Agilent Technologies Velocity11 VSpin User manual


Microplate Centrifuge
User Guide
Original Instructions

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2014
No part of this manual may be reproduced
in any form or by any means (including
electronic storage and retrieval or
translation into a foreign language) without
prior agreement and written consent from
Agilent Technologies, Inc. as governed by
United States and international copyright
laws.
User Guide Part Number
G5405-90001
Edition
Revision C, June 2014
Updates: Performance Specifications and
Labware Compatibility
Revision 02, March 2012
Updates: title page, Safety Notices,
compliance declarations, and general
safety warnings.
Revision 00, August 2004
Contact Information
Agilent Technologies Inc.
Automation Solutions
5301 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95051
USA
Technical Support: 1.800.979.4811
or +1.408.345.8011
[email protected]
Customer Service: 1.866.428.9811
or +1.408.345.8356
[email protected]
European Service: [phone]
[email protected]
Documentation feedback:
[email protected]
Web:
www.agilent.com/lifesciences/
automation
Acknowledgements
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registered trademarks or trademarks of the
Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and other countries.
Warranty
The material contained in this docu-
ment is provided “as is,” and is sub-
ject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions. Further, to the max-
imum extent permitted by applicable
law, Agilent disclaims all warranties,
either express or implied, with regard
to this manual and any information
contained herein, including but not
limited to the implied warranties of
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ticular purpose. Agilent shall not be
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consequential damages in connection
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The hardware and/or software described in
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Restricted Rights Legend
If software is for use in the performance of
a U.S. Government prime contract or sub-
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(June 1995), or as a “commercial item” as
defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted
computer software” as defined in FAR
52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent
agency regulation or contract clause. Use,
duplication or disclosure of Software is
subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard
commercial license terms, and non-DOD
Departments and Agencies of the U.S. Gov-
ernment will receive no greater than
Restricted Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-
19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government
users will receive no greater than Limited
Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14
(June1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015 (b)(2)
(November 1995), as applicable in any
technical data.
Safety Notices
A WARNING or !!INJURY
HAZARD!! notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if
not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or
death. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
A CAUTION or !!DAMAGE
HAZARD!! notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating procedure,
practice, or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in
damage to the product or loss of important
data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION
notice until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.

Agilent Technologies, Inc., Automation Solutions, 5301 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA
Letter to our Customers
Dear Customer,
The Agilent Technologies acquisition of Velocity11 resulted in the following
changes:
•Creation of Agilent Technologies Automation Solutions, formerly Velocity11
•Renaming of some Velocity11 products
•New Customer Service and Technical Support contact information
•New website address for product information
Please make a note of the following changes as they impact this user guide.
Velocity11 product name changes
Related guides
Microplate Centrifuge Quick Guide
Centrifuge with Loader Quick Guide
Centrifuge Diagnostics Version 8 Quick Reference
Microplate Centrifuge ActiveX v8 User Guide
Automated Centrifuge Loader ActiveX v9 User Guide
These guides are available at: www.agilent.com/chem/askb
Velocity11 product name Changes to …
Access2 Automated Microplate
Loader
Automated Centrifuge Loader
Element Automation System BioCel 900 System
IWorks Device Driver Programming
Interface
VWorks Device Driver Interface
PlatePierce Seal Piercing Station Microplate Seal Piercer
VCode Barcode Print and Apply
Station
Microplate Barcode Labeler
Velocity11 Robot 3- Axis Robot
VHooks Integration Interface VWorks Hooks Interface
VPrep Pipetting System Vertical Pipetting Station
VSpin Microplate Centrifuge Microplate Centrifuge
VStack Labware Stacker Labware Stacker
Agilent Technologies

Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
What This Guide Covers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Getting Help from Velocity11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2. VSpin Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
VSpin Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Hardware Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Software Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
About Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
About Teachpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
About the Control Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
About the Profiles Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
About the Diagnostics Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Chapter 3. Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Laboratory Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Unpacking the VSpin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Preparing the Mounting Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Mounting the VSpin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Installing the Buckets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
About the Connection Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Connecting to Air and Power Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
About the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Connecting to the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Installing the Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Creating and Managing Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Aligning the Buckets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Chapter 4. Performing a Spin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Workflow Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Turning on the VSpin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Starting the Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Using Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Configuring Motion Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Configuring Time Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Contents

