scinco Mega-800 User manual

5.
Mega-800 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
Instruction Manual
September 2016

Instruction Manual
1Mega-800 SCINCO
Introduction
Thanks for your purchase of the SCINCO CO., LTD. Mega-800 spectrophotometer.
UV-Visible Spectrophotometer is a well-accepted, documented technique with many applications.
The technique is extensively used for the analysis of agricultural products and is widely used in public
health, environmental protection, life sciences industries and many other organic and biochemical
applications. SCINCO CO., LTD. developed its latest spectrophotometer Mega-800 based on its
proven technology. The advanced mould design ensures the outstanding quality, excellent
specifications and stable performance, which can fully meet the requirements of the analyzer.
For obtaining maximum performance and trouble-free operation, we give you the following suggestions:
Upon receiving your instrument, please check all the items listed in the packing list are included
and install the instrument according to the instruction manual.
The spectrophotometer is a precision electronic instrument. Please read the instruction
manual carefully before operation. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Avoid collision and handle the instrument carefully during transportation.
If the tested solution is harmful to humans, please wear gloves or use other protection methods.
Please keep the accessories in a safe place for the use in future maintenance.
For more information, please visit www.scinco.com

2Mega-800 SCINCO
Contents
CHAPTER 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................1
1.1 Unpacking ..................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Components description............................................................................................................2
1.2.1 Front view ................................................................................................................................2
1.2.2 Rear view .................................................................................................................................3
1.2.3 Side view .................................................................................................................................3
1.2.4 Display .....................................................................................................................................4
1.2.5 Keypad.....................................................................................................................................5
1.2.6 Sample cell holder ...................................................................................................................6
1.3 Specifications ............................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 2 Installation .........................................................................................................................9
2.1 Site requirement .......................................................................................................................9
2.2 Installation .................................................................................................................................9
2.2.1 Connect the instrument to the printer.....................................................................................9
2.2.2 Connect the instrument to PC................................................................................................10
2.3 Turning on the instrument ......................................................................................................11
2.4 Performance check .................................................................................................................12
2.4.1 Wavelength accuracy and reproducibility ..............................................................................12
2.4.2 Baseline flatness ....................................................................................................................13
CHAPTER 3 Photometric measurement ............................................................................................14
3.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................13
3.1 Gain access to photometric mode .........................................................................................14
3.2 Parameters setting ..................................................................................................................15
3.2.1 Set photometric mode ...........................................................................................................16
3.2.2 Set measuring wavelength .....................................................................................................16
3.2.3 Set K factor ............................................................................................................................18
3.2.4 Dark current correction ..........................................................................................................18
3.2.5 Quit parameters setting .........................................................................................................19
3.3 Sample control ........................................................................................................................19
3.3.1 Select sample module ............................................................................................................20
3.3.2 Set sample cell number in use (Drive Cell No.) ....................................................................20
3.3.3 No.1 cell blank correction ......................................................................................................21
3.3.4 Sample cell shifting (Move cell) ............................................................................................22
3.3.5 Reset to cell No.1 (Cell reset) ...............................................................................................22
3.3.6 Single cell measurement .......................................................................................................22
3.3.7 Quit sample control ................................................................................................................22
3.4 Auto zero (100T% correction) ................................................................................................22
3.5 Measurement ...........................................................................................................................22
3.5.1 Use single cell .........................................................................................................................22
3.5.2 Use multi-cells ........................................................................................................................23
3.6 Looking up the measurement results ....................................................................................24
3.7 Delete the measurement data .................................................................................................24
3.8 Printout .....................................................................................................................................25
3.9 Quit measurement ...................................................................................................................25
3.10 Application example ..............................................................................................................25

