Molecular Devices EMax Plus User manual

5032019 C
October 2018
EMax®Plus
Microplate Reader
Installation Guide

EMax Plus Microplate Reader Installation Guide
2 5032019 C
This document is provided to customers who have purchased Molecular Devices equipment, software,
reagents, and consumables to use in the operation of such Molecular Devices equipment, software,
reagents, and consumables. This document is copyright protected and any reproduction of this
document, in whole or any part, is strictly prohibited, except as Molecular Devices may authorize in
writing.
Software that may be described in this document is furnished under a non-transferrable license. It is
against the law to copy, modify, or distribute the software on any medium, except as specifically
allowed in the license agreement. Furthermore, the license agreement may prohibit the software
from being disassembled, reverse engineered, or decompiled for any purpose.
Portions of this document may make reference to other manufacturers and/or their products, which
may contain parts whose names are registered as trademarks and/or function as trademarks of their
respective owners. Any such usage is intended only to designate those manufacturers’ products as
supplied by Molecular Devices for incorporation into its equipment and does not imply any right and/or
license to use or permit others to use such manufacturers’ and/or their product names as trademarks.
Each product is shipped with documentation stating specifications and other technical information.
Molecular Devices products are warranted to meet the stated specifications. Molecular Devices makes
no other warranties or representations express or implied, including but not limited to, the fitness of
this product for any particular purpose and assumes no responsibility or contingent liability, including
indirect or consequential damages, for any use to which the purchaser may put the equipment
described herein, or for any adverse circumstances arising therefrom. The sole obligation of Molecular
Devices and the customer's sole remedy are limited to repair or replacement of the product in the
event that the product fails to do as warranted.
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
The trademarks mentioned herein are the property of Molecular Devices, LLC or their respective owners. These trademarks may not
be used in any type of promotion or advertising without the prior written permission of Molecular Devices, LLC.
Patents: http://www.moleculardevices.com/patents
Product manufactured by Molecular Devices, LLC.
3860 N. First Street, San Jose, California, 95134, United States of America.
Molecular Devices, LLC is ISO 9001 registered.
©2018Molecular Devices, LLC.
All rights reserved.

5032019 C 3
Introduction
The EMax®Plus Microplate Reader is a filter-based
absorbance microplate reader with eight standard filters for
a wide range of applications. An external computer running
the SoftMax® Pro Data Acquisition and Analysis Software
provides integrated instrument control, data display, and
statistical data analysis.
Computer Integration
Each Molecular Devices microplate reader is shipped with a
license key for the SoftMax® Pro Data Acquisition and
Analysis Software that you install on the computer that you
use to operate the instrument. The SoftMax Pro Software
provides integrated instrument control, data display, and
statistical data analysis.
You should install the SoftMax Pro Software on the
computer before you set up the instrument. Please be
aware that some updates to the SoftMax Pro Software
require a purchase. Contact Molecular Devices before you
update the software. To download the latest version of the
software, visit:
https://www.moleculardevices.com/products/microplate-
readers/acquisition-and-analysis-software/softmax-pro-
software#Order.
Note: For information about the computer
specifications that are required to run the software,
the software installation and licensing instructions,
and the directions to create the software connection
between the computer and the instrument, see the
SoftMax Pro Data Acquisition and Analysis Software
Installation Guide.

