Life EVOS XL Core User manual

USER GUIDE
EVOS®XL Core
Imaging System for TransmittedLight Applications
Catalog Number AMEX1000
Publication Number MAN0007989
Revision A.0
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
DISCLAIMER
LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND/OR ITS AFFILIATE(S) DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES WITH
RESPECT TO THIS DOCUMENT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE OF
MERCHANTABILITY,FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. TO THE EXTENT
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WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, WARRANTY, OR UNDER ANY STATUTE OR ON ANY OTHER BASIS FOR
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, MULTIPLE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION
WITH OR ARISING FROM THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE USE THEREOF.
Important Licensing Information
This product may be covered by one or more Limited Use Label Licenses. By use of this product, you accept
the terms and conditions of all applicable Limited Use Label Licenses.
TRADEMARKS
All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries unless otherwise specified.
Kimwipes is a registered trademark of Kimberly-Clark Corporation.
©2014 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.

3
Contents
About this Guide ............................................................................................................................................. 5
1. Setup .......................................................................................................................6
Standard Items Included ................................................................................................................................ 6
Operating Environment.................................................................................................................................. 6
Power Supply................................................................................................................................................... 7
Wireless Mouse and USB Flash Drive .......................................................................................................... 7
USB Flash Drive............................................................................................................................................... 7
Optional: Attachable Mechanical Stage......................................................................................................... 8
Glass Stage Plate.............................................................................................................................................. 8
Moving/Transporting EVOS®....................................................................................................................... 8
Installing EVOS®in a Cell Culture Hood..................................................................................................... 9
2. Quick Reference: Instrument Contols...................................................................10
3. Operation............................................................................................................... 12
Basic Operation.............................................................................................................................................. 12
Settings............................................................................................................................................................ 14
Software Updates .......................................................................................................................................... 15
4. Controls Glossary.................................................................................................. 16
Onscreen Controls......................................................................................................................................... 16
Manual Controls ............................................................................................................................................ 17
5. Care and Maintenance...........................................................................................18
General Care................................................................................................................................................... 18
Objective Lens Care....................................................................................................................................... 18
Stage Care....................................................................................................................................................... 18
Sterilization Procedures................................................................................................................................ 19

4
Appendix A: Troubleshooting...................................................................................... 20
Image Issues ................................................................................................................................................... 20
Mechanical Issues .......................................................................................................................................... 21
Appendix B: Specifications .........................................................................................22
Appendix C: Installing the Attachable Mechanical Stage............................................ 23
Appendix D: Safety......................................................................................................25
Safety Conventions Used in this Document .............................................................................................. 26
Symbols on Instruments ............................................................................................................................... 27
Safety Labels on Instruments....................................................................................................................... 29
General Instrument Safety ........................................................................................................................... 30
Chemical Safety ............................................................................................................................................. 31
Chemical Waste Safety ................................................................................................................................. 32
Electrical Safety.............................................................................................................................................. 33
Physical Hazard Safety................................................................................................................................. 34
Biological Hazard Safety .............................................................................................................................. 34
Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards................................................................. 35
Documentation and Support....................................................................................... 36
Obtaining Support....................................................................................................... 36

5
About this Guide
Audience This user guide is for laboratory staff operating, maintaining, and analyzing data
using the EVOS®XL Core Imaging System.
User attention
words
Two user attention words appear in Life Technologies user documentation. Each
word implies a particular level of observation or action as described below.
Note: Provides information that may be of interest or help but is not
critical to the use of the product.
IMPORTANT! Provides information that is necessary for proper
instrument operation, accurate installation, or safe use of a chemical.
Safety alert words Four safety alert words appear in Life Technologies user documentation at points
in the document where you need to be aware of relevant hazards. Each alert
word—IMPORTANT, CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER—implies a particular
level of observation or action, as defined below:
IMPORTANT! – Provides information that is necessary for proper
instrument operation, accurate installation, or safe use of a chemical.
CAUTION! – Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to
alert against unsafe practices.
WARNING! – Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
DANGER! – Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury. This signal word is to be
limited to the most extreme situations.
Except for IMPORTANT! safety alerts, each safety alert word in a Life
Technologies document appears with an open triangle figure that contains a
hazard symbol. These hazard symbols are identical to the hazard symbols that are
affixed to Life Technologies instruments (see “Safety Symbols” on page 28).
SDSs
The Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for any chemicals supplied by Life Technologies are
available to you free 24 hours a day. For instructions on obtaining SDSs, see
“Safety Data Sheets (SDS)” on page 36.
IMPORTANT! For the SDSs of chemicals not distributed by Life
Technologies contact the chemical manufacturer.

