Molecular Devices SpectraMax 340PC384 User manual

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May 2023
SpectraMax 190
SpectraMax 340PC384
SpectraMax Plus 384
VersaMax
Microplate Spectrophotometers
Installation Guide

SpectraMax Plus384, 190, 340PC384, and VersaMax Installation Guide
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©2023 Molecular Devices, LLC.
All rights reserved.

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Chapter 1: Introduction
The SpectraMax® 190 Microplate Spectrophotometer, SpectraMax® 340PC384 Microplate
Spectrophotometer, and VersaMax™ Microplate Spectrophotometer provide rapid and sensitive
measurements of a variety of analytes across a wide range of concentrations. The SpectraMax®
Plus 384 Microplate Spectrophotometer adds the ability to read cuvettes. These instruments
measure the optical density (OD) of samples at selected wavelengths in a single read mode.
SpectraMax 190 reads 96-well plates.
SpectraMax 340PC384 reads 96-well plates and 384-well plates.
SpectraMax Plus 384 reads 96-well plates, 384-well plates, and cuvettes.
VersaMax reads 96-well plates.
The high sensitivity and flexibility of these instruments make them useful for applications in the
fields of biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, molecular biology, and microbiology.
Typical applications include ELISA, nucleic acid, protein, enzymatic type homogeneous and
heterogeneous assays, microbial growth, endotoxin testing, and pipettor calibration.
The instruments support the UV and Visible Absorbance read mode with the following read
types.
Endpoint: at a single point in time.
Kinetic: over a specified period of time.
Spectrum: over a specified wavelength range.
The shake feature allows you to mix the contents of the wells in a plate before each read cycle,
which makes it possible to perform kinetic analysis of solid-phase, enzyme-mediated reactions
(shake is not critical for liquid-phase reactions).
Temperature controls allow the instrument to regulate the temperature of the plate chamber
from 4°C above ambient to 45°C.
Documentation
The SoftMax Pro Software installation places a copy of the microplate reader user guides (.pdf
files) in the following location on the computer:
C:\ProgramData\Molecular Devices\User Guides
The most up-to-date microplate reader user guides are available on the Molecular Devices
Knowledge Base at:
support.moleculardevices.com.
To access the Knowledge Base from the software:
Select the Help tab, click Contact Us, and then select Knowledge Base.

SpectraMax Plus384, 190, 340PC384, and VersaMax Installation Guide
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Computer Integration
Each Molecular Devices microplate reader ships with a license key for the SoftMax® Pro Data
Acquisition and Analysis Software. You install the SoftMax Pro Software on the computer that
you use to operate the instrument to provide 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.
For information about the computer specifications 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:
SoftMax Pro Data Acquisition and Analysis Software - Standard Edition and MiniMax
Imaging Edition - Installation Guide
SoftMax Pro Data Acquisition and Analysis Software - GxPEdition - Installation Guide for the
Multi Computer Setup
SoftMax Pro Data Acquisition and Analysis Software - GxPEdition - Installation Guide for the
Single Computer Setup
You can connect the instrument to a printer and operate the instrument in standalone mode to
run basic Absorbance read mode Endpoint read type protocols. In standalone mode, the
instrument control panel allows you to adjust the temperature and the wavelength to do fixed
point plate reads. For the SpectraMax Plus 384 you can do fixed point cuvette reads.
Standalone mode is not available for the VersaMax.
To run protocols that require advanced acquisition settings or to run Absorbance read mode
Kinetic read type and Spectrum read type protocols, you must connect the instrument to a
computer and use the SoftMax Pro Software to operate the instrument.

