Molecular Devices SpectraMax Plus 384 User Manual
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Molecular Devices SpectraMax Plus 384 User Manual

Microplate spectrophotometers
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SpectraMax® Plus 384
SpectraMax® 190
SpectraMax® 340PC384
VersaMax™
Microplate Spectrophotometers
User Guide
0112-0126 B
October 2018

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Summary of Contents for Molecular Devices SpectraMax Plus 384

  • Page 1 SpectraMax® Plus 384 SpectraMax® 190 SpectraMax® 340PC384 VersaMax™ Microplate Spectrophotometers User Guide 0112-0126 B October 2018...
  • Page 2 For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. The trademarks mentioned herein are the property of Molecular Devices, LLC or their respective owners. These trademarks may not be used in any type of promotion or advertising without the prior written permission of Molecular Devices, LLC.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Cleaning the Instrument Replacing Fuses Before You Move the Instrument Chapter 6: Troubleshooting Opening the Drawer Manually Obtaining Support Appendix A: Instrument Specifications SpectraMax Plus 384 Specifications SpectraMax 340PC384 Specifications SpectraMax 190 Specifications VersaMax Specifications Electromagnetic Compatibility Appendix B: Accessories 0112-0126 B...

  • Page 4: Safety Information

    Follow the related safety information. The following user attention statements might be displayed in the text of Molecular Devices user documentation. Each statement implies the amount of observation or recommended procedure.
  • Page 5 For products under the requirement of the WEEE directive, contact your dealer or local Molecular Devices office for the procedures to facilitate the proper collection, treatment, recovery, recycling, and safe disposal of the device. - - California proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
  • Page 6 Electrical Safety To prevent electrical injuries and property damage, inspect all electrical equipment before use and report all electrical deficiencies. Contact Molecular Devices technical support for equipment service that requires the removal of covers or panels. To prevent electrical shock, use the supplied power cord and connect to a properly grounded wall outlet.
  • Page 7 Safety Information Moving Parts Safety The instrument contains moving parts that can cause injury. Under normal conditions, the instrument is designed to protect you from these moving parts. WARNING! If the instrument is used in a manner not specified by Molecular Devices, the protection provided by the equipment might be impaired.

  • Page 8: Chapter 1: Introduction

    Documentation Computer Integration Each Molecular Devices microplate reader is shipped with a license key for the SoftMax® Pro Data Acquisition and Analysis Software that you install on the computer that you use to operate the instrument. The SoftMax Pro Software provides integrated instrument control, data display, and statistical data analysis.

  • Page 9: Plate Controls

    For the SpectraMax Plus 384 you can do fixed point cuvette reads. Stand alone mode is not available for the VersaMax.
  • Page 10 Cuvette Chamber The cuvette chamber on the SpectraMax Plus 384 is located at the right front of the instrument. You manually lift up the lid over the chamber to insert or remove a cuvette. The chamber contains springs that position the cuvette in the proper alignment for a read. You must manually close the cuvette door before you initiate a read.

  • Page 11: Temperature Regulation

    The instrument control panel displays the temperature in the plate chamber except for the SpectraMax Plus 384 where the instrument control panel displays the cuvette chamber temperature. Use the SoftMax Pro Software to view the plate chamber temperature for the SpectraMax Plus 384.
  • Page 12 Chapter 1: Introduction The temperature sensors detect the temperature of the air inside the chamber, not the temperature of the samples in the plate. If you use the instrument to warm the samples, use a seal or lid on the plate to prevent evaporation of the sample. The seal or lid also helps to maintain a uniform temperature.

  • Page 13: Chapter 2: Setting Up The Instrument

    Chapter 2: Setting Up the Instrument Before you unpack and set up the instrument, prepare a dry, flat work area that has sufficient space for the instrument, host computer, and required cables. To provide access for disconnecting power from the instrument, maintain a 20 cm to 30 cm (7.9 in. to 11.8 in.) gap between the rear of the instrument and the wall.

  • Page 14: Connecting Instrument Cables

    VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Connecting Instrument Cables The power cord and USB cable connect to the ports on the rear of the instrument. Illustration Part Number Description 5064799 USB computer connection cable, 3 meter (9.8 foot) 4400-0002 or 4400-0036 Power cord, 1 meter (3.3 foot) Note: Before you connect or disconnect the power cord, make sure that the power...
  • Page 15 6. Turn the instrument around so that the front of the instrument now faces you. Note: Ensure no cables run beneath the instrument. 7. Remove the tape from the cuvette door on the SpectraMax Plus 384. 8. Power on the instrument and wait for the plate drawer to open.

