Sartorius PICUS User manual

User Manual
Picus® & Picus® NxT Electronic Pipette

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction 3
1.1. Intended use 3
1.2. Product Overview 4
1.2.1. Single and Multichannel Pipettes 4
1.2.2. Display 5
1.2.3. Softkey functions 5
1.2.4. Optifit Tips and Safetyspace Filter Tips 5
1.3. Content of delivery package 6
2. Getting Started 7
2.1. Charging 7
2.2. Power Up 7
3. Operation 8
3.1. Principles of Operation 8
3.2. Pipetting Modes 9
3.2.1. Pipetting (Forward Pipetting) 10
3.2.2. Reverse Pipetting 11
3.2.3. Multi-Dispensing 11
3.2.4. Manual Pipetting 12
3.2.5. Diluting 13
3.2.6. Sequential Dispensing 14
3.2.7. Multi-Aspirating 14
3.2.8. Titration 15
3.2.9 Additional Modes 16
3.3. Saving Pipetting Programs to Memory 19
3.4. Setup 19
3.4.1. Adjustment 19
3.4.2. Sound 21
3.4.3. Backlight 21
3.4.4. User ID 22
3.4.5. GLP Info 23
3.4.6. Reset 23
3.4.7. Information 23
3.4.8. Languages 24
3.4.9. Password 24
3.5. RFID 25
4. Care And Maintenance 25
4.1. Cleaning and Maintenance 25
4.1.1. Single-Channel Pipettes 26
4.1.2. Multichannel Pipettes 27
4.2. Sterilizing 27
4.2.1. Autoclaving 27
4.2.2. UV Sterilization 28
4.2.3. Using Disinfectant Liquid 28
4.3. Performance Testing 28
4.4. Replacing the Battery 29
4.5. Replacement Parts 29
4.6. Storage 29
5. Warranty 30
6. Hazardous Substances (RoHS II) 30
7. Disposal (WEEE) 30
8. Troubleshooting 31
8.1. Hardware Reset 31
8.2. Troubleshooting Guide 31
9. Technical Data 32
9.1. Performance Specifications 33
9.2. Speed Table 34
10. Ordering Information 35
11. Declaration of Conformity 36

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1. Introduction
The Sartorius Picus®/Picus® NxT electronic pipette, of the Biohit family , brings
ergonomics into a completely new level with its exceptionally lightweight and
compact design, and its ease of operation. This pipette, operating with the air
displacement principle, has been designed by an experienced R&D team, in
co-operation with laboratory personnel and ergonomists, to create instruments
for safe and comfortable pipetting with versatile functionality.
The Picus®/Picus® NxT is available in single and multichannel models (8 and
12-channel). Tip attachment and ejection is made safe and comfortable with
the Optiload tip-loading feature together with the electronic tip ejection
function. To improve safety by reducing the risk of contamination, replaceable
Safe-Cone Filters can be used in all Picus®/Picus® NxT models greater than 10
µl.
The fully electronic operation, the unique DC-motor, electronic brake and
piston control system, guarantee excellent accuracy and precision. The light
and easy-to-use adjustment wheel, on top of the pipette, enables fast selection
of the desired volume.
Picus® NxT follows in the footsteps of the design-awarded Picus®, which won
the German Design Award Special Mention 2014, the reddot design award
2012 and the Fennia Price Honorary Mention 2012. These awards strongly
reflect the user-friendly and high-quality design of the pipette.
Congratulations on becoming a new Picus®/Picus® NxT owner!

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1.2 Product Overview
Before using the Sartorius Picus®/Picus® NxT electronic pipette for the first
time, please review this operating manual carefully. This manual can be
downloaded from Sartorius website www.sartorius.com. A paper print-out
may be ordered by e-mail from [email protected].
1.2.1 Single and Multichannel pipettes
1. Electronic tip ejector
2. Charging contacts
3. ON/OFF button
4. USB-charging port
5. Operating button & volume range colour-code
6. Adjustment wheel
7. Hotkey for memory places
8. Softkeys for programming
9. Dot-matrix display
10. Maximum volume
11. Dispensing head (tip ejector collar and tip-cone), autoclavable
(excl. 8/12-ch 1200 µl)
12. Optiload, spring-loaded tip-cones in multichannel pipettes
13. Safe-Cone Filters (excl. <10 µl pipettes)
14. Pipette tip
1.1 Intended Use
The Picus®/Picus® NxT pipette is intended to be used in liquid handling
applications for dispensing liquids in the volume range of 0,2 µl to 10 ml. It is
recommended to use Optifit Tips or SafetySpace Filter Tips to ensure the best
compatibility and performance with Sartorius pipettes.
This liquid handling device is designed and manufactured to be used
as general purpose laboratory equipment. This manual contains useful
information e.g. for good pipetting practice.

