Azure 200 User manual

Azure Imaging Systems
User Manual
for the Azure 200, Azure 280, Azure 300, Azure 300Q,
Azure 400, Azure 500, Azure 500Q, Azure 600
Rev 20210831

Azure Imaging System User Manual Page 1
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Important Safety Information
Please read these instructions before operating the Azure Imaging System.
UV Safety Precautions
The Azure Imaging System comes with a built-in ultraviolet (UV 200-400nm) Transilluminator. Exposure to
UV radiation can cause permanent damage to the eyes and skin. The enclosure connes the radiation within
the system and shields the user from exposure. The system is also equipped with a two-way safety interlock
switch which automatically cuts off the power to the transilluminator when the door is opened during
normal use.
It may become necessary to defeat the safety lock or operate the transilluminator outside the system for
service or band excision. In these cases, be sure to use the following safety precautions:
• Always wear UV-protected eyewear that is specied by the safety equipment manufacturer as
providing protection at the wavelength(s) used, making sure that the eyewear protects any areas
where radiation may come through (UV sunglasses may not prevent UV radiation from coming in
through the sides or around the lenses).
• Always cover all skin that may be exposed to UV light, especially the face, neck, hands, and arms.
• Always make sure that any UV protection devices (such as the safety switch on the light cabinet
apparatus) are working properly. If not, discontinue use until the device(s) are properly repaired.
• Use only UV lamps in the transilluminator and ensure they are the correct size and voltage.
Electrical Safety Precautions
Be sure to take proper precautions when handling any electrical equipment. NEVER work on any live
circuit, xture, receptacle, or switch. Safety rules you should follow whenever working with any electrical
appliance include:
• Always shut off power at the main disconnect before changing a fuse.
• Always shut off power to the circuit before repairing or replacing a switch, receptacle, or xture.
• Always tape over the main switch, empty fuse socket, or circuit breaker you are working on.
• Always check that the circuit is dead before beginning work on it. Using a circuit tester or voltmeter
can help you determine this.
• Always unplug any appliance before repairing it.
Protective ground terminal
The ground terminal, intended for connection to an external protective conductor for protection
against electric shock in case of a fault, is located on the inside of the back panel.
CAUTION Because U.V. radiation can cause serious damage
to unprotected eyes and skin, we recommend to
wear U.V. protection glasses or face shield.
UV

Azure Imaging System User Manual Page 2
Hot surface warning
Under normal conditions, the temperature of glass surface of UV transilluminator is below
50 °C and safe to touch. However, if the system malfunctions, it is possible that the glass
surface temperature may exceed 80°C. Please exercise caution when touching the glass
surface if this occurs.
Laser Safety
General Information
The Azure Imaging Systems models 600 and 500 both include a laser illumination system that provides
685nm and 784nm narrow band excitation for NIR applications. The imaging systems are certied to comply
with CE, UL and CSA safety standards. The laser modules consist of two fully enclosed electronic modules
located on the right and left interior sides of the imaging chamber. This laser system is by its appropriate
classication and denition a non-removable laser system as it is not operable when the laser modules
themselves are removed from within the system.
Safety Features
The Azure Imaging Systems are designed to prevent direct and collateral human exposure to radiation by
means of a safety interlock switch located on the right front side of the imaging chamber. The safety interlock
reacts to “door open” and “door closed” states and defeats all power to internal light sources when the door
is in the “open position”. Lasers and other internal system light sources will not power on unless the door
is fully closed. If the access door is opened during imaging, all light sources will immediately power off to
prevent human exposure to internal illumination sources. Right and left laser modules located in the 500 and
600 imaging chambers are installed in a highly diffused protective metal enclosure preventing exposure to
full laser radiation power. In addition, the entire laser system is fully enclosed within the system enclosure and
there are no viewing ports, windows, or openings to facilitate viewing of, or exposure to radiation elds from
direct impact, reection, or leakage. It is possible to override the safety switch, which allows the user to turn
on the light sources with the door open, which may be useful for band excision in UV.
