Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex User manual

KingFisher
®
Flex
Service Manual
Version 1.1

KingFisher®Flex Thermo Fisher Scientific Service Manual
Version 1.1 Introduction 1-1
Section 1 Introduction
This manual gives technical information about instrument and explains how to maintain, test and adjust it.
Audience
Service personnel
Scope
This Manual is divided into the following sections.
Section 1 Introduction
Provides an overview of content of KingFisher®Flex service manual.
Section 2 Operating Instructions
This is a copy of user manual.
Section 3 PCB Functional Description
Section 4 Block Diagrams
Section 5 Component Layouts
Component (PCB) layout drawings
Section 6 Schematic Diagrams
Section 7 Software
Describes KingFisher®Flex software remote commands.
Section 8 Testing and Adjusting
Explains how to adjust and test the instrument.
Section 9 Maintenance Procedures
Section 10 Power Supply
Section 11 Wiring Diagrams
Section 12 Spare Parts
Section 13 Bulletins

1-2 Introduction Version 1.1
Service Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific KingFisher®Flex

KingFisher®Flex Thermo Fisher Scientific Service Manual
Version 1.1 Operating Instructions 2-1
Section 2 Operating Instructions
This section is a copy of KingFisher®Flex user manual.

2-2 Operating Instructions Version 1.1
Service Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific KingFisher®Flex

Thermo Scientific
KingFisher®Flex
User Manual - DRAFT
Rev. 1.0, Cat. no. N07669

Copyright
Copyright ©2008 Thermo Fisher Scientific Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in Finland.
Reproduction of the accompanying user documentation in whole or in part is prohibited.
Patents
This product is protected by the following patents:
US 6447729, Method and means for magnetic particle specific binding assay, and US 6448092, Separation
device for microparticles involving a magnetic rod.
KingFisher Flex also has national and international patents pending.
Trademarks
“KingFisher” and “Microtiter” are registered trademarks of Thermo Fisher Scientific.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Disclaimer
Thermo Fisher Scientific reserves the right to change its products and services at any time to incorporate
technological developments. This manual is subject to change without prior notice as part of a continuous
product development. Although this manual has been prepared with every precaution to ensure accuracy,
Thermo Fisher Scientific assumes no liability for any errors or omissions, nor for any damages resulting from
the application or use of this information. This manual supersedes all previous editions.
No liability for consequential damages
Thermo Fisher Scientific shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of the use or inability to
use this product.
Warranty statement
Thermo Fisher Scientific Microplate Instrumentation Business products are fully guaranteed against defective
parts and materials, including defects caused by poor workmanship, for a period of one year from the date of
delivery. Thermo Fisher Scientific will repair or replace defective parts or materials during the term of warranty
at no extra charge for materials and labor provided that the products were used and maintained in accordance
with Thermo Fisher Scientific’s instructions. The warranty is invalid if products have been misused or abused.
For the warranty to be effective, the product must have been purchased either directly from Thermo Fisher
Scientific or from an authorized Thermo Fisher Scientific distributor. The guarantee is not transferable to a
third party without prior written approval from Thermo Fisher Scientific. This guarantee is subject to the
following exclusions:
●Any defects caused by normal wear and tear.
●Defects caused by fire, lightning, flood, earthquake, explosion, sabotage, war, riot, or any other occurrence
of the type listed above.
●Refurbished products that are subject to different warranty conditions.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The seller is not liable for any loss or damage arising out of or
in connection with the use of the product or other indirect damages. These warranty terms and conditions can
be obtained from your local Thermo Fisher Scientific dealer.
Consumables are not included in the warranty.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher®Flex User Manual 3
About This User Manual
This user manual is written for the actual end user, for example,
research scientist or laboratory technician, and provides information on
the Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex, including the installation and
operating instructions.
Read the manual in its entirety before operating the instrument.
This user manual is designed to give you the information to:
●Review safety precautions
●Install the KingFisher Flex
●Use the KingFisher Flex in routine jobs – the processing step
●Perform basic cleaning and maintenance procedures
●Troubleshoot the instrument performance
This user manual also describes all the features and specifications of the
KingFisher Flex hardware and onboard software. Refer to Chapter 7:
“Technical Specifications”.
In Chapter 4: “Routine Operation” you find explanations of the
processing principles and procedures and on how to use the KingFisher
Flex internal software.
In Chapter 9: “Troubleshooting Guide” you find explanations of error
and warning messages and a problem-solving guide. The user should be
familiar with the contents of Chapter 5: “Maintenance”. For ordering
information, refer to Chapter 10: “Ordering Information”.
For PC software-related issues, refer to the Thermo Scientific BindIt
Software User Manual (Cat. no. N07974).
For the latest information on products and services, visit our websites
at:
http://www.thermo.com
http://www.thermo.com/kingfisher
In an effort to produce useful and appropriate documentation, we
appreciate your comments on this user manual to your local Thermo
Fisher Scientific representative.
Intended users
How to use this
user manual
For more
information

