Molecular Devices FilterMax F3 User manual

5016208 D
October 2018
FilterMax™F3 and FilterMax™ F5
Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
User Guide

FilterMax F3 and FilterMax F5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers User Guide
2 5016208 D
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Contents
Safety Information 4
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips 4
Chapter 1: Introduction 8
Computer Integration 9
Temperature Control 10
Chapter 2: Setting Up the Instrument 11
Package Contents 11
Unpacking the Instrument 12
Removing Transport Locks 12
Connecting Instrument Cables 14
Assembling and Maintaining Filters 15
Chapter 3: Getting Started 20
Front Panel Controls and Indicators 21
Loading and Unloading Filter Slides 23
Loading and Unloading Plates 24
Chapter 4: Maintenance and Troubleshooting 27
Cleaning the Instrument 27
Preventive Maintenance 27
Replacing Fuses 28
Replacing the Deuterium Lamp in the FilterMaxF5 30
Packing the Instrument 32
Troubleshooting 35
Obtaining Support 36
Appendix A: Instrument Specifications 37
Measurement Specifications 37
Physical Specifications 42
Appendix B: System Diagram and Dimensions 43
Appendix C: Available Standard Filter Slides 44
Appendix D: Electromagnetic Compatibility 48

FilterMax F3 and FilterMax F5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers User Guide
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Safety Information
Information about the safe use of the instrument from Molecular Devices® includes an
understanding of the user-attention statements in this guide, the safety labels on the
instrument, precautions to follow before you operate the instrument, and precautions to
follow while you operate the instrument.
Make sure that everyone involved with the operation of the instrument has:
Received instruction in general safety practices for laboratories.
Received instruction in specific safety practices for the instrument.
Read and understood all Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all materials being used.
Read and observe all warnings, cautions, and instructions. The most important key to safety
is to operate the instrument with care.
WARNING! If the instrument is used in a manner not specified by Molecular
Devices, the protection provided by the equipment might be impaired.
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips
All warning symbols are framed within a yellow triangle. An exclamation mark is used for
most warnings. Other symbols can warn of other types of hazards such as biohazard,
electrical, or laser safety warnings as are described in the text of the warning. Follow the
related safety information.
The following user attention statements might be displayed in the text of Molecular Devices
user documentation. Each statement implies the amount of observation or recommended
procedure.
WARNING! A warning indicates a situation or operation that could cause
personal injury if precautions are not followed.
CAUTION! A caution indicates a situation or operation that could cause damage to
the instrument or loss of data if correct procedures are not followed.
Note: A note calls attention to significant information.
Tip: A tip provides useful information or a shortcut, but is not essential to the
completion of a procedure.

Safety Information
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Symbols on the Instrument
Each safety label found on the instrument contains an alert symbol that indicates the type of
potential safety hazard.
Symbol Indication
Consult the product documentation.
Potential heat hazard.
Power switch indicates power on.
Power switch indicates power off.
Indicates alternating current.
Indicates direct current.
Indicates the location of the Protective Ground Terminal.
Indicates the location of a fuse.
Required in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Directive of the European Union. It indicates that you must not discard this electrical or
electronic product or its components in domestic household waste or in the municipal
waste collection system.
For products under the requirement of the WEEE directive, contact your dealer or
local Molecular Devices office for the procedures to facilitate the proper collection,
treatment, recovery, recycling, and safe disposal of the device.

