Service Manual Evolis
Service Manual Evolis
Service Manual Evolis
Service Manual
We reserve the right to make changes in the course of technical development without
previous notice.
BIO-RAD
3, boulevard Raymond Poincaré - B.P. 3
92430 Marnes-la-Coquette, France
Neither this manual nor any parts of it may be duplicated or transmitted in any way without the written
approval of BIO-RAD.
Date of issue: September 2004
Version: 1.3
Part No.: 6300000013
Software-copy- The software for the EVOLIS has been licensed to BIO-RAD for worldwide distri-
rights bution. The EVOLIS software is the intellectual property of STRATEC Biomedical
Systems AG. Intellectual property rights shall remain with STRATEC Biomedical Sys-
tems AG.
You are entitled to use the EVOLIS software and the printed accompanying material
at your place of work only.
Any violations of property rights or copyright or trademark may be subject to legal ac-
tion.
BIO-RAD
3, boulevard Raymond Poincaré - B.P. 3
92430 Marnes-la-Coquette, France
tel: +33 (0)1 47 95 60 00
fax: +33 (0)1 47 41 91 33
Evolis
Table of Contents
2 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.1 Safety and Hints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.2 Mechanical Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.3 Electronic Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.1 Safety and Hints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.2 Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.3 Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.4 Contents of the System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
3.4.1 Contents of Box A (Analyser) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
3.4.2 Contents of Box C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
3.4.3 Contents of Box D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
3.5 Installation of the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
3.5.1 Setup of the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
3.5.2 Installation of the Wash Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
3.5.3 Installation of Waste Bag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
3.5.4 Installation of the Pipetting System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
3.5.5 Installation of the Side Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
3.5.6 Installation of the Top Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
3.5.7 Installation of System Fluid and Waste Containers . . . . . . . . . 3-17
3.5.8 Installation of Computer and Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
3.6 Preparations for the User Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
3.7 Check of the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
3.7.1 Preparations for the Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
3.7.2 Check with Service Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
3.7.3 Check of the Pipettor Positions with the Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
3.8 Check with User Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
4 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
4.1 Safety and Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
4.2 Overview about Maintenance Kits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
4.3 Half-Yearly and Yearly Maintenance Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
4.3.1 Half-Yearly and Yearly Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.3.2 Yearly Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
4.4 Lubrication Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
4.4.1 X-axis: Cleaning and Lubrication of X-Guiding Mechanism. . . . . 4-7
4.4.2 Y-axis: Cleaning and Lubrication of Y-Guiding Mechanism . . . . . 4-8
4.4.3 Z-axis: Lubrication of Z-Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
4.4.4 X-Axis of Plate Transport: Cleaning and Lubrication of Guiding Rod
4-10
4.4.5 Z-Spindle of Plate Transport: Cleaning and Grease of Z-Spindle . 4-
11
6 Photometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
6.1 Safety and Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
6.2 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
6.3 Mechanical Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
6.4 Description of Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
6.5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
6.5.1 Photometer Adjustment and Testing Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
6.5.2 Replacement of the Photometer Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
6.5.3 Replacement of Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
6.5.4 Replacement of Filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
6.5.5 Replacement of Primary Optics (Lower Optic Block). . . . . . . . . 6-11
6.5.6 Replacement of Fibre Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
6.5.7 Replacement of Photometer X-Movement Motor. . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14
6.5.8 Cleaning of Fibre Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14
6.5.9 Filter Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15
6.5.10Replacement of Photometer PCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15
6.5.11 Glass Fibre for Plate Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16
6.6 Adjustment and Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17
7 Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
7.1 Safety and Hints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
7.2 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
7.3 Mechanical Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
7.4 Fluid Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
7.4.1 Wash Buffer Tubing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
7.4.2 Instrument Waste Tubing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
7.5 Description of Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
7.6 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
7.6.1 Washer Adjustment and Testing Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
7.6.2 Replacement of Washer Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
7.6.3 Replacement of Vacuum Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
7.6.4 Replacement and Cleaning of Wash Head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
7.6.5 Replacement of Peristaltic Pump Motor and Tubing Cassette . 7-13
7.6.6 Replacement of Plate Transport Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
7.6.7 Replacement of Aspiration Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15
7.6.8 Replacement of Dispense Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
7.6.9 Replacement of Dispense Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
7.6.10Replacement of Z-motor (Wash Head up and down Motor) . . . 7-19
7.6.11 Replacement of Washer Light Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
7.6.12Plate in Fibre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
7.6.13Replacement of Washer PCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
7.6.14Internal Waste Bottle and internal Froth Trap Bottle . . . . . . . . . 7-22
7.7 Adjustment and Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23
7.7.1 Alignment of Wash Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23
7.7.2 Adjustable of Washer Bottles Float Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24
7.7.3 Volume Calibration of the Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25
7.8 Washer Service Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26
7.8.1 Functions of the Washer Service Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27
7.8.2 Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33
7.8.3 Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33
7.8.4 Test Procedure for Module Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34
7.8.5 Test Procedure for Board Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-36
7.9 Firmware Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37
7.9.1 Firmware Upgrade with Service Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37
7.9.2 Firmware Upgrade with User Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37
10 Incubator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
10.1 Safety and Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
10.2 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
10.3 Mechanical Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
10.4 Description of Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
10.5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
10.5.1Replacement of Incubator Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
10.5.2Replacement of Incubator PCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
10.5.3Open Incubator Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
10.5.4Replacement of Incubator Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
10.5.5Replacement of Shake PCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
10.5.6Replacement of Sensor PCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10
10.5.7Replacement of Shaking Solenoid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
10.5.8Replacement of upper Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
10.5.9Replacement of lower Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
10.5.10Replacement of Foam Flap or Flap Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
10.5.11Replacement of Incubator and Stacker Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
11 Pipettor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
11.1 Safety and Hints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
11.2 Mechanical Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
11.3 Fluid Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-6
11.4 Description of Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-7
11.5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
11.5.1 Replacement of Disposable Tip Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
11.5.2 Replacement of Pipettor Tubing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-10
11.5.3 Replacement of Wash Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
11.5.4 Replacement of Dispense Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13
11.5.5 Replacement of Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15
11.5.6 Replacement of three way Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-16
11.5.7 Replacement of Pipettor Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-18
11.5.8 Replacement of X-Sledge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-19
11.5.9 Replacement of Bridge High Flex Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-20
11.5.10Replacement of Y-Belt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-21
11.5.11Replacement of Y-Motor/Encoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-22
11.5.12Replacement of Waste Pump (on the back Side) . . . . . . . . . 11-24
11.5.13Replacement of Waste Pump (on the left Side) . . . . . . . . . . 11-25
11.6 Adjustment and Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-27
11.6.1 Adjustment of the X- and Z-Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-27
11.6.2 Adjustment of the X-Axis Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-30
11.6.3 Adjustment of the Y-Axis Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-32
11.6.4 Adjustment of Timing Y-Belt Tension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-35
11.6.5 Free Movement of the Bridge on the Guiding Mechanism . . . 11-37
11.6.6 Free Movement of the Upper Rollers on Guiding Mechanism 11-38
11.6.7 Wear of the Roller Bearings on the Bridge Holder . . . . . . . . . 11-39
11.6.8 Alignment of Z-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-40
11.7 Teaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-44
11.7.1 Teaching Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-44
11.7.2 Start of Teacher Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-45
11.7.3 Mechanical Z-Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-48
11.7.4 Teaching Reference Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-48
11.7.5 Teaching Tip Type Determination Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-50
11.7.6 Teaching Disposable Tip Racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-50
11.7.7 Teaching Dilution Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-51
11.7.8 Teaching Pipette Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-52
11.7.9 Teaching Eject Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-52
11.7.10Teaching Wash/Waste Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-53
11.7.11Teaching Sample and Reagent Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-54
11.7.12Teaching MTP's. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-55
13 Stacker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1
13.1 Safety and Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1
13.2 Mechanical Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1
13.3 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-2
13.3.1Replacement of Light Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-2
1 Intended Use
The purpose of this document is to guide trained field service engineers on installa-
tion, adjustment, maintenance service and troubleshooting of the Evolis, a fully au-
tomated microplate based ELISA analyser.
It has to be pointed out that the service procedures on the Evolis are designed to be
handled in a module exchange fashion in the field. Only limited adjustments and re-
pairs of modules will be performed in the field. Faulty modules are repaired by the
manufacturer or national repair centres. Therefore the scope of this document does
not reach into every detail of the modules.
In addition certain functionality of the software used by service engineers are imple-
mented by and for development engineers to perform their tasks of concurrent engi-
neering or for manufacturing tests. Although available to field service engineers
these functionality need and should not be used in field service and are therefore
only described in limited detail in this document.
This document is intended for field service engineers for training and per-
forming field service.
Warning messages are indicated with a safety symbol and printed in special types.
For special situations were used the following security symbols.
Biological hazard!
Electrical hazard!
Mechanical hazard!
Laser hazard!
Automatic start-up!
1.1.2 Notes
Notes are indicated with a symbol and printed in special types. For special situations
were used the following symbols.
General notes!
Manufactured by
Lot Number
Expiration Date
Storage Temperature
CE Mark
Catalogue Number
Menu items and Menu items and fields are spaced type.
fields Example: F i l e Menu
Read all of these instructions! Save these instructions for later use!
The operating manual must be kept near the system and must be accessible
for the user at any time.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product and in this manu-
al.
The instrument must only be operated by personnel who have been trained on
the use of the system.
It is strongly recommended that all first time personnel read this manual prior to use.
The service personnel may only perform the maintenance work described in
this manual.
Use only the parts prescribed in this manual for servicing.
The tests and maintenance work defined by the manufacturer should be performed
to make sure that the operator remains safe and that the instrument continues to
function correctly.
Any service and maintenance work not described in this manual must be performed
by authorized service personnel and technicians.
Any changes on the system witch are not authorized by the manufacturer lead to the
lost of guarantee obligation.
The system was developed and tested according to the regulations of the IvD
directive.
Any changes on the system which are not authorized by the manufacturer lead to the
loss of the validity of the conformity with the applicable regulations the manufacturer
has declared. In this case, the customer is responsible for the fulfilment of the appli-
cable regulations.
The instrument should be opened, serviced and repaired by qualified and au-
thorized service personnel only.
Check that the operating voltage is set correctly on all system components be-
fore you connect the system to the mains supply.
This product must be operated from the type of power source indicated on the type
label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult an authorized sales
person or your local electric power company.
Use a 3-wire grounding type plug to connect all instrument and peripherals to
mains supply.
Use only extension cables with a protective conductor and grounded contact.
Grounding of the instrument, computer and its peripheral devices to the same pro-
tective earth potential must be ensured.
Never knowingly interrupt the grounding contacts.
There is the risk of an electrical shock if the protective conductor is interrupted within
or outside the device, or has been disconnected.
If you can see that the unit has become unsafe to use, switch it off and discon-
nect it from the mains supply.
If liquid gets inside the instrument, switch it off and disconnect it from the
mains supply. Clean, and dry the respective parts.
Surfaces (floors, work table) must be dry when you are working with the sys-
tem.
Only use the bottles, tubing and components supplied and recommended for con-
taining liquids on the system.
Spare fuses must match the values (nominal voltage, nominal current, and
type) specified by the system manufacturer.
Always replace blown fuses, don't try to repair them.
Never short-circuit the fuse holder.
Switch the instrument off and disconnect it from the mains supply before serv-
icing.
Only when directed to do so, should power be applied. If power is applied while any
covers are removed, use extreme caution while servicing the system.
Never remove protective guards or secured components since you could ex-
pose live parts in this way.
Electrical connection contacts (plugs, sockets etc.) can be electrically live.·Even af-
ter the device has been switched off, components (e.g. capacitors) can be under volt-
age as the result of an electrical charge.
All current-carrying parts are sources of danger for an electrical shock.
Care must be taken when operating and testing the bar code scanners as they
use a laser class 2. Never look directly into the laser beam!
Output causes irritations of the eye if stared into the beam for long periods of time.
See chapter 18.3 on page 18-1 for technical data of the laser (bar code scanner).
For operating and testing the laser, no optical devices may be used.
For operating and testing the laser, watches and mirroring jewellery should be re-
moved.
Don't load the complete opened drawer! The analyser is able to upset!
Do not take off the protective cover during a run and do not reach into the
working area.
Improper handling may cause serious damage to the system or injure the user.
If you open the flap or cover, verify that the movement of the pipettor has stopped
before you reach in the working area.
Avoid touching the pipettor and other moving parts while the system is in operation.
Notice that it is possible that the system continues processes independently, even
without computer.
For reagent containers and tubings (system liquid and waste), no guarantee
can be provided for any resistance against organic solvents.
For this reason, do not use any organic solvents unless such solvents are expressly
authorized.
Switch the instrument off and disconnect it from the mains supply before
cleaning, disinfection or decontamination.
1.2.7 Disposal
Potential infectious material and all parts that may come in contact with poten-
tial infectious material must be disposed according to national legislations.
All parts which have been replaced, must be disposed according to national
legislations.
Figure 1-3: Biological hazard labels on the waste bottle and the foam bottle
Figure 1-5: Laser hazard labels next to the rack system bar code scanner
outlet
Figure 1-6: Laser hazard labels next to the microplate bar code scanner
outlet
The type label is positioned on the back side of the instrument (near by the mains
switch).
A Ampere
COP Central opera- Central host processor in Evolis distributing
tion processor worklist commands to the module's proces-
sors.
DC Direct current E.g.: DC-motor
EEPROM Electrically
erasable pro-
grammable
read only mem-
ory
ID Identification
LED Light Emitting A LED can be bicoloured, i.e. it can be con-
Diode trolled to either emit green or red light (theo-
retically also mixed orange light)
m Meter • mm: Millimetre
• µm: Micrometer
Microplate 96 well container used for holding sample/
reagent mixtures for dilutions or analysis.
PCB Printed circuit Electronics board
board
Run Analytical session, consisting of all actions
related to the scheduling and analysis of a
group of samples, beginning with an operator-
initiated start and ending when the analyser
returns to ready state.
V Volt(s)
Well One of the 96 positions in a microplate.
X-direction - left Left/Right direction as seen from the operator
+ right standing in front of the instrument.
2 System
The mechanical architecture for the system is functionally modular. Various - func-
tional modules for performing the plate processes will be contained in the system.
The system consists of two main areas. The area for pipetting fluid into the plate and
the module drawer ('function drawer').
The samples and reagents are to be stored in a rack mechanism. The disposable
tips, and dilution plates or tubes are to be located in an open drawer mechanism. A
XYZ-drive mechanism moves the pipettor around the working area of the system.
The pipettor is used for sample and reagent distribution into plates located in the
plate preparation area. The pipettor uses disposable tips. The pipettor uses a syringe
pump with a system fluid. The incubators are located below the pipetting area. Once
a plate is prepared, it can be moved by the plate transport system to the other func-
tional modules of the system located in the module drawer.
The photometer, washer and stacker are mounted in a module drawer mechanism
below the pipetting area. The washer unit is towards the front, then the stacker, and
lastly the photometer behind. The plate transport mechanism is attached to the side
that will be able to move the micro plates between the various modules and pipette
areas.
The following sketch shows the layout of the modules (shown with the module drawer
open for clarity).
1 Pipettor
2 Dilution plates and dilution tubes
3 Tip racks
4 Patient sample and reagent unit
5 Pipettor station
6 Tip ejection station and pipettor wash station
7 Incubator
8 Wash buffer and internal waste bottles
9 Photometer
10 Stacker
11 Washer
12 Plate transport unit
The system is a fully automated system for EIA and LIA processing. With a capacity
of up to 4 plates as standard. However the PC software scheduler is able to schedule
more than 4 plates at the same time in the system. The system will automate the
steps required to process micro plate assays from sample distribution, dilution, incu-
bation, washing, reagent addition, and detection using absorbance technologies.
The product will be controlled by Microsoft Windows® software for all operations, in-
cluding assay creation and worklist generation, time scheduling, data reduction and
reporting of results. The software will also focus on in-process control, validation and
verification. The product is targeted for labs running between 20,000 and 100,000
tests per year.
3 Installation
Aim of this document is to give the main guidelines for a correct installation of the
analyser.
3.2 Environment
The entire Evolis system (analyser, computer, monitor and printer) requires a space
of approximate 200 cm x 85 cm x 120 cm (W x D x H). The total depth (with wall dis-
tance and completely opened drawer) is 176 cm. The workbench on which the Evo-
lis system is set up should have a size of at least 75 x 200 cm.
The ventilation slits on the rear panel of the analyser, the computer and the monitor
must not be covered and should be away from the wall at least 20 cm.
The room where the Evolis is should be evenly heated (summer and winter), since
most immuno assays are temperature sensitive. The operation temperature is be-
tween 15 °C and 25 °C (see chapter 18.1 on page 18-1). We recommend to set up the Ev-
olis in air-conditioned rooms.
3.3 Packaging
Save the packaging to allow for safe transportation back to the manufacturer in case
the instrument needs to be serviced.
4. Write down the serial number on the back side of the analyser for later use.
5. Put the analyser on the workbench (see chapter 18.1 on page 18-1 and chapter 3.2 on
page 3-1).
6. Remove the foam rubber part 'D' from the pipettor bridge.
7. Remove the foam rubber part 'E' from the rack system.
10. Remove the foam rubber part 'G' from the plate transport.
11. Remove the tip eject ramp '2-1' and put it aside for later use.
12. Remove the foam rubber part 'H' from the photometer.
1. Take the waste bag holder, the waste bag and the waste bag cover out of the
accessories box.
2. Put the waste bag holder '2-2' in the slot from the instrument drawer.
1. Take the disposable tip adapter, the Z-guide and the tubing guide out of the
accessories box.
2. Check if the tubing guide '3-1' can easily be moved.
8. Insert the second tubing guide and the pipettor tube in the Z-axis rack.
9. Insert the pipettor tube in the needle adapter '3-5'.
10. Insert the needle adapter into the Z-axis rack. The metal pin must be on the
back.
11. Tighten the needle adapter with the upper hexagon screw '3-6'.
Locking Mecha- 1. Take the cover of the locking mechanism out of the accessories box.
nism of the 2. Open the screws '5-1'.
Hinged Cover 3. Put the cover on the locking mechanism.
4. Tighten the screws '5-1'.
Top Cover 1. Take the top cover out of the cover box.
1. Take the system fluid container and the waste container out of the accesso-
ries box.