Setting the Presented Bucket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Balancing the Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Starting a Spin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Monitoring the Progress of a Spin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Shutting Down the VSpin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Chapter 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Disconnecting the Air Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Preparing to Clean the VSpin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Unlocking and Opening the Door Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Removing the Buckets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Cleaning the VSpin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Cleaning Up Broken Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Testing the VSpin Actuators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
VSpin Error Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Packing the VSpin for Shipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Chapter 6. ActiveX Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
About ActiveX Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Setting Up Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Setting Up Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Setting Up Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

This chapter introduces the VSpin User Guide.
Introduction 1

Chapter 1: Introduction
VSpin User Guide
2
What This Guide Covers
Overview This guide is intended to be used by installers, integrators and lab
workers.
It covers how to:
❑Unpack the VSpin™
❑Mount the VSpin to a stable surface
❑Install and use the VSpin Diagnostics software
❑Set up the VSpin for operation
❑Perform a spin
❑Respond to errors
❑Clean and maintain the VSpin
❑Pack up your VSpin if you need to ship it
What This Guide
Does Not Cover
This guide does not cover the operation of third-party lab automation
systems, with the exception of the use of diagnostics software that is
developed by Velocity11®.
Companion
Documents
In addition to this guide, read Getting Started, which gives Velocity11
support information, explains how to use the online help versions of
Velocity11 technical documents and provides general safety guidelines.
If you do not have a copy, you can download it from our website at
www.velocity11.com.

3
Chapter 1: Introduction
VSpin User Guide
Getting Help from Velocity11
Sending Us an Email Software Errors
If you find an error in our software, or are unable to solve a technical
problem after reading “Maintenance and Troubleshooting” on page 65,
inform us by sending an email to [e-mail].
Include in your email:
❑Your software version number
❑A detailed description of the problem
Documentation Errors
If you find an error in our documentation, you can quickly let us know
by sending an email using the feedback button in the online help:
You can also send an email directly to [e-mail].
All feedback on our technical documentation is appreciated.
Bug Reports
If you are using the VSpin with the BioCel or BenchCel you can send us
a bug report from within VWorks™or BenchWorks™. Refer to the BioCel
User Guide or BenchCel User Guide for more information.
Find Your Software
Version
If you contact the Velocity11 Service Center, you might be asked for your
current software version.
To find your software version:
1. If you have not done so, install your VSpin Diagnostics software.
See “Installing the Software” on page 36.
2. Click Start > Programs > Velocity11 > VSpin > VSpin Test Container.
The VSpinApp dialog box opens.
3. Click OK.
4. The VSpin Control dialog box opens.
5. Look for the version number on the title bar.

Chapter 1: Introductione(VVSpin User Guide
Safety Information
Before installing and using the VSpin
Before installing and using the VSpin, make sure you are aware of the
potential hazards and understand how to avoid being exposed to them. You
must be properly trained in the correct and safe installation and operation of
the device.
Intended product use
!! INJURY HAZARD !! Do not remove the VSpin exterior covers or otherwise disassemble
the product. Doing so can expose you to hazards that could cause serious injury and damage
the VSpin.
!! INJURY HAZARD !! Using controls, making adjustments, or performing procedures
other than those specified in the user guide can expose you to moving parts and hazardous
voltage.
Agilent Technologies products must only be used in the manner described in
the Agilent Technologies product user guides. Any other use may result in
damage to the product or personal injury. Agilent Technologies is not
responsible for any damages caused, in whole or in part, by improper use of
the products, unauthorized alterations, adjustments or modifications to the
products, failure to comply with procedures in Agilent Technologies product
user guides, or use of the products in violation of applicable laws, rules or
regulations. Except as otherwise expressly provided in Agilent Technologies
product user guides, any alteration, adjustment, or modification to the products
will void the product warranty.
The VSpin is not intended or approved for diagnosis of disease in humans or
animals. You assume full responsibility for obtaining any regulatory approvals
required for such use and assume all liability in connection therewith.
Safety features
The VSpin has been designed to maximize safety with the following safety
features:
•The VSpin will not spin unless:
–The door is closed and locked.
–The buckets are unlocked.
–The bucket payloads are balanced.
–The appropriate software command is sent.
•The VSpin door will not unlock or open if the spindle is moving.
Moving parts
!! INJURY HAZARD !! Never attempt to touch any of the moving parts or remove plates
while the VSpin is in operation. It is not possible to touch the rotor while it is in motion, if the
door is functioning properly, but the door can cause possible pinching, piercing or bruising
when it closes.

