Agilent Technologies Labware MiniHub User manual


Labware MiniHub
Quick Guide
Original Instructions

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2014
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User Guide Part Number
G5470-90000
Edition
Revision A, May 2014
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fully understood and met.

1

Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
This guide contains the following topics:
•“About this guide” on page 2
•“Safety information” on page 2
•“Hardware components” on page 3
•“Indicator lights” on page 4
•“Turning on and turning off the Labware MiniHub” on page 4
•“Using Labware MiniHub Diagnostics in the VWorks software”
on page 5
•“Using MiniHub Diagnostics in the Encore Multispan software”
on page 14

About this guide
2Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
About this guide
This guide summarizes the operator instructions in the Labware MiniHub User
Guide.
This guide assumes the following:
•The Labware MiniHub is installed correctly. For installation instructions,
see the Labware MiniHub Safety and Installation Guide.
•The device profile for the specific Labware MiniHub configuration is
already created and the teachpoints are already set. For setup instructions,
see the Labware MiniHub User Guide.
•You are familiar with the VWorks Automation Control software. See the
VWorks Automation Control Quick Start. For detailed instructions, see the
VWorks Automation Control User Guide.
If you are using another lab automation system software, see the user
documentation for that software.
For user information about related products, you can search the product
knowledge base or download the latest version of a PDF file from the Agilent
Technologies website at www.agilent.com/chem/askb.
Safety information
Before using the Labware MiniHub, your organization should make sure that
you are properly trained in:
•General laboratory safety
•The correct and safe operation of the Labware MiniHub
•The correct and safe operation of lab automation systems or components
used in combination with the Labware MiniHub
For general safety precautions, intended product use statement, and the list of
safety labels, see the Automation Solutions Products General Safety Guide.
For detailed safety information regarding the Labware MiniHub, see the
Labware MiniHub Safety and Installation Guide.
WARNING Using controls, making adjustments, or performing procedures other than
those specified in the user documentation can expose you to moving-parts hazards and
hazardous voltage. Before using the Labware MiniHub, make sure you are aware of the
potential hazards and understand how to avoid being exposed to them.

3
Hardware components
Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
Hardware components
The following diagram shows the main components of the Labware MiniHub:
1
2
4
3
5
6
Item Name Description
1Base Gray structure at the bottom of the MiniHub that
attaches the MiniHub to the target surface. The base
contains the power and communication connections
and hosts the indicator lights.
2Shelves Flat area on which you can place labware. Locating
pins at the edges of the shelves hold the labware
securely in place.
3Spacers Metal spacing blocks that you can add or remove at the
center of the hub.
Two types of spacers are available:
•25.1- mm spacers. Stacked between shelves to
accommodate different labware heights.
•8.4- mm spacers. Stacked above the top- most shelf
to fill the space between the top- most 25.1- mm
spacer and the cassette cap. These spacers ensure
a tight assembly and are only necessary when a
subset of the shelves are used.
4Cassette cap Metal label with numerical identification of each
cassette. The numbers are used in Labware MiniHub
Diagnostics and in VWorks software.

Indicator lights
4Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
Indicator lights
At the base of the Labware MiniHub are two indicator lights. One light
indicates power status, the other light indicates error conditions.
Turning on and turning off the Labware MiniHub
The following procedures describe how to turn on and turn off the Labware
MiniHub. For instructions on how to turn on and turn off a Labware MiniHub
that is part of a workstation, see the workstation user documentation.
5Cassettes Columns of shelves. The MiniHub consists of four
cassettes, each identified by the number on the
cassette cap.
6Black knob Component at the top of the MiniHub that locks the
spacers and shelves in places.
Item Name Description
POWER
ERROR
Name Description
Power Indicates whether the power is on or off. When the
green light is on, the power is on. When the green
light is off, the power is off.
Error Indicates whether an error is encountered. When the
red light flashes, an error has occurred. When the
red light is off, the Labware MiniHub is operating
normally.

5
Using Labware MiniHub Diagnostics in the VWorks software
Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
The Labware MiniHub does not have a power switch. You turn on and turn off
the device by connecting or disconnecting the power cord. If it is integrated in
a workstation, you use the Automation Control Unit to turn on and turn off
the device.
Turning on the Labware MiniHub
To turn on the Labware MiniHub:
Connect the male end of the Labware MiniHub power cord to an appropriate,
grounded power source. The Labware MiniHub rotates slowly to its factory- set
home position.
If the Labware MiniHub is integrated in a workstation, see the workstation
user documentation.
Turning off the Labware MiniHub
To turn off the Labware MiniHub:
Disconnect the power cord from the power source.
If the Labware MiniHub is integrated in a workstation, see the workstation
user documentation.
Using Labware MiniHub Diagnostics in the VWorks software
This topic explains how to control the Labware MiniHub using Diagnostics in
the VWorks software. For information on controlling the Labware MiniHub
using diagnostics in the Encore Multispan software, see “Using MiniHub
Diagnostics in the Encore Multispan software” on page 14.
About Labware MiniHub Diagnostics
The Labware MiniHub Diagnostics software has two tabs: Controls and Profiles.
You use the commands in the Profiles tab to establish communication with the
Labware MiniHub. You use the commands and parameters available in the
Controls tab to control or move the device.
If you are using a different automation software, call the VWorks ActiveX
ShowDiagsDialog method to open Labware MiniHub Diagnostics. For details,
see the Labware MiniHub User Guide.
CAUTION The Labware MiniHub will rotate during the startup process. Obstructing the
Labware MiniHub while it is rotating will cause an error.

