Syngene G:box User manual

G:BOX Service Manual

Issue 01

January 2016

SY N GE N E

A D IVISIO N O F T H E SYN O PT ICS GRO U P

NOTICE TO USERS

All possible care has been taken in the preparation of this Service Manual, but Synoptics Limited

accepts no liability for any inaccuracies that may be found.

Synoptics Limited reserves the right to make changes without notice both to this publication and to

the product that it describes.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any

form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the

prior permission of the copyright owner.

Published by Syngene, a division of Synoptics Limited.

G:BOX Service Manual Safety - 1

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Safety Practices

This document describes the general safety practices and precautions that must be observed when

operating and maintaining a G:BOX System.

This advice is intended to supplement, not supersede, the normal safety codes in the user’s country.

The information provided does not cover every safety procedure that should be followed. Ultimately,

maintenance of a safe laboratory environment is the responsibility of the user and the user’s

organisation.

Please consult all documentation supplied with the G:BOX System before starting to work with the

instrument. Carefully read the safety information in this document and in the other documentation

supplied. When setting up the instrument or performing analysis or maintenance procedures, strictly

follow the instructions provided.

Warning Notices

Within this User Guide WARNINGS are used to highlight information or instructions that must be

followed in order to avoid personal injury to yourself or other people in the vicinity, e.g. switch off

the mains voltage and remove the mains cord before cleaning.

WARNINGS appear as below:

WARNING

Switch off the mains voltage and remove the mains cord before cleaning.

WARNING

Ensure that all instrument users read and understand the precautions listed below.

WARNING

You are advised to post a copy of the precautions near to or on the instrument

itself.

Precautions

The following precautions must be observed when using a G:BOX System:

Be sure that the voltage of the G:BOX System corresponds to the voltage available where it

is to be installed.

Never remove the side or back panels of the G:BOX System without first shutting down the

instrument and disconnecting the mains cord.

Safety - 2 G:BOX Service Manual

General Operating Conditions

G:BOX Systems have been designed and tested in accordance with the safety requirements of the

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). G:BOX Systems conform to IEC61010-1 (Safety

Requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use) as it applies to

IEC Class 1 (earthed) appliances, and therefore meet the requirements of EC directive 73/23/EEC.

If possible, avoid any adjustment, maintenance or repair to the instrument while it is open and

operative. However, if any adjustment, maintenance or repair is necessary while the instrument is

open, this must be done by a skilled person who is aware of the hazards involved.

Whenever circumstances arise that mean a G:BOX System may be unsafe, make it inoperative. In

particular, a G:BOX System may be unsafe if it:

Shows visible damage.

Fails to perform the intended measurement.

Has been subjected to severe transport stresses.

Has been subjected to prolonged storage in unfavorable conditions.

Environmental Conditions

G:BOX Systems should only be used under the following conditions:

Indoors.

At altitudes below 2000m.

In ambient temperatures between 5°C and 40°C.

With relative humidity below 80% for temperatures up to 31°C, decreasing linearly to 50%

relative humidity at 40°C.

Electrical supply fluctuations not exceeding +10% of the nominal voltage.

WARNING

The protection provided by the equipment may be impaired if the environmental

conditions do not lie within these parameters.

G:BOX Service Manual Safety - 3

Electrical Safety

G:BOX Systems are designed to protect the user from potential electrical hazards. This section

describes some recommended electrical safety practices.

WARNING

Lethal voltages are present at certain points within the instrument.

When the instrument is connected to mains power, removing the instrument

covers is likely to expose live parts.

Even when the power switch is off, high voltages can still be present –capacitors

within the instrument may still be charged even if the instrument has been

disconnected from all live voltage sources.

The G:BOX System must be correctly connected to a suitable electrical supply. The supply must have

a correctly installed protective conductor (earth or ground) and must be installed and checked by a

qualified electrician before connecting the instrument.

WARNING

Any interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside the G:BOX System,

or disconnection of the protective conductor terminal is likely to make the

instrument dangerous.

Intentional interruption of the protective conductor is prohibited.

WARNING

Ensure that the mains supply socket on the instrument is not obstructed, i.e. leave

a gap to allow easy disconnection of the mains cord.

WARNING

If the mains power cord has to be replaced, ensure that the replacement cord is

appropriately rated and approved for the intended use.

