Molecular Devices StakMax User manual

StakMax®Microplate Handling System
for the SpectraMax®Paradigm®
Multi-Mode Detection Platform
User Guide
5012878 A
January 2011
StakMaxUG.book Page 1 Friday, January 21, 2011 1:06 PM

This document is provided to customers who have purchased Molecular Devices, Inc.
(“Molecular Devices”) equipment, software, reagents, and consumables to use in the
operation of such Molecular Devices equipment, software, reagents, and
consumables. This document is copyright protected and any reproduction of this
document, in whole or any part, is strictly prohibited, except as Molecular Devices
may authorize in writing.
Software that may be described in this document is furnished under a license
agreement. It is against the law to copy, modify, or distribute the software on any
medium, except as specifically allowed in the license agreement. Furthermore, the
license agreement may prohibit the software from being disassembled, reverse
engineered, or decompiled for any purpose.
Portions of this document may make reference to other manufacturers and/or their
products, which may contain parts whose names are registered as trademarks and/or
function as trademarks of their respective owners. Any such usage is intended only
to designate those manufacturers' products as supplied by Molecular Devices for
incorporation into its equipment and does not imply any right and/or license to use
or permit others to use such manufacturers' and/or their product names as
trademarks.
Molecular Devices makes no warranties or representations as to the fitness of this
equipment for any particular purpose and assumes no responsibility or contingent
liability, including indirect or consequential damages, for any use to which the
purchaser may put the equipment described herein, or for any adverse circumstances
arising therefrom.
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Product manufactured by Molecular Devices, Inc.
1311 Orleans Drive, Sunnyvale, California, United States of America 94089.
Molecular Devices, Inc. is ISO 9001 registered.
© 2011 Molecular Devices, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Printed in the U.S.
The trademarks mentioned herein are the property of Molecular Devices, Inc. or their
respective owners. These trademarks may not be used in any type of promotion or
advertising without the prior written permission of Molecular Devices, Inc.
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5012878 A 3
Contents
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Interrupt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Additional Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
User Guides and Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chapter 1 Installation and Setup of the
StakMax System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Unpacking the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Installing the StakMax System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Installing the Baseplate on the Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Installing the StakMax Instrument Stand . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Installing the Plate Drawer Protection Stand . . . . . . . . . 27
Installing the StakMax Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Setting the Plate Drawer Protection Stand Height. . . . . . 32
Connecting the Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Installing the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Installing the StakMax Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Protecting the COM Port from Interruption . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Aligning the Microplate Transfer Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Performing a Functional Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Creating a Simple Protocol for a Functional Check . . . . . 59
Required Equipment for a Functional Check. . . . . . . . . . 65
Installing or Replacing a Barcode Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
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Contents
4 5012878 A
Chapter 2 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Operational Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Turning the StakMax Instrument On and Off . . . . . . . . . 70
Opening the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Closing the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Running Protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Stopping the StakMax Instrument in an Emergency . . . . 71
Loading Microplates in the StakMax Instrument . . . . . . . . 72
Continual Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Magazine Loading and Unloading Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Single Plate Loading Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Overview of the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Setting Run Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Selecting the Protocols to Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Using the Barcode Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Configuring Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Cancelling an Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Setting Up a Job List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Creating a New Job List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Importing a Job List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Running Protocols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Starting a Read Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Pausing a Read Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Stopping a Read Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Viewing Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Viewing Acquired Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Chapter 3 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
System Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Weekly Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
As-Needed Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Removing the StakMax instrument from
the instrument stand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Accessing SpectraMax Paradigm Platform
Detection Cartridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Aligning the Microplate Transfer Position . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
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StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide
5012878 A 5
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
“Object reference not set to an instance of an object”
error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Appendix A System Diagrams and Specifications . . . . 107
Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
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Contents
6 5012878 A
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5012878 A 7
Safety
This chapter provides important safety information for the use of the
StakMax®Microplate Handling System. All users should read and
understand the safety guidelines before operating the StakMax
instrument. The following information is described in this chapter:
•Safety Guidelines on page 7
•Labeling on page 7
•Interrupt on page 9
Safety Guidelines
Read and understand all of the safety guidelines before using the
StakMax instrument.
