LI-COR Odyssey FC User manual

®
Operator’s
Manual

CE Marking:
This product (model number 2800) is a CE-marked product. For conformity information, contact
LI-COR Support at http://www.licor.com/biotechsupport. Outside of the U.S., contact your local sales
office or distributor.

Notes on Safety
LI-COR® products have been designed to be safe when operated in the manner described in this
manual. The safety of this product can not be guaranteed if the product is used in any other way
than is specified in this manual. The Odyssey®Fc Imager is intended to be used by qualified
personnel. Read this entire manual before using the Odyssey Fc Imager.
Equipment Markings:
The product is marked with this symbol when it is necessary for you to refer to the manual or
accompanying documents in order to protect against damage to the product.
The product is marked with this symbol when a hazardous voltage may be present.
Manual Markings:
WARNING Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
CAUTION Cautions must be observed to avoid damaging your equipment.
NOTE Notes contain additional information and useful tips.
IMPORTANT Information of importance to prevent procedural mistakes in the operation of the equipment or
related software. Failure to comply may result in a poor experimental outcome but will not cause
bodily injury or equipment damage.
Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement
WARNING: This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules,
which are designed to provide a reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the
user, at his own expense, will be required to take whatever measures may be required to correct the interference.
iii

Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. LI-COR MAKES
NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. LI-COR shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental
or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights are
reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another
language without prior written consent of LI-COR, Inc.
Printing History
Publication Number 977-16221
Printed June 2016
Global Headquarters
Serving the United States • 4647 Superior Street • Lincoln, NE 68504
Toll free: 800-645-4267 • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail]
LI-COR GmbH, Germany
Serving Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
LI-COR Biosciences GmbH • Siemensstraße 25A • 61352 Bad Homburg • Germany
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail]
LI-COR Ltd., United Kingdom
Serving Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and UK
LI-COR Biosciences UK Ltd. • St. John’s Innovation Centre • Cowley Road
• Cambridge • CB4 0WS
United Kingdom • Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail]
LI-COR Biotechnology Distributor Network: www.licor.com/bio/distributors
www.licor.com/bio
LI-COR, Odyssey, MPX, and IRDye trademarks contained in the Software Product are trademarks or registered trademarks of
LI-COR, Inc in the United States and other countries. Third party trademarks, trade names, and product names may be
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. You may not remove or alter any trademark, trade names,
product names, logo, copyright or other proprietary notices, legends, symbols, or labels in the Software Product. This EULA
does not authorize you to use LI-COR’s or its licensors’ names or any of their respective trademarks.
LI-COR is an ISO 9001 registered company. © 2016 LI-COR, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change. LI-COR,
Odyssey, MPX, FieldBrite, Image Studio, and IRDye are trademarks or registered trademarks of LI-COR Inc. in the United
iv

States and other countries. The Odyssey Fc Imaging System, FieldBrite XT technology, and IRDye reagents are covered by U.S.
patents, foreign equivalents, and patents pending.
v

Page
Chapter 1: Installation and Safety Information
Safety Considerations 1
Laser Safety 1
Safety Interlocks 2
Placement in the Laboratory 3
Ambient Laboratory Conditions 3
Instrument Ventilation 3
Space Requirements 3
Moving the Instrument 3
Chemical Safety 5
Electrical Considerations 5
Power Cords 5
Fuse Replacement 5
Chassis Ground Access Hole 5
Chapter 2: System Overview
External Panels and Controls 7
Front Panel 7
Right-side and Rear Panels 9
Imaging Drawer 10
Imaging Drawer Safety 10
Sample Placement 11
Using Membranes 12
Using Gels 12
Optical System Description 12
Computer Connections and Networking 13
Image Studio™Software 13
Learning the Software 13
Chapter 3: Maintenance
Routine Maintenance 15
Odyssey®Fc
Imager
Table of Contents
vi

Cleaning the Fan Filter 15
Front Panel Warning Light Indicates an Error 16
Resetting the Instrument 16
Desiccant Replacement 16
Replacement Procedure 17
Obtaining Technical Support 18
Chapter 4: Appendix
Specifications 21
Embedded Firmware Source Code 22
vii