6
1. Setup
Standard Items Included
Before setting up your new EVOS
®
XL Core Imaging System, unpack the unit and
accessories, and verify all parts are present. Contact your distributor if anything is
missing.
Note: If you do not have your distributor information, contact Technical
Support (see page 36).
•EVOS®XL Core Imaging System (includes fixed
stage)*
•Wireless mouse
•Power adaptor
•USB flash drive (includes User Guide and Quick
Start Guide)
•Condenser shield, removable
•Glass stage plate (packed in bubble wrap)
•Dust cover
* The attachable Mechanical Stage is an optional feature
available separately from Life Technologies. For
ordering information, contact your distributor or
Technical Support (see page 36).
Condenser shield,
removable
Operating Environment
•Place the instrument on a level surface away from vibrations from other pieces
of equipment.
•Allow at least 5 cm (2 in) free space at the back of the LCD housing to allow
for proper ventilation and prevent overheating of electronic components.
•Set up the EVOS®XL Core Imaging System away from direct light sources,
such as windows. Ambient room lighting can enter the imaging path and
affect the image.
•Operating temperature range: 4°C–32°C (40°C–90°F).
• Relative humidity range: 30–90%.
IMPORTANT! EVOS®XL Core Imaging System should not be subjected
to UV sterilization. UV degrades many materials, including plastic.
Damage from UV exposure is not covered under the manufacturer’s
warranty.

7
Power Supply
1. Turn the power switch to the “” (OFF) position before connecting the
power adapter.
2. Connect the power adapter to the power jack on the back of the instrument
base and plug the cord into an outlet.
IMPORTANT! Always use the correct power supply. The power adapter
specifications appear on the serial number label and in “Appendix B:
Specifications” (page 22). Damage due to an incompatible power adapter is
not covered by warranty.
Wireless Mouse and USB Flash Drive
1. Plug the mouse receiver into either of the USB
ports located on the LCD back (right side).
2. Follow the mouse manufacturer's instructions to
install the battery, and then switch on the
mouse.
USB Flash Drive
Insert a USB flash drive into the remaining USB port
located on the LCD back (right side).
Note: If the flash drive has a data lock feature,
be sure it is unlocked.

8
Optional : Attachable Mechanical Stage
Follow the procedure in “Appendix C: Installing the Attachable Mechanical
Stage” (page 23) to install the mechanical stage.
Glass Stage Plate
Unpack the glass stage plate and insert it into the
stage opening (if a mechanical stage is installed,
move it all the way back to expose the stage
opening).
Moving/Transporting EVOS®
1. Remove glass stage plate and carry it
separately.
2. Lift the instrument by grasping it firmly with
both hands under the support arm , balancing
the weight as shown below.
3. To transport EVOS®XL Core Imaging System to
a different facility, use the original packaging
materials if possible. Always be sure the
instrument is properly cushioned and braced to
prevent damage.
IMPORTANT! EVOS®XL Core Imaging System should not be subjected to
sudden impact or excessive vibration. Handle the instrument with care to
prevent damage.

9
Installing EVOS®in a Cell Culture Hood
The small footprint of the EVOS®XL Core Imaging System, its simple power
connection, and its easily-viewed display make it quick to install and convenient
to use in a cell culture hood.
Dimensions
The EVOS
®
XL Core Imaging System will fit in cell culture hoods that are at least
18 inches (457 mm) deep. If your cell culture hood is smaller, it may be necessary
to turn the instrument at a slight angle to fit.
ENGLISH METRIC
DEPTH 16.0 in 40.6 cm
WIDTH 12.5 in 31.8 cm
HEIGHT, TRANSPORT 13.5 in 34.3 cm
HEIGHT, DISPLAY 21.0 in 55.3 cm
Installation Note: See the illustrations on page 8 for more details about moving the
EVOS®XL Core Imaging System.
1. Remove the glass stage plate and carry
it separately.
2. Switch the EVOS®XL Core Imaging
System off and disconnect the power
cord.
3. Tilt the LCD screen back until it is
nearly parallel with the tabletop.
4. Lift the instrument by grasping it firmly
with both hands on the support arm
just behind the condenser.
5. Gently place the instrument on a lab cart and transport it to the cell culture
hood.
Note: Verify that the hood sash is raised enough for the instrument to
slide underneath (approximately 14.5 inches or higher).
6. Lift the instrument as before and move it into the hood.
7. Tilt the LCD monitor upright.
8. Replace the glass stage plate, connect the power cord, and switch the EVOS®
XL Core Imaging System ON.