  • Page 16: Chapter 3: Getting Started

    96/384 - For the SpectraMax 340PC384, press to select to read a 96-well plate or a 384- well plate. REF - For the SpectraMax Plus 384, press to do a Cuvette Reference correction method read of buffer, water, or air taken in the cuvette that is used as I to calculate Absorbance or % Transmittance with the PathCheck Pathlength Measurement Technology.

  • Page 17: General Workflow

    VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Read Cuvette - For the SpectraMax Plus 384, press to initiate the sample read of the cuvette. Read - For the SpectraMax 190 and SpectraMax 340PC384, press to initiate the plate read when you operate the instrument in stand alone mode.
  • Page 18 VersaMax. Note: Due to the continuous changes in printer technology and printer obsolescence, Molecular Devices does not recommend relying on printing in standalone mode. 1. Power on the instrument and the connected printer.

  • Page 19: Chapter 4: Absorbance Read Mode

    Chapter 4: Absorbance Read Mode The instrument uses the Absorbance (ABS) read mode to measure the Optical Density (OD) of the sample solutions. Absorbance is the quantity of light absorbed by a solution. To measure absorbance accurately, it is necessary to eliminate light scatter. If there is no turbidity, then absorbance = optical density.

  • Page 20: Pathcheck Pathlength Measurement Technology

    VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide When in %Transmittance analysis mode, the instrument converts the raw OD values reported by the instrument to %Transmittance using the above formula. All subsequent calculations are done on the converted numbers. Applications of Absorbance Absorbance-based detection is commonly used to evaluate changes in color or turbidity, permitting widespread use including ELISAs, protein quantitation, endotoxin assays, and...
  • Page 21 1 cm cuvette. The instrument uses the factory installed Water Constant to obtain the 1 cm values. For the SpectraMax Plus 384 you can read a cuvette that contains deionized water or buffer to use the Cuvette Reference correction method (typically not necessary when you use aqueous solutions with minimal alcohol, salt, or organic solvent content).
  • Page 22 VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Place a standard 1 cm cuvette that contains the aqueous/solvent mixture you use for the plate samples into the cuvette port. The cuvette must be in place when you read the plate. When you click Read, the instrument first makes the 900 nm and 1000 nm measurements in the cuvette and then makes the designated measurements in the plate.
  • Page 23 Chapter 4: Absorbance Read Mode The average OD value is the Plate Background OD. If you intend to read your samples at more than one wavelength, there should be a corresponding number of Plate Background OD values for each wavelength. Note: It is important that you put water in the wells and do not read a dry plate for the Plate Background OD.

  • Page 24: Read Types

    (RFU), or relative luminescence units (RLU) across a spectrum of wavelengths. Spectrum reads are made using the scanning monochromators of the instrument. SpectraMax Plus 384 - Wavelengths from 190 nm to 1000 nm SpectraMax 190 - Wavelengths from 190 nm to 850 nm...

  • Page 25: Chapter 5: Maintenance

    Chapter 5: Maintenance Perform only the maintenance tasks described in this guide. Contact a Molecular Devices service engineer to inspect and perform a preventive maintenance service on the instrument each year. See Obtaining Support on page Before you operate the instrument or perform maintenance operations, make sure you are familiar with the safety information in this guide.

  • Page 26: Replacing Fuses

    If the power failed while the instrument was on, verify that the power cord is not loose or disconnected and that power to the power outlet is functioning properly. If these checks fail to remedy the loss of power, replace the fuses. You can obtain replacement fuses from Molecular Devices. 0112-0126 B...
  • Page 27 6. Press the fuse carrier into the instrument until the carrier snaps into place. 7. Plug the power cord into the power port. 8. Turn on power to the instrument. Note: If the instrument still does not power on after you change the fuses, contact Molecular Devices technical support. 0112-0126 B...

  • Page 28: Before You Move The Instrument

    VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Before You Move the Instrument Before you move the instrument, make sure that the new location is a dry, flat work area that has sufficient space for the instrument, host computer, and required cables. CAUTION! When transporting the instrument, warranty claims are void if improper packing results in damage to the instrument.

