Microtek Bio-5050 User manual

www.microtek.com
Scanner
User's Manual

2 Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual
Preface
Copyright
© 2022, Microtek International, Inc., all rights reserved. This document may not
be reproduced or copied in any way, stored electronically, or translated into any
language, without the permission of Microtek International, Inc.
Trademarks
Microtek, ScanMaker, ArtixScan, ScanWizard and ColoRescue are trademarks
or registered trademarks of Microtek International, Inc. All other trademarks or
registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders. Specications,
software and hardware bundles are subject to change without notice. Not
responsible for typographical errors.
Disclaimer
The contents of this manual have been checked carefully for accuracy, and every
effort has been made to ensure that there are no errors. However, Microtek
makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of the contents of this document and
reserves the right to make changes to the contents without prior warning.
I49-005477, A
August 2022
Microtek International, Inc.
No. 6, Industry East Road 3, Science Based Industrial Park, Hsinchu, 30075, Taiwan
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone], https://www.microtek.com

Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual 3
FCC Compliance Statement
FCC NOTICE (Class A)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment (Model: MRS-4800F2B) has been veried and found to comply
with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by tuning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the equipment.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced technician for help.
Any changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

4 Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual
Safety Precautions
Before using your scanner, read the following safety guides carefully, which
detail the proper operation of the scanner and its accessories to prevent injuries
or damage to users or equipment.
Power Source and AC Power Cord:
• Use a power source only with a power rating specied on the marking label.
• Insert the plug completely into the outlet, as a loose connection may cause
arcing and result in re.
• Place and route the power supply cord such that it is not likely to be walked
on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to the cord near the power plugs, convenience receptacles, and at
the point where it exits from the outlet.
• When the scanner is left unattended and unused for long periods of time,
unplug it from the wall outlet.
Moving and Storing the Scanner:
• Always lock the scanner when shipping or moving the scanner. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product to overturn
when moving.
• When locking or unlocking the scanner, do not turn the scanner upside
down.
• Do not place the scanner on any slippery, slanted, or unstable surface. The
product may slide or fall, causing serious injury to people as well as serious
damage to the product.
• Do not use this scanner near water. Never spill liquid of any kinds on the
product, or it may result in electric shock or other hazards.
• This scanner should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other products (including ampliers) that produce
heat.
Service:
• When you need a repair service, unplug the scanner from the power outlet
and consult qualied service personnel.
• When replacement parts are required, use replacement parts that are
specied by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the
original parts.

Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual 5
Table of Contents
Preface ................................................................................................2
FCC Compliance Statement ................................................................3
Safety Precautions ..............................................................................4
Knowing aboutYour Scanner...............................................................7
Features of Your Scanner................................................................... 7
System Requirements ........................................................................ 8
Taking a Closer Look ......................................................................... 9
Front/Open View......................................................................... 9
Rear View ................................................................................ 10
Initial Setup ....................................................................................... 11
Step 1: Unpacking Package Contents ................................................ 11
Step 2: Installing the Software.......................................................... 12
Step 3: Unlocking the Scanner.......................................................... 13
Step 4: Connecting the Scanner........................................................ 14
To the Power Adapter ............................................................... 14
To the USB 2.0 Cable................................................................ 15
Positioning Materials.........................................................................16
Positioning Electrophoresis Gels/Films................................................ 16
Positioning Reective Originals ......................................................... 18
Scanning Scenarios ...........................................................................19
Using ScanWizard Bio...................................................................... 19
Scanning Electrophoresis Gels/Films ............................................ 20
Periodically Scanning Electrophoresis Gels/Films............................ 22
Scanning Reective Originals...................................................... 24
Scanning Originals Applied with Auto Focus ................................. 26
Care and Cleaning .............................................................................28
Cleaning the Glass Surface............................................................... 28
Appendix ...........................................................................................29
Troubleshooting .............................................................................. 29
Specications ................................................................................. 31

