ProteinSimple FluorChem M User manual

page 1
FluorChem M System User Guide
Formerly Cell Biosciences
FluorChem M System User Guide
Copyright © 2011 ProteinSimple. All rights reserved.
ProteinSimple
3040 Oakmead Village Drive
Santa Clara, CA 95051
Toll-free: [phone]
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
web: www.proteinsimple.com

FluorChem M System User Guide
FluorChem M User Guide
P/N 94-15292-00
Revision 1a, July 2011
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic or clinical procedures
Patents and Trademarks
Automatic Image Capture (AIC) and digital ProteomeChip technology are covered by U.S. Patent Nos
6,995,901, 6,909,459, 6,853,454, 6,271,042, 7,166,202, and other issued and pending patents in the U.S. and
other countries. ProteinSimple, the ProteinSimple logo, the Alpha Innotech logo, Protein Forest, the Protein
Forest logo, the AIC logo, AlphaCal, AlphaImager, AlphaPart11View, AlphaQuant, AlphaSnap, AlphaSpec,
AlphaUV, AlphaView, ChemiGlow, Chromalight, dPC, digital ProteomeChip, FluorChem, MSRAT, MultiImage,
NanoPro, the intertwined helix design, iWB, ProteomeChip, red, SpectraPlex, Xpedition, XplorBright, and
XplorUV are trademarks or registered trademarks of ProteinSimple. Other marks appearing in these materi-
als are marks of their respective owners.

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FluorChem M System User Guide
Chapter 1:
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Introduction to the FluorChem M System . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
User Attention Notifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Instrument Safety Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Customer Service and Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Legal Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
FluorChem M System Disclaimer of Warranty . . . 6
Chapter 2:
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Space Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Electrical Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Software and Computer Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Networking the FluorChem M System . . . . . . . . .10
System Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Chapter 3:
System Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Overview of FluorChem M System Components . . . .14
FluorChem M Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Sample Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Safety Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
UV Transilluminator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
General Guidelines and Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
System Operation: Notification of Intended Use. 21
Lifting and Moving the System: Use Proper Lifting
Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Chapter 4:
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Powering on the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Overview of FluorChem M User Interface. . . . . . . . . . 25
Using the Touchscreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
User Interface Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Imaging Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Sample Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Sample Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
UV Light Override . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Chapter 5:
Image Acquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Overview of the Darkroom Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Imaging Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Selecting a Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Changing Channel Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Table of Contents

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FluorChem M System User Guide
Multi-Channel Imaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Image Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Changing the Channel Image Display . . . . . . . . .51
Sample Imaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Chapter 6:
Image Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Overview of the Review Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Entering Image Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Channel Image Display and Overlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Viewing Image Data for One Channel . . . . . . . . .60
Overlaying Channel Image Data . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Making Image Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Brightness Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Invert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Exposures View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Image Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Viewing Pixel Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Browsing Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
FluorChem M System File Information. . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Copying, Printing and Deleting Images . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Copying Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Printing Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Deleting Images. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Chapter 7:
Managing Stored Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Overview of the Images Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
View Toggle Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Image List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Paging Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Page Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Search Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Edit Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Selecting Images for Review or Enhancement . . 77
Searching for Images. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Editing the Image Album . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Selecting Images in the Album Edit Page . . . . . . 79
Deleting Images from the Album. . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Copying Images from the Album . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Exiting the Album Edit Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Trash Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Editing the Trash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Chapter 8:
System Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Overview of the System Settings Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 86
System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Software and Network Information . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Optics Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Changing System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Changing Date and Time Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Updating the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
USB Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Web Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
System Self Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Running the Self Tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Creating Dark Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Flat Field Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Changing Focus Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
System Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

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FluorChem M System User Guide
Chapter 9:
Networking and Remote Access . . . . . . . . . . .99
Digital Darkroom Remote Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Connecting to FluorChem M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Downloading Image Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Opening Image Files in AlphaView Software . . . . . . 104
Opening .fcz Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Opening .png Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Chapter 10:
Maintenance and Troubleshooting . . . . . . . 107
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Cleaning the FluorChem M System . . . . . . . . . . 108
UV Transilluminator Bulb Replacement. . . . . . . 109
Changing the Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Accessories and Spare Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