2. Put the system fluid tube in the CPC quick connection '6-1'.
1. Take the computer (with keyboard, mouse and cables), the monitor, the
printer and the all cables out of the accessories box.
2. Set up the computer near of the analyser.
3. Set up the monitor near of the computer or onto the computer housing.
4. Set up the printer near of the computer.
5. Set up the keyboard near of the computer.
6. Set up the mouse near of the computer.
7. Put the plugs in the correct sockets (see the following figure and table).
Plug/Socket: Equipment:
8. Put the second RS232 plug in the analyser socket '6-3' (see figure 3-24: on
page 3-17).
9. Put the second printer plug in the printer socket.
Use a 3-wire grounding type plug to connect all instrument and periph-
erals to mains voltage!
Prior to operation of the analyser and its peripherals the user must en-
sure correct and safe connection to the mains voltage.
Please look up in the other chapters of the service manual for detailed infor-
mation.
Please look up in (see chapter 11.7 on page 11-44) for detailed information about
the teaching software.
If you modify positions with the teacher, then the teacher displays an error
message and doesn't execute the modification. For modifications you must
remove the write protection.
3.7.3.2 Check
1. Start the teacher software.
2. Enter the password.
Sample and Rea- 14. Insert the rack teaching tool in the far left position of the rack.
gent Positions 15. Click on the sample and rack position '3'.
16. Check position 1 and 2.
17. Remove the rack teaching tool.
18. Insert the rack teaching tool in the far right position of the rack.
19. Check position 3.
Pipette Positions 20. Insert the MTP teaching tool (placed in a plate carrier) on pipette position '4-
1'.
21. Click on the pipette position '4-1'.
22. Check all positions.
23. Remove the MTP teaching tool (placed in a plate carrier).
24. Repeat steps for the pipette positions '4-2', '4-3' and '4-4'.
Rack Positions 38. Insert a small tip (300 µl) into position 1 of the disposable tip rack '2-1'.
39. Click on the Pi c k u p D button.
40. Click on the Ra ck s button.
41. Select a rack file.
42. Click on the Ed it button.
43. Insert the correct sample/bottle rack in the far left position of the rack.
44. Insert a bottle or tube into the first position of the sample/bottle rack.
45. Click on the Teac h button.
46. Check the position.
47. Click on the arrow button ^ for the next position.
48. Repeat steps for all positions.
49. Click on the OK button.
50. Repeat steps for the other rack files.
51. Click the Q u i t button.
4 Maintenance
The waste system could have had contact with dangerous material! Pay
attention to safety regards! Always wear gloves!
Care must be taken when operating and testing this module as moving
parts may cause injury if obstructed by user!
Don't weight the complete opened drawer! The analyser is able to up-
set!
Half-yearly Main- The half-yearly maintenance kit contains the tubing’s and accessories which have to
tenance Kit be changed every half year (see chapter 4.3 on page 4-2).
Yearly Mainte- The yearly maintenance kit contains the half-yearls maintenance kit, a syringe, and
nance Kit a valve which have to be changed every year (see chapter 4.3 on page 4-2).
Lubrication Kit The lubrication kit consists oil, grease and a monovette for cleaning and lubrication
(see chapter 4.4 on page 4-7).
The following figures and tables are showing the tubing’s and accessories of the half-
yearly and the yearly maintenance kits.
Figure 4-2: Tubing and accessories of the half-yearly and yearly mainte-
nance kits
Place a container or put a cloth under the end of the tubing which
should be removed, because (dangerous) liquid could be in the tub-
ing’s!
Preparations The preparations are only necessary if the waste pump on the back side of the in-
strument:
• Tubings 4: Cut the 44 cm long tubing to 25 cm.
• Tubing 5: Cut the tubing to 120 cm.
5. Put the new system liquid filter ’9’ on the suction tube.
6. Close the system liquid container.
The system liquid filter ’9’ should be in system liquid 30 minutes before a run
should be started. Otherwise air bubbles can reach the pipette tubing.
7. Open the functional drawer completely (open locking mechanism on left side
of the functional drawer).
8. Remove the four wash buffer bottles.
9. Remove the wash bottle tray.
10. Remove the front cover with the tip eject ramp.
11. Remove the old tubing ’5’ from the pipettor wash station.
12. Remove the old tubing ’5’ from the pipettor waste pump (input) see
chapter 11.5.12 on page 11-24 or chapter 11.5.13 on page 11-25).
13. Remove the old tubing ’5’ from the instrument.
14. Install the new tubing ’5’ in the instrument.
15. Put the new tubing ’5’ on the pipettor wash station.
16. Put the new tubing ’5’ on the pipettor waste pump (input).
17. Install the front cover with the tip eject ramp.
18. Remove the old tubing cassette ’7’ of the peristaltic pump (see chapter 7.6.5 on
page 7-13). It isn’t necessary to remove the washer.
Press the clips ’A’ at the top and the bottem at the same time and pull down
the tubing cassette .
It isn’t necessary to remove the tubing’s!
19. Remove the old tubing ’4’ from the pipettor waste pump (output) see
chapter 11.5.12 on page 11-24 or chapter 11.5.13 on page 11-25).
20. Remove the old tubing ’4’ from the CPC quick connector (small one).
21. Put the new tubing ’4’ on the pipettor waste pump (output).
22. Put the new tubing ’4’ on the CPC quick connector (small one).
23. Remove the old tubing ’3’ from the internal waste bottle (grey mark) (see
chapter 7.6.14 on page 7-22).
24. Remove the old tubing ’3’, the old tubing ’4’, and the old tubing cassette ’7’
from the instrument.
25. Install the new tubing cassette ’7’ of the peristaltic pump.
26. Remove the guards from the new tubing cassette tubing’s.
27. Put the new tubing ’4’ on the tubing cassette ’7’ (output).
See arrows on the tubing cassette ’7’ to find the output.
28. Put the new tubing ’3’ on the tubing cassette ’7’ (input).
29. Put the new tubing ’3’ on the internal waste bottle (grey mark).
30. Remove the old tubing ’1’ from the wash head (see chapter 7.3 on page 7-2).
31. Remove the old tubing ’1’ from the water trap (input).
32. Remove the old tubing ’1’ from the instrument.
33. Put the new tubing ’1’ on the wash head.
34. Put the new tubing ’1’ on the water trap (input).
35. Remove the old tubing ’2’ from the water trap (output).
36. Remove the old tubing ’2’ from the internal waste bottle (red mark).
37. Remove the old tubing ’2’ from the instrument.
38. Put the new tubing ’2’ on the water trap (output).
39. Put the new tubing ’2’ on the internal waste bottle (red mark).
40. Remove the old tubing ’6’ from the CPC quick connector (small one).
41. Remove the old tubing ’6’ from the waste container.
42. Remove the old tubing ’6’ from the instrument.
43. Put the new tubing ’6’ on the waste container.
44. Put the new tubing ’6’ on the CPC quick connector (small one).
45. Remove the old filters ’8’ from the washer dispense pumps tubing’s (see
chapter 7.6.8 on page 7-16).
46. Remove the old filters ’8’ from the system.
47. Put the new filters ’8’ on the washer dispense pumps tubing’s
48. Install the wash bottle tray.
49. Install the four wash buffer bottles.
50. Close the functional drawer completely (close locking mechanism on left side
of the functional drawer).
51. Disconnect the old liquid level detection cable ’10’ of the disposable tip
adapter from the X-sledge (see chapter 11.5.1 on page 11-9).
52. Open the cover of the disposable tip adapter.
53. Disconnect the old liquid level detection cable ’10’ from the disposable tip
adapter.
54. Remove the old liquid level detection cable ’10’ from the system.
55. Connect the new liquid level detection cable ’10’ to the disposable tip adapter.
56. Close the cover of the disposable tip adapter.
57. Connect the old liquid level detection cable ’10’ to the X-sledge.
58. If planned start with the yearly maintenance procedure (see chapter 4.3.2 on
page 4-6) or the lubricate procedure (see chapter 4.4 on page 4-7).
59. Check the pipettor reference position (see chapter 11.7.4 on page 11-48).
1. Start with the ’Half-Yearly and Yearly Maintenance’ (see chapter 4.3.1 on page 4-
4).
2. Remove the old syringe ’11’ from the pipettor dispense pump (see chapter 11.5.5
on page 11-15).
3. Remove the old syringe ’11’ from the system.
4. Remove the old three way valve ’12’ from the pipettor dispense pump (see
chapter 11.5.6 on page 11-16).
5. Remove the old three way valve ’12’ from the system.
6. Install the new three way valve ’12’ to the pipettor dispense pump (see
chapter 11.5.6 on page 11-16).
7. Install the new syringe ’11’ to the pipettor dispense pump (see chapter 11.5.5 on
page 11-15).
4. Use in a second step a cleaning paper with alcohol (standard disinfection flu-
ids of the laboratories).
5. Remove all dirt from all rollers 'O-1', 'O-2', 'O-3', 'O-4', 'O-8', 'O-9', 'O-10', 'O-
11', 'O-12' and 'O-13' with a cleaning paper on both sides of the bridge.
6. Lubricate all roller bearings with max. 0.25 ml oil each via the monovette '23'.
7. Remove oil from the X-guiding mechanism 'O-5', 'O-6' and 'O-7' with a clean-
ing paper.
3. Remove all dirt and old oil from the pipettor bridge (guiding mechanism) with
a cleaning paper.
4. Use in a second step a cleaning paper with alcohol (standard disinfection flu-
ids of the laboratories).
5. Clean the rack completely especially also on the top.
6. Clean also the ends of the sledge in the area of the bearing to the guiding
mechanism.
7. For refilling the oil reservoirs of the sledge 'O-19' and 'O-20' use the
monovette '23'. Soak up a volume of 0.5 ml.
8. Move the sledge to the right side of the bridge. In the top of the bridge is a
small hole (see figure 4-9: on page 4-8). Via this hole the oil reservoirs of the
sledge can be accessed.
9. Move the sledge so the right bearing holder is symmetric to the access hole.
10. Place the pipette and find the reservoir hole 'O-19' in the sledge.
11. Place the oil into the reservoir slowly.
12. Move the sledge so the left bearing holder is symmetric to the access hole.
13. Place the pipette and find the reservoir hole 'O-20' in the sledge.
14. Place the oil into the reservoir slowly.
15. Lubricate the roller bearings 'O-14' and 'O-16' with max. 0.25 ml oil each via
the monovette.
16. Remove oil from the Y-guiding mechanism 'O-15' with a cleaning paper.
17. Put the oil on the guiding rod 'O-17'.
Do not place too much oil on the guiding rod! Dropping oil is absolutely not
allowed!
18. Move the sledge all across the Y-axis 10 times to build up a complete oiled
surface on the guiding mechanism.
Do not place too much oil on the rack! Dropping oil is absolutely not allowed!
7. Move the Z-rack all across the Z-axis 10 times to build up a complete oiled
surface on the Z-rack.
Do not place too much oil on the guiding rod! Dropping oil is absolutely not
allowed! Do not oil other parts of the plate transport!
8. Move the plate transport across the whole length of the guiding rod 10 times
to build up a complete oiled surface on the guiding rod.
Do not place too much grease on the spindle! Do not grease other parts of
the plate transport!
9. Turn the spindle with the screw driver at least 5 times up and down to build up
a closed and homogeneous film of grease on the spindle.
5 Service Software
Care must be taken when operating and testing using this module as
moving parts may cause injury if obstructed by user!
Care must be taken when operating and testing the bar code scanners
as they use a laser class 2. Never look directly into the laser beam!
The family of service software modules or dll's (dynamic linked library) required for
the system are accessed via the parent application gSERVICE.exe. gSERVICE.exe
also requires five other dll's and the serial client to communicate with the system. In-
stallation should be automatic from the original installation disks, simply follow the in-
structions. However, if any problems do occur, ensure the structure is as follows
within the main sub-directory containing the application gSERVICE.exe. There
should also be the following files:
5.2.1 Installation
To install, run the Setup application from whatever media the software was distribut-
ed. When you attempt to install and the installation program detects a previous instal-
lation, it will automatically uninstall it. This will require you to run the installation
program again.
1. First, you will be prompted to select a language.
2. Next, the welcome banner will appear. Exit all Windows programs before run-
ning the setup, as recommended.
3. You may select a different destination folder than the default.
4. Next, the type of installation can be selected, choose T y p i c a l .
5. Next, you may select a different folder name for the Windows start menu.
6. Last, if installation is successful, press on the Finish button.
This INI file contains the path names for all the installed modules as well as the def-
inition for the serial communications. It must have the correct path names for each
module, otherwise gSERVICE will not show the module. There are a number of di-
rectives within the INI file: A directive is enclosed within square brackets '[-]'.
DEVICE1 (number increments for each module) is the directive that informs gSERV-
ICE of a module. Below the DEVICE1 label are three attributes, DEVICENAME, DE-
VICEDRIVER and DEVICE_PHYSADDR. PORTMAP allows COM port 2 to be used.
[MAIN]
Contains the path for data, DATA_PATH=path
[DEVICE1]
DEVICENAME=Name that appears in gSERVICE module window
DEVICEDRIVER=pathname/filename. Path and dll name, example
C:\SERVICE\WASHER.DLL.
DEVICE_PHYSADDR=Physical address for module, example 68
For the washer, the entry in the INI file would be like, depends on device
number and installation path;
[DEVICE1]
DEVICENAME=Washer
DEVICEDRIVER=c:\...installation_path...\Washer\Washer.dll
DEVICE_PHYSADDR=68
For the reader, the entry in the INI file would be like, depends on device number
and installation path;
[DEVICE2]
DEVICENAME=Reader
DEVICEDRIVER=C:\...installation_path...\Reader\Reader.dll
DEVICE_PHYSADDR=67
For the incubator, the entry in the INI file would be like, depends on device
number and installation path;
[DEVICE3]
DEVICENAME=Incubator
DEVICEDRIVER=C:\...installation_path...\Incubator\Incuba-
tor.dll
DEVICE_PHYSADDR=69
For the plate transport, the entry in the INI file would be like, depends on device
number and installation path;
[DEVICE4]
DEVICENAME=Plate Transport
DEVICEDRIVER=C:\...installation_path...\PlateTx\PlateTx.dll
DEVICE_PHYSADDR=66
For the Rack module, the entry in the INI file would be like, depends on device
number and installation path;
[DEVICE5]
DEVICENAME=Rack
DEVICEDRIVER=C:\...installation_path...\Rack\Rack.dll
DEVICE_PHYSADDR=0
For the COP module, the entry in the INI file would be like, depends on device
number and installation path;
[DEVICE6]
DEVICENAME=COP
DEVICEDRIVER=C:\...installation_path...\COP\Cop.dll
DEVICE_PHYSADDR=0
For the pipettor module, the entry in the INI file would be like, depends on de-
vice number and installation path;
[DEVICE7]
DEVICENAME=Pipettor
DEVICEDRIVER=C:\...installation_path...\Pipettor\PipDrv.dll
DEVICE_PHYSADDR=253
For the PCB utilities, the entry in the INI file would be like, depends on device
number and installation path;
[DEVICE8]
DEVICENAME=PCB Utilities
DEVICEDRIVER=C:\...installation_path...\PCBUtils\PCBUtils.dll
DEVICE_PHYSADDR=0
For the cycle, the entry in the INI file would be like, depends on device number and
installation path;
[DEVICE9]
DEVICENAME=Cycle
DEVICEDRIVER=C:\...installation_path...\PCBUtils\Cycle.dll
DEVICE_PHYSADDR=0
Additionally the pipettor needs further information:
[Pipettor]
Machine=FPS
LongTips=4845
ShortTips=2440
TipsLeft=1
TipsRight=0
TipLenLeft=3
TipLenRight=3
Polar=0
Direct=0
CooFile=C:\BioRad\system\koordina.dat
Entry: Meaning:
The gSERVICE application only supports a limited set of COM ports. Within the
gSERVICE.INI file is the directive [PORTMAP], that informs gSERVICE if the default
COM port1 is not available and to use another.
[PORTMAP]
COM1=COM2
The above entry within the INI file will use COM port 2 to communicate to the system.
The default is to use COM1. To edit the file to make the above change, open with
notepad.
If COP port is changed, you must also change teacher by opening and editing
the 4pscoo.ini file ([COMPORT] PortNo=1).
The sub-directory is locked so it is likely you will be prompted during the proc-
ess that certain files can not be removed at this time, select the reboot button
if this occurs.
The main application gSERVICE must be run to access any of the service modules.
The service modules will not run by themselves.
If the teaching software or the user software was running before, this pro-
grams has to be closed!
To start gSERVICE.EXE, double click the icon. Before the application starts you must
enter the service software password.
The user name (if entered) will become the default value used in reports, but can be
overwritten. If a password is not entered, no EEPROM values can be changed.
The list of available drivers will vary depending on what you have installed and the
contents of the INI file. The window on the right hand side will show the communica-
tion log.
When reporting any problems with the software, please include this information.
Loads the selected driver and opens its main dialogue. If the driver is already loaded,
only the dialogue is shown.
When the low level commands button is pressed, the following dialogue box is dis-
played to allow the user to select or enter a low level command.
COMMAND1=FD CF FF FF 00 00 10 00
Send To Port allows for different COM port to be selected.
Lets you select a new global data file (*.glb) and calls the WriteGlobalVar(CGlobFile
* pMyFile) function of each loaded driver. Forces all activated dll's to write any useful
parameters into a specified file. Uses Microsoft Windows S a v e A s dialogue
box.This will write a global file of all active dll's parameters. Within some loaded dll's,
it is possible to write their parameters only. When either the global file containing oth-
er module parameters or a module only parameter file is loaded by a module dll, only
that module parameters are overwritten.
Shows the content of a selected global data file. Each module parameter is identified
by its module ID number, the following shows typical parameters for a reader and
washer module:
All modules generate result files. The result files are in a special folder in the service
software folder. The name of the special folder is gSddmmyy (dd=day; mm=month;
yy=year). The following table shows the names of the result files:
Module: File:
COP CPxxxxxx.txt
Incubator INxxxxxx.txt
Plate Transport PLxxxxxx.txt
Rack RAxxxxxx.txt
Reader RDxxxxxx.txt
Washer WAxxxxxx.txt
6 Photometer
Care must be taken when operating and testing this module as moving
parts may cause injury if obstructed by user!