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SafetySpace
air gap
]
1.2.2 Display
The multi-colour backlit dot-matrix display is clear and the structure is
informative.
1. Softkey functions
2. Current mode
3. Pipetting volume and aliquots in multidispensing modes
4. Speed
5. Battery charging indicator
6. Arrows indicating aspiration and dispensing
1.2.3 Softkey Functions
−Left Softkey (MENU, BACK, QUIT)
−Middle Softkey (EDIT, NEXT, SAVE, uppercase characters/lowercase
characters/digits/symbols)
−Right Softkey (ADV, OK, CLEAR)
1.2.4 Optifit Tips and SafetySpace Filter Tips
It is recommended that Sartorius Optifit Tips or SafetySpace Filter Tips are
used with Sartorius pipettes. This ensures the best possible compatibility and
thus best possible accuracy and precision, as these tips are designed for the
pipette in question.
Additional pipetting instructions to achieve good results are as follows
– The liquid and the pipette/tip combination should be approximately at the
same temperature
– Choose the right tip volume for your pipette: the colour of the tip tray
should match the colour code on the pipette
– Use Optifit Tips in rack, refill or bulk packaging and choose the purity level
your application requires: free of DNase, RNase and endotoxin, and/or pre-
sterilized
– In case you need to be aware of aerosol contamination, you may choose
between Safe-Cone Filters, which are attached to the tip-cone and should
be changed daily, or SafetySpace Filter Tips, which are discarded after each
pipetting
– Choose SafetySpace Filter Tips also when you want to avoid loss of sample
due to the sample reaching the filter. The extra space between the sample
and the filter ensures that any sample, neither foaming nor viscous
liquids, reach the filter when in the reverse pipetting or repetitive/multiple
dispensing mode of the electronic pipette
– Pre-rinse the tip 3-5 times before pipetting (especially important in forward
pipetting mode)
– After dispensing, wipe the tip against the receiving vessel’s wall to catch the
last droplet
– Change the tip after every pipetting

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1.3 Content of Delivery Package
Picus®/Picus® NxT is delivered ready for use in a package containing:
– Picus®/Picus® NxT electronic pipette
– USB-charger
– Sartorius tip rack (10x96 tips) with up to 1000 µl single-channel models/
1200 µl multichannel models
– One tip with 5 ml and 10 ml single-channel models
– Safe-Cone Filters and tweezers with models >10 µl
– Autoclavable grease with single-channel models
– QC-certificate (Picus®), certificate of accredited 3-point calibration
(Picus® NxT)
– Quick Start Guide
– Tip information card
If any item in this delivery package is missing or damaged, please contact your
local Sartorius representative.

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2. Getting Started
Please read this manual before using Picus®/Picus® NxT electronic pipette.
1. Picus®/Picus® NxT is delivered ready for use.
2. Insert a replaceable Safe-Cone Filter into the tip-cone before use, to
prevent contamination of the pipette.
3. Charge the pipette before first use for one (1) hour.
4. Press the ON/OFF button on the top of the pipette to turn the power on.
5. Press tip ejector button when advised by the display.
6. The pipette is now ready to be programmed and operated.
2.1 Charging
It is recommended that you charge the pipette before first use for one
(1) hour. Place the pipette onto the charging stand or connect to the USB
charger. Make sure that the charging stand is connected to the power outlet
and that the charging contacts of the pipette are properly in contact with the
charging grooves of the charging stand.
– Charging with USB-charger:
Connect the USB-cable to the pipette and plug the charger into the mains
power.
– Charging in Charging Stand or Carousel:
Make sure that the charging stand is connected via the AC-charger to
the mains power outlet, and that the charging contacts of the pipette are
inserted in the charging grooves of the charging stand, making proper
contact.
Charging options for Sartorius electronic pipettes:
−USB-charger, universal, included in the package.
−Sartorius Charging Stand for one pipette, order code: 730981
−Sartorius Charging Carousel for 4 pipettes, order code: 730991
The battery sign in the bottom right corner of the display indicates the
battery’s level of charge. When the battery’s level of charge is low, the
indicator blinks LOW and the pipette needs to be recharged.
NOTE! Before connecting the AC-charger to the charging stand and the mains
electrical outlet, make sure that power supply output voltage level and power
capacity is correct. Use of incorrect power supplies may damage the device.
Only use the power supplies recommended by the manufacturer.
2.2 Power Up
1. Press ON/OFF button: Pipette will turn on.
2. Press tip ejector button as advised on the display. The pipette is now ready
to be programmed and operated.
3. While used and/or charged pipette is in active mode, all the processor
functions are activated and the display backlight is on.
4. 1 minute after last activity: The pipette will turn to a power saving mode
and the backlight is dimmed. The pipette returns to active mode, when any
of its buttons are pressed or the adjustment wheel is turned.
5. 10 minutes after last activity: The backlight is turned off, but the display is
still visible. The pipette returns to active mode, when any of its buttons are
pressed or the adjustment wheel is turned.
6. 60 minutes after last activity: The pipette turns OFF. To power up the
pipette again, press operating button or ON/OFF button. The pipette will
turn on also when charged.
If the pipette is turned off by pressing ON/OFF button, it can be turned on
only by pressing the same button.

