PerkinElmer FlexDrop iQ User manual

FlexDrop™ iQ™
Non-contact Dispenser
Hardware Manual
© Copyright 2021, PerkinElmer, Inc.
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A
Publication Date: April 21, 2021

Preface 2
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Preface
Copyright
This manual is published by PerkinElmer, Inc., 68 Elm Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748 USA.
Copyright 2021, PerkinElmer, Inc. All rights reserved, including but not limited to those rights to
reproduce this publication or parts thereof. Reproduction of this publication or parts thereof, or
the products it describes, by any means or in any form is expressly prohibited without the
written permission of PerkinElmer.
Trademarks
PerkinElmer is a registered trademark of PerkinElmer, Inc. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
Content
Any errors or omission which may have occurred in this publication despite the utmost care
taken in its production will be corrected as soon as possible, but not necessarily immediately
upon detection. PerkinElmer provides this publication “As Is” without warranty of any kind,
either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability
or fitness for a particular purpose.
Some states or jurisdictions do not allow disclaimer of express or implied warranties in certain
transactions; therefore, this statement may not apply to you. PerkinElmer reserves the right to
revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without
obligation of PerkinElmer to notify any person of such revision or changes. Further,
PerkinElmer may make modifications to the product described in this manual at any time
without any obligation to notify any person of such modifications.
Proper Equipment Operation
WARNINGS
•To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover. No user serviceable parts
are inside. Refer to qualified service personnel if help is required.
•Use this product only in the manner described in this manual. If the equipment is used in
a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment
may be impaired.
AVERTISSEMENTS
•Pour réduire le risque de choc électrique, ne pas retirer le couvercle. Ce produit ne
contient aucune pièce pouvant être réparée par l’utilisateur. Au besoin, confier l’appareil à
un réparateur qualifié.
•Ce produit ne doit être utilisé que comme décrit dans ce manuel. Si cet appareil est utilisé
d’une manière autre que celle spécifiée par le fabricant, la protection fournie par l’appareil
peut être entravée.

Preface 3
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Contact Us
If you have a question about a product that is not answered in this manual, or if you need
assistance regarding this product, please contact the PerkinElmer Technical Support Center
from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday:
Phone: (US Toll Free): 800-762-4000
(Worldwide): [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Internet: www.perkinelmer.com
Before you call, have the following information available for the technical representative:
• Product serial number
• Software version (found by choosing About from the main Help menu)
• If applicable, the error number shown in the software or in the log file.
Product Service and Customer Support Plans
PerkinElmer offers a full range of services to ensure your success. From our original factory
warranty through a comprehensive line of customer support plans, PerkinElmer offers you
Field Service Engineers and in-house Specialists who are dedicated to supporting your
hardware, software, and application development needs.
Phone: (US Toll Free): 800-762-4000
(Worldwide): [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Our programs can include such useful services as:
• Preventive maintenance
• Diagnostic servicing performed on-site by PerkinElmer field service engineers or remotely
via Technical Support
• Validation performed on-site by PerkinElmer field service engineers
• Extended use of the PerkinElmer Technical Support Center
• Software updates
• Parts, labor, and travel expense coverage
• Other customized services upon request
Training for Your Product
Contact PerkinElmer for information about the availability of training courses for your product:
Phone: (US Toll Free): 800-762-4000
(Worldwide): [phone]
Fax: [phone]
FCC
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC (United States Federal Communications
Commission) Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference, and
•This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