Maintenance
The Azure Imaging Systems models 500 and 600 do not require regular, periodic, or preventive maintenance
in the form of adjustments, calibrations, cleaning, or other standard maintenance procedures to maintain
optimal performance, thereby removing the need for users or their service technicians to initiate any actions
where exposure to laser radiation would occur.
Serviceability
Replacement of faulty laser modules is a manufacturer-only repair action and not a customer-service
action. Laser repair or replacement may be performed in the eld by Azure Biosystems authorized service
technicians, or by return of the entire system to Azure Biosystems, or its authorized service location(s) for
laser repair or replacement. Lasers are deemed to be faulty or defective if users discover images that show
evidence of output signal level loss in either the left or right laser module, a signicant difference between the
output signal levels between the left and right lasers modules, or complete loss of output signal level in either
or both laser modules. Users or their service technicians should make no attempt to determine the cause of
faulty laser operation, and should promptly contact Azure Biosystems at [e-mail] or
their nearest Azure Biosystems authorized service location.
Caution
The Azure Imaging Systems models 500 and 600 contain a defeatable safety interlock system. It is not
recommended or advised by Azure Biosystems, under any circumstances, for users to defeat the interlock
system and perform laser imaging, or imaging with any 500 or 600 light source with the access door open.
The access door must be fully closed.

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For Research Use Only
This instrument is suitable for research use only. It must be used, therefore, only by personnel who know the
health risks associated with the reagents that are normally used with this instrument.
Warranty
The Azure Imaging System products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for
one year unless otherwise outlined on your sales order or www.azurebiosystems.com/warranty. If any
defect occurs in the instrument during this warranty period, Azure Biosystems, Inc. will repair or replace the
defective parts at its discretion without charge. The following defects, however, are specically excluded:
• Defects caused by improper operation.
• Repair or modication done by anyone other than Azure Biosystems or the company’s
authorized agent.
• Use of spare parts supplied by anyone other than Azure Biosystems.
• Damage caused by accident or misuse.
• Damage caused by disaster.
• Corrosion caused by improper solvents or samples.
• Unauthorized movement of the Azure Imaging System.
Voltage Setting Information
The Azure Imaging System has a power supply that automatically chooses the correct voltage for your
country or region.
CE Conformity
The following Azure Imaging Systems, models: 200, 280, 300, 300Q, 400, 500, 500Q, 600 are in conformity
with the provisions of the following EC Directives, including all amendments, and national legislation
implementing these directives:
• Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
• EMC Directive 2004/108/EC
And that the following harmonized standards have been applied:
• EN61010-1: 2001
• EN61326-1: 1997+A1:1998+A2:2001+A3:2003 Class A
• EN61000-4-2, EN61000-4-3, EN61000-4-4, EN61000-4-5, EN61000-4-6, EN61000-4-11
Protection category: IP20 according IEC 60529

Azure Imaging System User Manual Page 4
FCC Standards on Radio Frequency
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in
a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Contact
Azure Biosystems, Inc.
6747 Sierra Court, Suite A-B • Dublin, CA 94568 • USA
[email protected] • [phone] • Fax [phone]

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction 6
1.1 Table of Specications 7
1.2 Contacting Technical Support 7
2. Installation and Setup 8
2.1 System Placement 8
2.2 Connecting to Power 8
2.3 Turning the System On/Off 8
2.4 Software Installation 9
2.5 Other USB Input Devices 9
3. Image Capture Overview 10
3.1 The home page contains the following imaging options 10
3.2 Key denitions that apply to all imaging types 11
3.3 Chemi Blot Imaging Mode 12
3.4 Fluorescent Labels Imaging Mode 13
3.5 Nucleic Acid Gels with Dyes Imaging Mode 15
3.6 Protein Gels with Dyes Imaging Mode 17
3.7 True Color Imaging Mode 18
3.8 Custom Imaging Mode 19
4. Image Gallery Overview 21
4.1 Gallery 21
4.2 Image Adjustment Functions 22
5. Settings Overview 23
5.1 General 23
5.2 Create Darkmasters, Focus Calibration, Create Flats 23

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1. Introduction
The Azure Imaging System offers high performance imaging for a wide variety of applications. The family of
instruments includes the following products: 200, 280, 300, 300Q, 400, 500, 500Q, and 600.
