Molecular Devices FlexStation II Operator's Manual
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Molecular Devices FlexStation II Operator's Manual

Benchtop scanning fluorometer and integrated fluid transfer workstation
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FlexStation™ II
FlexStation™ II
and
Benchtop Scanning Fluorometer
and Integrated Fluid Transfer Workstation
Operator's Manual
PN 0112-0077 – Rev. D

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  • Page 1 FlexStation™ II FlexStation™ II Benchtop Scanning Fluorometer and Integrated Fluid Transfer Workstation Operator’s Manual PN 0112-0077 – Rev. D...
  • Page 2 Japan +81.797.32.2877 Copyright © Copyright 2003, Molecular Devices Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    ..........FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 4 ..........FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 5 ............. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 6 FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 7: System Description

    FlexStation II Systems can be used for drug discovery research and development, secondary and post screen analysis. The instruments are available in two models: •...
  • Page 8 ELISA. In Flex mode, the pipettor can also be used to mix the contents of the compound plate or the assay plate, a procedure called trituration. FlexStation™ II Instrument FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 9: Operator's Manual Overview

    Conventions Used in this Manual The names of keys that appear on the FlexStation II control panel and icons that appear in the SOFTmax PRO software are shown in boxed type. Example: [Start]. The term ‘instrument’ refers generally refers to the fluidics and detection modules.

  • Page 10: Safety Information

    When operated properly in a safe environment and according to the instructions in this manual, there are no known hazards associated with the FlexStation II System. However, proper use requires an understanding of situations that are potentially dangerous and can result in serious injury.
  • Page 11 50-60 Hz FUSE: T6.3 AH 100-240V 50-60 Hz FUSE: T6.3 AH SLO-BLO SLO-BLO Molecular Devices Molecular Devices 1311 Orleans Drive, Sunnyvale 1311 Orleans Drive, Sunnyvale CA 94089 408 747-1700 CA 94089 408 747-1700 FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 12: System Components

    02 6 LR 88 ™ T 6. 3 s ta ti F L E X 50 -6 0 01 00 1 0V ~ 5A s/ n FS 10 0- 24 Instrument, Rear View FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 13: Covers And Instrument Panels

    Note: See sections 3.2, Starting Up the System, and 3.3, Setting the Temperature, for information about using the control panel. Control Panel FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 14 The plastic lamp cover provides access to the flash lamp on the right side of the instrument (as viewed from the rear). Note: For further information, see section 5.7, Replacing the Flash Lamp. Caution: Flash lamp access and maintenance are restricted to service-trained users. Lamp Cover Rear View FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 15: Drawers

    Caution: Do not obstruct the movement of any of the drawers. If you must retrieve a plate after an error condition or power outage, and if the drawer will not open, it is possible to open the drawer manually. See section 6.2, Opening a Drawer Manually. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 16 Tip Rack Drawer The top drawer holds the pipette tip rack. Only tips specified by Molecular Devices for use with the FlexStation II System can be safely used. For further information, see section 7.1, Parts and Accessories. Caution: Do not use parts and accessories that are not authorized, specified by or provided by Molecular Devices.

  • Page 17: Fluidics Module

    For further information, see 2.3, Installing the Fluidics Module. See part 6, Troubleshooting Procedures, for related service procedures. Inside Top Panel Inside Front Panel Fluidics Module Detection Module Fluidics Module FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 18 In addition, the FlexStation II includes a 16-channel pipettor head for use with 384-well microplates. Note: For further information, see 2.4, Installing the Pipettor Head. Inside Top Panel Opened Eight- or Sixteen-Channel Pipettor Head Pipettor Head FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 19: Detection Module

    It contains both top and bottom read heads, which can be selected via software command. The instrument utilizes a plate sensor to assure that an assay plate is present in the reading chamber before a reading begins. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 20 The excitation light source is a xenon-arc flash lamp. (Note that the lamp is off when luminescence mode is selected.) The light passes through a band-pass filter which reduces the amount of stray light to the excitation monochromator. The holographic diffraction grating monochromator selects the desired excitation wavelength. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 21: Computer

    1.4.5 Computer The FlexStation II instrument works as a system with the SOFTmax PRO application software. SOFTmax PRO must be installed on a dedicated personal computer to communicate with and control instrument functions.

