Gilson 215 manual

Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler User's Guide LT2545/©2003 Gilson, Inc. All rights reserved April 2003[...]

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T able of Content s Declaration of Conformity 1 Introduction Safety Precautions ............................................................... 1 - 1 Description ............................................................................ 1 - 2 Unpacking ............................................................................. 1 - 3 Standard Eq[...]

3 Operation Front Panel ............................................................................ 3 - 2 Start Button .................................................................... 3 - 2 Stop Button ..................................................................... 3 - 2 LED Display .......................................................[...]

5 T roubleshooting Error Messages ..................................................................... 5 - 2 Mechanical ............................................................................ 5 - 5 Electrical ................................................................................ 5 - 6 Liquid Level Detector ..........................[...]

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Application of Council Directives: 89/336/EEC, 73/23/EEC Standards to which Conformity is Declared: EN61326, EN61000-3-3, EN61000-3-2, EN61010-1 Manufacturer’s Name ........................................... Gilson, Inc. Manufacturer’s Address ....................................... 3000 W. Beltline Highway Middleton, WI 53562 EC Office Addres[...]

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1-1 1 Introduction Safety Precautions For safe and correct use of this instrument, it is recommended that both operating and service personnel follow the instructions contained in this guide when installing, cleaning, and maintaining this instrument. Because the probes installed on the Z-arm may contain a dangerous substance, use the safety shield [...]

1-2 Introduction 1 Description Description The Gilson Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler is an XYZ robot that can automate any number of manual liquid handling procedures. The Quad-Z has four independently operated probes with variable horizontal spacing (from 9 to 18 mm) allowing access to virtually any tube, vial, or microplate configuration. The optional[...]

1-3 Introduction 1 Unpacking Unp acking The Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler is delivered with all major components already assembled except for auxiliary parts such as the Z-arm, probe, racks, tubing, etc. Keep the original container and packing assembly in case the liquid handler must be returned to the factory. The Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler and its com[...]

1-4 Introduction 1 Unpacking St andard Equipment Once the liquid handler and the accessories containers have been unpacked, you should have the following: Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler 444 QuadDilutor with accessories Locator plate with one drain base (includes four mounting screws) Rinse drain package which includes: • 2-liter waste bottle • Cap w[...]

1-5 Introduction 1 Customer Service Customer Service Gilson, Inc. and its worldwide network of authorized representatives provide customers with the following assistance: sales, technical applications, and instrument repair. If you need assistance, please contact your Gilson representative or if you are in the United States call the Gilson Customer[...]

1-6 Introduction 1 T echnical Specifications T echnical Specifications Please be aware of the following before operating the liquid handler. Warning : Changes or modifications to the liquid handler not expressly approved by Gilson could void the factory-authorized warranty. The liquid handler has been tested and found to comply with the limits for [...]

1-7 Introduction 1 T echnical Specifications[...]

1-8 Introduction 1 T echnical Specifications[...]

2-1 2 This section takes you through the steps for setting up your Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler. Inst allation[...]

2-2 Inst allation 2 Locator Plate Installation Locator Plate Inst allation The locator plate serves two functions: • Positions the racks and accessories that fit onto the bed of the liquid handler. • Contains liquid spills, such as those caused by overflowing vessels. The locator plate and its four mounting screws are shipped in a separate box [...]

2-3 Inst allation 2 Armlock Removal Armlock Removal The armlock on the liquid handler secures the Y-arm during shipment. You must remove the armlock prior to installing the Z-arm and operating the instrument. If the armlock is not removed, the liquid handler cannot move in the X-direction. This results in an error state during operation. If you nee[...]

2-4 Inst allation 2 Z-Arm Installation Z-Arm Inst allation Follow these steps to install the Z-arm: 1 Using a Phillips screwdriver, loosen the mounting screw on the Z-arm mounting bracket located on the Y-arm. Turn counterclockwise to loosen. 2 Partially pull out the bracket. Do not remove completely. 3 Place the Z-arm into the mounting bracket. Yo[...]

