Molecular Devices SpectraMax Mini User manual

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March 2022
SpectraMax Mini
Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
User Guide

SpectraMax Mini User Guide
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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,
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Devices products are warranted to meet the stated specifications. Molecular Devices makes no other
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©2022 Molecular Devices, LLC.
All rights reserved.

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Contents
Safety Information 4
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips 4
Chapter 1: Introduction 9
Computer Integration 10
Supported Plates 11
Temperature Regulation 11
Filters 12
Chapter 2: Setting Up the Instrument 13
Unpacking the Instrument 13
Removing the Transport Lock 16
Connecting Instrument Cables 18
Installing Filter Cubes 19
Chapter 3: Getting Started 23
Plate Drawer 23
Chapter 4: Operating the Instrument 25
Temperature Settings 25
Shake Settings 25
Wavelength Settings 25
Read Plates 26
Opening the Drawer Manually 26
Chapter 5: Read Modes and Read Types 27
Absorbance Read Mode 27
Fluorescence Intensity Read Mode 30
Luminescence Read Mode 32
Read Types 33
Chapter 6: Maintenance 35
Cleaning the Instrument 35
Storing or Shipping the Instrument 35
Appendix A: Specifications 41
System Dimensions 43
Appendix B: Accessories and Support 45
Obtaining Support 45

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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. Follow the related safety information. Other symbols can warn of other types of
hazards such as biohazard or electrical warnings as are described in the text of the warning.
The following user attention statements can display in the Molecular Devices user
documentation. Each statement implies the amount of observation or a 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 on the instrument contains an alert symbol that indicates the type of potential
safety hazard.
Symbol Indication
Consult the product documentation.
Potential pinch hazard.
Potential biohazard.
Potential heat hazard.
Electrostatic sensitive device (ESD). Observe precautions to handle electrostatic
sensitive devices.
Near-field Communication
This equipment has been tested 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 when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference
at their own expense. Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance may void the FCC authorization to operate
this equipment.

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A sticker on the back of the instrument displays the following symbols:
Symbol Indication
The instrument serial number.
The instrument manufacture date.
You should consult the instructions for use.
CSAcertification.
European technology conformity.
United Kingdom technology conformity.
The instrument complies with Australian radio communication requirements.
This symbol is 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.
Indicates the environmental friendly use period.
The instrument manufacturer.
California proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to
Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.

Safety Information
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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.
WARNING! Never use the instrument in an environment where potentially damaging
liquids or gases are present.
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.
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.
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.

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Chapter 1: Introduction
The SpectraMax® Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader is a multi-detection instrument with a 6-
well to 384-well plate read capability.
The instrument uses a paired monochromator and xenon flash lamp for absorbance reads
allowing for optimization of wavelengths between 200 nm and 1000 nm. The Fluorescence
mode is powered by a xenon flash lamp and highly selective filter cubes. The flash lamp offers
broad spectrum light that can be used with the available filter cubes to deliver optimal excitation
and emission light to and from the sample. The optics focus the light into the sample volume,
and cutoff filters reduce stray light and minimize background interference. Luminescence
readings are also possible with the luminescence cube. You can vary the integration time of the
read to optimize the sensitivity or read speed of your assays.
The instrument dynamic range for fluorescence detection is from 10-6 to 10-12 molar fluorescein.
Internal compensation for detector sensitivity, photomultiplier tube voltage and sensitivity, as
well as excitation intensity, provides a wide dynamic range without PMT gain adjustment. The
photometric range for absorbance detection is 0–4 ODs with a resolution of 0.001 OD.
The flexibility and high sensitivity makes this instrument appropriate for applications in the fields
of biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, and microbiology. Typical
applications include ELISA, nucleic acid and protein quantination, enzyme assays, microbial
growth, and pipettor calibration.
Read modes include:
Absorbance Read Mode on page 27
Fluorescence Intensity Read Mode on page 30
Luminescence Read Mode on page 32
The instrument ships with one or more filter cubes, and your filter cube configuration
determines which combination of read modes are available.
Absorbance and Luminescence
Absorbance and Fluorescence
Absorbance, Luminescence, and Fluorescence
Read types include: See Read Types on page 33.
Endpoint
Kinetic
Spectrum (Absorbance reads only)
Well Scan
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The following are the main components of the instrument.
Item Description
1 Filter Chamber
2 Plate Drawer
3 Plate Drawer Open/Close Button
Computer Integration
Each Molecular Devices microplate reader ships with a license key for the SoftMax® Pro Data
Acquisition and Analysis Software. You install the SoftMax Pro Software on the computer that
you use to operate the instrument to provide 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.
For information about the computer specifications 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 Standard Edition and MiniMax Imaging Edition Installation Guide .
Note: The SoftMax Pro Software - GxP edition does not support this instrument.