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P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
CE
This device complies with all applicable CE rules and requirements.
NOTE
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
REMARQUE
Tout changement ou modification apporté à cet instrument non expressément approuvé par
l’entité responsable de la conformité peut annuler l’autorisation d’opérer l’appareil accordée à
l’utilisateur.
Table of Symbols
Table 1 contains symbols that identify particularly important information and alert you to the
presence of hazards. These symbols may appear in this manual and/or on the product it
describes.
Table 1. Important Symbols
Symbol
Symbole
Description
Description
WARNING: Caution. Refer to the User’s documentation. (ISO
7000-0434B)
AVERTISSEMENT : Attention. Se reporter à la documentation
de l’utilisateur.
NOTE: A cautionary statement; an operating tip or maintenance
suggestion; may result in instrument damage if not followed.
REMARQUE : Énoncé indiquant une précaution à prendre, un
conseil de fonctionnement ou une suggestion d’entretien ; son
non-respect peut provoquer des dommages à l’instrument.
Hazardous voltage; risk of electric shock. (IEC 60417-6042)
Tension dangereuse ; risque de blessure par électrocution.
Biological risks. (ISO 7000-0659)
Risques biologiques.
Risk of injury due to moving parts, shearing force, and crushing
areas in operations area.
Risque de blessure dû aux pièces mobiles, à la force de
cisaillement et aux zones d'écrasement dans la zone d'opérations.
Lifting hazard. May result in injury. (ISO 3864)
Levage dangereux. Peut entraîner des blessures.
Fuse. (IEC 60417-5016)
Fusible.
Alternating current. (IEC 60417-5032)
Courant alternatif.

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P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Symbol
Symbole
Description
Description
On (power). |(IEC 60417-5007)
Marche (alimentation).
Off (power). (IEC 60417-5008)
Arrêt (alimentation).
CE compliance mark.
Marque de conformité CE.
WEEE symbol (EN50419:2005). Do not dispose of as unsorted
municipal waste. See the PerkinElmer website
(www.perkinelmer.com) for more information.
Consult Instructions for Use. (ISO 7000-1641)
Consulter les Instructions d’emploi.

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P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Table of Contents
Preface ................................................................................................................................. 2
Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 7
Overview............................................................................................................................ 7
Use.................................................................................................................................... 7
Warranty and Product Liability ......................................................................................... 7
Safety ................................................................................................................................... 8
Safety Information .............................................................................................................. 8
Disconnecting the System from the Electrical Power Supply ........................................... 10
Disconnecting the System from Air Pressure Supply....................................................... 10
System Contents................................................................................................................ 11
Operating Keys, Buttons, and Connections ...................................................................... 12
Front Ports and Connections............................................................................................. 12
Back Ports and Connections ............................................................................................. 13
Transport, Setup, and Startup ........................................................................................... 14
Transport ......................................................................................................................... 14
Set Up and Initial Operation .............................................................................................. 14
Operation ........................................................................................................................... 15
Starting the FlexDrop iQ Instrument ............................................................................... 15
Shutting Down the FlexDrop iQ Instrument..................................................................... 16
Cleaning the Instrument .................................................................................................... 17
Spare Parts and Accessories............................................................................................. 18
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................. 19
Service and Maintenance................................................................................................... 20
Changing the Fuses ...................................................................................................... 20
Technical Data ................................................................................................................... 21

Introduction 7
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Introduction
Overview
This manual contains information pertaining to safe and proper handling,
operation, and maintenance of the FlexDrop iQ instrument.
The following shall be observed:
•The Hardware Manual is part of the FlexDrop iQ.
•Please read this Hardware Manual carefully prior using the system.
•The Hardware Manual must be kept during the lifetime of the system.
•The Hardware Manual must be handed out to the successor.
•Only the most recent version is valid. New versions supersede previous
versions.
Use
The PerkinElmer FlexDrop iQ is designed and developed to automatically
dispense liquids in the nanoliter range via dispensing plates. A liquid or
liquids are filled into a specific FlexDrop iQ dispensing plate which is the
source plate. This plate is SBS-compatible. For proper and safe functionality,
FlexDrop iQ Plates can only be used with the system. From this plate
droplets are delivered by a hole in the bottom of the plate. Droplets are
caught in a target plate which is typically a SBS compatible plate. A target
can also be a flat object not exceeding the outer dimension of a microtiter
plate.
Compliance with regulations and hints as written in this manual, are part of
the intended use of the FlexDrop iQ instrument.
Warranty and Product Liability
The FlexDrop iQ comes with a 12-month warranty upon initial start-up.
•Warranty and product liability do not apply if the instrument is not
operated within the intended use, if hints for safe and proper handling are
not followed, or if the instrument was opened.
•Wear and tear parts are excluded from the warranty.
Only the PerkinElmer Service Representative can install and set up the
instrument. Changes and modifications of the FlexDrop iQ not approved by
PerkinElmer void all warranty claims.
Inserting parts or using consumables not approved by PerkinElmer may
result in injuries or can damage the instrument.