Using Labware MiniHub Diagnostics in the VWorks software
6Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
Opening Labware MiniHub Diagnostics
In the VWorks software Devices area, select the Labware MiniHub name, and
then click Device diagnostics.
Initializing the Labware MiniHub in Diagnostics
Before you use Labware MiniHub Diagnostics to operate the Labware MiniHub,
you must initialize an appropriate MiniHub profile to:
•Establish communication with the Labware MiniHub.
•Load the profile information

7
Using Labware MiniHub Diagnostics in the VWorks software
Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
To initialize a profile in Labware MiniHub Diagnostics:
1In the Profiles tab, select the desired profile in the Profile name list.
2Click Initialize this profile to establish communication with the Labware
MiniHub and load the profile information.
Checking the MiniHub’s current position
About the Cassette value
The Cassette value in the Controls tab indicates the cassette that is currently
facing the robot. For example, a Cassette value of 3 indicates that cassette 3 is
facing the robot. A dash (—) indicates that the MiniHub is between cassette
positions.
About the Position value
The Position value in the Controls tab indicates the position of the MiniHub
relative to its home position. Position values range from 0–360°,
counterclockwise from the home position. The Cassette values correspond to
the following position values:
CAUTION The Labware MiniHub will rotate during the initialization process. Obstructing
the Labware MiniHub while it is rotating will cause an error.
Cassette Position value
1, or home 0°
2 90°
3 180°
4 270°

Using Labware MiniHub Diagnostics in the VWorks software
8Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
If the MiniHub is between cassette positions, other position values will be
displayed. For example, if the MiniHub is exactly between cassette 1 (0°) and
cassette 2 (90°), the Position value is 45°.
Procedure
To check the current position of the Labware MiniHub:
In the Controls tab, check the values in the Cassette and Position boxes.
Enabling and disabling the motor
Disabling the MiniHub motor allows you to rotate the MiniHub by hand. You
might want to do this when you:
•Set the home position.
1
2
3
4
0°
90°
180°
270°

9
Using Labware MiniHub Diagnostics in the VWorks software
Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
•Want to remove labware from specific shelves after a run error occurs.
After setting the home position or fixing the error, you can enable the Labware
MiniHub’s motor to resume operation.
To enable or disable the Labware MiniHub motor:
In the Controls tab, click Enable or Disable.
Note: When the motor is enabled, the green Enabled light turns on in the Motor
area. When the motor is disabled, the Enabled light turns off.
Changing the rotation speed
You can select the speed at which the Labware MiniHub turns while you are
making adjustments in Labware MiniHub Diagnostics. For example, you can
select the Slow speed when you are setting up or troubleshooting the hub.
Note: To set the rotation speed for protocol runs, use the Speed selection in
the Profiles tab.
To select the diagnostic rotation speed:
In the Controls tab, select one of the following speeds from the Speed list:
CAUTION The Labware MiniHub might rotate slightly when you enable the motor.
Obstructing the Labware MiniHub while it is rotating will cause an error.

Using Labware MiniHub Diagnostics in the VWorks software
10 Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
Rotating the MiniHub to a specific position
You can rotate the Labware MiniHub using one of the following methods:
•Rotating to a specific cassette
•Rotating the MiniHub in set increments
•Rotating the MiniHub to a specific position relative to home
Rotating to a specific cassette
You can rotate the MiniHub so that the desired cassette is facing the robot.
To rotate to a specific cassette:
1In the Controls tab, select the desired cassette from the Rotate to Cassette list,
and then click Rotate to Cassette. The MiniHub rotates until the desired
cassette faces the robot. The Cassette box displays the selected cassette.
Speed Description
Slow Rotates the MiniHub at 25% of the factory- set
maximum speed.
Medium Rotates the MiniHub at 50% of the factory- set
maximum speed.
Fast Rotates the MiniHub at 100% of the factory- set
maximum speed.
CAUTION Obstructing the Labware MiniHub while it is rotating will cause an error.
Remove any obstacle that might prevent the Labware MiniHub from rotating.

11
Using Labware MiniHub Diagnostics in the VWorks software
Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
Rotating the MiniHub in set increments
You can rotate the MiniHub clockwise or counterclockwise in set increments
from its current position.
To rotate the MiniHub in set increments:
1In the Controls tab, click one of the following:
Command Description
Jog counterclockwise Displays the number of degrees to rotate
counterclockwise, relative to its current
position. Select the desired number of degrees.
Jog clockwise Displays the number of degrees to rotate
clockwise, relative to its current position. Select
the desired number of degrees.

