Manufacturer’s Address ... 3000 W. Beltline Highway EC Office Address ... Gilson S.A.S. Type of Equipment ... Laboratory Equipment Model..Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler Beginning with Serial Number: 250A1K001 Month and Year of Manufacture: January 2001 I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directives and Standards.
Introduction Safety Precautions For safe and correct use of this instrument, it is recommended that both operating and service personnel follow the instructions contained in this guide when installing, cleaning, and maintaining this instrument. Because the probes installed on the Z-arm may contain a dangerous substance, use the safety shield included with the instrument and do not interfere in the work area of the instrument until the liquid handler has completed its procedures.
Introduction Description The Gilson Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler is an XYZ robot that can automate any number of manual liquid handling procedures. The Quad-Z has four independently operated probes with variable horizontal spacing (from 9 to 18 mm) allowing access to virtually any tube, vial, or microplate configuration.
Introduction Unpacking The Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler is delivered with all major components already assembled except for auxiliary parts such as the Z-arm, probe, racks, tubing, etc. Keep the original container and packing assembly in case the liquid handler must be returned to the factory.
Phillips-head attachment screws • Tubing support rod 215 Utility Programs CD-ROM 444 Utility Programs CD-ROM Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler User’s Guide 444 QuadDilutor User’s Guide Accessories Based upon your configuration, you’ll also receive additional accessories, such as the probes, transfer tubing, racks, etc.
7661 or 608-836-1551. You can also contact the Customer Service Department via its e-mail address: service@gilson.com. Specific contact information can be found on the Gilson web site at www.gilson.com. To help us serve you quickly and efficiently, please refer to the Before calling us section on page 5-8.
Please be aware of the following before operating the liquid handler. Warning: Changes or modifications to the liquid handler not expressly approved by Gilson could void the factory-authorized warranty. The liquid handler has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC commercial environment.
Installation Locator Plate Installation The locator plate serves two functions: • Positions the racks and accessories that fit onto the bed of the liquid handler. • Contains liquid spills, such as those caused by overflowing vessels. The locator plate and its four mounting screws are shipped in a separate box with the liquid handler’s accessories.
Installation Armlock Removal The armlock on the liquid handler secures the Y-arm during shipment. You must remove the armlock prior to installing the Z-arm and operating the instrument. If the armlock is not removed, the liquid handler cannot move in the X-direction. This results in an error state during operation.
Installation Z-Arm Installation Follow these steps to install the Z-arm: Using a Phillips screwdriver, loosen the mounting screw on the Z-arm mounting bracket located on the Y-arm. Turn counterclockwise to loosen. Partially pull out the bracket. Do not remove completely. Place the Z-arm into the mounting bracket.
Installation Installing the Z-Arm Cable Support Rod Using the two Phillips screws, attach the cable support rod bracket in the holes located in the rear of the X-arm extrusion. Extend the arm to the extreme X- and Y-direction to ensure that the cable will have enough slack. Plug the Z-arm control cable into the back topside of the control cabinet.
Installation Probe Installation There are different probes available for use on the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler. Depending upon your application, you have purchased the appropriate probes and probe guide inserts. When installing the probes or custom sized probe guide inserts (1.3 or 1.5 mm) refer to the following procedures and...
Installation Plumbing Connections Transfer Tubing Installation Connect one end of each piece of transfer tubing to the 444 QuadDilutor. Refer to the 444 QuadDilutor User’s Guide for more information. Locate the level sensing cables (LLD cables) supplied with the Z-arm. Pass the other end of each transfer tubing through the open end of an LLD cable casing nearest the right-angle connector.
Installation Installing the Level Sensing Cables To install the level sensing cable: Plug the right-angle connector on one end of the cable into socket one on the back of the Z-arm. Snap the cable into the LLD cable guide (refer to the picture above).
Installation Rinse Station and Drain Waste Tubing Installation You’ll clean the probe using the rinse station. To eliminate carryover of liquids, the rinsing procedure pumps an excess volume of diluent or probe washing solution through the probe and out into the rinse station.
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Installation 2-10 Installing the rinse station The base of one rinse station is shipped already secured to the locator plate and is located at the rear of the locator plate. The locator plate can hold an optional second rinse station or you can move the rinse station base to the alternate location.