Chapter 1: Installation and Safety Information
Safety Considerations
Laser Safety
The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) was established in October 1982, by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to protect the public health in the fields of medical
devices and radiological health.
Manufacturers of products subject to performance standards under the Radiation Control for Health
and Safety Act of 1968 are required to furnish various reports to the CDRH.
The Odyssey Fc Imager is certified as a Class I laser product. This means that hazardous laser
radiation is not emitted outside the instrument. Radiation emitted inside the Odyssey Fc Imager is
confined within protective housings and external covers. A series of safety interlocks ensures that the
laser beam cannot escape during any phase of user operation.
One laser emits at 785nm and the other one at 685-690nm. The 785nm laser has a peak power
rating of 1.2 watt. The 685-690nm laser has a peak power rating of 0.5 watt. The lasers emit visible
and invisible laser radiation - direct exposure to either beam may cause eye damage. Laser
radiation from each laser uniformly illuminates the target area only, which is marked in the
imaging tray (Figure 1-1) that fits in the imaging drawer. There is no emission of laser radiation
outside the instrument under normal conditions.
The CDRH implemented regulations for laser products on August 1, 1976 (CDRH radiation
performance standard 21, Code of Federal Regulations Chapter 1, Subchapter J). Compliance for
products marketed in the United States is mandatory. The label that must be attached to laser
products marketed in the United States is Figure 1-1 and is located on the rear panel of the Odyssey
Fc Imager (Figure 1-2), indicating compliance with CDRH regulations.
WARNING: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
AVERTISSEMENT: L'utilisation des commandes ou le réglage ou la performance des procédures
autrement qu'il a été indiqué dams le présent texte peut résulter en de dangereuses expositions aux
radiations.
Odyssey®Fc
Imager
Page 1

Chapter 1: Installation and Safety Information
Figure 1-1. CDRH and IEC 60825-1:2007 regulation
compliance label.
Figure 1-2. (a) Location of CDRH compliance label on the right
side of the Odyssey®Fc Imager. (b) Access hole for chassis
ground.
Note: The appearance of your instrument's back panel may vary
slightly from the one shown.
Safety Interlocks
Where there is a potential for class 4 laser radiation behind a given panel, the label in Figure 1-4 is
affixed to the panel. The label shown in Figure 1-4 is affixed to the Odyssey Fc Imager in two
locations; one on top of the camera hood and one on the inner front access panel (Figure 1-3).
Figure 1-3. Location of class 4 laser warning label
located on (a) the camera hood under the top panels
of the Odyssey Fc Imager enclosure and (b) on the
inner front access panel (do not open, no user-
serviceable parts inside).
DANGER - CLASS 4 VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE
LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN
AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO DIRECT
OR SCATTERED RADIATION
DANGER
DANGER - APPAREIL LASER DE CLASSE 4.
RAYONNEMENT LASER VISIBLE ET INVISIBLE EN CAS D’OVERTURE.
EVITER L’EXPOSITION DE L’OEIL OU DE LA PEAU
AU RAYONNEMENT DIRECT OU DIFFUS.
Figure 1-4. Class 4 laser
warning label.
The Odyssey Fc Imager
has two safety interlocks
that prevent exposure to
laser radiation when the
imaging drawer is
opened during
operation. Do not
attempt to defeat these
interlocks. The drawer
interlocks are located in
the back of the
instrument.
Page 2

Odyssey®Fc Imager
Placement in the Laboratory
The Odyssey Fc Imager weighs approximately 27 kg (60 lbs). The instrument should be placed on a
laboratory bench that is sufficiently sturdy to bear its weight. The bench should also be able to bear
the weight of the computer if the computer is to be installed beside the Odyssey Fc Imager.
Ambient Laboratory Conditions
Place the Odyssey Fc Imager away from external heat sources (furnaces, windows, etc.). Additional
heating can cause high temperatures within the enclosure. Place the instrument away from sinks or
other sources of water that pose a shock hazard. Recommended operating conditions are 15-35°C
and a dew point not greater than 22°C to prevent condensation on the laser assemblies, which are
cooled during operation.
Instrument Ventilation
The air intake fan on the back of the Odyssey Fc Imager (Figure 2-4) is used to cool the internal
electronics and maintain fresh air circulation throughout the internal volume of the instrument.
The air intake is filtered and the filter should be periodically cleaned (see Maintenance on page15).
Make sure there is plenty of room behind the instrument so that the air intake is not blocked and
the filter is easily accessible for cleaning.
Space Requirements
The Odyssey Fc Imaging System requires an area 41.4cm W (16.3") x 47cm D (18.5") x 67.3cm H
(26.5"). Depth with the imaging drawer open is 59.7cm (23.5”).
Moving the Instrument
LI-COR recommends that you do not move your instrument. Please contact your local Technical
Support for LI-COR recommended service options. In extreme situations, you may use the
procedure below to move your instrument.
These instructions are provided as a courtesy for our customers. LI-COR cannot be held
responsible for any damage incurred while moving, transporting, or shipping an Odyssey Fc
Imager, even if an existing warranty and/or service contract applies.
To move your instrument:
1) Ensure the new location meets all requirements specified in Placement in the Laboratory
above.
2) Turn off the Odyssey Fc Imager by pressing Power on the front panel.
3) Exit Image Studio Software.
4) Disconnect the power cord.
5) Be cautious and lift with two people (the instrument weighs about 27kg/60lbs).
6) Each person should place one hand in the lower hand hold and the other hand at the top of the
instrument to stabilize it and keep it as near vertical as possible during the move.
7) Gently place the instrument in its new location.
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Chapter 1: Installation and Safety Information
8) Level the instrument to prevent liquid from pooling in the imaging tray and to keep the instru-
ment from tilting.
The instrument can be leveled by turning the threaded metal inserts located in each of the 4
plastic feet (Figure 1-5).
Instrument base
Metal insert
Plastic foot
Figure 1-5. Turn the metal inserts on the feet to adjust the height.
Page 4

