Qiagen QIAgility User manual

Sample & Assay Technologies
Sample & Assay Technologies
1069303 11/2011
Trademarks
QIAGEN®, QIAgility®, QIAxcel®, Rotor-Gene®(QIAGEN Group); DECON-QUAT®(Veltek Associates Inc.); Gigasept®, Mikrozid®, Lysetol®(Schülke & Mayr GmbH); Microcide SQ™(Global
Biotechnologies, Inc.); Excel®, Microsoft®, Windows®(Microsoft Corporation). Registered names, trademarks, etc. used in this document, even when not specifically marked as such, are not to
be considered unprotected by law.
© 2009-2011 QIAGEN, all rights reserved.
QIAgility®User Manual
QIAgility®User Manual
November 2011
www.qiagen.com
Australia nOrders 1-800-243-800 nFax 03-9840-9888 nTechnical 1-800-243-066
Austria nOrders 0800-28-10-10 nFax 0800-28-10-19 nTechnical 0800-28-10-11
Belgium nOrders 0800-79612 nFax 0800-79611 nTechnical 0800-79556
Brazil nOrders 0800-557779 nFax 55-11-5079-4001 nTechnical 0800-557779
Canada nOrders 800-572-9613 nFax 800-713-5951 nTechnical 800-DNA-PREP (800-362-7737)
China nOrders 86-21-3865-3865 nFax 86-21-3865-3965 nTechnical 800-988-0325
Denmark nOrders 80-885945 nFax 80-885944 nTechnical 80-885942
Finland nOrders 0800-914416 nFax 0800-914415 nTechnical 0800-914413
France nOrders 01-60-920-926 nFax 01-60-920-925 nTechnical 01-60-920-930 nOffers 01-60-920-928
Germany nOrders 02103-29-12000 nFax 02103-29-22000 nTechnical 02103-29-12400
Hong Kong nOrders 800 933 965 nFax 800 930 439 nTechnical 800 930 425
Ireland nOrders 1800 555 049 nFax 1800 555 048 nTechnical 1800 555 061
Italy nOrders 800-789-544 nFax 02-334304-826 nTechnical 800-787980
Japan nTelephone 03-6890-7300 nFax 03-5547-0818 nTechnical 03-6890-7300
Korea (South) nOrders 080-000-7146 nFax 02-2626-5703 nTechnical 080-000-7145
Luxembourg nOrders 8002-2076 nFax 8002-2073 nTechnical 8002-2067
Mexico nOrders 01-800-7742-639 nFax 01-800-1122-330 nTechnical 01-800-7742-436
The Netherlands nOrders 0800-0229592 nFax 0800-0229593 nTechnical 0800-0229602
Norway nOrders 800-18859 nFax 800-18817 nTechnical 800-18712
Singapore nOrders 1800-742-4362 nFax 65-6854-8184 nTechnical 1800-742-4368
Spain nOrders 91-630-7050 nFax 91-630-5145 nTechnical 91-630-7050
Sweden nOrders 020-790282 nFax 020-790582 nTechnical 020-798328
Switzerland nOrders 055-254-22-11 nFax 055-254-22-13 nTechnical 055-254-22-12
UK nOrders 01293-422-911 nFax 01293-422-922 nTechnical 01293-422-999
USA nOrders 800-426-8157 nFax 800-718-2056 nTechnical 800-DNA-PREP (800-362-7737)