Installation Rack Setup The Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler is equipped to locate Code 20-, 30-, 200-, and 500-series racks. See Appendix B for a list of racks available for the liquid handler. Depending on the racks you’re using, refer to the appropriate procedures on the following pages.
Installation 2-12 Code 200-Series and Code 20-Series or Code 30-Series Racks To use a combination of Code 200-series and Code 20-series or Code 30-series racks on the locator plate: Install each Code 200-series rack as described on page 2-11. For each Code 20-series or Code 30-series rack, place an adapter plate onto the locator plate.
Installation Only Code 20-Series or Code 30-Series Racks If all your racks are Code 20- or Code 30-series racks and you do not have the optional 849 Multiple Injection Module installed, follow the steps below. Install the locator tray (part number 2504627, ordered separately) onto the locator plate of the liquid handler.
Part number Description 25051094 125 mm Z-height adjustment tool. Use this tool to adjust the Z-arm on the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler for liquid handling and injection. 25051095 175 mm Z-height adjustment tool. Use this tool to adjust the Z-arm on the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler for liquid handling.
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Installation Loosen the mounting screw on the Z-arm mounting bracket and slightly raise the Z-arm. Manually move the liquid handler’s arm so the Z-arm is centered over the Z-height adjustment tool. While holding Z-height adjustment tool flat against the locator plate, use the other hand to lower the Z-arm until it lightly rests on the adjustment tool.
Installation 2-16 Electrical Connections Rear Panel Input/Output (I/O) ports Gilson Serial Input/Output Channel (GSIOC) port Keypad port (not used on the Quad-Z) RS-232 port Fuse drawer Power switch Power receptacle Unit ID selector Baud rate/mode selector...
• 2-conductor cable (22–30 gauge for each wire) • wire insulation stripper • small-blade screwdriver You can purchase a 6-foot piece of suitable cable (part number 709910206) or a package of five cables with identification markers (part number 36078155) from Gilson. 2-17...
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Installation 2-18 Making connections To prepare and make connections with the 2- conductor cable: Cut the cable into pieces of appropriate length. Strip about 0.25 cm of insulation from each end of the cable. Remove the terminal block connector from the liquid handler.
25-pin male D-connector. Refer to the back panel of your computer or its documentation to determine which type of D-connector it requires. RS-232 cables are available from Gilson and your local computer store. Connecting an RS-232 cable Attach the male end of the RS-232 cable to the RS-232 port located on back panel of the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler.
RS-232 connection between the liquid handler and computer.) GSIOC cable Use the GSIOC cable to link an additional Gilson GSIOC module to the liquid handler and control both devices via a program executed on the computer.
GSIOC commands to the liquid handler. At the factory, Gilson set the unit ID to 22. There is no need to change this number unless it is the same as that assigned to another Gilson device that’s also connected along the GSIOC.
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You’ll need to change the selection to 0 (zero) if the liquid handler is connected via the GSIOC to a Gilson system and is being controlled by the 506C System Interface from Gilson control software. A setting of 0 indicates the liquid handler is a slave device and the baud rate is being clocked externally.
Installation Fuses You received the liquid handler without any fuses installed. To install the fuses: Locate the accessory package containing the fuse drawer appropriate for your line voltage. Discard the other fuse drawer. Locate the accessory package containing the 5.0A “T” Slo-Blo fuse (5 x 20 mm size) fuses. Install the fuse(s) into the fuse drawer.
Installation Power Cord Connection Locate the appropriate power cord for your line voltage. Discard the other power cord. Use the power cord to connect the liquid handler to an AC power source. 2-24...
Operation The Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler is controlled as follows: • Via a method running on a personal computer. You create the method using 735 Sampler Software (ordered separately, part number 2106773532). If you have not already done so, install the 735 Sampler Software. Refer to the...
Operation Front Panel The front panel of the liquid handler contains a Start button, Stop button, LED display, and power indicator light. Start Button The Start button can be used to home the XYZ-arm when the liquid handler is first powered up or when the motors for the XYZ-arm have been relaxed.
Operation Start Up To start the liquid handler: Make sure the liquid handler is connected to a power source. Turn on the liquid handler using the power switch located on the rear panel. Refer to rear panel diagram on page 2-16 power indicator light on the front panel illuminates.
Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler and are supplied on the 215 Utility Programs CD-ROM supplied with your liquid handler. 215 Setup Utility - Specifies configuration parameters for the liquid handler. 215 Contact Test Utility - Enables you to test contact connections. Section 2...
The following pages describe how to use 215 Setup Utility to configure the liquid handler. This information is also available in the on-line help supplied with the program.
This tab also lists software version and copyright information for the 215 Setup Utility. Unless the Non-Volatile RAM has been cleared, information about the type of 215 you are using will appear automatically. You will see the following indicating that you are using a Quad-Z...
Operation Pump Type Because the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler uses an external dilutor, Blank Front is selected and all options are inactive. Syringe Options All options on this tab are inactive for the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler because it has an external...
You must modify the rinse site coordinates if you have a Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler. Refer to the following table to select the correct X, Y, and Z coordinates depending on the kind of probe rinse that will be performed.
Liquid Detector The Liquid Detector tab allows you to adjust the default sensitivity for liquid detection. Note: Gilson control software (such as 735 Sampler Software) will override these settings. Raising the percentage suppresses false liquid detection while lowering the percentage increases sensitivity for situations where liquid is harder to detect.
To determine if the probe(s) need(s) to be adjusted in the X or Y direction select the model of the injection module that is on your Quad-Z 215 or select other for a user-defined test point. The default XY coordinates are shown next to the model number.
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Operation model 819: X-coordinate: 544.0 mm Y-coordinate: 3.8 mm If the model 819 is not installed next to the right support use the following coordinates: X-coordinate: 351.1 mm Y-coordinate: 1.3 mm model 841: X-coordinate: 475.3 mm Y-coordinate: 3.8 mm model 889: X-coordinate: 336.1 mm Y-coordinate: 3.8 mm model 849:...
Z-arm and the height at which the Z-arm is clamped. The tower height options are inactive for the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler because there is only one tower height available. The Z-arm can be clamped at an adjustable height over the locator plate.
Operation Home Phase Use the Home Phase tab to display the current X- and Y-phase of the instrument. Clicking Start causes the liquid handler to perform the phase procedure. This procedure consists of the liquid handler homing itself 10 times. The liquid handler finds out where home is located by “feeling”...
Operation 3-14 Safety Contact The instrument has provisions for connecting safety devices that your application may require, as long as they present a contact closure or TTL type interface. The Safety Contact tab allows you to specify which input contact is connected to the safety device and what is the active state of that device.
Default setting is 5. Emergency Contact The emergency stop option provides for sending a signal to a peripheral device (such as a Gilson 818 AutoMix) whenever the liquid handler’s Stop button is pressed or safety input is activated. Note: Once an emergency output has been activated, reset the contact to its non-emergency state using the 215 Contact Test Utility.
3-16 Testing the Liquid Handler’s Contacts Following is a description of how to use the 215 Contact Test Utility to toggle output contacts to determine if the correct contact connections have been made to peripheral devices to be controlled by the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler.
Maintenance To obtain optimum performance and maximum life from the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler, it is important to keep the instrument well-maintained. This section contains some general guidelines that will help you to maintain your liquid handler.
Maintenance Helpful Hints In order to keep your liquid handler at peak performance, Gilson recommends that you do the following: • Change or clean the tubing regularly to maintain maximum performance. • Flush the probe housings and rinse stations daily with distilled or deionized water. On a weekly basis, flush with a 10% solution of bleach or weak detergent.
Maintenance Cleaning Cleaning the Liquid Handler The liquid handler should be cleaned occasionally using a dry, clean cloth. Or, if necessary, use a cloth dipped in soapy water. If liquid is accidentally spilled on the liquid handler, wipe the instrument using a dry, clean cloth.
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Maintenance Cleaning methods Depending on the samples or reagents that come into contact with the fluid path, you may need to vary your cleaning methods accordingly. Use the following cleaning protocols as references and make any changes to them as required for the samples and reagents being pumped for your application.
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Maintenance Acidic and basic compounds - Follow this procedure if the fluid path is in contact with acidic and basic compounds: Prime the fluid path using a 0.1N NaOH solution. Pause the priming sequence. After 10 minutes, resume priming the fluid path using distilled or deionized water.