6 Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual

Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual 7
Knowing aboutYour Scanner
The Bio-5050 scanner (MRS-4800F2B) is a professional bio scanner, which
is specically designed by Microtek for scanning electrophoresis gel-related
images in a biological laboratory. With 48-bit color depth, 4800-dpi resolution,
0.01D~3.4D absorbance range capacity, plus high-quality and stable
performance with a CV value of 0.5%, the Bio-5050 can accurately and stably
capture the electrophoretic gel, transparent lm, and rapid test strips images. It is
the best choice for digitizing images related to electrophoresis gels.
Features ofYour Scanner
The scanner comes with several important features, including the following:
• Dual-scan beds: The Bio-5050 scanner is a dual media scanner that lets you
scan transparencies up to 8“x10“ in size, such as electrophoresis gels/lms,
and reective originals like ordinary papers up to 8.5" x 14" in size.
• 4800-dpi optical resolution: With the optical resolution of 4800 dpi, the
scanner lets you scan even microscopic images and enlarge them with
amazing clarity, with little loss of detail.
• Wide range of optical density: The optical density range of 0.01~3.4D
enables the scanner to accurately capture a wide range of tones in the
bright and dark areas of the image, ensuring the best scanning quality. The
minimum density value of 0.01D can fully present the light tones in the
bright areas of the image, avoiding important images loss.
• High stability image: With the stable performance of a 0.5% CV (coefcient
of variation) value, the scanner can accurately and stably capture the images
of gel electrophoresis, which is suitable for quantitative analysis.
• Wet-Dry glass holder — Comes with a specially designed leak-free and
removable glass holder for loading wet and dry gels. It can be easily moved,
cleaned, and washed under water.
• Auto Focus: Auto Focus allows the scanner to change the focus position on
images through the movement of the CCD, resulting in better image quality
for a chosen area of the scan. .
• Microtek-patended E.D.I.T.™ technology: This is a patented “glassless”
scanning system built into the lower bay of Microtek’s dual media scanners,
which can avoid Newton rings that may occur when scanning transparent
lms through glass, resulting in clear, distortion-free images.
• Microtek ScanWizard™ Bio scanning software: This is scanner controller
program that provides many powerful, professional-level features for
scanning gel electrophoresis images.

8 Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual
System Requirements
In order to use your scanner, your computer must satisfy the following
requirements:
• DVD-ROM drive (for installing software)
• Color display with 24-bit color output capability
• 1 GB RAM or more (2 GB is recommended)
• Intel Core i3 processor PC or higher with a built-in USB port
• Microsoft Windows 10/11 (compatible with Windows 7/8)

Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual 9
No. Names of Parts Functions of Parts
1 Scanner lid Used to cover the glass surface of the scanner.
2 Glass surface Used for scanning reective originals, such as paper reports and prints.
(Upper scan bed)
3 Power button Used to turn the scanner on or off.
4 LED indicators POWER indicator (Green): Indicates the scanner is on or off.
Reective Ready indicator (amber):
Indicates if the scanner is ready to scan.
Transparency Ready indicator (amber):
Indicates if the scanner is ready to scan.
5 Lower scan bed Used for scanning electrophoresis gels/lms and transparent lms.
6 Horizontal ruler Used to measure the width of the document.
7 Vertical ruler Used to measure the length of the document.
Taking a Closer Look
Front/Open View

10 Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual
Rear View
No. Names of Parts Functions of Parts
1 USB 2.0 port Used to connect the scanner to a computer.
2 Power connector Used to connect the scanner to a power source.

Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual 11
Initial Setup
After unpacking your scanner package, follow the steps below for a quick and
easy installation process.
NOTE:
• Be sure to use the power adapter and USB cable came with the scanner
package.
• Do not place the scanner on any slippery, slanted, or unstable surface. The
scanner may slide or fall, causing serious injury to people as well as severe
damage to the scanner.
• Save all packing materials of the scanner, including the carton, if you have a
need to transport the scanner in the future.
Step 1: Unpacking Package Contents
After unpacking your scanner package, please check for the major components
listed below.
Scanner
Power adapter
Vinyl strips
Hi-Speed USB cable
Software DVD
Power cord
LEAK-FREE GLASS HOLDER
This holder is specifically designed for 
the use of the gel and transparent film scanning.
LEAK-FREE GLASS HOLDER
This holder is specifically designed for 
the use of the gel and transparent film scanning.
Leak-Free Glass Holder (2 pcs)