  • Page 29: Chapter 6: Troubleshooting

    Chapter 6: Troubleshooting Do only the maintenance described in this guide. Maintenance procedures other than those specified in this guide must be done by qualified Molecular Devices personnel only. See Obtaining Support on page WARNING! BIOHAZARD: It is your responsibility to decontaminate the...
  • Page 30 VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Error Error Message Notes Code command not Command string not recognized. found invalid argument Command argument not recognized. too many Too many arguments after command. arguments not enough Missing arguments. arguments input line too long Too many characters in the input line.
  • Page 31 Chapter 6: Troubleshooting Firmware Error Message Notes Error Codes assert failed Firmware error. bad error number Firmware error. receive queue Caused by external device sending too much data over overflow serial port and ignoring flow control. serial port parity error Parity bit error detected with incoming serial data. serial port overrun Caused by host computer sending too much data and error...
  • Page 32 VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Hardware Error Message Notes Error Codes thermistor Unable to read a reasonable thermistor value. Thermistor faulty or faulty disconnected, main board problem, or ambient temperature out of range. safe A temperature of over 50°C detected on one or more of the 4 temperature thermistors.

  • Page 33: Opening The Drawer Manually

    This action will not harm the instrument, but should only be taken if the first two options fail to open the drawer. If you are still unable to open the drawer, contact your local Molecular Devices representative. 0112-0126 B...

  • Page 34: Obtaining Support

    VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Obtaining Support Molecular Devices is a leading worldwide manufacturer and distributor of analytical instrumentation, software, and reagents. We are committed to the quality of our products and to fully supporting our customers with the highest level of technical service.

  • Page 35: Appendix A: Instrument Specifications

    SpectraMax iD3, iD5, i3x, i3, M3, M4, M5, M5e, SpectraMax L, 6186 Luminescence FlexStation 3 Validation Plate 0200- Cuvette Absorbance SpectraMax Plus 384, ABS Plus, M2, M2e, M3, M4, M5, M5e 2420 Validation Set 0200- Multi-Mode Validation FilterMaxF3, FilterMaxF5, SpectraMax Paradigm, iD5*, i3, i3x* 7200 Plate * Specific read modes or cartridges.

  • Page 36: Spectramax Plus 384 Specifications

    0.4 M. When you apply pathlength compensation to plate absorbance measurements, agreement with cuvette absorbance measurements for the same solution requires that the solution volume in the plate well is between 100 μL and 300 μL. Photometric Performance SpectraMax Plus 384 Item Description Wavelength range 190 nm to 1000 nm...
  • Page 37 Multiple wavelength (up to six) read of plate or cuvette Kinetic read type and kinetic graphics of plate and/or cuvette Spectrum read type (190–1000 nm) of plate and/or cuvette Measurement Time for Plates (calibration off) SpectraMax Plus 384 Item 96-Wells...
  • Page 38 VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Measurement Time for Cuvettes (calibration off) SpectraMax Plus 384 Item Description Endpoint 1 second single wavelength Kinetic 2 seconds minimum interval between reads single wavelength Scan Speed (*K = wavelength interval) SpectraMax Plus 384...
  • Page 39 Computer interface USB cable Printer interface Parallel 25-pin to Centronics (double shielding required) Supported plates All 96-well and strip-well plates, including lids Environmental (for indoor use only) SpectraMax Plus 384 Item Description Operating temperature 15°C to 40°C Operating Humidity 0 to 70%, non-condensing Storage temperature -20°C to 65°C...
  • Page 40 VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Physical SpectraMax Plus 384 Item Description Size (h x w x d) 220 mm (8.6") x 580 mm (22.8") x 380 mm (15") Weight 13.6 kg (30 lb) Power consumption <...

  • Page 41: Spectramax 340Pc384 Specifications

    Appendix A: Instrument Specifications SpectraMax 340PC384 Specifications Technical specifications are subject to change without notice. Photometric Performance SpectraMax 340PC384 Item Description Wavelength range 340 nm to 850 nm Wavelength selection Monochromator tunable in 1 nm increments Wavelength bandwidth ≤ 2.0 nm full width half maximum Wavelength accuracy ±1.0 nm across wavelength range Wavelength repeatability...
  • Page 42 VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Photometric Analysis Modes SpectraMax 340PC384 Item Description Standalone Single wavelength Absorbance or %Transmittance read of the plate SoftMax Pro Express data as Absorbance or %Transmittance Software Single wavelength read of plate Multiple wavelength (up to six) read of plate Kinetic read type and kinetic graphics of plate Spectrum read type (340–850 nm) of plate...
  • Page 43 Appendix A: Instrument Specifications Temperature Regulation SpectraMax 340PC384 Item Description Read 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 ±...
  • Page 44 VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide General Instrument SpectraMax 340PC384 Item Description Display 2-x-20-character back lit LCD Control panel 8-key membrane keypad Self-diagnosis Continuous on-board diagnostics Spill control Drawer mechanism and read chamber assembly protected from accidental spillage by drainage ports Computer interface USB cable...