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Maintenance Biological fluids - Follow this procedure if the fluid path is in contact with biological fluids such as blood products: Make a solution of 10% bleach by adding one part of commercial bleach to nine parts of water. Prime the fluid path using the bleach solution until the entire fluid path has come into contact with bleach.
Quad-Z 215. What you need • Mobile 007 grease (part number 25494101, included in the 215 Alignment Kit, part number 254941) • Applicator (a cotton swab, for example) Procedures Turn OFF power to the Quad-Z 215.
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Maintenance 18 mm spacing Dispense another small bead of grease on the applicator. Apply the grease to the visible and accessible areas on the vertical rods and horizontal pitch rods on the Z-arm (see below). Repeatedly (and slowly), move the probe holders up and down to distribute the grease along the vertical rods.
Maintenance Replacing Parts Replacing Tubing It is important to keep all tubing clean and free of crimps. Tubing that has become dirty, blocked or crimped can result in poor accuracy and precision, or loss of air gap. Replace both the transfer tubing and inlet tubing as needed.
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Maintenance 4-10 Installing different type of probe To install a replacement probe of a different type than is currently installed, you may want to obtain a new probe guide insert for precise XY probe accuracy. Remove the transfer tubing’s 1/4"-28 fitting connected to the top of the isolation probe holder.
Maintenance Replacing a Level Sensing Cable Removing the level sensing cable Detach the transfer tubing from the top of the isolation probe holder by using the supplied headless nut extender (part number 49041032) to loosen and remove the 1/4"-28 nut and ferrule. Unplug the right-angle connector for the liquid level sensing cable (LLD cable) from...
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Maintenance 4-12 Installing the new level sensing cable Locate the new level sensing cable supplied with the Z-arm. Pass the transfer tubing through the open end of an LLD cable casing nearest the right-angle connector. The tubing should exit the back of the LLD cable casing approximately 6.5 cm from the end.
A blown fuse may indicate the existence of another problem in the instrument. If the replacement fuses blow, don’t try others. Contact your local representative or Gilson. See page 5-8. To change a fuse, follow these steps. Disconnect the power cord from the power outlet and from the rear panel receptacle.
Maintenance Checking Position Alignment The 215 Setup Utility (Adjust XY tab), described in Section 3, allows you to test whether the liquid handler is properly aligned and to make minor adjustments to the X-axis and Y-axis offsets if needed. You may need to use the options under...
Maintenance Transporting the Liquid Handler When moving the liquid handler to another location or when sending it back to the factory, do not use the Y-arm as a handle. Reinstall the armlock (see Section 2) and always lift the liquid handler from the base.
Run 215SETUP.EXE or the 215 Setup Utility program • Replace the main board Contact the Gilson Customer Service Department. Contact the Gilson Customer Service Department. Turn power off then on to the liquid handler. Turn power off then on to the liquid handler.
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Z position sensor inactive Safety contact activated X home phase is invalid Y home phase is invalid X and Y home phases are invalid Run 215SETUP.EXE or the 215 Setup Utility Stop button has been pressed GSIOC communication error (“Time out”)
Troubleshooting Mechanical Probe(s) no longer finding tube center • Probe(s) may be bent. Straighten or replace the probe. • Incorrect tray file defined. Review and if necessary change the tray file. • Liquid handler may be misaligned. Perform the position alignment procedures, described on page 4-14.
Troubleshooting Electrical Input functions not operating • Make sure connections into terminal block connector are secure. • Make sure terminal block connector is secure in input/output port. • Check connections for proper pin assignments. • Be sure pins from external devices are assigned correctly.
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• Check AC power cord connections. • Try different AC outlet. • Check fuse(s); replace if necessary. • Check all liquid handler connections and make sure that the unit is plugged in. Unit blows fuses • Contact the Gilson Customer Service Department.
Liquid level detector not detecting liquid level • Ensure that the level sensing cables are plugged • Check sensitivity setting in the 215 Setup Utility (see page 3-9) and lower the percentage. • Check if liquid is detectable. Liquid level detection works only if there is electrical conductivity in your liquid.
Troubleshooting Repair and Return Policies Before calling us Gilson Customer Service personnel will be able to serve you more efficiently if you have the following information: • the serial number and model number of the equipment involved. The serial number is visible on the back of the control panel of the liquid handler.