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3. Operation
3.1 Principles of Operation
Pipetting functions are controlled using the operating button, adjustment
wheel and Softkeys. The Hotkey is for storing or activating a program.
Operating button
−Used to confirm the settings (alternative to the Softkey for OK) and initiate
the piston movement for aspiration, dispensing and repeated blow-out.
Adjustment wheel - for fast volume setting
−Used for scrolling the menu and for volume settings.
−Moves the piston in manual and titrating modes for aspiration and
dispensing.
−Unlocks the edit menu: turn the adjustment wheel to the end to unlock the
pipette for editing in active mode.
Electronic tip ejector
−Ejects the tip(s) with a light touch
Left Softkey
−MENU: Displays the main mode selection.
−BACK: Exits the MENU, EDIT or ADV functions, or the current display,
without saving the latest change/setting.
−QUIT: Quits the pipetting task
Middle Softkey
−EDIT: Activates the editing mode in order to change parameters.
−NEXT: Active in editing mode. Confirms the parameter setting and moves to
the next parameter to be edited.
−SAVE: Active in memory settings. Saves the selected program to the memory
location.
−Alphabets/symbols: Active in memory settings and in setup settings for
entering letters, numbers or symbols
Right Softkey
−ADV: Displays the additional modes for the activated main mode.
−OK: Confirms the setting/selection and exits the MENU, EDIT or ADV
functions, or the current display.
−CLEAR: Deletes the characters from User ID or the names given to the
memory locations.
Hotkey
All models include 10 memory places for the favourite and most used
pipetting settings.

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3.2 Pipetting Modes
The Picus® /Picus® NxT electronic pipette has eight (8) main pipetting modes.
The Picus® NxT has seven (7) additional modes while the Picus® has six (6)
additional modes.
Pipetting Modes
- available in all Picus® &
Picus® NxT models
Additional Modes (ADV)
- to be used in conjunction with the pipetting mode
Tracker Mixing Counter Excess Volume
Adjustment
Auto
Dispensing
Repeated
Blow-out*
Fast
Dispensing
Pipetting
 



Reverse Pipetting
  

Multi Dispensing
 


Manual Pipetting


Diluting



Sequential Dispensing


Multi Aspiration


Titration
 
*Repeted Blow-out only in Picus®NxT

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Press the Softkey for MENU
Press the Softkey for EDIT
3.2.1 Pipetting (Forward Pipetting)
Pipetting mode aspirates and then dispenses the selected volume of liquid.
Recommended for aqueous liquids, liquids containing small amounts of
detergent or proteins, and solvents.
To select Pipetting mode:
1. Select MENU by pressing the left Softkey
2. Confirm Pipetting mode by pressing the operating button or the right
Softkey for OK. Once Pipetting is selected, the latest settings used will be
displayed.
To edit the parameters (volume, speed):
1. Press the middle Softkey for EDIT or turn the adjustment wheel all the way
to the right. The first parameter to be edited is now highlighted.
2. Turn the adjustment wheel to set the desired value.
3. Confirm the setting by pressing
a. the operating button or the right Softkey for OK, and simultaneously
exit the editing mode
OR
b. the middle Softkey for NEXT, and you move on to edit the next
highlighted parameter.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for all the parameters you wish to edit.
5. To exit the editing mode during programming press the left Softkey for
BACK, and the latest changes are not saved.
To execute the selected program:
1. Press the operating button to aspirate the liquid in.
2. Press the operating button again to dispense the liquid.
3. Eject the tip by pressing the electronic tip ejector button.
Additional modes
Counter, Mixing and Tracker can be used in conjunction with the Pipetting
mode. Additionally, in Picus® NxT, Repeated Blow-out is available for use with
the Pipetting mode. Repeated Blow-out helps to remove the residual liquid
from the tip, if the liquid is such that normal dispensing does not completely
empty the tip.
−Counter counts the number of dispensings. Counting can be selected to
start in any desired number.
−Mixing mixes the liquids manually or automatically. The mixing volume can
be adjusted according to the pipette’s maximum volume.
−Tracker advises user in microplate dispensing by displaying the location for
the next dispensing.
For more information on using additional modes see chapter 3.2.9.
NOTE! Only one additional mode can be selected at a time. Repeated Blow-
out can be combined with other additional modes.
3.2.2 Reverse Pipetting
Reverse Pipetting aspirates the selected volume as well as an excess volume.
Recommended for biological, foaming and viscous liquids. In Reverse Pipetting
mode the excess is left inside the tip and is then discarded.
To Select Reverse Pipetting mode
1. Select MENU by pressing the left Softkey.
2. Use the adjustment wheel to select Reverse. Confirm the setting by
pressing the operating button or the Softkey for OK. Once Reverse
Pipetting mode is selected, the latest settings used will be displayed.
To edit the parameters (volume, speed):
1. Press the middle Softkey for EDIT or turn the adjustment wheel all the way
to the right. The first parameter to be edited is now highlighted.
Change settings and press OK or NEXT
Choose the mode