Using Labware MiniHub Diagnostics in the VWorks software
12 Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
2Click the Jog counterclockwise or Jog clockwise button again to rotate the
MiniHub the specified number of degrees.
Rotating the MiniHub to a specific position relative to home
You can rotate the stage so that cassette 1 is at a specified number of degrees
from the home position, 0°.
To rotate the MiniHub a specific number of degrees:
1In the Controls tab, type the number of degrees in the Rotate to degree box,
and then click Rotate to degree.
If you specified an angle between 1° and 180°, the software will rotate the
MiniHub clockwise. If you specified an angle greater 180°, the software will
rotate the MiniHub counterclockwise.

13
Using Labware MiniHub Diagnostics in the VWorks software
Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
Viewing the log area
The log area displays all of the commands issued and the status of the actions
while you are working in the dialog box. Error conditions are displayed in red
text.

Using MiniHub Diagnostics in the Encore Multispan software
14 Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
Using MiniHub Diagnostics in the Encore Multispan software
About MiniHub diagnostic tools
The Labware MiniHub diagnostics allows you to control the motions of the
device. You use the commands and parameters to troubleshoot problems.
Initializing the MiniHub resource in Diagnostics
The resource must be initialized before you can open the corresponding
Diagnostics dialog box. You can initialize the MiniHub resource from:
•Workspaces page
•Run page
Before you start
Ensure the following:
•The correct workspace is displayed in the software and the resources have
been added to the workspace.
•The MiniHub resource that you want to initialize has been configured.
•Simulation is turned off. The simulation button in the upper right corner
of the Encore Multispan window should display Simulate is Off
().
Initializing the MiniHub resource from the Workspaces page
To initialize the MiniHub Resource:
1In the Encore Multispan Workspaces page, click Initialize & Teach.

15
Using MiniHub Diagnostics in the Encore Multispan software
Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
The Initialize and Teach pane appears.
2Under Resource, locate the name of the MiniHub device to be initialized and
then click or in the Init column.
Note: The icon indicates the resource has never been initialized. The
icon indicates the resource has been initialized before.
The Initialize dialog box opens.

Using MiniHub Diagnostics in the Encore Multispan software
16 Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
3In the Initialize dialog box, select the MiniHub resource you want to
initialize, and then click Initialize.
Initializing the MiniHub resource from the Run page
To initialize the MiniHub Resource:
1In the Run tab, make sure the protocol you want to run is open.
2In the Run group, click Initialize.
Note: The Initialize icon in the Run group changes to reflect the
initialization state of the resources in the workspace:
•indicates all resources in the workspace are initialized.
•indicates some of the resources are initialized.
•indicates none of the resources is initialized.
The Initialize dialog box opens.
3Select the MiniHub resource you want to initialize, and then. click Initialize.
Opening MiniHub Resource Diagnostics
You can open the Diagnostics dialog box for a resource using either of the
following procedures:
•“Opening diagnostics from the Setup tab” on page 16
•Opening diagnostics from the Run tab
Opening diagnostics from the Setup tab

17
Using MiniHub Diagnostics in the Encore Multispan software
Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
To open the Diagnostics dialog box from the Setup tab:
1In the Setup tab, click Workspaces to open the Workspaces page.
2Ensure that the correct workspace is displayed.
3In the selected workspace navigation pane, click Initialize & Teach to display
the Initialize & Teach pane.
4Locate the desired Resource in the table, and then click the corresponding
icon. The Diagnostics dialog box for the selected resource opens.
Opening diagnostics from the Run tab
Refer to the following figure for this procedure.
To open the Diagnostics dialog box from the Run tab:
1In the Run tab, ensure that a protocol is open.
2In the Resource list, select the device or other resource for which you want
to view the Diagnostics dialog box.
3Click . The Diagnostics dialog box for the selected resource opens.
WARNING When you open the Encore Multispan Diagnostics dialog box during a
paused protocol run, the software sets the Encore Multispan safety interlock to Bypass
mode. While in Bypass mode, you can use the diagnostics controls to move the robot and
pipettors at a reduced speed while the front doors are open. To avoid possible injury, keep
clear of the device when the robot or pipettors are moving.

Using MiniHub Diagnostics in the Encore Multispan software
18 Labware MiniHub Quick Guide
Checking the Labware MiniHub’s current position
In the MiniHub Resource Diagnostics dialog box, the current position area
displays two numbers: Degrees and Cassettes.
Degrees
Degrees is the clockwise angular distance between cassette 1 and its home
position. The Degrees value ranges from 0.0 to 359.9. When cassette 1 is at its
home position, as the diagram shows, the Degrees value is 0.0.
You can rotate the Labware MiniHub clockwise or counterclockwise. Degrees
always displays the clockwise distance between cassette 1 and its home
position. For example, if cassette 1 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from
its home position, Degrees displays 270.0.
Cassette
Cassette is the cassette that is currently at the cassette- 1 home position. When
cassette 1 is at its home position, the Cassette value is 1.
In the following example, cassette 1 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise. Cassette 2
is at the cassette- 1 home position and faces the robot. So the Cassette value is
2.