Prior Scientific PLW20 User manual

More to Prior than meets the eye
PLW20
Well Plate Loader
Manual
www.prior.com
H4648 V3.0

PLW20 Manual V3.02
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 – SAFETY INFORMATION 3
1.1 Important Safety Information 3
1.2 General Guidelines for Use or Operation 4
SECTION 2 – SPECIFICATIONS 6
SECTION 3 – UNPACKING 7
3.1 Unpacking and Inspecting 7
3.2 System Integration 7
3.3 Packing 8
SECTION 4 – IDENTIFYING YOUR SYSTEM 9
4.1 System Diagram 9
  4.2Plateloadermovementandaxisidentication  10
  4.3ConnectionIdentication    10
SECTION 5 – INSTALLATION 11
5.1 Installing your system 11
5.2 Installing the stage onto the microscope 15
SECTION 6 – SETUP OF THE PLW20 18
6.1 Software 18
6.2 Software Screen 18
6.3 Starting setup 18
  6.4SetupofthePLW20     20
SECTION 7 – OPERATION OF THE PLW20 28
7.1 Using the Software 28
  7.2TestingaSetupviaSingleStepMoves   30
7.3 Testing a Setup via a Soak Test 31
7.4 Typical Screenshots 32
SECTION 8 – ROUTINE MAINTENANCE 34
SECTION 9 – SOFTWARE INTEGRATION 35
SECTION 10 – TROUBLESHOOTING 36
SECTION 11 – RETURNS AND REPAIRS 38

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SECTION 12 – APPENDIX 39
Appendix A – Using Prior Terminal
Appendix B – Fitting a barcode reader
Appendix C – Using a barcode reader

PLW20 Manual V3.04
Section 1
SAFETY INFORMATION
1.1 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
SAFETY WARNINGS
Always observe the following safety precautions
• ThePLW20mustonlybeconnectedtoapoweroutlet,whichprovidesaprotective
earth.
• Useonlythemainscordsupplied.Ifthisdoesnottyourpoweroutlet,contactyour
distributor for the correct power lead.
• The unit is heavy and weighs 32kg. Remove the microscope before transporting. It
should only be lifted by two people: use side handle and lip of the rear cable entry area
to lift safely.
• Always disconnect the equipment before moving.
• Thisequipmentisforuseinmoderate,indoorconditionsonly.NEVERusethe
equipment in damp or wet conditions.
• Avoidexcessiveheat,humidity,dust&vibration.
• Do not use where the equipment may be subjected to dripping or splashing liquids.
• Thisequipmentcontainsnouser-serviceableparts.Referallrepairstoqualiedservice
personnel.
• KeepngersandhandsclearofthePLW20’smovingpartswhenitisoperating.
• It is the user/operators responsibility to ensure good laboratory practise is followed if
well plates contain hazardous material.

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SAFETY SYMBOLS
Retain these instructions. The following symbols mean:
Warning: read instructions to understand possible hazard
Warning: hazardous voltage
Safety- System Integration
The Prior PLW20 is designed and assessed to have no serious
hazards. However it is always used as a component within a
complete microscopy system.
1.2 GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR USE/OPERATION.
ThePLW20formspartofanautomatedmicroscopysystem,whichmaybeusedinresearch
orproductionlaboratories.Itwillpick-up,present,sortandreturnplatestoeitherofthetwo
preloaded racks that are positioned at the front.
Whilstoperatingifaplatebecomesmisaligned,donotattempttocorrectthisduring
theoperationcycle.Turno󰀨themainspowerbeforecorrectingplatepositionorremoving
any obstruction. Reinitialise the system.
ThePLW20rotaryarmmaymoveunexpectedly,underautomaticcontrol.