Labeling
The following warning labels are attached to the StakMax instrument.
Do not remove these labels.
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Safety
8 5012878 A
StakMax instrument labels
Instrument Label Nameplate
Instrument nameplate
StakMax identification, voltage, and
serial number (back of instrument)
StakMax input and output stack labels
Laser-based barcode reader safety
label (internal)
Wavelength: 630-680 nm, Maximum
Power Output: 1 mW
Power I/O label (right side of
instrument)
CE mark for European and TUV
Rheinland
1311 Orleans Drive, Sunnyvale
CA 94089 408 747-1700
+24V
3A
INPUT
STACK
OUTPUT
STACK
+ 24 VDC RS-232
USB
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StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide
5012878 A 9
Interrupt
The StakMax instrument has an Interrupt button located on the left
side of the front panel (as shown below). Pressing the button interrupts
the operation of the StakMax instrument, immediately stops any
StakMax movement, and then resets the entire system. The button can
also be used as a Power/Reset button to turn the StakMax instrument
on.
Warning label on plate drawer
protection stand of danger to fingers
StakMax instrument labels (cont’d)
Instrument Label Nameplate
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Safety
10 5012878 A
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5012878 A 11
Preface
About this Manual
The StakMax®Plate Handling System User Guide provides instructions
for the proper setup, installation and use of the StakMax microplate
handler and software.
The StakMax instrument is a plate handling system that can be
attached to several different types of instruments. This manual includes
the information and procedures required to integrate the SpectraMax®
Paradigm®Multi-Mode Detection Platform, a cartridge-based microplate
reader.
This manual contains the following chapters:
Installation and Setup of the StakMax System on page 13
Operation on page 69
Maintenance on page 101
Troubleshooting on page 105
Before you use the instrument for the first time, we recommend that
you read the entire manual to familiarize yourself with the basic
operating procedures. Make sure that you read all relevant content,
particularly in the Installation and Setup chapter.
This manual is intended for laboratory personnel who have been trained
in basic laboratory safety practices. Using the instrument without
proper training can result in damage to the instrument or sub-optimal
results.
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Preface
12 5012878 A
Conventions
Within the scope of this manual, the following typographical
conventions are used.
CAUTION! Indicates an operation that can cause damage to the
instrument, device, or data, if the precautions are not followed.
Additional Resources
The StakMax Software is integrated into the Multi-Mode Analysis
Software. Some functions overlap between the StakMax and Multi-
Mode Analysis software applications; in these cases, this manual refers
to the Multi-Mode Analysis Software User Guide.
User Guides and Help
•Multi-Mode Analysis Software User Guide
•Multi-Mode Analysis Software Application Help
•SpectraMax Paradigm Multi-Mode Detection Platform User Guide
•SpectraMax Paradigm Detection Cartridge User Guides
If you need any of the above guides, contact your Molecular Devices
sales representative.
Training
Molecular Devices offers training on the StakMax System. Contact your
Molecular Devices sales representative for further details.
WARNING! Indicates an operation that can cause personal
injury if precautions are not followed.
Note: Provides background information or further explanation of
instructions, or shortcuts or alternative steps to perform the
procedure.
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5012878 A 13
1
Installation and Setup of the
StakMax System
This chapter describes how to install and set up the StakMax®System
with the SpectraMax®Paradigm®Multi-Mode Detection Platform.
This chapter contains the following sections:
•Unpacking the System on page 13.
•Installing the Software on page 39
•Aligning the Microplate Transfer Position on page 45
•Performing a Functional Check on page 59
•Installing or Replacing a Barcode Reader on page 66
Background
When integrated with a SpectraMax Paradigm Multi-Mode Detection
Platform, the StakMax®Software runs with the Multi-Mode Analysis
Software that controls the SpectraMax Paradigm Multi-Mode Detection
Platform. This user guide focuses on the StakMax Software application
only and refers to the Multi-Mode Analysis Software User Guide for
specific details on overlapping functions.