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FluorChem M System User Guide

page 1
FluorChem M System User Guide
Chapter 1:
General Information
Chapter Overview
•Welcome
• Introduction to the FluorChem M System
•Safety
• Customer Service and Technical Support
• Legal Notices

page 2 Chapter 1: General Information
FluorChem M System User Guide
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the FluorChem®M MultiFluor system. ProteinSimple welcomes you as a
new user. This user guide includes important safety information, installation requirements, maintenance proce-
dures, descriptions of the instrument and user interface as well as detailed operating instructions for setting up
and running FluorChem M.
Introduction to the FluorChem M System
FluorChem M is a high-performance imaging system for quantitative Western blot detection and gel imaging.
Its compact design incorporates state-of-the-art CCD optical technology with an intuitive touchscreen inter-
face for detection of multicolor fluorescent, chemiluminescent, UV-excited and colorimetric gels and blots. In
addition, users can control and monitor image acquisition and access data remotely using a unique, browser-
based interface from any networked computer or mobile Wi-Fi device.
The FluorChem M system comes with a cooled 8.3 megapixel CCD detector, 50-mm f/1.4 motorized fixed
lens and a 10-position motorized filter wheel with 710/40 nm, 607/36 nm, 593/40 nm, and 537/26 nm emis-
sion filters. Light sources include RGB fluorescent epi-excitation at 632 nm (red), 534 nm (green) and 475 nm
(blue), epi-white lights, trans-white light via white light conversion screen and an integrated 302 nm UV trans-
illuminator. The system also includes an on-board integrated computer and LCD touchscreen, the
FluorChem M Digital Darkroom User Interface and AlphaView®stand alone image analysis software.

Safety page 3
FluorChem M System User Guide
Safety
User Attention Notifications
Several user attention phrases are used throughout this manual. Each phrase should draw the following level
of attention from the user:
NOTE Points out useful information.
IMPORTANT Indicates information necessary for proper instrument operation.
CAUTION Cautions users regarding potentially hazardous situations in regard to user injury or dam-
age to the instrument if the information is not heeded.
!WARNING! Warns users that serious physical injury can result if warning precautions are not heeded.
Instrument Safety Labels
The following safety labels are located on the FluorChem M system. Each label will display a safety alert sym-
bol indicating a potential safety hazard.
Ta b l e 1 - 1 : FluorChem M system safety labels.
Symbol Description
Ultraviolet Light
Risk of Electric Shock
Refer to the FluorChem M User Guide before proceeding
Hot Surface
Fuse Symbol (6 A fuses only)

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FluorChem M System User Guide
!WARNING!
If the system is not used as specified by ProteinSimple, overall safety will be impaired.
!WARNING!
If the system is damaged and does not function properly, stop the instrument safely and contact Pro-
teinSimple Technical Support immediately.
UV Safety
CAUTION
The FluorChem M system contains an integrated ultraviolet transilluminator. The system
enclosure confines the radiation within the system and shields the user from exposure.
Exposure to UV radiation can cause permanent damage to the eyes and skin.
UV Interlock Switch
The FluorChem M system is equipped with a defeatable safety interlock switch which automatically cuts off
the power to the transilluminator when the door is open. This eliminates any dangerous user exposure to UV
light. As a safety precaution, the UV light will automatically turn off after three minutes when using the inter-
lock switch.
It may become necessary to override the safety interlock and use the transilluminator for other purposes. In
this case, be sure to use the following safety precautions:
• Always wear UV-protected eyewear specified by the manufacturer as providing protection at the wave-
length(s) used, making sure the eyewear protects any areas where radiation may come through. UV
sunglasses may not prevent UV radiation from coming in through the sides or around the lenses.
• Always cover all skin that may be exposed to UV light, in particular the face, neck, hands and arms.
• Always make sure that any UV protection devices (such as the safety interlock switch on the transillu-
minator) are working properly. If not, discontinue use until the device(s) are properly repaired.
• Use only UV lamps in the transilluminator.