FilterMax F3 and FilterMax F5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers User Guide
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- - California proposition 65 requires businesses to provide
warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
Electrical Safety
To prevent electrical injuries and property damage, inspect all electrical equipment before
use and report all electrical deficiencies. Contact Molecular Devices technical support for
equipment service that requires the removal of covers or panels.
WARNING! HIGH VOLTAGE. Within the instrument is the potential of an
electrical shock hazard existing from a high voltage source. Read and understand
all safety instructions before you install, maintain, and service the instrument.
To prevent electrical shock, use the supplied power cord and connect to a properly
grounded wall outlet.
To ensure sufficient ventilation and provide access to disconnect 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.
Power off the instrument when not in use.
Chemical and Biological Safety
Normal operation of the instrument can involve the use of materials that are toxic,
flammable, or otherwise biologically harmful. When you use such materials, observe the
following precautions:
Handle infectious samples based on good laboratory procedures and methods to
prevent the spread of disease.
Observe all cautionary information printed on the original containers of solutions before
their use.
Dispose of all waste solutions based on the waste disposal procedures of your facility.
Operate the instrument in accordance with the instructions outlined in this guide, and
take all the required precautions when using pathological, toxic, or radioactive materials.
Splashing of liquids can occur. Take applicable safety precautions, such as using safety
glasses and wearing protective clothing, when working with potentially hazardous
liquids.
Observe the applicable cautionary procedures as defined by your safety officer when
using hazardous materials, flammable solvents, toxic, pathological, or radioactive
materials in or near a powered-up instrument.

Safety Information
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WARNING! Never use the instrument in an environment where potentially
damaging liquids or gases are present.
Moving Parts Safety
The instrument contains moving parts that can cause injury. Under normal conditions, the
instrument is designed to protect you from these moving parts.
WARNING! If the instrument is used in a manner not specified by Molecular
Devices, the protection provided by the equipment might be impaired.
To prevent injury:
Never try to exchange labware, reagents, or tools while the instrument is operating.
Never try to physically restrict the moving components of the instrument.
Keep the instrument work area clear to prevent obstruction of the movement.
WARNING! Do not attempt to access the interior of the instrument unless
specifically instructed to do so. The moving parts inside the instrument can cause
injury. Do not operate the instrument with any covers or panels removed.
Note: Observe all warnings and cautions listed for all external devices attached to or in
use during the operation of the instrument. See the applicable user guide for the
operating and safety procedures of that device.

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Chapter 1: Introduction
The FilterMax™F3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader and the FilterMax™ F5 Multi-Mode
Microplate Reader are ideal for a broad range of applications, including drug discovery,
genomics, proteomics, and cell-based research. The unique patented design ensures precise
performance and sensitivity across all detection modes.
The instrument has two slots where you insert filter slides. One slide is reserved for the
excitation filters you use for absorbance and fluorescence measurements. The other slide is
reserved for the emission filters you use for fluorescence and some luminescence
measurements. Each slide can hold up to six filters.
You can integrate the FilterMaxF3 and FilterMax F5 with the StakMax® Microplate Handling
System.
FilterMaxF3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Available read modes:
Visible Absorbance (ABS) at wavelengths between 340nm and 650nm.
Fluorescence Intensity (FL) for top reading at wavelengths between 340nm and 650nm.
Glow-type Luminescence (LUM) at wavelengths between 400nm and 650nm.
Available read types:
Endpoint
Kinetic
Multiple wavelength
Linear scan
Area scan
Other features:
Read samples in 96-well and 384-well plates
Linear and orbital shake
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FilterMaxF5 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Available read modes:
UV and Visible Absorbance (ABS) at wavelengths between 230nm and 650nm.
Fluorescence Intensity (FL) at wavelengths between 230nm and 700nm for top reading,
or between 300nm and 650nm for bottom reading.
Glow-type Luminescence (LUM) at wavelengths between 400nm and 700nm.
Time-Resolved Fluorescence (TRF) at wavelengths between 340nm and 700nm.
Fluorescence Polarization (FP) at wavelengths between 300nm and 700nm.
Available read types:
Endpoint
Kinetic
Multiple wavelength
Linear scan
Area scan
Other features:
Read samples in 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 384, 1536-well plates.
Deuterium light source to extend sensitivity into the deep UV band.
PathCheck Pathlength Measurement Technology
Read height optimization for top read
Temperature control
WARNING! WARNING! The FilterMaxF5 uses a deuterium lamp that emits UV
radiation. Never view light from the deuterium lamp directly without approved
eye wear. Protect skin from exposure to the light emitted by the lamp.
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.