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Rebuilt exchange For some units, rebuilt exchange components are available. Contact Gilson for details. Return procedure In the United States, contact the Gilson Customer Service Department to obtain authorization before returning any Gilson equipment. To return a piece of equipment: •...
Replacement Parts and Accessories Probes 2507214 2507215 2507254 25073645 2507253 2507216 Non septum-piercing probe; constricted tip, capacitive level-sensing, stainless steel. Dimensions: 269 x 1.8 x 1.4 mm ID (tip dimensions: 1.5 x 1.2 x 0.8 mm ID). Requires probe guide insert (part number 25064473) for precise XY accuracy.
Quick-connect fitting to connect Tygon tubing to waste bottle Multiple Probe/Quad-Z 215 rinse station; connects to rinse station base Rinse station base; attaches directly to 215 locator plate Y-connector to connect two rinse stations to one waste bottle Appendix B.
Appendix Cables and I/O Accessories 25061401 36083121 36083122 36083123 638308512 638310512 709910206 36078143 6730504007 Miscellaneous 2509211 4311403 Level-sensing cable Serial cable, IBM PS/2-type, 25 to 25 pin Serial cable, IBM AT-type, 9-pin female to 25-pin male Serial cable adapter, 9-pin female to 25-pin male Terminal block connector, 8-pin Terminal block connector, 10-pin 2-conductor interconnect wire, 6', for making...
Racks The Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler can be configured with a variety of rack types and sizes. The following pages describe the racks that can be purchased for use on the liquid handler. Refer to Section 2 for rack installation procedures.
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Appendix Code 20 rack For 108 vessels Material: polypropylene Vessels and maximum capacity: 10 x 100 mm tubes (4.5 mL) Part number: 150425 Required accessories: adapter plate (part number 2504621) Code 21 rack For 60 vessels Material: polypropylene Vessels and maximum capacity: 13 x 100 mm tubes (9 mL) Part number: 150422 Required accessories: adapter plate (part number 2504621) Code 23 rack...
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Appendix Code 28 rack For 108 vessels Material: polypropylene Vessels and maximum capacity: 10 x 65 mm tubes (3 mL) Part number: 150420 Required accessories: adapter plate (part number 2504621) Code 29 rack For 60 vessels Material: polypropylene Vessels and maximum capacity: 12 x 75 mm tubes (5 mL) Part number: 150429 Required accessories: adapter plate (part number 2504621) Code 30 rack...
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Appendix Code 32 rack Thermostated rack for 60 vessels Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 13 x 65 mm tubes (6 mL) Part number: 2704432 Required accessories: adapter plate (part number 2504621) and thermostating cuvette (part number 2704429) or thermostating cuvette (part number 2759550) and 832 Temperature Regulator (part number 2759502) Code 33 rack Thermostated rack for 14 scintillation vials...
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Appendix Code 201 rack For two microplates, two Eppendorf vials, and two 13 x 100 mm tubes Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 96 well microplates Part number: 2504601 Code 201H rack For two microplates, two Eppendorf vials, and two 13 x 100 mm tubes; with microplate covers Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 96 well microplates Part number: 2504601H...
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Appendix Code 204 rack For 27 scintillation tubes Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 28 x 57 mm (20 mL) Part number: 2504604 Code 205 rack For two deep-well microplates, two Eppendorf vials, and two 13 x 100 mm tubes Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 96 deep-well microplates Part number: 2504605...
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Appendix Code 206 rack For 96 vessels Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 13 x 75 mm (7 mL) Part number: 2504606 Code 207 rack For 75 vessels Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 16 x 100 mm (12 mL) Part number: 2504607 Code 208 rack For 70 vessels...
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Appendix Code 210 rack For 75 vessels Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 16 x 75 mm (11 mL) Part number: 2504610 Code 211 rack For 9 Boston round screw-cap bottles Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 48 x 113 mm (125 mL) Part number: 2504611 Code 212 rack For 96 vessels...
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Appendix Code 214 rack For 96 vessels Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 48 10.25 x 47 mm (2.5 mL) 48 10.25 x 64 mm (44 mL) Part number: 2504614 Note: Place the shorter tubes into the notched tube locations. Code 216 rack For 60 Waters WISP vials Material: aluminum...