About This User Manual
Safety symbols and markings
4Thermo Scientific KingFisher®Flex User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
These symbols are intended to draw your attention to particularly
important information and alert you to the presence of hazards as
indicated.
The following symbols and markings appear on the type label and the
instrument itself.
Power ON ▲
Power OFF ▲
Warning Hot surface, risk of burns. ▲
Warning Risk of body parts, hair, jewelry or clothing getting caught in
a moving part. ▲
Serial number ▲
Catalog number ▲
Date of manufacture ▲
Consult instructions for use ▲
WEEE symbol This product is required to comply with the European
Union’s Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
2002/96/EC. ▲
A black label with the following text (Figure 2–4):
WARNING: DISCONNECT SUPPLY BEFORE SERVICING
AVERTISSEMENT: COUPER L'ALIMENTATION AVANT
L'ENTRETIEN ET LE DEPANNAGE
Safety symbols
and markings
Safety symbols and
markings used on the
KingFisher Flex

About This User Manual
Safety symbols and markings
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher®Flex User Manual 5
The following symbols and markings appear in this user manual.
Warning Risk of electric shock. ▲
Warning Biohazard risk. ▲
Warning Risk of injury to the user(s). ▲
Caution Risk of damage to the instrument, other equipment or loss of
performance or function in a specific application. ▲
Note Marks a hint, important information that is useful in the
optimum operation of the system, or an item of interest. ▲
W
arning and other
markings used in
the documentation

About This User Manual
Instrument safety and guidelines for use
6Thermo Scientific KingFisher®Flex User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
●Always follow basic safety precautions when using the KingFisher
Flex to reduce the risk of injury, biohazardous contamination, fire,
or electric shock.
●Read this user manual in its entirety prior to operating the
instrument. Failure to read, understand, and follow the instructions
in the manual may result in damage to the instrument, injury to
laboratory and operating personnel or poor instrument
performance.
●Observe all “Warning”, “Caution”, and “Note” statements as well as
safety symbols and markings on the instrument and in the
documentation.
●The device shall be operated only with software specifically designed
for the device.
●Never open any other covers of the KingFisher Flex than the see-
through lid or the sliding door (Figure 2–3) while the instrument is
plugged into a power source.
●Never force a microplate onto the instrument.
●The KingFisher Flex is intended for laboratory research use only.
Observe proper laboratory safety precautions, such as wearing
protective clothing and following approved laboratory safety
procedures.
●Preventative maintenance instructions should be followed closely to
keep the instrument in the best condition for maximum reliability.
A poorly maintained instrument will not give the best results.
Warning This product contains very strong permanent magnets.
People wearing a pacemaker or metallic prostheses should not use this
product. A pacemaker or prostheses may be affected or damaged if it
comes in close contact with a strong magnetic field. ▲
Instrument safety
and guidelines
for use

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher®Flex User Manual 7
Contents
Intended users...................................................................................3
How to use this user manual .............................................................3
For more information .......................................................................3
Safety symbols and markings.............................................................4
Safety symbols and markings used on the KingFisher Flex .............4
Warning and other markings used in the documentation ...............5
Instrument safety and guidelines for use............................................6
Introduction to the KingFisher Flex.......................................................... 13
Intended use.................................................................................... 13
Principle of operation......................................................................13
Advantages of using KingFisher Flex ............................................... 14
Functional Description ............................................................................... 15
Instrument layout............................................................................ 15
Front view....................................................................................15
Back / side view............................................................................16
KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor .................................... 16
Principle of magnetic particle processing .........................................17
Working with a magnetic rod.......................................................... 18
Collecting magnetic particles........................................................ 18
Releasing magnetic particles ......................................................... 18
Washing magnetic particles .......................................................... 18
Incubation ................................................................................... 18
Changing the volume during the magnetic particle processing ..... 18
Installation .................................................................................................... 21
Delivery check................................................................................. 21
Unpacking ...................................................................................21
Checking delivery......................................................................... 22
Requirements .................................................................................. 22
Precautions and limitations ............................................................. 23
Installation setups............................................................................23
Releasing the transport locks ........................................................ 23
How to ensure startup.................................................................. 26
How to fit the subassemblies of the instrument into place............27
Heating block ........................................................................... 27
Shield plate ...............................................................................29
Interchangeable KingFisher Flex heads......................................31
See-through lid.......................................................................... 34
Operational check ...........................................................................34
How to pack the instrument for transportation ............................... 35
How to refit the transport lock of the heating block.....................35
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