2-5 Inst allation 2 Z-Arm Installation Inst alling the Z-Arm Cable Support Rod 1 Using the two Phillips screws, attach the cable support rod bracket in the holes located in the rear of the X-arm extrusion. 2 Extend the arm to the extreme X- and Y-direction to ensure that the cable will have enough slack. Plug the Z-arm control cable into the back t[...]

2-6 Inst allation 2 Probe Installation Probe Inst allation There are different probes available for use on the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler. Depending upon your application, you have purchased the appropriate probes and probe guide inserts. When installing the probes or custom sized probe guide inserts (1.3 or 1.5 mm) refer to the following procedures[...]

2-7 Inst allation 2 Plumbing Connections Plumbing Connections T ransfer T ubing Inst allation 1 Connect one end of each piece of transfer tubing to the 444 QuadDilutor. Refer to the 444 QuadDilutor User’s Guide for more information. 2 Locate the level sensing cables (LLD cables) supplied with the Z-arm. 3 Pass the other end of each transfer tubin[...]

2-8 Inst allation 2 Plumbing Connections Inst alling the Level Sensing Cables To install the level sensing cable: 1 Plug the right-angle connector on one end of the cable into socket one on the back of the Z-arm. 2 Snap the cable into the LLD cable guide (refer to the picture above). 3 Loosen the small hexagonal nut on the probe holder for probe on[...]

2-9 Inst allation 2 Plumbing Connections Rinse St ation and Drain W aste T ubing I nst allation You’ll clean the probe using the rinse station. To eliminate carryover of liquids, the rinsing procedure pumps an excess volume of diluent or probe washing solution through the probe and out into the rinse station. The small diameter of the rinse stati[...]

2-10 Inst allation 2 Plumbing Connections Installing the rinse station The base of one rinse station is shipped already secured to the locator plate and is located at the rear of the locator plate. The locator plate can hold an optional second rinse station or you can move the rinse station base to the alternate location. Before installing the rins[...]

2-11 Inst allation 2 Rack Setup Rack Setup The Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler is equipped to locate Code 20-, 30-, 200-, and 500-series racks. See Appendix B for a list of racks available for the liquid handler. Depending on the racks you’re using, refer to the appropriate procedures on the following pages. Code 200-Series and Code 500-Series Racks If[...]

2-12 Inst allation 2 Rack Setup Code 200-Series and Code 20-Series or Code 30-Series Racks To use a combination of Code 200-series and Code 20-series or Code 30-series racks on the locator plate: 1 Install each Code 200-series rack as described on page 2-11 . 2 For each Code 20-series or Code 30-series rack, place an adapter plate onto the locator [...]

2-13 Inst allation 2 Rack Setup Only Code 20-Series or Code 30-Series Racks If all your racks are Code 20- or Code 30-series racks and you do not have the optional 849 Multiple Injection Module installed, follow the steps below. 1 Install the locator tray (part number 2504627, ordered separately) onto the locator plate of the liquid handler. • Fo[...]

2-14 Inst allation 2 Final Z-Arm Adjustment Follow these steps to adjust the Z-arm to the proper height. 1 Turn off power to the liquid handler. 2 Locate the appropriate Z-height adjustment tool in the accessory package. Two Z-height adjustment tools are supplied in the package. Part number Description 25051094 125 mm Z-height adjustment tool. Use [...]

2-15 Inst allation 2 4 Loosen the mounting screw on the Z-arm mounting bracket and slightly raise the Z-arm. 5 Manually move the liquid handler’s arm so the Z-arm is centered over the Z-height adjustment tool. 6 While holding Z-height adjustment tool flat against the locator plate, use the other hand to lower the Z-arm until it lightly rests on t[...]

2-16 Inst allation 2 Electrical Connections Rear Panel 1 Input/Output (I/O) ports 2 Gilson Serial Input/Output Channel (GSIOC) port 3 Keypad port (not used on the Quad-Z) 4 RS-232 port 5 Fuse drawer 6 Power switch 7 Power receptacle 8 Unit ID selector 9 Baud rate/mode selector Electrical Connections[...]

2-17 Inst allation 2 Input/Output Port s You can use the input and output contacts found on the rear panel of the liquid handler to control peripheral devices. Refer to the diagram on page 2-16 for the location of the input/output ports. Contact inputs The input terminal block of the liquid handler has eight contacts. All of the inputs are paired, [...]