Instruction Manual
3Mega-800 SCINCO
CHAPTER 4 Spectrum scanning .........................................................................................................27
4.1 Gain access to spectrum mode ..............................................................................................27
4.2 Parameters setting ...................................................................................................................28
4.2.1 Set photometric mode .............................................................................................................29
4.2.2 Set scanning speed ................................................................................................................29
4.2.3 Set sampling interval ..............................................................................................................30
4.2.4 Set wavelength range .............................................................................................................31
4.2.5 Set ordinate range..................................................................................................................32
4.2.6 Light source selection.............................................................................................................33
4.2.7 Dark current correction............................................................................................................33
4.2.8 Quit parameters setting...........................................................................................................34
4.3 Baseline correction ..................................................................................................................34
4.4 Measurement ............................................................................................................................34
4.5 Peak picking ............................................................................................................................35
4.6 Sample control ........................................................................................................................36
4.7 Printout ....................................................................................................................................37
4.8 Quit measurement ..................................................................................................................37
4.9 Application example ................................................................................................................37
CHAPTER 5 Quantitative measurement.............................................................................................39
5.1 Gain access to quantitation mode .........................................................................................39
5.2 Parameters setting ..................................................................................................................40
5.2.1 Set measurement method ......................................................................................................41
5.2.2 Set measuring wavelength......................................................................................................41
5.2.3 Set concentration unit .............................................................................................................43
5.2.4 Dark current correction ..........................................................................................................43
5.2.5 Quit parameters setting ..........................................................................................................44
5.3 Construct the calibration curve .............................................................................................44
5.3.1 K-Factor method ....................................................................................................................44
5.3.2 Standards method ..................................................................................................................46
5.4 Sample control ........................................................................................................................50
5.5 Auto zero ..................................................................................................................................50
5.6 Measurement ...........................................................................................................................50
5.6.1 Use single cell ........................................................................................................................50
5.6.2 Use multi-cells .......................................................................................................................51
5.7 Looking up the measurement results ....................................................................................52
5.8 Delete the measurement data ................................................................................................52
5.9 Printout ....................................................................................................................................52
5.10 Quit measurement . ..............................................................................................................52
5.11 Application example .............................................................................................................53
CHAPTER 6 DNA/Protein Analysis ....................................................................................................56
6.1 Daily Care.................................................................................................................................27
6.1 The principle of Protein/DNA analysis ..................................................................................56
6.1.1 Principle of using absorbance of UV light to determine protein .............................................56
6.1.2 Principle of using absorbance of UV light to determine DNA .................................................56
6.1.3 Protein/DNA determination methods .....................................................................................56
6.2 Gain access to DNA/Protein analysis ...................................................................................57
6.3 Parameters setting ..................................................................................................................59
6.3.1 Selection analysis method ....................................................................................................59

4Mega-800 SCINCO
6.3.2 Dark current correction .........................................................................................................60
6.4 Custom defined method .........................................................................................................61
6.4.1 Set measuring wavelength .....................................................................................................61
6.4.2 Set DNA factors .....................................................................................................................62
6.4.3 Set protein factors...................................................................................................................63
6.4.4 Set background correction at 320nm ....................................................................................63
6.4.5 Set calibration factors ............................................................................................................64
6.5 Auto zero ..................................................................................................................................65
6.6 Measurement ...........................................................................................................................65
6.7 Look up the measurement results ........................................................................................65
6.8 Delete the measurement data ...............................................................................................66
6.9 Printout ....................................................................................................................................66
6.10 Quit measurement ................................................................................................................66
CHAPTER 7 Utilities..............................................................................................................................67
7.1 Gain access to utilities ........................................................................................................67
7.2 Set lamp changeover wavelength..........................................................................................67
7.3 Set spectral bandwidth ..........................................................................................................68
7.4 Set tungsten lamp On/Off .......................................................................................................68
7.5 Set deuterium lamp On/Off ....................................................................................................69
7.6 Set control mode ......................................................................................................................69
7.7 Wavelength correction............................................................................................................70
7.8 Set time ....................................................................................................................................71
7.9 Reset system ............................................................................................................................71
CHAPTER 8 Maintenance ....................................................................................................................73
8.1 Points for attention ................................................................................................................73
8.2 Daily care ...............................................................................................................................73
8.3 Trouble shooting and maintenance ....................................................................................74
APPENDIX 1 Light source replacement .............................................................................................76
Replace the tungsten lamp ...............................................................................................................76
Deuterium lamp replacement ............................................................................................................77
APPENDIX 2 Cell holder replacement ................................................................................................80
APPENDIX 3 Fuse replacement ..........................................................................................................82

Instruction Manual
5Mega-800 SCINCO
Announcement
This manual contains copyrighted and proprietary information. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without the permission of SCINCO CO., LTD.
Information in this publication is subject to change without notice, as SCINCO CO., LTD. continues to
develop the latest technologies and products for our customers.
The units described in this manual are designed to be operated only by professionals.
Any errors or omissions that may have occurred in this publication despite the utmost care taken in its
production will be corrected as soon as possible, but not necessarily upon detection.