Sample & Assay Technologies
Sample & Assay Technologies
1069303 08/2011
Trademarks
QIAGEN®, QIAgility®, QIAxcel®, Rotor-Gene®(QIAGEN Group); DECON-QUAT®(Veltek Associates Inc.); Gigasept®, Mikrozid®, Lysetol®(Schülke & Mayr GmbH); Microcide SQ™(Global
Biotechnologies, Inc.); Excel®, Microsoft®, Windows®(Microsoft Corporation). Registered names, trademarks, etc. used in this document, even when not specifically marked as such, are not to
be considered unprotected by law.
© 2009-2011 QIAGEN, all rights reserved.
QIAgility®User Manual
QIAgility®User Manual
August 2011
www.qiagen.com
Australia nOrders 1-800-243-800 nFax 03-9840-9888 nTechnical 1-800-243-066
Austria nOrders 0800-28-10-10 nFax 0800-28-10-19 nTechnical 0800-28-10-11
Belgium nOrders 0800-79612 nFax 0800-79611 nTechnical 0800-79556
Brazil nOrders 0800-557779 nFax 55-11-5079-4001 nTechnical 0800-557779
Canada nOrders 800-572-9613 nFax 800-713-5951 nTechnical 800-DNA-PREP (800-362-7737)
China nOrders 86-21-3865-3865 nFax 86-21-3865-3965 nTechnical 800-988-0325
Denmark nOrders 80-885945 nFax 80-885944 nTechnical 80-885942
Finland nOrders 0800-914416 nFax 0800-914415 nTechnical 0800-914413
France nOrders 01-60-920-926 nFax 01-60-920-925 nTechnical 01-60-920-930 nOffers 01-60-920-928
Germany nOrders 02103-29-12000 nFax 02103-29-22000 nTechnical 02103-29-12400
Hong Kong nOrders 800 933 965 nFax 800 930 439 nTechnical 800 930 425
Ireland nOrders 1800 555 049 nFax 1800 555 048 nTechnical 1800 555 061
Italy nOrders 800-789-544 nFax 02-334304-826 nTechnical 800-787980
Japan nTelephone 03-6890-7300 nFax 03-5547-0818 nTechnical 03-6890-7300
Korea (South) nOrders 080-000-7146 nFax 02-2626-5703 nTechnical 080-000-7145
Luxembourg nOrders 8002-2076 nFax 8002-2073 nTechnical 8002-2067
Mexico nOrders 01-800-7742-639 nFax 01-800-1122-330 nTechnical 01-800-7742-436
The Netherlands nOrders 0800-0229592 nFax 0800-0229593 nTechnical 0800-0229602
Norway nOrders 800-18859 nFax 800-18817 nTechnical 800-18712
Singapore nOrders 1800-742-4362 nFax 65-6854-8184 nTechnical 1800-742-4368
Spain nOrders 91-630-7050 nFax 91-630-5145 nTechnical 91-630-7050
Sweden nOrders 020-790282 nFax 020-790582 nTechnical 020-798328
Switzerland nOrders 055-254-22-11 nFax 055-254-22-13 nTechnical 055-254-22-12
UK nOrders 01293-422-911 nFax 01293-422-922 nTechnical 01293-422-999
USA nOrders 800-426-8157 nFax 800-718-2056 nTechnical 800-DNA-PREP (800-362-7737)

Contents
QIAgility User Manual 11/2011 Contents-1
Contents
1Safety Information 1-1
1.1 Proper Use 1-1
1.2 Electrical safety 1-3
1.3 Biological safety 1-4
1.3.1 Samples 1-4
1.4 Chemicals 1-5
1.4.1 Toxic fumes 1-5
1.5 Waste disposal 1-5
1.6 Mechanical Hazards 1-6
1.7 Maintenance safety 1-7
1.8 Symbols on the QIAgility 1-8
2Introduction 2-1
2.1 About this user manual 2-1
2.2 General information 2-2
2.2.1 Technical assistance 2-2
2.2.2 Policy statement 2-3
2.2.3 Version management 2-3
2.3 Intended use of the QIAgility 2-3
2.3.1 Requirements for QIAgility users 2-4
3General Description 3-1
3.1 QIAgility principle 3-1
3.2 The QIAgility 3-2
3.2.1 Instrument lid (1) 3-3
3.2.2 Feet (2) 3-3
3.2.3 Tip chute (3) 3-4
3.2.4 HEPA filter (4) 3-4
3.2.5 UV lamp (5) 3-5

