LI-COR C-DiGit User manual

®
Blot Scanner
User Guide

CE Marking
This product (model number 3600) is a CE-marked product. For conformity information, contact LI-COR Support
at http://www.licor.com/bio/support. Outside of the U.S., contact your local sales office or distributor.
ii

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 C-DiGit Blot Scanner is intended to be used by qualified personnel. Read this entire manual before
using the C-DiGit Blot Scanner.
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 977-13448
1st Printing January, 2013
2nd Printing February, 2014
Revised: July 2015
LI-COR, C-DiGit, Image Studio, and WesternSure are trademarks or registered trademarks of LI-COR, Inc in the
United States and other countries. Macintosh, Mac and OS X are trademarks of Apple, Inc. 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. This End- User License Agreement 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. Copyright 2015 LI-COR, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications subject
to change. The C-DiGit Blot Scanner is covered by U.S. patents, foreign equivalents, and patents pending.
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
iv

Chapter 1: Introduction
About C-DiGit Blot Scanner 1
What’s in the Box 2
Placement in the Laboratory 2
Ambient Laboratory Conditions 2
Space Requirements 2
Safety Considerations 3
Chemical Safety 3
Electrical Considerations 3
Scanning Surface and Rear Safety Labels 3
Fuse Replacement 3
External Panels and Controls 4
Front Panel 4
Back Panel 5
Scanning Surface 5
Scanning Surface Safety 5
Sample Placement 6
Chapter 2: Quick Start Tutorial
Chapter 3: Scanning Membranes
Placing the Membrane on the C-DiGit Blot Scanner Scanning Surface 19
Using Blocking Buffer 20
Primary and Secondary Antibodies 21
Washing Buffer 21
Substrates 21
Imaging 22
Chapter 4: Computer Connections & Networking
Computer Connections and Networking 26
Direct Connection Via USB Cable 26
Direct Connection Via Ethernet Cable 26
Chapter 5: Maintenance & Troubleshooting
C-DiGit®Blot
Scanner
Table of Contents
v

Maintenance 27
Troubleshooting –Hardware Problems 27
System Requirements 27
Cannot Connect to C-DiGit Blot Scanner 27
USB Cabling Problems 28
Front Panel Warning Light Indicates an Error 28
Resetting the Instrument 29
Troubleshooting –Chemistry Problems 29
High Background Due to Substrate 29
High Background from Wrapping the Blot in Plastic Wrap 29
Low Signal 30
Troubleshooting –Image Studio™ Software Problems 30
Obtaining Technical Support 31
Chapter 6: Specifications
Chapter 7: Training Video Links
vi

Chapter 1: Introduction
About C-DiGit Blot Scanner
The C-DiGit Blot Scanner is designed to image membranes for chemiluminescent Western blot
analysis using digital methods, eliminating the need for traditional exposure to film. Before image
acquisition is started, a membrane is placed on the scanning surface and the lid is closed. Image
acquisition is started via Image Studio™ Software (see the Image Studio Software help for details).
The C-DiGit has one detection channel that detects visible wavelength emissions from
chemiluminescent substrates.
The C-DiGit Blot Scanner is a networkable device, and can be connected directly to a computer
(Macintosh® or PC) via Ethernet or USB cables.
Click here to watch an introductory video about the C-DiGit Blot Scanner.
C-DiGit®Blot
Scanner
Page 1

Chapter 1: Introduction
What’s in the Box
In addition to the C-DiGit Blot Scanner, you will find the items shown below*(l-r): 1) Ethernet and
2) USB cables, 3) a power supply with interchangeable plugs, 4) a C-DiGit Target image, and 5)
Image Studio and Resource CDs.
The C-DiGit Target is a photosensitive card used to verify that your C-DiGit Blot Scanner is
functioning properly; the card is briefly exposed to room light and then imaged on the instrument.
If the acquired pattern matches the target image, the C-DiGit Blot Scanner is functioning as it
should, and is ready to image your sample. Instructions for using the Target are given below in the
Quick Start Tutorial on page7. The Target should be stored in the blue envelope when not in use.
Placement in the Laboratory
The C-DiGit Blot Scanner weighs approximately 2.18 kg (4.8 lbs.). The instrument should be placed
on a level surface that is at a workable height for the user.
Ambient Laboratory Conditions
Place the C-DiGit Blot Scanner 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 15-30 °C and a dew point no greater than 25 °C to prevent condensation on the instrument.
Space Requirements
The C-DiGit Blot Scanner requires an area 27.94 cm L (11.0") x 22.23 cm W (8.75") x 7.3 cm H
(2.875", lid closed), or 31.12 cm, (12.25”, lid open).
*Use only the provided cables with the C-DiGit Blot Scanner.
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C-DiGit®Blot Scanner
Safety Considerations
Chemical Safety
LI-COR Biosciences recommends that all chemicals 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.
WARNING: The C-DiGit Blot Scanner should not be used with any radioactive materials.
Electrical Considerations
The C-DiGit Blot Scanner includes a power supply that plugs into a wall outlet, with an output that
plugs into the C-DiGit instrument.
Do not locate the C-DiGit Blot Scanner where the power supply cord will be walked on or exposed
to water or chemical spills.
The C-DiGit Blot Scanner draws a maximum of 1 ampere at 120V (see Specifications on page33). If
a power strip or surge protector 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).
Scanning Surface and Rear Safety Labels
Figure 1-1. Scanning surface instrument safety label.
Figure 1-2. Rear instrument safety label.
Fuse Replacement
There are no user replaceable fuses in this instrument.
Page 3