Chapter 1: Introduction
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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.
To prevent data loss, turn off all sleep and hibernation settings for the hard disk, the CPU,
and the USB ports. Disable automatic Windows updates. Update Windows manually when
you do not use the computer to control an instrument. You can set these options in
Windows Control Panel.
Temperature Control
The FilterMaxF5 can maintain the temperature inside the plate chamber at ambient plus 4°C
±1°C up to 45°C. You use the SoftMax Pro Software to set and control the temperature. See
the SoftMax Pro Software application help or user guide.
Note: The temperature sensors detect the temperature of the air inside the chamber,
not the temperature of the samples in the plate. If you use the instrument to warm
the samples, you should use a seal or lid on the plate to prevent evaporation of the
sample. Using a seal or lid also helps to maintain uniform temperature. Letting the
prepared sample equilibrate inside the plate chamber can take an hour or more. You
can speed up equilibration by pre-warming the sample and the assay reagents before
you place the plate in the chamber. Validate the data quality to determine whether
the seal or lid can stay on the plate for the read.

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Chapter 2: 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. See Instrument
Specifications on page 37.
Package Contents
Illustration PartNumber Description
SoftMax® Pro
Software
Latest
Version
SoftMax Pro Software installation guide with product key
5016209 Instrument installation guide
YW000005 1.5mm hex key
YW000006 2.0mm hex key
GU V3 244 RS-232 9-pin serial connection cable
VZ 000 012 USB to RS-232 adapter cable If the computer does not have an
RS-232 serial port, then connect the supplied USB to RS-232
adapter cable to a USB port on the computer.
4400-0002
or 4400-
0036
Power cord, 115V
or Power cord, 230V
For a complete list of the contents of the package, see the enclosed packing list.
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Unpacking the Instrument
The packaging is designed to protect the instrument during transportation.
There is a transport lock on the plate drawer to protect the instrument from damage during
shipment. You must remove the transport lock before you power on the instrument.
Note: Retain the shipping box and all packaging materials for future transport needs.
Do not use tools that can damage the packaging or the instrument.
CAUTION! When transporting the instrument, warranty claims are void if improper
packing results in damage to the instrument.
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 box lid and remove the accessories box.
3. Use the molded foam packaging to lift the instrument out of the box.
4. Remove the foam packaging and the plastic bag.
5. Move the instrument to a dry, flat area.
Removing Transport Locks
There is a transport lock on the plate drawer to protect the instrument from damage during
shipment. You must remove the transport lock before you power on the instrument.
Illustration PartNumber Description
YW000006 2.0mm hex key
Required Tool
CAUTION! Do not touch or loosen screws or parts other than those specifically
designated in the instructions. Doing so could cause misalignment and possibly void
the warranty.
To remove the transport lock:
1. Gently pull the yellow tab that protrudes from the plate chamber door to open the door.
Hold the door open while you remove the transport lock.
Note: Do not to tear the yellow tab. It remains attached to the transport lock to
make it easier to open the plate chamber door.

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Instrument
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Item Description
1 Screw #1 fastens the lock to the internal frame of the instrument
2 Screw #2: Fastens the lock to the plate drawer
3 Screw #3: Fastens the lock to the plate drawer
4 Transport lock
5 Plate drawer
6 Plate chamber door opened
2. Use the 2.0mm hex key to loosen screw #1 in the upper-left corner of the transport lock
until the lock disconnects from the instrument frame. The screw has a retaining washer
to prevent removal from the lock.
3. Use the 2.0mm hex key to loosen screw #2 and screw #3 until the lock disconnects from
the plate drawer. The screws have retaining washers that prevent removal from the lock.
4. Gently close the plate chamber door.
5. Save the original carton, foam inserts, accessories box, and transport lock for future
shipment.