10
2. Quick Reference: Instrument Contols
Note: See “Controls Glossary” on page 16 for more details about onscreen
and manual controls.
Manual controls
Phase turret Coarse focus knob
Freeze button Fine focus knob
Save button Power switch
Illumination wheel Power input jack
Objective turret USB ports
Mechanical stage
controls
The attachable mechanical stage is an optional feature. See “Appendix C: Installing
the Attachable Mechanical Stage” (page 23) for installation and removal.
Stage clip
Stage Y-axis knob
Stage X-axis knob
(mechanical stage)

11
Onscreen controls
Roll over the bottom of screen with the mouse to activate the onscreen controls.
Illumination Slider Save button
Freeze/Live toggle Settings button
Note: Onscreen controls are only available when a mouse is installed.

12
3. Operation
Basic Operation
The EVOS
®
XL Core Imaging System has both manual and onscreen operation
controls. Manual controls include the illumination wheel, focus knobs, freeze and
save buttons, objective turret, and the mechanical stage X-Y axis knobs.
Onscreen controls appear at the bottom of the screen when the mouse rolls over
the controls area (see page 11). Using a mouse is optional; you can operate the
EVOS®XL Core Imaging System using only manual controls.
Note: See “Quick Reference: Instrument Controls” (page 10) for the location
of the instruments controls, as needed. See also “Controls Glossary”
(page 16) for more details.
1. Turn on the instrument using the power switch on the right side of the
instrument base.
Note: Startup takes approximately one minute. If the display remains
black after startup, adjust the illumination slider or wheel to turn on
the illumination.
2. Plug a USB flash drive into one of the USB ports on the right side of the LCD.
3. Place slides with coverslips facing up on the
sample stage. If you are using a coverslip
corrected objective, place the slides face down.
For fixed stage models, place the sample
vessel directly on the glass stage plate.
For mechanical stage models, secure the
sample in a vessel holder with the
stage clip over the stage plate.
Note: Refer to www.lifetechnologies.com/evosxlcore or contact
Technical Support (page 36) for a list of vessel holders available for
separate purchase.
4. Set the objective turret to the desired
magnification.
5. Turn the phase turret to the position
that corresponds to the selected objective
and contrast method.
6. Bring the sample into focus using the
coarse and fine-focus knobs.
7. Adjust the illumination intensity if
necessary, using the illumination
wheel
or the onscreen illumination slider .

13
8. Use the manual or the onscreen
Freeze/Live toggle to acquire the image.
9. Use the manual or the onscreen
Save button to save the image.
10. If you use the onscreen button and Quick
Save is not enabled, the virtual keyboard
will pop up so you can enter a file name
(Quick Save is automatically enabled
with the manual save button).
During the save process, the Save File
indicator will appear onscreen. Wait until
the file is completely saved before
operating any manual or onscreen
controls or removing the USB drive.
11. Click the onscreen Freeze/Live toggle or
the manual Freeze button to return to live
viewing.
Note: The onscreen Freeze/Live toggle switches
between
Freeze and Live settings. Click Freeze to capture an image
before saving it. Click Live to return to real-time viewing.
Note: To set up Quick Save and/or specify the file format, see “Settings”
(page 14).

14
Settings
The Settings popup provides various controls to customize
display performance and image file names and formats.
The Settings button toggles to display or hide the Settings
popup.
Note: If the power is switched off before saving the settings, the system
will revert to the most recently saved settings.
Image
Resolution/Speed
These buttons provide two optimized settings:
•3MP/Slow produces sharper onscreen images
•1MP/Fast is helpful for quick scanning
Contrast &
Saturation
Use the sliders to customize these display
attributes. The changes will appear immediately, but
they will not be saved unless you click the Save
button at the bottom of the popup.
The Defaults button will reset contrast and
saturation levels to factory settings.
Color Balance Click these buttons to adjust the color balance.
Changes will appear immediately, but they will not be
saved unless you click the Save button at the bottom
of the popup.
Image Save Format Select a file format (.tif, .jpg or .bmp) for saving your
image using these buttons .
Quick Save settings The Quick Save option allows for a custom base
file name; each file name also includes a three-digit
sequence number.
When Quick Save is enabled, a single click of the
onscreen Save button saves the file under the
custom base file name. The manual Save button (see
previous page) uses the same base file name.
1. In the Settings menu, click the Edit button
under the Quick Save option and enter the base
file name in the virtual keyboard.
Note: To prevent the system from overwriting files, Quick Save will
use the next available sequence number if the USB installed contains
any files with the same base file name.
2. To reset the sequence to zero, click the Reset button .
3. Click the Enabled button to enable or disable the Quick Save option.
Software update The Update button is inactive unless a USB drive with an update is installed.
See “Software Updates” (page 15) for update instructions.