  • Page 22: Accessories

    For further information, see section 5.4, Using the Microplate Adapters. Compound Baseplate Molecular Devices provides a metal baseplate that you must place in the compound plate drawer under the compounds plate to reduce stray light. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 23: Consumables

    • For 96-well assays, Molecular Devices specifies 200 µL Robbins brand, new- generation Super Seal Autotips. For clear tips, use Molecular Devices PN 9000-0623. • For 384-well assays, Molecular Devices specifies 45 µL Lab Systems brand tips. For clear tips, use Molecular Devices PN 9000-0512.

  • Page 24: Overview Of Operation

    1 System Description 1.5 Overview of Operation Using the FlexStation II system is a process in five stages: Choosing an experiment Preparing the instrument Preparing the software Running the experiment Analyzing the data Choosing an experiment consists of: • New or repeated experiment? •...

  • Page 25: Theory Of Operation

    The FlexStation II instrument incorporates many features designed to restrict interference from reflected excitation light. Among these features is a set of band-pass cutoff filters that may be set automatically by the system or manually by the user.
  • Page 26 × path length × emission collection efficiency For more information regarding optimizing excitation and emission wavelengths using the spectral scanning capabilities of the instrument, see 3.10, Optimizing Fluorescence Assays in Spectrum Mode. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 27: Instrument Design

    0.5 °C. (Temperature uniformity within the assay plate itself will depend upon its design, materials, and/or configuration.) FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 28 Important! Temperature of samples in all assay plates will be affected by evaporation. Time-Tagged Data The FlexStation II platform is a single channel reading system. Although the scan time is very fast (8 wells in about 1.0 seconds; 1 well in about 50 ms), the difference in the exact time each well is read is dependent on the number of rows chosen in a column.
  • Page 29 Bottom reading functions in all detection modes. Important! Clear bottom plates must be used when using bottom reading. Bottom reading is intended for cell-based assays. Note: RFU scale is ten times (10×) larger during bottom reading. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 30: Modes Of Operation

    Run time × Number of columns = Plate time 2 minutes × 12 columns = 24 minutes The source for transferred reagents can be either a compound plate or reservoir trough located in the fluidics module. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 31 SOFTmax PRO, but is limited to 2 hours and 45 minutes (165 minutes). At the end of a reading, rates are reported as RFU/second for each well. Kinetic analysis has many advantages when FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 32 No plate adapter is used for tissue culture plates of 24 wells or less. In Well Scan mode, the fluidics module is not enabled. For more information on this mode, please review the appropriate section in the SOFTmax PRO User’s Manual. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 33: Introduction To Softmax Pro Application Software

    This FlexStation II Operator’s Manual describes using the SOFTmax PRO application to run FlexStation II experiments. There is limited information about using the software for the other read modes. For further details about the software, including how to install SOFTmax PRO on your PC, and to fully understand its multifaceted design (including customization of the software), refer to your SOFTmax PRO operator’s manual.
  • Page 34 Chapter 6 for a discussion of Flex mode setup • Chapter 8 for information about data analysis in Flex mode • Chapter 10, Tutorial 2, for experience with a typical Flex mode template Untitled Window, Flex Mode FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 35 The following icons are present in the Status bar and are used to set up the instrument or interact with it during operation. Note: Different Molecular Devices systems have different icons. This Icon… Has the Following Function… The Instrument Status icon provides visual confirmation that SOFTmax PRO is communicating with the instrument.
  • Page 36 Notes section. Groups are also contained in experiments when you define a template. You may create Graph sections as desired. Groups are automatic, Graphs are optional. See your SOFTmax PRO User’s Manual for details. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 37: Installation Procedures

    Installation Procedures Part 2 provides information about how to install the FlexStation II system in your laboratory. Installation must be done by qualified Molecular Devices personnel or a service-trained user. Caution: The following procedures must be completed by a service-trained user. Do not attempt the installation procedures if you have not been trained properly by appropriate Molecular Devices Personnel.