The SpectraMax Paradigm Multi-Mode Detection Platform is a
cartridge-based microplate reader. The cartridges that are installed
determine the type of reads that the SpectraMax Paradigm Platform can
perform. There is a microplate drawer and two cartridge drawers (for
top and bottom reads). When the StakMax System is installed, the
cartridge drawers are blocked. To access the cartridge drawers, see
Accessing SpectraMax Paradigm Platform Detection Cartridges on
page 102.
StakMax Software is available for Windows-compatible computers using
32-bit versions of Windows XP SP2 or later, Vista, and Windows 7
operating systems.
Unpacking the System
The StakMax instrument is packed in a specially-designed carton. It
consists of an inner box, which contains the StakMax instrument and all
of the included parts, and an outer box for protection. The inner box is
suspended under compression between a pair of trampoline-like lids
(top and bottom) to protect the StakMax system from damage.
The SpectraMax Paradigm Multi-Mode Detection Platform accessory kit,
that contains the installation hardware and alignment plates, is shipped
in a separate box.
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Installation and Setup of the StakMax System
14 5012878 A
Retain the original carton and the packing materials. If the unit needs
to be returned for any reason, including repairs, it must be sent in the
original carton with the original packing materials.
CAUTION! Do not set up the instrument in a cold room with a
temperature below 10°C.
To unpack the StakMax instrument
1. After examining the carton, place it on the floor in an upright
position.
2. Open the top of the box and remove the top lid.
3. Remove the inner instrument box from the shipping box and
place it on the lab bench.
4. Open the top of the box. Carefully remove the 20-plate
magazines (if ordered) and remove them from the packaging. If
other magazine sizes were ordered, they are shipped in a
separate box.
5. Remove the accessory kit and check to make sure that all of the
components are present. For a complete list of the included
components, see Components on page 16.
6. Unpack the SpectraMax Paradigm Multi-Mode Detection Platform
accessory kit and check to make sure that the accessory kit is
complete. For a complete list of items, see SpectraMax Paradigm
Platform Accessory Kit on page 16.
Note: Before you unpack the system, examine the external packaging
for any signs of damage. If the shipping carton has been damaged in
transit, it is particularly important that you retain the carton for
inspection by the carrier, in case there has also been damage to the
instrument.
CAUTION! Do not set up the instrument in an environment where
potentially damaging liquids or gases are present.
WARNING! The StakMax instrument weighs approximately 26
pounds (11.8 kg) and should be lifted with care. Take proper
precautions to avoid injury.
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StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide
5012878 A 15
7. Carefully remove the StakMax instrument from the box and
place it on a flat surface.
8. Gently pull up the foam block at a slight angle and remove it
from the input stack. See Figure 1-1.
Figure 1-1 Removing the foam from the input stack
9. Gently pull the foam block down and to the left and remove it
from the stacker arm. See Figure 1-2.
Figure 1-2 Removing the foam from the stacker arm
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Installation and Setup of the StakMax System
16 5012878 A
Components
The StakMax instrument package contains the following components.
Accessory kit
•StakMax® Microplate Handling System User Guide
(not for use with the SpectraMax Paradigm Platform)
•USB cable
•Single Plate Adapter
•Instrument-specific baseplate
•100-240 volt power supply
•Region-specific power cable for power supply
•Long Phillips screwdriver
•1 package of 5 microplates
Instrument box
•StakMax instrument
•Barcode reader(s) (installed on instrument as configured)
•20-plate magazines (if purchased)
SpectraMax Paradigm Platform Accessory Kit
The SpectraMax Paradigm Platform accessory kit is shipped in a
separate box and contains the following items.
