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GenePix
SL50
®
Slide Loader
User Guide
5001410 B
February 2011

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Summary of Contents for Molecular Devices GenePix SL50

  • Page 1 GenePix SL50 ® Slide Loader User Guide 5001410 B February 2011...
  • Page 2 Molecular Devices equipment, software, reagents, and consumables. This document is copyright protected and any reproduction of this document, in whole or any part, is strictly prohibited, except as Molecular Devices may authorize in writing. Software that may be described in this document is furnished under a license agreement.
  • Page 3 GenePix SL50 Slide Loader User Guide QUESTIONS? See Molecular Devices technical support: http://support.moleculardevices.com VERIFICATION This slide loader is extensively tested and thoroughly calibrated before leaving the factory. Nevertheless, researchers should independently verify the basic accuracy of the slide loader using suitable test samples.
  • Page 4 Licensing Notice Molecular Devices is not licensed under any patents owned by Oxford Gene Technology Limited (“OGT”), covering oligonucleotide arrays and methods of using them to analyze polynucleotides. The purchase of Molecular Devices products does not convey any license under any of OGT’s patent rights, including any right to make or use oligonucleotide...
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Chapter 1 Introduction ......9 Features of the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader ... . 9 Applications of the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader.
  • Page 6 Contents Chapter 3 Routine Maintenance and Troubleshooting ....... 31 Using Compatible Slides ......31 Removing Particles from Equipment .
  • Page 7: Foreword

    Note: Provides essential information for the completion of a procedure. Related documentation The customer documentation for the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader includes the GenePix 4300A/4400A User Guide, the GenePix Pro 7 ®...
  • Page 8 Foreword 5001410 B...
  • Page 9: Chapter 1 Introduction

    ® automates high-throughput operation of the GenePix 4300A and 4400A Microarray Scanners. The software user interface for the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader is GenePix Pro 7.2 (and later) Software. Features of the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader The GenePix SL50 Slide Loader includes a wide range of features: •...
  • Page 10: Applications Of The Genepix Sl50 Slide Loader

    Introduction Applications of the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader The GenePix SL50 Slide Loader can be used for numerous applications related to the individual and batch processing of microarray slides, including, but not limited to: • Gene expression arrays • Protein arrays •...
  • Page 11: Safety And Regulatory Warnings And Markings

    WARNING! Shock Hazard. Always turn the power switch off and disconnect the main power cable before performing any maintenance procedures. WARNING! Shock Hazard. The GenePix SL50 Slide Loader is an Equipment Class 1 product that relies on protective earth grounding for safe operation. To avoid...
  • Page 12 Doing so may cause misalignment and void the slide loader warranty. CAUTION! Do not use the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader in a manner not specified by Molecular Devices. Doing so may impair the protection provided by the equipment and void the slide loader warranty.
  • Page 13: Electromagnetic Compatibility (Emc)

    Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or television technician for assistance. The user is cautioned that changes and modifications made to the equipment without the approval of Molecular Devices could void the authority of the user to operate this equipment. 5001410 B...
  • Page 14 Introduction 5001410 B...
  • Page 15: Chapter 2 Operation

    GenePix SL50 Slide Loader. Operation Startup Procedure The GenePix SL50 Slide Loader is designed to work with a GenePix 4300 Scanner or a GenePix 4400A Scanner. The startup procedure for using the slide loader and scanner involves the following procedures: •...
  • Page 16: Turning On The Slide Loader

    Starting the GenePix Pro Software While it is recommended that you perform a functional checkout after initial installation of the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader, this is not required each time you start the GenePix Pro Software. GenePix Pro Software icons...
  • Page 17 GenePix SL50 Slide Loader User Guide Table 2-1 GenePix Pro Software icons Icon Description Scan Area Properties Scanner Door is Open. Click to Close Scanner Door. Scanner Door is Closed. Click to Open Scanner Door. Hardware Settings Preview Scan Data Scan...
  • Page 18: Performing A Functional Checkout

    A similar, but much more detailed procedure, was performed at the factory prior to shipping your unit. The GenePix SL50 Slide Loader has been designed to provide robust service for years of normal use. However, if you think there is a problem with the slide loader, it is important to perform a functional check before contacting Technical Support.
  • Page 19 The functional checkout procedure checks that: • the slide detection mechanism on the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader is functioning correctly. • the scanner and the slide loader are aligned correctly.
  • Page 20: Manual Scanning

