Molecular Devices SpectraMax i3x User manual

5025026 C
October 2018
SpectraMax®i3x
Multi-Mode Detection Platform
Installation Guide

SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform Installation Guide
2 5025026 C
This document is provided to customers who have purchased 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 non-transferrable license. 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.
Each product is shipped with documentation stating specifications and other technical
information. Molecular Devices products are warranted to meet the stated specifications.
Molecular Devices makes no other warranties or representations express or implied, including but
not limited to, the fitness of this product 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. The sole obligation of Molecular Devices and the customer's sole remedy are limited to
repair or replacement of the product in the event that the product fails to do as warranted.
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
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.
Patents: http://www.moleculardevices.com/patents
Product manufactured by Molecular Devices, LLC.
3860 N. First Street, San Jose, California, 95134, United States of America.
Molecular Devices, LLC is ISO 9001 registered.
©2018Molecular Devices, LLC.
All rights reserved.

5025026 C 3
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.

SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform Installation Guide
4 5025026 C
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
5025026 C 5
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.

SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform Installation Guide
6 5025026 C
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
5025026 C 7
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.

SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform Installation Guide
8 5025026 C
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.

Setting Up the SpectraMax® i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform
5025026 C 9
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.

SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform Installation Guide
10 5025026 C
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.

Setting Up the SpectraMax® i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform
5025026 C 11
Connecting Gas Supply
You can connect a gas supply such as a CO2, nitrogen, or other gas supply to the
instrument. The instrument and the SoftMax Pro Software do not regulate the gas
supply.
Part Number Description
Not available from Molecular Devices Polyurethane tubing, outside diameter = 4.0mm
Not applicable Flat head screwdriver
S MS 135 100 Gas inlet unlock tool (not provided with the instrument)
Item Description
1 USB port
2 Gas inlet quick connect fitting
3 Power port
4 Fuse carrier
5 Power switch
WARNING! Use a compressed gas supply in a well-ventilated area. The
instrument is not air-tight. Gas can escape into the atmosphere surrounding
the instrument. When you use potentially toxic gas, observe the cautionary
procedures your safety officer defines to maintain a safe work environment.

SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform Installation Guide
12 5025026 C
To connect a gas supply:
1. Power off the instrument.
2. Use a flat head screwdriver to pry off the small black cap on the rear of the
instrument along the right edge to access the quick connect fitting. Save the cap for
later use.
3. Connect one end of the tubing to the quick connect fitting and connect the other end
to the gas supply.
4. Adjust the gas supply input pressure.
Note: For the maximum permitted air supply pressure for the gas inlet and
polyurethane tubing specifications, see the user guide for the SpectraMax i3x.
To disconnect the polyurethane tubing:
1. Power off the instrument.
2. Turn off the gas supply at the source and wait a sufficient time for the pressure to
dissipate.
3. Use the gas inlet unlock tool to press the quick connect fitting and release the tubing.
Note: The gas inlet unlock tool is not supplied with the instrument.
4. Remove the tubing from the quick connect fitting.
5. Replace the black cap over the quick connect fitting.

Setting Up the SpectraMax® i3x Multi-Mode Detection Platform
5025026 C 13
Getting Started
Now that you installed the SoftMax Pro Software on the computer, unpacked the
instrument, removed the transport locks, and connected the cables, it is time to get
started. The power switch and power connection are on the rear of the instrument.
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.
To turn the instrument on or off, press the power switch to place the rocker in the on or
off position.
Item Description
1 Power switch
2 Off
3 On
The SpectraMaxMiniMax 300 Imaging Cytometer shares its power source with the
SpectraMaxi3x. To turn the cytometer on or off, use the power switch on the rear of the
SpectraMaxi3x.
Before you connect or disconnect the power cord, make sure that the power switch on
the rear of the microplate reader is in the Offposition.
After you power on the instrument you can start the SoftMax Pro Software and begin
using the instrument.

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/productpatents
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
©2018 Molecular Devices, LLC.
All rights reserved.
5025026 C