6Mega-800 SCINCO
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Unpacking
When unpacking, check with the packing list to confirm that all the items listed are included. Should any
shortage or damage occur, contact the seller immediately. Refer to the following table 1-1 for the
standard instrument set. But refer to packing list for your configuration.
Table 1-1 Standard set
No.
Name
Amount
01
Main unit of UV VIS
Spectrophotometer
1 unit
02
Quartz cell
1 pair
03
Tungsten lamp
2 pcs
04
Plus screwdriver
2 pcs
05
Plain screwdriver
2 pcs
06
Fuse (2A、0.5A)
2 pcs each
07
Socket screw wrench
1pc
08
Power cord
1 pc
09
Instruction manual
1pc
10
Packing list
2 pcs

Instruction Manual
7Mega-800 SCINCO

8Mega-800 SCINCO
1.2 Components description
When unpacking, the instrument is present as shown in Fig. 1.1.
Fig. 1.1 Instrument overview
1.2.1 Front view
The front view is shown as Fig. 1.2.
Fig. 1.2 Front view
①Instrument cover
②Front baffle of sample compartment—standard front baffle for sample compartment. It should
be replaced when using some accessories.
③Chassis—The steel made chassis can greatly reduce vibration, and ensures the credibility of
the instrument.
④Instrument label
⑤Keypad and display—320×240 dots high resolution LCD and 27 keystrokes.
⑥Sample compartment cover—Open the cover to gain access to the sample compartment.

9Mega-800 SCINCO
1.2.2 Rear view
The rear view is shown as Fig.1.3.
Fig. 1.3 Rear view
①Light source house cover—Open the cover to gain access to the light source house, where
you can replace the deuterium lamp and tungsten lamp.
②Foot packing—Shockproof rubber washer is used.
③Printer interface—Connect to the HP parallel inkjet printers.
④RS-232 interface—Communicate with PC.
⑤Wiring terminal—Connect to ground wire.
⑥Outlet—Connect to power supply: AC 220V, 50Hz.
⑦Fuse—Can be replaced (refer to “Appendix 3 fuse replacement”).
⑧Power switch
⑨Power label—Describe the power requirements.
⑩Instrument nameplate
⑪Fan
1.2.3 Side view
Side view is shown as Fig.1.4. There is no other interfaces or labels except the ventilation grills.

10 Mega-800 SCINCO
A: Left side view B: Right side view
1.2.4 Display
The display of Mega-800 is the 320×240 dots high resolution LCD, displaying the measurement data,
parameters, mode and man-machine interaction information, and the measured spectra. The display
and keypad are shown as Fig.1.5.
Fig. 1.5 Display and keypad
There are two kinds of menus. One is the main menu (Fig.1.6A), appearing after initialization, used to
select measurement mode. The other is the operation menu (Fif.1.6B), displaying current working
mode, measurement data, spectra and man-machine interaction information.
A: Main menu B: Spectrum measurement menu
Fig. 1.6 Display menu
The first line is the mode line, which is used to indicate current working mode. The column on the right
of the screen is the indicating area for function keys (F1~F4). The function keys may vary from page