Select which one ts your applications now, and learn more about upgrading later when your needs change.
Each Azure imaging workstation can be upgraded in the eld to a higher model with a wider
range of applications. Contact your Azure representative to nd out about upgrade options at
[email protected].
The Azure imaging system includes the following key components:
• Cabinet – The cabinet is a light tight image station. It includes the camera and lens, light sources, lter
wheel, integrated touchscreen computer, Ethernet, and USB ports for data collection and external
computer control.
• Camera – High resolution camera, preinstalled in the system.
• UV Transilluminator – The UV illuminator provides 302nm and 365nm trans illumination. It is
mounted on a pull-out tray.
• EPI LEDs – The LED module allows you to take images using Blue Light excitation and true
color images.
• EPI RGB LEDs – High intensity LED illuminators (Azure 400 and 600).
• EPI 685 and 784 Laser Diodes – (Azure 500 and 600).
• Filter Wheel – The 7-position lter wheel is automated. It includes the standard Orange lter
for most UV uorescent applications, and additional Red, Green, Blue, and/or IR lters for
multichannel systems.
• Integrated Computer – The touch screen PC is completely integrated for system control and
image acquisition.
• Black Tray – Stored in the front door, the Black Tray (also called Blot Tray) is required for imaging all
blots. For uorescence and chemiluminescence applications that do not use the UV Transilluminator,
it can be placed on the UV transilluminator, or on the top shelf in the cabinet.
• Trans White Table – The Trans White Table can be plugged into the system with the cable behind the
UV transilluminator. This table is placed on top of the UV transilluminator and provides an even light
source that can be used for imaging of colorimetric gels, silver stain gels, cell-culture plates and other
transparent, colorimetric samples. The Trans White Table will only turn on when the system door
is closed.
• USB Ports – There are 2 USB ports for data transfer. One located on the front panel, and another on
the lower right side of the cabinet. A USB A to B port is also available for optional connection to an
external computer.
• USB Memory Stick – The Azure Biosystems memory stick contains calibration les relevant to your
imaging system.
• AzureSpot Analysis Software – Please contact our technical support to receive your electronic
license at [e-mail]. Be sure to have your system serial number when you reach
out for support for the AzureSpot Analysis Software license keys.

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Azure 600 Azure 500 Azure 400 Azure 300 Azure 280 Azure 200
Upgradable
to 600
Upgradable
to 600
Upgradable
to 400, 500,
and 600
Upgradable
to 300, 400,
500, and 600
1.1 Table of Specications
Image Resolution 5.4M pixels (200); 5.9M pixels (280);
9.1M pixels (300, 300Q, 400, 500, 500Q, 600)
Epi-illuminations Blue LED; RGB LED (400, 600); 685nm Laser Diode (500, 500Q, 600);
784nm Laser Diode (500, 500Q, 600)
Trans-Illumination 302nm/365nm
Maximum Field of View 20.5 cm x 16.5 cm
Image output 16-BIT TIFF, 8-BIT TIFF, JPEG, BMP
Working environment Ambient temperature/humidity: 0 –30°C / 85%
Power requirement 100-240 VAC, 4A
Dimensions (W x D x H) 41 cm x 56 cm x 33 cm
Weight 20.3 kg (44.8 lbs)
1.2 Contacting Technical Support
For questions about installation, setup or general use of the system, please contact
[e-mail] or call [phone], 9am–4pm PST (GMT-8).
• Upgrades available for chemiluminescence, RGB uorescence and NIR uorescence.