Safety 8
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Safety
Safety Information
Safe operation of the system is only ensured if these recommendations are
followed as written in this guide or at the system.
•Connect the system to a power socket with a functioning protective earth
conductor only.
•Before switching on the instrument, make sure that the local power supply
voltage is in accordance with the specifications of the system. Please
refer to the rating plate at the back of the instrument or technical
specification in this manual (see: Technical Data).
•The instrument is completely disconnected from the electrical power
supply when switching off the main switch on the back of the instrument.
Power socket shall be in close vicinity of the instrument.
•The instrument generates heat. Please make sure for sufficient air
circulation. 10 cm distance from the system to other surrounding objects
is sufficient.
•Avoid long lasting high humidity and avoid condensing water.
•Only use parts delivered with the instrument or order parts from the
supplier.
•Safe operation is no longer possible if:
othe enclosure is damaged
owater reached the inner of the instrument
oparts reached into the inner of the instrument
osmoke comes out of the instrument
opower socket is damaged
odoes not work properly
In case of one of these situations, please immediately disconnect the system
from the electrical power supply by removing the power cord from the power
socket. Please contact your PerkinElmer Service Representative before using
the instrument again.

Safety 9
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
WARNING
If the instrument or parts of the instrument get wet, switch
off the instrument and disconnect the power cord. Clean and
dry the system before switching it on again.
AVERTISSEMENT
Si l'instrument ou des parties de l'instrument sont mouillés,
éteignez l'instrument et débranchez le cordon
d'alimentation. Nettoyez et séchez le système avant de le
rallumer.
WARNINGS
•Mechanical movements behind doors.
•Do not touch drawers while they are moving. Increased
crushing hazard.
AVERTISSEMENT
•Mouvements mécaniques derrière les portes.
•Ne touchez pas les tiroirs lorsqu'ils sont en mouvement.
Risque d'écrasement accru.
WARNING
Risk of electrical shock which may lead to death. The inside
of the instrument contains live power parts. Do not remove
the cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Please contact
the PerkinElmer Technical Support for assistance (see page
3).
AVERTISSEMENT
Risque d'électrocution pouvant entraîner la mort. L'intérieur
de l'instrument contient des parties sous tension. Ne retirez
pas le couvercle. Aucune pièce réparable par l'utilisateur à
l'intérieur. Veuillez contacter le support technique de
PerkinElmer pour obtenir de l'aide (voir page 3).

Safety 10
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Disconnecting the System from the Electrical Power Supply
WARNING
Switch off system at the main switch on the back of the
instrument. Pull power cord out of socket.
AVERTISSEMENT
Éteignez le système au niveau de l'interrupteur principal à
l'arrière de l'instrument. Retirez le cordon d'alimentation de
la prise.
The system-plug-in connection via power cord and socket acts as a separator
from the power supply. Place system in a way that separator can be easily
recognized and accessed.
Disconnecting the System from Air Pressure Supply
WARNING
Close pressure reducing valve used at the air pressure
supply. Pull quick fitting at the back side of the instrument.
Please hold quick fitting until completely deaerated.
AVERTISSEMENT
Fermer le réducteur de pression utilisé au niveau de
l'alimentation en air. Tirez sur le raccord rapide à l'arrière de
l'instrument.
Veuillez tenir le raccord rapide jusqu'à ce qu'il soit
complètement désaéré.
The system-plug-in connection via tubing and quick fitting acts as a separator
from the air pressure supply. Place system in a way that separator can be
easily recognized and accessed.

System Contents 11
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
System Contents
NOTE: Upon delivery please check complete delivery and for damages. In
case of damages or missing parts, notify the delivery service and
contact your PerkinElmer Service Representative (see page 3).
Included in delivery of a FlexDrop iQ:
•(1) FlexDrop iQ Instrument
•(4) Power Cords (EU, UK, US, AU) Fuse change may be required.
•Air tubing - 6mm tubing with Quick Connect to instrument and fitting to
connect to house air or compressor
•(4) Black adapter plates (1, 2, 4 and 8 mm) – for target plate heights
•(3) FlexDrop iQ Source Plates with 500 µl-90 µm wells in startup kit
•(3) Waste PCR Tubes