2-18 Inst allation 2 Electrical Connections Making connections To prepare and make connections with the 2- conductor cable: 1 Cut the cable into pieces of appropriate length. 2 Strip about 0.25 cm of insulation from each end of the cable. 3 Remove the terminal block connector from the l iquid handler. Insert each wire into the appropriate slot on t[...]

2-19 Inst allation 2 RS-232 Port The RS-232 port is used to transfer information between the liquid handler and a computer. For the location of the RS-232 port, refer to the diagram on page 2-16 . Be sure your computer is turned off before making any connections. To connect your computer to the liquid handler, you’ll need an RS-232 cable. Obtain [...]

2-20 Inst allation 2 GSIOC Port Gilson systems feature a two-way communication interface between the computer and most Gilson modules. Communication occurs along the Gilson Serial Input/Output Channel (GSIOC). The liquid handler can convert the RS-232 signal levels used by computers to the RS-422/485 signal levels required by the GSIOC and vice ver[...]

2-21 Inst allation 2 Electrical Connections Unit ID and Baud Rate/Mode Selection Use the SW1 selector to choose a different unit ID and the SW2 to choose a different baud rate/mode. If necessary, refer to the diagram on page 2-16 for the location of these selectors. Unit ID The unit ID identifies the liquid handler to Gilson software packages that [...]

2-22 Inst allation 2 Baud rate/mode As a default, the baud rate/mode is set to 6, indicating that the liquid handler is set for a baud rate of 19200 and is a master device. You’ll need to change the selection to 0 (zero) if the liquid handler is connected via the GSIOC to a Gilson system and is being controlled by the 506C System Interface from G[...]

2-23 Inst allation 2 Electrical Connections Fuses You received the liquid handler without any fuses installed. To install the fuses: 1 Locate the accessory package containing the fuse drawer appropriate for your line voltage. Discard the other fuse drawer. 2 Locate the accessory package containing the 5.0A “T” Slo-Blo fuse (5 x 20 mm size) fuse[...]

2-24 Inst allation 2 Electrical Connections Power Cord Connection Locate the appropriate power cord for your line voltage. Discard the other power cord. Use the power cord to connect the liquid handler to an AC power source.[...]

3-1 3 Operation The Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler is controlled as follows: • Via a method running on a personal computer. You create the method using 735 Sampler Software (ordered separately, part number 2106773532). If you have not already done so, install the 735 Sampler Software. Refer to the documentation supplied with the software.[...]

3-2 Operation 3 Front Panel Front Panel The front panel of the liquid handler contains a Start button, Stop button, LED display, and power indicator light. S t art Button The Start button can be used to home the XYZ-arm when the liquid handler is first powered up or when the motors for the XYZ-arm have been relaxed. When pressed, the yellow LED lig[...]

3-3 Operation 3 Start Up St art Up To start the liquid handler: 1 Make sure the liquid handler is connected to a power source. 2 Turn on the liquid handler using the power switch located on the rear panel. Refer to rear panel diagram on page 2-16 if necessary. The power indicator light on the front panel illuminates. When power is turned on, the li[...]

3-4 Operation 3 Running Programs Running Programs The liquid handler is controlled by programs executed from a personal computer. Executable (.EXE) programs can be run from a computer. The computer is connected to the liquid handler via an RS-232 cable. Refer to Section 2 for correct installation of the RS-232 cable between the liquid handler and t[...]

3-5 Operation 3 Configuring the Liquid Handler Configuring the Liquid Handler The liquid handler comes from the factory with its configuration set by Gilson. Configuration information is stored in the non-volatile memory of the liquid handler. Prior to using the liquid handler for the first time, it is important to review and adjust the default con[...]

3-6 Operation 3 Configuring the Liquid Handler About The About tab allows you to indicate the unit ID of the instrument being configured so the 215 Setup Utility can communicate with that instrument. This tab also lists software version and copyright information for the 215 Setup Utility. Unless the Non-Volatile RAM has been cleared, information ab[...]

3-7 Operation 3 Pump T ype Because the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler uses an external dilutor, Blank Front is selected and all options are inactive. Syringe Options All options on this tab are inactive for the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler because it has an external dilutor. Configuring the Liquid Handler[...]