PLW20 Manual V3.06
Be aware that when using with a Nikon Ti microscope that you will need
to ensure that the objectives and condenser will not clash with the loader
system.We highly reccomend speaking to a product specialist to ensure
no damage occurs to any instrument.
ThesystemshouldONLYbeusedwithanEXTRA LONG WORKING DISTANCE
condenser.TheLONGWORKINGDISTANCEcondenserisnotsuitable.
ThefollowingobjectivesaresuggestedbyNikontobesuitableforusewiththePLW20.Be
carefulwhenusinganyobjectivewithaworkingdistanceoflessthan50mm.
MRH20041 CFIPlanFluorDL4XFN.A.0.13,W.D.16.4mm,PhL
MRH20101 CFIPlanFluorDL10XFN.A.0.30,W.D.15.2mm,Ph1
MRH48230 CFISuperPlanFluorELWDADM20XCN.A.0.45,W.D.8.2-6.9mm,PH-1
MRH48430 CFISuperPlanFluorELWDADM40XCN.A.0.60,W.D.3.6-2.8mm,PH-2
MRF00040 CFISFluor4XN.A.0.20,W.D.15.5mm
MRD00025 CFIPlanApochromatLambda2XN.A.0.10,W.D.8.5mm
MRD00045 CFIPlanApochromatLambda4XN.A.0.20,W.D.20mm
MRL00042 CFIPlanAchromat4XN.A.0.10,W.D.30.0mm
Oil objectives should be used only with extreme caution – consult a specialist before
proceeding.
Mercury bulbs MUST NOT be used with this system.
Ifusingacamera,itmustbemountedonthelefthandsideofthemicroscope.

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Section 2
SPECIFICATIONS
Thisequipmentisforindooruseandwillmeetitsperformancegureswithinanambient
temperaturerange5to40°Cwithmaximumrelativehumidityof80%humidity(deteriorating
linearlyto50%above31ºC).
• Size570mmdeepx850mmwidex680mhigh
• Weight57Kggross,(includesPlateloader,allaccessoriesandpackaging).32KgNet
(plateloaderfullyassembledwithaccessories,butnopackaging).Theweightofthe
microscopeisnotincludedinthesegures.
• Capacityof20slides(2racksof10).
• Plate type Standard well plates with and without covers.
• Plate change time of 28 seconds.
• InputVoltage100vto240v.
• Fuse rating for both fuses is T2A.
• CommunicationViaUSB.

PLW20 Manual V3.08
Section 3
UNPACKING
3.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTING
CarefullyunpackthePLW20andretainthepackagingshouldtheunitneedtobereturned.
IfthePLW20appearsdamagedinanyway,returnittoyoursalesoutletinitsoriginal
packaging.Noresponsibilityfordamagearisingfromtheuseofnon-approvedpackaging
willbeaccepted.Thepackagingincludesapallet,userappropriatepalletliftingequipmentto
transportthePLW20inthepackaging.
Ensureallitemsandaccessoriesspeciedarepresent.
• PLW20slideloaderandmicroscopemountingplate
• 10positionwellplatehotel(x2)
• Installation/Operating manual
• Microscope Fitting kit
• Cables(mains&USB)
Ifnot,contactyoursalesoutletorPriorScientic.
Useonlyasspeciedbytheseoperatinginstructionsortheintrinsicprotectionprovidedby
the unit may be impaired.
3.2 SYSTEM INTEGRATOR
ThePriorPLW20isdesignedandassessedtohavenoserioushazards.
However it is always used as a component within a complete microscopy
system.
The PC terminal must be positioned close to the plate loader so that the PC operator has a
clear,unobstructedviewoftheplateloader.ThisensuresthatthePCoperatorwillbeaware
ofanypersonorobstructionsinthevicinityoftheplateloadersmovingparts,beforestarting
the loader. A red Fast Stop button can be found on the front of the Plate loader. This can be
usedtoinstantlycutthepowertotheloader,immediatelyhaltinganyarmmovements.