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Connecting Instrument Cables
The power cord and USB cable connect to the ports on the rear of the instrument.
Illustration Part Number Description
GU V3 244 RS-232 9-pin serial connection cable
VZ 000 012 USB to RS-232 adapter cable If the computer does not
have an RS-232 serial port, then connect the supplied USB
to RS-232 adapter cable to a USB port on the computer.
4400-0002 or
4400-0036
Power cord, 1meter (3.3foot)
Required Accessories
Item Description
1 Power Switch
2 Power Port
3 USB Port

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Instrument
5016208 D 15
To connect the instrument cables:
1. Make sure the power switch on the rear of the instrument is in the Off position. See
Getting Started on page 20.
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 cord to the power port on the rear of the instrument and
then connect the other end to a grounded electrical wall outlet.
Assembling and Maintaining Filters
Filter slides and filters are shipped with the instrument in the package that contains the
other instrument tools and parts. Standard filter slides are shipped with the filters installed in
the slide. There are two types of filter slides. One slide is reserved for the excitation filters you
use for absorbance and fluorescence measurements. The other slide is reserved for the
emission filters you use for fluorescence and some luminescence measurements. Each slide
can hold up to six filters.
You can order customizable filter slides that you can configured as desired. Excitation and
emission filters are different sizes to prevent installation on the wrong type of filter slide. You
can install individual excitation filters in any location on an excitation slide and you can install
individual emission filters on an emission slide. You should leave the original standard filter
slide configurations in the required format for compliance testing. See Available Standard
Filter Slides on page 44.
Note: You should not reconfigure standard filter slides.
An excitation or emission filter fits in one of the slots on the filter slide, and is secured by a
1.5mm hex screw. A 1.5mm hex key is provided with the instrument.
Excitation and emission filters are different sizes to prevent installation on the wrong type of
filter slide.
Filter Type Diameter Thickness
Excitation Minimum: 12.2mm (0.49in.)
Maximum: 12.7mm (0.50in.)
Minimum: 6.0mm (0.24in.)
Maximum: 9.0mm (0.35in.)*
Emission Minimum: 17.7mm (0.70in.)
Maximum: 18.0mm (0.71in.)
Minimum: 5.0mm (0.20in.)
Maximum: 9.0mm (0.35in.)*
Minimum and Maximum Filter Dimensions
*On a filter slide designed to house a polarization filter, you can use filters up to 10.0mm (0.39in.) in
slots where no polarization filter is housed. Slides that house polarization filters are designed for use
with the FilterMaxF5 instrument only.
CAUTION! Handle filter slides by the tab only. Do not touch filter surfaces with fingers.
Fingerprints left on filters can cause inaccurate measurement results.

FilterMax F3 and FilterMax F5 Multi-Mode Microplate Readers User Guide
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To exchange an excitation or emission filter in a slide:
1. Use the 1.5mm hex key to loosen, but not remove, the hex screw that secures the filter
to the filter slide.
Item Description
1 Filter slide
2 Filter slot 1
3 Excitation or emission filter
4 1.5mm hex screw
5 Polarization filter
2. Grasp the filter by the edges and gently pull it free of the slot.
When you remove a filter from a slot that houses a polarization filter, use tweezers to
gently slide the polarization filter out far enough to allow the removal of the excitation or
emission filter. You should not completely remove the polarization filter from the slide.
Slides that house polarization filters are designed for use with the FilterMaxF5
instrument only. See Removing and Installing Polarization Filters on page 17.
3. Store the filter in the original packaging supplied with the filter in a low-humidity, dust-
free environment.
Note: Clean filters when noticeable contamination, such as dust and fingerprints,
are visible on the filter surface. See Cleaning Filters on page 19.