3-8 Operation 3 Configuring the Liquid Handler Rinse Site The instrument stores the location of a rinse site in memory. This allows the instrument to move to this location before homing the syringe and prevents the spilling of waste liquid or rinse diluent. You must modify the rinse site coordinates if you have a Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler. Refer to[...]

3-9 Operation 3 Liquid Detector The Liquid Detector tab allows you to adjust the default sensitivity for liquid detection. Note : Gilson control software (such as 735 Sampler Software) will override these settings. Raising the percentage suppresses false liquid detection while lowering the percentage increases sensitivity for situations where liqui[...]

3-10 Operation 3 Configuring the Liquid Handler Adjust XY The Adjust XY tab allows you to test whether the instrument is properly adjusted and to make minor adjustments to the X- and Y-axis offsets if needed. You may need to use the options under this tab if the probe is not accessing the injection port of the injection module installed or the vess[...]

3-11 Operation 3 model 819: X-coordinate: 544.0 mm Y-coordinate: 3.8 mm If the model 819 is not installed next to the right support use the following coordinates: X-coordinate: 351.1 mm Y-coordinate: 1.3 mm model 841: X-coordinate: 475.3 mm Y-coordinate: 3.8 mm model 889: X-coordinate: 336.1 mm Y-coordinate: 3.8 mm model 849: X-coordinate: 336.1 mm[...]

3-12 Operation 3 Z Height Use the Z Heights tab to identify the size of the installed Z-arm and the height at which the Z-arm is clamped. The tower height options are inactive for the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler because there is only one tower height available. The Z-arm can be clamped at an adjustable height over the locator plate. You can set this [...]

3-13 Operation 3 Home Phase Use the Home Phase tab to display the current X- and Y-phase of the instrument. Clicking Start causes the liquid handler to perform the phase procedure. This procedure consists of the liquid handler homing itself 10 times. The liquid handler finds out where home is located by “feeling” for the back and left walls of [...]

3-14 Operation 3 Configuring the Liquid Handler Safety Cont act The instrument has provisions for connecting safety devices that your application may require, as long as they present a contact closure or TTL type interface. The Safety Contact tab allows you to specify which input contact is connected to the safety device and what is the active stat[...]

3-15 Operation 3 Sound and Display Use the options in the Sound and Display tab to adjust the brightness of the display, sound level, and tone. Clicking Beep tests the sound level and tone that are currently selected. For the L.E.D. brightness, you can select a range of 0 through 7 where 0 is the dimmest and 7 is the brightest. Default setting is 5[...]

3-16 Operation 3 T esting the Liquid Handler ’ s Cont acts Following is a description of how to use the 215 Contact Test Utility to toggle output contacts to determine if the correct contact connections have been made to peripheral devices to be controlled by the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler. The program also identifies the state of input contacts a[...]

4-1 4 Maintenance To obtain optimum performance and maximum life from the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler, it is important to keep the instrument well-maintained. This section contains some general guidelines that will help you to maintain your liquid handler.[...]

4-2 Maintenance 4 Helpful Hints Help ful Hint s In order to keep your liquid handler at peak performance, Gilson recommends that you do the following: • Change or clean the tubing regularly to maintain maximum performance. • Flush the probe housings and rinse stations daily with distilled or deionized water. On a weekly basis, flush with a 10% [...]

4-3 Maintenance 4 Cleaning Cleaning Cleaning the Liquid Handler The liquid handler should be cleaned occasionally using a dry, clean cloth. Or, if necessary, use a cloth dipped in soapy water. If liquid is accidentally spilled on the liquid handler, wipe the instrument using a dry, clean cloth. Cleaning the Fluid Path Depending on your use of the l[...]

4-4 Maintenance 4 Cleaning Cleaning methods Depending on the samples or reagents that come into contact with the fluid path, you may need to vary your cleaning methods accordingly. Use the following cleaning protocols as references and make any changes to them as required for the samples and reagents being pumped for your application. Proteins and [...]