Module uses halogen lamp, it will be hot even after short periods of use
and takes time to cool down. Handle with care!
Don't weight the complete opened drawer! The analyser is able to up-
set!
Every time the photometer module or plate transport is disturbed, the calibra-
tion of the positions used to insert and remove plate carriers must be re-
viewed and potentially re-calibrated. Please refer to the plate transport
section for detailed information (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
6.2 Overview
The absorbance photometer module has eight way optics with a ninth reference
channel. It uses up to 8 interference filters, between the range of 400 nm and
700 nm. A tungsten halogen lamp provides the light source.
6.5 Maintenance
Every time the photometer module or plate transport is disturbed, the calibra-
tion of the positions used to insert and remove plate carriers must be re-
viewed and potentially re-calibrated. Please refer to the plate transport
section for detailed information (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
1 Black plate
2 Alignment plate
3 Adjustment plate and two metal pins
4 Reader verification plate
• Linearity
To verify measurements are within the stated linearity of the absorbance pho-
tometer specification.
• Uniformity
To verify every optic channel measures the same value, within the stated
accuracy of the photometer specification.
• Alignment
To verify the measurements are taken at the optimum position within the
micro plate well.
• Dynamic Range
To verify the measurements can span the dynamic range as stated within the
absorbance photometer specification.
• Cross Talk
To verify cross talk is below limits that maintain the stated specifications.
• Filter
To verify the correct filter is installed and has no major defects.
• Long Term Drift
To verify the measurements remain constant within the accuracy limits over
time.
Prior to replacing the photometer module, try to get a screen capture of the
current reader module driver for reference. If you do not follow these direc-
tions, the new photometer module could simulate an out of box failure.
Removal
4. Remove the tip disposal ramp cover and the door for the sample rack area.
5. After the screw on the left side hinge has been removed, the rack door can be
removed.
8. Hold the photometer module and disconnect the 15 pin cable connected to
the photometer top cover (see figure 6-4: on page 6-4).
9. Remove the module.
Module uses halogen lamp, it will be hot even after short periods of use
and takes time to cool down. Handle with care!
In the event of a lamp failure, replace the lamp with the recommended part only. Use
of other lamps is not acceptable.
To replace the lamp:
Removal Always use the recommended filter part. Use of other filters is not acceptable.
The lamp shines light through an interference filter onto the collection of 9 plastic fi-
bres directly behind the filter. Each fibre carries the light into the lower optic block. A
lens within the block focuses the light onto the photometer PCB directly above. The
depth each fibre end is inserted into the lower optic block is critical. Incorrect posi-
tioning will cause the light beam to scatter. The depth is set so that the image pro-
jected onto the photo diodes is a crisp, round circle, with no optic aberrations (like
light seals). One method of reviewing the beam is to shine white light (remove a filter)
through the optics and project onto a sheet of paper held where the photometer-
board would be. The circles should all be consistently the same, in line and clearly
defined. This is best viewed in a darkened room.
Removal 1. Remove the photometer module (see chapter 6.5.2 on page 6-6).
2. Remove the photometer cover.
3. Disconnect all cables at the photometer PCB and the plate in sensor fibre
(turn the cap of the connector and pull out the fibre) and remove the photom-
eter PCB.
4. Remove optic fibre bundle (see chapter 6.5.6 on page 6-13).
5. Turn the reader and pull gently the plate in sensor fibre and turn it out of the
lower optic block.
6. Remove the six optic block slit screws from top and take it out.
Installation 7. Before installing the new one, check the optic channels and clean if neces-
sary (use oil free compressed air or soft brushes only).
8. Set the optic block slit screws softly.
9. Put in the adjustment plate into the plate sledge (see chapter 6.5.1 on page 6-5).
10. Place it in top of the adjustment holes.
11. Set the metal pins through adjustment plate into the lower optic block.
12. Tighten the six screws.
13. Remove metal pins and adjustment tool.
14. Place the photometer PCB onto the fixing bolts set the metal pins through the
photometer PCB, upper optic block to the lower optic block and tighten the
photometer PCB screws.
15. Connect all cables (see chapter 6.4 on page 6-4).
16. Connect the plate in sensor fibre.
17. Turn the fibre into the lower optic block.
18. Lay the fibre on photometer PCB and push the fibre into the open connector
as deep as possible.
19. Pull back the fibre 1 mm and tighten it.
20. Check the plate home and plate in position sledge movement. The sledge init
metal at the belt must move through the light barrier.
21. Place the cover.
22. Install the absorbance reader into the instrument.
23. Connect main cable.
24. Check with the service software, alignment (see chapter 6.6.1 on page 6-17), and
other functions.
Removal 1. Remove the photometer module (see chapter 6.5.2 on page 6-6).
2. Pull out the lamp and filter drawer approx. 14 cm / 5,5 inch.
3. Unscrew the fibre tubing clamp near the filter motor and remove it.
4. Turn the absorbance reader on it’s top.
5. Pull out the lamp and filter drawer.
6. Remove single fibre clamp at the lower optic block (see figure 6-14: on page 6-12).
7. Lift the lower optic block and the single fibre tubing carefully without turning
out.
Removal
The filter drive should not require any maintenance or calibration during the service
life of the photometer module. The two light barriers provide the feedback path for
the firmware to detect the home position and index to each filter.
Only replace light barriers with the appropriate part.
Prior to replacing the PCB, try to get a screen capture of the current reader
module driver for reference. If you do not follow these directions, the new
photometer PCB could simulate an out of box failure.
Removal 1. Remove the photometer from the system (see chapter 6.5.2 on page 6-6).
2. Remove the top cover of the photometer and disconnect the COM cable.
3. Remove the cables and fibre optic.
4. Remove the photometer PCB.
Installation 5. Take the black cover from bottom of old photometer PCB and put on new
photometer PCB.
6. Load the Adjustment plate (see chapter 6.5.1 on page 6-5).
7. Place the new photometer PCB on the standoffs and stick the metal align-
ment pins (see chapter 6.5.1 on page 6-5) through the photometer PCB to the
lower optic block.
8. Tighten the four-photometer PCB screws (see figure 6-21: on page 6-18).
9. Connect the cables and the plate in sensor fibre.
10. Put the cover on and connect the cable.
11. Reconnect the reader to the instrument.
12. Reconnect main power and switch on the instrument.
13. Start service software.
14. Load the reader module driver (DO NOT perform self test!).
15. Upgrade reader firmware (see chapter 6.8.1 on page 6-25).
The values that are displayed after the firmware upgrade need to be
changed!
16. Input wet test filter configuration, test filter 405 nm and ref. filter 690 nm.
17. Input read plate filter settings, test 405 nm and ref. 690 nm.
18. Input filter configuration with filter 1 at 405 nm, filter 2 at 450 nm, filter 3 at
492 nm, filter 4 at 620 nm, filter 5 at 650 nm, filter 6 at 690 nm, filter 7 and fil-
ter 8 at 0 nm.
19. Press on the W r i t e F i l t e r s button to store the information to the EEP-
ROM.
20. Press on the Y e s button to confirm.
21. Enter in the field S e r i a l the serial number of the reader.
22. Press on the S e t S e r i a l N u m b e r button.
23. Press on the Y e s button to confirm.
24. The A/D values should initially be set to 0.
25. Perform the filter drive auto align (approx. 5 min.).
26. Place the alignment plate with holes in a plate carrier.
27. Press on the A u t o A l i g n m e n t button.
28. Insert the plate carrier with the alignment plate into the reader.
Either directly into the reader or via the plate transport.
29. Complete the verification process by running the reader verification plate.
The Plate-in signal is derived from using a Siemens SFH450 V LED device and a
photo-transistor mounted on the PCB. A fibre carries the light from the Siemens de-
vice into the lower optic block. The beam is directed onto a photo-transistor directly
above. When a plate carrier obscures the light beam, the firmware assumes the car-
rier is in position.
If this is not functioning correctly, first check the optical alignment for any obstruction
in the light path.
Otherwise, replace the fibre optic assembly (see chapter 6.5.6 on page 6-13).
6. Place the adjustment plate above the lower optic block (see chapter 6.5.1 on
page 6-5).
7. Stick the metal pins through the lower optic block into the adjustment holes of
the optic block.
8. Tighten all slit screws of the lower optic block.
9. Place the photometer PCB to the bolts and stick the metal pins through the
photometer PCB to the lower optic block.
6.7.1.1 Instrument
6.7.1.2 Lamp
6.7.1.8 Shake
Drives the plate drive in shake mode using the parameters shown in amplitude,
speed, and time edit boxes.
6.7.1.12 General
Runs the sequence of tests that verify correct operation of the reader module. When
the M o d u l e T e s t button is pressed, the module test dialogue appears.
The user must update the U s e r field. This data is stored in the results file. Test
modes allow for automatic sequencing through all the tests or allows the user to se-
lect and skip tests manually.
1. Unique identifications
The data report produced will display the User ID, input from the above dia-
logue, as well as the test software version.
2. Firmware download
Allows new firmware to be installed.
3. Serial number
Allows the serial number to be written to the module EEPROM.
4. Parameter test
Verifies current values stored in EEPROM.
5. Filter test
Verifies filter drive.
6. Drive test
Verifies plate drive
7. Plate sensor test
Checks plate in sensor.
8. Selftest
Performs self test.
9. Plate alignment test
Checks X and Y alignment using a series of offset holes.
10. No plate test
Reads with no plate inserted, testing for 0.000 OD.
11. Black plate
Reads opaque plate, testing for OVER or greater than 3.000 OD.
12. Verification plate test
Reads using the reader verification plate.
13. Wet test plate
Reads plate with reagent and compares multiple readings. Nominal value
1.000 OD.
14. Wet test reference read
Reads plate with reference filter only; low OD expected, typically 0.050 OD.
15. Turn plate test
Reads wet plate, turns plate 180 degrees, reads again to test values are sim-
ilar.
Runs the sequence of tests that verify correct board operation. When the B o a r d
t e s t button is pressed, the board test dialogue appears. The user must update the
U s e r field. This data is stored in the results file.
Test modes allow for automatic sequencing through all the tests or allows the user to
select and skip tests manually.
1. Unique identifications
The data report produced will display the user ID, input from the above dia-
logue, as well as the test software version.
2. Firmware download
Allows new firmware to be installed.
3. Serial number
Allows the serial number to be written to the module EEPROM.
4. Parameter test
Verifies current values stored in EEPROM.
5. Filter test
Verifies filter drive
6. Drive test
Verifies plate drive
7. Plate sensor test
Verifies plate in sensor.
8. Selftest
Executes the self test routine.
Invokes the Firmware Upgrade dialogue box. It is assumed the new firmware file
*.h86 resides within the reader sub-directory, as described within the INI file.
If direct connection has been selected, you must place the module in Bootstrap
mode. The following message box will prompt you to do so.
If power is applied to the board, turn ON Pin 1 of the 4-way DIP switch SW1, and tog-
gle Pin 2. This puts the device into Bootstrap mode. If the module power is off, turn
ON Pin 1 and turn ON the module.
Press O K; the download should then start. If the progress indicator does not
change, cancel, cycle the power and repeat the process.
Once the download is complete, you must turn OFF Pin 1, otherwise the device
remains in bootstrap mode and will not operate.
The file (READ.H86) used to update the firmware must be stored in the PC
software directory (e. g. C:\BioRad\System).
7 Washer
The wash head could have had contact with dangerous material! Pay at-
tention to safety regards! Always wear gloves!
Care must be taken when operating and testing this module as moving
parts may cause injury if obstructed by user!
Don't weight the complete opened drawer! The analyser is able to up-
set!
Every time the washer module or plate transport is disturbed, the calibration
of the positions used to insert and remove plate carriers must be reviewed
and potentially re-calibrated. Please refer to the plate transport section for de-
tailed information (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
7.2 Overview
The washer module is an 8 way washer with 8 dispense and 8 aspirate tubes. It has
4 reagent bottles, each with their own low level float switch. There is an internal waste
bottle with full alarm and froth trap bottle. A vacuum sensor verifies aspiration air flow.
1 Washer PCB
2 Aspirate pump, air compressor, vacuum pump
Connections
Meaning:
7.6 Maintenance
Every time the washer module or plate transport is disturbed, the calibration
of the positions used to insert and remove plate carriers must be reviewed
and potentially re-calibrated. Please refer to the plate transport section for de-
tailed information (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
The alignment plate is used to set the parallelism of the wash head and the X-drive
offset. It has 2 mm holes in place of the first and last column of wells.
With the washer calibration tool it can be tested whether the wash head dispenses
uniformity.
The wash head could have had contact with dangerous material! Pay at-
tention to safety regards! Always wear gloves!
Removal
7. Remove the two screws on the plate transport bulkhead holding the washer
module.
Every time the washer module or plate transport is disturbed, the calibration
of the positions used to insert and remove plate carriers must be reviewed
and potentially re-calibrated. Please refer to the plate transport section for de-
tailed information (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
Removal 1. Remove the washer module (see chapter 7.6.2 on page 7-8).
2. Remove screws at position 'A'.
The vacuum switch will have to be adjusted in any case! Test the switching
point when connecting all tubing's and wash comb only. The tubing system
must be wet. See chapter 7.8 on page 7-26 for general instructions.
18. If the Aspirate Flow value is 0, then turn the adjustment screw to the right until
it changes to 1.
19. If the Aspirate Flow value is 1, then turn the adjustment screw to the left until
it changes to 0.
20. Turn the adjustment screw half rotation left. The Aspirate Flow value must
remain on 0.
21. Performance control: The Aspirate Flow value changes to 1 when:
• the waste bottles are not closed tightly or
• the tubing behind the sensor is disconnected.
The wash head could have had contact with dangerous material! Pay at-
tention to safety regards! Always wear gloves!
For actions at the wash head it's not necessary to remove the washer.
Removal
Installation 12. Insert the wash head and tighten knurled screws 'A'.
13. Check by hand free swinging.
Removal 1. Remove the washer module (see chapter 7.6.2 on page 7-8).
2. Open the functional drawer.
3. To remove the pump motor: Remove the washer module (see chapter 7.6.2 on
page 7-8).
4. Remove the tubing cassette 'A' by pressing the clips 'C' at top and bottom of
the cassette and pulling down the tubing cassette.
11. Push the cassette onto the motor axle until the clips snap in.
Removal 1. Remove the washer module (see chapter 7.6.2 on page 7-8).
2. Loosen both screws at position 'D'.
Removal 1. Remove the washer module (see chapter 7.6.2 on page 7-8).
2. Remove screws 'C'.
The four dispense pumps are fitted to the rear of the module.
Removal 1. Remove the washer module (see chapter 7.6.2 on page 7-8).
2. Disconnect the pump plugs inside of the washer case.
3. Pull down all 4 tubing's 'B' from pumps 'A.0 - A.3'.
4. Remove both screws at position 'E' and take away the bracket 'F'.
5. Pull the pumps out of the manifold 'C'.
6. Remove 4 screws 'D'.
7. Take away the sheet metal and remove the O-seals inside the manifold.
Connecting correct plug. See name at the washer PCB "pump0,1; pump 2,3".
10. The liquid flow of replaced pumps must be adjusted by service software (see
chapter 7.8 on page 7-26).
To replace the dispense valve or tubing's it's not necessary to remove the
washer.
Removal
Removal 1. Remove the washer module (see chapter 7.6.2 on page 7-8).
2. Remove screws 'C'.
Installation 5. Set the silicon rubber seal 'D' on to the new Z-motor.
6. Install the new parts from the bottom into the washer case.
7. Tighten screws.
8. Connect Z-motor to washer PCB.
First check the optical alignment and ensure that the light barrier is not dirty
or has fluid on it.
The Plate-in signal is derived from using an IR LED device and a photo-transistor
mounted above the plate drive. A fibre carries the light from the LED device into a
bolt mounted underneath the main chassis. The beam is directed onto a photo-tran-
sistor directly above. When a plate carrier obscures the light beam, the firmware as-
sumes the carrier is in position (see also chapter 7.3 on page 7-2 and chapter 7.5 on page 7-6).
Removal 1. Remove the washer module (see chapter 7.6.2 on page 7-8).
2. Remove all the connectors.
3. Release the PCB from its 4 retaining bolts.
Waste bottle and froth trap must be air tight. Ensure O-seals are used to provide
good air seal.
Figure 7-29: Internal froth trap bottle (left) and internal waste bottle (right)
No.: Description:
6. Put the aspirate needles (see figure 7-14: on page 7-13) into the drillings of the
alignment plate.
7. Tighten the two fixing screws 'A' of the wash head.
For rough alignment:
• Loosen the two fixing screws 'B' of the wash head arm.
8. Tighten the two fixing screws 'B' of the wash head arm after rough alingn-
ment.
9. Check the alignment with service software (see chapter 7.8.3 on page 7-33).
10. Check default heights of the dispensing needle during washing with the user
software system setup.
The orientation of the float on the float switch sets the switch action, normally opened
or normally closed.
When the washer is invoked, the application attempts to communicate to the system
and washer module. When successful, the following dialogue will be displayed with
the version and serial number displayed. Defaults, such as instrument offsets will be
read from the module EEPROM and shown. If no module is detected,??? will be
shown for the version.
7.8.1.1 Instrument
7.8.1.3 X-Motor
Allows user to control the X-motor (plate drive).
7.8.1.4 Z-Motor
Refer to X-motor. Allows user to control the Z-motor (wash head drive).
Partial mode is used to alter the method of washing when less than 12 strips
are being washed. Asap means the plate will be washed as soon as possible.
Constant means that the wash time will be the same as for a full plate.
7.8.1.6 Dispense
Allows user control of dispense pumps.
Running the pump with full reagent bottles connected will result in flooding.
7.8.1.7 Aspirate
The external float switch connection is not used. The system waste sensor is
connected to the cop (see chapter 15.4.1 on page 15-6).
7.8.1.8 Cycle
7.8.1.9 Miscellaneous
7.8.1.10 General
7.8.3 Alignment
The "Z-Offset Alignment" is required to guarantee the same wash height parameters
for each individual instrument defined in the assay protocol and in the washer system
set up.
The alignment procedure in the service software calculates a "Z-Offset" which works
like a "Reference point" (point 0), which varies from instrument to instrument due to
mechanical tolerances.