• Q Module—Upgrade the Azure 500 and Azure 300 to include a green uorescence Q module to add a
dedicated channel for total protein normalization in quantitative Western blots.
BLUE FLUOR
UV FLUOR
CHEMI
RGB FLUOR
NIR FLUOR
TRUE COLOR
BLUE FLUOR
UV FLUOR
CHEMI
NIR FLUOR
TRUE COLOR
BLUE FLUOR
UV FLUOR
CHEMI
RGB FLUOR
TRUE COLOR
BLUE FLUOR
UV FLUOR
CHEMI
TRUE COLOR
BLUE FLUOR
UV FLUOR
CHEMI
TRUE COLOR
BLUE FLUOR
UV FLUOR
TRUE COLOR
TRANS WHITETRANS WHITE TRANS WHITE TRANS WHITE TRANS WHITE TRANS WHITE

Azure Imaging System User Manual Page 8
2.1 System Placement
WARNING: Excessive Weight Hazard – Please use two or more people to lift the system. Failure to do so
can result in system damage and personal injury.
As with all electrical instruments, the Azure imaging system should be located away from water, solvents,
or corrosive materials, on a at and stable surface with adequate clearance on all sides. The system must
remain stationary during operation.
The system should be placed away from interfering electrical signals and magnetic elds. If possible, a
dedicated electrical outlet should be used to eliminate electrical interference from other instrumentation in
your laboratory.
The Azure Imaging System should be installed at no more than 3000 meters above sea level. The unit should
be placed out of direct, bright sunlight or illumination sources to guard against light leaks.
2.2 Connecting to Power
The power entry module is located in the lower right on the back panel of the system.
Connect the power cord to a secure power outlet.
It is important to connect the system to a well-grounded power source. Azure
Biosystems recommends that you employ a surge protecting power strip to
protect against unexpected power surges that may cause damage to the
electrical components.
2. Installation and Setup
2.3 Turning the System On/Off
The main power switch is located at the back panel, next to the power cord.
1. First, ip the power switch to On (l).
2. To wake the integrated computer, press the power button on the front of the
system. The power button on the front of the system will light up green when
the system is on.
3. Launch the Azure Imaging System software from the icon on the desktop.
To turn off the system, shut down the built-in computer by:
1. Closing the Azure Imaging System Software from the arrow icon on the
bottom left-hand side of the screen, or swiping left to right on the left side of
the screen to minimize the software window.
2. Turn off power to the system using the power switch on the back of
the instrument.
Azure Biosystems recommends leaving the system on during working hours.

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2.4 Software Installation
The Azure Capture Software is pre-installed. When the 13.3-inch touchscreen computer running Windows
10 Enterprise is powered on, launch the Azure Imaging Systems software from the icon on the desktop. If the
software has been closed, double click on the desktop icon.
Once the system is done initializing, the software displays the Home screen, and is ready to use.
Please contact Azure technical support at [e-mail] for questions about upgrading
the software.
2.5 Other USB Input Devices
You may attach regulatory approved, Windows OS supported USB keyboard, USB mouse or other USB input
devices to either the front or upper USB port on the side of the instrument.

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3. Image Capture Overview
The Azure Imaging System captures high quality images with an intuitive user interface. The icon based
software allows you to program multiple applications with the touch of a button. There is no need to adjust
the focus on your sample. Simply put your sample in the system, select an exposure time, then hit capture.
3.1 The home page contains the following imaging options:
1. Chemi Blot – for samples with luminescent and chemiluminescent signals such as from ECL-HRP.
See Section 3.3 for additional information.
2. Fluorescent Labels – for samples with uorescent signals in up to four channels (red, green, blue,
and grayscale) for multiplex imaging. See Section 3.4 for additional information.
3. Nucleic Acid Gels with Dyes – image uorescent stained nucleic acid gels. See Section 3.5 for
additional details.