4-5 Maintenance 4 Cleaning Acidic and basic compounds - Follow this procedure if the fluid path is in contact with acidic and basic compounds: 1 Prime the fluid path using a 0.1N NaOH solution. 2 Pause the priming sequence. 3 After 10 minutes, resume priming the fluid path using distilled or deionized water. Prime until the fluid path has been flus[...]

4-6 Maintenance 4 Cleaning Biological fluids - Follow this procedure if the fluid path is in contact with biological fluids such as blood products: 1 Make a solution of 10% bleach by adding one part of commercial bleach to nine parts of water. 2 Prime the fluid path using the bleach solution until the entire fluid path has come into contact with bl[...]

4-7 Maintenance 4 Lubricating Always switch the power to off when making adjustments to (such as lubricating) the liquid handler. The potential exists for bodily harm if you interfere with the work area of the instrument while it is running. Horizont al Pitch and V ertical Rods Refer to the instructions and diagrams on the next few pages for inform[...]

4-8 Maintenance 4 6 Dispense another small bead of grease on the applicator. 7 Apply the grease to the visible and accessible areas on the vertical rods and horizontal pitch rods on the Z-arm (see below). 8 Repeatedly (and slowly), move the probe holders up and down to distribute the grease along the vertical rods. Lubricating 9 mm spacing 18 mm sp[...]

4-9 Maintenance 4 Replacing Part s Replacing T ubing It is important to keep all tubing clean and free of crimps. Tubing that has become dirty, blocked or crimped can result in poor accuracy and precision, or loss of air gap. Replace both the transfer tubing and inlet tubing as needed. See Appendix A for part numbers for replacement tubing. For tub[...]

4-10 Maintenance 4 Installing different type of probe To install a replacement probe of a different type than is currently installed, you may want to obtain a new probe guide insert for precise XY probe accuracy. 1 Remove the transfer tubing’s 1/4"-28 fitting connected to the top of the isolation probe holder. 2 Grasp the current probe and p[...]

4-11 Maintenance 4 Replacing a Level Sensing Cable Removing the level sensing cable 1 Detach the transfer tubing from the top of the isolation probe holder by using the supplied headless nut extender (part number 49041032) to loosen and remove the 1/4"-28 nut and ferrule. 2 Unplug the right-angle connector for the liquid level sensing cable (L[...]

4-12 Maintenance 4 Installing the new level sensing cable 1 Locate the new level sensing cable supplied with the Z-arm. 2 Pass the transfer tubing through the open end of an LLD cable casing nearest the right-angle connector. The tubing should exit the back of the LLD cable casing approximately 6.5 cm from the end. 3 Connect the transfer tubing to [...]

4-13 Maintenance 4 Replacing a Fuse A blown fuse may indicate the existence of another problem in the instrument. If the replacement fuses blow, don’t try others. Contact your local representative or Gilson. See Before calling us on page 5- 8 . To change a fuse, follow these steps. 1 Disconnect the power cord from the power outlet and from the re[...]

4-14 Maintenance 4 Checking Position Alignment The 215 Setup Utility (Adjust XY tab), described in Section 3 , allows you to test whether the liquid handler is properly aligned and to make minor adjustments to the X-axis and Y-axis offsets if needed. You may need to use the options under this tab if the probe is not accessing the injection port of [...]

4-15 Maintenance 4 T ransporting the Liquid Handler T ransporting the Liquid Handler When moving the liquid handler to another location or when sending it back to the factory, do not use the Y-arm as a handle. Reinstall the armlock (see Section 2 ) and always lift the liquid handler from the base.[...]

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5-1 5 T roubleshooting[...]

5-2 T roubleshooting 5 Error Messages Error Description Solution 1 5 NV-RAM checksum is invalid • Send the buffered ~9 GSIOC command to reset the NV-RAM and initialize to the default value. Run 215SETUP.EXE or the 215 Setup Utility program • Replace the main board 1 6 X scale factor is invalid Contact the Gilson Customer Service Department. 1 7[...]

5-3 T roubleshooting 5 2 9 Z target more than maximum Z Send the immediate Q command using the GSIOC Utility Program to read the travel range. Correct the error in the program controlling the liquid handler. 3 0 X encoder inactive Contact the Gilson Customer Service Department 3 1 Y encoder inactive Contact the Gilson Customer Service Department 3 [...]