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Iftheplateloaderistobeoperatedremotely,viaaweblinketc.thenadequate
procedures should be put in place to either ensure that the operator can view the plate
loader,orensurethatnountrainedpersonnelhaveaccess.
Read the information in Section 1.2 regarding objective and condenser compatibility.
3.3 PACKING
ThePLW20issecurelyandsafelypackedin3sectionsinsidethebox.
Sectiononecontains2x10slothotels.
Section two contains the plate loader tower.
Section three contains the X-axis assembly and base kit.
2
3
1

PLW20 Manual V3.010
Section 4
IDENTIFYING YOUR SYSTEM
4.1 SYSTEM DIAGRAM
1
2
3
46
7
5
1) Z-Axisarm
2) BarcodeReader(optional)
3) Gripper
4) Y-axistower
5) Baseplate
6) HotelRack2
7) HotelRack1
8) Apartment10
9) Apartment1
10) Hotelrack
11) Z-Axislinearrail
12) Gripperarms
13) Barcodereader
8
9
10
11
13
12

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4.2 PLATE LOADER MOVEMENT AND AXIS IDENTIFICATION
PlateloadermovementisdenedasX,Y,Z,andG.Xaxisbeingtherotationalmovement
oftheplateloader.Yaxisrelatestotheupanddownmovementoftheloaderarm.Zaxis
Relatestotheextendandretractmovementoftheextensiononthegripperarm.Finally,G
axis movement relates to the opening and closing of the gripper jaws.
4.3 CONNECTION IDENTIFICATION
1) Mainsconnector
2) Fusehousings
3) USBconnector
4) On/o󰀨switch
5) 4Waybindersocket
1 2 3 4
5

PLW20 Manual V3.012
Section 5
INSTALLATION
5.1- INSTALLING YOUR SYSTEM
RemoveX-axisassemblyfrompackagingcaseandplaceonsuitablebench.(Fig1).Note
positionoftheemergencystop(circled).
RemoveY-axistowerassemblyfrompackagingandlowerontox-axisassemblyasshown
(Fig2).Ensurematingfacesaredebrisfreeandalignedcorrectly.AlignDconnectoron
loaderarmwiththeDconnectorontheloaderbase.(Fig3).Onceinplaceensurethatthe
bottomofthetowerisushwiththebasebeforesecuringwiththefourM5screwsandthe
singleM3screw(Fig02&03).WithY-axistowerinstalled,removeantirotationshipping
screw(Fig02).
1

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Remove anti rotation
shipping screw
INSERT M3 x 6 socket pan
head screw to secure
INSERT M5 x 16 socket
button head screws into
each of four positions and
securermly.
M5mountingholesarecircledinorange,M3mountingholesingreen.
2

PLW20 Manual V3.014
Removewellplatehotelsfrompackagingandtontoloaderplate.Ensurelockingclaspis
positionedasshownbelow(Fig04)
Locatedovetailonfrontofhotelundertheplatedovetailonloader,andlowerrearofhotel
downontoplate.(Fig05)
4
Hotel present switch
Well plate
hotel locking
clasp
Hotel 2 bay
Hotel 1 bay
Hotel Dovetail
5

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Withthehotelinpositionmoveclasptoright(Fig6)tosecurethehotelinplaceandactivate
‘hotelpresent’switch.Repeatforhotel2.
6

PLW20 Manual V3.016
5.2 INSTALLING THE STAGE ONTO THE MICROSCOPE
The Prior ProScan stage is supplied with the correct base plate to suit the microscope
specied
1. (Fig7.1)FixtheH4194mountingplateontothefrontmountingholesonthemicroscope
andxusingthecountersunkscrewsprovided(A).
2. (Fig7.2)Placethestageoverthemountingbracketandxtherearofthestageto
themicroscopeasillustrated.EnsurethecablecountingtheinserttothePLW20exits
towards the rear of the stage.
3. Viewingtheundersideofthestage,attachittothemountingplate,viathexingpoints
attheextremeendsofthemountingplate(B).
4. ConrmthattheProScancontrollerunitisswitchedo󰀨beforeconnectingthestageto
the controller with the cable provided.
5. The cable connections to the ProScan controller are located on the rear panel of the
control box
Beforemakinganyoftheseconnections,ensurethattheProScancontrollerisswitched
o󰀨.Eachconnectioniswelllabeledbutgreatcareshouldbetakennottotryandconnect
yourcomputer’sserialportcabletothe`Z’axisconnectoronthecontroller.TheRS232
connection from your computer should be made to the RS232-1 port on the controller. For
USB connection to your computer see separate section on this subject.
A A B
B
7.1