Chapter 1: Introduction
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Supported Plates
Depending on the application, the instrument can read 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 384-well plates.
For the absorbance read mode you can use plates up to a height of 22 mm. For the
fluorescence read mode and the luminescence read mode you can use plates up to a height of
20 mm and the instrument confirms that the height is consistent with the plate type you select.
To read cuvettes, the instrument supports the use of the SpectraCuvette adapter that has a blue
label.
This is the only cuvette adapter that will result in accurate readings from this instrument. Do not
use other cuvette adapters. See Accessories and Support on page 45.
The plate list in the software includes half area and low-volume plates. The software allows you
to define a new plate type based on the manufacturer's specifications for well size, spacing, and
distance from the plate edge.
Use polystyrene plates for absorbance wavelengths above 340 nm.
To allow transmission of the deep UV spectra when you do a read at wavelengths below
340 nm, you must use special UV-transparent plates or quartz plates.
Endpoint, Kinetic, and Well-Scan read types are available with any plate model.
For low volume measurements, the instrument supports the SpectraDrop Micro-Volume
Microplate.
Note: Although not recommended, you can also use strip-well plates in the instrument.
When you use strip-wells, use high quality support frames or holders. To avoid warping,
you should fill the frame or holder with empty strips.
Temperature Regulation
The temperature in the plate chamber is isothermal, both at ambient and when you turn on the
incubator. When you turn on the incubator, you can set the temperature from 4°C above
ambient to 45°C. The ambient temperature must be at least 20°C to reach the 45°C operating
temperature. The operating humidity must be non-condensing, and can range from 15% to 75%.

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Filters
The instrument ships with one or more filter cubes. The filters cubes you order support
fluorescence reads and/or luminescence reads. The accessories case that ships with the
instrument can hold up to four filter cubes. Additional filter cubes arrive in a separate shipping
box. See Accessories and Support on page 45.
Excitation filters on the fluorescence filter cubes pass only the wavelength of light required for
excitation. Emission filters on the fluorescence filter cubes separate fluorescence generated by
the sample from background light and for some luminescence measurements.
Use the Luminescence filter cube for luminescence reads.
The filter cubes contain an NFCtag that the instrument reads to determine which filters are
installed. You use the Instrument Information dialog in the SoftMax Pro Software to view the
information related to the filter cube you install.

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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 is away from
direct sunlight, dust, drafts, vibration, and moisture. The work area must have 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 grids
on the rear of the instrument.
The package contains the instrument and the following accessories:
SoftMax Pro Software, product key, and instructions to install the SoftMax Pro Software
patch for the features that are specific to the SpectraMax Mini.
Instrument installation guide
USB computer connection cable
Power supply
Power cord
Accessory case that contains:
Hex wrench for transport lock removal
Up to four filter cubes depending on how many you purchased. (Additional filter cubes
are shipped in a separate box.)
For a complete list of the package contents, see the enclosed packing list.
Note: You must install SoftMax Pro Software version 7.1.2 or higher before you can install
the SpectraMax Mini software patch. See the SoftMax Pro Data Acquisition and Analysis
Software Standard Edition and MiniMax Imaging Edition Installation Guide .
Unpacking the Instrument
The package is designed to protect the instrument during shipment.
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.
The instrument is packed in a specially designed carton. Before you unpack the instrument,
check the box for any damage that might have occurred during transportation. If any damage is
noted, inform the supplier immediately and keep the damaged packaging.
Note: Retain the shipping box and all packing materials for future transport needs.
2

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To unpack the instrument:
1. Open the side of the box.
2. Grasp the cardboard handles below the top layer of foam packing material and slide the
accessories package out of the carton. This contains the power supply, power cord, USB
cable, and a case that contains the filter cubes and other accessories.
3. Remove the foam packing material that was above the accessories.