All the defined wash height parameters are based on the reference point.
This means that all wash heights like "Aspirate height", "Top wash height" and "Travel
height" are based on the reference position.
Different Wash Head positions:
• Home position (detected by home sensor).
• Travel height (movement from strip to strip) is equal the reference point (point
0).
• Top wash height: programmed height is added to the reference point.
• Aspirate height: programmed height is added to the reference point.
Alignment proc-
ess
6. Use the Up and Down keys to move the wash head up and down.
The aspirate pins of the wash head have to touch the flat surface of the align-
ment plate.
7. Confirm by pressing the O K button.
A dialogue box with the offset parameters is displayed.
8. Confirm the dialogue box by pressing the Yes button to store the offset-
value.
Runs the sequence of tests that verify correct operation of the washer module. When
the M o d u l e T e s t . . . button is pressed, the following sequence is performed. The
User must update the u s e r field. This data is stored in the results file.
Test modes allow for automatic sequencing through all the tests or allows the user to
select and skip tests manually.
1. Unique identifications
The data report produced will display the user ID input from the above dia-
logue as well as the test software version.
2. Firmware download
Allows new firmware to be installed.
3. Serial number
Allows the serial number to be written to the module EEPROM.
4. Volatile parameters
Verifies default values stored within the EEPROM.
5. Plate drive
Verifies the Plate drive. Requires a plate drive motor to be attached to the
PCB and the home sensor.
6. Plate in sensor
Verifies the plate in sensor.
7. Z-drive
Verifies the Z-drive.
8. Pump control
Verifies the pumps.
The dispense pumps will function in this test. If reagent bottles are connect-
ed, reagent will be dispensed!
9. Level sensors
Verifies the level sensors by detecting a change on each input.
10. Selftest
Performs the self test.
11. Alignment
Verifies correct alignment of wash head. Requires washer alignment tool.
12. Calibration
Calibrates each dispense channel. Requires scales, empty micro plates and
reagent.
13. Dispense Accuracy
Verifies dispense accuracy. Requires scales, empty micro plates and reagent.
One channel should contain reagent that has an OD of approximately 1.000
O.D. at 300 µl using the 405 nm filter. The plate dispensed with the colour
dye is required for the repeatability test, next.
Channel should use colour reagent. Keep plate for repeatability. The last 'ze-
ro' plate should also be kept for the 'aspirate' test.
14. Repeatability
Verifies washer consistency in dispensing, by using the absorbance reader to
read every well. The plate used from the above 'Dispense Accuracy' test,
using a reagent of known O.D. (water with colour dye) is required. The User
must place the plate into the absorbance reader before selecting O k . The
C.V. of the plate will be determined, default number of reads is set to 10.
Requires full micro plate of coloured dye from previous test and reader.
15. Aspirate
Verifies the residual volume after aspiration. The 'empty' plate is weighed to
determine the residual volume. Requires scales and 'full' micro plate from dis-
pense test. The last plate of the dispense test should have its empty weight
stored on the scales, therefore use this plate to aspirate from.
Runs the sequence of tests that verify correct board operation. When the B o a r d
T e s t . . . button is pressed, the following sequence is performed. The user must up-
date the u s e r field. This data is stored in the results file.
Test modes allow for automatic sequencing through all the tests or allows the user to
select and skip tests manually.
1. Unique identifications
The data report produced will display the user ID input from the above dia-
logue as well as the test software version.
2. Firmware download
Allows new firmware to be installed.
3. Serial number
Allows the serial number to be written to the module EEPROM.
4. Volatile parameters
Verifies default values stored within the EEPROM.
5. Plate drive
Verifies the plate drive. Requires a plate drive motor to be attached to the
PCB and the home sensor.
6. Plate in sensor
Verifies the plate in sensor.
7. Z-drive
Verifies the Z-drive.
8. Pump control
Verifies the pumps.
The dispense pumps will function in this test. If reagent bottles are connect-
ed, reagent will be dispensed!
9. Level Sensors
Verifies the level sensors by detecting a change on each input.
10. Selftest
Performs the self test.
Invokes the firmware upgrade dialogue box. It is assumed the new firmware file *.h86
resides within the washer sub-directory, as described within the INI file. Otherwise
you may browse all available drives.
Direct connection allows upgrade using a RS232 cable directly connected to a PC.
If direct connection has been selected, you must place the module in bootstrap
mode, the following message will prompt you to do so.
If power is applied to the board, turn ON Pin 1 of the 4-way DIP switch SW1, and tog-
gle Pin 2. This puts the device into Bootstrap mode. If the module power is off, turn
ON Pin 1 and turn ON the module.
Press O K ; the download should then start. If the progress indicator does not
change, Ca n c e l , cycle the power and repeat the process.
Once the download is complete, you must turn OFF Pin 1, otherwise the device
remains in bootstrap mode and will not operate.
The file (WASHER.H86) used to update the firmware must be stored in the
PC software directory (e. g. C:\BioRad\System).
8 Plate Transport
Care must be taken when operating and testing this module as moving
parts may cause injury if obstructed by user!
Don't weight the complete opened drawer! The analyser is able to up-
set!
Care must be taken when operating and testing the bar code scanners
as they use a laser class 2. Never look directly into the laser beam!
If you have done service actions on the plate transport, it's necessary to do
new calibration (see chapter 8.7 on page 8-23 and chapter 8.8 on page 8-27)!
1 Small cogwheel
2 Big cogwheel
3 Z-motor PCB
4a/b Plate transport Z-high flex cable
5 Z-motor
6 Z-incremental encoder
7 Z-spindle
8 Y-cog belt fixing
9 Y-axle slide bearing
10 X-incremental encoder
11 X-motor
12 X-transport belt
13 Roller
14 X-motor PCB
15 X-guide rail
16 Z-spindle nut
17 Z-guide block
18 Plate carrier detect light barrier
19 Plate carrier moving sheet
20 X-light barrier (init position)
21 Z-guide ball bearing
22 Z-guide rail
23 Z-light barrier (init position)
Number: Connection:
Number: Connection:
8.5 Maintenance
Removal
9. Pull the Y-guiding rod ’2’ to the back of the instrument out of the Y-axle slide
bearings.
10. Disconnect the high flex cable from X-motor PCB (see chapter 8.4 on page 8-5).
11. Disconnect the high flex cable from Z-motor PCB.
12. Lift the plate transport out of the drawer.
Removal
To replace the high flex cable use a folded spare part only!
Removal 1. Open the plate transport PCB cover (see chapter 8.5.3 on page 8-9).
2. Disconnect high flex cable from plate transport PCB (see chapter 8.4 on page 8-5).
3. Disconnect high flex cable from X-motor PCB.
4. Disconnect high flex cable from Z-motor PCB.
5. Remove the faulty high flex cable.
7. Push the high flex cable through the slit in left side of the washer, to plate
transport PCB.
Removal
Installation
The new Y-transport belt must have a length of 1200 mm +/- 2 mm.
9. Install the new belt around the Y-motor and belt tension roller.
10. Attach it at the Y-transport.
11. Loose screws 'A' to stretch belt.
12. Tighten screws again.
Removal
Removal 1. Loose X-transport belt tension (see chapter 8.5.6 on page 8-14).
2. Disconnect cables from X-motor PCB (see chapter 8.4 on page 8-5).
3. Remove screws 'A'.
Removal 1. Remove the plate transport (see chapter 8.5.2 on page 8-7).
2. Disconnect connector ST1 from Z-motor PCB (see chapter 8.4 on page 8-5).
3. Push out the pin 'A' inside the shaft of the cogwheel '2'.
Removal
Removal
Removal
The plate transport must be vertical! The distance between plate transport
and housing must be wide enough!
1. Insert parts.
2. Place X-transport belt ’12’ around the rollers.
3. Fix the parts with screws.
Don’t tighten the screws!
4. Insert the "Shaft X-Drive Alignment Tool" ’A’ as shown in the following figure.
The shafts must fit into the tool to guarantee the correct position.
Figure 8-25: X-Gantry Alignment Plate: alignment of the plate carrier guides
4. Insert 2 pins of the "X-Gantry Alignment Plate" ’C’ in the slots of the plate car-
rier moving sheet and move it into the correct position.
Figure 8-26: X-Gantry Alignment Plate: alignment of the plate carrier moving
sheet
8.7 Teaching
Care must be taken when operating and testing this module as moving
parts may cause injury if obstructed by user!
Before leaving the manufacturer the pipettor and the plate transport of the system are
adjusted exactly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check the settings before start-
ing the system for the first time. This procedure has to be repeated when parts for
maintenance reasons have been changed.
See service software for general instructions (see chapter 8.8 on page 8-27).
Password Protec- A window will come up to enter the password to have access to the service software.
tion 2. For editing, the 'High Level Password' must be entered. For checking, the
'Low Level Password' can be used.
3. Before you start to teach in different positions from the plate transport, the fol-
lowing modules must be initialised:
• Reader
• Washer
• Incubator
There are 20 positions stored within the module. Each position must be
taught.
Reader Positions 15. Repeat washer position steps for the reader positions.
Incubator Posi- Before starting the teaching procedure for the incubator the magnets for the shake
tions mechanism have to be switched on as described in chapter 8.7.1 on page 8-23.
16. Repeat washer position steps for incubator 1 to 4, accept:
Pipette Positions 17. Repeat washer position steps for pipette position 1 to 4.
Stacker Positions 18. Repeat washer position steps for stacker position 1 to 4.
Bar Code Start 19. Enter the bar code start positions manually:
Positions
X-axis 3
Y-axis 150
Z-axis (all) Visual check: The laser beam must be in the centre
of the bar code (e. g. value 92.5).
Bar Code End Po- 21. Enter the bar code end positions manually:
sitions
X-axis 3
Y-axis 10
Z-axis (all) Visual check: The laser beam must be in the centre
of the bar code (e. g. value 92.5).
If all positions are taught, the coordinates must be stored on a disk for backup (disk
is included in the instrument).
When the Plate transport is invoked, the application attempts to communicate to the
system and plate transport module. When successful, the following dialogue will be
displayed with the firmware version number, and serial number displayed. Defaults
such as instrument offsets will be read from the module EEPROM and shown. If no
module is detected,??? will be shown.
8.8.1.1 Instrument
8.8.1.5 Door
Door Override The access door for the plates has a sensor to detect
its open or closed state. Normally if the door is
detected to be open, no movement of the plate trans-
port will occur. However for service it is possible to
override this safety feature. To disable, check the
door override.
Set Override Sends door override when check box enabled.
Get Status Returns status of door override.
8.8.1.7 Miscellaneous
This area contains the buttons that control sequences of commands.
8.8.1.8 Cycle
8.8.1.9 LEDs
8.8.1.10 General
Allows the user to edit and test every position. Pressing the E d i t P o s i t i o n button
invokes the adjust positions dialogue.
8.8.2.1 Position
8.8.2.3 Z-Axis
Operates the same as X and Y, but there are 3 heights.
The edit box allows for a size parameter to be entered that is used to calculate an
obstacle that the drive avoids. This allows the drive not to crash into the door stops.
The value represents a square shape in millimetres. The size value is used to make
a square obstacle that the drive will avoid (the value added to the left and right and
2x the value in the Z below the C l o s e d coordinate).
8.8.2.5 Motors
Get XYZ Position Reports the current encoder values in the gray
boxes.
Home XYZ Drives home all axises.
De-energise XYZ De-energises all the drives.
8.8.2.6 Miscellaneous
8.8.2.7 General
When S e l f t e s t button clicked, self test command is processed. Performs the fol-
lowing tests in sequence:
• Tests the EEPROM checksum
• Move X-axis home
• Move Y-axis home
• Move Z-axis home.
• Plate carrier detection
If an error occurs during any test, the appropriate error response is given and the test
stops (see chapter 8.5.2 on page 8-7).
Otherwise command responds with O K , successful command execution.
Runs the sequence of tests that verify correct operation of the plate transport mod-
ule. When the M o d u l e t e s t . . . button is pressed, the following sequence is per-
formed. The user must update the user field. This data is stored in the results file.
Test modes allow for automatic sequencing through all the tests or allows the user to
select and skip tests manually.
1. Unique identifications
The data report produced will display the user ID, input from the above dia-
logue box, as well as the test software version.
2. Firmware download
Allows new firmware to be installed.
3. Serial number
Allows the serial number to be written to the module EEPROM.
4. Parameters
Verifies default values stored within the EEPROM.
5. Plate in sensor
Verifies the plate in sensor. Pass, if set and clear states detected.
6. Door
Verifies door sensor. Pass, if open and closed states detected.
7. LED
Allows user to verify LED drive. Pass, if the user confirms the washer LED
went on and off.
8. Stacker position
Verifies stacker plate in sensors. Pass, if set and clear states detected.
9. X-motor
Pass, if 5 cycles completed without error.
10. Y-motor
Pass, if 5 cycles completed without error.
11. Z-motor
Pass, if 5 cycles completed without error.
12. Shake
Shakes plate carrier drive. Pass, if shake completed without error.
13. Selftest
Performs Selftest. Pass, if selftest completes without error.
14. Position test
Cycles the mechanism to all the positions. Positions are: Load/Unload,
Washer, Reader, Incubator 1, Incubator 2, Incubator 3, Incubator 4, Pipette 1,
Pipette 2, Pipette 3, Pipette 4, Stacker 1, Stacker 2, Stacker 3, Stacker 4, Bar-
code Start, Barcode End.
Pass if 5 cycles completed without error.
Runs the sequence of tests that verify correct board operation. When the Bo a r d
Test. . . button is pressed, the following sequence is performed. The user must up-
date the user field. This data is stored in the results file.
Test modes allow for automatic sequencing through all the tests or allows the user to
select and skip tests manually.
1. Unique identifications
The data report produced will display the user ID, input from the above dia-
logue, as well as the test software version.
2. Firmware download
Allows new firmware to be installed.
3. Serial number
Allows the serial number to be written to the module EEPROM.
4. Parameters
Verifies default values stored within the EEPROM.
5. Plate in sensor
Verifies the plate in sensor. Pass, if set and clear states detected.
6. Door
Verifies door sensor. Pass, if open and closed states detected.
7. LED
Allows user to verify LED drive. Pass, if the user confirms the washer LED
went on and off.
8. Stacker position
Verifies stacker plate in sensors. Pass, if set and clear states detected.
9. X-motor
Pass, if 5 cycles completed without error.
10. Y-motor
Pass, if 5 cycles completed without error.
11. Z-motor
Pass, if 5 cycles completed without error.
12. Shake
Shakes plate carrier drive. Pass, if shake completed without error.
13. Selftest
Performs Selftest. Pass, if selftest completes without error.
8.8.6 XZ-Test
Runs the sequence of tests that verify correct operation of the X and Z drives of the
plate transport module. When the X Z T e s t . . . button is pressed, the following se-
quence is performed. The user must update the user field, this data is stored in the
results file.
Test modes allow for automatic sequencing through all the tests or allows the user to
select and skip tests manually.
1. Unique identifications
The data report produced will display the user ID, input from the above dia-
logue box, as well as the test software version.
2. Firmware download
Allows new firmware to be installed.
3. Serial number
Allows the serial number to be written to the module EEPROM.
4. Parameters
Verifies default values stored within the EEPROM.
5. Plate in sensor
Verifies the plate in sensor. Pass, if set and clear states detected.
6. X-motor
Pass, if 5 cycles completed without error.
7. Z-motor
Pass, if 5 cycles completed without error.
8. Shake
Shakes plate carrier drive. Pass, if shake completed without error.
Invokes the Firmware Upgrade dialogue box. It is assumed the new firmware file
*.h86 resides within the reader sub-directory, as described within the INI file.
If Direct connection has been selected, you must place the module in bootstrap
mode, the following message will prompt you to do so.
If power is applied to the board, turn ON Pin 1 of the 4-way DIP switch SW1, and tog-
gle Pin 2. This puts the device into bootstrap mode. If the module power is off, turn
ON Pin 1, and turn ON the module.
Press O K ; the download should then start. If the progress indicator does not
change, Ca n c e l , cycle the power, and repeat the process.
Once the download is complete, you must turn OFF Pin 1. Otherwise, the de-
vice remains in bootstrap mode and will not operate.
The file (PLATETX.H86) used to update the firmware must be stored in the
PC software directory (e. g. C:\BioRad\System).
Care must be taken when operating and testing the bar code scanners
as they use a laser class 2. Never look directly into the laser beam!
9.3 Maintenance
Removal
10 Incubator
Care must be taken when operating and testing this module as heaters
can be at elevated temperatures and may cause injury if touched by us-
er!
Don't weight the complete opened drawer! The analyser is able to up-
set!
For all actions it's necessary to remove the incubator out of the instrument,
otherwise noted.
If you have done service actions on the incubator, it's necessary to do new
calibration (see chapter 10.6 on page 10-17)!
Every time the incubator module or plate transport is disturbed, the calibra-
tion of the positions used to insert and remove plate carriers must be re-
viewed and potentially re-calibrated. Please refer to the plate transport
section for detailed information (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
10.2 Overview
The incubator module has four chambers only heating and shaking incubator. The
temperatures and shake frequencies are software adjustable. The temperature
range is min. 21oC or ambient +5oC to max. 55oC. The frequency of shake is adjust-
able from 5 Hz to 20 Hz. The amplitude of shaking is fixed 0.5 mm +/- 0.1 mm and
will be adjusted by the service software.
1 Shake PCB
2 Position sensor PCB, sensor
3 Shake solenoid
4 Solenoid fixing plate
5 Anchor plate
6 Plate in light barrier
7 Plate shake sledge
8 Incubator foam flaps (front side)
9 Upper and lower heating plate with temperature sensor
10 Incubator box insulation
11 Door spring
12 Incubator fan with foam fixing
13 Stacker fan
14 Incubator main PCB
15 Solenoid fixing plate
Incubator PCB
Number: Connection:
Shake PCB
Number: Connection:
10.5 Maintenance
Every time the incubator module or plate transport is disturbed, the calibra-
tion of the positions used to insert and remove plate carriers must be re-
viewed and potentially re-calibrated. Please refer to the plate transport
section for detailed information (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
Removal
5. Pull the plate transport cover '1' to the left and remove it.
6. Remove screws 'B'.
7. Loosen screws 'C' from bottom and turn two times only.
Don’t remove the screws!