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7.2
Mounting Holes
CabletoPLW20
Stage Locking Clamp
Front of the Microscope
Rear of the Microscope

PLW20 Manual V3.018
Section 6
SETUP OF THE PLW20
6.1 SOFTWARE
BeforeworkingwiththePLW20youmustrstinstallPriorsoftwareonyourPC.VisitPrior
software download centre website and download either the 32bit software or 64bit software
depending on your Windows operating system. Make sure the software is version v8.4.35 or
above.
http://www.prior-scientic.co.uk/Customer-Support/Download-Centre/
32bitsoftwaredownloadforWindowXPandWindow7(v8.4.35):Demonstrationprograms
forProScan,OptiScan,SlideLoaderandPlateLoader;USBdriversandPCIcarddrivers.
Or
64bitsoftwaredownloadforWindowXPandWindow7(v8.4.35):Demonstrationprograms
forProScan,OptiScan,SlideLoaderandPlateLoader;USBdriversandPCIcarddrivers.
Afterinstallationofthesoftware,youcanlocatethe“WellPlateLoderdemo”programunder
thePriorScientic/VisualBasicfolderoftheWindowsstartmenu.
IfyouareusingWindows7plugintheUSBcabletothePLW20andthecomputer,and
poweronthePLW20.Thedeviceshouldbeautomaticallyrecognisedandtheappropriate
driversinstalled.ForotheroperatingsystemspleasecontactPriorScienticoryourlocal
dealer.
6.2 SOFTWARE SCREEN

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6.3 STARTING SETUP
Note:AredFastStopbuttoncanbefoundonthefrontofthePlateloader.Thiscanbeused
toinstantlycutthepowertotheloader,immediatelyhaltinganyarmmovements.Thisbutton
must be release before power can be returned to the loader.
It is important for the plate loader to initialize to known datum points before you can proceed
withthesetupprocedure.Thedatumpointsarethelimitswitcheswhichdenetheend
pointsofthetravelfortheX,Y,andZoftheloader.
Beforebeginningtheinitialisationprocedureremoveanyhotels(wellplatecassettes)from
the loader and make sure that nothing is in a position where the loader can collide with it.
1. Switch on the Well Plate Loader.
2.OpenPriorWellPlateLoadersoftware.(Fig10)
3.Click“Connect”,onthemenubar.
4.Enterorconrmthe“WellPlateLoaderCommport”numberandthe“PriorStage
ControllerCommport”.(Fig11)TheportaddressisautomaticallyassignedbyWindowsbut
canbeconrmedthroughthesystemsDeviceManager.
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PLW20 Manual V3.020
5.Themanualmoverscreenwillappear(Fig12),usethistomovetheloadertoaposition
clearofthestageandabouthalfwayuptheYaxis.
Ifawarningappearsindicatingthatawellplateisinthegripper,manuallyremovethis
wellplateandcontinue.UsetheGbuttoninthemanualmoverscreentoopenthegripper,
remember to place a hand under the well plate to catch it as the gripper arms open.
Closingthemanualmovescreenwillbringupthefollowingwindow(Fig13).
Click‘OK’tocontinue.ThestagewillthenmovetoitsLoadPositionandtheloaderwill
automatically perform initialisation. Once this is completed the setup procedure can begin.
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