Molecular Devices StakMax User manual

StakMax®Microplate Handling System
User Guide
5016072 A
October 2011
StakMax-UG-5016072A.book Page 1 Friday, October 21, 2011 3:51 PM

This document is provided to customers who have purchased Molecular Devices, LLC
(“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, LLC.
1311 Orleans Drive, Sunnyvale, California, United States of America 94089.
Molecular Devices, LLC is ISO 9001 registered.
© 2011 Molecular Devices, LLC.
All rights reserved.
The trademarks mentioned herein are the property of Molecular Devices, LLC 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, LLC.
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5016072 A 3
Contents
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Interrupt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chapter 2 Installation and Set Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installing the StakMax Microplate Handling System . . . . . 14
Unpacking the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
To unpack the StakMax microplate handler . . . . . . . . . . 15
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connecting the Baseplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connecting the SpectraMax L Baseplate . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Connecting the AquaMax Baseplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Connecting the SpectraMax Paradigm Baseplate . . . . . . 27
Connecting the StakMax Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Installing or Replacing a Barcode Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Installing the StakMax Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Automatic Windows XP StakMax Driver Installation . . . . 49
Manual Windows XP StakMax Driver Installation . . . . . . 51
Automatic Windows 7 StakMax Driver Installation . . . . . 57
Aligning the StakMax Gripper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
To align the StakMax gripper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Aligning the Microplate Transfer Position
on a SpectraMax Paradigm Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
To align the microplate transfer position
on a SpectraMax Paradigm instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Performing a Gripper Functional Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
To perform a gripper functional check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
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Contents
4 5016072 A
Chapter 3 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Starting the StakMax Microplate Handling System . . . . . . 79
Turning the StakMax Microplate Handler On and Off . . . . 79
Opening the StakMax Software Window . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Loading the StakMax Microplate Handler . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Continual Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Magazine Loading and Unloading Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Single Plate Loading Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Using StakMax Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Start Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Stop Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Emergency Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Load Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Return Plate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Restack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Scripting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
StakMax Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Status Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Chapter 4 Scripting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Command Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
StakMax Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
SoftMax® Pro Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Advanced Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Misc Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Creating a New Script from a Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Adding Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Removing Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Changing the Order of Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Checking the Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Using Repeats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Saving Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Printing Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
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StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide
5016072 A 5
Chapter 5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
System Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Weekly Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
As-Needed Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
SpectraMax Paradigm System Maintenance. . . . . . . . . 127
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Appendix A System Diagrams and Specifications . . . . 133
Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
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Contents
6 5016072 A
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5016072 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
microplate handler. 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 5016072 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
5016072 A 9
Interrupt
The StakMax microplate handler 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 microplate handler,
immediately stops any StakMax microplate handler movement, and
then resets the entire system. The button can also be used as a
Power/Reset button to turn the StakMax microplate handler on.
Warning label on plate drawer
protection stand of the SpectraMax®
Paradigm® Multi-Mode Detection
Platform for danger to fingers
StakMax instrument labels (cont’d)
Instrument Label Nameplate
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Safety
10 5016072 A
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5016072 A 11
1
Introduction
When integrated with a Molecular Devices microplate instrument, the
StakMax®Software runs with the SoftMax®Pro Software that controls
the microplate instrument. This manual focuses on the StakMax
software application only and refers to the SoftMax®Pro User Guide for
specific details on overlapping functions.
The SoftMax®Pro Software provides extensive data calculation and
analysis capabilities for customers using Molecular Devices single and
multi-mode readers in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, and
government research laboratories. A GxP edition of this software exists
for labs needing GLP/ GMP compliance with FDA 21 CFR part 11.
StakMax Software is available for Windows compatible computers using
Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and 7.
When integrated with an AquaMax®microplate washer, the StakMax®
Microplate Handling System is controlled directly by the on-board
AquaMax Software. See the AquaMax®2000/4000 Microplate Washer
User Guide for operational details.
The StakMax instrument is a microplate handler that can be attached to
several different types of microplate instruments. This manual includes
the information and procedures required to integrate each of the
following microplate instruments with a StakMax Microplate Handling
System:
•SpectraMax® M2 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
•SpectraMax® M2e Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
•SpectraMax® M3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
•SpectraMax® M4 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
•SpectraMax® M5 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
•SpectraMax® M5e Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
•SpectraMax®Paradigm®Multi-Mode Detection Platform
•GeminiTM EM Fluorescence Microplate Reader
•GeminiTM XPS Fluorescence Microplate Reader
•SpectraMax® 190 Absorbance Microplate Reader
•SpectraMax® 340PC 384 Absorbance Microplate Reader
•SpectraMax L Luminescence Microplate Reader
•SpectraMax®Plus 384 Absorbance Microplate Reader
•VersaMaxTM ELISA Microplate Reader
•AquaMax®4000 Microplate Washer
•AquaMax®2000 Microplate Washer
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Introduction
12 5016072 A
About this Manual
The StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide provides
instructions for the proper setup, installation and use of the StakMax
microplate handler and software.
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 Chapter 2: Installation and Set Up on page 13.