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2. Turn the adjustment wheel to set the desired value.
3. Confirm the setting by pressing
a. the operating button or the right Softkey for OK, and simultaneously
exit the editing mode
OR
b. the middle Softkey for NEXT, and move on to edit the next, highlighted,
parameter.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for all parameters you wish to edit.
5. To exit the editing mode during programming press the left Softkey for
BACK. The latest changes are not saved.
To execute the selected program:
1. Press the operating button to aspirate the liquid (selected volume +
excess) in.
2. Press the operating button again to dispense the selected volume.
3. To continue reverse pipetting without discarding the excess volume, either
a. hold the operating button down and then release it for reaspiration,
OR
b. press the left Softkey for NO and start from the beginning.
4. To discard the excess volume and to empty the tip, press the operating
button twice.
5. Eject the tip by pressing the electronic tip ejector button.
Additional Modes
Counter, Excess Adjustment and Tracker can be used in conjunction with
Reverse Pipetting.
−Counter counts the number of dispensings. Counting can be selected to
start at any wanted number.
−Excess adjustment can be used to set the excess volume. When activated
the excess volume is set to default.
−Tracker advises the user in microplate dispensing by displaying the location
for the next dispensing.
For more information on using additional modes see chapter 3.2.9.
NOTE! Only one additional mode can be selected at a time.
3.2.3 Multi-Dispensing
Multi-Dispensing aspirates the total volume as well as an excess volume, then
repetitively dispenses equal volumes of liquid. Recommended in long pipetting
series and microplate dispensing.
To select Multi-Dispensing mode:
1. Select MENU by pressing the left Softkey.
2. Use the adjustment wheel to select Multi Disp. Confirm the setting
by pressing the operating button or the Softkey for OK. When Multi-
Dispensing mode is selected, the latest settings used will be displayed.
To edit the parameters (volume, number of dispensings, speed):
1. Press the middle Softkey for EDIT or turn the adjustment wheel all the way
to the right. The first parameter to be edited is now highlighted.
2. Turn the adjustment wheel to set the desired value.
3. Confirm the setting by pressing
a. the operating button or the right Softkey for OK, when you
simultaneously exit the editing mode
OR
b. the middle Softkey for NEXT, when you can move on to edit the next,
highlighted, parameter.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for all parameters you wish to edit.
5. To exit the editing mode during programming press the left Softkey for
BACK. The latest changes are not saved.

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To execute the selected program:
1. Press the operating button to aspirate the liquid (selected volume +
excess) in.
2. Press the operating button again to discard the prime excess.
3. Press the operating button repeatedly untill all aliquots have been
dispensed.
4. To continue repetitive dispensing without discarding the excess volume,
either
a. hold the operating button down and then release it for reaspiration,
OR
b. press the left Softkey for NO and start from the beginning.
5. To discard the excess volume and to empty the tip, press the operating
button.
6. Eject the tip by pressing the electronic tip ejector button.
Additional modes
Excess Adjustment, timed Automated Dispensing and Tracker can be used
in conjunction with Multi-Dispensing. Excess Adjustment can be used to
set the excess volume. Timed Automated Dispensing dispenses the liquid
automatically without the need to press the operating button. Tracker advises
the user in microplate Dispensing by displaying the location for the next
dispensing.
For more information on using additional modes see chapter 3.2.9.
NOTE! Only one additional mode can be selected at a time.
3.2.4 Manual Pipetting
In Manual Pipetting the piston movement in aspiration and dispensing is
controlled manually turning the adjustment wheel. It is ideal for measuring
reagents, and in applications in which the pipetting speed needs to be
controlled manually.
To select Manual Pipetting mode:
1. Select MENU by pressing the left Softkey.
2. Use the adjustment wheel to select Manual. Confirm the setting by
pressing the operating button or the Softkey for OK.
To edit the parameters (volume, speed):
1. Press the middle Softkey for EDIT or turn the adjustment wheel all the way
to the right. The first parameter to be edited is now highlighted.
2. Turn the adjustment wheel to set the desired value.
3. Confirm the setting by pressing
a. the operating button or the right Softkey for OK, and simultaneously
exit the editing mode
OR
b. the middle Softkey for NEXT, and move on to edit the next, highlighted,
parameter.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for all parameters you wish to edit.
5. To exit the editing mode during programming press the left Softkey for
BACK, and the latest changes are not saved.
To execute the selected program:
1. Press the operating button to activate the aspiration of the liquid.
2. Press the operating button again and hold it down, or turn the adjustment
wheel to the right, to aspirate the liquid. You may influence the aspiration
speed by how far right you turn the adjustment wheel. You may pause the
aspiration by releasing the operating button or the adjustment wheel for
a while.
3. To activate the dispensing of the liquid, turn the adjustment wheel to left.
Keep the adjustment wheel to left, or hold the operating button down as
long as you want to continue dispensing.