5-4 T roubleshooting 5 Mechanical Probe(s) no longer finding tube center • Probe(s) may be bent. Straighten or replace the probe. • Incorrect tray file defined. Review and if necessary change the tray file. • Liquid handler may be misaligned. Perform the position alignment procedures, described on page 4-14 . Mechanical[...]

5-5 T roubleshooting 5 Electrical Electrical Input functions not operating • Make sure connections into terminal block connector are secure. • Make sure terminal block connector is secure in input/output port. • Check connections for proper pin assignments. • Be sure pins from external devices are assigned correctly. • Check polarity of i[...]

5-6 T roubleshooting 5 Electrical Unit not operational • Make sure power is turned on. • Check AC power cord connections. • Try different AC outlet. • Check fuse(s); replace if necessary. • Check all liquid handler connections and make sure that the unit is plugged in. Unit blows fuses • Contact the Gilson Customer Service Department.[...]

5-7 T roubleshooting 5 Liquid Level Detector Liquid Level Detector Liquid level detector not detecting liquid level • Ensure that the level sensing cables are plugged in. • Check sensitivity setting in the 215 Setup Utility (see page 3-9 ) and lower the percentage. • Check if liquid is detectable. Liquid level detection works only if there is[...]

5-8 T roubleshooting 5 Repair and Return Policies Rep air and Return Policies Before calling us Gilson Customer Service personnel will be able to serve you more efficiently if you have the following information: • the serial number and model number of the equipment involved. The serial number is visible on the back of the control panel of the liq[...]

5-9 T roubleshooting 5 Repair and Return Policies Rebuilt exchange For some units, rebuilt exchange components are available. Contact Gilson for details. Return procedure In the United States, contact the Gilson Customer Service Department to obtain authorization before returning any Gilson equipment. To return a piece of equipment: • Carefully p[...]

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A-1 A Replacement Part s and Accessories Probes 2507214 Non septum-piercing probe; constricted tip, capacitive level-sensing, stainless steel. Dimensions: 269 x 1.8 x 1.4 mm ID (tip dimensions: 1.5 x 1.2 x 0.8 mm ID). Requires probe guide insert (part number 25064473) for precise XY accuracy. 2507215 Non septum-piercing probe; constricted tip, capa[...]

A-2 Appendix A Replacement Part s and Accessories 2507255 Non septum-piercing probe; beveled tip, capacitive level-sensing, stainless steel. Dimensions: 269 x 1.5 x 0.4 mm ID. Requires probe guide insert (part number 25064472) for precise XY accuracy. Control Sof tware 2106773532 735 Sampler Software running directly from PC; requires PC with Micro[...]

A-3 Appendix A Replacement Part s and Accessories 23077310 Waste bottle (2 liter) with lid and quick-connect fitting 470343706 Tygon tubing (5/16" ID x 7/16" OD) for connection between rinse station and waste bottle; per foot 23077332 Quick-connect fitting to connect Tygon tubing to waste bottle Rinse St ation 25045525 Multiple Probe/Quad[...]

A-4 Appendix A Replacement Part s and Accessories Cables and I/O Accessories 25061401 Level-sensing cable 36083121 Serial cable, IBM PS/2-type, 25 to 25 pin 36083122 Serial cable, IBM AT-type, 9-pin female to 25-pin male 36083123 Serial cable adapter, 9-pin female to 25-pin male 638308512 Terminal block connector, 8-pin 638310512 T e r m i n a l b [...]

B-1 B Racks The Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler can be configured with a variety of rack types and sizes. The following pages describe the racks that can be purchased for use on the liquid handler. Refer to Section 2 for rack installation procedures.[...]

B-2 Appendix B Racks Code 20 rack For 108 vessels Material: polypropylene Vessels and maximum capacity: 10 x 100 mm tubes (4.5 mL) Part number: 150425 Required accessories: adapter plate (part number 2504621) Code 21 rack For 60 vessels Material: polypropylene Vessels and maximum capacity: 13 x 100 mm tubes (9 mL) Part number: 150422 Required acces[...]