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. See Safety on page 7
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5016072 A 13
2
Installation and Set Up
Installing the StakMax®microplate handler involves unpacking the
equipment and attaching it to a microplate instrument. Setting up the
StakMax microplate handler involves installing the StakMax USB driver
and aligning the microplate handler drawer with the StakMax
microplate gripper.
This section contains the following topics:
• Unpacking the System on page 15
• Connecting the Baseplate on page 17
• Installing or Replacing a Barcode Reader on page 47
• Installing the StakMax Driver on page 49
• Aligning the StakMax Gripper on page 58
• Performing a Gripper Functional Check on page 78
Note: The StakMax USB driver enables the StakMax Software, which
is installed with the SoftMax®Pro Software version 6.1 (or later).
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Installation and Set Up
14 5016072 A
Installing the StakMax Microplate Handling System
Before installing the StakMax microplate handler, make sure the foam
blocks have been removed from the input stack and the arm.
To install the StakMax microplate handler
1. Unpack the StakMax Microplate Handling System following the
instructions in Unpacking the System on page 15 and make sure
that all of the components listed in Components on page 17 are
present.
2. Place the microplate handler on a hard, level surface. Make sure
that the power supply and USB port are accessible.
3. Install the SoftMax Pro Software.
4. Attach the StakMax microplate handler to the microplate
instrument by following the instructions in Connecting the
Baseplate on page 17.
5. Attach the power and USB cables by following the instructions in
Connecting the StakMax Cables on page 44.
6. Perform an alignment of the gripper. Aligning the StakMax
Gripper on page 58
7. Perform a functional check of the gripper alignment. See
Performing a Gripper Functional Check on page 78.
WARNING! Make sure the power cord is not connected to the
instrument prior to installation or relocation of the instrument.
WARNING! 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.
WARNING! Do not operate the instrument in an environment
where potentially damaging liquids or gases are present.
WARNING! Do not operate the instrument in a cold room with
a temperature below 10°C.
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StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide
5016072 A 15
Unpacking the System
The StakMax microplate handler is packed in a specially-designed
carton. It consists of an inner box, which contains the StakMax
microplate handler 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.
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.
To unpack the StakMax microplate handler
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
second 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 17.
6. Carefully remove the StakMax microplate handler from the box
and place it on a flat surface.
7. Gently pull up the foam block at a slight angle and remove it
from the input stack. See Figure 2-1.
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.
WARNING! The StakMax microplate handler weighs
approximately 26 pounds (11.8 kg) and should be lifted with
care. Take proper precautions to avoid injury.
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Installation and Set Up
16 5016072 A
Figure 2-1 Removing the foam from the input stack.
8. Gently pull the foam block down and to the left and remove it
from the stacker arm. See Figure 2-2.
Figure 2-2 Removing the foam from the stacker arm.
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StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide
5016072 A 17
Components
The StakMax microplate handler package contains the following
components.
Accessory kit
•StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide
•USB cable
•Single Plate Adapter
•Microplate instrument-specific baseplate
•100-240–volt power supply
•Region-specific power cable for power supply
•Alignment tools (clear and black)
•Long Phillips screwdriver
•1 package of 5 microplates
Instrument box
•StakMax microplate handler
•Barcode reader(s) (installed on microplate handler as
configured)
•20-plate magazines (if purchased)
Connecting the Baseplate
If you are setting up your StakMax microplate handler with a
SpectraMax Paradigm, SpectraMax L or AquaMax instrument, skip now
to one of the following alternate baseplate connection sections.
• Connecting the SpectraMax L Baseplate on page 21
• Connecting the AquaMax Baseplate on page 24
• Connecting the SpectraMax Paradigm Baseplate on page 27
For all other microplate readers, you must connect the StakMax
microplate handler to the microplate reader with the following provided
baseplate and mounting hardware. See Figure 2-4.
Note: 40-plate and 50-plate magazines are shipped in a
separate box.
Note: The baseplate connection procedures are different for the
SpectraMax Paradigm, SpectraMax L and AquaMax instruments.
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Installation and Set Up
18 5016072 A
Required equipment
•Alignment tools
•Baseplate
•Long Phillips screwdriver
•2 Phillips-head screws
Figure 2-3 Required components for baseplate installation.
To connect the baseplate
1. Place the StakMax microplate handler and the microplate reader
on a hard, level surface (for example, a lab bench).
2. Place the baseplate on the left side of the StakMax microplate
handler. See Figure 2-4 for the correct position.
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StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide
5016072 A 19
Figure 2-4 Aligning the baseplate.
3. Slide the baseplate under the protruding angle bracket that is
attached to the instrument.
4. Align the baseplate with the mounting holes in the StakMax
angle bracket and loosely thread the included Phillips-head
screws and washers through the top baseplate and into the
threads on the StakMax angle bracket. Do not tighten the
screws until after the software installation and calibration
processes are complete. See Figure 2-5.
Figure 2-5 Aligning the baseplate and loosely threading the
screws.
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Installation and Set Up
20 5016072 A
5. Lift the right side of the reader and place the feet into the two
mounting cups located on the baseplate. Make sure that the
reader feet are completely seated in the mounting cups. See
Figure 2-6.
Figure 2-6 Placing the plate reader feet in the mounting cups.
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