4. Protein Gels with Dyes – image stained protein gels. See Section 3.6 for additional details.
5. True Color Imaging – image colorimetric dyes and colored samples with full color rendering.
See section 3.7 for details.
6. Custom – customize each imaging specication. Protocols created here can be saved for later use
and recalled using the Protocols button. See Section 3.8 for additional details.
Other options include:
7. Protocol selection – use to create and recall saved, custom imaging protocols.
8. Auto Save Functionality – automatically save any image taken during a session.
On the left-hand side menu there are the following buttons:
9. Reach the home page at any time by clicking .
10. Access the Gallery to view and edit images. See Section 4.1 for details.
11. Access this User Manual at any time by clicking .
12. takes you to Settings. See Section 4.3 for details.
13. Click to exit the program and return to the desktop.
14. Time and date based on Windows settings.
15. Software version number.
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3.2 Key denitions that apply to all imaging types:
1. Auto Image vs Manually Image
• Auto Image – determines your optimal exposure time automatically.
• Manually Image – enables you to set each parameter to your preferred specications.
2. Pixel Binning – refers to the pixel binning setting (i.e. how the pixels are grouped). The higher the
pixel binning, the lower the image resolution. 1x1 uses the full resolution of the camera, and other
possible settings are 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8. Therefore, choose 1x1 for the highest resolution
and widest dynamic range.
40 seconds, unbinned
40 seconds, 2X2 bin
Pixel binning improves image sensitivity. Pixel binning is a powerful technique for digital imaging that increases
sensitivity by combining pixels to make a larger “super-pixel.” The super-pixel images improve the signal-to-background
ratio (SBR) when compared against unbinned images.
1X1 Binning
2X2 Binning
3.9 µ
3.9 µ
7.8 µ
7.8 µ
3. Exposure – choose the exposure time manually or use autoexposure, which will allow the software
to capture the image for you using the full dynamic range of the camera. There are four options
for Exposure:
• Rapid Capture – software will optimize a short exposure time to the brightest signal on the blot.
• Overexpose – software will calculate an exposure time that saturates the brightest bands in the
blot to potentially capture weaker signals. This is useful for blots where the brightest bands may
not be the bands of interest. This will saturate part of the image.
• Wide Dynamic Range – software will calculate an exposure time that is long enough to capture
the widest range of signal while avoiding saturation. This autoexposure method is well suited to
most blots. Uses the full dynamic range of the camera.
• Manual – select a custom exposure time. The maximum exposure time is 60 minutes for
chemiluminescence detection and 5 minutes for uorescence imaging.
4. Live Mode – in Manually Image menu, tap to enable Live Mode. Click again to close. Live Mode
illuminates the imaging area to allow you to see a live image to verify sample placement.
• Auto-exposure to region – set area that you want the autoexpose to focus on.
• Capture selected region – generate an image of the selected region of interest.

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3.3 Chemi Blot Imaging Mode
Use this with samples that have luminescent and
chemiluminescent signals such as from HRP.
1. Place sample in the center of the Black Tray.
2. Place the tray in one of two positions: on the UV
transilluminator or on the upper shelf, in the middle of
the imaging system.
Note that using the upper shelf will block the shelf
underneath, so shelves must be used one at a time.
• Use the position on the UV transilluminator for larger samples.
• Use the position on the upper shelf for small samples. Using this top shelf
increases the resolution of the blot.
3. Close the door to the system.
4. Select Chemi Blot from the home screen.
5. The program is set to image chemiluminescent signal in the gray channel.
6. Choose additional imaging channels, such as Blue Ladder for imaging blue-stained ladders using
red uorescence, or TotalStain Q for total protein normalization, if the corresponding channels are
available in the system.
To select an additional dye, hit one of the colored buttons to bring up the dye selection menu.
Click the name of a dye to select it.
Note: List of dyes available is customizable in the Settings tab.