Chapter 1: Introductione(WVSpin User Guide
!! INJURY HAZARD !! Keep your fingers, hair, clothing and jewelry away from the VSpin
while it is in motion.
Not all circumstances can be foreseen and more serious injury is possible. It is
the responsibility of every operator to follow warnings and safety labels, and
keep away from the gripper head whenever it is likely to move.
!! INJURY HAZARD !! Do not attempt to manually unlock the door while the rotor is
moving. Although no longer powered, the buckets may still be rotating at a dangerous speed.
!! INJURY HAZARD !! Do not operate the VSpin if any VSpin components or accessories
are damaged or have been modified in any manner not authorized by Agilent Technologies. Do
not operate the VSpin if foreign objects or liquids are trapped within the chamber. Discontinue
use if the VSpin vibrates or emits noise above normal levels.
!! INJURY HAZARD !! Do not exceed a plate mass of 250 grams (8.82 ounces) for each
bucket. Do not operate the VSpin above speeds of 1500 RPM unless it is securely mounted to a
structure approved by Agilent Technologies.
Hazardous-voltage electronics
!! INJURY HAZARD !! Do not try to gain access to the interior of the VSpin. Do not remove
the exterior panels. Hazardous voltage inside of a device can cause severe injury or death.
!! INJURY HAZARD !! Ensure that the power cords are in good condition and are not
frayed. Use of frayed or damaged power cords can cause injury.
High-pressure gas
!! INJURY HAZARD !! Working with open, charged air lines can result in injury. Turn off
the compressed air line when disconnecting or reconnecting devices that use compressed air.
Contact your facilities department or Automation Solutions Technical Support with questions
about setting up the air line.
Follow the local, state, and federal safety codes for the placement and
mounting of gas cylinders. For example, you might have to attach a standard
cylinder bracket to a solid permanent structure to meet or exceed all local
seismic and safety requirements.
Always use good laboratory practices when handling high- pressure cylinders.
Make sure you follow any instructions provided with the cylinders.
!! DAMAGE HAZARD !! Make sure that air supply is properly filtered for
moisture and aerosol impurities; there is no air filter on the VSpin. Dirt in
unfiltered air can build up in air valves and can eventually cause a
malfunction.
Chemical hazards
!! INJURY HAZARD !! Sample plates may contain toxic, caustic or radioactive substances.
If a sample plate containing anything other than innocuous materials breaks apart inside the
VSpin, contact the Automation Solutions Technical Support.
Some chemicals used when working with the VSpin can be hazardous. Make
sure you:
•Follow standard laboratory procedures and cautions when working with
chemicals.
•Follow your local, state, and federal safety regulations when using and
disposing of the chemicals.
!! DAMAGE HAZARD !! Trapped liquids may cause corrosion inside the VSpin.

