Molecular Devices SpectraMax MiniMax 300 User manual

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October 2018
SpectraMax®MiniMax™ 300
Imaging Cytometer
Installation Guide

SpectraMax MiniMax Imaging Cytometer Installation Guide
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Setting Up the SpectraMax®MiniMax™ 300 Imaging Cytometer
The SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer attaches to the bottom of the
SpectraMax®i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform. Before you unpack and set up the
instruments, prepare a dry, flat work area that has sufficient space for both instruments, the
host computer, and required cables.
Item Description
1 SpectraMaxi3x (microplate reader)
2 SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer (cytometer)
Note: If you install the SpectraMax i3x at the same time as the cytometer, unpack the
microplate reader before you set up the cytometer, but leave the microplate reader
transport locks in place until after you attach the cytometer to the microplate reader.
See the SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform User Guide or SpectraMax i3x
Multi-Mode Detection Platform Installation Guide.
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.

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The SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer is shipped with a computer that meets
greater minimum computer system specifications than those required for the standard
SoftMax Pro Software installation. You must install the SoftMax Pro MiniMax Imaging
Edition of the SoftMax Pro Software on the supplied computer to operate the SpectraMax
i3x with the SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer. Use of the SpectraMaxMiniMax
300 Imaging Cytometer does not support the SoftMax Pro GxP Software edition.
Setting Up the System Computer
The SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer is shipped with a computer that has been
tested for compatibility with the instrument. This instrument requires a computer that has
very specific requirements. The computer and monitor are shipped in separate packages.
Read and follow the installation instructions included with the computer and monitor. The
following information can help you with a successful computer set up.
The graphics card on the computer has HDMI output ports. To connect the computer to
the monitor, use the included DVI cable and HDMI-to-DVI adapter.
Connect the keyboard and mouse to the USBports on the monitor, and then connect
the included USBcable between the monitor and a USB 2.0 port on the computer. Save
the USB 3.0 ports in the PCI card on the rear of the computer to connect the computer
to the instrument.
Install the software before you connect the instrument to the computer, but do not
start the software until after you connect the cables and apply power to the instrument.
It might be necessary to install USB drivers before you start the software.
When you install the software, you must select the SoftMax Pro Imaging Edition from
the installation wizard to run the SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer.
The SoftMax Pro Software requires activation. The software product key is included with
the software package. Instructions for how to activate the software are included in the
software installation guide and can be found in the SoftMax Pro Data Acquisition and
Analysis Software User Guide or the application help.
Microsoft Office is pre-installed on the computer, but requires activation. The Microsoft
product license is included with the computer. To activate the Office software, click
Activate and follow the instructions.
Required Computer Settings
If your computer hibernates or turns off during data acquisition, the transfer of data from
the instrument to the software can be interrupted, which can result in data loss.
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.
To define computer settings in the Windows Control Panel.
1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click Hardware and Sound.

Setting Up the SpectraMax®MiniMax™ 300 Imaging Cytometer
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3. Under Power Options, click Change When the Computer Sleeps.
4. Click Change advanced power settings.
5. On the Power Options dialog, set Hard disk > Turn Off Hard Disk After to Never.
6. Set Sleep > Sleep After to Never.
7. Set Sleep > Hibernate After to Never.
8. Set USB Settings > USB Selective Suspend Setting to Disabled.
9. Click OK.
10. Return to the Control Panel Home page.
11. Click System and Security.
12. Under Windows Update, click Turn Automatic Updating On or Off.
13. Under Important Updates, clear the Install Updates Automatically check box. Select
one of the other options.
14. Click OK.
15. Close Control Panel.

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Cytometer Package Contents
The package contains the imaging cytometer and the accessories required to install the
instrument.
Illustration PartNumber Description
SoftMax Pro
Software
Latest version SoftMax Pro Software installation guide with Product Key
5024111 Installation guide
Not applicable Foam pad from the shipping container
5024094 2.5mm hex key
5025413 3.0mm hex key
5024986 2 Laser-interlock brackets
with 4 machine screws
17-100-0010 Flat head screwdriver
5018965 USB interconnection cable, 0.9meter (3foot)
5025874 2 USB cables, 2meter (6.6foot)
5022671 SpectraMaxi3 Platform Transmitted Light (TL) Detection
Cartridge
For a complete list of the contents of the package, see the enclosed packing list.
The SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer is operated by a computer that has rigid
specifications. Molecular Devices provides this computer and a monitor. The computer and
monitor are shipped in separate packages.
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.

Setting Up the SpectraMax®MiniMax™ 300 Imaging Cytometer
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Unpacking the Cytometer
The package is designed to protect the instrument during transportation.
WARNING! LIFTING HAZARD. To prevent injury, use a minimum of two
people to lift 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 cytometer:
1. Inspect the box for damage that occurred during transportation. Inform the supplier
immediately and keep the damaged packaging.
2. With the box facing up as indicated on the packaging, cut open the top of the box.
3. Remove the top layer of packaging foam. You will use this piece of foam during the
installation process.
4. Remove the next layer of packaging foam that holds the tools and accessories.
CAUTION! Keep the instrument upright. Do not tip or shake the instrument to
prevent damage to the moving components inside the instrument.
5. With one person on each end, lift the instrument out of the box and place the
instrument on a flat area.
6. Remove the plastic bags from the instrument.

