Molecular Devices SpectraMax MiniMax User manual

5024111 C
March 2015
SpectraMax®MiniMax™
Imaging Cytometer
Installation Guide

SpectraMax MiniMax Imaging Cytometer Installation Guide
2 5024111 C
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Installing and Setting Up the
SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer
The SpectraMax®MiniMax™ Imaging Cytometer attaches to the bottom of the
SpectraMax®i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform.
Item Description
1 SpectraMaxi3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform (microplate reader)
2 SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer (cytometer)
Figure 1-1: Microplate Reader and Cytometer
Note: If you are installing the SpectraMaxi3x Instrument at the same time,
unpack the microplate reader before setting up the cytometer, but leave the
microplate reader transport locks in place until after the cytometer is attached
to the microplate reader. See the user guide or installation guide.
Installing and setting up the cytometer includes the following steps:
Remove the wing nuts, the transport bracket, the retaining screws, and the optics
cover that protect the optical components during shipping. See Removing the
Shipping Protections on page 7.
Attach the cytometer to the bottom of the microplate reader. See Attaching the
Imaging Cytometer to the Microplate Reader on page 9.
Remove the transport locks from the microplate and detection cartridge drawers.
See Removing the Transport Locks on page 14.
Install the controlling software and connect the instrument cables. See Connecting
the Cables on page 18.
Calibrate the well image for the cytometer. See Calibrating the Cytometer on page
23.
To do brightfield, transmitted-light imaging, you must install the
SpectraMaxTransmitted Light (TL) Detection Cartridge in the detection cartridge drawer.
See Transmitted Light (TL) Detection Cartridge on page 23.

SpectraMax MiniMax Imaging Cytometer Installation Guide
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Contents of the Cytometer Package
The package contains the imaging cytometer and the tools and accessories required for
installing the instrument as follows:
Illustration PartNumber Description
5024111 Installation guide
Not applicable Foam pad from the shipping container
5024094 Hex key, 2.5mm
5025413 Hex key, 3.0mm
5024986 Laser-interlock brackets (2)
with machine screws (4)
17-100-0010 screwdriver, slot-head
5018636 SoftMax Pro Software with Product Key
5018965 USB interconnection cable, 0.9meter (3foot)
5025874 Two (2) USB computer connection cables, 2meter (6.6foot)
5022671 SpectraMaxi3 Platform Transmitted Light (TL) Detection
Cartridge
5036171 Alternative power supply.
The alternative power supply is required only with the
SpectraMaxi3 Instrument. It is not required for the
SpectraMaxi3x Instrument.
Table 1-1: Cytometer Package Contents for Instrument Installation
For a complete list of the contents of the package, see the enclosed packing list.
The SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer and the computer and monitor are shipped
in separate packages.

Installing and Setting Up the SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer
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Imaging Cytometer Computer System Specifications
The SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer is shipped with a computer that meets
greater minimum computer system specifications than those required for the standard
installation of the SoftMax Pro Software.
Item Requirement
Processor Intel Xeon E5, 2.7GHz, 8 cores or more
Operating system Windows7, 64-bit (x64) or Windows 8, 64-bit (x64)
Data connection 2 or more USB 3.0 ports and 2 or more USB 2.0 or later ports
Memory 16GB or more DDR3 SDRAM at 1600MHz
Hard disk 500GB or larger, 7200RPM or faster hard disk with a 32MB or more buffer
Graphics display 512MB nVIDIA graphics display
1280 x 1024 or higher-resolution display
Table 1-2: Minimum Computer System Requirements for the SpectraMaxMiniMax
Imaging Cytometer
To prevent data loss, turn off all sleep and hibernation settings for the hard disk, the
CPU, and the USB ports. Also, disable automatic Windows Updates. You can update
Windows manually when the instrument is not being used by the software. You can set
these options in Windows Control Panel. See Setting Up the System Computer on page
17.

