BTX ECM 830 User manual

Publication 5501-001-R V-
45-0052 CM®830 lectroporator only (110 V)
45-0052INT CM®830 lectroporator only (220 V)
User’s M nu l
ECM®830 Electroporation System

EU Directives WEEE and RoHS
To Our Valued Customers:
We are committed to being a good corporate citizen. As part of that commitment,
we strive to maintain an environmentally conscious manufacturing operation.
The uropean Union ( U) has enacted two Directives, the first on product recycling
(Waste lectrical and lectronic quipment, W ) and the second limiting the use
of certain substances (Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances, RoHS).
Over time, these Directives will be implemented in the national laws of each U
Member State.
Once the final national regulations have been put into place, recycling will be offered
for our products which are within the scope of the W Directive. Products falling
under the scope of the W Directive available for sale after August 13, 2005 will
be identified with a “wheelie bin” symbol.
Two Categories of products covered by the W Directive are currently exempt
from the RoHS Directive – Category 8, medical devices (with the exception of
implanted or infected products) and Category 9, monitoring and control instru-
ments. Most of our products fall into either Category 8 or 9 and are currently
exempt from the RoHS Directive. We will continue to monitor the application of the
RoHS Directive to its products and will comply with any changes as they apply.
• Do Not Dispose Product with Municipal Waste
• Special Collection/Disposal Required
WEEE/RoHS Compliance Statement

ECM®830 Electroporation System
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T ble of Contents
General Information:
Serial Number................................................................2
Calibration......................................................................2
Warranty ....................................................................2-3
Service ..........................................................................4
Repair Facilities and Parts ..............................................5
General Safety Summary..............................................6-7
Electrical & Technical Specifications............................8-9
General Specifications....................................................10
Introduction:
Features........................................................................11
Operation: Getting Started ............................................12
Quick Start:
Installation....................................................................13
Connecting ..................................................................13
Initializing ....................................................................13
Instrument Controls ..............................................14-21
Operating Basics ............................................................22
Advanced Operation: Programming ............................23
Electroporation/Electrofusion Theory:
lectroporation ............................................................24
lectrofusion ..........................................................24-25
Applications:
lectroporation ......................................................26-27
lectrofusion ................................................................27
Appendix A: ECM®830 Electrode
Operation Ranges................................28-29
Appendix B: Optimization Strategies ......................30-31
Appendix C: Electrical Troubleshooting........................32
Appendix D: Experimental Troubleshooting ................33
Appendix E: Glossary of Electrical Terms ..............34-35
Appendix F: Glossary of Biological
& Technical Terms ..............................36-38
Appendix G: Electroporation and Electrofusion
Pulse Generator Compatibility ................39
Appendix H: Recommended Reading............................39
Appendix I: Accessories and Replacement Parts ..40-41
Appendix J: General Care and Cleaning ......................42
Appendix : Footswitch Connection........................43-44
Appendix L: Connecting Electrodes ........................45-50

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T ble of Contents (continued)
Appendix M: Plate Handlers ....................................51-52
ECM®830 Generator Troubleshooting
Guidelines ............................................53-54

ECM®830 Electroporation System
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Gener l Inform tion
Serial Number
The serial number for the CM®830 is located on the rear of the
instrument case. All inquiries concerning these products should refer
to the serial numbers on the units.
Calibration
There is no calibration required for the CM®830.
Warranty
BTX - Harvard Apparatus warranties the CM®830 for a period of two
years from the date of purchase. At its option, BTX – Harvard
Apparatus will repair or replace the unit if it is found to be defective as
to workmanship or materials. This warranty does not extend to any
instrumentation which has been (a) subjected to misuse, neglect,
accident or abuse, (b) repaired or altered by anyone other than
BTX - HARVARD APPARATUS without BTX - HARVARD APPARATUS’
express and prior approval, (c) used in violation of instructions
furnished by BTX - HARVARD APPARATUS. This warranty extends
only to the original customer purchaser.
Failure to use the nhancer 3000 High Voltage probe to connect a
BTX Generator to an external digital oscilloscope for monitoring will
result in voiding your warranty; connecting directly to the external
monitoring equipment or modified monitoring setup will damage the
Generator.
IN NO EVENT SHALL BTX - HARVARD APPARATUS BE LIABLE FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not
allow exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so
the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. THERE ARE
NO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR USE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE. Some states
do not allow this limitation on an implied warranty, so the above
limitation may not apply to you.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, BTX - HARVARD
APPARATUS shall not be liable for any claims of any kind whatsoever,
as to the equipment delivered or for non-delivery of equipment, and
whether or not based on negligence.
Warranty is void if the CM®830 is changed in any way from its
original factory design or if repairs are attempted without written
authorization by BTX - HARVARD APPARATUS.
Warranty is void if parts, connections or cell fusion chambers not
manufactured by BTX - HARVARD APPARATUS are used with the
CM®830.