EMax Plus Microplate Reader Installation Guide
4 5032019 C
Setting Up the Instrument
Before you unpack and set up the instrument, prepare a
dry, flat work area that has sufficient space for the
instrument, host computer, and required cables. To provide
access for disconnecting power from the instrument,
maintain a 20cm to 30cm (7.9in. to 11.8in.) gap between
the rear of the instrument and the wall. To ensure sufficient
ventilation, do not block the ventilation grid on the right
side of the instrument.
The package contains the instrument and accessories to set
up the instrument:
SoftMax Pro Software, product key, and installation
guide
EMax Plus Microplate Reader Installation Guide
USB computer connection cable
AC power adapter
For a complete list of the package contents, see the
enclosed packing list.
The SoftMax Pro Software installation places a copy of the
available microplate reader user guides (.pdf) in the
following location on the computer:
C:\ProgramData\Molecular Devices\User Guides
The most recent version of the microplate reader user
guides and the SoftMax Pro Data Acquisition and Analysis
Software User Guide are available on the Molecular Devices
Knowledge Base:
In the software, select the Home tab, click Contact Us, and
then select Knowledge Base.
Or go to www.moleculardevices.com/service-support.
Install the SoftMax Pro Software on the computer that
operates the microplate reader. See the SoftMax Pro Data
Acquisition and Analysis Software Installation Guide.

Introduction
5032019 C 5
The packaging is designed to protect the instrument during
shipment. You must remove the transport locks before you
power on the instrument.
Note: Retain the shipping box and all packing
materials for future transport needs.
CAUTION! When transporting the instrument,
warranty claims are void if damage during transport is
caused by improper packaging.
To unpack the instrument:
1. Check the box for damage that occurred during
transportation. Inform the supplier immediately and
keep the damaged packaging.
2. Open the top of the box.
3. Lift the accessories tool box and the instrument from
the package and place the instrument on a level surface.
4. To remove the red transport lock (A), place one hand on
top of the lock, and then use your other hand to
carefully pull the bottom of the lock until it comes free of
the instrument.
5. Remove the padded plastic bag that covers the
instrument (B).

EMax Plus Microplate Reader Installation Guide
6 5032019 C
6. Follow the orange string attached to the red transport
lock to a screw located underneath the instrument.
Carefully move or tilt the instrument away from the
table to access the screw.
7. Use your fingers to remove the transport lock screw.

Introduction
5032019 C 7
Connecting Instrument Cables
The power cord and USB cable connect to the ports on the rear of the instrument.
Illustration Part Number Description
VZ 000 014 USB computer connection cable, 3meter (9.8foot)
4400-0002 or 4400-0036 Power cord, 1meter (3.3foot)
Note: Before you connect or disconnect the power cord, make sure that the power
switch on the rear of the instrument is in the Off position.
To connect the instrument cables:
1. Make sure that the power switch on the rear of the instrument is in the Offposition.
2. Connect one end of the supplied USB cable to the USB port on the rear of the instrument
and the other end to a USB port on the computer.
3. Connect the supplied power adapter to the power port on the rear of the instrument
and then connect the other end to a grounded electrical wall outlet.
Getting Started
Now that you installed the SoftMax Pro Software on the computer, removed the transport
locks, and connected the cables, it is time to get started.
1. Set the power switch on the rear of the instrument to the On position. The instrument
performs a start up sequence where the indicator lights on the front of the instrument
illuminate and the plate drawer opens.
2. Start the software on the computer. To start the software under normal conditions, wait
for the instrument to complete the start-up sequence, and then double-click the
SoftMax Pro icon on the desktop to start the program.
When you first set up the instrument it might be necessary to install USB drivers included
with the SoftMax Pro Software.
Power off the instrument when not in use.

EMax Plus Microplate Reader Installation Guide
8 5032019 C
Obtaining Support
Molecular Devices is a leading worldwide manufacturer and distributor of analytical
instrumentation, software, and reagents. We are committed to the quality of our products
and to fully supporting our customers with the highest level of technical service.
Our Support website, www.moleculardevices.com/service-support, has a link to the
Knowledge Base, which contains technical notes, software upgrades, safety data sheets, and
other resources. If you still need assistance after consulting the Knowledge Base, you can
submit a request to Molecular Devices Technical Support.
Please have the instrument serial number, (on the rear of the instrument) and any related
sample data files available when you call.

www.moleculardevices.com
The trademarks used herein are the property of Molecular Devices, LLC or their respective owners.
Specifications subject to change without notice. Patents: www.moleculardevices.com/productpatents
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
©2018 Molecular Devices, LLC.
All rights reserved.
5032019 C