage source and destination microplate ABWARE definitions. Figure 5.24 Labware window Plate Name List: The P contains all of the source and LATE destination plates that have been defined for your system (may vary from the list in the previous figure).

  • Page 121: Plate Name Convention

    2.5 nL of sample to every well in the microplate. Source Plates Labcyte names every source plate with familiar plate naming convention, such as 384PP and 1536LDV, and abbreviated liquid types, such as AQ and DMSO, to help operators identify the plate names. This section describes the convention we use.
  • Page 122 For a list of available source plate specifications see “Supported labware” on page 3-22. Destination plates For destination plates, the Echo liquid handler only requires the plate specifications--where to place the sample and how much can it receive. In the P , you can also work with microscope slides LATE PECIFICATION...

  • Page 123: Plate Specification Editor

    Labcyte (Echo-qualified). For this reason, new source plates cannot be defined by the user. For existing source plates, only the barcode location can be edited (see Figure 5.25). Contact Labcyte to add more source plates. See “Contact information” on page 7-1.
  • Page 124 Manage labware specifications Adding a new destination plate, or editing an existing destination plate, are virtually the same process. On the L tab click either A or E ABWARE The D dialog box will open. ESTINATION LATE PECIFICATION Note: The edit window for the source plate specification looks the same, but only the barcode location can be edited.
  • Page 125 Barcode Location : From the drop down list, select the barcode location. The choices are N and L (front). The right side is not supported. Note: Some users are more familiar with the microplate sides identified by the compass points: L = west and L south.
  • Page 126 Note: The Echo liquid handler's frame of reference for the destination is an inverted microplate. Increasing the A1-X offset will shift the inverted microplate to the right, and therefore drop placement would be further left. Figure 5.29 Inverted destination microplate A1 X offset C: X center spacing.
  • Page 127 Note: When using barcode labels on higher plate heights (for example, 16 mm), align the barcode label with the top of the plate to ensure proper scanning. F: Flange height: Dimension F specifies the height of the plate’s flange in millimeters.

  • Page 128: Diagnostics Window

    Diagnostics window The D window provides the following control and monitoring IAGNOSTICS options:  In the D section, the user can control many EVICE CONTROL AND STATUS of the Echo internal devices and mechanisms. The current position of those devices and mechanisms is reported by green lamp indicators. Clicking the check box next to the device initiates the action (for example, clicking Source Plate In directs the Echo liquid handler to retract the source plate gripper stage).

  • Page 129: Device Control

    5.3.1 Device control You have access to precise Echo device control. The ability to command internal mechanism movement is useful during maintenance, troubleshooting, and diagnostic procedures. Access to device control is found in several areas of the Echo software:  The Device Control and Status section of the D window IAGNOSTICS...
  • Page 130 Source plate in/out and presence The source plate gripper stage can be commanded to extend outside or to retract back inside the Echo liquid handler. Select the appropriate checkbox. If the process door is closed when the source plate is commanded to extend outside of the Echo liquid handler, the process door will be opened first.
  • Page 131 There are two indicator lights associated with the destination plate. One reports the current position (in/out) of the destination plate gripper stage. The second reports the presence of a microplate loaded onto the plate gripper. The plate presence indicator has two states: Clear = Plate not present;...
  • Page 132 Upper anti-static bar up/down The Echo liquid handler can be commanded to lower or raise its upper anti- static bar. The upper anti-static bar can be raised or lowered regardless of the process door or source plate positions. If the upper anti-static bar is commanded to be lowered while the destination plate gripper stage is extended outside of the Echo liquid handler, an “Actuate Ionizer Down Error”...