Chapter 1: Introduction
External Panels and Controls
Front Panel
!
Red error condition indicator
Power indicator
Green image acquisition indicator
Figure 1-3. Front panel features and controls of the C-DiGit Blot Scanner.
Power Indicator: While the C-DiGit Blot Scanner is performing its startup or shutdown procedure, the
blue power indicator light on the instrument front panel blinks. When the blue indicator light is
continuously on, the instrument is ready for operation.
Image Acquisition Indicator: This green indicator light blinks during image acquisition and is
continuously on at other times, as long as communication with the Image Studio software is maintained.
The indicator light is off only when communication is lost, the Image Studio software is closed, or the
instrument is powered off.
!
Error Indicator: The red error indicator light illuminates when a process could not be completed. See the
Status Message History dialog in the Image Studio software and Maintenance & Troubleshooting on
page27 for details about the error condition.
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C-DiGit®Blot Scanner
Back Panel
The C-DiGit back panel has the instrument ON/OFF switch and connectors for the USB and
Ethernet cables and the power supply.
LAN
USB
Amphenol
12VDC 1A
Scanning Surface
The scanning surface is accessed by opening the lid on the C-DiGit Blot Scanner (Figure 1-4).
!
Place membrane here
10 cm
8.5 cm
Face down,
top of membrane
facing rear of
C-DiGit
Figure 1-4. The imaging surface is designed to scan a single membrane up to 10 cm x 8.5 cm.
Scanning Surface Safety
Be careful not to get your fingers caught between the C-DiGit instrument lid and the base of the
scanning surface when the lid is closed. Do not put excessive pressure on the scanning surface.
Page 5

Chapter 1: Introduction
Clean the scanning surface with 100% methanol, then water. CAUTION: DO NOT use acetone to
clean the imaging surface.
Sample Placement
The C-DiGit Blot Scanner Imaging Surface has a clear window that delineates the edges of the
C-DiGit Blot Scanner scanning surface. Membranes up to 10 cm x 8.5 cm placed within these
markers will be fully imaged. Membranes can be placed anywhere within the imaging area to be
scanned.
Membranes should be placed sample side down with the top toward the back of the instrument.
Tips for handling and imaging membranes are given in Scanning Membranes on page19.
Page 6