  • Page 38: Unpacking The System

    It is recommended that two persons lift the instrument together, taking the proper precautions to avoid injury. Each FlexStation II instrument comes in five specially designed shipping cartons. • Fluidics module and accessories • Detection module (main instrument body) in housing •...
  • Page 39 (the bottom of the carton) and place it on the bench. Warning! The FlexStation II instrument weighs approximately 55 pounds and should be lifted with care. It is recommended that two persons lift the instrument together, taking proper precautions to avoid injury.
  • Page 40 2 Installation Procedures Open the top cover by depressing the latch in the handle and pivoting the cover up and back. Top Cover Detection Module Reading Chamber Opening the Top Cover FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 41: Installing The Fluidics Module

    Lift fluidics module, using the handle, into position over the detection module, just to the left of the metal flange. Tilt module up at about 90°, align the quarter-turn fasteners (in the flange) to the holes in the bottom of the fluidics module. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 42 Gently lower the fluidics module by the handle down over the detection module and onto the locating pins. Check that the fluidics module sits securely on the detection module. Caution: When installing the fluidics module, ensure module is firmly seated. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 43: Installing The Pipettor Head

    Maneuver the cable down toward the back of the cavity and align the connector over the receptacle. Press the connector in place and screw down the black outer collar over the pins. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 44 This secures the cable up out of the way of the pipettor head when it moves about in the fluidics module during operation. Coil Hook Securing Spiral Cord to Hook FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 45 Caution: Ensure the red knob (the pipettor retaining nut) is tightened as firmly as possible. The pipettor head is now installed. 5 Close the fluidics module. Fold the inside top panel back over the pipettor head and lock the quarter-turn screw in place. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 46: Setting Up The Computer

    Connect them to the computer hardware (see next section), but not to the power outlet at the wall. Caution: Do not attach the computer to a power outlet until the computer and the instrument are connected. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 47: Connecting The Cables

    Connect the instrument power cord a grounded power outlet of the appropriate voltage. Molecular Devices recommends that you use a surge protector between the power cord and the grounded power outlet. Connect the computer hardware power cords to similarly grounded power outlets.

  • Page 48: Installing The Drawer Adapters

    5.4, Using the Microplate Adapters. 2.8 Installing SOFTmax PRO Install the SOFTmax PRO software application onto the personal computer according to the instructions in the SOFTmax PRO User’s Manual. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 49: Operating Procedures

    • 3.9: Other Read Modes • 3.10: Optimizing Fluorescence Assays in Spectrum Mode Note: Information in part 3 assumes the instrument and computer are installed and connected properly. For further information, see part 2, Installation Procedures. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 50: Overview

    Load prepared racks and microplates into the drawers. Use drawer adapters as needed. 5 Begin reading. Using SOFTmax PRO, start the reading. Detailed instructions for these and other procedures are located in the following sections of part 3. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 51: Starting Up The System

    After about five minutes, the instrument will be warmed up and ready. Note: There will be no set point temperature displayed at this point because the incubator has not been turned on. Control Panel Ready FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 52 Note: If you get an error message while the software is starting up, see part 6, Troubleshooting Procedures. After the SOFTmax PRO screen appears, an Untitled window appears. SOFTmax PRO New Untitled Window The first window comes up in Flex mode, with a default template selected. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 53 Plate section. You are now ready to begin setting up your experiment protocols. Untitled Window: Plate Section of Default Template Note: For instructions on adjusting software settings, see section 3.4, Setting Up the Software FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 54 LCD). The set point temperature you select for the current experiment (the number displayed in the lower portion of the LCD). This number is only displayed when the incubator is on. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 55: Setting The Temperature

    Note: If the power is shut off to the instrument for any reason, you will need to turn on the incubator again and allow sufficient time (at least 10 minutes) for the control algorithm to fully stabilize the reading chamber temperature. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 56: Setting The Temperature With Softmax Pro

    Note: The incubator setting is independent of the protocol being run. Running an experiment does not automatically select the temperature set point. After a reading, the temperature set point, range, and average actual temperature are recorded in the saved file. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 57: Setting Up The Software