8. Pull out the incubator carefully into the plate transport area.
9. Disconnect the RS232, the power supply, and the ambient temperature sen-
sor plugs from the PCB in the back of the instrument.
Installation 10. Connect the RS232, the power supply, and the ambient temperature sensor
plugs from the PCB in the back of the instrument.
11. Put the incubator carefully under the pipetting area.
12. Loose tighten screws 'B' and 'C'.
The incubator module must be parallel to the plate transport housing, with a
tolerance of +/- 0.5 mm!
There are no serviceable parts on the circuit board. If it is faulty then replace
it.
Removal 1. Remove the incubator module (see chapter 10.5.1 on page 10-5).
2. Disconnect all connectors.
3. Remove the four PCB retaining screws.
4. Remove the incubator PCB.
Removal 1. Remove the incubator module (see chapter 10.5.1 on page 10-5).
2. Remove the six screws at the bottom first.
3. Remove the bottom sheet metal '3' with stacker fan.
Installation 6. Take the box at the metal and push carefully (cable move through slits).
7. Install the 4 nuts at the bottom.
8. Connect temperature sensor of the selected incubator box.
9. Connect upper heating foil of the selected incubator box.
10. Close the incubator housing.
There are no serviceable parts on the circuit board. If it is faulty, replace it.
3. Remove two screws at the left and right side of the stainless steel box.
4. Remove two screws M4x5 from plate carrier sledge inside the incubator
chamber.
5. Pull at the solenoid fixing plate carefully and remove it (including anchor plate
and sensor PCB.
6. Remove three PCB screws.
7. Move the shake PCB sideways to heat foil cable and lift out.
Between metal case and PCB mounted on 3 mm spacer.
After all service actions on the position sensor, programming hall sensor and
calibrate the incubator are necessary!
Removal 1. Remove the incubator box (see chapter 10.5.4 on page 10-8).
2. Disconnect ST7 on shake PCB (see chapter 10.4 on page 10-3).
3. Remove screw at sensor PCB.
Removal 1. Remove the incubator box (see chapter 10.5.4 on page 10-8).
2. Disconnect shaking solenoid at shake PCB (see chapter 10.4 on page 10-3).
3. Loosen screw inside the solenoid fixing plate in top of the solenoid.
Installation 6. Set the silicon washer onto the position magnet at the anchor plate (see
figure 10-12: on page 10-12).
7. Carry the cable through the drilling at the bottom of the fixing plate.
8. Push the solenoid into the fixing plate.
9. The distance between solenoid and anchor plate is set to 2.0 mm +/- 0.1.
10. Tighten screw inside the solenoid fixing plate in top of the solenoid.
11. Connect shaking solenoid at shake PCB.
12. Install the incubator box.
Removal 1. Remove the incubator box (see chapter 10.5.4 on page 10-8).
2. Disconnect cables of the upper heater and the temperature sensor ST4 and
ST5 at shake PCB (see chapter 10.4 on page 10-3)
3. Lift the upper insulation.
4. Lift up the upper heater 2-3 mm from insulation.
5. Press down and pull out all four rivets.
Removal 1. Remove the shake PCB (see chapter 10.5.5 on page 10-8).
2. Disconnect cables of the lower heater and the temperature sensor ST1 and
ST2 at shake PCB (see chapter 10.4 on page 10-3)
3. Remove screws sideways of the metal housing.
1 Locking ring
2 Washer metal
3 Washer plastic
4 Bushing
5 Standoff
6 Stainless steel housing
7 Screw M3x4 mm
8 Standoff
Removal 1. Remove the incubator module (see chapter 10.5.1 on page 10-5).
2. Remove the ten incubator front screws (see figure 10.5.3 on page 10-7).
3. Remove the foam flap and/or the flap spring.
1 Locking ring
2 Washer metal
3 Washer plastic
4 Standoff
5 Stainless steel housing
Removal 1. Remove the incubator module (see chapter 10.5.1 on page 10-5).
2. The incubator fan is only fixed inside the foam body at the right side of the
incubator.
Pull incubator fan out.
3. Disconnect connector ST2 at the incubator PCB (see chapter 10.4 on page 10-3).
4. Remove the six screws at the bottom (see figure 10-7: on page 10-7).
5. Remove the bottom sheet metal with stacker fan.
6. Remove the four retaining screws of the stacker fan.
7. Remove both fans.
When the incubator is invoked, the application attempts to communicate to the sys-
tem and incubator module. When successful, the following dialogue will be displayed
with the firmware version number, and serial number. Defaults such as instrument
offsets will be read from the module EEPROM and shown. If no module is detect-
ed,??? will be shown for the firmware version number.
10.7.1.1 Instrument
Column: Meaning:
Set point Set point edit boxes for Incubator 1 to Incubator 4 are used to
input set point temperatures. These will only accept integers
between 21 and 55.
Enable Enable check box to enable heaters. When the S e t P a r a m e -
t e r s button is pressed, all set points and enables are sent to the
module.
Lower Displays lower heater temperature. Only updated when Get
temp T e m p e r a t u r e s button is pressed.
Upper Displays upper heater temperature. Only updated when Get
temp T e m p e r a t u r e s button is pressed.
Status Displays 0 if heaters connected, 1 if an error is detected. Only
updated when the G e t S t a t u s button is pressed.
Ambient Displays temperature of ambient sensor. Only update when Get
Temperature pressed. If the sensor is unplugged 0 is displayed.
• Set Parameters
Sends set points and enable settings to the module.
Column: Meaning:
For firmware version 2.10 and above the hardware generates a frequency
signal that can be measured by the microprocessor to determine the position
or the shaking mechanism. Details of these additional parameters can be ob-
tained using the '...' buttons alongside the status results; a dialogue box will
be displayed.
Inc 1 - Inc 2 Displays status for each chamber of the plate in sta-
tus. N o displayed if empty, Y e s if plate carrier
detected.
Get Status Updates the plate in sensor status.
10.7.1.6 General
10.7.2 Calibrations
The calibration values are used to adjust the shake amplitude at various shake fre-
quencies.
The 'Min' calibration value is used to adjust the shake amplitude at low frequencies.
This is set for the 5 Hz shake. The 'Max' calibration value (only for firmware 2.10 and
above) is used to adjust the shake amplitude at high frequencies. This is set during
for 20 Hz shake (firmware version 2.10 or above) or 22 Hz shake for previous ver-
sions.
The values can be manually adjusted and updated using the S e t C a l i b r a t i o n
button. Note that these parameters are stored in the EEPROM of the module.Use the
C a l i b r a t e S h a k e button to set these calibration values.
Table 10-9: Fields and buttons of the shake status details dialogue
Column: Meaning:
10.7.4.1 General
If an error occurs during any test, the appropriate error response is given and the test
stops (see chapter 17.2.7 on page 17-18).
Otherwise command responds with O K , successful command execution.
Runs the sequence of tests that verify correct operation of the incubator module.
When the M o d u l e t e s t . . . button is pressed, the following sequence is per-
formed. The user must update the user field. This data is stored in the results file.
Test modes allow for automatic sequencing through all the tests or allows the user to
select and skip tests manually.
1. Unique identifications
The data report produced will display the user ID, input from the above dia-
logue box, as well as the test software version.
2. Firmware download
Allows new firmware to be installed.
3. Serial number
Allows the serial number to be written to the module EEPROM.
4. Parameters
Verifies default values stored within the EEPROM.
5. Plate in sensor
Verifies the plate in sensor. Pass, if set and clear states detected.
6. Temperature sensors
Verifies temperature sensors.
7. Ambient sensor
Verifies ambient sensor. Passed, if temperature between 5.0oC and 35.0oC
inclusive.
8. Selftest
Performs self test. Pass, if self test completes without error.
9. Heaters
Verifies heater circuits.
10. Shake mechanisms
Verifies shake circuits.
Runs the sequence of tests that verify correct board operation. When the Bo a r d
t e s t . . . button is pressed, the following sequence is performed. The user must up-
date the user field. This data is stored in the results file.
Test modes allow for automatic sequencing through all the tests or allows the user to
select and skip tests manually.
1. Unique identifications
The data report produced will display the user ID, input from the above dia-
logue, as well as the test software version.
2. Firmware download
Allows new firmware to be installed.
3. Serial number
Allows the serial number to be written to the module EEPROM.
4. Parameters
Verifies default values stored within the EEPROM.
5. Plate in sensor
Verifies the plate in sensor. Pass, if set and clear states detected.
6. Temperature sensors
Verifies temperature sensors.
7. Ambient sensor
Verifies ambient sensor. Passed, if temperature between 5.0oC and 35.0oC
inclusive.
8. Selftest
Performs Selftest. Pass, if selftest completes without error.
9. Heaters
Verifies heater circuits.
10. Shake mechanisms
Verifies shake circuits.
If direct connection has been selected, you must place the module in bootstrap
mode. The following message will prompt you to do so.
If power is applied to the board, turn ON Pin 1 of the 4-way DIP switch SW1, and tog-
gle Pin 2. This puts the device into bootstrap mode. If the module power is off, turn
ON Pin 1, and turn ON the module.
Press O K ; the download should then start. If the progress indicator does not
change, Ca n c e l , cycle the power, and repeat the process.
Once the download is complete, you must turn OFF Pin 1, otherwise the device
remains in bootstrap mode and will not operate.
The file (INCUBATE.H86) used to update the firmware must be stored in the
PC software directory (e. g. C:\BioRad\System).
11 Pipettor
The wash and waste position, and the waste tubing’s could have had di-
rect contact with dangerous material! Pay attention to safety regards!
Always wear gloves!
Care must be taken when operating and testing this module as moving
parts may cause injury if obstructed by user!
Don't weight the complete opened drawer! The analyser is able to up-
set!
Fill liquid into valve and syringe before starting operation, otherwise the seal-
ing surfaces will damage!
If you have done service actions on the pipettor, it's necessary to do new cal-
ibration (see chapter 11.9 on page 11-63)
The technical X- and Y-coordinates of the pipettor are exchanged with the
displayed messages! I. e., the displayed x-coordinate means the technical y-
coordinate and the displayed Y-coordinate means the technical X-coordinate.
Pipettor
4 Pipettor bridge
7 Y-init light barrier
8 System liquid sensor
9 CPC system liquid
10 Instrument cover switch
11 Y-belt tension spring
12 Pipettor PCB
13 Pipettor wash pump
14 Pipettor dispense pump
15 Wash pump PCB
16 Y-motor (DC)
17 High flex cable bridge
18 Y-belt
19 X-init light barrier
20 Z-motor
21 X-Z PCB
X-Sledge
Disposable Tip
Adapter
Meaning:
Meaning:
F1 3.15L/250V
1 D4 bootstrap OFF
2 Reset OFF
3 P5.14 OFF
4 P5.15 OFF
Meaning: Colour:
11.5 Maintenance
Removal
5. Hold the stainless steel Z-guide and pull down the tip adapter '5'.
6. Pull down the teflon tubing from adapter needle 'C'.
Installation 7. Insert the teflon tubing onto the adapter needle ’C’ of the new needle adapter.
8. Insert the needle adapter into the Z-axis rack.
The metal pin must be on the back.
9. Tighten the needle adapter with the upper hexagon screw 'B'.
10. Check that the lower hexagon screw 'D' is tighten.
11. Put the needle adapter sensor plug 'A' in the socket on the lower side of the
X-sledge.
12. Check the function of the disposable tip adapter (see chapter 11.8.1 on page 11-
62).
13. Check the reference position (see chapter 11.7.4 on page 11-48).
Removal 1. Remove the disposable tip adapter (see chapter 11.5.1 on page 11-9).
2. Remove pump unit and tubing fitting at the dispense pump valve.
3. Pull the tubing back.
Installation
6. Install the pump unit and tubing fitting at the dispense pump valve.
7. Install the disposable tip adapter (see chapter 11.5.1 on page 11-9).
8. Check sealing after replacement of the tubing.
Removal
Removal
Installation 11. Set the arrowhead of the address switch ’H’ to address 0.
12. Set the DIP switches ’F’:
• 1 to 5: OFF
• 6: not used
• 7 and 8: ON
13. Install the two way valve (see chapter 11.5.6 on page 11-16) on the new dispense
pump.
14. Install the syringe (see chapter 11.5.5 on page 11-15) on the new dispense pump.
15. Install the new dispense pump.
16. Tighten the four retaining screws 'J' at the front side.
17. Tighten the four retaining screws 'J' at the back side.
Fill liquid into valve and syringe before start operation otherwise the sealing
surfaces will damage!
Removal
Installation
Fill liquid into syringe before start operation otherwise the sealing surfaces
will damage!
Preparation To prevent deformation of valve body and valve inlet during storage, the inlet is not
completely pressed into the valve body. The inlet has to be pressed into the valve
before attaching to the dispense pump. Finally check, if the valve insert hole is posi-
tioned in the centre of the valve body hole.
Removal 1. Remove the dispense pump (see chapter 11.5.4 on page 11-13).
2. Screw out both tubing fittings 'E'.
Fill liquid into valve before start operation otherwise the sealing surfaces will
damage!
Removal
Do not loosen bridge adjustment screws 'b' at belt to bridge fixing right side!
12. Pull the left and right belt to bridge fixing plate out of the positioning pins 'C'.
13. Pull the bridge gently to the front out of the guides.
Installation 14. Push the bridge gently to the back into the guides.
15. Press the left and right belt to bridge fixing plate into the positioning pins 'C'.
16. Tighten belt bridge connection screws 'A'.
17. Install the Z-cog guide.
18. Install the pipettor tubing and the disposable tip adapter '5' (see chapter 11.5.2 on
page 11-10).
19. Install the high flex cable.
20. Connect the high flex cable connection on pipettor PCB.
21. Install clamp and ferrite 'D'.
22. Install pipettor cover left '1'.
23. Install left and right side cover of the instrument.
24. Install the top cover of the instrument.
Removal 1. Remove the pipettor bridge (see chapter 11.5.7 on page 11-18).
2. Remove the four screws 'A'.
Removal 1. Remove the pipettor bridge (see chapter 11.5.7 on page 11-18).
2. Remove the screws 'C' (see figure 11-21: on page 11-19).
3. Remove the X-sledge (see chapter 11.5.8 on page 11-19).
4. Remove high flex cable fixing clip ’A’.
5. Disconnect the high flex cable from pipettor PCB (see chapter 11.4 on page 11-7).
6. Disconnect the high flex cable from the X-sledge.
7. Remove the high flex cable.
14. Install the pipettor bridge (see chapter 11.5.7 on page 11-18).
Removal
8. Take away the slit sheet metal where the cog belt is fixed.
9. Pull out the belt.
Removal
8. Disconnect Y-motor cable at pipettor PCB (see chapter 11.4 on page 11-7).
9. Remove screws 'B'.
10. Lift out the Y-motor '16'.
The waste pump, and the waste tubing’s could have had direct contact
with potentially infectious material! Pay attention to safety regards! Al-
ways wear gloves!
Removal
The waste pump, and the waste tubing’s could have had direct contact
with potentially infectious material! Pay attention to safety regards! Al-
ways wear gloves!
Removal
A metric steel ruler with 0.5 increments length 500 mm or a standard metric
ruler are recommended.
1 2692 0
2 2403 -1500
3 1559 -3000
4 1251 -5000
14. Now each position must be reached by using the values shown in the table.
15. Check the gear space now and if necessary adjusted by using a ruler as
shown in the picture below. Before adjusting the mechanical space, check
each position.
16. After these mechanical adjustments, all positions must be checked again.
18. Now the gear space is to be checked by moving the X-sledge manually in X
direction.
19. The back lash must be between min. 0.1 mm/0.2 mm to max. 0.5 mm.
20. If the space is to big or to small it has to be adjusted.
First loosen the motor screw 'A' by using a hex screwdriver of 3 mm.
Use no force!
25. The back lash must between min. 0.1 mm/0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.
26. If the space is not within those limits, the Z-motor space must be adjusted.
First loosen the two screws 'B' on the Z-motor slightly by using a 2.5mm hex
screw-driver.
27. Now set the Z-motor in the correct position while checking the movement
space as described above.
28. Tighten screws after alignment.
In some cases the adjustment of the rollers on the sledge are too close to the sheet
metal guiding. The following instructions shows how to check the correct adjustment
and how to correct in case of a wrong adjustment.
Checkup:
• In case the roller is turnable without any friction to the sheet metal guiding
there is too much air.
The roller must be adjusted closer to the sheet metal guiding.
• In case the roller is only turnable with high friction to the sheet metal guiding
there is too much friction by the deformation of the O-ring which can cause a
blockage of the sledge.
The roller must be adjusted away from the sheet metal guiding.
• In case the roller is easy turnable with a low friction to the sheet metal guiding
the adjustment is in the correct level.
No readjustment is necessary.
5. Turn the eccentric roller screw via the slots in the back of the bridge in clock
or counter clock direction.
Figure 11-37: Turn the eccentric roller screw (back of the bridge)
The pipettor bridge is guided at the left side against up and down and at the right side
against up down and left right movement. This is done by two rollers per direction.
These rollers must be adjusted correctly for smooth running and long life. If you ad-
just the rollers, check the teach positions afterwards.
Checkup:
• In case the roller is turnable without any friction to the sheet metal guiding
there is too much air.
The roller must be adjusted closer to the sheet metal guiding.
• Is case the roller is only turnable with high friction to the sheet metal guiding
there is too much friction by the deformation of the O-ring which can force a
blockage of the bridge.
The roller must be adjusted away from the sheet metal guiding.
• Is case the roller is easy turnable with a low friction to the sheet metal guiding
the adjustment is in the correct level.
No readjustment is necessary.
Important Back- • A too high adjusted timing belt tension can cause higher friction and so prob-
ground Informa- lems in the positioning of the bridge.
tion • A too low adjusted timing belt tension can cause a jumping of the timing belt
on the timing belt pulley. This is causing fault positioning of the system which
can not be recognized by the control software. So a too low adjusted timing
belt tension is dangerous!
You will need a spring gauge (range min. 20 N) to check the tension.