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Instrument
5016208 D 17
4. Hold the new filter by its edges and gently place it in the slot. Excitation and emission
filters are different sizes to prevent installation on the wrong type of filter slide.
Note: Some excitation filters have a heat reflecting coating on one side that must
face the light source. An arrow printed on the filter ring indicates the correct
direction of light flow through the filter.
To install this type of filter, hold the excitation filter slide vertically by the tab with
the gear teeth on top, facing to the left of the instrument. Place the filter in the
slot with the arrow pointing from left to right.
When you install a filter in a slot that houses a polarization filter, use tweezers to gently
slide the polarization filter back in position over the filter.
5. Use the 1.5mm hex key to gently tighten the hex screw until the filter is secured to the
filter slide.
CAUTION! Do not over tighten the screw. Over tightening can damage the filter
and degrade measurement performance.
6. When a new filter changes the slide configuration, note the following information to edit
the slide definition in the SoftMax Pro Software before you use the slide in
measurements:
The wavelength and type of filter. Both are printed on the filter.
The slot where you installed the filter. The slot closest to the slider tab is slot 1, and
the slot furthest away is slot 6.
The filter slide identification number printed on the slide.
7. Update or create the slide configuration in the SoftMax Pro Software. See the SoftMax
Pro Data Acquisition and Analysis Software User Guide or the application help.
Note: You need to modify the slide configuration in the software when the software
does not recognize the slide and when you change the filters installed on the slide.
Removing and Installing Polarization Filters
Note: Slides that house polarization filters are designed for use with the FilterMaxF5
instrument only.
The acetate polarization filters you use for Fluorescence Polarization reads slide into place
over the excitation and emission filters. Acetate filters are fragile and you must use tweezers
to handle them with care. Only experienced users should change polarization filters.
To help ensure that you install polarization filters with the polarization axes oriented
correctly, filter positions on the slide are grouped in pairs. The positions in a pair have
different height and width dimensions. You can only install a polarization filter with the same
dimensions as the desired position in that position. This prevents you from installing two
filters with the same polarization axis next to each other.

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CAUTION! Handle filter slides by the tab only. Do not touch filter surfaces with fingers.
Fingerprints left on filters can cause inaccurate measurement results.
To remove or install a polarization filter:
1. Match the dimensions of the polarization filter with the corresponding filter position on
the filter slide.
Item Description
1 Filter slide
2 Filter slot 1
3 Polarization filter
2. Use tweezers to handle, remove, or install the polarization filter.
To install a polarization filter, use tweezers to gently slide the polarization filter into
the guide slots over the excitation or emission filter in the slide until the polarization
filter is securely in place.
To remove a polarization filter, use tweezers to gently pull the polarization filter free
of the guide slots.
3. After you remove a polarization filter, place the polarization filter in the protective
packaging supplied with the filter.

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Instrument
5016208 D 19
Cleaning Filters
You can clean excitation and emission filters. To minimize the risk of surface damage, clean
the filters only when the surface is noticeably dirty.
CAUTION! Filter surfaces are extremely fragile and should be cleaned only when
noticeable contamination, such as dust and fingerprints, are visible on the surface.
Filters should be cleaned by experienced users only.
To clean a filter:
1. Place a soft, clean cloth on the work surface to prevent damage if the filter is dropped
during cleaning.
2. Wear powder-free latex gloves or finger cots to reduce the risk of damage to the filter
surface and to protect skin from cleaning solvents.
CAUTION! Use only oil-free compressed air, nitrogen, or canned dusters that do
not use freon or similar propellents to blow dust from the filter. Other sources of
compressed gas can leave a residue on the filter surface.
3. Blow air from a canned duster or bulb-type blower over the filter surface to remove dust.
Periodically clean the bulb blower to prevent surface contamination.
Alternatively, gently wipe dust from the filter surface with a camel-hair brush. Periodically
clean the brush to prevent filter surface contamination.
4. Examine the filter surface.
If no contamination remains, return the filter to the filter slide or packaging.
If contamination, such as fingerprints, is still present on the surface, apply a drop of
spectroscopic grade isopropyl alcohol on an unused cotton swab and then gently
sweep the filter surface from edge to edge in a single direction only. This prevents
you from dragging debris across the surface multiple times.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started
Now that you installed the SoftMax Pro Software on the computer, unpacked the
instrument, removed the transport lock, and connected the cables, it is time to get started.
The power switch and power connection are on the rear of the instrument.
Item Description
1 Power switch
2 On
3 Off
To ensure sufficient ventilation and provide access to disconnect 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 turn the instrument on or off, press the power switch to place the rocker in the on or off
position. Each time you turn the instrument on, an initialization procedure moves the optics
and plate drawers to their home positions.
For optimal performance, allow the instrument to warm up for 30 minutes before you do
measurements.
When you use the temperature control for the FilterMaxF5 instrument, it can take longer
than 30 minutes to reach the specified temperature. See Temperature Control on page 10.
Power off the instrument when not in use.
3