    (a red ‘X’ over the Flex icon, no temperature in the temperature display box, etc.), then you will have to take further steps to establish communication between the computer and the instrument, or FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 58 Note: You can select a different read mode from the Instrument Settings screen by clicking on one of the other four buttons at the top of the window. The rest of these instructions assume you are remaining in Flex mode. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 59 Double click on the Plate word in the Plate Section tool bar to open a dialog box and name your Plate sections. Note: Refer to SOFTmax PRO user manual for details about this procedure. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 60: Configuring Instrument Settings In Flex Mode

    Experiment Window. You must click [OK] to capture the new settings. If you click [Cancel], the instrument returns to the Experiment Window without making any modifications. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 61: Wavelengths

    0%. In general, you should choose a cutoff filter at a wavelength below the emission lambda (Em λ) maximum of the fluorophore. The goal is to block residual excitation light and increase the signal-to-background ratio. Sometimes it is appropriate FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 62 If you run an experiment like this without an emission filter, you will always observe an emission peak at two times the excitation wavelength, but it is not fluorescence emission. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 63: Sensitivity

    Set the voltage of the PMT to Low for samples having a higher concentration. Choose High PMT sensitivity for samples with lower concentration. Note: An additional setting, Automatic, is available only in for Endpoint reads and Spectral scans. Automatic is not available for Kinetic or Flex modes. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 64: Timing

    Transfer settings and the number of wells to be read per column. If you select a time out of range, an error message appears: Errors: If you select an inappropriate interval, an error message appears at the bottom of the window: FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 65: Automix

    Important! Allow the instrument to perform an autocalibration of at least one plate before you disable this function. Note: The instrument maintains the most recent autocalibration settings in memory (NVRAM) until another autocalibration is performed. AutoCalibrate Selection FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 66: Assay Plate Type

    Pipette Tips Layout, Compound Source, or Compound and Tip Columns, the earlier settings may be automatically reconfigured to reflect the new Assay Plate Type and well layout. Be sure to check any earlier assignments to ensure they remain correct. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 67: Wells To Read

    You may want to use partial rows (A–H) rather than partial columns (1–12 or 1–24) for most situations. Important! Selected wells must be contiguous and in a rectangular arrangement. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 68 If you select a partial-plate for reading, only those wells selected will be visible in the data display. In the figure below, the Plate section reflects that wells A1 through H2 have been selected for reading. Plate Section with Selected Wells to Read FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 69: Compound Source

    Compound Plate Well Bottom Height Caution: Selecting an incorrect compound plate type can result in pipette tips jamming into the wells and damaging the plate and the instrument. Compound Source Settings Dialog Window FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 70: Compound Transfer

    Any value entered is saved with the file but the value is not displayed anywhere except in the Compound Transfer setting. Values for a 384-well microplate can be set at 0–120 µL. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 71 1–200 µL. For a 384-well microplate, the range is 1–30 µL. Important! Keep in mind the maximum total volume each well can hold as you accumulate volumes with multiple transfers. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 72 Note: The Compound Transfer setting works in conjunction with the Compound & Tip Columns setting described below. Until well assignments are made in the Compounds & Columns setting, the Compound Transfer setting will show ‘No targets assigned.’ FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 73: Triturate Selection

    If you choose dispense times that are incompatible with the settings in this window, an error message will appear. Return to the Transfer Settings part of the Compound Transfer settings window to modify the dispensing time. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 74: Pipette Tips Layout

    Molecular Devices recommends that you always use a full rack of tips (the default setting). If you use less than a full rack of tips, it is imperative that you configure this...

  • Page 75: Compound And Tip Columns

    The Tips target grid will be filled left to right starting with the first available tip column and incrementing the Tip target by one until all columns in the Wells to Read selection have been filled. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 76 A Tips or Compound row displays 12 columns to represent the number of columns in a 96-well assay plate. The actual number of columns and their placement further depends on the number of columns and their locations as selected in the Wells to Read settings window. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 77 Again, this does not take into account the actual pipette tips shown to be available in the Pipette Tips Layout selection. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 78: Autoread

    Select Air Gap from the Control menu to reveal the dialog box. The value allowed is 0–200 µL for 96 wells and 0–30 µL for 384 wells. Pipette Tip Air Gap Setting Pipette Tip Air Gap Pipette Tip Air Gap FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 79: Settings Displayed In Plate Sections

    (lower left corner) were selected for the third transfer. Plate section with wells selected for injection The Plate section also provides information on the transfer settings and the compound sources. The information will be carried below the plate table. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 80: Other Software Settings

    • Setting data display parameters • Using the Template Editor Molecular Devices strongly recommends that you define a template and set the reduction and display parameters prior to reading the assay plate, because these parameters determine how data is displayed and analyzed. You can set up or modify templates, reduction and display parameters after collection, but this may be complicated or confusing.