Chapter 1: Introductione(XVSpin User Guide
Damage hazards
!! DAMAGE HAZARD !! Do not use harsh abrasives, corrosive cleaning agents,
or metal brushes to clean any VSpin components or accessories. Do not use
any concentration of bleach (sodium hypoclorite). Do not allow cleaning agents
to contact any electrical or sensitive mechanical components.
!! DAMAGE HAZARD !! Plates occasionally break apart inside the VSpin, and
the plate fragments need to be removed so they do not interfere with moving
parts and potentially damage the VSpin.
!! DAMAGE HAZARD !! Do not tamper with or adjust the VSpin rotor mounting
screw, which fastens the rotor to the central motor axle. It is located on the
bottom of the rotor. Contact Automation Solutions Technical Support if you
think the rotor mounting screw requires maintenance. The VSpin is designed to
have a permanently attached rotor, unlike many manual centrifuges that can
have interchangeable rotors.
Safety labels
Warnings in the user documentation or on the device must be observed during
all phases of operation, service, and repair of this device. Failure to comply
with these precautions violates safety standards of design and the intended use
of the product. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s
failure to comply with these requirements. The following table lists the
common symbols. A description of the warning and information that will help
you avoid the safety hazard are provided in this guide.
Symbol Description
Indicates that you must read the accompanying
instructions (for example, the safety guide) for more
information before proceeding.
Indicates hazardous voltages.
Indicates pinch, crush, and cut hazard.
Indicates laser hazard.
Indicates hot surface hazard.
Indicates protective conductor terminal, which is bonded
to conductive parts of an equipment for safety purposes.
Indicates that you must not discard this electrical/
electronic product in domestic household waste.

Chapter 1: Introductione(YVSpin User Guide
Safety and regulatory compliance
The VSpin complies with the applicable EU Directives and bears the CE mark.
See the Declaration of Conformity The VSpin is designed to comply with the
standards listed in the following table.
Electromagnetic compatibility
If the VSpin causes interference with radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the device off and on, try one or more of the
following measures:
•Relocate the radio or television antenna.
•Move the device away from the radio or television.
•Plug the device into a different electrical outlet, so that the device and the
radio or television are on separate electrical circuits.
•Make sure that all peripheral devices are also certified.
•Make sure that appropriate cables are used to connect the device to
peripheral equipment.
•Consult your equipment dealer, Agilent Technologies, or an experienced
technician for assistance.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Agilent Technologies could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Sound emission declaration
Sound pressure: Lp < 70 dB according to EN 27779:1991.
Schalldruckpegel: LP < 70 dB nach EN 27779:1991.
Regulatory Compliance Standard
EMC
European Union EMC Directive 2004/108/EC
IEC 61326- 1:2005 / EN 61326- 1:2006
Canada ICES/NMB- 001:2004
Australia/New Zealand AS/NZS CISPR 11:2004
Safety
European Union Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
IEC 61010- 1:2001 / EN61010- 1:2001
Canada CAN/CSA- C22.2 No. 61010- 1- 04
USA ANSI/UL 61010- 1:2004

Chapter 1: Introductione)VSpin User Guide

This chapter:
❑Introduces the VSpin™hardware and software
❑Lists the operating requirements and technical specifications of the
VSpin
VSpin Overview 2

Chapter 2: VSpin Overview
VSpin User Guide
6
VSpin Description
Introduction The VSpin is a microplate centrifuge that is intended to be integrated
with a robotic lab automation system such as the Velocity11®BioCel®. It
is not designed for manual use, and using it in this manner is not
recommended.
The VSpin has two buckets, each capable of carrying a single
microplate, filter plate, or lidded microplate.
The microplates in the two buckets must be balanced to within 10 grams
of each other. You can either pair one sample plate with another of
equal weight, or you can pair a sample plate with a balance plate that
has been equally weighted with water.
For more information about balancing the plates in the buckets, see
“Starting a Spin” on page 58.
Optional VSpin
Access or Access2
Not all robots can access the VSpin directly. For example, a crane style
robot can pick and place plates vertically, but cannot move a plate
horizontally through the VSpin door.
To allow plate placement by these robots, the VSpin can be paired with
the Velocity11 Access™or Access2™. The Access and Access2 are plate
loaders that each have a plate stage and a gripper. After your robot
places a plate onto the Access or Access2 plate stage, the gripper picks
up the plate and moves it into the VSpin.
For more information, see the Access User Guide or the Access2 User
Guide.