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Gener l Inform tion (Continued)
If a defect arises within the warranty period, promptly contact
BTX – Harvard Apparatus, 84 October Hill Road, Building 7, Holliston,
Massachusetts, USA 01746-1388 using our toll free number
1-800-272-2775 (US Only) or 508-893-8999
( -mail: [e-mail]). Goods will not be
accepted for return unless an RMA (Returned Materials Authorization)
number has been issued by our customer service department. The
customer is responsible for shipping charges. Please allow a reason-
able period of time for completion of repairs, replacement and return.
If the unit is replaced, the replacement unit is covered only for the
remainder of the original warranty period dating from the purchase of
the original device.
This warranty gives you specific rights, and you may also have other
rights, which vary from state to state.
Service
All service under the warranty will be made at the BTX - HARVARD
APPARATUS, Holliston, Massachusetts facilities or an authorized
service site. Owner will ship instrument prepaid to Holliston,
Massachusetts, USA or the service site. BTX - HARVARD APPARATUS
will return the instrument after servicing, freight prepaid to owner’s
address.
Obtaining Service:
Service During Warranty
1. Write or call the BTX - HARVARD APPARATUS Customer
Support Group and describe the nature of the problem.
2. Carry out minor adjustments or tests as suggested by
BTX - HARVARD APPARATUS.
3. If proper performance is not obtained, BTX - HARVARD
APPARATUS will notify you to ship the instrument, prepaid,
to its Service Department.The instrument will be repaired
and returned at no charge for all customers in the
continental United States.
Customers outside of the continental United States who have
purchased our equipment from distributors should contact the
distributor. If you have purchased your equipment from us, you
should contact us directly. We will repair at no charge, but will not
pay for shipment, documentation, etc. These charges will be billed
at cost.
Note: Under no condition should the instrument or accessories be
returned without prior approval from BTX - HARVARD APPARATUS. An
RMA (Returned Materials Authorization) number must be obtained.

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Gener l Inform tion (continued)
Out-Of-Warranty Service
Proceed exactly as for Warranty Service, above. If our Service
Department can assist you by phone or correspondence, we will
be glad to, at no charge.
Repair service will be billed on the basis of labor and materials. A
complete statement of time spent and materials used will be
supplied. Shipment to BTX - HARVARD APPARATUS should be
prepaid. Your bill will include return shipment freight charges.
Disassembly by the user is prohibited. Service should only be carried
out by experienced BTX - HARVARD APPARATUS technicians.
Repair Facilities and Parts
BTX - Harvard Apparatus stocks replacement and repair parts.
When ordering, please describe parts as completely as possible,
preferably using our part numbers. If practical, enclose a sample
or drawing. We offer complete reconditioning service.