When working with the G:BOX System:

Connect the instrument to a correctly installed mains power outlet that has a protective

conductor connection.

Do not operate the instrument with any covers or internal parts removed.

Do not attempt to make internal adjustments or replacements except as directed in the

G:BOX System documentation.

Disconnect the instrument from all live voltage sources before opening it to make any

adjustments, replacements, maintenance or repair. If the opened instrument must be

operated for further adjustment, maintenance or repair, this must only be done by a

supplier’s Service Engineer.

Safety - 4 G:BOX Service Manual

If it is possible that the instrument is no longer electrically safe for use, make the

instrument inoperative and secure it against any unauthorised or unintentional operation.

The electrical safety of the instrument is likely to be impaired if:

It has any signs of visible damage.

If it has been subjected to prolonged storage in unfavourable conditions.

If it has been subjected to severe stress during transportation.

Changing a Fuse

There are two User accessible fuses that may need to be replaced:

These are located in the mains power socket on the rear panel of the G:BOX instrument and

are only accessible when the mains power cord has been removed.

To change the fuses:

WARNING

Switch off the instrument and unplug the mains power cord from the electrical

supply.

Gently pull out the fuse holder.

Replace the fuses with new fuses of the same type and rating. The fuse type is 20 mm x 5

mm IEC127 T 6.3 A H 250V for instruments in all countries.

Replace the fuse holder.

Note: Accessories such as the Transilluminator may have their own fuse.

Note: If the instrument still does not work correctly after replacing the fuses with the correct

replacements, or if the fuses blow repeatedly, contact the supplier’s Office or

Representative.

Electrical Protection

Insulation: Class I rating for external circuits. Only connect equipment that meets the

requirements of IEC 61010-1, IEC 60950 or equivalent standards.

Installation Category: The instruments are able to withstand transient overvoltages typically

present on the mains supply. The normal level of transient overvoltages is impulse

withstand (overvoltage) category II of IEC 60364-4-443.

Pollution Degree 2: Normally only non-conductive pollution occurs. Occasionally, however,

temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be expected.

EMC Compliance

EC Directive

The G:BOX System is designed and tested to meet the requirements of the EC directive 89/336/EEC

and 93/68/EEC. The instrument complies with the EMC standard EN61326 (EMC standard for

G:BOX Service Manual Safety - 5

electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use) and EN55011 (ISM) class A (rf

emissions).

FCC Rules and Regulations

The G:BOX System is classified as a digital device used exclusively as industrial, commercial or

medical test equipment. It is exempt from the technical standards specified in Part 15 of the FCC

Rules and Regulations based on Section 15.103 (c).

UV Safety

The G:BOX System uses UV tubes. If the door is opened the image capture software will

automatically switch off the UV light.

Warning Labels

Warning labels attached to the instrument draw attention to specific hazards - refer to this User

Guide and other documentation provided with the instrument for more details concerning potential

hazards and any precautions or other actions that must be taken.

WARNING

To prevent potential personal injury and damage to the instrument, switch OFF all

components in the system and disconnect them from the mains power supply

before altering, or making any new electrical connections.

Safety Information for Service Personnel

The following section presents safety information with which you need to be familiar before you

service a G:BOX System.

General Safety

Follow these rules to ensure general safety:

Observe good housekeeping in the area of the instrument during and after maintenance.

When lifting any heavy object:

1. Make sure that you can stand safely without slipping.

2. Distribute the weight of the object equally between your feet.

3. Use a slow lifting force. Never move suddenly or twist when you attempt to lift.

4. Lift by standing or by pushing up with your leg muscles; this action removes the

strain from the muscles in your back. Do not attempt to lift any object that weighs

more than 16 kg (35 lb) or that you think is too heavy for you.

Do not perform any action that causes hazards to the customer’s personnel, or that makes

the instrument unsafe.

Before you start the instrument, make sure that other service representatives and the

customer’s personnel are not in a hazardous position.

Safety - 6 G:BOX Service Manual

Place removed covers and other parts in a safe place, away from all personnel, while you

are servicing the instrument.

Keep your toolcase away from walk areas so that other people will not trip over it.

Do not wear loose clothing that can be trapped in the moving parts of an instrument. Make

sure that your sleeves are fastened or rolled up above your elbows. If your hair is long,

fasten it back.