11 Mega-800 SCINCO
to page.
In the middle of the screen is the operating area, displaying the measurement result.
At the bottom of the screen is the information indicating area, which allows you to enter parameters.
There are four measurement modes: photometric measurement, spectrum measurement,
quantitative determination and DNA/Protein analysis. Please refer to the following chapters for the
detailed operation procedures.
1.2.5 Keypad
There are altogether 27 soft-touch keys on the keyboard of Mega-800, which are divided into 4
groups. The functions of the keys are described as follows;
Fig. 1.7 Keypad
①Function keys:
The function keys are used to set instrument parameters and to perform operation functions.
When one of the five function keys (F1~F5) is pressed in different working mode, the system
executes the corresponding operation, such as parameters setting, deleting, sample cell
setting, printing and dark current correction etc..
②Display adjustment hole
Used to adjust the contrast of the display with a Φ3（diameter is 3mm）screwdriver.
③Numeric keys:
Used to input numeric values in parameters setting.
④Edit keys:
●Cursor keys（, ）——Used to shift the cursor up and down while browsing data,
and increase and decrease data while setting time.
●Cursor keys（, ）——Used to switch the displayed data while measuring
DNA/Protein, setting time and looking up the data when peak picking.
●Cancel key（“CLE”） ——Used to delete the preceding entries or cancel a certain

12 Mega-800 SCINCO
operation.
●Enter key（“ENTER”） ——Used to confirm and execute the current function, or to end
the parameters setting and quit.
●Return key ——Used to quit the current function and return to the preceding page.
⑤Operation keys:
●Auto zero key : Used to set ABS zero (transmittance 100%).
In the photometric mode and the quantitative mode, set ABS zero only
at current wavelength. In spectrum mode, performs baseline calibration
in the set wavelength range.
●Wavelength set key : Used to set current wavelength.
●Start/Stop key : Used to start or stop a measurement.
⑥Indicator lamp: Indicate the power supply
1.2.6 Sample cell holder
The sample cell holder is configured according to the user’s requirements. The general
configurations are fixed cell holder, 8-cell changer, and 5-cell changer. We can also provide you
multiple kinds of sample cell holders for your selection. Please refer to ―chapter eight Accessories‖
for the detailed information.
The following figure 1.8 shows three kinds of sample cell holders, which are used as standard
configuration.
A: Fixed cell holder B: 8-cell changer C: 5-cell changer
Fig. 1.8 Frequently used cell holders
A. Fixed cell holder:
As shown in 1.8A, it is the most frequently used cell holder, having only one standard cell. It
can only measure one sample each time.
B. 8-cell changer:
As shown in 1.8B, it has eight standard cells to measure maximum 8 samples
simultaneously. It completes measurement automatically, which greatly improves work
efficiency.
C. 5-cell changer:
As shown in 1.8C, it has five custom defined cells to measure maximum 5 samples
simultaneously. You can put samples in the standard cells or long-pathlength holder. Please
refer to the 5-cell changer instruction manual for the detailed information. It also completes
measurement automatically.

13 Mega-800 SCINCO
A: 8-cell changer B : 5-cell changer
Fig. 1.9 Multi-cell changer
You can use different kinds of cell holders according to your requirements. Please refer to
“Appendix ⅡThe replacement of sample cell holder”for the replacement of frequently used cell
holders. .
1.3 Specifications
Model
Mega-800
Wavelength range
190nm~1100nm
Spectral bandwidth
5, 2, 1, 0.5nm (4 steps)
Wavelength display
0.1nm
Wavelength accuracy
±0.3nm (with automatic wavelength correction)
Wavelength reproducibility
±0.2nm
Photometric system
Double beam optical system
Photometric accuracy
±0.002Abs (0~0.5Abs)
±0.004Abs (0.5~1.0Abs)
±0.3%T (0~100%T)
Photometric reproducibility
±0.001Abs (0~0.5Abs)
±0.002Abs (0.5~1.0Abs)
±0.15%T (0~100%T)