Customer Service and Technical Support page 5
FluorChem M System User Guide
Hot Surface
CAUTION
Under normal conditions, the temperature of the glass surface of UV transilluminator is safe
to touch. However, if the system malfunctions, it is possible that the glass surface tempera-
ture could exceed 80 °C. Please exercise caution when touching the glass surface.
Electrical Safety
Be sure to take proper precautions when handling any electrical equipment. Never work on any live circuit, fix-
ture, receptacle, or switch. Safety rules to follow whenever working with any electrical appliance include:
• Always turn the system power off and unplug the power cord before changing a fuse.
• Always shut off power to the circuit before repairing or replacing a switch, receptacle, or fixture.
• Always tape over the main switch, empty fuse socket, or circuit breaker being worked on.
• Always check that the circuit is dead before beginning work on it. Using a circuit tester or voltmeter
can help determine this.
• Always unplug any appliance before repairing it.
Prior to System Operation
Ensure that all users of the FluorChem M system have:
• Received instruction in general safety practices for laboratories.
• Received instruction in specific safety practices for the instrument.
• Received instruction on handling of biohazards if biohazardous materials are to be used on the system.
CAUTION
Avoid using the FluorChem M system in a manner not specified by ProteinSimple. While the system has
been designed to protect the user, this protection may be impaired if the instrument is used improperly.
Customer Service and Technical Support
The ProteinSimple support staff is available to respond to any questions or comments about our products.
For questions or general feedback, use the following contact methods:

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FluorChem M System User Guide
Telephone
[phone]
[phone] (toll free)
Fax
[phone]
E-mail
[e-mail]
Web
www.proteinsimple.com
Address
ProteinSimple
3040 Oakmead Village Drive
Santa Clara, CA 95051
USA
Legal Notices
NOTE: Read the Legal Notices carefully before using your FluorChem M system.
FluorChem M System Disclaimer of Warranty
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN ANY ProteinSimple SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT OR QUOTATION, THE PRODUCTS
SOLD AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY ProteinSimple ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS WITHOUT WAR-
RANTY OF ANY KIND. ProteinSimple AND ITS SUPPLIERS DO NOT WARRANT THE SECURITY, PRIVACY, OR ACCURACY OF ANY
DATA PROVIDED VIA THE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES, AND YOU AGREE THAT THE USE OF ANY SUCH DATA BY YOU IS AT YOUR
SOLE RISK. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, ProteinSimple AND ITS SUPPLIERS DISCLAIM ANY
AND ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

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FluorChem M System User Guide
Chapter 2:
Installation
Chapter Overview
•Introduction
•SpaceRequirements
• Electrical Requirements
• Environmental Requirements
• Software and Computer Requirements
• System Installation

page 8 Chapter 2: Installation
FluorChem M System User Guide
Introduction
This chapter will help prepare the laboratory for installation of the ProteinSimple FluorChem M system.
Please complete the space, electrical and environmental requirements prior to installing the instrument.
Space Requirements
The FluorChem M system is a bench-top instrument which requires a stable laboratory bench or table capa-
ble of supporting 75 lbs (34 kg).
System dimensions and space requirements are as follows:
Ta b l e 2 - 1 : FluorChem M system dimensions.
A minimum clearance of 3 inches (7.6 cm) at the rear of the instrument must be provided for the CCD cool-
ing fan ventilation and sufficient access to connect or disconnect the power cord as well as to operate the
power switch.
Electrical Requirements
As with all electrical instruments, the FluorChem M system should be located away from water, solvents or
corrosive materials. The system should also be placed away from interfering electrical signals and magnetic
fields.
Installation of the FluorChem M system requires a dedicated, grounded circuit capable of delivering the appro-
priate current and voltage for your country. The power requirements for select countries are listed in
Ta b l e 2 - 2 .
Dimension Centimeters Inches
Width 32 12.6
Depth 62 24.5
Height 62 24.5