7. Select Color Marker to create an overlay of the visible molecular weight marker/ladder and the ECL
signal. The marker image can be manually overlaid on top of the chemi image, maintaining the
positions on the gel or membrane in the gallery, or automatically merged after capture by selecting
Auto Merge in Settings. The Color Marker button will appear green when active.
Note: The option for color marker imaging will disappear if multiplex imaging the chemi channel with
additional uorescent channels (such as uorescent ladders and total protein stains).
8. Use Auto Image if you want the system to determine the optimal default exposure for each selected
channel using the RapidCapture exposure mode.
9. Select Manually Image to control all imaging settings.
10. Select the Pixel Binning setting based on the desired sensitivity and imaging resolution. See Section
3.2 for more details.
11. Exposure type can be selected for each channel. Select between the different auto exposure modes
or choose Manual Exposure Type to enter the desired exposure time. See Section 3.2 for more details
on the different Auto Exposure options.
12. The CCD Cooled icon will turn green once the CCD has reached optimal cooling.
13. The info button offers recommendations on imaging and directions on whether a tray is required for
the imaging type chosen.
14. In Manually Image menu, tap to enable Live Mode. Click again to close. Live Mode illuminates
the imaging area to allow you to see a live image of the position of your sample, and offers the
following additional options:
• Auto-exposure to region – set area that you want the autoexpose to focus on.

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• Capture selected region – will generate an image of the selected region.
15. Select the Capture button to capture the image according to the set specications.
16. When imaging a single channel chemiluminescent image with or without color marker, the additional
option of Imaging Mode is available. Select between Single image capture, Cumulative image
capture and Multiple image capture.
• Single – captures a single image according to the exposure type selected.
• Cumulative – captures multiple images at the user set time interval and cumulates the signal of
each subsequent image. For example: if you set an exposure time of 1 minute, the system will
capture and display one image every minute cumulating each exposure, up to ten exposures
(default. Number of exposures adjustable in Settings/General). The rst image displayed will be
a one minute exposure. The second image displayed, at the two minute interval, will be a two
minute exposure. The nal, tenth image, will be the sum of ten, 1-minute images. Images appear
and can be viewed in the Gallery tab as they are acquired.
• Multiple – select between 1 and 5 images. The exposure time for each individual image can be set
independently. The images are not stacked. Use the arrow buttons to move between the frames
when setting the exposure times
17. After capture, images will appear in the Gallery automatically. The Gallery can be reached at any
time by pressing the Gallery icon.
18. Go back one screen at any time by pressing the back icon.
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3.4 Fluorescent Labels Imaging Mode
Use this for samples with uorescent signals in up to four channels (displayed in red, green, blue, and
grayscale pseudocolor) for multiplex imaging.
1. Remove the black tray from its position on the inside of the door, and place the uorescent blot or gel
in the center of the tray. Then place the tray and sample on the bottom or top shelf inside the imager.
2. Close the Azure Imaging System door.
3. Select Fluorescent Labels from the home screen.
4. Select desired uorescent labels by clicking on any one of four color channels: red, green, blue, and
gray, and selecting the desired dye to assign it to that pseudo-color channel.
Note: List of dyes available is customizable in the Settings tab.
5. Use Auto Image if you want the system to determine the optimal default exposure for each selected
channel using the RapidCapture exposure mode.
6. Select Manually Image to control all imaging settings.
7. Select the Pixel Binning setting based on the desired sensitivity and imaging resolution. See Section
3.2 for more details.
8. Exposure type can be selected for each channel. Select between the different auto exposure modes
or choose Manual Exposure Type to enter the desired exposure time. See Section 3.2 for more details
on the different Auto Exposure options.
9. The info button offers recommendations on imaging and directions on whether a tray is required for
the imaging type chosen.
10. In Manually Image menu, tap to enable Live Mode. Click again to close. Live Mode illuminates
the imaging area to allow you to see a live image and offers the following additional options:
• Auto-exposure to region – set area that you want the autoexpose to focus on.
• Capture selected region – capture an image of a selected region of interest.