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Gener l S fety Summ ry
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and
prevent damage to this product or any products connected to it.
To avoid potential hazards, use this product only as specified.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
To Avoid Fire or Personal Injury
US PROP R POW R CORD
Use only the power cord specified for this product and certified
for the country of use.
CONN CT AND DISCONN CT PROP RLY
Do not connect or disconnect probes or test leads while they are
connected to a power source.
GROUND TH PRODUCT
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the
power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor
must be connected to earth ground. Before making connections
to the output terminals of the product, ensure that the product is
properly grounded.
OBS RV ALL T RMINAL RATINGS
To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all ratings and markings
on the product. Consult the product manual for further ratings
information before making connections to the product.
DO NOT OP RAT WITHOUT COV RS
Do not operate this product with covers or panels removed.
Use Proper Fuse. Use only the fuse type and rating specified for
this product.
AVOID XPOSUR TO CIRCUITRY
Do not touch exposed connections and components when power
is present.
DO NOT OP RAT IN LOW IMP DANC
Sample: Load or Sample
If the electroporation samples have an impedance of less than
20 Ωin LV and 40 Ωin HV, the samples may arc and result in sam-
ple loss and potential damage to unit.
DO NOT OP RAT WITH SUSP CT D FAILUR S
If you suspect there is damage to this product, have it inspected
by qualified BTX service personnel.
PROVID PROP R V NTILATION
Refer to installation instructions for details on installing the
product to ensure proper ventilation.

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Gener l S fety Summ ry (Continued)
DO NOT OP RAT IN W T/DAMP CONDITIONS
DO NOT OP RAT IN AN XPLOSIV ATMOSPH R
K P PRODUCT SURFAC S CL AN AND DRY
Should you have any safety concerns, immediately contact BTX
Technical Support (1-800-272-2775)
Safety Terms and Symbols:
Terms that appear in this manual:
WARNING. Warning statements identify
conditions or practices that could result in injury
or loss of life.
CAUTION. Caution statements identify
conditions or practices that could result in
damage to these products or other property.
Symbols that may appear on the products:
Danger Attention Protective Functional
High Refer to ( arth) Ground
Voltage Manual Terminal

ECM®830 Electroporation System
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Electric l & Technic l Specific tions
Standard Capabilities:
Display Type: 20-character by
4-line liquid crystal LED
backlit
Power Source
oltage 100 to 240 Vac, 50 to 60 Hz,
CAT II
Power Pulse: 500 W Idle: 150 W
Fusing T2.5 250 V
Environmental Characteristics:
Intended Use Indoor use only
Operating Temperature 10° C to + 40° C
Cooling Convection through metal
case
Relative Humidity 90% relative humidity
Altitude 2,000 m (operating)
Mechanical Characteristics:
Footprint 12.5” x 12.25” x 5.5”
(31.75 x 3.12 x 13.97 cm)
(W x D x H)
Weight 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
Controls ingle rotary encoder with
integrated push button
Electrical Characteristics:
oltage 5 to 500 Volts (LV mode) @
1 Volt resolution
30 to 3000 Volts (HV mode)
@ 5 Volts resolution
(Voltage Delivery @ 5%
accuracy and Voltage
Monitoring @ 5.0% accuracy)
Pulse Length 10 µs to 999 µs (LV mode) @
1 µs resolution
1 ms to 999 ms (LV mode) @
1 ms resolution
1 s to 10s (LV Mode) @ 0.1 s
resolution
10 µs to 600 µs (HV mode)
@1 µs resolution

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Electric l & Technic l Specific tions (Continued)
Pulse Interval 100 ms to 10 sec @ 1 ms
resolution
Multiple Pulsing 1 to 99 pulses
Current Limit 500 A limit at 100 µs
Pollution Degree 2 Not to be operated in
conductive pollutants
atmosphere
Note:
LV Mode
Less than a 20% V drop at the end of the pulse with the following
constraints:
PL ≤25 ms, load 3 20 Ω
PL ≤1 sec, load 3 1k Ω
PL ≤10 sec, load 3 10k Ω
HV Mode
Less than a 10% V drop at the end of the pulse with the following
constraints:
PL ≤600 µs, load 3 40 Ω
BTX instruments are designed for in vitro and in vivo animal and
plant applications only and are not for human Clinic.

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Gener l Specific tions
Certifications and Compliances
Overvoltage Category:
CAT III Products in this Category: Distribution-level mains,
fixed installation
CAT II: Local-level mains, applications and portable
equipment
CAT I: Signal levels in special equipment or parts of
equipment, telecommunications and electronics
Meets requirements of Directive 89/336/EEC for Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EC) and Low-Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC for Product Safety.
Compliance was demonstrated to the following specifications as
listed in the Official Journal of the uropean Communities:
N 50081-1 missions
N 55011 Class B Radiated and Conducted missions
N 55082-1 Immunity
I C 10004-2 lectrostatic Discharge Immunity
I C 10004-3 RF lectromagnetic Field Immunity
I C 10004-4 lectrical Fast Transient/Burst Immunity
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/ C
N 61010-1 Safety requirements for electrical
equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use.