Odyssey®Fc Imager
Chemical Safety
LI-COR Biosciences recommends that all biochemicals be handled carefully, and that safe laboratory
procedures be followed at all times. Be aware of the hazards associated with any chemical before you
begin work.
The LI-COR®Odyssey®Fc Imager should not be used with any radioactive materials.
Electrical Considerations
Power Cords
The Odyssey Fc Imager is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug. This plug will only fit into a
grounding-type outlet. This is a necessary safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the
outlet, you will need to replace the outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding-type plug.
Do not locate the Odyssey Fc Imager where the power cord will be walked on or exposed to water or
chemical spills.
The Odyssey Fc Imager draws a maximum of 4 amperes at 120V (see Specifications on page21). If
an extension cord is used, make sure the total of the ampere ratings on the instruments plugged
into the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also make sure the total
amperage of instruments plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the amperage capacity for the
outlet (usually 15 or 20 amperes in the United States).
Disconnect power before servicing.
Fuse Replacement
There are no user replaceable fuses in this instrument.
Chassis Ground Access Hole
To eliminate the potential for ESD damage during service, a hole on the side of the control module
provides a chassis ground (Figure 1-2).
Page 5

Page 6

Chapter 2: System Overview
External Panels and Controls
Front Panel
Imaging drawer
open/close button Power on/off button
Red error condition
indicator (shown unlit)
Green image acquisition
indicator (shown unlit)
Image tray
storage shelf Image drawer (closed)
Figure 2-1. Front panel features and controls of the Odyssey Fc Imager.
Power On/Off Button: Pressing this button momentarily turns the instrument on and off.
Pressing the button for 5 seconds or more cuts power to the instrument (see Maintenance on
page15). While the instrument is performing its startup or shutdown procedure, the blue indicator
light in the power button blinks. When the blue indicator light is continuously on, the instrument
is ready for operation. Pressing the power on/off button when the green image acquisition indicator
is lit will cause the red error condition indicator to illuminate. This is just a warning that the
instrument is in use.
Green Image Acquisition Indicator: This indicator light blinks during image acquisition and is
continuously on at other times, as long as communication with the Image Studio™Software is
Odyssey®Fc
Imager
Page 7

Chapter 2: System Overview
maintained. The indicator light is off only if communication is lost or Image Studio™Software is
closed or the instrument is powered off.
Figure 2-2. Location of the green image acquisition light and red error light.
Red Error Indicator: The error indicator light illuminates when a particular process could not be
completed. If the imaging drawer button is pressed before an acquisition is complete, for example,
the error indicator illuminates. See instrument diagnostic log in the Image Studio software for
details of what error occurred. See Maintenance on page15.
Imaging Drawer Button: This button opens and closes the imaging drawer in normal operation.
The drawer front can be used to open or close the drawer in cases of power loss. Pressing the
Imaging Drawer button when the green image acquisition indicator is lit will cause the red error
condition indicator to illuminate. This is just a warning that the instrument is in use.
Imaging Drawer: The imaging drawer moves the imaging tray into position under the camera for
imaging. The bottom of the imaging tray has a marker in each corner that indicates the edge of the
camera’s field of view.
Page 8

Odyssey®Fc Imager
Right-side and Rear Panels
Figure 2-3. Close up of the Odyssey Fc Imager control
module showing the power receptacle and Ethernet
connectors (use only the supplied Ethernet cable). Do
NOTuse any other connector on this panel.
Note: The appearance of your instrument's back panel
may vary slightly from the one shown.
Figure 2-4. Rear panel showing air intake fan.
Keep the intake unblocked during operation and
accessible for routine filter cleaning
(Maintenance on page15).
Page 9