  • Page 81: Reading The Microplate

    Note: For further information, see sections 5.4, Using the Microplate Adapters, and 5.5, Using the Compound Baseplate. 3 Close drawers. Press the buttons on the control panel or use SOFTmax PRO to close the drawers again. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 82 • Click [Replace] to proceed with the reading and replace previous data with new data. • Click [Cancel] to stop the reading from beginning. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 83 PRO window. The values read by the instrument will appear in the data display of the Plate section as they are received from the instrument to the software (in real time). See SOFTmax PRO User’s Manual for information about how to change the data display. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 84: Shutdown

    Instrument Mode Icons Refer to Chapter 5 of your SOFTmax PRO User’s Manual for general information on how to use the FlexStation II instrument to read microplates in one of these four read modes. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 85: Optimizing Fluorescence Assays In Spectrum Mode

    • Optional excitation scan with both Autofilters functioning to further optimize signal to background ratio. This process requires samples in the microplate that contain moderate concentrations of the fluorophore, and samples representative of the background (i.e., buffer) without fluorophore. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 86 30 nm, use the excitation peak wavelength value. If the excitation and emission wavelengths are less than 30 nm apart, use the shortest excitation wave-length that gives 90% maximal emission. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 87 1–2 nm increment.) Perform scan and view results as a plot of fluorescence vs. emission wavelength. Scan Figure 2 FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 88 You may want to repeat the scan with the next larger emission filter and compare results. An example is shown in the . Note that the optimal emission Scan Figure 3 wavelength is 525 nm. Scan Figure 3 FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 89 < 415 415-434 435-454 455-474 475-494 495-514 515-529 530-549 550-569 570-589 590-609 610-629 630-664 665-694 695-850 Emission Cutoff Filter Default Settings Note: For Spectrum mode, the default is Manual (that is, no automatic cutoff). FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 90 Begin optimization by performing steps 1–3 above. For excitation wavelengths greater than 695 nm, use the 695 emission cutoff filter. Note that the emission optics block all wavelengths below 360 nm. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 91: Applications

    Keep your Application Notes and Protocols in this part of your Operator’s Manual for handy reference. Protocols Stay up to date with Molecular Devices’ FlexStation II Application Notes and Protocols. You can locate these on the company’s web site: www.moldev.com. Data Management See the SOFTmax PRO User’s Manual for all information regarding data management.
  • Page 92 4 Applications FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 93: Service And Maintenance Procedures

    If you have any problems using the FlexStation II instrument in the United States, contact the Technical Services group at ;...

  • Page 94: Moving The Instrument

    5 Service and Maintenance Procedures 5.2 Moving the Instrument If you need to relocate the FlexStation II instrument, follow these steps. Warning! The FlexStation II instrument weighs approximately 55 pounds. To avoid injury, it is recommended that two people lift the instrument together, using proper lifting techniques.

  • Page 95: Using The Microplate Adapters

    Caution: Always remove any plates and adapters from the instrument drawers before moving the instrument or before any service or maintenance procedures. Plates and adapters can easily become jammed inside the instrument, causing damage. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 96: Replacing Fuses

    Spare fuses are shipped with the instrument. If you no longer have spare fuses, you may obtain new ones from Molecular Devices (part number 4600-0029) or from a local hardware store. Make sure fuses are rated slowblow (6.3-amp).
  • Page 97 Once the fuse holder is out of the instrument, you can see that it contains two fuses. It is possible that only one of the fuses may have blown. Molecular Devices recommends that you replace both fuses, however, to ensure continued proper operation.