  • Page 133: Status Indicators

    5.3.2 Status indicators The S section of the D window contains a vertical YSTEM TATUS IAGNOSTICS array of status indicators and readouts. Four of them (P OWER ARNING , and EMO) correspond to the similarly named indicators on the Echo AULT status panels.
  • Page 134 Red: Fluid has been detected in the lower pan or excess fluid has been detected in the catch basin. The coupling fluid pump has been turned off. The user should call Labcyte Technical Support. 5-34 Echo Liquid Handler User Manual...
  • Page 135 Labcyte recommends refilling the coupling fluid bottle as soon as possible (see “Refill the coupling fluid bottle” on page 6-8).
  • Page 136 Focus calibration indicator Periodically, the focal length of the acoustic transducer should be checked. When this period of time has expired, the F indicator OCUS ALIBRATION turns yellow. The user should perform a focus calibration as soon as possible. See “Focus calibration check” on page 5-50.
  • Page 137 Maintenance mode Maintenance mode disables Echo motor control from the client software to allow you to perform maintenance procedures, such as changing fluid. Select the M checkbox to AINTENANCE inhibit the execution of the following Echo processes and functions from the Echo software: Executing fluid transfer protocols.

  • Page 138: Diagnostic Procedures

    5.3.3 Diagnostic procedures In the Miscellaneous section, there is a drop-down list of diagnostic procedures and a L button. AUNCH Dry plate The D procedure vacuums the water film off LATE the bottom of a source plate. If a source plate is not present, the D procedure is aborted.
  • Page 139 Diagnostic Survey The Survey procedure performs an acoustic survey of the fluid in the loaded source plate. 1. Go to the D window and use IAGNOSTICS the Diagnostics controls to load a source plate into the Echo liquid handler. 2. Select Survey from the M ISCELLANEOUS drop-down list.
  • Page 140 Save Results to Disk. Select this checkbox to automatically store the results of the acoustic survey in the client PC data directory (C:\Program Files\Labcyte\Medman\Data). Also see File | Save on page 5-42. Ignore Source Plate Sensor. Select this checkbox to resolve problems with fitting a source plate onto the source plate gripper stage.
  • Page 141 The data displayed in the Statistics section.  The data saved to a CSV file on the client PC. * The Echo 520 liquid handler does not report this result. † Not available in Echo software version 2.2 and later. Echo Liquid Handler Software 5-41...
  • Page 142 In the R section, raw data collected during the survey is displayed. ESULTS This information is used only by Labcyte personnel during troubleshooting or system analysis. Figure 5.38 Diagnostic survey results 9. To save the survey data to the client...
  • Page 143 Note that F will save raw, processed LUID OMPOSITION (homogeneous), or processed (inhomogeneous) survey data, depending on which P radio button is selected. The S dialog ROCESSING box is displayed. Figure 5.39 Diagnostic survey file saved Echo Liquid Handler Software 5-43...

  • Page 144: Calibration Window

    Calibration window Several Echo mechanisms can be user-calibrated. The following motion, power, acoustic transducer, and barcode scanner related calibration procedures are found in the C window. ALIBRATION Figure 5.40 Calibration window 5-44 Echo Liquid Handler User Manual...

  • Page 145: Motion Calibration

    Note: Normally the register calibration will not need to be performed by a user. However, it can be useful during certain repair, diagnostic, or recovery procedures. Perform the register calibration only as directed by Labcyte personnel. Echo Liquid Handler Software 5-45...
  • Page 146 If register calibration is required, use the following procedure: 1. Click R in the Calibration window. The Plate Registration EGISTER window opens. Figure 5.42 Plate registration window 2. Select the source plate type from the drop-down menu. 3. Click the P button to extend the source plate gripper stage.

  • Page 147: Power Calibration

    Note: Normally a manual power calibration will not need to be performed by a user. However, it can be useful during certain repair, diagnostic, or recovery procedures. Perform power calibration only as directed by Labcyte personnel. If manual power calibration is required, use the following procedure: 1. On the C...
  • Page 148 Power  Amplifier Feedback: The A field displays the MPLIFIER EEDBACK current power correction factor, and normally should be very close to 1.0.  Pulse Energy: The P field will be empty until power ULSE NERGY calibration is performed.  Vpp: The voltage peak-to-peak (V ) field will be empty until power calibration is performed.
  • Page 149 Figure 5.45 Calibrate Power dialog box after power calibration 3. System Gain: During normal operation, the S value should YSTEM not be changed by the user. However, the user can override the automated power calibration by adjusting the S scalar YSTEM multiplier value.