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Appendix B-10 Code 222 rack For 27 conical bottom tubes Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 27 (50 mL) Part number: 2504622 Code 228 rack For four reagent bottles Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 4 (500 or 700 mL) Part number: 2504628 Code 505 rack For 10 standard or deep-well microplates...
Each slave device is identified by a unique number which must be known to the device and to the computer. The default ID code of the Quad-Z 215 is 22. To control the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler via the GSIOC interface, you will need the following: •...
Buffered Description Identifies the selected slave device. Returns character string: “215QADVx.yz”, where x, y, and z represent software version. Resets the Quad-Z 215. Returns “$” and resets the instrument to its power-up state which: • clears any error state •...
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Appendix @aa[=xxxx] Reads non-volatile memory (NV-RAM) at current address. Returns “aaa=xxxx” where: aaa - Value between 0 and 19 for word type data or 100 to 119 for floating type data. xxxx - Data at the address. Current address is incremented. Sets the value at NV-RAM address where: - Value between 0 and 19 for word type data or 100 to 119 for floating type data.
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Reads home phases for X and Y motors. Returns “xxx/yyy” where: xxx - X motor phase. yyy - Y motor phase. Causes 215 to beep: f - Frequency in Hz; default is 2400. d - Duration of beep in tenths of seconds; default is 1. Sets user-definable character: - Address (0 to 7) of user-defined character.
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Appendix Exyz Jcccc[p] jcttt Sets X, Y, and Z motor status: x - 0 for disable X motor. y - 0 for disable Y motor. z - 0 for disable or 1 for enable Z motor. For example, the following command disables the motors: E000.
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Appendix Ksxxx Sets liquid level sensing sensitivity where: s - selected probe (a, b, c, or d) xxx - Value from 0 to 255; 0 is the most sensitive, 255 is the least sensitive. If s is not specified, the default is abcd. Reads liquid level sensing sensitivity.
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Appendix Oabcd Reads the liquid detector output. Returns “a,b,c,d” where: a - leftmost probe (probe A) b - probe B c - probe C d - probe D For each status, you’ll see A for air or L for liquid. Sets each probe speed value (in µm/s) where: a = speed of probe A b = speed of probe B...
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Appendix Ta,b,c,d Reads the XYZ travel range. Returns “axis=min/max” where: axis - X, Y or Z. min - Lowest position in tenths of millimeters. max - Highest position in tenths of millimeters. The first time the command is sent, it returns the X range; the second time, it returns the Y range;...
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Appendix vcs..s Wcc..cc Sends a GSIOC2 command directly to the Quad-Z where: c = the type of command s.ss = the command string You may send up to four GSIOC2 commands before the first command completes. The response is placed into a response buffer (one string deep) for later reading.
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Appendix Xax/y Xbx/y Xcx/y Xdx/y Yyyyy C-10 Reads probe Z-positions in integral units of 0.1 mm. Returns aaaa,bbbb,cccc,dddd where: aaaa is the Z-position of probe A bbbb is the Z-position of probe B cccc is the Z-position of probe C dddd is the Z-position of probe D Moves probe A to target x and y coordinates.
Pipetting Techniques By following these techniques, you’ll be able to maximize accuracy and precision, and minimize carryover, with your Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler. Accuracy and precision of pipetting are dependent on the specifications of the pump you’re using and the geometry of the probe tip.
Appendix Minimizing Cross-Contamination Cross-contamination of samples is caused by sample carryover on the probe tip or on its inner walls. Several methods are available to minimize cross-contamination. • Use of the liquid level sensing capability will reduce carryover by limiting immersion below the liquid surface.
Appendix Minimizing Dilution Effect An undesirable dilution sometimes occurs when an aspirated sample replaces rinse or diluent material. Some of the diluent fluid invariably clings to the tubing walls, causing the unwanted dilution of the sample. The part of the sample that enters the tubing first is affected most because it is the closest to the diluting liquid.
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Appendix The following example describes an instance when the above 8-step procedure is required. An operator needs to dispense 50 µL of reagent into each of 20 test tubes. The tube-to-tube consistency of reagent volume is critical. However, in order to save time, the operator wishes to make a single 1 mL aspiration from the reagent reservoir and then make multiple dispenses.