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4. Grasp the cardboard handles below the instrument and slide the instrument out of the
carton.
5. Lift the foam packing material above the instrument upward to reveal the top of the
instrument.
6. Slide the five vertical pieces of foam packing material that surround the instrument upward
to clear the sides of the instrument.

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7. Lift the instrument from the bottom foam packing material and place the instrument on a
level surface.
8. Save the carton, cardboard slides, and foam packing for future shipments.
Removing the Transport Lock
CAUTION! The instrument can be damaged if you do not remove the transport lock
before you power on 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.

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Instrument
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To remove the transport lock:
1. Remove the tape that holds the filter chamber door shut, and remove the tape that holds
the plate chamber door shut.
2. 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 tear the yellow tab. It remains attached to the transport lock to make it
easier to open the plate chamber door.
Item Description
1 Screw #1 fastens the lock to the internal frame of the instrument (remove first)
2 Screw #2 fastens the lock to the plate drawer
3 Screw #3 fastens the lock to the plate drawer
4 Plate drawer
5 Plate chamber door in open position
6 Plate drawer transport lock

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3. Use the hex key (included in the accessory case) to loosen screw #1 in the upper-right
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.
Tip: After you loosen screw #1, pull the plate drawer slightly out of the instrument to
hold the chamber door open.
4. Loosen screws #2 and #3 until the lock comes free of the plate drawer and you can remove
the lock from the instrument. The screws have retaining washers that prevent removal from
the lock.
Note: Store the transport lock in slot within the accessory case.
5. Push the plate drawer back inside the instrument and close the chamber door.
Connecting Instrument Cables
The power cord and USB cable connect to the ports on the rear of the instrument.
Note: Before you connect or disconnect the power cord, make sure that the power
switch that is on the rear of the instrument is in the Off position.
To connect the instrument cables:
1. Turn the instrument around so that the rear of the instrument faces you.
2. Make sure that the power switch is in the Offposition.
3. Connect the appropriate end of the supplied USB cable to the USB port, and then connect
the other end to a USB port on the computer.
4. Connect the supplied power adapter to the power cord port, and then connect the other
end to a grounded electrical wall outlet.
5. Turn the instrument around so that the front of the instrument faces you.
Note: Ensure no cables run beneath the instrument.

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Installing Filter Cubes
Filter cubes ship with the instrument in a specialized case. Each case can contain up to four
filter cubes. Store filters and filter cubes in a protected, dust-free area, preferably in the supplied
case.
CAUTION! Handle filter cubes by the stem only. Do not touch filter surfaces with fingers.
Fingerprints left on filters negatively affect measurement results.
You insert the filter cube into the filter chamber on the front of the instrument. Each filter cube
has an NFC tag that the instrument reads. The NFC tag contains the information the instrument
uses for reads. Filter information displays in the Instrument Information dialog in the software.
To install filter cubes:
1. Turn on the instrument power switch located on the rear of the instrument. Wait for the
instrument to complete its diagnostic check and the indicator light to turn green.
Note: You can install a filter cube with the instrument powered off, but the instrument
must be powered on and connected to the computer in order for the SoftMax Pro
Software to recognize the filter cube you install.

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2. Press the top of the filter chamber cover to release the latch. The door opens slightly.
3. From the top of the door, gently pull down to open the filter chamber.
Note: The filter chamber should open with no resistance. Do not use excessive force
to open the chamber.
4. If there is a filter cube in the instrument, grab the filter cube stem and pull the cube out of
the chamber. A magnet holds the cube in place. You must remove the existing filter cube
before you insert a different filter cube.