  • Page 150: Transducer Calibration

     Focal-Sweep is a diagnostic tool used by Labcyte personnel to measure the focal length of the acoustic transducer during a predefined vertical movement. Focus calibration The Echo acoustic transducer includes a lens that focuses the acoustic energy pulse at a specific point near the microplate well fluid surface.
  • Page 151 Caution: When the F indicator is yellow, Labcyte OCUS ALIBRATION strongly recommends that the user execute the Focus calibration wizard as soon as possible. 1. In the T window, click the F button. RANSDUCER FOCUS CALIBRATION OCUS Figure 5.47 Transducer focus calibration page 1 2.
  • Page 152 Figure 5.48 Focus calibration page 2 (new focal length calibration not required) Note: If your graph shows two curves, the Echo software has detected older calibrations (software version 2.2 and older) and has performed a focus calibration check for both current and older calibrations. 5-52 Echo Liquid Handler User Manual...

  • Page 153: Advanced Window

    Advanced window The A window provides additional controls that may be useful to DVANCED the experienced Echo user. Figure 5.49 Advanced window 5.5.1 Advanced liquid transfer controls Each of these controls affects transferring fluids from a source plate to a destination plate.
  • Page 154 LATE URVEY ATA TO stored on the client PC disk. The data file is stored to <InstallDir>\Labcyte\ Medman\Data. This data can be useful to Labcyte personnel during diagnostic troubleshooting. Default: Source plate survey data is not saved on the Echo controller.

  • Page 155: Advanced Solvent Concentration (Dmso Only)

    PC disk. There is no reason to save transfer data during normal operation. The data file is stored to <InstallDir>\Labcyte\Medman\Data. Transfer data can be useful to Labcyte personnel during diagnostic troubleshooting.
  • Page 156 Define: Clicking the D EFINE button opens the Solvent Platemap dialog box. Use predefined: When the U checkbox is selected, the Echo REDEFINED liquid handler will use the predefined DMSO concentration map. Predefining a solvent concentration map Note: Use this function carefully and only when you need to specify a fixed measurement and override the Echo DMSO measurement.

  • Page 157: Advanced Echo Control

    Cancel: Clicking the C button closes the Solvent Platemap dialog box ANCEL with no action taken. 5.5.3 Advanced Echo control There are cases when the Echo controller must be shutdown or restarted. The Echo controller is the hardware and software resident on the Echo instrument that controls all functions of the instrument.

  • Page 158: Status Window

    Server log messages are stored in log files in the Echo controller. Note: During normal operation you do not need to know this information. However, if you are troubleshooting a problem, your Labcyte field engineer may ask for this information. 5-58 Echo Liquid Handler User Manual...
  • Page 159 Debug: Debug messages are generally not of use to Echo users. They provide detailed information to Labcyte representatives. Warning: Warning messages report unexpected events. These events may not cause a functional or operational problem since the Echo liquid handler can recover from most situations that create a warning.
  • Page 160 5-60 Echo Liquid Handler User Manual...

  • Page 161: Chapter 6 Maintenance And Service

    Scheduled maintenance consists of purging the fluid system, replacing the water filter, washing the bottles, and cleaning the anti-static bars and destination plate gripper grid. Six-month preventive maintenance is provided by Labcyte field service representatives if the Echo liquid handler is still under warranty or under a service contract.

  • Page 162: Maintenance Schedule

    Maintenance schedule Echo user maintenance consists of the following:  Daily maintenance  Echo maintenance alerts  Scheduled preventive maintenance Every two weeks  Every month  Every six months  6.1.1 Daily maintenance Perform the following checks once a day: Table 6.1.