4. Place the spring gauge as close as possible on the left of the pump unit.
5. Place the hook of the spring gauge around the timing belt in the back.
6. Pull the timing belt from the back to the position of the timing belt to the front.
7. Read the necessary force of the spring gauge.
Values of 17-20 Newton are valid. In other cases the tension must be
adjusted.
Figure 11-44: Air between the roller plate and the edge of the sheet metal
guiding
12. In case of a problem in the upper three areas the bridge must be removed
from the system.
• Remove the bridge (see chapter 11.5.7 on page 11-18).
• Then adjust via the 2 rollers (see figure 11-45: on page 11-38) to the needed
direction (left or right) to fix the collision problem.
• Reassemble the bridge again.
• Check the free movement.
13. Move the bridge by hand.
14. Take a look on the foil cable holder plate on the left side.
15. Check regarding any collisions in this area all across the movement area of
the bridge.
16. In case there is a collision with the high flex cable holder or the O-ring fix the
problem by bending the sheet metal part.
See also chapter 11.6.7 on page 11-39 regarding missing washer for wear protec-
tion.
On several Evolis systems (serial number < 50) the following described wear on the
roller bearings can occur. In bad conditions (depending on force directions etc.) a
change of the left and right roller plate against new parts is necessary.
On newer systems (serial number > 50) there is a wear protective washer between
the roller bearing and the aluminium roller plate mounted. This washer protects the
bearing of getting polluted by material of the roller plate.
Figure 11-47: Detail view into gap between roller and bridge holder
• In case a thin washer is placed between the roller and the plate the following
wear condition can not occur.
• In case of non mounted washers and massive black particles visible between
the roller and the bridge holder must be at least cleaned and lubricated again.
• In case this doesn't help a change of the complete roller plate with the imple-
mented washer is necessary.
Figure 11-48: Z-alignment tool with rack teaching tool in the left positions of
the rack system
11.7 Teaching
Care must be taken when operating and testing this module as moving
parts may cause injury if obstructed by user!
Before leaving the manufacturer, the pipettor and the plate transport of the system
are adjusted exactly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to check the settings before
starting the system for the first time. This procedure has to be repeated also when
parts for maintenance reasons have been changed.
The icon T e ac h er on the desktop gives you access to the coordinate teaching
program 4 p s c o o . e x e .
If the service software or the user software was running before, this programs
has to be closed!
Password Protec- By starting the teacher program two password levels are available.
tion • With the high level Password there is access to all parts of the teacher soft-
ware.
• With the low level Password there is just access to the reference position.
The pipettor is initialised and a graphical representation of the working area with the
different working positions appears.
The positions of the pipetting stations are reversed in the teacher software
(e. g. pipetting station 1 = teach position 4) (see chapter 12.2 on page 12-2)!
Moving the mouse arrow to a specific position of the graphical display and clicking
with the left mouse button allows modification of the coordinates at the different po-
sitions. The pipettor moves to the currently set X- and Y-coordinates and a window
like following appears:
In order to avoid damage of the disposable tip adapter, the Z-axis does not move au-
tomatically. The following keys of the keyboard can be used for adjusting the pipettor
to the correct position:
Key: Action:
Cursor left Moves the pipettor to the left (X-axis - changes steps of Y on
screen).
Cursor right Moves the pipettor to the right (X-axis - changes steps of Y on
screen).
Cursor down Moves the pipettor to the front (Y-axis - changes steps of X on
screen).
Cursor up Moves the pipettor to the rear (Y-axis - changes steps of X on
screen).
Page up Moves the pipettor up (Z-axis).
Page down Moves the pipettor down (Z-axis).
Shift Moves the pipettor down the Z-axis in five steps to 1/2, 3/4 and
6
/8 of the previous set Z-position.
+ Increases the step size.
- Decreases the step size.
Generally the step size of the movements can be adjusted by the step size bar (see
figure 11-58: on page 11-47). If the bar is adjusted to the bottom, the pipettor can be
moved with minimum steps. The P r e v . Z button moves the pipettor to the Z-posi-
tion which was stored before.
This button should only be used if it is sure that the needle might not hit the
bottom! To reach the final position in X/Y/Z, small step sizes must be used!
Except for the eject and the waste position, all positions have three alignment points
which are marked in red and must be taught. For the teaching of the dilution posi-
tions, pipette positions, and sample/reagent rack positions teaching tools (see
chapter 11.7.1 on page 11-44) have to be used. The correct position is reached, if the tip
adapter is in the centre of the alignment holes of the tools (X,Y-position) and the po-
sition alignment tool fits between teach tool and tip adapter (Z-position).
When checking the coordinates, be careful of the technical error of the axis
in X-,Y- and Z-direction; a tolerance of 3 steps (minimal step size) can be ac-
cepted!
Z-Alignment Firstly adjust the X,Y-position. Then adjust the Z-position, that the thin part of the po-
sition alignment tool fits between teach tool and tip adapter. The thick part has to
touch against the tip adapter.
Pick-up Disposal Put a 300 µl disposal tip into the disposal tip rack 1 position 1 and press the P i c k u p
Tip D button. The pipettor picks-up the disposal tip.
Before starting to teach different positions, the Z-drive must be adjusted. This is done
with the Z-alignment tool (see chapter 11.7.1 on page 11-44).
There is no need to use a tip to teach in the following positions. The only po-
sitions where you need a tip are the individual reagent/sample racks and the
reagent bottle tray in the dilution area which will be described later.
Due to the fact that the setting of dilution positions, disposable racks, etc. are all re-
lated to the reference positions in the most cases, it is enough to teach the reference
position. Therefore, it is also important to teach the reference position before all other
positions.
By clicking on the R e f . l e f t button, the pipettor moves to the last taught reference
position (except the Z-axis).
The correct reference position is reached if the tip adapter (without a tip) touches the
reference point. If this position has been adjusted, it can be stored by pressing the
OK button.
If the positions are only checked (not changed in any direction), the teaching
of this position (before saving the last position) must be finished by pressing
the C a n c e l . This has to be done by all different positions in the teacher!
If the pipettor crashes (Z-motor deenergized) while teaching any position, the
teacher program must be closed by pressing the Ca n c e l button.
As tip type determination position '8', the metal surface of the sample and reagent
rack (right side) has to be used. The position shall be near the reference position '7'.
By clicking on the T i p ? button the pipettor moves to the last taught position (except
the Z-axis).
The correct position is reached if the tip adaptor (without a tip) touches the surface
of the sample and reagent rack.
If this position has been adjusted it can be stored by pressing the O K button.
All five tip areas have to be taught beginning with the first tip rack (rear of the instru-
ment area - see chapter 11.7.2 on page 11-45). A empty tip rack has to be positioned on
the 1st tip area. By clicking on this tip rack icon on the screen the pipettor moves to
the stored X, Y coordinates of position 1.
A dialogue to adjust the first position appears (see figure 11-58: on page 11-47).
The pipettor has to be moved in the tip pick up position. It should be centred in the
middle of the opening. The black cover of the tip adapter must just touch the upper
area of the empty tip rack. When the pipettor is positioned correctly, the O K button
must be clicked.
This procedure must be repeated for all positions. The last height which has to be
taught is Z-start. To adjust Z-start, move down 400 digits from the current position (Z-
travel).
This is the way the positions of all other tip racks have to be adjusted.
The dilution area consists of a reagent bottle area with four reagent bottle positions
and a dilution plate area with three plate holders.
There is a need to use a 300 µl tip to teach in the reagent bottle area posi-
tions.
The reagent bottle positions have to be taught beginning with position 1 of the rea-
gent bottle area.
By clicking on the reagent bottle area on the screen the pipettor moves to the stored
X and Y position of reagent bottle position 1.
A dialogue to adjust the first position appears (see figure 11-58: on page 11-47).
The pipettor must be adjusted in a way that the tip is centred in the reagent bottle.
The Z-max position is adjusted in the following way:
• Move Z down until you touch the bottom of the bottle.
• Move 5 steps (minimum step size) back up.
• Confirm with the O K button.
All four pipette positions have to be taught beginning with the first in the rear of the
working area. The MTP teaching tool is placed in a plate carrier and has to be posi-
tioned on the specific pipetting position. By clicking on the first pipette position on the
screen the pipettor moves to the stored X- and Y-coordinates of position 1).
A dialogue to adjust the first position appears (see figure 11-58: on page 11-47).
The teaching for this position is correct, if the tip adapter is in the same plane as the
specific drill hole of the alignment tool. All three points have to be taught. This proce-
dure has to be repeated for the other three pipette positions as well.
The teaching for this position is correct, if the tip adapter is in the centre of the MTP
teach tool holes (X-,Y-position). For the Z-position use the position alignment tool. All
three points have to be taught. This procedure has to be repeated for the other three
pipette positions as well.
After the eject position is clicked on the screen a dialogue to adjust the eject position
appears (see figure 11-58: on page 11-47).
If the button for tip release (on the bottom of the tip ejector) is pressed by the tip eject
pin the correct height of the eject point is set. After you have confirmed this height by
pressing the O K button on the screen you are asked for the Z-start height.
This should be reached by teaching 2800 digits below Z-travel.
Please check that the tip will not get in contact with the housing during eject,
otherwise it will not drop correctly (distance between tip adapter and housing
> 1 mm).
The adjustment of the correct wash/waste position is done as described for the other
positions. By clicking on the wash position on the screen the adjust left wash position
window appears. Now the set point for the wash position can be adjusted. The end
of the tip on the tip adapter should be in the centre of the wash station and 700 digits
below Z-travel as shown in the following figure.
After you have confirmed this height by pressing the O K button on the screen, you
are asked for teaching the waste position on the adjust left waste position window.
Since you use disposable tips, the wash/waste positions are equal. This means the
position values for X/Y/Z can be taught to the same X/Y/Z coordinates than done be-
fore with the wash position.
For teaching of the patient sample and reagent rack, the rack teaching tool (see
chapter 11.7.1 on page 11-44) has to be used and must be inserted in the far left position
of the rack. The three positions must to be taught.
Clicking on the above shown area on the screen makes the pipettor move to X- and
Y-coordinates of position 1. The correct position is reached if the tip adapter touches
the reference point of the rack teaching tool. If this position has been adjusted, it can
be stored by pressing the O K button.
This procedure is to be repeated for positions 2 and 3. For teaching position 3 re-
move the rack tool from the far left position and insert the tool in the far right position
of the sample and reagent rack.
Change the value MTPs (area [OFFSETS]) in the teacher ini-file (4psCoo.ini - stored
in the user software directory) to teach with:
• Tip adapter: 0
• 300 µl tip: -2440
• 1100 µl tip: -4845
There are master files for the different MTP's available:
• Micro plate (8x12.mpc)
• Dilution plate (mtpdil2.mpc)
These files are stored in the directory C:\Biorad\System.
A disk is included by the 4 PS where all the files are stored as backup.
The coordinates which will be set for a specific MTP will be related to the coordinates
which have been taught in the above mentioned steps. Therefore a specific MTP has
to be taught only in one position. In our case, we use the pipette position 2.
For both plates the same procedure can be use as explained below.
Therefore, the micro plate in a plate carrier has to be positioned in position '4-1' (see
chapter 11.7.2 on page 11-45). The changing in the setting of the MTP's can be done by
clicking on the M T P ' s button on the screen. The following window appears on the
screen:
Select the MTP file which shall be edited and click on the E d i t button. Now the win-
dow shown below appears.
In this window the changes concerning the actual micro plate can be done. In the
M T P D e t a i l s , the number of cavities in the X- and Y-direction and even the diam-
eter of the cavity must be inserted. Pressing the T ea c h button, the adjust window
appears on the screen. The pipettor moves to the previous set X- and Y-coordinates
for position 1. The correct coordinates can be set in the usual way. The tip shall be
in the centre of the cavity A1.
The Zmax position is adjusted in a way that the tip adapter is touching the bottom of
the well and then moved up 4 steps with minimal step size. Positions 2 and 3 have
to be taught in the same way. After confirming the correct position for 3, the user is
asked to set the Z-dispense position.
Therefore the pipettor has to be moved up until the end of the tip adapter is in the
same plane as the top of the MTP plus one step with minimal steps size down.
After confirming the correct position for Z-dispense adjust the Z-travel. Therefore the
pipettor has to be moved up until the end of the tip adapter is in the same plane as
the top of the MTP plus 8 steps with minimal step size up.
A disk is included by the analyser where all the files are stored as backup.
The rack which has to be taught must be inserted in track 1 (far left position).
The coordinates which will be set for a specific rack will be related to the coordinates
which have been taught in chapter 11.7.11 on page 11-54. Therefore a specific rack has to
be taught only in one track.
For teaching the rack positions, the R a c k s button on the screen has to be clicked
with the mouse. The rack you want to adjust can be selected by marking it with the
cursor. It will be highlighted.
which is positioned in position 1 and begin the teaching by pressing the T e ac h but-
ton. Pressing this button makes the pipettor move to the previously stored X and Y
coordinates of position 1. For each position in the rack, X/Y/Zmax has to be taught
first, then Z-dispense.
Positions 1 to 20:
Positions 1 to 8:
Positions 9 to 18:
Positions 19 to 21:
Positions 1 to 13:
Positions 1 to 20:
After start of service software and the selection of the pipettor (with double-click) the
following dialogue appears:
The pipettor might crash if the parameters aren't correct. This button should
only be used to have a look on the dialogues but not to work with.
11.9.1.3 General
Depending on the pipettor type and previous actions, some buttons are activated or
deactivated.
11.9.2.1 Initialize
After the first initialisation you automatically get to the C o o r d i n a t e s dialogue (see
chapter 11.9.4 on page 11-72).
11.9.2.4 Coordinates
In the area C o o r d i n a t e s appear the coordinates sent to the pipettor.
After each picking up or ejecting of tips, the result is checked and a N o t i p . . . mes-
sage is reported on the screen if necessary.
11.9.2.7 General
If the pipettor was not initialised with the pipettor dialogue (see chapter 11.9.2 on page 11-
66) or there were no coordinates sent, the question "Pipettor initialized and Coordi-
nates sent?" is shown when calling the P u m p s dialogue. This question appears
only once. By pressing Y e s, the pipettor moves to the waste position and the pumps
dialogue is shown.
If the wash pumps are turned on, the waste pump isn’t switched on automat-
ically! The wash position can overflow then.
While a pump is working the dialogue "Device is busy" appears (see chapter 11.9.2 on
page 11-66).
11.9.3.4 General
If the pipettor was not initialised with the pipettor dialogue (see chapter 11.9.2 on page 11-
66), the question "Pipettor initialized?" is shown when calling the coordinates dia-
logue. This question appears only once. By pressing the Yes , button the coordi-
nates dialogue opens.
After the first initialisation, the coordinates dialogue is shown automatically.
Racktype Select the type of the rack (name of the rack file).
Track-No Enter the number of the track where the rack is
placed. The numbering of the tracks starts with zero.
Add Take over the racktype and the track-number and
add the rack into the list.
R em o v e s e l ec t e d By marking one or several racks and pressing
Rack(s) R e m o v e s e l e c t e d R a c k ( s ) , these racks
can be removed from the list.
11.9.4.2 µPlates
Platetype Select the type of the plate (name of the plate file).
Position Enter the number of the plate position. The number-
ing of the plate positions starts with zero.
Add Take over the plate type and the position and add the
plate into the list.
R e m ov e s e l ec t e d By marking one or several plates and pressing
Plate(s) R e m o v e s e l e c t e d P l a t e ( s ) , these plates
can be removed from the list.
If the pipettor was not initialised with the pipettor dialogue (see chapter 11.9.2 on page 11-
66) or there were no coordinates sent, the question "Pipettor initialized and Coordi-
nates sent?" is shown when calling the prime dialogue. This question appears only
once. By pressing Y e s, the pipettor moves to the waste position and the prime dia-
logue is shown.
11.9.5.1 Primeparameters
11.9.5.2 General
When calling the level sensor dialogue, some buttons are active and some are inac-
tive according to previous actions.
If there are no coordinates sent to the pipettor, no level sensor test can be started.
11.9.6.1 Coordinates
The transmitted coordinates are shown in the area C o o r d i n a t e s .
11.9.6.2 LLD-Frequency
11.9.6.3 Results
11.9.6.4 General
The automatic module test runs almost completely independently. Only at the begin-
ning tips and a rack must be placed. The different parts can be deselected by remov-
ing the ticks in the check boxes except for the initialisation.
In the first field the name and the path of the new firmware can be entered. If the
name and the path shown as default are not correct, the correct file can be searched
with the Br ows e.. . button.
The upgrade process starts by pressing O K . The dialogue is left without upgrading
by pressing C a n c e l .
After the upgrade process, the following message is shown:
The pipettor must be reinitialised after an upgrade process and the coordinates have
to be transmitted again.
The file (PDANCE.H86) used to update the firmware must be stored in the
PC software directory (e. g. C:\BioRad\System).
12 Pipetting Station
Every time the pipetting station or plate transport is disturbed, the calibration
of the positions used to insert and remove plate carriers must be reviewed
and potentially re-calibrated. Please refer to the plate transport section for de-
tailed information (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
The positions of the pipetting stations are reversed in the teacher software
(e. g. pipetting station 1 = teach position 4) (see chapter 11.7 on page 11-44)!
12.3 Maintenance
Every time the pipetting station or plate transport is disturbed, the calibration
of the positions used to insert and remove plate carriers must be reviewed
and potentially re-calibrated. Please refer to the plate transport section for de-
tailed information (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
Removal
13 Stacker
Don't weight the complete opened drawer! The analyser is able to up-
set!
Every time the stacker module or plate transport is disturbed, the calibration
of the positions used to insert and remove plate carriers must be reviewed
and potentially re-calibrated. Please refer to the plate transport section for de-
tailed information (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
13.3 Maintenance
Every time the stacker module or plate transport is disturbed, the calibration
of the positions used to insert and remove plate carriers must be reviewed
and potentially re-calibrated. Please refer to the plate transport section for de-
tailed information (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
Removal
14 Rack System
Care must be taken when operating and testing the bar code scanners
as they use a laser class 2. Never look directly into the laser beam!
Do not touch the glass windows and mirror surfaces with fingers!
For all actions it's necessary to remove the rack system (see chapter 14.4.1 on
page 14-4)!
14.4 Maintenance
Removal
Removal 1. Remove the rack system (see chapter 14.4.1 on page 14-4).