B-3 Appendix B Racks Code 28 rack For 108 vessels Material: polypropylene Vessels and maximum capacity: 10 x 65 mm tubes (3 mL) 10 x 75 mm tubes (3.5 mL) Part number: 150420 Required accessories: adapter plate (part number 2504621) Code 29 rack For 60 vessels Material: polypropylene Vessels and maximum capacity: 12 x 75 mm tubes (5 mL) 13 x 75 mm t[...]

B-4 Appendix B Racks Code 32 rack Thermostated rack for 60 vessels Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 13 x 65 mm tubes (6 mL) 13 x 100 mm tubes (9 mL) Part number: 2704432 Required accessories: adapter plate (part number 2504621) and thermostating cuvette (part number 2704429) or thermostating cuvette (part number 2759550) and 832 Tem[...]

B-5 Appendix B Racks Code 201 rack For two microplates, two Eppendorf vials, and two 13 x 100 mm tubes Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 96 well microplates Eppendorf vials (1.5 mL) 13 x 100 mm tubes (9 mL) Part number: 2504601 Code 201H rack For two microplates, two Eppendorf vials, and two 13 x 100 mm tubes; with microplate covers [...]

B-6 Appendix B Racks Code 204 rack For 27 scintillation tubes Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 28 x 57 mm (20 mL) Part number: 2504604 Code 205 rack For two deep-well microplates, two Eppendorf vials, and two 13 x 100 mm tubes Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 96 deep-well microplates Eppendorf vials (1.5 mL) 13 x 100[...]

B-7 Appendix B Racks Code 206 rack For 96 vessels Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 13 x 75 mm (7 mL) Part number: 2504606 Code 207 rack For 75 vessels Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 16 x 100 mm (12 mL) Part number: 2504607 Code 208 rack For 70 vessels Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 18 x 150 mm (25[...]

B-8 Appendix B Racks Code 210 rack For 75 vessels Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 16 x 75 mm (11 mL) Part number: 2504610 Code 211 rack For 9 Boston round screw-cap bottles Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 48 x 113 mm (125 mL) Part number: 2504611 Code 212 rack For 96 vessels Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum c[...]

B-9 Appendix B Racks Code 214 rack For 96 vessels Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 48 10.25 x 47 mm (2.5 mL) 48 10.25 x 64 mm (44 mL) Part number: 2504614 Note : Place the shorter tubes into the notched tube locations. Code 216 rack For 60 Waters WISP vials Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 60 15 x 45 mm (4 mL) Part n[...]

B-10 Appendix B Racks Code 222 rack For 27 conical bottom tubes Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 27 (50 mL) Part number: 2504622 Code 228 rack For four reagent bottles Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 4 (500 or 700 mL) Part number: 2504628 Code 505 rack For 10 standard or deep-well microplates Material: aluminum Part[...]

B-11 Appendix B Racks Peltier Racks Code 242 Peltier rack For 2 shallow, flat-bottom, 96-well microplates Material: aluminum Vessels and maximum capacity: 2 shallow, flat- bottom, 96-well microplates Part number: 25146331 Note : Order Peltier Controller (part number 2515331) and junction box (part number 2505332) separately. Code 542 Peltier rack F[...]

B-12 Appendix B Racks Code 852 Peltier rack For two Becton Dickinson Falcon 96-well, shallow-well assay plates. U-bottom style Material: aluminum Part number: 2514852 Note: Order Programmable Peltier Controller (part number 2515850) separately. Code 853 Peltier rack For 96 12x32 mm 2 ml, flat-bottom vials Material: aluminum Part number: 2514853 Not[...]

C-1 C GSIOC Commands The Gilson Serial Input Output Channel (GSIOC) is an asynchronous serial communications interface that enhances the power of your Gilson equipment. The GSIOC incorporates an EIA RS-485 interface and allows up to 32 slave devices to be controlled from a single master in a multi-drop configuration. Each slave device is identified[...]

C-2 Appendix C GSIOC Commands GSIOC Commands There are two kinds of commands that you can send over the GSIOC: • Buffered commands send instructions to the liquid handler. These commands are executed one at a time. • Immediate commands request status information from the Quad-Z 215. These commands are executed immediately, temporarily interrupt[...]