  • Page 163: Echo Maintenance Alerts

    6.1.2 Echo maintenance alerts The Echo liquid handler contains internal checks to ensure that it performs liquid fills under optimal conditions. If, for example, the coupling fluid temperature is outside the normal range (21.2°C – 23.0°C), a yellow warning light appears on the Echo front and back panels. If the coupling fluid temperature continues to rise or fall outside of the warning range (20.2°C –...
  • Page 164 The following table lists the normal maintenance alerts that a user would see, as well as the respective corrective procedures. To see a list of other factors that can trigger a Warning or Fault light, see Chapter 7, “Contact Information and Troubleshooting”.

  • Page 165: Scheduled Maintenance

    Empty and clean the waste water bottle (on older Echo systems only). Note: The waste water bottle should contain very little, if any, water. If you are frequently emptying the waste water bottle, contact Labcyte Service and Support. Once per month Once per month, the Echo user should perform the following procedure: ...
  • Page 166 Six month preventive maintenance Labcyte will provide six month preventive maintenance. Please talk to your Labcyte service representative or call Labcyte Service and Support to schedule the date. If you are no longer in warranty or have a service contract, contact Labcyte to obtain a quote and schedule preventive maintenance.

  • Page 167: Maintenance Procedures

    Labcyte field engineers. If you have questions regarding what may be serviced by an Echo user, please call Labcyte Service and Support. See “Contact information” on page 7-1.

  • Page 168: Refill The Coupling Fluid Bottle

    See “Fault light” on page 3-10.  Echo ActiveX events report that the coupling fluid has dropped to the refill required level. Refer to the Labcyte Echo Integration Manual. Materials required  Distilled water, sufficient to fill the 1L bottle to ~900 mL...
  • Page 169 4. Visually inspect the used coupling fluid. It should not be cloudy or visually contaminated with algae or other substances. If it is, clean the bottle (see “Clean and refill the coupling fluid bottle” on page 6-10) before refilling it. 5.

  • Page 170: Clean And Refill The Coupling Fluid Bottle

     An empty, clean 1000 mL coupling fluid bottle (square bottle catalog number ECHO-AL15-S; round bottle catalog number ECHO-AL-15-R)  50 μL of algaecide (Labcyte catalog number ECHO-AL04)  Gloves for protection when handling the algaecide  Paper towels or shop cloths to deal with any unexpected fluid leaks ...

  • Page 171: Empty The Coupling Fluid Bottle

    system is not operating correctly, when the coupling fluid pump is turned on, the coupling fluid can flood the bottom of the system. 6.2.4 Empty the coupling fluid bottle 1. Ensure that no fluid transfer or diagnostic procedures are under way. 2.
  • Page 172 4. Turn off the coupling fluid pump. 5. Return the coupling fluid pump direction to normal. Select C OUPLING Normal. IRECTION 6. Unscrew the cap on the coupling fluid bottle and remove the bottle from the bottle caddy. Clean and refill the coupling fluid bottle 1.
  • Page 173 Cycle fluid through the Echo system Caution: The chiller does not need to be running for this procedure, however, do not cycle coupling fluid through the Echo liquid handler that is below 22°C or above ambient room temperature. Extreme temperatures can damage the acoustic transducer. 1.
  • Page 174 Use the following procedure to empty and clean the waste water bottle: 1. Ensure that no fluid transfer or diagnostic procedures are under way. 2. Disconnect the vacuum line from the fluidics panel to decrease vacuum pressure. Figure 6.3 Disconnecting vacuum 3.

  • Page 175: Replace The Water Filter

    The inline water filter on the chiller tubing filters out dust and particles as the coupling fluid returns to the chiller. To ensure that the coupler fluid is filtered effectively, Labcyte will replace the water filter every six months. If the water filter appears discolored or cracked before the six month maintenance is due, replace it immediately.