Insert the ends of your necktie or scarf inside clothing or fasten it with a nonconductive clip,

about 8 centimeters (3 inches) from the end.

Do not wear jewelry, chains, metal-framed eyeglasses, or metal fasteners for your clothing.

Metal objects are good electrical conductors.

Wear safety glasses when you are hammering, drilling, soldering, cutting wire, attaching

springs, using solvents, or working in any other conditions that might be hazardous to your

eyes.

After service, reinstall all safety shields, guards, labels, and ground wires. Replace any

safety device that is worn or defective.

Reinstall all covers correctly before returning the instrument to the customer.

Louvers on the instrument help to prevent overheating of internal components. Do not

obstruct fan louvers or cover them with labels or stickers.

Electrical Safety

Follow these rules to ensure electrical safety:

Use only approved tools and test equipment. Some hand tools have handles covered with a

soft material that does not insulate you when working with live electrical currents.

Many customers have, near their equipment, rubber floor mats that contain small

conductive fibers to decrease electrostatic discharges. Do not use this type of mat to

protect yourself from electrical shock.

Find the room emergency power-off (EPO) switch, disconnecting switch, or electrical outlet.

If an electrical accident occurs, you can then operate the switch or unplug the power cord

quickly.

Do not work alone under hazardous conditions or near equipment that has hazardous

voltages.

Disconnect all power before:

-Performing a mechanical inspection.

-Working near power supplies.

-Removing or installing mains units.

Before you start to work on the instrument, unplug the power cord. If you cannot unplug it,

ask the customer to power-off the wall box that supplies power to the instrument, and to

lock the wall box in the off position.

G:BOX Service Manual Safety - 7

If you need to work on an instrument that has exposed electrical circuits, observe the

following precautions:

-Ensure that another person, familiar with the power-off controls, is near you.

-Use only one hand when working with powered-on electrical equipment; keep the other

hand in your pocket or behind your back.

Note: An electric shock can occur only when there is a complete circuit. By observing the above

rules, you may prevent a current from passing through your body.

-When using testers, set the controls correctly and use the approved probe leads and

accessories for that tester.

-Stand on suitable rubber mats (obtained locally, if necessary) to insulate you from

grounds such as metal floor strips and machine frames.

Regularly inspect and maintain your electrical hand tools for safe operational condition.

Do not use worn or broken tools and testers.

Never assume that power has been disconnected from a circuit. Always check that it has

been powered off.

Always look carefully for possible hazards in your work area. Examples of these hazards are

moist floors, nongrounded power extension cables, power surges, and missing safety

grounds.

Do not touch live electrical circuits with the reflective surface of a plastic dental mirror. The

surface is conductive; such touching can cause personal injury and instrument damage.

If an electrical accident occurs:

-Use caution; do not become a victim yourself.

-Switch off power.

-Send another person to get medical aid.

Sensitivity to Electrostatic Discharge

Any instrument part containing transistors or integrated circuits (ICs) should be considered sensitive

to electrostatic discharge (ESD.) ESD damage can occur when there is a difference in charge between

objects. Protect against ESD damage by equalizing the charge so that the instrument, the part, the

work mat, and the person handling the part are all at the same charge.

When handling ESD-sensitive parts:

Keep the parts in protective packages until they are inserted into the product.

Avoid contact with other people.

Wear a grounded wrist strap against your skin to eliminate static on your body.

Prevent the part from touching your clothing. Most clothing is insulative and retains a

charge even when you are wearing a wrist strap.

Use the black side of a grounded work mat to provide a static-free work surface. The mat is

especially useful when handling ESD-sensitive devices.

Safety - 8 G:BOX Service Manual

Select a grounding system, such as those listed below, to provide protection:

-Attach the ESD ground clip to any frame ground, ground braid, or green-wire ground.

-When working on a double-insulated system, use an ESD common ground or reference

point. You can use coax or connector-outside shells on these systems.

-Use the ground prong of the ac plug on ac-operated computers.