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Stray light
<0.12%T (220nm)
Photometric Noise
±0.001Abs (at 500nm, 2nm bandwidth 0Abs)
Baseline flatness
±0.0015Abs (190-1100)
Stability
0.0008A/h (2 hours warming up, 2nm bandwidth, at 500nm)
Chapter 2 Installation
2.1 site requirement
To ensure a better working quality and to prolong the service life of the instrument, install the
instrument in a place that satisfies the following requirements:
a. Ambient temperature: 15℃~35℃
b. Relative humidity: less than 80%
c. The instrument should be placed on a stable workbench, avoiding strong vibrations.
d. Avoid a place with strong magnetic or electric fields and corrosive gases.
e. Power requirements:AC110V/220V±10%, 50Hz/60Hz±1Hz, single phase. A regulated power
supply with at least 500VA capacity is recommended. There should be a ground line in the
laboratory to ensure the instrument to be well grounded.
2.2 Installation
2.2.1 Connect the instrument to the printer
All the Mega-800 UV-VIS Spectrophotometers can be connected to HP parallel printers. The
instruments connected with PC can use any printer as long as your PC can recognize it.
The following is the installation scheme of the connection between the instrument and the printer.
Put the printing cable with 25-pin plug into the parallel interface of the instrument, and put the
other end with a 36-pin plug into the printer interface.
Connect all the cables firmly by locking the screw (if there is any) on the plugs. Plug in the power
cords of spectrophotometer and the printer to the mains power.
Note:
1. Make sure the power supply is AC 110V/220V, 50HZ/60Hz before plugging the power cords of the instrument and
the printer. For the voltage, 10% fluctuation is allowed. The instrument can’t work normally if the power supply is out of
range. High voltage may cause damage to the instrument.
2. Do not insert or pull out the printer cable when the instrument is on, otherwise it may destroy the instrument and
the printer.

15 Mega-800 SCINCO
Fig. 2.1 Installation scheme
2.2.2 Connect the instrument to PC
Some models of Mega-800 UV-VIS Spectrophotometers can be connected to PC. The connection
scheme is shown as following figure 2.2. Plug one end of the communication cable with serial
interface into the instrument RS232 interface (serial port). Plug the other end into the PC RS232
interface (serial port). The two ends of the communication cable are the same.
Connect all the cables firmly by locking the screw on the plugs. Plug in the power cords of
spectrophotometer and the PC to the mains power.
2.3 Turning on the instrument
After confirming that there is no light shield in the sample compartment, turn on the power switch
of the main unit and then the printer (if there is). The instrument information will appear. Then the
initialization page will be displayed on the LCD. The instrument starts self-checking and
initialization. This process will take about 3 minutes. After initialization, the system displays the
instrument main menu, as shown in Fig.1.6A
Note:
1. Make sure the power supply is AC 110V/220V, 50HZ/60Hz before plugging the power cords of the instrument and
the printer. For the voltage, 10% fluctuation is allowed. The instrument can’t work normally if the power supply is out of
range. High voltage may cause damage to the instrument.
2. Do not insert or pull out the communication cable when the instrument is on, otherwise it may destroy the instrument
and the PC.

16 Mega-800 SCINCO
A: Instrument information B: Initialization menu
Fig. 2.3 Initialization
After finishing initialization, you can operate the instrument. To ensure the measurement data
accuracy, 15 to 30 minutes are needed to preheat the instrument. Then, you can start measurement.
After measurement, first turn off the power of the instrument, then turn off the printer power, and then
turn off other appliances, such as the regulator.
When connecting to PC, first switch on the power of the instrument, then the PC power. Run the
software after the computer finishes starting. If the instrument can work both in MPU mode and PC
mode, you should select PC mode in the menu of utilities(please refer to―7.6 Set control mode‖)and
then run software.
2.4 Performance Check
After installation, you need to check the performance and main specifications of the instrument. And
you should check the instrument periodically to ensure its performance meet the requirements. The
performance check, as described in the following paragraphs, should be done after 30-
minutes’preheat time.
2.4.1 Wavelength accuracy and reproducibility
The wavelength accuracy should be ±0.3nm，and the wavelength reproducibility should be 0.2nm
(Please refer to―1.4 Specifications‖). You can use two characteristic beams radiated by the deuterium
lamp to check them. The detailed methods are shown as following (please refer to software instruction
manual when connected with PC):
①Make sure the spectral bandwidth is―2.0nm‖. After initialization, press gain access
the utilities, and press to asset the slit ―2.0nm’.
②Press to return to the main menu，press to select photometric
Note:
If the initialization fails, please first check whether there is light shield in the sample compartment. Then
restart the instrument. If the instrument still can’t initialize normally, please contact your local dealer.
Note:
It is not necessary to set slit if the instrument is of fixed slit. Only the instrument with variable slits
should be set.

