Molecular Devices StakMax User manual

5016072 B
October 2018
StakMax®
Microplate Handling System
User Guide

StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide
2 5016072 B
This document is provided to customers who have purchased Molecular Devices equipment, software,
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Molecular Devices products are warranted to meet the stated specifications. Molecular Devices makes
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The trademarks mentioned herein are the property of Molecular Devices, LLC or their respective owners. These trademarks may not
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Molecular Devices, LLC is ISO 9001 registered.
©2018Molecular Devices, LLC.
All rights reserved.

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Contents
Safety Information 4
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips 4
Chapter 1: Introduction 9
Computer Integration 10
Chapter 2: Set Up the StakMax Microplate Handler 11
Package Contents 11
Unpack the Microplate Handler 12
Connect the Microplate Handler to an Instrument 16
Connect Cables 36
Chapter 3: Load the MicroplateHandler 38
Magazine Load/Unload Tool 39
Single Plate Adapter 45
Continuously Load the Microplate Handler 46
Chapter 4: Get Started 47
Aligning the Gripper 48
Gripper Functional Check 60
Chapter 5: StakMax Software 62
Settings 66
Reading Plates 67
Scripting 69
Chapter 6: Maintenance and Troubleshooting 77
Clean the Instrument 77
Status Dialog Error Codes 78
Installing USB Drivers for Windows 7 79
Obtaining Support 80
Appendix A: Instrument Specifications and Diagrams 81
General Specifications for the StakMaxMicroplate Handling System 81
Space Requirements 83

StakMax Microplate Handling System User 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. Other symbols can warn of other types of hazards such as biohazard,
electrical, or laser safety warnings as are described in the text of the warning. Follow the
related safety information.
The following user attention statements might be displayed in the text of Molecular Devices
user documentation. Each statement implies the amount of observation or 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 found on the instrument contains an alert symbol that indicates the type of
potential safety hazard.
Symbol Indication
Consult the product documentation.
Potential laser hazard.
Potential electrical-shock hazard from a high-voltage source. All safety instructions
must be read and understood before you proceed with the installation, maintenance,
and service of all modules. Power off the instrument and disconnect the power cord
before you do maintenance procedures that require removal of a panel or cover or
disassembly of an interior instrument component.
Potential pinch hazard.
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.
- - California proposition 65 requires businesses to provide
warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.

StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide
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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.
WARNING! HIGH VOLTAGE. Within the instrument is the potential of an
electrical shock hazard existing from a high voltage source. Read and understand
all safety instructions before you install, maintain, and service the instrument.
To prevent electrical shock, use the supplied power cord and connect to a properly
grounded wall outlet.
1311 Orleans Drive, Sunnyvale
CA 94089 408 747-1700
+24V
3A
The power port is on the right side of the instrument.
+ 24 VDC RS-232
USB
123
Item Description
1 Power port for connection to the power supply
2 USB port for connection to the computer
3 RS-232 serial port for connection to a microplate washer
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.

Safety Information
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Laser Safety
WARNING! LASER LIGHT. This symbol indicates that a potential hazard to
personal safety exists from a laser source. When this symbol displays in this
guide, follow the specific safety information related to the symbol.
The StakMax®Microplate Handling System is rated a Class 2 Laser Product because it can
house an optional bar code reader with an embedded laser module.
WARNING! LASER LIGHT. Operate the instrument only when all the doors and
panels of the instrument are in place and closed.
The barcode reader has an embedded Laser Class 2 Laser module and the following
specifications.
Item Description
Lasertype Diode laser
Wavelength 630nm to 680nm
Maximumoutputpower 1.0mW
Laser class Class2 (IEC60825-1, ed. 2.0:2007)
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.

StakMax Microplate Handling System User Guide
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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.
Keep the instrument work area clear to prevent obstruction of the movement.
Note: Observe all warnings and cautions listed for all external devices attached to or in
use during the operation of the instrument. See the applicable user guide for the
operating and safety procedures of that device.