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Removing Shipping Protections
To prevent damage during shipping, four wing nuts secure the bolts in the corners, a
transport bracket with six blue retaining screws and three more blue retaining screws secure
the optics plate on the top of the cytometer, and a cover with three blue retaining screws
protects the optical components in the optics tower.
Optics Protection for Shipment Description
A 4 Wing nuts and bolts
B 6 Transport bracket and retaining screws
C 3 Optics plate retaining screws
D 3 Optics cover and retaining screws
CAUTION! Never touch the optic mirrors, lenses, filters, or cables. The optics are
extremely delicate, and critical to the function of the instrument.
Required Tool PartNumber Description
5025413 3.0mm hex key
To remove the shipping protections from the cytometer:
1. Use your hand to remove the four wing nuts (A) from the bolts attached to the corners
of the instrument. Do not remove the bolts.

Setting Up the SpectraMax®MiniMax™ 300 Imaging Cytometer
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2. Use the 3.0mm hex key to remove the six blue retaining screws that secure the transport
bracket (B) to the instrument.
3. Remove the transport bracket and store the retaining screws in the bag that held the
3.0mm hex key.
4. Press down firmly on the optics plate and use the 3.0mm hex key to remove the three
blue retaining screws (C).
CAUTION! Maintain firm downward pressure on the optics plate until you
remove all the screws are removed. When you remove the last screw, the optics
plate might "pop" into position.
5. Gently remove pressure from the optics plate to let the springs below the plate extend.
6. Store the optics plate retaining screws in the bag that held the 3.0mm hex key.
7. Use the 3.0mm hex key to remove the three blue retaining screws (E) that secure the
optics cover (D) to the optics tower.
Optics Cover (top view) Description
D Optics cover
E 3 Optics cover retaining screws
8. Store the 3.0mm hex key and the retaining screws in the bag that held the 3.0mm hex
key.
9. Lift the cover straight up to remove it from the cytometer.
10. Store the transport bracket, the optics cover, and the bag with the 3.0mm hex key and
retaining screws in the cytometer shipping container.

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Attaching the Cytometer to the Microplate Reader
Prepare a work area that is approximately 130cm (51.2 in.) wide and 65cm (25.6in.) deep,
preferably with access on all sides to lift the instruments.
The required vertical clearance for this procedure is 56 cm (22.0 in.).
WARNING! LIFTING HAZARD. To prevent injury, use a minimum of two
people to lift the instrument.
Required Accessory PartNumber Description
Not applicable Foam pad from the shipping container
5024094 2.5mm hex key
5024986 2 Laser interlock brackets with 4 screws
17-100-0010 Screwdriver
Note: Retain all packaging materials, including the optics access cover and foam block
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 attach the cytometer to the microplate reader:
1. Place the foam pad from the shipping container on one side of the microplate reader.
CAUTION! If you used the SpectraMax i3x, remove all plates and detection
cartridges from the instrument and install the transport locks on the plate drawer
and detection cartridge drawer. See the user guide for the SpectraMax i3x.
2. Use two people to carefully place the microplate reader on its side on top of the foam
pad.
WARNING! PINCH HAZARD. There is limited clearance between the side
of the microplate reader and the work bench.

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3. Use the 2.5mm hex key to remove the four screws (G) that secure the optics access
cover (F) to the bottom of the microplate reader.
Optics Access Cover (Bottom of Microplate Reader) Description
F Optics access cover
G 4 Screws
4. Remove the optics access cover (F) from the microplate reader and store the optics
access cover and screws in the cytometer shipping container.
5. Grasp the foam block in the optics access opening and then gently pull the foam block
out. Store the foam block in the cytometer shipping container.

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6. Place one of the laser interlock brackets (H) over the optics access opening with the
interlock tab (I) on the bracket inserted into the corresponding alignment slot (J) on the
bottom of the microplate reader.
Laser Interlock Brackets Description
H 2 Laser interlock brackets
I 2 Interlock tabs
J 2 Alignment slots
K 4 Screws
7. Use the 2.5mm hex key and two of the bracket screws (K) to secure the laser interlock
bracket (H) to the bottom of the microplate reader.
8. Attach the other laser interlock bracket (H) with the interlock tab (I) inserted into the
corresponding alignment slot (J), and then use the other two screws (K) to secure the
bracket to the bottom of the microplate reader.
9. Lightly press on the interlock tabs (I) to make sure that they freely slide in and out of the
alignment slots (J).
Note: The laser interlock brackets are part of the hardware interlock that prevents
the laser module from turning on unless the cytometer is installed. For the
interlocks to work properly, the interlock tabs must freely slide in and out of the
alignment slots.