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4. When the entire volume is dispensed, press the operating button to empty
the tip OR select NO (left Softkey) to continue directly with aspiration.
5. Eject the tip by pressing the electronic tip ejector button
Additional modes
Repeated Blow-out, available with Picus® NxT, can be used in conjunction
with Manual Pipetting mode, if the liquid is such that normal dispensing does
not completely empty the tip.
For more information on using additional modes see chapter 3.2.9.
3.2.5 Diluting
In Dilution mode liquids separated by an air gap are aspirated and then
dispensed simultaneously. Diluting can be used for diluting samples and
reagents. Aspirate first the diluent followed by an air gap, and finally aspirate
the sample or reagent to avoid contamination of the diluent.
To select Diluting mode:
1. Select MENU by pressing the left Softkey.
2. Use the adjustment wheel to select Diluting. Confirm the setting by
- pressing the operating button or the Softkey for OK.
To edit the parameters (volumes, speed):
1. Press the middle Softkey for EDIT or turn the adjustment wheel all the way
to the right. The first parameter to be edited is now highlighted.
2. Turn the adjustment wheel to set the desired value.
3. Confirm the setting by pressing
a. the operating button or the right Softkey for OK, and simultaneously
exit the editing mode
OR
b. the middle Softkey for NEXT, and move on to edit the next, highlighted,
parameter.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for all parameters you wish to edit.
5. To exit the editing mode during programming press the left Softkey for
BACK., and the latest changes are not saved.
To execute the selected program:
1. Press the operating button to aspirate the dilutor.
2. Press the operating button again to aspirate the air gap.
3. Press the operating button the third time to aspirate the sample.
4. Dispense the entire volume by pressing the operating button.
5. Empty the tip by pressing the operating button.
6. Eject the tip by pressing the electronic tip ejector button.
Additional modes:
Mixing, and repeated Blow-out with Picus® NxT, can be used in conjunction
with Diluting. Mixing mixes the liquids manually or automatically. The
mixing volume can be adjusted according to the pipette’s maximum volume.
Repeated Blow-out helps to remove the residual liquid from the tip, if the
liquid is such that normal dispensing does not completely empty the tip.
For more information on using additional modes see chapter 3.2.9.

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3.2.6 Sequential Dispensing
Sequential Dispensing dispenses repetitively selected volumes in any desired
order. This is a useful mode, for example, for diluting series and making
calibration curves.
To select Sequential Dispensing mode:
1. Select MENU by pressing the left Softkey.
2. Use the adjustment wheel to select Seq. Disp. Confirm the setting by
pressing the operating button or the Softkey for OK. The latest settings
used will be shown.
To edit the parameters (number of aliquots, aliquot volumes, speed):
1. Press the middle Softkey for EDIT or turn the adjustment wheel all the way
to the right. The first parameter to be edited is now highlighted.
2. Turn the adjustment wheel to set the desired value.
3. Confirm the setting by pressing
a. the operating button or the right Softkey for OK, and simultaneously
exit the editing mode
OR
b. the middle Softkey for NEXT, and move on to edit the next, highlighted,
parameter.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for all parameters you wish to edit.
5. To exit the editing mode during programming press the left Softkey for
BACK, and the latest changes are not saved.
To execute the selected program:
1. Press the operating button to aspirate the selected volume.
2. Press the operating button again for pre-out to make sure that the first
aliquot will be of correct volume.
3. Dispense the set aliquots by pressing the operating button for each
aliquot.
4. After the last aliquot has been dispensed, press the operating button
to empty the tip or press NO to start aspirating without emtying the
remaining liquid.
5. Eject the tip by pressing the electronic tip ejector button.
Additional modes
Excess Adjustment, and Repeated Blow-out with Picus® NxT, can be used
in conjunction with Sequential Dispensing. Excess Adjustment can be used
to set the excess volume. Repeated Blow-out helps to remove the residual
liquid from the tip, if the liquid is such that the normal dispensing does not
completely empty the tip.
For more information on using additional modes see chapter 3.2.9.
3.2.7 Multi-Aspirating
Multi-Aspiration aspirates a selected volume a set number of times. Multi-
Aspirating is a useful mode, for example, for sample pooling and microplate
washing. Select the volume and the number of aspirations desired. Repeat the
aspiration until the series is completed, then discard the full aspirated volume
in a single step.
To select Multi-Aspiration mode:
1. Select MENU by pressing the left Softkey.
2. Use the adjustment wheel to select Multi-Aspiration mode. Confirm
the setting by pressing the operating button or the Softkey for OK.
When Multi-Aspiration mode is selected, the latest settings used will be
displayed.
To edit the parameters (volumes, number of aspirations, speed):
1. Press the middle Softkey for EDIT or turn the adjustment wheel all the way
to the right. The first parameter to be edited is now highlighted.