Contents
Contents-2 QIAgility User Manual 11/2011
3.2.6 Pipetting head (6) and robotic arm 3-6
3.2.7 Worktable 3-6
3.2.8 Tip disposal box 3-6
3.2.9 Accessory panel 3-7
3.2.10 Internal features of the QIAgility 3-8
3.3 Liquid-level tracking 3-13
3.4 Computer 3-14
4Installation Procedures 4-1
4.1 Instrument delivery and installation 4-1
4.2 Requirements 4-1
4.3 AC power connection 4-2
4.4 Unpacking the QIAgility 4-3
4.5 Installing the QIAgility 4-4
4.5.1 UV lamp 4-6
4.5.2 HEPA filter system 4-6
4.5.3 Instrument calibration 4-6
4.5.4 Computer setup and installation of software 4-7
4.6 Software installation 4-7
4.6.1 Uninstalling QIAgility software 4-14
4.7 Folders 4-14
4.7.1 “QProtocols” folder 4-16
4.7.2 Connecting the computer to the QIAgility 4-17
4.7.3 COM port configuration 4-17
4.7.4 Installation of AC power cord 4-18
4.8 Hardware Wizard 4-18
4.9 Setting up the QIAgility 4-20
5QIAgility Software 5-1
5.1 Starting the software 5-1
5.2 Virtual Mode 5-2

Contents
QIAgility User Manual 11/2011 Contents-3
5.3 Main software window 5-3
5.3.1 Menu bar 5-3
5.3.2 Toolbar 5-13
5.3.3 Mode indicator 5-15
5.3.4 Software workspace 5-16
5.4 User management 5-20
5.4.1 User identification 5-20
5.4.2 User classes 5-21
5.4.3 Enabling access control 5-23
5.4.4 Managing user groups 5-23
5.4.5 Change current user 5-25
5.4.6 Revert to first user 5-26
5.5 Manage calibration data 5-26
5.5.1 Save calibrations on setup disk 5-26
5.5.2 Load calibrations from setup disk 5-27
5.5.3 Delete multiple calibrations 5-28
5.6 Configure run settings 5-29
5.6.1 Configure tip air intake 5-30
5.6.2 Configure pipet speed 5-30
5.6.3 Set master mix extra volume 5-32
5.6.4 Set standard extra volume 5-33
5.6.5 Set concentration unit 5-33
5.6.6 Allow use of multiple reagent volumes 5-34
5.6.7 Set default file location 5-35
5.6.8 Configure system color 5-35
5.6.9 Adjust liquid level-tracking options 5-38
5.6.10 Set liquid-level tracking error level 5-39
5.6.11 Set tip usage options 5-41
5.6.12 Configure multi-eject options 5-43
5.7 Define worktable setup 5-44
5.7.1 Plate operations 5-44
5.7.2 Setting tip availability 5-52
5.8 Managing samples 5-53

Contents
Contents-4 QIAgility User Manual 11/2011
5.8.1 Managing sample banks 5-53
5.9 View and edit information using the right-hand pane 5-58
5.9.1 Tip 5-58
5.9.2 Standards 5-59
5.9.3 Reagents 5-64
5.9.4 Master Mix 5-66
5.9.5 Samples 5-76
5.9.6 Reactions 5-80
5.9.7 Importing and exporting reaction and sample data 5-111
5.9.8 Progress report 5-126
5.10 Programming run files 5-126
5.10.1 PCR Setup Wizard 5-126
5.10.2 Optimisation Wizard 5-135
5.10.3 Using “Empty Project” 5-141
5.10.4 Example reactions 5-142
5.10.5 Checking the reaction setup 5-145
5.10.6 Required volumes for reaction setup 5-145
5.11 Selecting the COM port 5-145
5.12 Service register 5-146
6Operating Procedures 6-1
6.1 Starting the software 6-1
6.2 Using the UV lamp 6-3
6.3 Operating the HEPA filter 6-5
6.4 Executing a run 6-5
6.4.1 Q Protocols 6-5
6.4.2 Selecting a saved run file 6-8
6.4.3 Creating a new run file 6-9
6.4.4 Preparing the worktable 6-10
6.4.5 Starting a run 6-11
6.5 Pausing/aborting a run 6-12
6.6 Exception handling 6-13