  • Page 98: Replacing The Flash Lamp

    Set the cover aside, and keep track of the screw. Note: There is an interlock switch, which is depressed by the lamp cover, which interrupts power to the flash lamp automatically when the cover is removed. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 99 Note: You may need a flashlight to see the cap screws. Vertical Mounting Screws Clamp Screw (Spring-loaded, but shown raised here for identification) Flash Lamp Assembly Removing Litepac Mounting Block Screws FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 100 Use a 3/32" Allen wrench to remove the two screws that hold down the diamond shaped retainer. Be careful not to lose screws. Flashlamp Retainer Window Flashlamp Copper Coil Spring Multi-pin Socket Withdraw Lamp FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 101: Long-Term Shutdown

    Plug in the power cord and the computer cord. 5.8 Long-Term Shutdown If you will not be using the FlexStation II instrument for an extended period of time, clean the external surfaces of the instrument before storage. Be sure the instrument is emptied of all plates and tips before storage.
  • Page 102 5 Service and Maintenance Procedures FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 103: Troubleshooting Procedures

    1 Check instrument power. Check to be sure the FlexStation II instrument is plugged in and turned on. 2 Is instrument still warming up? Check to be sure the instrument has finished its warming up sequence. Wait until the temperature is displayed on the front panel of the FlexStation II instrument.
  • Page 104 Note: The Serial Comm Speed automatically changes to 57,600 when you select Flex mode from the Settings window. If you follow these steps and are still having trouble starting up the system, contact Technical Support. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 105: Opening A Drawer Manually

    (to its horizontal position) and pull out the carriage slowly, and as gently as possible. Caution: Never force a carriage out of the instrument if it does not come out reasonably easily. Contact Technical Support. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 106: Understanding Potential Mechanical Problems

    Furthermore, the operator interacts extensively with the instrument by introducing various types of plastic disposable plates, tips, and troughs. Molecular Devices has made every effort to ensure smooth and reliable operation of the FlexStation II instrument. However, problems can occur. For example: •...

  • Page 107: Avoiding Mechanical Problems

    Following a few simple steps will help avoid many potential problems. • Make sure the red knob that holds the pipettor head in place is securely tightened. • Only use tips specified for the FlexStation II instrument in a 96- or 384-rack configuration.

  • Page 108: Recovering From Mechanical Problems In Flex Mode

    Caution: Do not touch or loosen any screws or parts other than those specifically designated in these instructions. Doing so may cause misalignment and will void the instrument warranty. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 109: Assessing A Mechanical Problem

    This message occurs if fluid remains in the tips. The instrument needs to be manually recovered at this point. Note: If you need to contact Technical Support during the following procedures, be sure to note which error message you observed. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 110: Opening The Instrument

    The pipettor head should be at rest in the uppermost (“home”) position. If not, there may be fluid in the tips that needs to be removed. Instructions for these procedures follow. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 111: Evaluating The Tip Rack

    5 Tips are missing. • If the tip rack is jammed and there are tips missing, you must attempt to retrieve them from inside the instrument. Continue with the following procedure. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 112: Inspecting Inside The Fluidics Module

    • Retrieve any tips you can easily see and reach through the front panel. • It may be necessary to raise the fluidics module, to gain access to the reading chamber. See section 6.6, Tilting or Removing the Fluidics Module. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 113 • Save your SOFTmax PRO file (to prevent loss of data), then close and restart the software. Important! Failure to restart SOFTmax PRO may result in communication problems between the instrument and computer. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 114 Make sure the Serial Comm Speed (the communication rate, or baud rate) is set to 9600. Note: When the FlexStation II instrument starts up, it begins with a serial comm rate of 9600 Baud. Upon initiation of a microplate reading, SOFTmax PRO issues a command to change the rate to 57600 Baud, where it remains until power is shut off to the instrument.