G:BOX Service Manual Contents - 1

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW 3

G:BOX Overview........................................................................................................... 3

G:BOX Range................................................................................................................ 4

Minimum System Requirements................................................................................... 6

Operator Controls ........................................................................................................ 6

Rear Panel ......................................................................................................................... 6

Touch Screen PC ............................................................................................................... 6

Connected PC.................................................................................................................... 7

Instrument Set-up - Standard Darkroom ....................................................................... 7

Instrument Set-up - Stretch Darkroom .......................................................................... 8

Operator Mountable Accessories................................................................................ 10

Lights............................................................................................................................... 10

Filters .............................................................................................................................. 12

Switching Instrument On ............................................................................................ 13

G:BOX Typical Accessories .......................................................................................... 14

G:BOX Operator Troubleshooting ............................................................................... 15

G:BOX SERVICE AGENT INSTRUCTIONS 18

G:BOX Service Agent Troubleshooting ........................................................................ 18

G:BOX Service Agent Repair Instructions..................................................................... 24

Side Panel Removal......................................................................................................... 24

Board Replacement ........................................................................................................ 24

LED White Light Unit Replacement................................................................................. 25

UV Light Lamp Replacement........................................................................................... 26

Fuse Replacement........................................................................................................... 27

ON/OFF Rocker Switch Replacement ............................................................................. 27

Mains Inlet Fused Chassis Plug Replacement................................................................. 28

Interlock Switch Replacement ........................................................................................ 28

Electromagnetic Door Catch Replacement..................................................................... 29

Manual Stage UP/DOWN and Stage Override Button Replacement ............................. 30

LED Indicator Replacement............................................................................................. 31

UV Light Override Button Replacement ......................................................................... 31

Tray Interlock Switch Replacement ................................................................................ 32

Contents - 2 G:BOX Service Manual

Stage Magnetic Catch Replacement............................................................................... 32

Camera / Lens Module Replacement ............................................................................. 33

Lens Replacement........................................................................................................... 33

Filter Holder Repair / Replacement................................................................................ 34

G:BOX SPARE PARTS LISTS 36

G:BOX Board Identification......................................................................................... 36

Board Identification Diagrams ........................................................................................ 37

Parts List for a Typical Standard G:BOX ....................................................................... 40

Parts List for a Typical Stretch G:BOX .......................................................................... 45

Gallery of Parts - G:BOX.............................................................................................. 52

OPERATOR MAINTENANCE 69

Looking After a G:BOX Instrument .............................................................................. 69

Cleaning a G:BOX Instrument ......................................................................................... 69

Contacting Syngene .................................................................................................... 69

3 G:BOX Service Manual

OVERVIEW

G:BOX Overview

The G:BOX range are high resolution, multi-application image analysis systems. G:BOX can be used

for a wide range of imaging applications including; chemiluminescence, fluorescent blots and gels,

visible blots and gels, and even 2D gels.

The basic G:BOX Instrument comprises two main components:

Darkroom - this provides a completely black environment into which the sample to be

imaged is enclosed. Samples can be placed into the Darkroom directly onto a screen, a

transilluminator or a white light pad.

The affordable models in the G:BOX range utilise the standard sized Darkroom. The optimum

models utilise the extended Darkroom, which has a fully variable, motor driven stage, which

is controlled by the GeneSys software.

Imaging System - samples are illuminated with a specified light source or sources and imaged

directly or through specified filters. Six types of light source are available:

LED lights of known wavelengths (red, green, blue and IR) located high up on the

sides of the Darkroom. These illuminate the sample from above. These are modular

units, replaceable by the operator.

UV lamps of known wavelengths (254-nm, 302-nm and 365-nm) located above the

LED light modules on either side of the instrument. These illuminate the sample from

above.

Blue LED lights on transilluminators, providing side and through lighting of samples.

UV lights on transilluminators, providing side and through lighting of samples.

LED lights and fibre optics on an edge light unit, for illuminating gels from the edge.

A white light pad , an alternative to using a visible light converter screen over the UV

transilluminator.

In addition, white LED lights are provided on each side of the Darkroom to provide general

illumination when positioning and setting up samples.

Between the Darkroom and the lens/camera there is a rotating screen with spaces for up to

7 filters to be inserted. The screen is indexed, enabling the location and specification of each

installed filter to be specified to the GeneSys software.

G:BOX Instruments have a new generation of camera - having 3.8, 4, 4.2, 6 or 9 million pixels,

giving the system range outstanding sensitivity and versatility.