11. Select the Capture button to capture the image according to the set specications.
12. After capture, images will appear in the Gallery automatically. The Gallery can be reached at any
time by pressing the Gallery icon.
13. Go back one screen at any time by pressing the back icon.
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3.5 Nucleic Acid Gels with Dyes Imaging Mode
Use this for nucleic acid samples stained with uorescent dyes (displayed in red, green, blue, and
grayscale pseudocolor).
1. Open door and place sample directly on trans UV illuminator if using UV modes. If using Blue light for
the excitation, place sample on the black tray and place in the imager.
2. Close the Azure Imaging System door.
3. Select Nucleic Acid Gels with Dyes from the home screen.
4. By default, the software will be set to gray as the primary channel. Click the gray Choose a Channel
button to select the desired dye for imaging.
Note: List of dyes available is customizable in the Settings tab.
5. Add additional dyes if desired by clicking on any one of the three additional color channels: red,
green, blue, and selecting the desired dye to assign it to that color channel
6. Use Auto Image if you want the system to determine the optimal default exposure for each selected
channel using the Wide Dynamic Range exposure mode.
7. Select Manually Image to control all imaging settings.
8. Select the Pixel Binning setting based on the desired sensitivity and imaging resolution. See Section
3.2 for more details.
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9. Exposure type can be selected for each channel. Select between the different auto exposure modes
or choose Manual Exposure Type to enter the desired exposure time. See Section 3.2 for more details
on the different Auto Exposure options.
10. In Manually Image menu, tap to enable Live Mode. Click again to close. Live Mode illuminates
the imaging area to allow you to see a live image and offers the following additional options
• Auto-exposure to region – set area that you want the autoexpose to use to determine
exposure time.
• Capture selected region – capture an image of the selected region of interest.
11. UV Override is useful for band excision, or pre-warming the UV bulbs. Click the UV Override button
to engage.
• For band excision, click the Band Excision button and use the key located on the door of the Azure
Imager to manually override the UV safety mechanism in the door lock of the imager. Use the
correct protection described in the UV Safety Precautions sections of this manual.
12. Select the Capture button to capture the image according to the set specications.
13. After capture, images will appear in the Gallery automatically. The Gallery can be reached at any
time by pressing the Gallery icon.
14. Go back one screen at any time by pressing the back icon.
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3.6 Protein Gels with Dyes Imaging Mode
Use this for protein gel applications. There are different imaging modalities depending on the dye:
• Fluorescent dyes excited with UV light. Sample placed on the transilluminator (e.g.: light-induced
crosslinked UV dyes).
• Fluorescent dyes excited with EPI light (RGB, NIR700, NIR800). Sample placed on top of the Black
Tray (e.g.: SYPRO Ruby, Coomassie Blue uorescence).
• Colorimetric dyes visualized with visible light. Sample placed on top of the Orange Tray or Trans
White Table (Silver Stain, Coomassie Blue).
1. Place sample in the center of the eld of view (UV Transilluminator or Black Tray, depending on the
detection mode).
2. Close the Azure Imaging System door.
3. Select Protein Gels with Dyes from the home screen.
4. By default, the software will be set to gray as the primary channel. Click the gray Choose a Channel
button to select the desired dye for imaging.
Note: List of dyes available is customizable in the Settings tab.
5. Add additional dyes if desired by clicking on any one of the three additional color channels: red,
green, blue, and selecting the desired dye to assign it to that color channel.
6. Use Auto Image if you want the system to determine the optimal default exposure for each selected
channel using the Wide Dynamic Range exposure mode.
7. Select Manually Image to control all imaging settings.
8. Select the Pixel Binning setting based on the desired sensitivity and imaging resolution. See Section
3.2 for more details.
9. Exposure type can be selected for each channel. Select between the different auto exposure modes
or choose Manual Exposure Type to enter the desired exposure time. See Section 3.2 for more details
on the different Auto Exposure options.