2. Remove the two nuts 'A'.
Removal 1. Remove the rack system (see chapter 14.4.1 on page 14-4).
2. Disconnect rack insert light barrier connector on rack system PCB (see
chapter 14.3 on page 14-3).
3. Replace rack insert light barrier emitter '2a'.
4. Replace rack insert light barrier sensor '2b'.
Installation 5. Install the new rack insert light barrier sensor '2b'.
6. Install the new rack insert light barrier emitter '2a'.
7. Connect rack insert light barrier connector on rack system PCB (see
chapter 14.3 on page 14-3).
8. Install the rack system (see chapter 14.4.1 on page 14-4).
Removal 1. Remove the bar code scanner (see chapter 14.4.2 on page 14-4).
2. Disconnect door switch connector on rack system PCB (see chapter 14.3 on
page 14-3).
3. Remove nuts.
4. Remove the faulty door switch.
9. Tighten nuts.
10. Install the bar code scanner (see chapter 14.4.2 on page 14-4).
When the rack system is invoked, the application attempts to communicate to the
system and rack system module. When successful the following dialogue will be dis-
played with the firmware version number, and serial number displayed. Bar code op-
tions will be read from the module EEPROM and shown. If no module is detected,
nothing will be shown for the firmware version number.
14.5.1.1 Instrument
A maximum of 8 bar code types can be enabled. This configuration does not
effect the configuration when using the pc software to run the system.
14.5.1.4 Barcodes
Displays the bar codes read for all the rack positions.
Read barcodes Reads the bar codes currently read within the sys-
tem.
14.5.1.6 Miscellaneous
14.5.1.7 General
Sends the commands to the rack scanner to initialise and execute its self test. Resets
the laser scanner bar code. The rack bar code scanner is initialised ready for use dur-
ing rack loading. This command can take over 30 seconds to complete.
The scanner is configured as below:
1. External trigger signal disabled ("PT00026001")
2. Reset with the scanner 'H' command
3. Motor is turned on and the motor status is monitored for the motor to turn on.
4. Scanner focused at position 0.
5. Scanner focused at position 11.
6. Laser turned on.
7. Laser turned off.
The response will contain any error messages.
This command must be sent before the scanner can be used for any rack loading
operations.
Performs a sequence of tests to verify the rack module. When the Module Test button
is pressed, the following sequence is performed. The user must update the user field,
this data is stored in the results file.
Test modes allow for automatic sequencing through all the tests or allows the user to
select and skip tests manually.
1. Selftest
Performs the selftest. Performs the following tests in sequence:
• Door test
• Trigger test
• LED test
• Sensors test
• RS485 test
• Tests the scanner
• Executes a selftest
2. Rack RS485
Performs a loop back test on the bar code scanner RS485 link. No external
connection is required for this test.
3. Rack scanner communications
Checks the BCL148 is communicating by obtaining it's firmware version.
4. Rack LEDs
Tests each LED is working correctly.
5. Rack sensors
Checks that each rack sensor is working.
6. Rack door sensor
Checks the door sensor in functioning.
7. Rack trigger
Checks the rack trigger sensor is functioning.
15.3 Maintenance
15.3.1 DIP-Switches
Positions of DIP-Switch 1 (SW1) and 2 (SW2) see chapter 15.2 on page 15-1.
1 Download no yes
2 Reset no yes
3 - x -
4 - x -
1 SRP100 no yes
2 SRP100 no yes
3 SQ40 no yes
4 SQ40 no yes
Removal
Installation 7. Set the DIP switches (see chapter 15.3.1 on page 15-4).
8. Install the new COP PCB.
9. Tighten the retaining screws.
10. Connect all connectors (see back of the metal sheet or chapter 15.2 on page 15-1).
11. Install the firmware (see chapter 15.5 on page 15-13).
When the COP module is invoked, the application attempts to communicate to the
system and COP module. When successful the following dialogue will be displayed
with the firmware version number and serial number displayed. If no module is de-
tected, nothing will be shown for the firmware version number and serial number.
15.4.1.1 Instrument
15.4.1.2 Rack
15.4.1.8 Cover
15.4.1.10 Miscellaneous
15.4.1.11 LEDs
Control for the 4-PS system LEDs.
15.4.1.12 General
Runs the sequence of tests that verify correct operation of the COP module. When
the M o d u l e T e s t . . . button is pressed, the following sequence is performed. The
user must update the user field, this data is stored in the results file.
Test modes allow for automatic sequencing through all the tests or allows the user to
select and skip tests manually.
1. Unique identification
The data report produced will display the user ID, input from the above dia-
logue, as well as the test software version.
2. Firmware download
Allows new firmware to be installed.
3. Serial number
Allows the serial number to be written to the module EEPROM.
4. Parameter
Verifies default values stored within the EEPROM.
5. Selftest
Performs selftest.
6. LED
Tests status LEDs
7. Plate carrier sensors
Tests plate carrier sensors.
8. Waste sensor
Tests waste sensor.
9. System fluid sensor
Tests system fluid sensor.
10. Instrument draw sensor
Tests draw sensor.
11. Instrument draw lock
Tests draw lock.
12. Tip draw sensor
Tests draw sensor.
13. Tip draw lock
Tests tip draw lock.
14. Serial port test
Loop back test on each serial port. Requires look back cable.
15. Rack RS485
Loop back test on RS485 communication link.
16. Rack scanner communications
Reads scanner firmware version.
17. Rack LEDs
Flashes each rack LED.
Runs the sequence of tests that verify correct operation of the COP board. When the
B o a r d T e s t . . . button is pressed, the following sequence is performed. The user
must update the user field, this data is stored in the results file.
Test modes allow for automatic sequencing through all the tests or allows the user to
select and skip tests manually.
1. Unique identification
The data report produced will display the user ID, input from the above dia-
logue, as well as the test software version.
2. Firmware download
Allows new firmware to be installed.
3. Serial number
Allows the serial number to be written to the module EEPROM.
4. Parameter
Verifies default values stored within the EEPROM.
5. Selftest
Performs selftest.
6. LED
Tests status LEDs
7. Plate carrier sensors
Tests plate carrier sensors.
8. Waste sensor
Tests waste sensor.
9. System fluid sensor
Tests system fluid sensor.
10. Instrument draw sensor
Tests draw sensor.
11. Instrument draw lock
Tests draw lock.
12. Tip draw sensor
Tests draw sensor.
13. Tip draw lock
Tests tip draw lock.
14. Serial port test
Loop back test on each serial port. Requires look back cable.
15. Rack RS485
Loop back test on RS485 communication link.
16. Rack scanner communications
Reads scanner firmware version.
17. Rack LEDs
Flashes each rack LED.
If front panel LEDs don’t light up then firmware upgrade didn’t take!
If no firmware has ever been installed you must use recovery mode or if an
error occurred during a previous upgrade!
2. After you press the O K button the message to enter recovery mode is dis-
played.
3. Assuming power is applied to the board, on the 4-way DIP switch SW1 turn
ON Pin 1 (see chapter 15.2 on page 15-1).
4. Switch off the instrument.
5. Switch on the instrument.
6. Toggle Pin 2, this will put the board into bootstrap (or Recovery) mode.
7. Press the O K button.
The download should then follow.
8. If the progress indicator does not change, press the Ca n c e l button, cycle
the power, and repeat the process.
9. Once the download is complete, you must turn OFF Pin 1. Otherwise the
device remains in bootstrap mode and will not work.
The file (COP.H86) used to update the firmware must be stored in the PC
software directory (e. g. C:\BioRad\System).
If an error should occur during the upgrade carry out the following steps or
use the service software (see chapter 15.5.1 on page 15-13)!
4. Assuming power is applied to the board, on the 4-way DIP switch SW1 turn
ON Pin 1 (see chapter 15.2 on page 15-1).
5. Toggle Pin 2, this will put the board into Bootstrap (or Recovery) mode.
6. Click on the U p g r a d e F i r mw a r e button.
7. Follow the instructions.
8. Once the download is complete, you must turn OFF Pin 1, otherwise the
device remains in bootstrap mode and will not work.
9. When finished click the O K button.
16 Power Supply
16.2 Maintenance
There are no serviceable parts! When it is faulty, then replace the power sup-
ply!
Removal
The technical X- and Y-coordinates of the pipettor are exchanged with the
displayed messages! I. e., the displayed X-coordinate means the technical Y-
coordinate and the displayed Y-coordinate means the technical X-coordinate.
System messages appear in the status bar of the user software, error messages are
displayed in a separate window, which has to be confirmed.
"%1" and "%2" are place holders for a system module or the designation of a plate,
a reagent or an error number.
Argument error in com- During initialisation procedure. Reinstall the firmware for the con-
mand ... Faulty firmware is installed. cerning module (see chapter 17.2 on
page 17-12, chapter 17.3 on page 17-19, or
chapter 17.4 on page 17-20). If error
recurs the PCB of concerning mod-
ule has to be checked.
Aspirate check failed During the run. R e t r y button: pipettor will dispense
for reagent %1 Aspirate step of reagent was faulty. back the aspirated liquid and repeats
the aspirate step.
A b o r t P l a t e button: Plate will be
aborted.
C o n t i n u e button: System goes
on but all concerning samples will be
flagged.
Clot detected in patient During the run. S k i p S a m p l e button: system will
sample %1 skip the concerning sample and will
go on with the worklist.
A b o r t P l a t e button: plate will be
aborted.
C o n t i n u e button: system goes on
but concerning sample will be
flagged.
Colorimeter %1 not During initialisation procedure or Please, restart the software and sys-
homed during a reading step. tem. If the error recurs the colorime-
The X-motor of the colorimeter is not ter module has to be checked (see
in the home position. chapter 6 on page 6-1). If the error
occurs during a run, please press
the A b o r t button to cancel the
worklist. After this error occurs a
recovery isn’t possible.
Colorimeter A/D error During the initialisation procedure or Please, restart the system. If the
during a run. error recurs, the colorimeter module
Error of the analog/digital converter has to be checked (see chapter 6 on
of the colorimeter. page 6-1).
Colorimeter A/D over During the initialisation procedure or R e t r y button: system will try to
range error during a run. repeat the last step.
Upper limit of colorimeter A/D has I g n o r e button: not advisable
been exceeded due to the signal cause system cannot go on without
height of the pre-selected resolution. sequence errors.
Press the R e t r y button. If the error
recurs, abort the worklist and check
the filters. If error recurs after check-
ing the filters, the whole colorimeter
module has to be checked (see
chapter 6 on page 6-1).
Colorimeter A/D under During the initialisation procedure or R e t r y button: system will try to
range error during a run. repeat the last step.
Too less light reaches the electronic I g n o r e button: not advisable
of colorimeter. cause system cannot go on without
sequence errors.
A b o r t button: the worklist will be
aborted.
Press the R e t r y button. If the error
recurs, abort the worklist. The whole
colorimeter module has to be
checked.
The halogen lamp of the colorimeter
is faulty and has to be replaced. If
the error persists, the optical compo-
nents in the photometer (filter, upper
or lower optic block) may be dirty.
Clean the photometer or replace it
(see chapter 6 on page 6-1).
Colorimeter back- During the initialisation procedure or Restart the software to initialise the
ground light level error during a run. colorimeter again. Please check if
Typically occurs when light entered the colorimeter flap is closed and all
the measurement chamber. filters are installed.
Colorimeter EEPROM Error during EEPROM reading or Initialize the module again. If the
error writing. error recurs the colorimeter PCB has
to be checked. Replace the photom-
eter PCB or replace the photometer
(see chapter 6 on page 6-1).
Colorimeter filter %1 During initialisation procedure. Restart the software to initialise the
error The gain factor for the respective fil- colorimeter again, after checking the
ter cannot be identified. filter configuration. If error recurs,
change the concerning filter (see
chapter 6 on page 6-1).
Colorimeter filter motor During the initialisation procedure. Restart the software. If the error
home error The system does not recognize the recurs, the filter wheel has to be
current position of the filter motor. checked.
Colorimeter filter motor During the initialisation procedure. Restart the software. If the error
movement error The movement of the filter wheel is recurs, the filter wheel has to be
faulty. checked.
Colorimeter lamp error During the initialisation procedure. Replace the halogen lamp (see
Halogen lamp of colorimeter is chapter 6.5.3 on page 6-9) and restart
faulty. the software to initialize the colorim-
eter again.
Colorimeter optic chan- During the initialisation procedure. Clean the optical blocks or replace
nel %1 error One of the optical channels is dirty the photometer (see chapter 6 on
or faulty. page 6-1).
Colorimeter plate motor During the initialisation procedure. Restart the software to initialize the
movement error The plate movement is faulty. colorimeter again. If the error recurs
the moving mechanism has to be
checked (see chapter 6 on page 6-1).
Colorimeter plate motor During the initialisation procedure. Restart the software to initialize the
movement home error The plate doesn’t find its home posi- colorimeter again. If the error recurs
tion. the light barriers have to be
checked.
COMGEN error '%1' At start-up. Check correct connection between
Cable connection between PC and PC and analyser. Start PC and ana-
analyser is faulty. lyser again.
Error scheduling plate After adding plate and assay. The worklist or the assay has to be
'...' The Assay programming is not cor- changed accordingly.
rect or the combination of different
plates cannot be scheduled.
Error: Argument error in During initialisation procedure. Restart software and analyser. If the
... Component cannot be actuated. error recurs, the concerning module
has to be checked (see chapter 17.2 on
page 17-12, chapter 17.3 on page 17-19, or
chapter 17.4 on page 17-20).
Incubator heater %1 During the initialisation procedure or The heater foil of concerning incuba-
error during the run. tor box has to be checked (see
The heater foil of incubator box %1 chapter 10 on page 10-1).
is faulty.
Incubator sensor %1 During the initialisation procedure or The temperature sensor of concern-
error during the run. ing incubator box has to be checked
The temperature sensor of incubator (see chapter 10 on page 10-1).
box is faulty.
Insufficient volume of During the run. R e t r y button: system will try to
pre-dilution %1 System cannot find enough volume repeat the last measurement of level
in pre-dilution. height.
A b o r t button: the concerning sam-
ple will be aborted.
A b o r t P l a t e button: the whole
plate will be aborted.
I g n o r e button: The concerning
sample will be flagged. System goes
on with the next pre-dilution.
Insufficient volume of At reagent check if volume of rea- A b o r t c h e c k button: reagent
reagent %1 gent is insufficient. check will be aborted. The system
goes on with the worklist.
R e f i l l b o t t l e button: software
jumps back to the l o a d i n g w i n -
d o w where reagents can be filled
up.
I g n o r e button: system will go on
with checking the next reagent.
To make sure that worklist will run
without miss pipetting errors, please
press the R e f i l l b o t t l e button
and make sure that enough reagent
liquid is available.
Insufficient volume of During the run if volume of sample is R e t r y button: system will try to
sample %1 insufficient. Only possible if R e a - repeat the last measurement of level
g e n t c h e c k is disabled. height.
A b o r t button: the sample will be
aborted.
A b o r t P l a t e button: the whole
plate will be aborted.
I g n o r e button: The concerning
sample will be flagged. Systems go
on with the next sample.
Invalid pipettor coordi- After adding plate and assay. The Push the O K button. Modify the
nates on plate ..., label assay programming is faulty. A label assay definition and restart the work-
sample … Check that of a sample is undefined. list.
the dispense and aspi-
rate labels are consist-
ent.
No disposable tips left During the run. Automatically appearance of the
No more tips available or found. loading window after system mes-
sage occurs. Load the correct tips to
the suggested position. After push-
ing the O K button the worklist will
go on.
No liquid detected for ... During a run. R e t r y button: system will check
Insufficient volume for sample ... or level of sample or reagent, again.
reagent ... I g n o r e button: system will go on
although if there is not enough liquid
in the bottle. All concerning samples
will be flagged.
Note: air can be pipetted if you
will push the Ignore button.
A b o r t button: The worklist will be
aborted. To make sure that the work-
list will run without miss pipetting
errors, push the A b o r t button and
enable the R e a g e n t c h e c k in the
panel options. After that, you have to
start the worklist again. The old
worklist cannot be recovered.
A b o r t P l a t e button: The plate
will be aborted.
The status is documented in the
active event log.
No respond to com- General software error. Communica- A b o r t button: the worklist will be
mand '%1' tion between PC and analyser is aborted.
interrupted. R e t r y button: PC will try to connect
to system again. If error message
recurs after pushing R e t r y, check
RS232 cable or restart analyser and
PC.
Pipettor error 0x0E - LX During a pipettor movement. R e t r y button: system will try to
position not reached Pipettor crashes or mechanical reach the position again, after the
problems. axis will initialize again.
I g n o r e button: not advisable
cause system cannot go on without
sequence errors.
A b o r t button: The worklist will be
aborted.
Press the R e t r y button to repeat
the last step, if the error recurs
please open system flap and check
if there any obstacles that disturb the
pipettor movement. If there are no
obstacles, the pipettor module has to
be checked.
Pipettor open loop/ Pipettor crash during a run. R e t r y button: system will try to
overload error. repeat the former pipetting step.
I g n o r e button: system will con-
tinue with the next pipetting step.
A b o r t button: the whole plate will
be aborted.
If system doesn’t go on after pushing
R e t r y or I g n o r e press A b o r t
and restart the system and the soft-
ware again.
Plate transport %1 During the initialisation procedure. After error message occurs check if
motor home error Plate transport cannot reach or find something jammed the plate trans-
the home position. port.
Press the O K button and restart
software to initialise the plate trans-
port again.If the error recurs, the
plate transport mechanism has to be
checked
Plate transport %1 During the initialisation procedure or R e t r y button: system will try to
motor movement error during the run. repeat the last movement step.
Plate transport motor (X, Y, or Z) I g n o r e button: not advisable
can’t reach the demanded position. cause system cannot go on without
sequence errors.
A b o r t button: plate will be aborted.
After error message occurs, make
sure that there are no obstacles that
jammed the plate transports move-
ment. Press the R e t r y button, if
the error recurs the plate transport
module has to be checked (see
chapter 8 on page 8-1).