Contents
QIAgility User Manual 11/2011 Contents-5
6.7 Reports/log files 6-14
6.7.1 Pre-run report 6-14
6.7.2 Post-run report 6-16
6.7.3 Log files and support packages 6-17
6.8 Importing and exporting reaction/sample data 6-20
6.9 Shutting down the software and the instrument 6-20
7Instrument Setup and Calibration 7-1
7.1.1 Setup tip ejector 7-1
7.1.2 Calibrate plate positions 7-4
7.1.3 Calibrate plate heights 7-7
7.1.4 Optimal height calibration 7-11
7.1.5 Calibrate tip offsets 7-11
7.1.6 Calibrate volumes 7-14
8Maintenance Procedures 8-1
8.1 Regular maintenance 8-2
8.1.1 Cleaning the QIAgility 8-2
8.2 Periodic maintenance 8-3
8.2.1 Decontaminating the QIAgility 8-3
8.2.2 Removing and replacing the tip ejector chute 8-4
8.2.3 Replacing the HEPA filter 8-5
9Troubleshooting 9-1
9.1 System setup 9-1
9.2 Operation 9-2
9.3 Warnings and errors 9-6
9.3.1 Warning and error messages 9-6
9.3.2 Instrument error codes 9-8
9.4 Self diagnostic tools 9-10
9.4.1 Mechanical tests 9-12
9.4.2 Electrical tests 9-12

Contents
Contents-6 QIAgility User Manual 11/2011
10 Glossary 10-1
Appendix A A-1
Technical data A-1
Environmental conditions A-1
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) A-3
FCC declaration A-4
Declaration of conformity A-5
Appendix B B-1
Liability clause B-1
Appendix C C-1
Safety Information (French, FR) C-1
1Consignes de sécurité C-1
1.1 Utilisation appropriée C-2
1.2 Sécurité électrique C-4
1.3 Sécurité biologique C-5
1.3.1 Échantillons C-5
1.4 Produits chimiques C-6
1.4.1 Vapeurs toxiques C-7
1.5 Traitement des déchets C-7
1.6 Dangers mécaniques C-8
1.7 Sécurité relative à la maintenance C-9
1.8 Symboles sur le QIAgility C-10

Contents
QIAgility User Manual 11/2011 Contents-7
Appendix D D-1
Safety Information (German, DE) D-1
1Sicherheitshinweise D-1
1.1 Sachgemäße Handhabung D-2
1.2 Elektrische Sicherheit D-3
1.3 Biologische Sicherheit D-5
1.3.1 Proben D-5
1.4 Chemikalien D-7
1.4.1 Giftige Dämpfe D-7
1.5 Abfallentsorgung D-7
1.6 Gefahren durch mechanische Teile D-8
1.7 Sicherheitshinweise – Wartungsarbeiten D-9
1.8 Symbole auf dem QIAgility D-11
Appendix E E-1
ABI 7000/7500 SDS master mix naming conventions E-1
Appendix F F-1
Advanced Settings F-1
Appendix G G-1
Description of the Generic XML Format G-1
Appendix H H-1
Packing the QIAgility H-1
Index Index-1

Contents
Contents-8 QIAgility User Manual 11/2011
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Safety Information
QIAgility User Manual 11/2011 1-1
1Safety Information
Before using the QIAgility, it is essential that you read this
user manual carefully and pay particular attention to the
safety information. The instructions and safety information in
the user manual must be followed to ensure safe operation
of the instrument and to maintain the instrument in a safe
condition.
Note: Translations of the Safety Information in French and
German are available in Appendix C and Appendix D.
The following types of safety information appear throughout
this manual.
WARNING
The term WARNING is used to inform you about situations
that could result in personal injury to you or other
persons.
Details about these circumstances are given in a box like
this one.
CAUTION
The term CAUTION is used to inform you about situations
that could result in damage to the instrument or other
equipment.
Details about these circumstances are given in a box like
this one.
The advice given in this manual is intended to supplement,
not supersede, the normal safety requirements prevailing in
the user’s country.
1.1 Proper Use
WARNING/
CAUTION
Risk of personal injury and material damage
[W1]
Improper use of the QIAgility may cause personal injuries
or damage to the instrument.
The QIAgility must only be operated by qualified personnel
who have been appropriately trained.
Servicing of the QIAgility must only be performed by
QIAGEN Field Service Specialists.