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2. Turn the adjustment wheel to set the desired value.
3. Confirm the setting by pressing
a. the operating button or the right Softkey for OK, and simultaneously
exit the editing mode
OR
b. the middle Softkey for NEXT, and move on to edit the next, highlighted,
parameter.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for all parameters you wish to edit.
5. To exit the editing mode during programming press the left Softkey for
BACK, and the latest changes are not saved.
To execute the selected program:
1. Press the operating button repeatedly until all the set volumes are
aspirated.
2. To dispense the liquid and empty the tip, press the operating button again.
3. Eject the tip by pressing the electronic tip ejector button.
Additional mode
Repeated Blow-out, available with Picus® NxT, can be used in conjunction
with Multi-Aspiration mode, if the liquid is such that the normal dispensing
does not completely empty the tip.
For more information on using additional modes see chapter 3.2.9.
3.2.8 Titration
In Titration mode, the full volume is aspirated after which dispensing speed
is manually controlled. The display shows the dispensed volume in real time
during dispensing. Titration is used to determine the unknown concentration
of an identified analyte.
To select Titration mode:
1. Select MENU by pressing the left Softkey.
2. Use the adjustment wheel to select Titration. Confirm the setting by
pressing the operating button or the Softkey for OK. The Titration mode is
activated with the latest settings.
To edit the parameters (volume, speed, volume for Fast Dispensing, in case it is
enabled):
1. Press the middle Softkey for EDIT or turn the adjustment wheel all the way
to the left or right. The first parameter to be edited is now highlighted.
2. Turn the adjustment wheel to set the desired value.
3. Confirm the setting by pressing
a. the operating button or the right Softkey for OK, and simultaneously
exit the editing mode
OR
b. the middle Softkey for NEXT, and move on to edit the next, highlighted,
parameter.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for all parameters you wish to edit.
5. To exit the editing mode during programming, press the left Softkey for
BACK, and the latest changes are not saved.
To execute the selected program:
1. Press the operating button to aspirate the set volume.
2. Press again the operating button, and hold it down, or turn the
adjustment wheel to the left to dispense the liquid. You may influence the
dispensing speed by how far left you turn the adjustment wheel. You may
pause the dispensing by releasing the operating button or the adjustment
wheel for a while.
3. To finish titrating, empty the tip by pressing the operating button twice.
4. When the titration cycle is completed, eject the tip by pressing the
electronic tip ejector button.

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Additional modes
Fast Dispensing can be used with the Titration mode. Fast Dispensing dispenses
the first volume automatically. After dispensing the first volume, dispensing is
continued manually.
For more information on using additional modes see chapter 3.2.9.
3.2.9 Additional Modes
The additional modes can be optionally used in conjunction with the main
pipetting modes as shown on the table on page 9 of this manual.
To activate (or deactivate) the additional modes, once you have already
selected the main mode:
1. Choose ADV by pressing the right Softkey. All available additional modes
are listed and their current status (On/Off) is displayed.
2. Scroll through the list of additional modes using the adjustment wheel.
3. Select the desired highlighted additional mode by pressing the right
Softkey for OK or the operating button. The mode is changed On or Off.
4. If On is selected, continue with other parameter selections, where relevant
for the additional mode in question, as instructed below, for each
additional mode.
Tracker
Tracker is a helpful feature for guiding the user to dispense into correct
microplate wells. It is a unique feature only available with Picus® and Picus®
NxT pipettes and can be used with the following main modes: Pipetting,
Reverse Pipetting and Multi-Dispensing.
Once Tracker is activated, continue choosing the related parameters for:
Single-channel pipettes:
1. Select the microplate size (96 or 384 well plate) and the pipetting
direction (in rows or columns) by scrolling the adjustment wheel.
2. Then press the operating button or the right Softkey for OK to activate
the Tracker.
3. The well, into which to pipette, is shown on the display:
4. If pipetting in rows: A1 - A2 - A3… B1 - B2 - B3… C1 - C2 - C3…is
displayed.
5. If pipetting in columns: 1A - 1B - 1C… 2A - 2B - 2C… 3A - 3B - 3C… is
displayed.
6. The first dispensing location can be selected as desired with the EDIT
function of each main mode.
8-channel pipettes:
1. Select the microplate size (96 or 384 well plate). Pipetting is possible in
columns only.
2. Press the operating button or the Softkey for OK to activate the Tracker.
3. The wells, into which to pipette, are shown on the display:
For 96 well plate, columns 1, 2, 3…are shown.
For 384 well plate, columns are showed as follows:
1. pipetting: A1 – C1 – E1…
2. pipetting: B1 – D1 – F1…
3. pipetting: A2 – C2 – E2…
4. pipetting: B2 – D2 – F2…
and so on.
4. The first dispensing column can be selected as desired with the EDIT
function of each main mode.

