Molecular Devices FilterMax F3 User manual

FilterMaxF3 and F5 Multi‐Mode Microplate Readers
Unpacking and Setup Guide
Before unpacking and setting up the FilterMax™F3 or FilterMax™F5 Microplate Reader, prepare a dry, flat
work area that has sufficient space for the instrument, host computer, and required cables.
Unpacking the Instrument
The packaging is specifically designed to protect the instrument during transportation.
A transport lock is placed on microplate drawer to protect the instrument from damage during shipping. The
transport lock must be removed before powering on the instrument.
Note: The shipping box and all packaging materials, including the transport lock, should be retained in
case of future transport needs. Do not use tools that can damage the packaging or the instrument.
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 unpack the instrument:
1. Inspect the box for visible damage that occurred during transportation. In case of damage, inform the
supplier immediately and keep the damaged packaging.
2. Open the box lid and remove the accessories box.
3. Carefully lift the instrument out of the box by the molded foam packaging encasing it.
4. Gently place the instrument on a dry, flat area.
5. Remove the molded foam packaging from the instrument and place the foam back in the shipping box.
6. Remove the plastic surrounding the instrument and discard the plastic.
CAUTION! The instrument can be damaged if the transport locks are not removed before the
instrument is powered on.
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
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may not be used in any type of promotion or advertising without the prior written permission of Molecular Devices, LLC.
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7. Gently pull the plastic tab protruding from the microplate chamber door. The door opens, revealing the
transport lock that fastens the microplate drawer to the internal frame of the instrument.
The microplate drawer door must be held open manually while removing the transport lock.
Note: Be careful not to tear the plastic tab. It must remain attached to the transport lock to make
it easier to open the microplate chamber door.
Item Description
1Screw #1 fastens the lock to the internal frame of the instrument
2Screw #2: Fastens the lock to the microplate drawer
3Screw #3: Fastens the lock to the microplate drawer
4Transport lock
5Microplate drawer
6Microplate chamber door opened
Figure 1‐1: The Instrument with the Transport Lock Installed
8. Use the provided 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 is equipped with a retaining washer that prevents it from being removed from the lock.
9. Use the provided 2.0mm hex key to loosen screw #2 and screw #3 until the lock disconnects from the
microplate drawer.
The screws are equipped with retaining washers that prevent them from being removed from the lock.
10. Gently close the microplate chamber door.
11. Save the original carton, foam inserts, accessories box, and transport lock in case the instrument must
be shipped in the future.

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Setting Up the Instrument
Setting up the instrument includes selecting a suitable work area, installing excitation and emission filter
slides, connecting the host computer, and installing the software that controls all actions performed by the
instrument.
To set up the instrument:
1. Place the instrument and host computer on a dry, flat work area with sufficient space for both devices
and the required cables.
To ensure sufficient ventilation and 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.
2. Connect one end of the RS‐232 9‐pin serial cable to the RS‐232 serial port on the computer.
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.
Note:Use only the original RS‐232 9‐pin serial cable or the USB to RS‐232 adapter cable supplied
with the instrument. Other serial cables with identical connectors might not establish
communication between the instrument and computer.
CAUTION!Turn off the main power to the instrument before connecting it to the host computer.
3. Connect the other end of the RS‐232 9‐pin serial cable to the RS‐232 serial port on the back of the
instrument.
Item Description
1Power Switch
2Power Port
3RS‐232 Serial Port
Figure 1‐2: The Power Switch and Connection Ports
4. Connect the power cable to the power port on the back of the instrument and to the wall socket.

FilterMax F5 and F3 Multi‐Mode Microplate Readers Unpacking and Setup Guide
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5. Turn on the power switch on the back of the instrument.
The instrument performs an initialization procedure that moves the optics and the microplate drawer to
home positions.
6. Remove the excitation filter slide from the toolbox supplied with the instrument.
Excitation filter slides are identified by the EX or EXP printed on the slide tab.
7. Open the filter compartment door on the front of the instrument.
Item Description
1Excitation filter slide
2Emission filter slide
Figure 1‐3: The Filter Compartment and Filter Slides
8. Hold the excitation filter slide vertically by the tab with the gear teeth on top, facing to the left of the
instrument.
9. Align the slide in the track, and gently push it into the filter compartment until the motor automatically
retracts it into position.
10. Remove the emission filter slide from the toolbox supplied with the instrument.
Emissions filter slides are identified by the EM or EMP printed on the slide tab.
11. Hold the emission filter slide horizontally by the tab with the gear teeth on the right, facing up.
12. Align the slide in the track, and gently push it into the filter compartment until the motor automatically
retracts it into position.
13. Close the filter compartment door completely to ensure the accuracy of measurements.
14. Turn on the power to the host computer.
15. Install the SoftMax® Pro Microplate Data Acquisition and Analysis Software on the computer.
16. Start the SoftMax Pro Software. It might be necessary to install hardware drivers before starting the
software.
For more information, see the SoftMax Pro Software application help or user guide and the FilterMaxF3 and
F5 Multi‐Mode Microplate Readers User Guide installed with the software.