ECM®830 Electroporation System
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Introduction
The CM®830 is a square wave electroporation system designed
for in vitro and in vivo electroporation applications. BTX square
wave technology offers researchers the ability to transfect cells
efficiently and with higher cell viabilites.
ECM®830 features include:
• A wide range of voltages from 5 to 3000 V
• Finer voltage discrimination
• Pulse durations from 10 µsec to 10 sec
• Arc Quenching
• Digital display of actual voltage and pulse length delivered

ECM®830 Electroporation System
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Oper tion: Getting St rted
Carefully open the box containing the ECM®830 Electroporation
System. Verify receipt of the following items:
CM®830 Pulse Generator (1)
Power Cord (1)
Model 830 lectronic Manual (1)
BTX Electroporation Systems may be customized with the addition
of various electrodes and accessories. The following items com-
plete a typical system order:
Model 630B lectroporation Safety Stand (1)
Model 660 Cuvette Rack (1)
Model 610 BTX Cuvettes Plus (10)
Model 620 BTX Cuvettes Plus (10)
Model 640 BTX Cuvettes Plus (10)
If you have ordered alternative or different items, please verify
their receipt

ECM®830 Electroporation System
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Quick St rt
Installation
1. Install on a bench or work table.
2. Allow a 1 to 2 inch clearance for proper cooling. It is normal
for the instrument to be slightly warmer than its’ operating
environment.
3. Choose an outlet that is readily accessible.
Connecting
1. Insert female end of power cord into male power
interface on the back panel of the CM®830.
2. Plug male end of power cord into appropriate electrical
outlet.
3. Insert male banana plugs of the 630 B Safety Stand or
alternative electrode device into HV output located on
front panel of the CM®830.
Initializing
1. Push the power switch located on the front panel of the
CM®830.
2. Push the power switch located on the front panel of the
CM®830. The display will flash:
3. Following this initialization screen, the first time the
instrument is initialized, the factory default display will
then read:
4. The first page of the Set Parameter Screen from the last
time the CM®830 was used will be displayed each time
the CM®830 is powered up after this initial start up.
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ECM®830 Electroporation System
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Quick St rt (Continued)
Instrument Controls
Power Switch
1. Switch located on the lower right front panel.
2. Press once to initialize the CM®830 and once more to
turn off.
Note: A stabilization period of 3 seconds is required after
connecting to an outlet.
Start Switch
1. The electronic Start Switch on the upper left front panel
is activated in the “ready” mode when the parameter set
screen is displayed.
2. Once the start switch is activated, the generator will
charge the capacitor bank, then “settle” by bleeding off
the capacitors to the preset voltage, prior to delivering
the pulse.
3. The maximum setting time is 3 seconds. A pulse
sequence may be aborted by pressing the start switch a
second time before the delivery of the pulse.
4. Following the delivery of a pulse, press the start switch
once to deliver another pulse, or press the parameter
control knob to return to “ready” mode.
Power
Switch
Parameter
Control Knob
Start
Switch
Display
High Voltage
Output Smart Link

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Quick St rt (Continued)
Parameter Control nob
The Parameter Control Knob is a rotary encoder controlling both
the parameter (i.e. voltage) and the value of the parameter under
control (i.e. 50 volts). The display will indicate which parameter is
under control by the presence of an arrow to the left of the
parameter.
1. To select a parameter to adjust, rotate the knob until the
arrow is to the left of the desired parameter, then push
to select. The arrow will move to the right of the value
displayed for that parameter.
2. To adjust the value of a parameter under control, rotate
the knob clockwise to increase the value and counter
clockwise to decrease it. After the values are set under
control, push the knob to lock set value and arrow
will return to left of parameter under control.
3. In order to move between screens, move the cursor to
the bottom of the screen and rotate the knob clockwise
to move to the next screen.
4. In order to move to the previous screen, move the
cursor to the top of the screen and rotate the knob
counterclockwise.
Display
The CM®830 Display will show two possible screens, the Set
Parameter Screen and the Pulsing Completed Screen as well as
various Status Messages.
Set Parameter Screen
1. The Set Parameter Screen is indicated by a display
showing “Set Parameters” on the first line of each of
three screen pages.
2. The Mode, Voltage and Pulse Length are shown on the
first page; the Number of Pulses, Pulsing Interval and
Polarity are shown on the second page and the
Advanced Features including Save, View and Load are
shown on the third and final page of the Set Parameter
Screen.
3. The CM®830 will beep when toggling from one page
to another.
Mode
The Mode indicates “LV” for low voltage mode or “HV” for high
voltage mode. Adjusting the voltage as appropriate automatically
controls the mode. There is no manual mode control.