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Chapter 1: Introduction
The StakMax Microplate Handling System is an integrated microplate handler for use with
Molecular Devices microplate readers and microplate washers to provide simple, powerful,
walk-away benchtop automation.
The StakMaxMicroplate Handling System is compatible with the following instruments:
Gemini™EM Microplate Reader
Gemini™ XPS Microplate Reader
SpectraMax®i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
SpectraMax® iD3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
SpectraMax® iD5 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
SpectraMax®L Microplate Reader
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 Microplate Reader
Newer models of the following instruments are compatible with the StakMaxMicroplate
Handling System:
SpectraMax®190 Absorbance Microplate Reader (Serial number begins with NNR)
SpectraMax®340PC384 Absorbance Microplate Reader (Serial number begins with LNR)
SpectraMax®Plus384 Absorbance Microplate Reader (Serial number begins with MNR)
VersaMax™ Microplate Reader (Serial number begins with BNR)
The StakMaxMicroplate Handling System is compatible with the following microplate
washers:
AquaMax®2000 Microplate Washer
AquaMax®4000 Microplate Washer
1

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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.
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. You can set these options in
Windows Control Panel.
When you connect the microplate handler to a compatible microplate reader, the StakMax
Software runs with the SoftMax Pro Software that controls the microplate reader.
When you connect the microplate handler to the AquaMax Microplate Washer, the
AquaMax Software controls the StakMaxMicroplate Handler. See the AquaMax 2000/4000
Microplate Washer User Guide.

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Chapter 2: Set Up the StakMax Microplate Handler
For most initial StakMax Microplate Handling System implementations, your Molecular
Devices Field Representative will set up the instruments. Use the topics in this chapter for
future reference when you need to move or disconnect the microplate handler from the
microplate reader or microplate washer.
Before you unpack the StakMaxMicroplate Handler, prepare a dry, flat area with enough
space for the microplate handler, the microplate reader or microplate washer, the operating
computer, and the cables. See Instrument Specifications and Diagrams on page 81.
CAUTION! Do not use instrument when the room temperature is below 10°C (50°F).
Install the SoftMax Pro Software on the computer that operates the microplate reader. See
the SoftMax Pro Data Acquisition and Analysis Software Installation Guide and the SoftMax
Pro Data Acquisition and Analysis Software User Guide.
Package Contents
The StakMaxMicroplate Handling System package contains the following components.
StakMaxMicroplate Handler with optional barcode reader factory installed, if purchased
20-plate magazine, if purchased
Note: 40-plate and 50-plate magazines are shipped in a separate box.
Accessory Kit
The contents of the accessory kit are specific to the instrument to which you intend to
connect the StakMax Microplate Handler. Each microplate reader and microplate washer has
a unique plate drawer height and configuration. There are two methods to connect the
microplate handler to an instrument:
Microplate Handler Mounted Baseplate Connection on page 17
Microplate Reader Mounted Baseplate Connection on page 24
CAUTION! Do not attempt to connect the microplate handler to an instrument other
than the model for which the accessory kit is designed.
USB cable
100–240volt power supply
Power cable
Phillips screwdriver and/or hex keys
Single plate adapter
1 package of 5 plates
Alignment tools
2

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Baseplate
2 screws and washers
For microplate reader mounted baseplate connections, the baseplate and the following
additional connection accessories are shipped in a separate box.
Rail
Plate drawer protection stand
2 spacer bushings
8 screws
4 rail studs
The accessory kit includes the following for the SpectraMaxParadigm and the SpectraMax i3x
with the SpectraMax® MiniMax™ 300 Imaging Cytometer attached.
Microplate Handler Stand
Unpack the Microplate Handler
The microplate handler is packed in a specially designed carton. The package consists of an
inner box that contains the instrument with an accessories kit for the included parts and an
outer box for protection. The inner box is suspended under compression between a pair of
trampoline-like lids above and below to protect the instrument.
WARNING! Lifting hazard. The instrument weighs approximately 11.8kg (26
lbs). Take proper precautions to prevent injury and lift with care.
Note: Retain the shipping box and all packaging materials for future transportation
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 packaging.
1. Check the box for damage that occurred during transportation. Inform the supplier
immediately and keep the damaged packaging.
CAUTION! Keep the box upright. Do not tip or tilt the box or place it on its side.
2. Open the top of the box and remove the packaging above the inner box.
3. Remove the inner instrument box from the shipping box.
4. Open the top of the inner box.
5. Remove the 20-plate magazines (if included) and remove the magazine packaging. If you
order other magazine sizes, they ship in a second box.
6. Remove the accessory kit.
7. Remove the instrument from the box and place it on a flat surface.

Chapter 2: Set Up the StakMax Microplate Handler
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8. Remove the foam block from the input stack. Pull the foam block up at a slight angle.
9. Remove the foam block from the plate handler arm. Pull the foam block down and to the
left.
Install Barcode Reader
When you order a barcode reader with the StakMax Microplate Handler, the barcode reader
is factory installed. The microplate handler has two barcode reader positions and you can
install two barcode readers. For details see Compatible Barcode Types on page 89.
The barcode reader position is dependent on where the barcode label is placed on the plate.
Install the barcode reader on the front of the microplate handler to read barcode labels
on the long edge of the plate.
Install the barcode reader on the left side of the microplate handler to read barcode
labels on the short edge of the plate.