Plate transport %1 During the initialisation procedure. Restart software, to initialise the
motor not homed Plate transport motor (X, Y, or Z) plate transport again.
cannot find home position. If the error recurs, the light barriers
of plate transport have to be
checked (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
Plate transport carrier During plate transport movement. R e t r y button: plate transport will
error Plate transport crashes at load/ try to load/unload the plate again.
unload movement. Plate holder does I g n o r e button: not advisable
not move far enough into the instru- cause system cannot go on without
ment, so that the light barrier is not sequence errors.
interrupted. A b o r t button: system will try to
abort the plate.
If error recurs after pressing the
R e t r y button the plate transport
position has to be aligned again (see
chapter 8 on page 8-1).
Plate transport EEP- EEPROM error while reading/writ- Restart system again. If error recurs,
ROM error ing procedure. the plate transport PCB has to be
changed (see chapter 6 on page 6-1).
Plate transport error Error in plate transport in case of Push the R e t r y button. If the error
increased resistance. recurs, try to locate the cause of the
resistance (blocking) and eliminate
it. If no mechanical blockage is evi-
dent, check the plate transport (see
chapter 6 on page 6-1).
Please close system During initialisation procedure. Sys- Close the system flap and push the
flap. tem flap isn’t closed. O K button. If the error recurs after
closing the flap the closing mecha-
nism has to be checked.
Please close the instru- During initialisation procedure. Close instrument drawer and push
ment drawer. Instrument drawer isn’t closed. O K button. If the error recurs after
closing the instrument drawer, the
closing mechanism has to be
checked.
Please close the load/ After loading/unloading the micro Close load/unload door and push
unload door. plate. O K button. If the error recurs after
closing load/unload door, the closing
mechanism or the door switch, has
to be checked.
Please close the tip During initialisation procedure. Tip Close tip drawer and push the O K
drawer. drawer isn’t closed. button. If the error recurs after clos-
ing the tip drawer, the closing mech-
anism has to be checked.
Please configure the After adding plate and assay. Wrong Push the O K button. Make sure
system in preparation pre-dilution area is defined. that correct pre-dilution area is cho-
for a standard worklist. sen for this assay and start worklist
Ensure that the dilution again.
tube rack is inserted.
Rack scanner focusing During a reading step of bar coded If error occurs please use the possi-
error sample/reagent rack. bility to allocate the reagents and
The bar code scanner of the reagent samples, manually. The bar code
and sample racks cannot be scanner has to be checked (see
focused. chapter 14 on page 14-1).
Rack scanner motor Motor error in scanner of reagent If error occurs please use the possi-
error and sample rack. Scanner firmware bility to allocate the reagents and
does not work correctly. Electronic or samples, manually. The bar code
mechanical problems of scanner. scanner has to be checked (see
chapter 14 on page 14-1).
Rack scanner not During the initialisation procedure. If error occurs please use the possi-
detected Bar code scanner of the loading bay bility to allocate the reagents and
is not connected. samples, manually. The bar code
scanner has to be checked (see
chapter 14 on page 14-1).
Reagent ... is undefined After adding plate, assay and sam- Open assay and add the missing
ple. reagent to reagent database. Restart
A reagent has not been defined. the worklist.
Note: the changes have to be saved,
with the S a v e button before they
will get active.
RS232 write error - Error in interface PC / analyser. Check connection between PC and
command: '%1' analyser. Start PC and analyser
again. If error recurs, the system has
to be checked.
Some required After the loading dialogue. Push the O K button. Load all
resources have not Not all required reagents have been resources from the unallocated
allocated to system allocated to a position. resources field into the appropriate
positions position (reagents, samples, dilution
tubes/plates, tips, buffers).
Suspect tip pick-up During tip pick-up After the error occurs the software
Pipettor cannot pick-up pipettor tip goes on with the next tip automati-
correctly (does not move deep cally, if the error recurs the teaching
enough into the tip). positions and the disposable tip
adapter have to be checked (see
chapter 11 on page 11-1).
System fluid low During the initialisation procedure or Fill up system fluid container with
during the run. deionised water and press the O K
System fluid for pipettor too low. button.
System waste full. During initialisation procedure or Emptying the waste container and
Empty the waste con- during the run. press the O K button. If the error
tainer. recurs after emptying the waste con-
tainer the level sensor has to check
The disposable tips During the tip type detection. After pushing the O K button the
have been incorrectly Software detected a wrong type of software displays to the loading dia-
loaded. tip. logue where you have to check if the
correct type of tips (300 µl or
1100 µl) are loaded to the correct
position.
The plate transport can- During the run. Abort the worklist, and restart soft-
not find a route from its Plate transport has no information ware to initialize the plate transport.
current position to its about its present position. Restart the worklist again. If the error
next destination recurs the plate transport has to be
checked (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
There was an error After finishing a plate and getting a R e t r y button: software will try to
found when printing the result. start the print job, again.
Document …to LPT1: Canc el button: The print job will
The device is not con- be cancelled.
nected. Do you want to
Please check that the printer is
retry or cancel the job?
switched on and all cables are con-
nected. Make sure that the right
printer driver is installed.
Tip eject failure Error during the tip ejection. Remove tip manually from pipettor
or trigger eject mechanism manually.
Press the R e t r y button after
removing the tip manually. The sys-
tem goes on with the next step. If the
error recurs the disposable tip
adapter has to be checked (see
chapter 11 on page 11-1).
Unknown colorimeter Unknown photometer error. Restart system and software, if the
error code'%1' error recurs, the whole colorimeter
module has to be checked (see
chapter 6 on page 6-1).
Unknown incubator Unknown incubator error. Restart system and software. If the
error code: '%1' error recurs, the whole incubator
module has to be checked (see
chapter 10 on page 10-1).
Unknown plate trans- Unknown plate transport error. Abort the worklist, and restart soft-
port error code: '%1' ware to initialise the plate transport.
Restart the worklist. If the error
recurs the plate transport has to be
checked (see chapter 8 on page 8-1).
Unknown washer error Unknown washer error. Restart system and software, if the
code %1 error recurs, the whole washer mod-
ule has to be checked.
Unknown washer error Unknown washer error. Restart system and software. If the
code '%1' error recurs, the whole washer mod-
ule has to be checked (see chapter 7 on
page 7-1).
Verification failed: %1 During the colorimeter verification. If the error occurs, change the lamp
The reader has failed the validation and check the filter configuration.
criteria. Repeat the colorimeter verification
test. If the error recurs the colorime-
ter module has to be checked (see
chapter 6 on page 6-1).
Washer %1 motor not The washer motor %1 is faulty or the R e t r y button: system will retry to
homed washer isn’t initialised. reach the home position again.
A b o r t P l a t e button: plate will be
aborted.
Press the “R e t r y button to repeat
the last step. If error recurs press
A b o r t P l a t e button and restart
the software to initialise the washer
again. If the error recurs, the washer
module has to be checked (see
chapter 7 on page 7-1).
Washer aspirate pump During the initialisation procedure or R e t r y button: software will try to
error during a wash step. activate the aspirate pump again.
The washer aspirate pump or the A b o r t P l a t e button: plate will be
vacuum sensor is faulty. aborted.
Before pressing the Retry button,
please check that all tubes are con-
nected correctly. If the error recurs
the vacuum sensor and the aspirate
pump have to be checked (see
chapter 7 on page 7-1).
Washer dispense pump During the initialisation procedure or R e t r y button: software tries to
error during a wash step. repeat the dispensing step.
The washer dispense pump is faulty. A b o r t P l a t e button: the plate will
be aborted.
Press the R e t r y button. If the error
recurs the dispense pumps have to
be checked (see chapter 7 on page 7-1).
Washer EEPROM error EEPROM error while reading/writ- Restart system again. If the error
ing procedure. recurs the washer PCB has to be
changed (see chapter 7 on page 7-1).
Washer head home During the initialisation procedure or O K button: software will cancel the
movement error during a wash step. worklist and jump back to start
Washer lift cannot reach its home menu.
position. Press the O K button to come back
to the start menu, restart software
and system. If error recurs the Z-
motor and the light barriers have to
be checked (see chapter 7 on page 7-1).
Washer plate home During the initialisation procedure. O K button: software will cancel the
movement error Washer X-sledge cannot reach the worklist and jump back to start
home position. menu.
Press the O K button to come back
to the start menu, restart software
and system. If error recurs the X-
motor and the light barriers have to
be checked (see chapter 7 on page 7-1).
Washer plate motor During initialisation procedure or R e t r y button: System will try to
movement error during a wash step. activate the X-motor again.
A b o r t P l a t e button: plate will be
aborted.
Press the R e t r y button, if the error
recurs the X-motor has to be
checked (see chapter 7 on page 7-1).
Washer plate move- During a wash step. R e t r y button: System will try to go
ment error Plate transport motor of washer on with the wash step.
faulty. A b o r t P l a t e button: plate will be
aborted.
Before pressing R e t r y check
washer if carrier sledge is jammed,
or a strip of the micro plate in not
inserted correctly.
Select the menu item U t i l i t i e s |
S e l f t e s t to initialise the system
again. If the error persists, check the
washer plate transport (see chapter 7
on page 7-1).
Washer reagent level After loading dialogue or during the R e t r y button: software checks the
low run. level sensor again.
One of the washing liquids is empty. A b o r t button: the worklist will be
aborted.
I g n o r e button: the worklist goes
on without filling up the buffer.
Refill the washer reagent and press
the. If the error recurs after refilling,
check the cables connections of
level sensors.
Washer strip error. Before wash step. R e t r y button: strip check will be
One of the strips of micro plate isn’t repeated.
inserted correctly. A b o r t P l a t e button: Plate will be
aborted.
After error occurs press the R e t r y
button. The system will go on, if the
error recurs abort the plate.
Washer waste full During initialisation procedure or R e t r y button: system will check
during the run. the level sensor again.
Waste bottle “1” is full. A b o r t P l a t e button: plate will be
aborted.
Empty washer waste bottle “1” man-
ually and press the O K button.
If the error recurs, the washer level
sensor has to be checked.
All error codes from the virtual module, plate transport, photometer/colorimeter,
washer and incubator are prefixed with the:
• Module ID (e.g. 42),
• Assembly code (e.g. 49),
• Control byte (usually 03 for errors),
• Sub assembly code(e.g. 56) and
• Reply code.
• The letters "ER" (hex: '45' + '52'). This indicates the command which
contained the error.
• The code following indicates the nature of the error as indicated below,
depending on the module.
The other devices do not follow the structure described above. Instead they
have individual codes.
First Byte: Mod- To recognize the module messages the first parameter in a command describes the
ule transmitted module.
ID Hex Module
00 to FF Assembly code
00 Normal reply
01 Report
03 Fatal ERROR
Further Byte(s):
Reply
Hex Description
41 A 4A J 53 S
42 B 4B K 54 T
43 C 4C L 55 U
44 D 4D M 56 V
45 E 4E N 57 W
46 F 4F O 59 X
47 G 50 P 59 Y
48 H 51 Q 5A Z
49 I 52 R
ERW System waste container is full. Empty the system waste con-
tainer.
ERF System fluid low. Refill the system fluid con-
tainer.
ERA Argument error. This is a criti- Check that the firmware is the
cal error condition. correct version for the version
of software being run.
ERHn Heater error. n shows the 1. Check cable connections.
incubator group number: 2. Replace the incubator.
• 1: Incubator 1 and 2
• 2: Incubator 3 and 4
ERKC Shake calibration failed. The
55% shake amplitude drive
signal value could not be
found.
ERKOI Shake override idle position Check the shake PCB and
frequency out of range. The hall-sensor are connected and
override off (or idle) position functional.
was outside of the acceptable
limits.
ERKOO Shake override on position Check the shake PCB and
frequency out of range. The hall-sensor are connected and
override on was outside of the functional.
acceptable limits.
ERKR Shake position frequency out Check the shake PCB and
of range. The shake fre- hall-sensor are connected and
quency measured did not functional.
appear to be a valid measure-
ment.
ERKT Shake position edge time out. 1. Open incubator and look
No edge was detected to the for mechanical obstruc-
frequency signal from the tions.
shake PCB. 2. Check the shake PCB and
hall-sensor are connected
and functional.
ERP Plate carrier sensor error. Check that the plate carrier
breaks the sensor.
ERTn Temperature sensor error. n 1. Check cable connections.
shows the sensor number or 2. Replace the incubator or
name: ambient sensor.
• A: ambient sensor is read-
ing outside of a valid range
• 0, 2, 4, 6: Incubator lower
sensor of incubator 1, 2, 3,
4
• 1, 3, 5, 7: Incubator upper
sensor of incubator 1, 2, 3,
4
All error codes from the COP and the sample rack scanner are prefixed with the:
• Module ID (e.g. 00),
• Command ID (e.g. D0),
• Command Parameters (e.g. 54) and
• Reply code (e.g. 11).
The technical X- and Y-coordinates of the pipettor are exchanged with the
displayed messages! I. e., the displayed X-coordinate means the technical Y-
coordinate and the displayed Y-coordinate means the technical X-coordinate.
All error codes from the Pipettor are prefixed with the:
• Module ID (e.g. FD),
• Error Classification:
• Fatal Error (FF),
• Warning (FE),
• Internal Time LSB and MSB (e.g. 3433),
• Error Code (e.g. 2A) and
• Parameters (e.g. 11).
Error
Meaning: Fatal:
Code:
01 Unknown command. no
02 Execution delay. Unable to meet specified execution time. no
03 Transmission data lost. Receiver off line. no
04 The processor was reset by watchdog or trap. Software failure, yes
processor hardware failure.
0E Sledge drive (X-axis) position not reached. Too much friction. yes
10 DC-drive (Y-axis) position not reached. yes
12 Z-position not reached. yes
18 Access to undefined target. yes
1E Command parameter out of range. yes
2A Diluter answer time out (see table 17-18 on page 17-24). yes
2B Diluter checksum error (see table 17-18 on page 17-24). yes
2C Diluter error (see table 17-18 on page 17-24). yes
30 No liquid found. no
33 Not enough liquid. no
42 Can't clear reference switch. Reference switch does not turn yes
OFF.
43 Can't find limit switch / time out. Reference switch does not yes
turn ON.
45
50 Internal error. yes
5A No terminator in pump string. yes
5C Not enough parameters for specified command. yes
70 Disposable dropped. yes
82 Open loop / overload error. Missing encoder feedback. Motor yes
doesn't move. Excessive load, high friction
83 Left: No LLD signal. Missing cable connection to probe, hard- no
ware error.
85 Left: Bad LLD signal. Bad cable connection to probe, bad no
grounding conditions, not enough liquid.
In the case that an axis parameter is included within the error message the following
assignment is valid:
Parameter Axis
0 X-axis
1 Y-axis
4 Z-axis
00 No error -
01 Initialisation error This error occurs if the pump cannot be initial-
ised. Check the pump for possible obstruc-
tions or loose connections before you try a
new initialisation. The pump does not accept
commands as long as it was initialised suc-
cessfully.
02 Faulty command This error occurs if a faulty command was
given. Correct the command and send it again.
03 Faulty parameter This error occurs if a faulty parameter (<n>)
was entered with a command. Correct the
parameter and send the corrected command.
04 Faulty command This error occurs if the command structure or
sequence the communication protocol is faulty. Check
the command sequence and repeat the cor-
rected command sequence.
06 EEPROM error This error occurs if the EEPROM is faulty.
Check the pipettor PCB (see table 11 on page 11-
1).
07 Device not initial- This error occurs if the pump was not initial-
ised ised. To delete the error, initialise the pump.
08 No string found In the EEPROM no string was found at the
in EEPROM selected location. Select a correct location.
09 Piston over- This error occurs if the injector piston loses
loaded steps.The pump must be initialised new,
before a normal process can take place. This
error can be deleted by initializing the pump
new. Starting from firmware version 2.00, the
pump reports the error, but is able to continue
working. The actual absolute position is rede-
termined after losing steps. From this position
the next movement command is executed.In
connection with P- and D-commands (relative
movements) this may lead to aftereffects. If for
example, the plunger loses steps while moving
to position 100 and in the end stands at posi-
tion 97, then a following D100R-command
leads to a parameter error. Therefore, the
pump should be reinitialised after losing steps.
0A Valve overloaded This error occurs if the valve drive loses to
many steps. Frequent or repeated errors of
this kind indicate that the valve should be
replaced. This error can be deleted by initializ-
ing the pump new.
0B Piston movement If the valve is in [B]ypass (= flow-through posi-
not allowed tion) no piston movement commands are
allowed.
17.4.2.3 Y-Axis
When initialising the Y stepper motor, the encoder is not used. Successful initialisa-
tion does not proof the encoder function. DC drives always need the encoder.
• Bad contact from coax cable to the tip. Adapter screw not tightened or cor-
roded.
• Bad contact from coax cable shield to toothed rod. Screw not tightened or
corroded.
• Coax cable defective.
• Cable connection from oscillator to main board defect (1-tip arm).
• Air bubbles on the liquid surface.
• When moving down the tip comes in contact with anything else than the liquid
surface.
• Liquid inside the adapter makes a contact between tip and toothed rod.
18 Technical Data
18.1 Environment
Environment This standard applies equipment designed to be safe at least under the following
Conditions (IEC conditions:
61010-1) • indoor use;
• altitude up to 2000 m;
• temperature 5 °C to 40 °C;
• maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to 31 °C decreasing lin-
early to 50 % relative humidity at 40 °C;
• mains supply voltage fluctuations up to 10 % of the nominal voltage;
• applicable rated pollution degree.
Operation Tem- • 15 °C to 25 °C
perature
Analyser
Computer, Moni- For electrical details of the PC equipment please refer to the technical documentation
tor and Printer of the OEM manufacturer.
Analyser
Weight: 175 kg
Dimensions: 120 cm x 92 cm x 122 cm (W x D x H)
Accessories and
Cover Boxes
Weight: Approximate 90 kg
Dimensions: 120 cm x 90 cm x 140 cm (W x D x H)
Analyser with
Cover
Weight: 130 kg
Dimensions: 114 cm x 156 cm x 100 cm (W x D x H)
(Depth with waste bag and completely opened
drawer)
Accessories
Weight: Approximate 84 kg
For details of the PC equipment please refer to the technical documentation of the
OEM manufacturer.
19 Circuit Diagrams
19.1 Photometer
19.2 Washer
19.4 Incubator
19.5 Pipettor