17
12-channel pipettes:
1. Select the microplate size (96 or 384 well plate). Pipetting is possible in
rows only.
2. Press the operating button or the right Softkey for OK to activate the
Tracker.
3. The wells, into which to pipette, are shown on the display:
For 96 well plates, rows are shown as A, B, C….
For 384 well plate, rows are shown as follows:
1. pipetting: A1 – A3 - A5…
2. pipetting: A2 – A4 – A6…
3. pipetting: B1 – B3 - B5...
4. pipetting: B2 – B4 – B6…
and so on.
4. The first dispensing column can be selected as desired with the EDIT
function of the main mode.
Counter
Counter counts the number of pipetting cycles up to 384 and can be used
in conjunction with Pipetting and Reverse Pipetting modes. You may start
counting from any desired number < 384. The starting number can be set with
the adjustment wheel right after the additional mode has been activated, or
with the EDIT function of the main mode.
Mixing
With the Mixing mode the pipette mixes the liquids either when the operating
button is held down (manually) or automatically a given number of times. The
Mixing mode can be used in conjunction with Pipetting and Diluting modes.
The volume for mixing can be selected freely up to the maximum volume of
the pipette.
To set the parameters (volume, manual/automatic):
1. Once you have selected the Mixing mode the display shows the volume
used for mixing (80% of the volume to be dispensed).
2. Turn the adjustment wheel to set the desired volume for mixing.
3. Confirm the setting by pressing
a. the operating button or the right Softkey for OK, and the pipette
simultaneously exits the editing mode
OR
b. the middle Softkey for NEXT, when you can move on to select manual
mixing or automatic mixing with the number of mixing cycles.
4. If you chose 3.b, then turn the adjustment wheel to select Manual or the
number of automatic dispensings.
5. Confirm the setting by pressing the operating button or the right Softkey
for OK, when you simultaneously exit the editing mode.
To activate/deactivate mixing:
1. Start the main mode in question per the instructions given earlier and
once the display tells you to “Start mixing”
a. press and hold down the operating button for the duration of manual
mixing.
OR
b. press the operating button once to activate the automatic dispensing
cycles.
OR
c. press the left Sofkey for NO, to exit Mixing.
2. You may pause the mixing by pressing the operating button during the
mixing cycle. By pressing it again, mixing continues.
3. You may also exit mixing during the mixing cycle by pressing the left
Softkey for QUIT.
4. Continue by emptying the tip.

18
Excess Adjustment
Excess Adjustment can be used to set the excess volume with Reverse
Pipetting, Multi-Dispensing and Sequential Dispensing modes, where excess
volume is used. The excess volume varies according to the volume range of
the pipette.
To set the excess volume:
1. Turn the adjustment wheel to select the desired volume after the
additional mode has been activated. You may also press the middle
Softkey for DEFAULT to choose the default excess volume.
2. Confirm the selection by pressing the operating button or the right
Softkey for OK.
Automated Dispensing
Automated Dispensing dispenses the aliquots automatically, in timed intervals,
with Multi-Dispensing mode. The user does not need to press the operating
button for each dispensing. The time period between dispensings can be set
from 0,1 to 9,9 seconds.
To set the delay:
1. Turn the adjustment wheel to select the desired delay right after the
additional mode has been activated.
2. Confirm the selection by pressing the operating button or the right
Softkey for OK.
Fast Dispensing
Fast Dispensing can only be used in the Titration mode. In Fast Dispensing, the
first selected portion of the total volume is dispensed automatically, and the
remaining volume is dispensed manually.
To set the volume for Fast Dispensing:
1. Turn the adjustment wheel to select the desired volume right after the
additional mode has been activated.
2. Confirm the selection by pressing the operating button or the right
Softkey for OK.
Repeated Blow-out
Repeated Blowout allows the user to activate and repeat the blowout of the
remaining liquid droplets, when dispensing liquids that easily leave a residue
in the tip. Repeated Blowout is available with Pipetting, Manual Pipetting,
Diluting and Multi-Aspiration modes.
To activate/deactivate Blowout:
1. Start the main mode in question per the instructions given earlier
2. Once the pipetting cycle has ended, you may start the blowout by pressing
the operating button as many times as you see needed.
3. To exit Blowout, turn the adjustment wheel or eject the tip by pressing the
tip ejector button.
To exit Blowout, turn the adjustment wheel
or eject the tip by pressing the tip ejector
button.