•Hex Key Screwdriver, 2.5 mm
•Hex Key Screwdriver, 3.0 mm
•Four (4) Screws
•Two (2) Spacer Bushings
•Baseplate
•Instrument Stand
•Front Installation Adapter Plate
•Plate Drawer Protection Stand
•Two (2) Alignment Studs
•Gap Distance Check Tool
•Top Adjustment Plate
•Bottom Adjustment Plate
•StakMax® Microplate Handling System User Guide
(for use with the SpectraMax Paradigm Platform)
•StakMax®Software CD
•Multi-Mode Analysis Software CD
•Multi-Mode Analysis Software Updater CD
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StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide
5012878 A 17
Installing the StakMax System
CAUTION! Do not touch or loosen any screws or parts other than those
specifically designated in the instructions because this can cause
misalignment and this can void the instrument warranty.
Before installing the StakMax instrument, make sure the foam blocks
have been removed from the input stack and the arm.
To install the StakMax instrument
1. Make sure that you have unpacked the StakMax instrument (see
Unpacking the System on page 13) and that all of the
components listed in Components on page 16 are present.
2. Place the instrument on a hard, level surface. Make sure that
the power supply and USB port are accessible.
3. Install the Multi-Mode Analysis Software and the Updater.
4. Install the StakMax Software.
5. Attach the StakMax instrument to the SpectraMax Paradigm
Multi-Mode Detection Platform microplate reader by following
the instructions in:
Installing the Baseplate on the Reader on page 18
Installing the StakMax Instrument Stand on page 22
Installing the Plate Drawer Protection Stand on page 27
Installing the StakMax Instrument on page 30
Setting the Plate Drawer Protection Stand Height on page 32
S
6. Attach the power and USB cables by following the instructions in
Connecting the Cables on page 34.
7. If this is the first time connecting your StakMax, you must install
the USB driver. See Installing the StakMax Driver on page 40.
WARNING! Make sure the power cord is not connected to the
instrument prior to installation or relocation of the instrument.
Note: There are two options available for integrating the
StakMax instrument with the SpectraMax Paradigm Multi-Mode
Detection Platform: side-by-side installation and front
installation. These installation options are described separately
in this guide.
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Installation and Setup of the StakMax System
18 5012878 A
8. Start the StakMax Software and align the transfer position. See
Aligning the Microplate Transfer Position on page 45.
9. Perform a functional check of the integration between the
stacker and the reader. See Performing a Functional Check on
page 59.
Installing the Baseplate on the Reader
You must connect the StakMax instrument to the microplate reader
with the provided baseplate and mounting hardware.
To connect the baseplate
1. Place the StakMax instrument and the microplate reader on a
hard, level surface (for example, a lab bench).
2. If this is not a new installation, make sure that the plate drawer
is empty and then close the plate drawer.
3. Make sure that the SpectraMax Paradigm microplate reader is
turned off and unplugged from the power source.
4. Spread protective padding on the table and then carefully tilt
the reader on its side on top of the padding.
WARNING! Make sure you protect your fingers when
tilting the reader on its side. You might want to place a
small flat object (for example, a book or a flat box) under
the protective padding to make sure you allow room for
your fingers when tilting the reader.
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StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide
5012878 A 19
5. Use the 2.5 mm hex key screwdriver to remove one of the rear
feet from the reader. See Figure 1-3.
Figure 1-3 Removing a rear foot from the reader
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Installation and Setup of the StakMax System
20 5012878 A
6. Re-use the foot and the washer and insert a black spacer
bushing between the foot and the reader, and then use a new
screw from the accessory kit to reattach the foot to the base of
the reader. See Figure 1-4.
7. Repeat Step 5 and Step 6 with the other rear foot.
8. Use the 2.5 mm hex key screwdriver to remove the front feet
from the reader.
9. Position the baseplate at the front of the plate reader (see
Figure 1-5 for correct position).
Figure 1-4 Rear foot and spacer bushing installed on the reader
Item Description
1 Spacer Bushing
2 Foot
3 Washer
4 Screw
3
4
1
2
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