Chapter 2: System Overview
Imaging Drawer
The imaging drawer is opened and closed by pressing the large button above the drawer (see Figure
2-1).
Figure 2-5. The imaging drawer holds one imaging tray that is capable of containing one membrane or gel up to 10 x
12 cm.
Imaging Drawer Safety
Be careful not to get your fingers caught between the Odyssey®Fc Imager and the imaging drawer
when the drawer closes. The drawer is specially designed to stop when a certain level of resistance is
detected, so no harm should result, but the experience may be startling.
During an unexpected power loss, the drawer button will not function. This may leave a sample
inside the Odyssey Fc Imager, or it may result in the imaging drawer being left partially open or
closed. If the power remains off, the drawer can be opened or closed by pulling or pushing on the
drawer front. The imaging drawer should resume normal operation once power is restored.
Page 10

Odyssey®Fc Imager
Sample Placement
Figure 2-6. Imaging Tray.
The Odyssey Fc Imager Imaging
Tray has four corner markers that
delineate the edges of the Odyssey Fc
imaging area. Membranes or gels up
to 10 x 12 cm placed within these
markers will be fully imaged.
Membranes or gels can be placed
anywhere within the imaging area to
be scanned. Membranes should be
placed sample side up with the top
toward the rear of the instrument.
Similarly, gels are also placed with
the top toward the rear of the
instrument. Tips for handling and
imaging membranes and gels are
given later in this chapter. Trays are
disposable and may be reordered
using P/N 926-40020 (5pk).
The imaging tray is designed to contain the small volume of liquid needed to keep blots or gels
moist. Do not fill the imaging tray and be careful not to add so much liquid that the sloshing action
created by closing the drawer may result in a spill inside the instrument.
The imaging tray is inserted in the imaging drawer by aligning the notches in the tray with the
guide pins in the imaging drawer (Figure 2-7), and lowering the tray into the drawer. Make sure the
tray rests flat on the imaging drawer before pressing the open/close button to close the drawer.
Figure 2-7. Imaging drawer has four guide pins that match the alignment notches in the imaging tray.
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Chapter 2: System Overview
Using Membranes
For Western blotting methods, nitrocellulose or PVDF membranes may be used (see
www.licor.com/bio for the latest membranes and kits that are optimal for infrared detection).
Detailed blotting protocols can be found in the Odyssey®Fc Imager Application Protocols Manual.
There are some general tips, however, for using membranes.
lIMPORTANT: Do not touch the membrane – handle only with a clean forceps. Lift the mem-
brane only by the corners. Fingerprints, even from a glove, will show clearly when imaged.
lProtect the membrane from light until it has been imaged.
lKeep the membrane wet if it is to be stripped and re-used. This can easily be accomplished by
wrapping the membrane in plastic wrap.
lFor infrared Western blots, store dry or in PBS buffer at 4°C.
lDo not dry chemiluminescent membranes for imaging.
lUse clean containers to avoid cross-contamination and reduce background.
lMultiple membranes can be washed together, provided there is ample volume so each membrane
moves freely.
lThe NIR fluorescent signal on the membrane will remain stable for several months or longer on
blots stored dry and protected from light and air.
Using Gels
DNA gels that are stained with ethidium bromide or other comparable stains (such as SYBR®Safe)
can be imaged in the 600 nm channel. A detailed technical note on imaging DNA gels can be
found in the Odyssey Fc Imager Application Protocols manual. Coomassie-stained gels can also be
imaged since Coomassie Blue dye can be seen clearly in the 700 nm channel, and faintly in the 800
nm channel. To image a gel, observe the following guidelines:
lThoroughly rinse the gel with destaining solution or water to remove dye particulates.
lWhen placing the gel in the imaging tray, place the top toward the back of the instrument.
Optical System Description
The Odyssey Fc Imager is designed to image Western blots, membranes, or gels using visible, near-
infrared or chemiluminescent methods. Before image acquisition starts, the imaging tray containing
a membrane or gel is placed in the Odyssey Fc imaging drawer and the drawer is closed. A safety
interlock prevents operation of the laser illumination module while the imaging drawer is open.
Image acquisition is started via Image Studio™Software.
The Odyssey Fc Imager has four detection channels: two are infrared channels with 685 and 785
nm lasers, one is a 600 nm channel with a light source for excitation, and the fourth is for detecting
visible wavelength emissions from chemiluminescent substrates. The channels used during
acquisition are chosen in Image Studio software.
The Odyssey Fc Imager laser module contains a 685 nm and 785 nm laser. During image
acquisition, each laser source is turned on, followed by image acquisition with the LI-COR®CCD
Page 12