17 Mega-800 SCINCO
measurement.
③Press to gain access to parameters setting. Then press numeric keys to set the
sampling interval to 0.2nm (set to 0.1nm when connecting with PC), set the scanning
speed to middle, wavelength range to 660-480nm, y axis to 0-100, the photometric mode
to Es, and select D2 lamp as the light source (refer to ―3.2 parameters setting).
④Press to return to the spectrum scanning page.
⑤Press , input 6 as the gain value, and then press to start scanning.
⑥After scanning, press to input the threshold value (1～100), then perform peak
picking (if the picked peak is 0.000nm, press RETURN key. Then press F2 to input
smaller valve as the threshold, and then perform peak picking again).
⑦Press key to printout.
Repeat【※1】three times and perform peak picking. The two standard peak values of
deuterium lamp are 656.1 nm and 486.0 nm。
2.4.2 Baseline flatness
Do not put any opaque object in the sample cell holder. Take air as blank to measure Abs in the full
range. The measurement method is shown as follows (refer to software instruction manual when
connected to PC):
Make sure the spectral bandwidth is―2.0nm‖(refer to the first step of 2.4.1).
①Press to gain access to the menu of photometric mode.
②Press to gain access to the menu of parameters setting. Set the photometric mode
to Abs, sampling interval to 1nm, scanning speed to middle, wavelength rang to 1100～
190nm, and y axis to -0.01～0.01 (refer to “4.2 parameters setting”).
③Press key to return to the menu of photometric measurement, then press
to perform baseline correction.
④Press to start scanning.
⑤Press to printout.
Read the Abs. The difference between the starting point value and maximum deviation value in the
full range is the baseline flatness (abrupt deviation at the wavelength of light source replacement is
allowed).
【※1】
The difference between the average value, and the standard value of the peak, when
measured three times, is the wavelength accuracy.
The difference between the maximum value and the minimum value, when measured three
times, is the wavelength reproducibility.

18 Mega-800 SCINCO
Chapter 3 Photometric measurement
3.1 Gain access to photometric mode
On the instrument main menu, please press to gain access to photometric mode. Press
to return to the instrument main menu, as shown in Fig. 3.1:
A: Main menu B: Photometric mode
Fig. 3.1Gain access to photometric mode
When you exit photometric mode, it will display “Delete all the data? (Yes: enter. No: CLE.)”. Press
, it will return to the instrument main menu and the measurement data will be lost. Press , it
will return to the photometric mode, and prompt the user with ―press START to measure‖, then the
user can continue on photometric measurement.
The following paragraphs introduce the main menu of photometric mode:
Fig. 3.2 Photometric mode
①“PHOTO”here means photometric measurement；“990 nm”is the current working
wavelength；“0.000 Abs”is the real-time Abs.
②Working area: display the detailed measurement data in the form of table. It can display
maximum 9 groups of values each screen, if exceeds, it will display on the next screens.
③Information indicating area: the current information is prompting the user to press
Note:
Please print out the measurement data before returning to the instrument main menu, otherwise,
the data will be lost.

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to begin measurement.
④Time display area: time in the above picture is eight thirty four on April 15.
⑤Indication area for function keys: show the function keys —— . The detailed
functions are shown as follows:
—— gain access to the parameters setting menu;
—— delete the measurement data;
—— set the sample cell holder;
—— print the measurement data.
In addition, press on this menu can set wavelength and press can
perform auto zero at current wavelength.
3.2 Parameters setting
On the menu of photometric measurement, press to gain access to the parameters setting page,
and press to return to the photometric mode menu, as shown in Fig.3.3:
A: Photometric mode menu B: Parameters setting page
Fig. 3.3 Gain access to the parameters setting page
On this page, users can set the photometric mode, wavelength and the value of factor K by pressing
the corresponding numeric keys. After finishing parameters setting, press key to return to the
preceding page.
3.2.1 Set photometric mode
Press key to set photometric mode. Two modes are available: Abs and %T, as shown in Fig.
3.4. They can be selected alternately each time when key is pressed.