C-3 Appendix C GSIOC Commands @ I Reads non-volatile memory (NV-RAM) at current address. Returns “aaa=xxxx” where: a a a - Value between 0 and 19 for word type data or 100 to 119 for floating type data. xxxx - Data at the address. Current address is incremented. @ aa [ =xxxx ] B Sets the value at NV-RAM address where: a a - Value between 0 and [...]

C-4 Appendix C GSIOC Commands 9 B Clears the contact event FIFO and resets the contact input event timer. A I Reads home phases for X and Y motors. Returns “xxx/yyy” where: x x x - X motor phase. yy y - Y motor phase. B f,d B Causes 215 to beep: f - Frequency in Hz; default is 2400. d - Duration of beep in tenths of seconds; default is 1. c v=s[...]

C-5 Appendix C GSIOC Commands E xyz B Sets X, Y, and Z motor status: x - 0 for disable X motor. y - 0 for disable Y motor. z - 0 for disable or 1 for enable Z motor. For example, the following command disables the motors: E000. F n B Relaxes the probes where “n” is the probe selection (a, b, c, or d). H B Moves XYZ to home position, homes all f[...]

C-6 Appendix C GSIOC Commands K sxxx B Sets liquid level sensing sensitivity where: s - selected probe (a, b, c, or d) xxx - Value from 0 to 255; 0 is the most sensitive, 255 is the least sensitive. If s is not specified, the default is abcd. K I Reads liquid level sensing sensitivity. Returns “aaa,bbb,ccc,ddd” where: a a a - sensitivity of pro[...]

C-7 Appendix C GSIOC Commands N I Reads the liquid detector output. Returns “a,b,c,d” where: a - leftmost probe (probe A) b - probe B c - probe C d - probe D For each status, you’ll see A for air or L for liquid. O abcd B Sets each probe speed value (in µm/s) where: a = speed of probe A b = speed of probe B c = speed of probe C d = speed of [...]

C-8 Appendix C GSIOC Commands Q I Reads the XYZ travel range. Returns “axis=min/max” where: axis - X, Y o r Z . min - Lowest position in tenths of millimeters. m a x - Highest position in tenths of millimeters. The first time the command is sent, it returns the X range; the second time, it returns the Y range; the third time, it returns the Z r[...]

C-9 Appendix C GSIOC Commands v cs..s B Sends a GSIOC2 command directly to the Quad-Z where: c = the type of command s.ss = the command string You may send up to four GSIOC2 commands before the first command completes. The response is placed into a response buffer (one string deep) for later reading. v I Reads the response string buffer. Returns ?[...]

C-10 Appendix C GSIOC Commands Z I Reads probe Z-positions in integral units of 0.1 mm. Returns aaaa,bbbb,cccc,dddd where: aaaa is the Z-position of probe A bbbb is the Z-position of probe B cccc is the Z-position of probe C dddd is the Z-position of probe D X ax/y B Moves probe A to target x and y coordinates. X bx/y B Moves probe B to target x an[...]

D-1 D Pipetting T echniques By following these techniques, you’ll be able to maximize accuracy and precision, and minimize carryover, with your Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler. Accuracy and precision of pipetting are dependent on the specifications of the pump you’re using and the geometry of the probe tip.[...]

D-2 Appendix D Pipetting T echniques Minimizing Cross-Cont amination Cross-contamination of samples is caused by sample carryover on the probe tip or on its inner walls. Several methods are available to minimize cross-contamination. • Use of the liquid level sensing capability will reduce carryover by limiting immersion below the liquid surface. [...]

D-3 Appendix D Pipetting T echniques Minimizing Dilution Effect An undesirable dilution sometimes occurs when an aspirated sample replaces rinse or diluent material. Some of the diluent fluid invariably clings to the tubing walls, causing the unwanted dilution of the sample. The part of the sample that enters the tubing first is affected most becau[...]

D-4 Appendix D Pipetting T echniques The following example describes an instance when the above 8-step procedure is required. An operator needs to dispense 50 µL of reagent into each of 20 test tubes. The tube-to-tube consistency of reagent volume is critical. However, in order to save time, the operator wishes to make a single 1 mL aspiration fro[...]