Safety Information
1-2 QIAgility User Manual 11/2011
WARNING/
CAUTION
Risk of overheating [W2]
To ensure proper ventilation, maintain a minimum
clearance of 10 cm at the sides and rear of the QIAgility.
Slits and openings that ensure the ventilation of the
QIAgility must not be covered.
WARNING/
CAUTION
Risk of personal injury and material damage [W3]
The QIAgility is too heavy to be lifted by one person. To
avoid personal injury or damage to the instrument, do not
lift the instrument alone.
WARNING/
CAUTION
Risk of personal injury and material damage
[W4]
Do not attempt to move the QIAgility during operation.
WARNING/
CAUTION
Explosive atmosphere [W5]
The QIAgility is not designed for use in an explosive
atmosphere.
WARNING/
CAUTION
Risk of explosion [W6]
The QIAgility is intended for use with reagents and
substances supplied with QIAGEN kits. Use of other
reagents and substances may lead to fire or explosion.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument
[C1]
Direct sunlight may bleach parts of the instrument and
cause damage to plastic parts.
The QIAgility must be located out of direct sunlight.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument [C2]
Avoid spilling water or chemicals onto the QIAgility.
Damage caused by water or chemical spillage will void
your warranty.

Safety Information
QIAgility User Manual 11/2011 1-3
WARNING Risk of personal injury [W7]
The robotic arm moves during position calibration while
the instrument lid is raised. Never click any buttons while
parts of your body are within the instrument workspace.
In case of emergency, switch off the QIAgility at the power
switch at the rear of the instrument and unplug the power
cord from the power outlet.
1.2 Electrical safety
Disconnect the line power cord from the power outlet before
servicing.
WARNING
Electrical hazard [W8]
Any interruption of the protective conductor (earth/ground
lead) inside or outside the instrument or disconnection of
the protective conductor terminal is likely to make the
instrument dangerous.
Intentional interruption is prohibited.
Lethal voltages inside the instrument
When the instrument is connected to line power, terminals
may be live, and opening covers or removing parts is likely
to expose live parts.
WARNING
UV irradiation hazard
[W9]
An electronic interlock ensures that the instrument lid must
be closed for operation of the UV lamp. Under no
circumstances should this interlock be disabled.
To ensure satisfactory and safe operation of the QIAgility:
Connect the line power cord to a line power outlet that
has a protective conductor (earth/ground).
Do not adjust or replace internal parts of the instrument.
Do not operate the instrument with any covers or parts
removed.
If liquid has spilled inside the instrument, switch off the
instrument, disconnect it from the power outlet, and
contact QIAGEN Technical Services.

Safety Information
1-4 QIAgility User Manual 11/2011
If the instrument becomes electrically unsafe, prevent other
personnel from operating it, and contact QIAGEN Technical
Services. The instrument may be electrically unsafe when:
The line power cord appears to be damaged.
It has been stored for a prolonged period of time in
conditions which are outside of the “Storage Conditions”,
outlined in Appendix A.
It has been subjected to severe transport stresses.
1.3 Biological safety
Specimens and reagents containing materials from humans
should be treated as potentially infectious. Use safe
laboratory procedures as outlined in publications such as
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories,
HHS (www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/biosfty.htm).
1.3.1 Samples
Samples may contain infectious agents. You should be aware
of the health hazard presented by such agents, and should
use, store, and dispose of such samples according to the
required safety regulations.
WARNING
Samples containing infectious agents [W10]
Some chemicals used with this instrument may contain
infectious agents. Handle such samples with the greatest of
care and in accordance with the required safety
regulations. Always wear safety glasses, 2 pairs of gloves,
and a lab coat.
The responsible body (e.g., laboratory manager) must take
the necessary precautions to ensure that the surrounding
workplace is safe and that the instrument operators are not
exposed to hazardous levels of infectious agents as defined
in the applicable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) or
OSHA,* ACGIH,†or COSHH‡documents.
Venting for fumes and disposal of wastes must be in
accordance with all national, state, and local health and
safety regulations and laws.
*OSHA, †ACGIH, ‡COSHH: See next page.