  • Page 176: Clean The Anti-Static Bars

    6.2.6 Clean the anti-static bars The Echo liquid handler uses two anti-static bars to neutralize any static charge on the source and destination plates. The anti-static bars are just inside the process door, one right below and the other right above the door opening.
  • Page 177 6. Turn on the Echo carriage motors by turning the Emergency Off switch counterclockwise and releasing it. Clean the destination plate gripper grid The grid on the destination plate gripper is charged with an electrical current during fluid transfer. The electrical field overrides any static charge that may reside in the destination plate to ensure that the droplets transferred from the source plate wells are directed upward into the center of the destination wells and not diverted to the side of the wells.

  • Page 178: Replace The Ac Power Fuse

    6.2.7 Replace the AC power fuse The Echo main AC power entry module includes two-user replaceable fuses. Use only the correct, specified fuse type as a replacement. The Echo AC power configuration and replacement main AC power fuse are specified on the unit’s product label on the rear panel.

  • Page 179: Extended Non-Use And Storage

    1. Recirculate the coupling fluid once a week. See the procedure “Cycle fluid through the Echo system” on page 6-13. 2. Perform scheduled maintenance at two-week and one month intervals. Call Labcyte Service and Support to schedule six-month maintenance. See “Maintenance schedule” on page 6-2. Maintenance and Service 6-19...

  • Page 180: Preparation For Storage

    6.3.2 Preparation for storage Contact Labcyte Service and Support to arrange for the storage of the Echo liquid handler. See “Contact information” on page 7-1. Include an estimate of how long the instrument will be stored and where it will be stored.

  • Page 181: Chapter 7 Contact Information And Troubleshooting

    Technical support  Applications support  Service  Repair  Parts, supplies, and accessories Please contact Labcyte: Technical support line: (408) 747-2000 (option 8) or (408) 542-7866 Email: support@Labcyte.com Address: Labcyte Inc. 1190 Borregas Ave. Sunnyvale, California 94089 (877) 742-6548...

  • Page 182: Setup Problems

     The Echo liquid handler is failing to communicate. Check for the cause, attempt to resolve the problem, and try to launch the software again. If the message persists, call Labcyte Service and Support. 7-2 Echo Liquid Handler User Manual...

  • Page 183: Maintenance Alerts

    Maintenance alerts During normal use, the Echo liquid handler may prompt that it needs attention. Refer to the following maintenance alerts: Table 7.1. Echo Maintenance Alerts Maintenance Alert Procedure  Warning light is yellow. Possible See “Status indicator lights” on causes: page 3-9.
  • Page 184 Table 7.1. Echo Maintenance Alerts Maintenance Alert Procedure  The user-supplied vacuum Increase vacuum pressure. pressure is low (< 15 in Hg Vac) See “Vacuum supply pressure or nonexistent. indicator” on page 5-35.  The EMO (Emergency Motion See “EMO indicator” on Off) switch has been activated.

  • Page 185: Appendix A. Acoustic Droplet Ejection Technology

    P P E N D I X COUSTIC ROPLET JECTION HAPTER ECHNOLOGY ADE history Simple ADE (Acoustic Droplet Ejection)—liquid transfer using acoustic energy—dates back to early experiments with high-intensity acoustic beams at the Tuxedo Park laboratory of Alfred Lee Loomis in 1927. It was observed that immersing a high-power acoustic generator in an oil bath would create a mound at the surface “erupting oil droplets like a miniature volcano.”...

  • Page 186: Ade And The Echo Liquid Handler

    Source microplate material and characteristics. A transfer protocol’s source microplate is specified in the transfer protocol definition from a list of Labcyte validated and predefined source plates.  Well fluid fill height. The fluid fill height in a microplate well is measured by the Echo liquid handler and used to focus the acoustic energy near the well fluid’s meniscus.