15
Software Updates
Periodically, Life Technologies adds functionality and other improvements to the
EVOS®user interface. We recommend keeping your EVOS®XL Core Imaging
System up to date with the latest software. If you have any questions about
software updates, contact your local EVOS®distributor. If you do not have your
distributor information, contact Technical Support (page 36).
Download software
update
Software updates are available from the EVOS
®
XL Core Imaging System product
page at www.lifetechnologies.com/evosxlcore.
Download the update directly to the top level of a USB flash drive with at least
30 MB available. Do not open or rename the file on your computer; EVOS®XL
Core Imaging System will verify and install it during the update process.
Download the current user guide for the EVOS®XL Core Imaging System from
our website. The updated user guide covers the new software functionality when
features are added.
Alternatively, you can get the latest software and documentation updates from
your local EVOS®distributor or by contacting Technical Support (page 36).
Install software
update
1. Plug the USB flash drive into either one of the USB
ports located on the LCD back (right side).
2. Click the Settings button to display the Settings
popup.
3. Click the Update button near the bottom of the
Settings popup and follow the onscreen
instructions.
IMPORTANT! Do not power off, unplug the USB flash drive, or
add/remove any devices during the update.
4. When update is done, reboot the system by powering it off and on.
5. Click the About button to confirm you are running the current software
version.

16
4. Controls Glossary
Note: This section describes all the onscreen and manual controls in detail.
To see the most commonly used controls in context, see “Quick Reference:
Instrument Controls” (page 10).
Onscreen Controls
This glossary is not alphabetized. Onscreen items are listed from left to right.
Illumination slider The illumination slider controls the illumination
intensity when the mouse is installed. To turn off
illumination, slide all the way to the left.
Freeze/Live button The Freeze/Live button toggles between Freeze and Live settings.
•Click Freeze to capture an image before saving it.
• Click Live to return to real-time viewing.
Save button The Save button saves the current frozen image to USB
flash drive. The icon is gray when no USB is plugged in.
•A green USB icon indicates that a flash drive has been
inserted.
•A red USB icon indicates that a save is in progress and the flash drive should
not be removed.
•After the file is saved, the USB icon will turn back to green and the flash drive
is safe to remove.
Settings button The Settings button displays or hides the Settings popup. See “Settings”
(page 14) for an itemized explanation of the Settings popup options.
Virtual keyboard The virtual keyboard popup
allows text entry for file names.
•Click the Accept button
when you have finished
entering the file name.
•The Clear button resets the
text field.
Onscreen clock The onscreen clock shows date and time and can easily be set.
•Double-click on the time to reveal the settings and simply
use the +or –icons to increase or decrease the values.
• Click Set to save changes.

17
Manual Controls
This glossary is not alphabetized. Manual controls are listed in the order they are
normally used, with a separate section for the optional Attachable Mechanical
Stage (page 24).
Power input jack
Plug the power adapter into the power input jack.
Power switch Set the power switch to “ | ” to turn the instrument on or “O” to turn it off.
USB ports Plug the mouse and USB flash drive into the USB ports.
Illumination wheel Use the illumination wheel to control illumination intensity.
Coarse & Fine focus
knobs
Use the coarse focus knobs and fine focus knobs to bring the specimen into focus.
Coarse focus tension
control ring
Turn the coarse focus tension control ring clockwise (toward the back of the
instrument) to tighten the tension. Turn the ring counterclockwise to loosen the
tension.
Objective turret Turn the objective turret to change magnifications. The objective turret clicks into
place at each position.
Phase turret Set the phase turret to the position that corresponds with your selected objective
for transmitted light observations. The selector will click into place for each of the
following positions:
•BF (for brightfield observations)
•4/10 PH (for phase observations at 4× or 10×)
•20/40× PH (for phase observations at 20× or 40×)
Freeze & Save
buttons
Use the Freeze button to capture an image before saving and return to live view
after saving. The Save button saves the file with the current settings (Quick Save
base file name and selected image format).
Mouse scroll wheel
(not shown)
Unless the cursor is over a popup, the mouse scroll wheel can control illumination
intensity. Roll the scroll wheel away from you for more illumination or toward
you for less.