Safety Information
QIAgility User Manual 11/2011 1-5
1.4 Chemicals
WARNING
Hazardous chemicals [W11]
Some chemicals used with this instrument may be
hazardous or may become hazardous after completion of
the protocol run.
Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and a lab coat.
The responsible body (e.g., laboratory manager) must take
the necessary precautions to ensure that the surrounding
workplace is safe and that the instrument operators are not
exposed to hazardous levels of toxic substances (chemical
or biological) as defined in the applicable Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDSs) or OSHA,* ACGIH,†or COSHH‡
documents.
Venting for fumes and disposal of wastes must be in
accordance with all national, state, and local health and
safety regulations and laws.
* OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (United States of America).
†ACGIH: American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (United States of America).
‡COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (United Kingdom).
1.4.1 Toxic fumes
If working with volatile solvents or toxic substances, you must
provide an efficient laboratory ventilation system to remove
vapors that may be produced.
1.5 Waste disposal
Used plasticware and containers may contain certain
hazardous chemicals, or contagious/biohazardous materials.
Such wastes must be collected and disposed of properly
according to local safety regulations.
For information on use and disposal of the tip disposal box,
please see Section 3.2.8.
For information about how to dispose of the QIAgility at the
end of its economic life, see Appendix A.

Safety Information
1-6 QIAgility User Manual 11/2011
1.6 Mechanical Hazards
WARNING
Moving parts [W12]
Avoid contact with moving parts during operation of the
QIAgility. Under no circumstances should you place your
hands under the pipetting arm when it is lowering. Do not
attempt to move any plates or tubes whilst the instrument is
operating.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument [C3]
Do not apply any manual force to the Y-arm (i.e. the
pipetting head).
We strongly recommend restarting the system if the Y-arm
was accidentally manually moved.
To ensure satisfactory and safe operation of the QIAgility:
Only use recommended tips and tip racks.
Keep the instrument lid closed whenever possible.
Do not disable the lid interlock.
When calibrating plates with the lid open, always stand
clear of the instrument when making adjustments.
The lid interlock is disabled during calibration mode.
Therefore, do not click with the mouse or press any of
the keys on the keyboard when looking closely at plate
calibrations. Wait until the robotic arm has completed its
movements before moving any plates or tubes.
Do not place any items on the robotic arm.
Click on the icon, located on the software toolbar, to
pause the instrument before removing plates or tubes
from the worktable. Wait until the robotic arm has
completed the current movement. This may take up to 10
seconds.

Safety Information
QIAgility User Manual 11/2011 1-7
1.7 Maintenance safety
Perform the maintenance as described in Section 8. QIAGEN
charges for repairs that are required due to incorrect
maintenance.
WARNING/
CAUTION
Risk of personal injury and material damage [W13]
Only perform maintenance that is specifically described in
this user manual.
WARNING/
CAUTION
Risk of electric shock [W14]
Do not open any panels on the QIAgility.
Risk of personal injury and material damage
Only perform maintenance that is specifically described in
this user manual.
CAUTION
Damage to the instrument [C4]
Do not use solvents, or reagents containing acids, alkalis,
or abrasives to clean the QIAgility.
CAUTION
Damage to the QIAgility lid [C5]
Do not use alcohol, solvents, reagents containing acids,
alkalis, or abrasives to clean the instrument lid. Alcohol will
damage the lid. To clean the lid, use distilled water only.
CAUTION
Damage to the QIAgility side panels [C6]
Never clean the instrument side panels with alcohol or
alcohol-based solutions.

Safety Information
1-8 QIAgility User Manual 11/2011
1.8 Symbols on the QIAgility
Symbol Location Description
On the back
of the
instrument
Warning symbol
Near the tip
chute outlet,
and on the
front edge of
the worktable
Biohazard symbol
On the front
edge of the
worktable
Squeezing symbol
Type plate on
the back of the
instrument
CE mark for European
Conformity
Type plate on
the back of the
instrument
CSA listing mark for Canada
and the USA
Type plate on
the back of the
instrument
Legal manufacturer
Type plate on
the back of the
instrument
Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Type plate on
the back of the
instrument
FCC mark of the United
States Federal
Communications
Commission
Type plate on
the back of the
instrument
C-Tick mark for Australia
(supplier identification
N17965)

Safety Information
QIAgility User Manual 11/2011 1-9
Symbol Location Description
Type plate on
the back of the
instrument
RoHS mark for China (the
restriction of the use of
certain hazardous substances
in electrical and electronic
equipment).
Back of the
instrument Consult instructions for use

Safety Information
1-10 QIAgility User Manual 11/2011
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