Molecular Devices SpectraMax Mini User manual

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May 2023
SpectraMax Mini
Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Installation 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. 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: SoftMax Pro Software Version 7.1.2 Patch
Installation for the SpectraMax Mini Multi-Mode
Microplate Reader
You must install the SoftMax® Pro Data Acquisition and Analysis Software on a computer before
you can use the SpectraMax® Mini Multi-Mode Microplate Reader. If you have not yet installed
the SoftMax Pro Software, 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.
If the computer is running SoftMax Pro Software version 7.1.2, you must install a software patch
to run the SpectraMax Mini Reader. For SoftMax Pro Software version 7.2 and higher, you do
not need to install the software patch.
To install the SpectraMax Mini Reader patch for SoftMax Pro Software version 7.1.2:
1. Power off all connected instruments and close all versions of the SoftMax Pro Software on
the computer.
2. Right-click the SpectraMax Mini Update.zip file and select Extract All.
3. Enter or Browse to the location to where you want to extract the files and click Extract.
4. Double-click the System Updater.exe file to start the installation program.
5. When prompted to unblock files, click Yes.
6. When the Do You Want to Allow This App to make changes to your device? message
displays, click Yes.
7. When the System Updater dialog displays, click Update.
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8. After the installation completes, click Finish.
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.

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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. Version 7.1.2
requires that you install the SpectraMax Mini software patch. See the SoftMax Pro Data
Acquisition and Analysis Software - Standard Edition and MiniMax Imaging Edition -
Installation Guide . SoftMax Pro Software version 7.2 and higher does not require the
additional software patch.
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.
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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.

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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. Grasp the filter cube by the stem and with the arrow pointing up, insert the filter cube into
the opening at the rear of the filter chamber. A magnet draws the filter cube into place and
holds the filter cube in the correct position within the instrument.
5. Close the filter chamber cover.
6. In the SoftMax Pro Software, on the Operations tab in the Ribbon, click Info to display
the Instrument Information dialog to confirm successful filter cube installation.

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Chapter 3: Maintenance
Perform only the maintenance tasks described in this guide. Contact a Molecular Devices
service engineer to inspect and perform a preventive maintenance service on the instrument
each year. See Obtaining Support on page 23.
Before you operate the instrument or perform maintenance operations, make sure you are
familiar with the safety information in this guide. See Safety Information on page 2.
CAUTION! Maintenance procedures other than those specified in this guide must be
performed by Molecular Devices. When service is required, contact Molecular Devices
technical support.
Cleaning the Instrument
WARNING! BIOHAZARD. It is your responsibility to decontaminate components of the
instrument before you request service by a service engineer, or you return parts to
Molecular Devices for repair. Molecular Devices does not accept items that have not
been decontaminated where applicable to do so. If parts are returned, they must be
enclosed in a sealed plastic bag that states that the contents are safe to handle and
are not contaminated.
WARNING! BIOHAZARD. Always wear gloves when operating the instrument and
during cleaning procedures that could involve contact with either hazardous or
biohazardous materials or fluids.
Do the following before you clean equipment that has been exposed to hazardous material:
Contact the applicable Chemical and Biological Safety personnel.
Review the Chemical and Biological Safety information contained in this guide. See
Chemical and Biological Safety on page 5.
Always turn the power switch off and disconnect the power cord from the main power source
before using liquids to clean the instrument.
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Chapter 4: Storing or Shipping the Instrument
Before you move the instrument, make sure that the new location is a dry, flat work area that
has sufficient space for the instrument, host computer, and required cables.
Tip: Although you can always carry the instrument, depending on the distance that you
are moving it, you might use a rolling cart instead.
If you must store the instrument, then store it in a dry, dust-free, environmentally controlled
area. The storage temperature can range from -20°C to 65°C.
To minimize the possibility of damage during storage or shipment, you should pack the
instrument in the original packaging materials. Correctly repacking the instrument includes
following applicable decontamination procedures and packing instructions.
CAUTION! When transporting the instrument, warranty claims are void if improper
packing results in damage to the instrument.
Packing the Instrument
The original packaging is designed to protect the instrument during shipment and storage. You
must always pack the instrument before you ship it or store it.
To pack the instrument:
1. Make sure the plate drawer chamber and filter cube chamber are empty.
2. Power off the instrument.
3. Disconnect the power cord and USB cable from the rear of the instrument.
4. Locate the transport lock that you stored in the accessories case.
Item Description
1 Screw #1 fastens the transport lock to the internal frame of the instrument (install last)
2 Screw #2 fastens the transport lock to the plate drawer
3 Screw #3 fastens the transport lock to the plate drawer
4 Plate drawer
5 Plate chamber door in open position
6 Plate drawer transport lock
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5. Manually open the plate chamber door, gently slide the plate drawer out of the instrument,
and place the transport lock on the end of the of the plate drawer.
6. Use the hex key (included in the accessory case) to tighten screws #2 and #3 until the
transport lock is attached to the plate drawer.
7. Gently push the plate drawer into the instrument so that screw #1 aligns with the hole in the
instrument frame. Hold the plate drawer open until you complete the next steps.
8. Tighten screw #1 in the upper-right corner of the transport lock to secure the plate drawer
to the instrument frame.
9. Route the yellow tab connected to the transport lock so that it passes over the top of the
plate chamber door when the door is closed.
10. Gently close the plate chamber door.
11. Use a strip of minimally adhesive tape to hold the filter chamber door shut and a strip of
tape to hold the plate chamber door shut.
12. With the instrument's original cardboard shipping carton open on the side, place the bottom
cardboard slide at the opening with the handles oriented away from the carton.
13. Place the bottom foam packing material onto the cardboard slide with the medium insert
slot oriented towards the cardboard carton (see following images).
14. Place the instrument onto the bottom foam packaging material with the rear of the
instrument aligned with the medium insert slot (toward the cardboard carton side).

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15. Place the two larger vertical foam packing materials on the sides of the instrument and the
medium vertical foam packing material at the rear of the instrument.
16. Place the small vertical foam packing material, with the slot, in front of the instrument power
button and the other small vertical foam packing material on the other side of the filter door
in the front of the instrument.