Operating Keys, Buttons, and Connections 12
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Operating Keys, Buttons, and
Connections
Front Ports and Connections
Figure 1. FlexDrop iQ Front
Front Connectors/Buttons Function
ON/ OFF Button Press to turn the instrument on or off. (The
main power switch on the back must be ON
to operate the instrument.)
Source Plate Button Open or close the Source Plate Drawer.
Target Plate Button Open or close the Target Plate Drawer.
USB Port USB Type A
Touch
Monitor
On/Off
Button
Source Plate
Button
Target Plate
Button
Source Plate
Drawer
Target Plate
Drawer
USB Port

Operating Keys, Buttons, and Connections 13
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Back Ports and Connections
Figure 2. FlexDrop iQ Back
Rear Connectors Function
(2) USB Ports USB Type A
RJ45 Port (LAN) Network connector optionally used to connect
the FlexDrop iQ to a LAN for network data
storage.
Air pressure Quick Coupling Socket KD2-CN-4-S (Festo) 3-
10bar
Main Power Switch Turns power to the instrument on (|) or off (O).
Power Cord Connector 110 - 230V Connector

Transport, Setup, and Startup 14
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Transport, Setup, and Startup
Transport
1. For transport, remove all consumables from the source and target trays.
2. Close the source and target plate drawers.
3. Close the FlexDrop iQ Studio software.
4. Shut down Windows.
5. Switch off the power switch on the back of the FlexDrop iQ.
6. Close the air pressure supply and disconnect from supply.
7. Disconnect the power cord.
8. If applicable, disconnect the network cable.
WARNING
Installation must be performed by PerkinElmer personnel.
Instrument creates heat. For sufficient air circulation, allow at
least 10 cm clearance around the instrument.
Two people are necessary to lift or carry the instrument. Risk of
crushing hazard when placing instrument.
AVERTISSEMENT
L'installation doit être effectuée par le personnel de PerkinElmer.
L'instrument crée de la chaleur. Pour une circulation d'air
suffisante, laissez un espace d'au moins 10 cm autour de
l'instrument.
Deux personnes sont nécessaires pour soulever ou porter
l'instrument. Risque d'écrasement lors de la mise en place de
l'instrument.
Set Up and Initial Operation
1. Place the FlexDrop iQ instrument on a flat, even, stable surface. Leave
enough space in the front to fully move out the trays for source and target
plate.
Do not cover the vent on back of instrument. Power cord and air pressure
tubing must be easily accessible.
2. Connect air pressure supply (see Figure 2 FlexDrop iQ back). Set pressure to
at least 3 bar, max. 10 bar. Open air pressure supply valve.
3. Optional: Connect instrument to a network via RJ45 connector (see Figure 2
FlexDrop iQ back)
4. Connect electrical power supply (see Figure 2 FlexDrop iQ back)

Operation 15
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Operation
The intended use of the FlexDrop iQ instrument is the dispensing of liquids
from a FlexDrop iQ source plate into a target plate. This section describes
how to start and operate the FlexDrop iQ hardware. For instructions on using
the FlexDrop Studio software to control the instrument, see the FlexDrop iQ
User Manual (P/N CLS155330).
Starting the FlexDrop iQ Instrument
1. Switch on (|) the system using the power switch on the back of the system.
NOTE: The system is supplied with power. The system is NOT ready for
operation.
2. Push the On/Off button on the front left of the instrument to start the
computer. Wait until the Windows operating system starts.
NOTE: When the instrument is on, the On/Off button illuminates green. The
source and target plate drawers cannot be opened until the
FlexDrop iQ Studio Software is running.
3. Double-click the FlexDrop iQ Studio icon to start the software.
NOTE: It takes approximately 30 seconds until the instrument is ready for
operation.
4. Wait for the instrument to complete the initialization and for the FlexDrop iQ
Studio software to start. When the software starts, the main window opens
and prompts you to create a new protocol or open an existing protocol.
5. Use the FlexDrop iQ Studio software to set up, load, run, and save
dispensing protocols. Refer to the FlexDrop iQ User Manual (Part No.
CLS155330) for the use of the software.
NOTE: The source and target plates are loaded into the drawers (see
Figure 1 FlexDrop iQ front). The FlexDrop iQ Studio software must
be started to open and close the drawers.
6. To open the source plate drawer, press the Source Plate Button on the front
of the instrument (see Figure 1 FlexDrop iQ front).
7. To open the target plate drawer, press the Target Plate Button on the front of
the instrument (see Figure 1 FlexDrop iQ front).