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Chapter 2: Setting Up the Instrument
Before you unpack and set up the instrument, prepare a dry, flat work area that has sufficient
space for the instrument, host computer, and required cables. To 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. To ensure sufficient ventilation, do not block the ventilation grid on
the right side of the instrument.
WARNING! Potential lifting hazard. To prevent injury, use a minimum of two people to
lift the instrument.
The package contains the instrument and accessories to set up the instrument:
SoftMax Pro Software, product key, and installation guide
Instrument Installation Guide
USB computer connection cable
AC power adapter
Parallel printer connection cable
For a complete list of the package contents, see the enclosed packing list.
The packaging is designed to protect the instrument during shipment. Tape is placed on the
cuvette door and the plate drawer to protect the instrument from damage during shipment.
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.
Note: Retain the shipping box and all packing materials for future transport needs.
CAUTION! When transporting the instrument, warranty claims are void if damage during
transport is caused by improper packaging.
To unpack the instrument:
1. Check the box for damage that occurred during transportation. Inform the supplier
immediately and keep the damaged packaging.
2. Open the top of the box.
3. Lift the accessories tool box and the instrument from the package and place the instrument
on a level surface.
4. Remove the packing material from both ends of the instrument and set the instrument down
carefully.

SpectraMax Plus384, 190, 340PC384, and VersaMax Installation Guide
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Connecting Instrument Cables
The power cord and USB cable connect to the ports on the rear of the instrument.
Illustration Part Number Description
5064799 USB computer connection cable, 3meter (9.8foot)
4400-0002 or 4400-0036 Power cord, 1meter (3.3foot)
9000-0938 USB to DB8 Adapter (Keyspan USA-19HS by Tripp-Lite)
Note: Before you connect or disconnect the power cord, make sure that the power
switch that is on the rear of the instrument is in the Off position.
1. Make sure that the power switch that is on the rear of the instrument is in the Offposition.
2. To use a computer to operate the instrument, connect the appropriate end of the supplied
USB cable to the USB port that is on the rear of the instrument, and then connect the other
end to a USB port on the computer.
3. To operate the instrument in standalone mode, connect one end of the 25-pin parallel
cable to the printer port, and then connect the other end to the printer.
4. Load paper into the printer according to the manufacturer's instructions and connect the
printer's power cord.
5. Connect the supplied power adapter to the power port that is on the rear of the instrument,
and then connect the other end to a grounded electrical wall outlet.
6. Turn the instrument around so that the front of the instrument now faces you.
Note: Ensure no cables run beneath the instrument.
7. Remove the tape from the cuvette door on the SpectraMax Plus 384.
8. Power on the instrument and wait for the plate drawer to open.
9. Remove the tape and protective covering from the drawer subplate.

Chapter 2: Setting Up the Instrument
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Getting Started
Now that you installed the SoftMax Pro Software on the computer, removed the tape from the
drawer and the cuvette port, and connected the cables, it is time to get started.
WARNING! Never use the instrument in an environment where potentially damaging
liquids or gases are present.
1. Set the power switch on the rear of the instrument to the On position. Wait for the
instrument to complete its diagnostic check and the plate drawer opens.
2. Start the software on the computer. To start the software under normal conditions, wait for
the instrument to complete the start-up sequence, and then double-click the SoftMax Pro
Software icon on the desktop to start the program.
Power off the instrument when not in use.
Obtaining Support
Molecular Devices is a leading worldwide manufacturer and distributor of analytical
instrumentation, software, and reagents. We are committed to the quality of our products and to
fully supporting our customers with the highest level of technical service.
Our Support website, support.moleculardevices.com, has a link to the Knowledge Base, which
contains technical notes, software upgrades, safety data sheets, and other resources. If you still
need assistance after consulting the Knowledge Base, you can submit a request to Molecular
Devices Technical Support.
You can contact your local representative or Molecular Devices Technical Support at
800-635-5577 x 1815 (North America only) or +1408-747-1700.
In Europe call +44(0)1189448000.
To find regional support contact information, visit www.moleculardevices.com/contact.

www.moleculardevices.com
The trademarks used herein are the property of Molecular Devices, LLC or their respective owners.
Specifications subject to change without notice. Patents: www.moleculardevices.com/patents
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
©2023 Molecular Devices, LLC.
All rights reserved.
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