Matrix Impact2 User manual

iii
CONTENTS
Congratulations!..........................................................1
A. INTRODUCTION..........................................................2
B. PIPETTOR OVERVIEW................................................4
B.1 General Description..............................................4
B.2 Keypad................................................................6
B.3 Display..............................................................12
B.4 Specifications ....................................................13
B.5 Hazards and Precautions ....................................14
C. PROGRAMMING AND OPERATION ...........................15
C.1 Programming the IMPACT...................................15
C.2 Programming the IMPACT2.................................19
C.2.1 Program Selection....................................19
C.2.2 Program Recall........................................19
C.2.3 Scratch Pad Mode (Program 0) .................20
C.2.4 Pipetting Speed Adjustment......................20
C.3 Reviewing the Program........................................21
C.4 Programming Examples......................................22
C.4.1 Sample Transfers .....................................22
C.4.2 Incremental Pipetting................................22
C.4.3 Serial Dilutions.........................................23
C.4.4 Simple Dilutions.......................................23
C.5 Operating Procedures .........................................24
D. CALIBRATION ..........................................................26
D.1 Calibrating the IMPACT.......................................27
D.1.1 Volume Measurement...............................27
D.1.2 Pipettor Calibration...................................28
D.2 Calibrating the IMPACT2.....................................30
D.2.1 “EASY” CAL Mode...................................30
D.2.2 “CALC” Mode...........................................31
D.3 CALVIEW..........................................................31
D.4 CALRESET........................................................31
D.5 Recommendations for Accurate Pipetting .............32

CONTENTS (cont’d)
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E. TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE................33
E.1 Troubleshooting..................................................33
E.2 Maintenance......................................................35
E.2.1 Pipettor Disassembly ...............................36
E.2.2 Pipettor Cleaning and Autoclaving..............39
E.2.3 Pipettor Reassembly................................40
E.3 Recharging Batteries ..........................................42
E.4 Replacing Batteries ............................................44
F. APPENDICES............................................................48
F.1 Additional Pipetting Examples .............................48
F.1.1 Sample Transfers .....................................48
F.1.2 Incremental Pipetting................................49
F.1.3 Serial Dilutions.........................................49
F.1.4 Simple Dilutions .......................................50
F.2 Chemical Compatibility........................................50
F.3 Customer Service...............................................51
F.3.1 Warranty .................................................51
F.3.2 Customer Service.....................................51
G. IMPACT2STORED PROGRAMS WORKSHEET ................53

1
Congratulations!
You have purchased the state-of-the-art in precision pipetting. The
IMPACT®is the first cordless electronic pipettor that "understands"
the myriad of liquid handling protocols typically performed in
today's laboratory.
Ergonomically designed and balanced to reduce fatigue, the
IMPACT functions so intuitively, that you may need no more than a
quick survey of this manual to use it.
The IMPACT allows you to accomplish your liquid pipetting tasks
quickly, accurately, and with less risk of developing repetitive
motion related injuries that are typical with manual pipettor use.
Laboratory results will become more standardized, while less time
is expended on tedious bench procedures.
Delivering power, precision, and performance.
is the latest word in liquid handling technology.
Before You Begin
Before using the IMPACT or IMPACT2, verify the contents of your
package. The package should contain the following items:
1IMPACT or IMPACT2Pipettor
1Operator's Manual
2Rechargeable Batteries
1AC Power Transformer
1Warranty Card
1Accuracy/Precision Data Sheet
1Coupon for Free Calibration Service
If you are missing any items, contact your Matrix Technologies
representative.
Note: Batteries must be installed and recharged before using the
IMPACT. Refer to the following sections in this manual:
nSection E.3, Installing/Replacing Batteries
nSection E.4, Recharging Batteries

2
A. INTRODUCTION
The IMPACT is lightweight and cordless. It provides the
convenience of a manual pipettor, with the programming
capabilities of an electronic pipettor. It runs on rechargeable
batteries and can be used while recharging. The pipettor also has
an automatic shutoff feature to extend battery life.
The IMPACT uses a "paced dispense" feature that performs repeat
pipetting steps while the trigger is depressed.
The IMPACT uses integrated circuit technology to store its
programming information. It will hold up to 40 steps in a program.
The program information is retained in memory, even if the
batteries are fully discharged or removed.
The IMPACT2is the second generation of the IMPACT pipettor
family. It is capable of performing all of the same pipetting
protocols available with the IMPACT, plus a few NEW features. The
expanded capabilities include:
§Expanded memory for storing up to five pipetting programs.
Each program can hold a maximum of 40 steps.
§“Scratch Pad” programming mode which allows for fast and
simple program changes that are not stored into memory.
§Enhanced speed control which offers slower aspirating and
dispensing of viscous liquids. Excellent for Gel loading!
§“EASY” CAL which simplifies in-lab calibration verification by
using distilled water.