7
Chapter 2: VSpin Overview
VSpin User Guide
Hardware Overview
Front Features The following diagram shows the front features of the VSpin, most
notably the door and features for opening the door manually:
For more information, see “Unlocking and Opening the Door Manually”
on page 69.
Rear Features The following diagram shows the rear features of the VSpin, most
notably the connection panel:
For more information, see “About the Connection Panel” on page 32.
00077
VSpin
front
VSpin
00077
VSpin door
Finger
indentation for
opening the
door manually
Hole for
opening
the door
manually
00079
VSpin
back
00079
Connection panel
VSpin model
identification plate

Chapter 2: VSpin Overview
VSpin User Guide
8
Performance
Specifications
Labware
Compatibility
The Centrifuge is designed for labware that comply with the standards
ANSI/SLAS 1-2004 (R2012) through ANSI/SLAS 4-2004 (R2012).
The overall labware dimensions, including lid, must be within the
following values. Carefully evaluate any labware before use. If you have
questions, contact your Agilent Technologies representative for
evaluation.
❑Width: 12.8 cm (5.03 in)
❑Depth and height:
8.6 cm (3.38 in) up to 4.0 cm (1.57 in)
7.8 cm (3.07 in) up to 4.8 cm (1.89 in)
!! IMPORTANT !! The labware depth and height must fit in the
profile defined in the following figure.
Property Value
Spindle speed 0–3000 RPM
Labware dimensions See Labware Compatibility.
Maximum centrifugal force on
plate
1000 xg
Maximum imbalance 10 grams
If you require a higher balance
tolerance, contact Technical Support.
Maximum mass of each plate 250 grams
Acceleration ❑0–2000 RPM in 5.0 seconds
❑0–3000 RPM in 7.5 seconds
Deceleration ❑2000–0 RPM in 5.0 seconds
❑3000–0 RPM in 7.5 seconds
Height
Depth
Width
Labware dimensions

9
Chapter 2: VSpin Overview
VSpin User Guide
Software Overview
Lab Automation
Software
The Centrifuge is designed to be used with a lab automation system
such as the BioCel, that controls normal runs through its own software.
For example, if you are using a BioCel, the VWorks software controls the
Centrifuge. See the documents that came with your lab automation
system for more information.
Centrifuge
Diagnostics
Software
To set up the Centrifuge for automated operation and to troubleshoot
problems, use the diagnostics software, which is described in this guide.
The diagnostics software sends simple real-time commands, which are
issued immediately to the Centrifuge.
You must load a profile from the diagnostics software to initialize and
run the Centrifuge. See the Centrifuge Version 8 Quick Reference and the
Microplate Centrifuge Quick Guide.
Test Container
Software
The VSpin test container is an application that lets you access the
diagnostics software without VWorks or a link from third-party lab
automation software. It is used mainly by integrators, and is located on
the included software CD.
4.8 cm
7.8 cm
4.0 cm
8.6 cm
Height
Depth
Profile of centrifuge limits for labware height and depth

Chapter 2: VSpin Overview
VSpin User Guide
10
Software Control The following diagram shows the options for controlling a VSpin from a
computer (PC).
ActiveX Software
ActiveX is a set of Windows-based technologies that allows software
components to interact with each other regardless of the programming
language in which the components were created. From the VSpin
Diagnostics software, simple commands can be used to initiate complex
operations in networked VSpin centrifuges.
The VSpin ActiveX software includes:
❑VSpin Diagnostics software
❑Methods, which control individual operations
❑Properties, which set the values used in methods, such as
speed = fast
❑Events, which are notifications that methods are complete or have
errors
To allow you to develop your own controlling software, the chapter
“ActiveX Controls” on page 87 provides the ActiveX methods, events and
properties.
For the VSpin Access or Access2 control software, see the Access User
Guide or the Access2 User Guide.
ActiveX,
including
VSpin
Diagnostics
PC
Third-party
protocol-running software
VSpin test container
software
VWorks
Serial
port
VSpin
firmware
ActiveX
commands
ActiveX
commands
ActiveX
commands