    The slide holder is a precision component designed to ensure proper focusing and field uniformity. Improper handling may damage the slide holder and affect imaging performance. In Manual scan mode, the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader is inactive and will not move. 5001410 B...
  • Page 21 GenePix SL50 Slide Loader User Guide To insert a slide in the scanner 1. In the GenePix Pro Software, click the Open-Close Scanner Door icon to raise the scanner door. The scanner slide holder moves forward into the load position.
  • Page 22 Operation Figure 2-1 Scanner slide holder (cont’d) Name Description Slide Place feature-side down Barcode Barcode is facing the front of the slide scanner 3. Click the Open-Close Scanner Door icon to close the scanner door. The door closes and the slide holder moves into the scan position.
  • Page 23: Batch Scanning

    During the initialization procedure, when starting the GenePix Pro Software, the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader maps the slide positions in both slide cassettes. The motion arm senses the presence or absence of slide cassettes in the slide enclosure and will not start a scan if no slide cassettes are present.
  • Page 24 Operation To load the slide cassette 1. Use the handle on the right side of the slide loader tower to slide open the slide enclosure door. Figure 2-2 Slide enclosure door handle 5001410 B...
  • Page 25 GenePix SL50 Slide Loader User Guide 2. Using the handle on top of the slide cassette, lift the left slide cassette out and place it on a stable position on the counter. Figure 2-3 Slide enclosure door open with both slide cassettes visible 3.
  • Page 26 Operation 6. When all slides are loaded into the slide cassettes and the cassettes are returned to the slide enclosure, use the handle on the slide loader tower to slide both cassettes back into the slide enclosure. Both slide cassettes must be in the slide enclosure for the GenePix Pro Software to recognize that the slide enclosure is completely shut.
  • Page 27 GenePix SL50 Slide Loader User Guide 6. If you want to save all settings on the Batch Scan tab to re-use in another scan or if you want to open a previously saved settings file, use the Loader Settings group and select one of...
  • Page 28: Stopping A Batch Scan

    Operation 9. If you have multiple sub-batches, repeat Step 8 for any other sub-batches selected. To copy and paste slide settings from one slide to another, select a row and use the Copy Row and Paste Row buttons at the bottom of the Batch Scan tab.
  • Page 29: Setting Pmt Gain Automatically

    GenePix SL50 Slide Loader User Guide Setting PMT Gain Automatically GenePix Pro Software and the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader support automatic setting of PMT gain (Auto PMT) when scanning. The algorithm requires a GenePix Array List (GAL) or GenePix Settings (GPS) file that both accurately describe the size of features, and their approximate positions.
  • Page 30: Shutting Down The Slide Loader

    Operation Shutting Down the Slide Loader Proper shutdown of the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader ensures that the slide loader and software are not damaged. To shut down the slide loader 1. Close the GenePix Pro Software. 2. Turn off the slide loader power switch.
  • Page 31: Chapter 3 Routine Maintenance And Troubleshooting

    However, if the slide loader is damaged or requires repair, contact Molecular Devices. Using Compatible Slides CAUTION! Use only slides that are compatible with the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader microarray scanner. Damage to the scanner caused by incompatible slides is not covered by warranty or service contract.
  • Page 32: Removing Particles From Equipment

    Troubleshooting Fuse Errors If the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader does not start up, a fuse may no longer be functioning. If you suspect a fuse has stopped functioning, contact Technical Support.
  • Page 33: Returning The Slide Loader To Home Position

    GenePix SL50 Slide Loader User Guide Returning the Slide Loader to Home Position If the GenePix SL50 Slide Loader is operating, but not operating reliably, you might need to stop and restart the GenePix Pro Software to return the slide loader to its Home position.
  • Page 34 Routine Maintenance and Troubleshooting 5001410 B...
  • Page 35: Appendix A Warranty And Service

    Warranty and Service Molecular Devices is committed to ensuring the highest quality of our products and customer service. If you have any problems with your GenePix SL50 Slide Loader, ® contact Technical Support group. In the US, contact us at 1-800-635- 5577.
  • Page 36: Technical Support

    Once you register your name, you can then register your instrument. If you require advice on the use of your GenePix SL50 Slide Loader, do not hesitate to contact Technical Support. Visit our Technical Support web site at http://support.moleculardevices.com...

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