INTRODUCTION
3
The IMPACT and IMPACT2are available in 8-channel and
12-channel formats (see Figure A). An expandable version of the
8-channel format is also available for pipetting samples from test
tubes in a rack. It comes in several models to handle fluid volumes
from 0.5 µl to 1250 µl. The handles are color-coded for easy
identification of different model types (IMPACT vs. IMPACT2) and
different volume ranges. See Section B.4, Specifications.
8-Channel 12-Channel 8-Channel
Expandable
Figure A: IMPACT Configurations

4
B. PIPETTOR OVERVIEW
B.1 General Description
Keypad
Display
Battery
Case
Pipetting Trigger
Ejector Trigger
Color-coded
Ring
Transformer
Connector
Tip Fittings
Figure B.1: Description of Components
Keypad. The keypad contains the operation keys that are used
in programming the pipetting sequence and volumes. See Section
B.2, Keypad.
Display. The display is an LCD screen that shows the pipetting
operation (fill, dispense, mix, or purge) and fluid volume for each
step in the pipetting program. See Section B.3, Display.

PIPETTOR OVERVIEW
5
Battery Case. The battery case contains two rechargeable nickel
cadmium batteries. Batteries are charged for 12–14 hours. When
fully charged, the pipettor can perform up to 1200 cycles at full
stroke. Battery life is extended with automatic shutoff after 10
minutes of inactivity. See Section E.3, Installing/
Replacing Batteries.
Pipetting Trigger. The pipetting trigger initiates the pipetting
program. It is pressed when the "Run" or "Purge" command
appears in the display. A single pipetting step is performed by a
quick press and release of the trigger. Repeat pipetting (paced
dispense) is performed by pressing and holding the trigger.
Note: At the end of a paced dispense, the pipet tips should be
removed from the fluid before releasing the trigger, to prevent
aspiration of fluid.
Ejector Trigger. The ejector trigger is pressed to eject the pipet
tips from the pipettor.
Tip Fittings. The tip fittings form an airtight seal with the pipet
tips to ensure accuracy while pipetting.
Note: To extend instrument life, Matrix Technologies has
equipped all IMPACT and IMPACT2pipettors with chemically-
resistant (PEEK) tip fittings. This material allows for pipetting of
acidic solutions without damage to the tip fittings.
Color-coded Ring. The flanged ring around the pipettor handle is
color-coded to identify the pipetting volume of the handle. See
Section B.4, Specifications.
Transformer Connector. The transformer connector receives the
plug from the power transformer for recharging the batteries. The
pipettor can be used while it is recharging.

PIPETTOR OVERVIEW
6
B.2 Keypad
The keypad contains the operation keys, program keys, and the
special function key.
Display
Operation
Keys
Keypad
Special
Function
Key
Program
Keys
Enter
Fill On Off/
Vol
Purge
Prog
Mix
Disp
Figure B.2a: IMPACT Keypad
Display
Operation
Keys
Keypad
Special
Function
Key
Program
Keys
Enter
Fill On Off/
Vol
Purge
Prog
Mix
Disp
Figure B.2b: IMPACT2Keypad

PIPETTOR OVERVIEW
7
Operation Keys:
[On/Off] The On/Off key turns the pipettor on or off. When the
pipettor is turned on, it emits a beep tone, flashes
"ZERO" on the display, then automatically resets the
pistons to zero position. After zeroing, the display
shows the first step of the program in the RUN mode.
Note: If the pipettor is being programmed for the first
time, the first step will be the fill operation, with the
default fill volume. See Section C.1, Program-ming
the IMPACT, for the default settings.
[Speed] The Speed key controls the rate at which the liquid is
aspirated or dispensed. The speed setting can be
changed by repeatedly pressing the Speed key.*
For the IMPACT, three speed settings are available:
Speed Setting Display
SLOW SF
MEDIUM SF
FAST SF
For the IMPACT2, five speed settings are available:
Speed Setting Display
SLOW S
MEDIUM SLOW S
MEDIUM S
MEDIUM FAST S
FAST SF
The IMPACT2also features independent speed
adjustment. Speed settings can be changed within a
stored program or during the execution of a program
(see Section C.2.4, Pipetting Speed Adjustment).
*NOTE: IMPACT2speed settings are changed
through the Special Function key (see Special
Function key section on page 11) or by using the
volume key (see Section C.2.4, Pipetting Speed
Adjustment).