SpectraMax MiniMax Imaging Cytometer Installation Guide
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Unpacking the Cytometer
The packaging is specifically designed to protect the SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging
Cytometer during transportation.
WARNING! LIFTING HAZARD. To prevent injury, use a minimum of two
people to lift the instrument.
Note: The shipping box and all packaging materials should be retained in case of
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
damage during transport is caused by improper packing.
This procedure requires the following tool:
PartNumber Description
Not applicable Box cutter
Table 1-3: Required Tool
To unpack the cytometer:
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. With the box facing up as indicated on the packaging, use a box cutter to carefully
cut open the top of the box.
3. Remove the top layer of packaging foam. This piece of foam is used during the
installation process.
4. Remove the next layer of packaging foam that holds the tools and accessories.
CAUTION! Keep the instrument upright and level when lifting. 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 gently place the
instrument on a dry, flat area of the workbench.
6. Remove the large plastic bags from the instrument. It might be necessary to
slightly lift the instrument to get the bags passed the feet.
Note: The feet are sticky and the instrument does not slide well. They can
mark the work surface if slid. To make it easier to move the instrument,
place a piece of paper or card under the feet. However, this must be
removed before trying to use the instrument.

Installing and Setting Up the SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer
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Removing the Shipping Protections
To prevent damage during shipping, four (4) wing nuts secure the bolts in the corners, a
transport bracket with six (6) blue retaining screws and three (3) more blue retaining
screws secure the optics plate on the top of the cytometer, and a cover with three (3)
blue retaining screws protects the optical components in the optics tower.
Item Description
A Wing nuts and bolts (4)
B Transport bracket and retaining screws (6)
C Optics plate retaining screws (3)
D Optics cover and retaining screws (3)
Figure 1-2: Optics Protections for Shipping
CAUTION! Never touch the optic mirrors, lenses, filters, or cables. The optics are
extremely delicate, and critical to the function of the instrument.

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This procedure requires the following tool:
Illustration PartNumber Description
5025413 Hex key, 3.0mm
Table 1-4: Required Tool
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.
2. Use the provided 3.0mm hex key to remove the six (6) blue retaining screws that
secure the transport bracket (B) to the instrument.
3. Remove the transport bracket.
4. Store the retaining screws in the bag that held the 3.0mm hex key.
5. Press down firmly on the optics plate and use the provided 3.0mm hex key to
remove the three (3) blue retaining screws (C).
CAUTION! Maintain firm downward pressure on the optics plate until all
the screws have been removed. When the last screw is removed, the optics
plate might "pop" into position.
6. Gently remove pressure from the optics plate to let the springs below the plate
extend.
7. Store the optics plate retaining screws in the bag that held the 3.0mm hex key.
8. Use the provided 3.0mm hex key to remove the three (3) blue retaining screws (E)
that secure the optics cover (D) to the optics tower.
Item Description
D Optics cover
E Optics cover retaining screws (3)
Figure 1-3: Optics Cover (top view)
9. Store the 3.0mm hex key and the retaining screws in the bag that held the 3.0mm
hex key.
10. Lift the cover straight up to remove it from the cytometer.
11. Store the transport bracket, the optics cover, and the bag with the 3.0mm hex key
and retaining screws in the original shipping container for the cytometer.

Installing and Setting Up the SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer
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Attaching the Imaging Cytometer to the Microplate Reader
Attaching the SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer to the SpectraMaxi3x
Instrument requires 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 for lifting the instruments.
The required vertical clearance for this procedure is 56 cm (22.0 in.).
CAUTION! If the SpectraMaxi3x Instrument has previously been in use, remove
all microplates and detection cartridges from the instrument and install the
transport locks on the microplate drawer and detection cartridge drawer. See
the user guide for the SpectraMaxi3x Instrument.
WARNING! LIFTING HAZARD. To prevent injury, use a minimum of two
people to lift the instrument.
This procedure requires the following tools and accessories:
Illustration PartNumber Description
Not applicable Foam pad from the shipping container
5024094 Hex key, 2.5mm
5024986 Laser-interlock brackets (2)
with screws (4)
17-100-0010 screwdriver, slot-head
Table 1-5: Required Tools and Accessories
Note: All packaging materials, including the optics-access cover and foam block,
should be retained in case of 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
damage during transport is caused by improper packing.