10. In Manually Image menu, tap to enable Live Mode. Click again to close. Live Mode illuminates the
imaging area to allow you to see a live image and offers the following additional options.
• Auto-exposure to region – set area that you want the autoexpose to use to determine
exposure time.
• Capture selected region – capture an image of the selected region of interest.
11. UV Override is useful for pre-warming the UV bulbs or for light-induced cross-linking of UV-
activated for total protein staining. Click the UV Override button to engage.
• Select Light On 5 Minutes for UV dye activation. Check the box for automatic image acquisition if
you would like the imager to acquire an image immediately after the 5 minutes.
12. Select the Capture button to capture the image according to the set specications
13. After capture, images will appear in the Gallery automatically. The Gallery can be reached at any
time by pressing the Gallery icon.
14. Go back one screen at any time by pressing the back icon.

Azure Imaging System User Manual Page 18
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3.7 True Color Imaging Mode
Use this mode to capture the true color of opaque or translucent colorimetric samples.
1. Place sample in the center of the eld of view using the tray/table indicated by each imaging option.
2. Close the Azure Imaging System door.
3. Select True Color Imaging from the home screen.
4. Choose the imaging type based on sample type
• Use Opaque Sample Epi for opaque colorimetric samples such as colorimetric western blots or
TLC plates using the Black Tray.
• Use Translucid Sample Epi for imaging translucent samples such as Coomassie gels using the
White Tray.
• Use Translucid Sample Trans for imaging translucent samples such as Coomassie gels using the
Trans White Table
Note: This feature is only available in the Azure 400 and 600 imagers.
5. Click Auto Image to capture image. The system will determine the optimal exposure using the Wide
Dynamic Range exposure mode.
6. After capture, images will appear in the Gallery automatically. The Gallery can be reached at any
time by pressing the Gallery icon.
7. Go back one screen at any time by pressing the back icon.
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Azure Imaging System User Manual Page 19
3.8 Custom Imaging Mode
Use this imaging mode to select every aspect of your imaging protocol.
1. Place sample in the imager using the black tray if necessary and close the Azure Imaging System
door. If the Black Tray is used, make sure that the tray is in the desired position (i.e.: on the top shelf
or on the transilluminator) before selecting Custom Imaging on the Home Screen. The position of the
Black Tray will select the default focal plane for imaging.
2. Select Custom Imaging from the home screen.
3. Click on the Protocols button. Select an existing protocol to use as a base or select New Protocol to
create a new protocol from scratch.
4. Select the Pixel Binning setting based on the desired sensitivity and imaging resolution. See Section
3.2 for more details.
5. Select the appropriate Light Source and Emission Filter and assign the desired pseudo color to
the channel.
6. Adjust the aperture according to sample type or as desired. We recommend a wider aperture for
chemiluminescence and a mid-level aperture for RGB and NIR. The most narrow aperture is best for
UV applications.
7. Select to adjust the camera focus. The focus value in custom defaults to the focus value of the
selected lter and tray position. If desired, the focus can be manually adjusted by moving the slider.
Note: For Azure 200, the focus does not need to be adjusted for the UV table or black tray.
8. Select to adjust the exposure type for each channel. Select between the different auto exposure
modes or choose Manual Exposure Type to enter the desired exposure time. See Section 3.2 for more
details on the different Auto Exposure options
9. Click to add additional dyes to the capture protocol. Repeat steps 5 through 8 for each dye added
(e.g. Excitation/emission/channel, aperture, focus, and exposure times). Up to four individual dyes
may be captured per image (displayed in red, green, blue, and grayscale pseudocolor).
10. Select to display a preview image using the selected settings.
11. Click to enter Live Mode to visualize the position of the sample.
12. Save Protocol to recall the protocol as set after imaging, or Delete Protocols as needed.
13. Select the Capture button to capture the image according to the set specications.
14. After capture, images will appear in the Gallery automatically. The Gallery can be reached at any
time by pressing the Gallery icon.
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