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Quick St rt (Continued)
Voltage
The Voltage indicates the set voltage in volts. The low voltage
mode range is 5 V to 500 V in 1 V increments and the high
voltage mode range is 505 V to 3000 V in 5 V increments. A
beep is heard when transitioning between LV and HV modes.
P. Length
1. Pulse Length indicates the set pulse length in µs or ms.
The pulse length minimum is 10 µs in both HV and LV
modes.
2. In the LV mode, the maximum pulse length is 10 seconds.
The pulse length units change from µs to ms at 1ms and
from ms to s at 1s.
3. Refer to Table 1 for HV pulse length maximum limits. To
estimate approximate pulse lengths at various voltages
in the high voltage mode, refer to Table 1 below.
4. Please note that the voltage determines the maximum
pulse length in the HV mode.
5. If the voltage is increased and the pre-set pulse length is
longer than the maximum pulse length allowed, the
pulse length will automatically adjust to that level.
Table 1
H Mode
Voltage Maximum Pulse Length (µs)
505 594
750 400
1000 300
1500 200
2000 150
2500 120
3000 100

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Quick St rt (Continued)
# Pulses
The # Pulses indicates the number of set pulses from 1-99.
Interval
The Interval indicates the time duration between pulses. The
interval range is 100 ms to 10.0 seconds, switching from units of
ms to seconds after 999 ms, with 0.1 sec resolution.
Advanced Features
The final Set Parameters page enables the user to save, view,
and load up to three programs. Please note that parameters can
be changed inadvertently once a program is loaded. A default
program is used to initialize the system. Program 1 is used to
automatically store changes in parameters set each time the
system is pulsed. Programs #2 and #3 can be used to set and
save experimental parameters for instant use.
Save
1. To save the current set parameters as a program, push
the parameter control knob to move the arrow to the
left of the program number.
2. Rotate the knob to designate the appropriate program
number, then push and hold the knob in, releasing after
a new screen is displayed.
3. The new screen will read “Saved Current Parameters to
Set N”. Push the parameter control knob again to return
to the setup screen.
Figure 2

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Quick St rt (Continued)
View
1. To view the appropriate program parameters, push the
parameter control knob to move the arrow to the left of
the program number.
2. Select the appropriate program number by rotating the
parameter control knob, then hold the knob in, releasing
after a new screen is displayed.
3. The new screen will outline the parameters currently
stored under that program number. Push the parameter
control knob again to return to the setup screen.
Load
1. To load a saved program, push the parameter control
knob to move the arrow to the left of the program
number. Please note that in addition to three available
programs, there is also the default program as outlined
in the “Initializing” section.
2. Rotate the knob to change the program number.
3. Push and hold the knob in, releasing after a new screen
is displayed. The new screen will read “Loaded Set N to
Current Parameters”.
4. Push the parameter control knob again to return to the
setup screen.
On-Line Help
In the Set Parameter Mode, an On-Line Help function is enabled.
On-Line Help provides a definition for all set parameters and
advanced functions.
1. To use On-Line Help, rotate the parameter control knob
so that the arrow is to the left of the parameter or feature
of interest (not the value of the parameter).
2. Push the parameter control knob in and hold until the
definition is displayed.
3. Push a second time to return to the Set Parameter Screen.
Mode
Low voltage or high voltage range mode
Voltage
The amplitude of the output pulse
P Length
The time duration or length of the pulse