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10. Carefully place the cytometer on its side on the foam pad so that the top of the
cytometer faces the bottom of the microplate reader.
Note: you might need to slide the microplate reader on the foam pad to make
room for the cytometer.
Item Description
L Optics tower
M Optics access opening
N 4 Microplate reader feet
O 4 Microplate reader foot openings
WARNING! PINCH HAZARD. There is limited clearance between the
bottom of the microplate reader and the top of the cytometer. The top of the
cytometer is beveled to help provide clearance for fingers.
11. Slide the cytometer into the microplate reader. Make sure that the optics tower (L) fits
into the optics access opening (M) and the four feet (N) on the microplate reader fit into
the four foot openings (O) on the cytometer.

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12. Use a flat head screwdriver to tighten one of the four bolts on the bottom of the
cytometer.
Note: You might need to use your free hand to push the cytometer into the
reader to start the bolt and engage the threads.
13. Attach the other three bolts to secure the cytometer to the microplate reader.
Make sure that the bolts are properly seated on the bottom of the cytometer.
Properly Seated Bolt
14. Use two people to stand the combined microplate reader and cytometer in an upright
position.
15. Store the packing materials, tools, optics-access cover, screws, and foam block in the
cytometer shipping container.

Setting Up the SpectraMax®MiniMax™ 300 Imaging Cytometer
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Removing Transport Locks
CAUTION! The instrument can be damaged if the you do not remove the transport
locks before you power on the instrument.
There are transport locks on the detection cartridge drawer and the plate drawer to protect
the instrument from damage during shipping. You must remove the transport locks before
you power on the instrument.
Note: If you install the SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer, leave the
transport locks in place until after you attach the cytometer to the microplate reader.
See the installation guide or user guide.
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.
CAUTION! The front cover is held onto the front of the instrument by powerful
magnets. Keep magnetic storage devices or strips, such as hard drives, key cards, and
credit cards, away from the instrument covers.
To remove the transport locks:
1. Firmly pull on the front cover from the bottom to remove it. The front cover is held in
place by magnets.

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2. Turn the knob on the detection cartridge drawer transport lock counter-clockwise until it
is free of the hole in the floor of the drawer compartment.
Item Description
1 Detection cartridge drawer
2 Detection cartridge drawer transport lock
3. Slide the detection cartridge drawer forward until it is outside of the instrument.
4. Lower the detection cartridge drawer transport lock to remove it from the detection
cartridge drawer. Store the transport lock in the accessories tool box.
5. Push the detection cartridge drawer back inside the instrument.
6. Align the magnets on the inside of the front cover with the magnets on the instrument
base to replace the front cover.

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7. Gently pull the yellow tab that protrudes from the plate chamber door to open the door.
Hold the door (5) 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.
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 Plate drawer
5 Plate chamber door in open position
6 Plate drawer transport lock
8. 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.
Tip: After you loosen screw #1, pull the plate drawer slightly out of the instrument
to hold the chamber door open.
9. 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. Store the transport lock in the accessories tool box.
10. Push the plate drawer back inside the instrument and close the chamber door.
11. Save the carton, foam inserts, accessories tool box, and transport locks for future
shipments.

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Connecting Instrument Cables
The power cord and USB cables connect the ports on the rear of the instruments to the
computer and the power supply. Two USB cables connect from the cytometer to the
computer. One controls the instrument and one controls the camera. A third USBcable
connects the microplate reader to the cytometer.
Required
Accessories
PartNumber Description
5018965 USB interconnection cable, 0.9meter (3foot), provided
with the cytometer
5025874 2 USB computer connection cables, 2meter (6.6foot)
VN 18S S01
or VN 18F F01 01
AC power cord, provided with the microplate reader
Item Description
1 Microplate reader USB port
2 Gas inlet quick-connect fitting
3 Power port
4 Fuse carrier
5 Power switch

Setting Up the SpectraMax®MiniMax™ 300 Imaging Cytometer
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Item Description
6 Interconnect USB port
7 Cytometer USB port 1
8 Cytometer USB port 2
9 Alternative power input for the SpectraMaxi3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader.
Item Description
1 Power switch
2 Off
3 On
To connect the cytometer cables:
1. Place the instrument and the computer on a work area with sufficient space for the two
devices and the required cables. 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.
2. Make sure that the power switch on the rear of the microplate reader is in the
Offposition.

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3. Connect one end of the shorter USB cable (P) supplied with the cytometer to the
interconnect USB port labeled SpectraMax® System (Q) on the rear of the cytometer,
and then connect the other end of the USB cable to the microplate reader USB port (R)
on the rear of the microplate reader.
USB
Connections
Description
P USB interconnection cable, 0.9meter (3foot), provided with the cytometer
Q Interconnect USB port
R Microplate reader USB port
S USB computer connection cable, 2meter (6.6foot), provided with the
cytometer
T Cytometer USB port 1
U USB computer connection cable, 2meter (6.6foot), provided with the
cytometer
V Cytometer USB port 2