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To attach the cytometer to the microplate reader:
1. Place the foam pad from the shipping container on the work bench on one side of
the microplate reader.
CAUTION! If the SpectraMaxi3x Instrument has previously been in use,
remove all microplates and detection cartridges from the instrument and
install the transport locks on the microplate drawer and detection cartridge
drawer. See the user guide for the SpectraMaxi3x Instrument.
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.
3. Use the provided 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.
Item Description
F Optics-access cover
G Screws (4)
Figure 1-4: Optics Access Cover on the Bottom of the Microplate Reader
4. Remove the optics-access cover (F) from the microplate reader and store the
optics-access cover and screws in the original shipping container for the cytometer.
5. Grasp the foam block in the optics-access opening and then gently pull the foam
block out. Store the foam block in the original shipping container for the cytometer.

Installing and Setting Up the SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer
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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.
Item Description
H Laser-interlock brackets (2)
I Interlock tabs (2)
J Alignment slots (2)
K Screws (4)
Figure 1-5: Laser-Interlock Brackets
7. Use the provided 2.5mm hex key and two of the screws (K) provided with the
brackets 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 provided 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.

SpectraMax MiniMax Imaging Cytometer Installation Guide
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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 Microplate reader feet (4)
O Microplate reader foot openings (4)
Figure 1-6: Attach the Cytometer to the Microplate Reader
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, making 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.

Installing and Setting Up the SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer
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12. Use a slot-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.
Figure 1-7: Bolts on the Bottom of the Cytometer
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.
Figure 1-8: Properly Seated Bolt
14. Use two people to carefully stand the combined microplate reader and cytometer
into an upright position.
15. Store the packing materials, tools, optics-access cover, screws, and foam block in
the original shipping container for the cytometer.

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Removing the Transport Locks
CAUTION! The instrument can be damaged if the transport locks are not
removed before the instrument is powered on.
Transport locks are placed on the detection cartridge drawer and the microplate drawer
to protect the instrument from damage during shipping. The transport locks must be
removed before powering on the instrument.
This procedure requires the following tool:
Illustration PartNumber Description
YW 000 006 Hex key, 2.0mm
(included with the microplate reader)
Table 1-6: 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.

Installing and Setting Up the SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer
5024111 C 15
To remove the transport locks:
1. Firmly pull on the front cover to remove it and then set it aside. The front cover is
held onto the front of the instrument by powerful magnets.
Tip: It is easiest to remove the front cover by pulling from the bottom.
Figure 1-9: Detection Cartridge Drawer Cover Removed
2. Turn the knob on the detection cartridge drawer transport lock (2) counter-
clockwise until it is free of the threaded hole in the floor of the drawer
compartment.
Item Description
1 Detection cartridge drawer
2 Detection cartridge drawer transport lock
Figure 1-10: Detection Cartridge Drawer Transport Lock
3. Gently slide the detection cartridge drawer (1) forward until it is outside of the
main instrument.
4. Lower the detection cartridge drawer transport lock (2) to remove it from the
detection cartridge drawer. Store the transport lock in the accessories tool box
included with the microplate reader.
5. Gently push the detection cartridge drawer back inside the instrument.

SpectraMax MiniMax Imaging Cytometer Installation Guide
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6. Replace the front cover by aligning the magnets on the inside of the front cover
with the magnets on the instrument base.
7. Gently pull the yellow tab protruding from the microplate chamber door to open the
door. The microplate drawer door (5) must be held open manually while removing
the transport lock.
Note: Be careful not to tear the yellow 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 Microplate drawer
5 Microplate chamber door in open position
6 Microplate drawer transport lock
Figure 1-11: Microplate Drawer Transport Lock
8. Use the provided 2.0mm hex key (included with the microplate reader) to loosen
screw #1 in the upper-left corner of the transport lock (6) until the lock disconnects
from the instrument frame. The screw has a retaining washer that prevents it from
being removed from the lock.
Tip: After loosening screw #1, pull the microplate 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 microplate drawer (4) and
you can remove the lock from the instrument. The screws have retaining washers
that prevent them from being removed from the lock. Store the transport lock in the
accessories tool box included with the microplate reader.
10. Gently push the microplate drawer (4) back inside the instrument and close the
chamber door (5).
11. Save the original carton, foam inserts, accessories tool box, and transport locks in
case the instrument must be shipped in the future.

