Molecular Devices SpectraMax i3x User manual

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October 2018
SpectraMax®i3x
Multi-Mode Detection Platform
Installation Guide

SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform Installation Guide
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Setting Up the SpectraMax®i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform
Before you unpack and set up the SpectraMaxi3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform,
prepare a dry, flat work area that has sufficient space for the instrument, host computer,
and required cables.
Note: If you use the SpectraMax®MiniMax™ 300 Imaging Cytometer, follow these
instructions to unpack the microplate reader but do not remove the transport
locks. See the SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer Installation Guide or
SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform User Guide.
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.
The SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer is shipped with a computer that meets
greater minimum computer system specifications than those required for the standard
SoftMax Pro Software installation. You must install the SoftMax Pro MiniMax Imaging
Edition of the SoftMax Pro Software on the supplied computer to operate the
SpectraMax i3x with the SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer. Use of the
SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer does not support the SoftMax Pro GxP
Software edition.

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Package Contents
Illustration Part Number Description
SoftMax Pro Software Latest version SoftMax Pro Software installation guide with Product
Key
5025026 Installation guide
YW 000 006 Hex key, 2.0mm
VZ 000 014 USB computer connection cable, 3meter (9.8foot)
4400-0002 or 4400-0036 Power cord, 115V
or Power cord, 230V
For a complete list of the contents of the package, see the enclosed packing list.
Note: Detection cartridges are shipped separately.
The SoftMax Pro Software installation places a copy of the available microplate reader
user guides (.pdf) in the following location on the computer:
C:\ProgramData\Molecular Devices\User Guides
The most recent version of the microplate reader user guides and the SoftMax Pro Data
Acquisition and Analysis Software User Guide are available on the Molecular Devices
Knowledge Base:
In the software, select the Home tab, click Contact Us, and then select Knowledge Base.
Or go to www.moleculardevices.com/service-support.

Setting Up the SpectraMax® i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform
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Unpacking the Instrument
The packaging is designed to protect the instrument during transportation.
There are transport locks on the detection cartridge drawer and the plate drawer to
protect the instrument from damage during shipping. You must remove the transport
locks before you power on the instrument.
WARNING! LIFTING HAZARD. To prevent injury, use a minimum of two
people to lift the instrument.
Note: Retain the shipping box and all packaging materials for 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
improper packing results in damage to the instrument.
To unpack the instrument:
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. With the box facing up as indicated, cut open the side of the box labeled Open Here.

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3. Grasp the handle on the cardboard and slide the instrument out of the box.
Tip: Have a second person hold the box in place while you slide the instrument
out on the cardboard.
4. Remove the accessories tool box.
5. Remove the foam packaging and the plastic bag.
6. With one person on each end, place the instrument on a dry, flat area.
Note: The feet are sticky and the instrument does not slide well. It can mark
the work surface if slid.

Setting Up the SpectraMax® i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform
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Removing Transport Locks
CAUTION! The instrument can be damaged if the you do not remove the
transport locks before you power on the instrument.
There are transport locks on the detection cartridge drawer and the plate drawer to
protect the instrument from damage during shipping. You must remove the transport
locks before you power on the instrument.
Note: If you install the SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer, leave the
transport locks in place until after you attach the cytometer to the microplate
reader. See the installation guide or user guide.
Illustration PartNumber Description
YW 000 006 2.0mm hex key
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.
To remove the transport locks:
1. Firmly pull on the front cover from the bottom to remove it. The front cover is held in
place by magnets.

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2. Turn the knob on the detection cartridge drawer transport lock counter-clockwise
until it is free of the hole in the floor of the drawer compartment.
Item Description
1 Detection cartridge drawer
2 Detection cartridge drawer transport lock
3. Slide the detection cartridge drawer forward until it is outside of the instrument.
4. Lower the detection cartridge drawer transport lock to remove it from the detection
cartridge drawer. Store the transport lock in the accessories tool box.
5. Push the detection cartridge drawer back inside the instrument.
6. Align the magnets on the inside of the front cover with the magnets on the
instrument base to replace the front cover.

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7. Gently pull the yellow tab that protrudes from the plate chamber door to open the
door. Hold the door (5) open while you remove the transport lock.
Note: Do not to tear the yellow tab. It remains attached to the transport lock
to make it easier to open the plate 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 plate drawer
3 Screw #3 fastens the lock to the plate drawer
4 Plate drawer
5 Plate chamber door in open position
6 Plate drawer transport lock
8. Use the 2.0mm hex key to loosen screw #1 in the upper-left corner of the transport
lock until the lock disconnects from the instrument frame. The screw has a retaining
washer to prevent removal from the lock.
Tip: After you loosen screw #1, pull the plate 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 plate drawer and you can
remove the lock from the instrument. The screws have retaining washers that
prevent removal from the lock. Store the transport lock in the accessories tool box.
10. Push the plate drawer back inside the instrument and close the chamber door.
11. Save the carton, foam inserts, accessories tool box, and transport locks for future
shipments.

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Connecting Instrument Cables
The power cord and USB cable connect to the ports on the rear of the instrument.
Note: If you install the SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer, do not use
this procedure. See the installation guide or user guide.
Illustration Part Number Description
VZ 000 014 USB computer connection cable, 3meter (9.8foot)
4400-0002 or 4400-0036 Power cord, 1meter (3.3foot)
Item Description
1 USB port
2 Gas inlet quick connect fitting
3 Power port
4 Fuse carrier
5 Power switch
To connect the instrument cables:
1. Make sure that the power switch on the rear of the instrument is in the Offposition.
2. Connect one end of the supplied USB cable to a USB ports on the computer and then
connect the other end to the USB port (1) on the rear of the instrument.
3. Connect the supplied power cord to the power port on the rear of the instrument
and then connect the other end of the power cord to a grounded electrical wall
outlet.