18
5. Care and Maintenance
General Care
•When cleaning optical elements, use only optical-grade materials to avoid
scratching soft lens coatings.
•Use the appropriate cleaning solutions for each component, as indicated in the
Sterilization Procedures below.
•If liquid spills on the instrument, turn off the power immediately and wipe
dry.
•Do not exchange objectives between instruments unless you know that the
components have been approved and recommended by Life Technologies.
•After using, cover the instrument with the supplied dust cover.
IMPORTANT! Never disassemble or service the instrument yourself.
Unauthorized repairs may damage the instrument or alter its functionality,
which may void your warranty. Contact your local EVOS®distributor or
contact Technical Support (page 36) to arrange for service.
Objective Lens Care
Clean each objective periodically or when necessary with an optical-grade swab
and a pre-moistened lens wipe (or lens paper moistened with lens cleaning
solution). To avoid scratching the soft lens coatings, use only optical-grade
cleaning materials and do not rub the lens.
Note: To protect all optical components of the instrument, use the dust
cover when the instrument is not in use.
Stage Care
Clean the stage surface as needed with paper towels or Kimwipes
®
laboratory
tissue dampened with 70% ethanol or 4,000 ppm hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). You
may remove the mechanical stage (if installed) for cleaning. See “Appendix B:
Installing the Attachable Mechanical Stage” (page 23) for removal and installation
instructions.

19
Sterilization Procedures
To sterilize the EVOS®XL Core Imaging System, follow these procedures:
1. Turn power OFF.
2. Clean the LCD display.
a. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe off any dust from the screen.
b. Clean the LCD display with a non-alcohol based cleaner made for flat-
panel displays.
IMPORTANT! Do not spray cleaning fluid directly onto the screen, as it
may drip into the display or optics.
3. Lightly wipe the working surfaces (stage top, focus knobs, objective turret,
housing) with paper towels or Kimwipes®laboratory tissue dampened with
70% ethanol or 4,000 ppm hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
IMPORTANT! Do not allow sterilization solution to get into lubricated
areas, such as the stage roller bearings, or any points of rotation such as
axles for the stage knobs, condenser wheel, etc. Do not soak any surface in
sterilization solution. NEVER spray liquid anywhere on the EVOS®XL
Core Imaging System. Always wipe surfaces withdampened paper towels
instead.
4. If it is necessary to sterilize the condenser, do not apply solution directly to the
condenser assembly. Instead, select the desired phase ring, and then cover the
condenser with clear plastic wrap and wipe the wrap with sterilization
solution.
IMPORTANT! EVOS®XL Core Imaging System should not be subjected to
UV sterilization. UV degrades many materials, including plastic. Damage
from UV exposure is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

20
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Image Issues
Problem Possible Solutions
Image is too dim, even at brightest
setting (particularly at higher
magnifications)
•Set the phase turret to the BF position.
•If a condenser slider from a different EVOS®instrument has
been inserted into the condenser, remove the slider. It is not
necessary to use sliders with this instrument.
Specks, dots, or blurs on image •Follow the instructions under “Objective Lens Care” (page 18)
to clean the objectives.
Uneven focus across screen •Position the specimen so that it lies flat on the stage; be sure the
specimen’s thickness is even.
Difficulty focusing on coverslipped
specimen on standard slide
•Place the slide so that the coverslip is facing up (long
working-distance objectives require a thick optical substrate,
and they image best through 1.0–1.5 mm of glass or plastic).
LCD screen is black
•If the image is black but the blue LED below the LCD screen is
on, adjust the illumination slider or wheel.
•Move the objective turret so that light shines through the
objective.
•Verify that the phase turret on the condenser is not stuck
between settings.
•Center the specimen over the objective.
•Verify the power supply is connected and the power switch is
on (the blue LED below the LCD screen indicates that the
power is on).
Image does not respond to changes in
focus or stage position
•Click the LIVE button to return to real-time observation (note
that a red USB icon on the Save button indicates there is an
unsaved frozen image, which will be lost unless it is saved before
clicking LIVE).
Onscreen Save button does not
respond when clicked
•
If the USB icon on the Save button appears gray, plug in a USB.
•If the system does not recognize a USB that is already plugged
in, the problem is likely with that particular USB format,
unless the flash drive's data lock is set. Either unlock the flash
drive or try using different USB.
•Ensure that the USB flash drive is FAT32 formatted.
Onscreen controls are absent
•Follow instructions under “Wireless Mouse” (page 7) to install
the wireless USB mouse. The onscreen controls are only active
when a mouse is installed.
•Roll over the bottom of the screen with the mouse to activate
the onscreen controls.
Mouse does not work See “Mechanical Issues” (page 21).