Electrical Requirements page 9
FluorChem M System User Guide
Ta b l e 2 - 2 : FluorChem M system power requirements.
The FluorChem M system label displays the system power specifications:
In addition to the electrical power requirements listed above, ProteinSimple requires that all grounded circuits
terminate at the receptacles, and the receptacles must be located within 10 ft (3 m) of the instrument.
Region Volts (AC)
Frequency
(Hz) Amps
US and Canada 120 60 3
Europe 230 50 1.5
UK 230 50 1.5
Japan 100 50/60 3.5
China 220 50 1.6
India 230 50 1.5
South Korea 220 60 1.6

page 10 Chapter 2: Installation
FluorChem M System User Guide
Environmental Requirements
Please provide appropriate heating and cooling to maintain a constant laboratory temperature. For optimal
FluorChem M system performance, the laboratory environment must meet the following criteria:
Ta b l e 2 - 3 : FluorChem M system environmental requirements.
Software and Computer Requirements
The FluorChem M system includes an integrated computer with the FluorChem M User Interface pre-
installed. Post-acquisition image analysis can be performed using AlphaView stand alone software.
Please use the AlphaView software CD provided with the FluorChem M system to install the software on a
separate computer workstation, such as a user’s desktop computer. In order to run AlphaView software, this
computer must meet the minimum requirements listed in the table below:
Ta b l e 2 - 4 : AlphaView software computer requirements when used on local workstations.
Networking the FluorChem M System
The FluorChem M system can be connected directly to a local network for remote access using a web
browser on any Mac or PC-based network computer or Wi-Fi enabled device such as a smartphone or
iPadTM. Image acquisition can be controlled and monitored remotely, and stored image files can be accessed
for copying, printing and post-acquisition desktop analysis using AlphaView software. For more information on
accessing the FluorChem M system from a remote computer or device, please refer to Chapter 9, “Network-
ing and Remote Access“.
Requirement Specification
Operating temperature range 15 - 25 °C (59 - 77 °F)
Operating humidity range 15 - 70% relative, non-condensing
Component Minimum Recommended
Operating System Windows 7, Vista or XP
Processor Pentium 4 at 2.8 GHz
Memory 1 GB
Hard Drive 40 GB

System Installation page 11
FluorChem M System User Guide
System Installation
The FluorChem M system is easily installed by the user. Once the space, electrical and environmental require-
ments have been met:
1. Unbox the system and place it on a lab bench.
IMPORTANT
The FluorChem M system weighs 75 lbs (34 kg). Two people are required to lift the system from the
shipping container onto the laboratory bench. Lift the system by grasping the bottom of the instru-
ment at the midsection on either side.
2. Connect the power cord to the rear panel of the system and plug the cord into a power receptacle.
3. Network access (optional). To access FluorChem M via a local network, connect an Ethernet LAN cable
to the 10/100/BASE-T (RJ-45 connector) port.
4. Turn FluorChem M on using the power switch on the rear panel.
5. Let FluorChem M equilibrate for 30 minutes after the initial power up before imaging samples. This allows
the system optics to reach the optimum acquisition temperature of -25 °C.

page 12 Chapter 2: Installation
FluorChem M System User Guide

page 13
FluorChem M System User Guide
Chapter 3:
System Hardware
Chapter Overview
• Overview of FluorChem M System Components
• Compliance
• Safety Guidelines
• General Guidelines and Information
• System Specifications

page 14 Chapter 3: System Hardware
FluorChem M System User Guide
Overview of FluorChem M System Components
FluorChem M is a high-performance imaging system for Western blot and gel imaging, and provides detection
of multicolor fluorescent, chemiluminescent, colorimetric and UV-excited gels and blots. The individual hard-
ware components of the FluorChem M system are described in this section.
FluorChem M Instrument
Integrated CCD Optics
The FluorChem M system uses a scientific grade 8.3 megapixel CCD detector cooled to -25 °C and a motor-
ized lens for optimum resolution and acquisition speed. The optics are fully automated and require no manual
user adjustments.
Epi-White Lights
Network and Side
UV Transilluminator
LCD Touchscreen
System Door
Motorized 10-Position
Door Latch
UV Interlock Switch
To p U S B P o r t
USB Ports
Multicolor LEDs
Filter Wheel and
CCD Optics