Installing and Setting Up the SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer
5024111 C 17
Setting Up the System Computer
The SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer is shipped with a computer that meets the
minimum computer system requirements for the instrument and the software. 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.
Reserve the USB 3.0 ports in the PCI card on the rear of the computer for
connecting the computer to the instrument.
Install the software before connecting 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 starting the
software.
When installing the software, the SoftMax Pro Imaging Edition must be installed to
run the SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer.
The SoftMax Pro Software requires activation. The software product key is included
with the software package. Instructions for activating the software are included in
the software installation guide and can also be found in the SoftMax Pro Software
application help or user guide.
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 then follow the on-screen instructions.
Required Computer Settings
Allowing your computer to hibernate or turn off during data acquisition can interrupt the
transfer of data from the instrument to the software and 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. Also, disable automatic Windows Updates. You can update
Windows manually when the instrument is not being used by the software.
You can set these options in Windows Control Panel.
1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click Hardware and Sound.
3. Under Power Options, click Change when the computer sleeps.
4. Click Change advanced power settings.
5. In 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 home screen of Control Panel.
11. Click System and Security.
12. Under Windows Update, click Turn automatic updating on or off.

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13. Under Important Updates, make sure that Install updates automatically is not
selected. Select one of the other options.
14. Click OK.
15. Close Control Panel.
Connecting the Cables
The power cords and USB cables connect to the ports on the rear of the instrument.
Two USB cables connect from the cytometer to the acquisition computer to separately
control the instrument and the camera. A USBcable connects the microplate reader to
the cytometer.
The SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer requires greater minimum computer
system specifications than those required for the SoftMax Pro Software. See Imaging
Cytometer Computer System Specifications on page 5.
This procedure requires the following accessories:
Illustration PartNumber Description
5018636 SoftMax Pro Software with Product Key
5018965 USB interconnection cable, 0.9meter (3foot), provided with the
cytometer
5025874 Two (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
5036171 Alternative power supply.
The alternative power supply is required only with the
SpectraMaxi3 Instrument. It is not required for the
SpectraMaxi3x Instrument.
Table 1-7: Required Accessories

Installing and Setting Up the SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer
5024111 C 19
Item Description
1 Microplate reader USB port
2 Gas inlet quick-connect fitting
3 Power port
4 Fuse carrier
5 Power switch
6 Interconnect USB port
7 Cytometer USB port 1
8 Cytometer USB port 2
9 Alternative power input
The alternative power supply is required only with the SpectraMaxi3 Instrument. It is not
required for the SpectraMaxi3x Instrument.
Figure 1-12: Power Switch, Fuses, and Connection Ports

SpectraMax MiniMax Imaging Cytometer Installation Guide
20 5024111 C
Item Description
1 Power switch
2 Off
3 On
Figure 1-13: Power Switch
To connect the cytometer cables:
1. Make sure that the instrument and host computer are placed on a dry, flat work
area with sufficient space for the two 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. Make sure that the power switch on the rear of the microplate reader is in the
Offposition.
3. Turn on the power to the host computer.
4. Install the SoftMax Pro Software on the computer. See the SoftMax Pro Software
installation guide or user guide.
The instrument is supported by SoftMax Pro Software version 6.3 or later. The
SoftMax Pro MiniMax Imaging Edition must be installed to run the
SpectraMaxMiniMax Imaging Cytometer.
To prevent data loss, turn off all sleep and hibernation settings for the hard disk,
the CPU, and the USB ports. Also, disable automatic Windows Updates. You can
update Windows manually when the instrument is not being used by the software.
See Required Computer Settings on page 17.
Note: Do not start the software until after the cables have been connected
and power applied to the instrument. It might be necessary to install USB
drivers before starting the software.