12 Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual
Step 2: Installing the Software
Important: Do not remove the yellow sticker from your scanner until you are told
to do so. You must install all software before connecting your scanner.
Always close any open programs and turn off Anti-virus utilities before installing
software.
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Place the Microtek Software DVD
into a drive.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions
to install the driver and software.
NOTE:If the Microtek Software
Installer screen does not come
up automatically, double-click
the following in succession: “My
Computer”; the DVD-ROM icon;
then cdsetup.exe to start the
installer program.
4. Click “EXIT” on the Microtek
Software Installer screen when all
the software has been installed.
5. Restart your computer.

Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual 13
Step 3: Unlocking the Scanner
Before using the scanner, the scanner should be unlocked. To unlock the
scanner, follow the steps below:
1. Remove the yellow “Unlock”
sticker from your scanner.
2. With the scanner power off,
tilt the front right corner of the
scanner to see the locking screw
at the bottom.
3. Using a screwdriver, push
and turn the locking screw
counterclockwise to the unlock
position.
When successfully unlocked,
the screw will push out a little,
protruding slightly from the
bottom of
Locked
Unlocked
If you have a need to transport the scanner, the scanner must be locked in
advance. To lock the scanner, follow the steps below:
1. Turn off the scanner if your
scanner is on.
2. Turn the scanner back on. The
scanner’s carriage will move
to the standby position in few
minutes.
3. When the indicators on the
front of your scanner stop
blinking, use a screwdriver, and
then push and turn the locking
screw clockwise to the locked
position.
When the screw has been
tightened, this indicates that
your scanner is locked.
4. Turn off your scanner. The
scanner is now ready for
transport.

14 Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual
Step 4: Connecting the Scanner
To the Power Adapter
1. Connect the power adapter to the back of the scanner.
2. Plug one end of the power cord into the power adapter, and plug the other
end of the power cord into a wall outlet or other power source..

Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual 15
To the Hi-Speed USB Cable
3. Connect one end of the USB cable to your computer.
4. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the scanner’s USB port.
Power button
5. Press the Power button ( ) at the
front panel of the scanner, and wait
for the lights to stop blinking and
stay on steady.
The system will detect your
scanner automatically.

16 Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual
Positioning Materials
Proper positioning of the scan material on the scanner is important for
successful scanning. Before starting scanning, refer to the individual section in
the succeeding pages about how to correctly position the electrophoresis gels,
transparent lms, and reective materials.
Positioning Electrophoresis Gels/Films
This procedure applies when you use the lower scan bed of the Bio-5050 to scan
the electrophoresis gels or transparent lms.
There are two pieces of Leak-Free Glass Holders come with your scanner
package, which are specically designed for scanning electrophoresis gels and
transparent lms. After unpacking, check to see if the holders are included in the
box. If the holders are missing, please contact Microtek Customer Service.
1. Take the Leak-Free Glass Holder out from the box, and turn the side of the
holder with a sticker facing up.
LEAK-FREE GLASS HOLDER
This holder is specifically designed for 
the use of the gel and transparent film scanning.
LEAK-FREE GLASS HOLDER
This holder is specifically designed for 
the use of the gel and transparent film scanning.
2. Place the electrophoresis gel or lm to be scanned on the glass surface of
the holder.
The side of the holder labeled with
a sticker should be facing up.
Keep Calibration strip clear
and free of any obstruction

Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual 17
Keep Calibration strip clear
and free of any obstruction
LEAK-FREE GLASS HOLDER
Thisholder is specifically designed for 
theuse of the gel and transparent film scanning.
If necessary, secure the transparent lm to the glass surface using the Vinyl
strips included in the box when you position the lm on the holder.
LEAK-FREE GLASS HOLDER
This holder is specifically designed for
the use of the gel and transparent film scanning.
Vinyl strip
Electrophoresis lm
3. Insert the holder with loaded electrophoresis gel or lm all the way into the
transparency bay (lower scan bed) of the scanner.
NOTE:
• Make sure the correct side of the Leak-Free Glass Holder is facing up when
you insert it into the scanner's transparency bay (lower scan bed). The
correct side of the holder is labeled with a sticker on it.
• Make sure that the Calibration strip on the holder is kept clear and free of
obstruction at all times; no material should ever be placed on this area.
• Please take note that the high temperature may cause damage to your
electrophoresis gels and transparent lms. Therefore, turn off the scanner
and remove the scanned gels and lms from the scanner once you nish the
scanning job.
• The Leak-Free Glass Holder requires regular cleaning. To clean, use a mild
glass cleaning solution, and wipe the glass plate gently with a lint-free, lens-
cleaning cloth to prevent leaving ber residue.

18 Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual
Positioning Reflective Originals
This procedure applies when you use the upper scan bed of the Bio-5050 to scan
paper reports, prints, or other reective materials.
1. Open the scanner lid.
2. Place the original to be scanned face down on the scanner glass surface
(upper scan bed), towards the front of the scanner. Center the top of the
material original along the horizontal ruler on the scanner.
NOTE: To scan a book or thick materials/documents, lift the scanner lid out
of its hinge sockets high enough to create room between the original and the
lid.
3. Lower the scanner lid.

Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual 19
Scanning Scenarios
Using ScanWizard Bio
ScanWizard Bio is a scanning software designed by Microtek for electrophoresis
gel-related images scanning in color and grayscale. Its user-friendly interface
enables you to easily start the scanning process. Refer to the ScanWizard Bio
Reference Manual for more details.
The following sections provide various scenarios for scanning with the Bio-5050,
including the following:
• Scanning electrophoresis gels/lms: This scenario can also be your rst scan
to familiarize yourself with scanning basics.
• Periodically scanning electrophoresis gels/lms: This scenario details the
steps for capturing a series of gel electrophoresis images continuously at a
predened time interval.
• Scanning reective originals: This scenario details the steps for scanning
reective materials, such as paper reports and prints.
• Scanning originals applied with the Auto Focus function: This scenario
details the steps for applying the Auto Focus function to a selected area of
the image to be scanned, in order to improve that area of the image.

20 Bio-5050 Scanner User's Manual
Scanning Electrophoresis Gels/Films
1. Refer to the previous chapter
“Positioning Materials“ to insert the
Leak-Free Glass Holder with loaded gel
or lm into the transparency bay (lower
scan bed) of the scanner.
Make sure that nothing is on the
scanner's glass surface (upper scan bed).
2. Launch ScanWizard Bio either as a stand-
alone by clicking on the program icon on
the desktop.
3. Go to the Preview window and choose Transmissive from the Scan Material
(Material) menu.
4. Click the Overview button to perform a preliminary scan of your original.
5. Select the Scan Frame (Frame) tool from the Toolbar in the Preview window,
and choose the area to be scanned by dragging a rectangle around it. You
will see a ashing frame (marquee) around the selected area.
6. Click the Prescan button to display a detailed image area selected via the
Scan Frame tool. A thumbnail of the image appears as well in the Scan Job
Queue window.
7. Specify your scanning requirements in the Settings window.
a) Select a desired image type.
b) Select a desired resolution.
c) Adjust the scan frame settings if necessary.
8. Adjust image quality if necessary, using the Advanced Image Correction
(AIC) tools.
Available AIC tools vary depending on the setting of scan material and image
type.
9. Click the Scan to button in the Preview window to start scanning.
If ScanWizard Bio was launched in stand-alone mode, you will be prompted
to specify the le attributes for the scanned image after the Scan to button
is pressed, such as entering the le name, specifying a folder name of your
own, etc. When you have completed the settings, press the Save button,
and the scanner will automatically scan and save your image based on your
settings.
If the scanner has not yet completed the 10-minute warm-up after the
scanner is powered on, a dialog box will appear on the screen showing the
remaining warm-up time. You can wait until the warm-up time is up and the
scanner starts scanning automatically, or you can terminate the warm-up by
clicking the any of buttons displayed in the dialog box.
LEAK-FREE GLASS HOLDER
Thisholder is specifically designed for 
theuse of the gel and transparent film scanning.