  • Page 187: Source Microplate Survey

    Source microplate survey Prior to each run, the Echo liquid handler scans the fluid in each source microplate well. During the microplate survey, the acoustic transducer is moved beneath each well. A pulse of acoustic energy is transmitted up through the bottom of the microplate into the fluid in the well.

  • Page 188: Fluid Transfer

    Fluid transfer Afterthe fluid survey, the Echo software uses dynamic, real-time measurements to check the fluidlevel again and adjust the focus and power as necessary to compensate for any changes immediately before droplets are transferred from each well. A.4.1 Positioning the ADE elements Before a droplet can be ejected, the source plate gripper stage and the acoustic transducer stage are moved on their X- and Y-axes, so that the transducer is centered directly below the source microplate well from which...

  • Page 189: Transferring The Droplet

    A.4.3 Transferring the droplet Figure A.2 illustrates the ADE components discussed above and shows a droplet being ejected from a 384-well to a 1536-well microplate. The coupling fluid (distilled water) is pumped into the acoustic transducer assembly. It exits through the coupler nozzle and flows down into the coupling fluid catch basin.

  • Page 190: Examples Of Acoustic Droplet Ejection

    A.4.4 Examples of acoustic droplet ejection Figure A.3 shows a 5 nL droplet being ejected from a volume of water. The acoustic energy pulse creates a mound of fluid at the surface, which is pushed up. A droplet forms on a neck and eventually pinches off. Its momentum carries it up to a receiving surface while the fluid mound recedes into the larger fluid volume.
  • Page 191 Each image in Figure A.4 shows a stroboscopic sequence of a 5 nL DMSO droplet ejection. Each 5 nL (212 μm diameter) droplet is traveling upward at approximately 1 m/s to a glass slide. In each of the four images, the droplet has been photographically captured at six points in time by a multi- flash strobe at intervals of 400 μs.
  • Page 192 A-8 Echo Liquid Handler User Manual...

  • Page 193: Appendix B. Barcode Locations

    ARCODE OCATIONS HAPTER The Labcyte Echo liquid handler optionally includes one or more barcode scanners. The location of each scanner depends on the location of your barcode labels on the microplates. Note: You can use either the front scanner or the side scanner, but not both.

  • Page 194: Short Flange Height Microplates

    Short flange height microplates Left side: The barcode label may extend the full width of the microplate flat surface. Its bottom edge may be no lower than either ≥1.0 mm above the top of the skirt or ≥3.0 mm above the bottom of the skirt. Refer to Figure B.1.

  • Page 195: Appendix C. Chiller Information

    Your Labcyte service representative will set up the chiller with the Echo system. Refer to this section for safety information, equipment setup (if the Echo system is relocated), operation, and troubleshooting.

  • Page 196: Shipping Contents

    Chiller tubing is included in your Echo accessories. Safety Warnings and Precautions The Labcyte chiller has been designed for safe operation. Observe all safety warnings and precautions in this section during installation, relocation, maintenance, and normal operation of a chiller.

  • Page 197: Chiller Setup And Operation

    Chiller Setup and Operation C.3.1 Setup Your Labcyte service representative will set up the chiller during Echo system installation. If you need to set up the chiller again (for example, after relocation of the Echo system), use the following procedure.

  • Page 198: Operation

    The chiller will maintain the set temperature until it is changed or the chiller is turned off. Troubleshooting The Labcyte chiller has two system alarms that are shown on the chiller display: RTD OPEN or RTD SHORT, FAN FAIL. RTD OPEN or RTD SHORT: The connector has come loose or the temperature sensor has failed.
  • Page 200 HAPTER Labcyte Inc. 1190 Borregas Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1302 Telephone: +1 408 747 2000 Toll free (USA): +1 877 742 6548 Fax: +1 408 747 2010 ® email: support@labcyte.com Echo Liquid Handler User Manual www.labcyte.com Labcyte Part Number: 001-5331...

This manual is also suitable for:

Echo 550Echo 555

Table of Contents