Clean The Anti-Static Bars - Labcyte Echo 520 User Manual

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.
Over time and use the anti-static bars may accumulate dust or other
contaminants on their emitter pins and ground reference surfaces. This
accumulation could result in droplets being inaccurately ejected into the
destination plate wells (for example into the corners or onto the sides of a
well). Periodic cleaning will maintain proper anti-static bar operation.
Once a month, dry brush the anti-static bars using the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Echo carriage motors by pushing the Emergency Off switch.
2. Open the process door by clicking Door Open in the Diagnostic
window.
3. Turn off the anti-static bars by clicking Anti-Static Bars On in the
Diagnostic window.
4. Locate the two anti-static bars. See following figure.
Figure 6.6 Anti-static bar location
Upper anti-static bar
Lower anti-static bar
5. Gently clean the emitter points and ground reference surfaces on both
anti-static bars with a dry, soft-bristle, nylon toothbrush.
Figure 6.7 Anti-static bar areas requiring cleaning
6-16 Echo Liquid Handler User Manual
Note: Leave the upper anti-static bar in either its raised or lowered
position—either position is OK.