Chapter 2: Quick Start Tutorial
The Quick Start Tutorial Guide included with the C-DiGit Blot Scanner is intended as a quick
verification tool to ensure that the C-DiGit is working properly, before you proceed to scan your
own membranes. The Tutorial Guide is reproduced in this section, with some additional detail.
1) Unpack C-DiGit
In addition to the C-DiGit Blot Scanner, you will find the items shown below (l-r): 1) Ethernet
and 2) USB cables, 3) a power supply with interchangeable plugs, 4) a C-DiGit Target, and 5)
Image Studio and Resource CDs.
The USB cable is the default method used to connect to the C-DiGit Blot Scanner; the Ethernet
cable is used for alternative connection methods described in Computer Connections & Net-
working on page25.
2) Place C-DiGit in the Lab
Place the C-DiGit Blot Scanner away from heat sources (furnaces, windows, etc.) and out of dir-
ect sunlight.
3) Install Image Studio Software
Insert the Image Studio DiGits CD, and follow the instructions below to install the Image Stu-
dio software. Note that you should make sure that your user account has administrator rights
on the computer.
Click here to watch a video that describes the requirements for Image
Studio.
C-DiGit®Blot
Scanner
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Chapter 2: Quick Start Tutorial
Macintosh Users
Note: Compatible with OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or 10.10 (Yosemite).
a. Place installation CD into drive.
b. If installation does not start immediately, browse the Desktop and double- click on
MacImageStudioDigits_5.x.x.dmg.
c. Click Agree to accept the license agreement.
d. To install, drag the Image Studio icon into the Applications folder.
Click here to watch a video that demonstrates how to install Image Studio
on a Macintosh computer.
PC Users
Note: Compatible with Windows® 7, 8, and 8.1.
a. Place installation CD into drive.
b. If installation does not start immediately, browse to the CD or Desktop and double-click on
Win_Image Studio Digits_5.x.x.exe.
c. Click Agree to accept the license agreement.
d. Follow the instructions to install the Image Studio software.
Click here to watch a video that demonstrates how to install Image Studio
Software on a Windows-based computer.
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C-DiGit®Blot Scanner
4) Remove warning label from the back panel
Remove the yellow warning label on the C-DiGit Blot Scanner back panel (below).
LAN
USB
Amphenol
12VDC 1A
5) Install the Power Supply Plug
There are two power supplies available for use with the C-DiGit; you will have received either
the Cincon (p/n 591-13058) or SL Power Electronics (p/n 591- 13032) power supply. Each of
these power supplies is a universal 100-240VAC input, 12VDC power output supply with inter-
changeable AC plugs for use in North America and Japan, Australia, Europe, and the United
Kingdom. Install the appropriate plug on the power supply as shown below. NOTE: The SL
Power Electronics supply has the North American/Japanese plug pre-installed. For use in other
countries, remove this plug and replace with the appropriate plug.
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Chapter 2: Quick Start Tutorial
Cincon Power Supply
N. America,
Japan
United
Kingdom
Australia
Europe
Push button and
slide out to release
Align metal contacts on
power supply and plug,
and then slide down
until plug locks into
position
SL Power Electronics Power Supply
N. America, Japan
United Kingdom
Australia
Europe
P
U
S
H
LOCK
OPEN
Turn clockwise
to lock
Push button and
turn counterclockwise
to release
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C-DiGit®Blot Scanner
6) Connect the USB and Power Cables
Plug the power supply into the wall outlet, and plug the power cord into the receptacle on the
C-DiGit back panel (below). Connect the flat (Type A) connector on the USB cable to your com-
puter, and the square (Type B) connector to the C-DiGit Blot Scanner back panel at the con-
nector labeled ‘USB’.
P
U
S
H
LOCK
OPEN
AC Power
C-DiGit Blot Scanner
Computer
USB Connection
C-DiGit
USB Connection
C-DiGit
Power Connection
USB
12VDC 1A
7) Turn on C-DiGit Blot Scanner
Power C-DiGit Blot Scanner on with the power switch on the back panel. The blue power light
on the instrument front panel (below) illuminates and blinks when the instrument is first
powered on, and stops blinking when the instrument has fully started up and is ready to use.
8) Wait While USB Drivers Install
When C-DiGit is powered on and connected to the computer for the first time, drivers are auto-
matically installed on the computer. Allow up to 5 minutes for the drivers to install before starting
the Image Studio software in Step 9 below.NOTE: You may have to dismiss any Windows®
‘Found New Hardware’ messages.
9) Start Image Studio
Double-click the Image Studio icon (below) on the desktop to start Image Studio.
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Chapter 2: Quick Start Tutorial
10) Create a New Work Area Folder
The first time you start the software you will need to create the first Work Area. The Work Area
is a folder on the hard drive or network where the images, analyzes and settings are stored.
Click here to watch a video that demonstrates how to create a Work
Area Folder.
PC: Click Create New… in the Set Active Work Area dialog box to browse to a folder on the
hard drive or network to use as the Work Area.
Navigate to the where the folder will reside, and name the folder; this folder will now appear in
the Available Work Areas window each time the software is opened. Click Save.
Mac: Click Create New. Navigate to where the folder will reside, name the folder, and click
Save.
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C-DiGit®Blot Scanner
To remove a Work Area from the window, select it and click Remove from List. Removing the
folder from the window does not delete the folder or its contents; it simply makes it unavailable
in the Work Area list.
Note: Each user should create their own Work Area, as previous settings for the instrument, ana-
lysis, image display, etc. from the last session will be applied to the next session in the same
Work Area.
11) Connect to C-DiGit Blot Scanner
If there is only one C-DiGit Blot Scanner detected by the computer, it will connect auto-
matically; if there are multiple C-DiGit Blot Scanners detected, you can choose the desired
C-DiGit Blot Scanner from a list of available instruments (below, listed by serial number).
NOTE: You can find the serial number on a label on the underside of the instrument.
When a connection is established, the green indicator light (below) will illuminate on the
instrument front panel, and the Status panel in the Image Studio window will display ‘Ready’.
NOTE: C-DiGit Blot Scanner uses IPv6 and IPv4 Link-Local Addressing to automatically create
an IP network without any user configuration or additional servers. If you experience con-
nection problems, be sure that IPv6 is enabled on the computer.
12) Expose the C-DiGit Blot Scanner Target
Page 13