4 G:BOX Service Manual

G:BOX Range

The G:BOX range comprises five models, as detailed below:

SPECIFICATIONS

G:BOX F3

G:BOX

Chemi XRQ

G:BOX

Chemi XT4

G:BOX

Chemi XX6

G:BOX

Chemi XX9

Image resolution (megapixels)

3.8

4.2

Effective resolution (megapixels)

15.3

16.76

A/D

12/16 bit

16 bit

Greyscales

65 536

Quantum efficiency @ 425nm

52%

73%

53%

73%

Cooling - regulated

n/a

-57C

Lens (motor driven)

f1.2

f1.2 with

feedback

f0.95 with

autofocus

f0.95 with

autofocus

f0.95 with

autofocus

Filter wheel (7 position)

●

UV filter*

●

Use with external PC

●

Darkroom - standard

●

Darkroom - extended with motor driven

stage

●

EPI LED white lights

●

EPI UV 302nm**

●

EPI red LED module

●

EPI blue LED module

●

EPI green LED module

●

EPI red LED module M series for

multiplexing

●

EPI blue LED module M series for

multiplexing

●

EPI green LED module M series for

multiplexing

●

EPI IR LED module

●

IR multiplexing kit (680 - 800nm)

●

Visible light converter (33 x 31 cm)

●

White light pad for visible stains (20 x 14 or

20 x 30 cm)

●

UltraBright LED blue light transilluminator

(20 x 16 cm)

●

Edge lighting unit (26.5 x 20 cm)

●

UV transilluminator 302nm (20 x 20 cm)***

●

Maximum image area (cm)

25.5 x 21

30.5 x 22.7

19 x 19

22.1 x 17.6

Minimum image area (cm)

4.5 x 3.8

5.5 x 4

9 x 9

10 x 8

W x H x D (cm)

57 x 84 x 45

57 x 99 x 55

Weight (kg)

Supply voltage (V ac)

115 / 240

* other emission filters are available

** other wavelengths are available

*** other sizes and wavelengths are available including dual wavelength

G:BOX Service Manual 5

The models in the G:BOX range are suited to the applications detailed below:

APPLICATIONS

G:BOX F3

G:BOX Chemi XRQ

G:BOX Chemi XT4

G:BOX Chemi XX6

G:BOX Chemi XX9

Affordable system for

routine fluorescent and

visible gel imaging.

Affordable system for

fluorescent and visible gels

and chemiluminescent

Western blots.

Optimum performance

system. Highly sensitive for

advanced chemiluminescent

Western blots, multiplex

gels and routine imaging of

fluorescent and visible gels

and blots.

Optimum performance

system. Highly sensitive for

advanced chemiluminescent

Western blots, multiplex

gels, IR and routine imaging

of fluorescent and visible

gels and blots. Higher spatial

resolution for advanced

applications including 2D.

Optimum performance

system. Super high

sensitivity for advanced

chemiluminescent Western

blots, multiplex gels, IR and

routine imaging of

fluorescent and visible gels

and blots. Optimum spatial

resolution for advanced

applications including 2D.

High resolution 3.8MP

camera for good spatial

resolution.

High resolution, high QE

(73% @ 425nm), 4MP

camera with enhanced

cooling for longer exposure

times - suitable for

chemiluminescence.

High resolution 4.2MP

camera with high sensitivity.

Advanced cooling for very

long exposure times.

Super high resolution, high

QE (>73% @ 425nm), 6MP

camera, providing

outstanding sensitivity for

chemiluminescence.

Optimum high resolution,

high QE (>73% @ 425nm),

9MP camera, providing

outstanding sensitivity for

chemiluminescence.

Effective resolution up to

15.3MP.

Effective resolution up to

16MP.

Effective resolution up to

16.76MP.

Effective resolution up to

18MP.

Effective resolution up to

27MP.

Motor driven lens with

feedback.

Motor driven lens with

feedback.

Motor driven lens with

feedback.

Motor driven lens with

feedback.

Motor driven lens with

feedback.

Integral white LED lighting

for sample positioning,

visible light applications and

colorimetric markers.

Integral white LED lighting

for sample positioning,

visible light applications and

colorimetric markers.

Integral white LED lighting

for sample positioning,

visible light applications and

colorimetric markers.

Integral white LED lighting

for sample positioning,

visible light applications and

colorimetric markers.

Integral white LED lighting

for sample positioning,

visible light applications and

colorimetric markers.

Motor driven 7-position