  • Page 45: Spectramax 190 Specifications

    Appendix A: Instrument Specifications SpectraMax 190 Specifications Technical specifications are subject to change without notice. Photometric Performance SpectraMax 190 Item Description Wavelength range 190 nm to 850 nm Wavelength selection Monochromator tunable in 1 nm increments Wavelength bandwidth ≤ 2.0 nm full width half maximum Wavelength accuracy ±1.0 nm across wavelength range Wavelength repeatability...
  • Page 46 VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Measurement Time (calibration off) SpectraMax 190 Item 96-wells Endpoint standard read 9 seconds single wavelength 19 seconds dual wavelength 425 & 650 nm Kinetic read intervals 9 seconds minimum interval between reads single wavelength 1 column, 2-second minimum interval between reads Single wavelength Scan Speed (*K = wavelength interval) SpectraMax 190...
  • Page 47 Appendix A: Instrument Specifications Shake SpectraMax 190 Item Description Shake modes Selectable: off, once prior to any read, and once prior to and between kinetic reads Shake duration Selectable: 1 to 999 seconds (three-second default) Compatibility SpectraMax 190 Item Description Plates Standard and half-area 96-well flat-bottomed plates (0.3 mL).
  • Page 48 VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Physical SpectraMax 190 Item Description Size (h x w x d) 220 mm (8.6") x 580 mm (22.8") x 380 mm (15") Weight 13.6 kg (30 lb) Power consumption < 250 W Line voltage and 90–250 VAC autoranging, 50/60 Hz frequency...

  • Page 49: Versamax Specifications

    Appendix A: Instrument Specifications VersaMax Specifications Technical specifications are subject to change without notice. Photometric Performance VersaMax Item Description Wavelength range 340 nm to 850 nm Wavelength selection Monochromator tunable in 1 nm increments Wavelength bandwidth ≤ 2.0 nm full width half maximum Wavelength accuracy ±1.0 nm across wavelength range Wavelength repeatability...
  • Page 50 VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Measurement Time (calibration off) VersaMax Item 96-wells Endpoint standard read 9 seconds single wavelength 19 seconds dual wavelength 425 & 650 nm Kinetic read intervals 9 seconds minimum interval between reads single wavelength 1 column, 2-second minimum interval between reads Single wavelength Temperature Regulation VersaMax...
  • Page 51 Appendix A: Instrument Specifications General Instrument VersaMax Item Description Display 2-x-20-character back lit LCD Control panel 8-key membrane keypad Self-diagnosis Continuous on-board diagnostics Spill control Drawer mechanism and read chamber assembly protected from accidental spillage by drainage ports Computer interface USB cable Printer interface Parallel 25-pin to Centronics (double shielding required)

  • Page 52: Electromagnetic Compatibility

    VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulatory for Canada (ICES/NMB-001:2006) This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001. Cet appareil ISM est confomre à la norme NMB-001 du Canada. ISM Equipment Classification (Group 1, Class A) This equipment is designated as scientific equipment for laboratory use that intentionally generate and/or use conductively coupled radio-frequency energy for internal functioning, and are suitable for use in all establishments, other than domestic and those directly...

  • Page 53: Appendix B: Accessories

    Appendix B: Accessories Available Accessories Part Number Description 0200-6117 SpectraTest ABS1 Absorbance Validation Test Plate 9000-0161 Cuvette Absorbance Validation Kit R8024 SpectraPlate-Quartz UV-transparent microplate 4400-0002 Power Cord (US, Canada, Japan, Mexico, India) 4400-0036 Power Cord, EC1 (Germany, France, Scandinavia, Italy, Korea) 4400-0037 Power Cord, EC2 (UK, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia) 4400-0038...
  • Page 54 VersaMax, SpectraMax 340PC384, 190, Plus 384 Microplate Readers User Guide Standard, Semi-micro, and Microcuvettes (Hellma) Item Standard Semi-Micro Micro Hellma Cat. No. 105.004 104.002 108.002 Internal 10 x 10 4 x 10 4 x 10 2 x 10 2 x 10 2 x 10 Dimensions Fill Volume...
  • Page 55 The trademarks used herein are the property of Molecular Devices, LLC or their respective owners. ©2018 Molecular Devices, LLC. Specifications subject to change without notice. Patents: www.moleculardevices.com/productpatents All rights reserved. FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES...

This manual is also suitable for:

Spectramax 190Spectramax 340pc384Versamax

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