19
H
A
B
S
R
M10 indicates that the shown pipetting program has
been saved in memory place 10.
3.3 Saving Pipetting Programs to Memory
All Picus® and Picus® NxT models allow the saving of 10 programs into the
memory of the pipette.
To store the program in the memory:
1. Choose the pipetting mode and set the parameters as guided in the
previous chapter, then press the Hotkey (H) to see the list of memory
locations.
2. Choose the desired memory location by turning the adjustment wheel (A).
3. Press the middle Softkey for SAVE (S).
4. The pipette asks for a password, if the password feature has been
activated. Enter the password, one number at a time, by turning the
adjustment wheel and confirming the number by pressing the operating
button or the right Softkey for OK. Repeat for all numbers in your
password.
5. Next the pipette asks for a name for the memory location. Activate the
name editor by pressing the operating button (B).
6. With the middle Softkey (S) you can switch between characters, numbers
and symbols. Turn the adjustment wheel (A) to change the characters and
press the operating button (B) or the right Softkey (R) for OK to confirm
the selection and to move to the next character. If you want to cancel the
character change, you can press the left Softkey for BACK.
7. Repeat the sequence, in point 6, for all characters. Confirm the last
character with OK or the operating button, and the pipette simultaneously
exits the editing mode.
8. If you want to clear any of the characters in the name, turn the
adjustment wheel until the character is underlined and press the right
Softkey for CLEAR. Repeat this until the desired characters are cleared.
9. Save the program name by pressing the middle Softkey for SAVE (S), and
the pipette returns to the list of memory locations.
10. At any time, if you wish to exit the current function and/or do not want
to save the latest change, press the left Softkey for BACK.
To activate the program from a memory location:
1. Press the Hotkey (H) to see the list of memory locations.
2. Choose the desired memory location by turning the adjustment wheel (A).
3. Press the operating button (B) or the right Softkey for OK to activate the
saved program.
4. The pipette is now ready for running the program. The memory location is
displayed next to the main mode name.
3.4 Setup
The user may change the settings of the pipette through the Setup menu. The
modifiable settings are the accuracy adjustment, sound, backlight, user ID,
GLP info, language, password and reset to factory settings.
The following chapters introduce the various settings and give instructions on
how to modify them.
3.4.1 Adjustment
The length of the piston stroke in Picus® and Picus® NxT pipettes is defined
by the manufacturer as a factory setting. This factory setting is to be used in
normal circumstances: with aqueous liquids, at standard atmospheric pressure,
and with the pipette, tip and the liquid at standard room temperature.
When these circumstances change, the accuracy of the dispensed volume
may be affected. To maintain accuracy in altered circumstances, the user can
adjust the factory setting per the changed environmental factors or type of
liquid to be used, by using the Adjustment function.

20
10% 50% 100%
1-point adjustment in Picus Target Volume
10% 50% 100%
2-point Adjustment in Picus Target Volume
10% 50% 100%
3-point Adjustment in Picus Target Volume
10% 50% 100%
Pipette without adjustment Target Volume
Theoretical
comparison of
target and actual
values without
adjustment
In this 1-point
adjustment, it
has been opted
to use 50% of
maximum volume
to match actual
and target results
In 2-point
adjustment, 10%
and 100% of
maximum volume
are used to match
actual and target
results
In 3-point
adjustment, 10%,
50% and 100% of
maximum volume
are used to match
actual and target
results
Adjustment is needed circumstantially to correct the dispensed volumes in the
following cases:
−when pipetting liquids with characterisitics that greatly differ from water
(for example viscous or volatile liquids)
−when the temperature between the pipette, pipette tip and liquid differs
greatly
−when the ambient air pressure differs from that of standard atmospheric
pressure
NOTE! When the factory settings are replaced with adjusted settings, the
performance specifications (random & systematic error) of the pipette, given
by the manufacturer, are no longer applicable. However, when the factory
settings are reactivated, the performance specifications will apply again.
The Adjustment function enables the user to adjust the pipette in 1, 2 or 3
calibration points. The more measurement points are selected, the better
accuracy in results is reached over the whole volume range of the pipette.
Single-point adjustment is recommended, when pipetting a constant volume
within a range, and 2 or 3 point adjustment, if performance over the whole
range is required.
The adjustment options are:
−1-point adjustment: adjustment in one point only, the user can choose the
desired adjustment point/volume
−2-point adjustment: adjustment in 10 % and 100 % of the nominal volume
−3-point adjustment: adjustment in 10 %, 50 % and 100 % of the nominal
volume
When adjusting for accuracy, the actual volumes delivered should be
measured in Pipetting mode. Once the adjustment is activated, it is in force
for all pipetting modes of the pipette, and an ADJ symbol is displayed on the
screen.
It is possible to store three (3) adjustments in the adjustment memory: ADJ1,
ADJ2, ADJ3. These can be activated at any time for cases of specific use that
require accuracy adjustments of the pipette.
To change the accuracy adjustment settings:
1. Select MENU by pressing the left Softkey.
2. Use the adjustment wheel to select Setup. Confirm the selection by
pressing the operating button or the Softkey for OK.
3. Adjustment function is highlighted. Confirm the selection by pressing the
operating button or the Softkey for OK.
4. Use the adjustment wheel to select ADJ1, ADJ2 or ADJ3 memory location.
Edit the adjustment values by pressing the middle Softkey for EDIT.
5. Use the adjustment wheel to select 1 Point, 2 Points or 3 Points, per
your need. Confirm the selection by pressing the operating button or the
Softkey for OK.
6. If you chose 1-point adjustment, you next choose the desired target
volume, for which you desire the result-accuracy to be adjusted, by
turning the adjustment wheel. Confirm the volume selection by pressing
the operating button or the Softkey for OK.
7. If you chose 2 or 3-point adjustment, the target volumes are already set.
Just confirm them by pressing the operating button or the Softkey for OK.
8. Once you have set or accepted the target volume, the actual volume is
required to be inserted. Now, you insert the actual, currently delivered
volume, per your measurement result. Turn the adjustment wheel to
choose the actual volume. Confirm the selection by pressing the operating
button or the Softkey for OK. If the difference between the target volume
and the actual value exceeds the limits that can be calibrated, then the
display will show “Calibration values out of range”.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for 2 or 3-point adjustment, until all volumes are set.