  • Page 115: Removing The Pipettor Head

    Open the inside top panel of the fluidics module. Turn the quarter-turn fastener on the inside top panel and unfold the panel off the fluidics module to the right. Inside the open chamber, loosen the red mounting knob (called the red retainer nut on the label). FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 116 To completely remove the pipettor head, unscrew the black connector (at the end of the white spiral cord) from its secure position around the receptacle. Pull the connector out of the receptacle and take the pipettor head the rest of the way out of the fluidics module. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 117: Expelling Undispensed Fluid From Tips

    Turn the power on the to instrument. It will take about two minutes for the instrument to complete its startup sequence. Save your SOFTmax PRO file, if necessary, to prevent loss of data, then close and restart the software. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 118: Recovery Procedure

    9600. For instructions, see section 6.1, Problems During Startup. If you cannot establish communication between the instrument and the computer with the recover procedure, contact Technical Support. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 119: General Error Messages

    If you get any one of the following messages, attempt your reading again before continuing with troubleshooting. General Error 2: Unexpected response, result code 105 General Error 3: Communication problem, response to late General Error 4: Unexpected response General Error 5: Measurement aborted FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 120 General Error 7: Fatal error If you observe the following message, try to determine if there are tips jamming the read head (follow procedure in section 6.7.1). If this is not the case, call Technical Support. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 121: Tilting Or Removing The Fluidics Module

    Warning! Do not remove cover until power is disconnected. Do not operate instrument unless all covers are in place. Biohazard: This procedure includes steps involving potentially infectious biological agents requiring that proper handling precautions be taken. Follow your institution’s biohazard protocol. Opening the Top Cover FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 122: Tilting The Fluidics Module

    Lower the top cover over the instrument. Reattach the power cord and computer cables. Fluidics Module Electrical Connection to Fluidics Module Excitation Fiber and Restraint Emission Fiber and Restraint Tilting the Fluidics Module FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 123: Removing The Fluidics Module

    Caution: Do not attempt to tilt or remove the read heads. Failure to do so can damage fragile optical components and may void your warranty. FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 124 6 Troubleshooting Procedures FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 125: Appendices

    • 7.4: Index 7.1 Parts and Accessories Caution: Do not use parts and accessories not authorized, specified by, or provided by Molecular Devices. Using unauthorized parts can damage the instrument. Contact or your authorized service representative Molecular Devices Customer Service to obtain parts and accessories.

  • Page 126: Performance Specifications

    8% CV at 5 µL, 2% CV at 50 µL Maximum Dispense Rate 208 µL/sec Fluidics, 16-channel pipettor Volume Range 1–30 µL Dispensing Precision 3% CV at 10 µL, 5% CV at 1 µL Maximum Dispense Rate 52 µL/sec FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 127 Line Voltage and Frequency 90–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz Physical Size (h × w × d) 19.3 × 22.8 × 15.7 in 49 cm × 58 cm × 40 cm Weight 65 lb (29.5 kg) FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

  • Page 128: Warranty

    Molecular Devices Corporation warrants this product against defects in material or workmanship as follows: 1 All parts of the FlexStation II instrument are warranted for a period of one (1) year from the original date of delivery. 2 All labor charges to repair the product for a period of one (1) year from the original date of delivery will be paid by Molecular Devices Corporation.

  • Page 129: Index

    16, 90, 109, 119 using, 48, 49 cleaning the instrument, 88 using to load microplates, 75 components, system, 6–17 using to turn on incubator, 44 accessories, 16 covers, 7–8 computer, 15 fuse, 90 FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 130 64–66 problems, 102–12 pipette tips layout, 68 serial communication speed, 51 sensitivity, 57 fluidics module, 11–12 timing, 58 design, 21 triturate selection, 67 inspecting inside of, 106–8 wavelengths, 55 FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 131 See installation configuring instrument settings, 54– procedures maintenance. See service and optimizing fluorescence assays, 79– maintenance procedures operating. See operating procedures overview, 18, 44 service. See service and maintenance reading microplates, 75–77 procedures FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 132 18 using the compound baseplate, 89, overview of operator’s manual, 3 90–91 safety information, 4–5 set point temperature indicator, 48 theory of operation, 19–20 settings, instrument, 54–73 assay plate, 60 FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 133 103 Well Scan mode, 26, 78 expelling fluid from tips, 111 wells to read, 54 fluidics module, inspecting inside, for each operational mode, 25 106–8 selecting, 61–62 fluidics module, tilting or removing, 115–17 FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...
  • Page 134 7 Appendices FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D...

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