Operation 16
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Shutting Down the FlexDrop iQ Instrument
To shut down the FlexDrop iQ instrument:
1. Remove all consumables from the Source and Target trays.
2. Close the Source and Target plate drawers.
3. In the FlexDrop iQ Studio software, select Menu > Exit to close the
FlexDrop iQ Studio software.
4. On the tablet, select the Windows button, then select Power > Shut
Down. Wait until the tablet power turns off.
If the instrument will not be used for an extended time, disconnect the
instrument:
1. Switch off the power switch on the back of the FlexDrop iQ.
2. Close the air pressure supply and disconnect from supply.
3. Disconnect the power cord.
4. If applicable, disconnect the network cable.

Cleaning the Instrument 17
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Cleaning the Instrument
WARNING
Disconnect the instrument from the power supply before
cleaning.
Use only cleaning agents approved by PerkinElmer.
AVERTISSEMENT
Débranchez l'instrument de l'alimentation électrique avant
de le nettoyer.
N'utilisez que des agents de nettoyage approuvés par
PerkinElmer.
•Clean the plastic surfaces, and the source and target plate drawers only.
Use ethanol or isopropanol with a lint-free cloth.
•Do not flush or spray clean the instrument. Avoid liquid entry into the
inside of the instrument.
•Clean the touch screen with a lint-free cloth. Do not use solvents or other
aggressive liquids.
•Do not spray liquids onto the screen or push buttons.
•Do not autoclave the instrument or any parts of it.

Spare Parts and Accessories 18
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Spare Parts and Accessories
CAUTION For reliable operation, use only approved spare parts and
accessories. PerkinElmer is not liable if material is used which is
not approved by PerkinElmer.
For questions please contact your PerkinElmer Service
Representative (see page 3).
ATTENTION Pour des opérations fiables, veuillez n'utiliser que des pièces de
rechange et des accessoires approuvés. PerkinElmer n'est pas
responsable si un matériau est utilisé qui n'est pas approuvé par
PerkinElmer.
Pour toute question, veuillez contacter votre représentant de
service PerkinElmer (voir page 3).

Troubleshooting 19
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Troubleshooting
Malfunction Possible Cause Workaround
Drawers do not open. On/Off Button at the front
not pressed.
Press On/Off Button until
GREEN.
FlexDrop iQ Studio
software does not start.
Communication problem. Shut down tablet and
instrument and then
restart.
Instrument will not start
although On/Off Button is
GREEN.
The lid was opened when
instrument was turned on.
Close lid and start
FlexDrop iQ Studio
software.
If the malfunction cannot be solved, contact PerkinElmer Technical Support
(see page 3).

Service and Maintenance 20
P/N CLS155331 Rev. A FlexDrop iQ Hardware Manual PerkinElmer, Inc.
Service and Maintenance
It is recommended to schedule a service visit once a year. Only your
PerkinElmer Service Representative can perform repairs and maintenance. If
you need technical support, please contact PerkinElmer Technical Support
(see page 3).
Changing the Fuses
WARNING
Before changing the fuses, please read these Instructions.
Before changing the fuse, it is mandatory to disconnect the
system from the power supply.
Only use fuses approved by the supplier. See page 21.
AVERTISSEMENT
Avant de changer les fusibles, veuillez lire ces instructions.
Avant de changer les fusibles, il est obligatoire de
déconnecter le système de l'alimentation électrique.
N'utilisez que des fusibles approuvés par le fournisseur. Voir
page 21.
The fuse assembly is part of the main switch. The main switch is located on
the back of the instrument (see Figure 2 FlexDrop iQ back).
1. Shut down the instrument and disconnect the power cord from the socket
before changing the fuses.
2. Use a small screwdriver or another suitable tool to open the fuse cover.
3. Remove both fuses and replace with two new fuses of the same type and
rating. Make sure the fuse ratings match the power supply voltage.
The FlexDrop iQ uses the following fuses:
•100 - 120 VAC: 5 x 20 mm, 5A
•200 - 240 VAC: 5 x 20 mm, 2.5A