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WARNING! Power off the instrument and disconnect the power cord before you
do maintenance procedures that require removal of a panel or cover or
disassembly of an interior instrument component.
The following is included with the barcode reader or the instrument:
Barcode reader with cable (visible laser class 2)
3 hex screws
2mm hex key
3mm hex key
To install a barcode reader:
1. Power off the microplate handler and the microplate reader, if attached.
2. Remove the access panel on the front or left side of the microplate handler, depending
on where you want to install the barcode reader.
To remove the front cover, firmly pull the cover down.
To remove the left side panel, use the 3mm hex key to remove the hex screws that
hold the cover in place, and then pull the cover down.

Chapter 2: Set Up the StakMax Microplate Handler
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The left side of the microplate handler is the side that is adjacent to the connected
microplate reader. If you need to access this position, you need to first move the
microplate handler away from the microplate reader.
3. Attach the barcode reader with the three provided screws. Use the 2mm hex key to
tighten the screws.
4. Attach the cable on the barcode reader to the connector that protrudes from the gray
housing.
5. Reattach the cover. Use the 3mm hex key to tighten the hex screws on the left side
panel.
Note: Do not pinch the wires.

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Connect the Microplate Handler to an Instrument
The StakMax Microplate Handler is physically connected to each compatible instrument to
keep the microplate handler and the instrument in the correct orientation and proximity for
accurate plate transfers.
The following instruments use a baseplate that is mounted to the StakMax Microplate
Handler for this connection: See Microplate Handler Mounted Baseplate Connection on page
17.
GeminiEM
Gemini XPS
SpectraMax L
SpectraMaxM2
SpectraMax M2e
SpectraMaxM3
SpectraMaxM4
SpectraMaxM5
SpectraMax M5e
SpectraMaxPlus384
SpectraMax340PC384
SpectraMax190
VersaMax
AquaMax 2000 microplate washer
AquaMax 4000 microplate washer
The following instruments use a baseplate that is mounted to the microplate reader: See
Microplate Reader Mounted Baseplate Connection on page 24.
SpectraMaxi3x with or without the SpectraMax® MiniMax™ 300 Imaging Cytometer
attached
SpectraMax iD3
SpectraMax iD5
SpectraMaxParadigm

Chapter 2: Set Up the StakMax Microplate Handler
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Microplate Handler Mounted Baseplate Connection
This procedure provides instructions to connect the microplate handler to the following
instruments:
GeminiEM
Gemini XPS
SpectraMaxM2
SpectraMax M2e
SpectraMaxM3
SpectraMaxM4
SpectraMaxM5
SpectraMax M5e
SpectraMaxPlus384
SpectraMax340PC384
SpectraMax190
VersaMax
SpectraMax L (see Connect SpectraMax L on page 19)
AquaMax 2000 (see Connect AquaMax Microplate Washer on page 21)
AquaMax 4000 (see Connect AquaMax Microplate Washer on page 21)
The following are in the accessory kit:
Item Description
1 2 alignment tools
2 Baseplate
3 2 screws and washers
4 Phillips screwdriver

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To connect the baseplate:
1. Place the microplate handler and the microplate reader on a level surface.
2. On the left side of the microplate handler, slide the baseplate under the protruding angle
bracket that is attached to the microplate handler until the holes in the baseplate align
with the holes in the microplate handler angle bracket.
3. Thread the Phillips-head screws (with washers) through the angle bracket into the
baseplate and use the Philips head screwdriver to tighten the screws.

Chapter 2: Set Up the StakMax Microplate Handler
5016072 B 19
4. Lift the right side of the microplate reader and place the feet into the two mounting cups
on the baseplate. Make sure that the microplate reader feet are completely seated in the
mounting cups.
Connect SpectraMax L
This procedure provides instructions to connect the microplate handler to the SpectraMax L.
The following are in the accessory kit:
2
2
13
3
Item Description
1 Baseplate
2 Hex key
3 2 screws

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To connect the baseplate:
1. Place the microplate handler and the SpectraMax L on a level surface.
2. Place the baseplate on the left side of the microplate handler so that the holes on the
baseplate align with the two mounting holes towards the rear of the microplate handler
“L” bracket.
3. Thread the screws from the accessory kit through the side of the baseplate and into the
threads on the microplate handler "L" bracket and use the hex key to tighten the screws.