Contents
8Thermo Scientific KingFisher®Flex User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
How to refit the transport lock of the tip comb holder.................36
Do’s and Don’ts of the KingFisher Flex ..........................................39
Routine Operation ........................................................................................39
Do ...............................................................................................39
Don’t ...........................................................................................39
Switching on ...................................................................................40
Control panel.................................................................................. 40
Keyboard...................................................................................... 40
Keys ..........................................................................................40
Display.........................................................................................41
Navigating ...................................................................................41
Using KingFisher Flex PC software .................................................45
Using internal software.................................................................... 45
Factory protocols............................................................................. 45
Favorite factory protocol name..................................................... 45
DNA/RNA / Cell / Protein / Other ............................................. 47
User protocols .................................................................................48
Favorite user protocol name .........................................................48
DNA/RNA / Cell / Protein / Other ............................................. 50
Instrument options.......................................................................... 52
Device information ......................................................................52
Computer interface ......................................................................53
Language...................................................................................... 53
Buzzer ..........................................................................................54
Maintenance protocol ..................................................................55
Screen saver..................................................................................... 56
How to handle tip combs................................................................ 57
How to start.................................................................................... 59
Changing the heating block.............................................................64
Shutdown ....................................................................................... 66
Emergency situations ......................................................................66
Maintenance .................................................................................................67
Regular and preventive maintenance ...............................................67
How to clean the turntable...........................................................67
How to clean the magnetic rods ................................................69
How to clean the shield plate ....................................................70
Disposal of materials ....................................................................... 70
Decontamination procedure............................................................70
Packing for service...........................................................................71
Service contracts.............................................................................. 72
Disposal of the instrument .............................................................. 72
Technical Specifications ...........................................................................75
General specifications...................................................................... 75
Performance specifications ..............................................................75
Safety specifications.........................................................................76
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6

Contents
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher®Flex User Manual 9
In conformity with the requirements............................................... 76
Frequently Asked Questions...................................................................... 79
Q&As .............................................................................................79
Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................... 83
Error messages and warnings ........................................................... 83
Troubleshooting guide ....................................................................84
Service request protocol................................................................... 85
Certificate of Decontamination....................................................... 86
Ordering Information................................................................................... 87
KingFisher Flex ............................................................................... 87
List of accessories ............................................................................87
List of spare parts ............................................................................88
References .................................................................................................... 89
Keywords for web pages .................................................................. 89
Literature ........................................................................................90
Certificate of Decontamination................................................................. 93
Thermo Scientific KingFisher Flex Feedback Form.............................. 95
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Appendix A
Appendix B

Figures
10 Thermo Scientific KingFisher®Flex User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
Figures
Figure 1–1. KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor..............................13
Figure 2–2. KingFisher Flex front view without see-through lid...................15
Figure 2–3. KingFisher Flex front view with see-through lid and plates......15
Figure 2–4. KingFisher Flex back view...........................................................16
Figure 2–5. KingFisher Flex side view ...........................................................16
Figure 2–6. KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor..............................17
Figure 2–7. Inverse magnetic particle processing.........................................17
Figure 2–8. A concentration step during magnetic particle processing .......19
Figure 3–9. KingFisher Flex transport locks fitted.........................................24
Figure 3–10. Removing the transport lock of the tip comb holder................24
Figure 3–11. Tip comb holder transport lock removed.................................. 25
Figure 3–12. Removing the transport lock of the heating block (A).............. 25
Figure 3–13. Removing the transport lock of the heating block (B).............. 26
Figure 3–14. Mains supply cable and serial cable connected......................27
Figure 3–15. Inserting the heating block ....................................................... 27
Figure 3–16. Pressing the heating block into place ......................................28
Figure 3–17. Shield plate prior to fitting .......................................................29
Figure 3–18. Inserting the shield plate.......................................................... 30
Figure 3–19. Fastening/loosening the shield plate.......................................30
Figure 3–20. Shield plate fitted .....................................................................31
Figure 3–21. KingFisher Flex heads in their storage boxes........................... 32
Figure 3–22. Inserting the KingFisher Flex head ...........................................33
Figure 3–23. KingFisher Flex head for KingFisher 24 Deep Well plate fitted34
Figure 3–24. See-through lid fitted................................................................34
Figure 3–25. Refitting the transport lock of the heating block (A)................35
Figure 3–26. Refitting the transport lock of the heating block (B)................36
Figure 3–27. Fitting the transport lock of the tip comb holder (A)................37
Figure 3–28. Fitting the transport lock of the tip comb holder (B) ................37
Figure 3–29. Both transport locks refitted.....................................................38
Figure 4–30. Keyboard of the KingFisher Flex...............................................40
Figure 4–31. Main view on the display of the KingFisher Flex.....................41
Figure 4–32. Tip comb package with two tip combs.....................................57
Figure 4–33. Separating the two tip combs ..................................................57
Figure 4–34. Storing the other tip comb on a KingFisher 96 plate for further
use.............................................................................................58
Figure 4–35. 24 deep well tip comb package................................................58
Figure 4–36. PCR tip comb package ..............................................................59
Figure 4–37. Combining the tip comb and KingFisher plate (A)....................60

Figures
Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher®Flex User Manual 11
Figure 4–38. Combining the tip comb and KingFisher plate (B).................... 60
Figure 4–39. Loading the tip-plate ................................................................ 61
Figure 4–40. Loading the plates.................................................................... 61
Figure 4–41. Plates loaded ............................................................................ 62
Figure 4–42. Tip comb in the tip comb holder............................................... 62
Figure 4–43. Shield plate in function ............................................................ 63
Figure 4–44. KingFisher Flex plates .............................................................. 63
Figure 4–45. Inserting the heating block....................................................... 64
Figure 4–46. Pressing the heating block into place...................................... 65
Figure 4–47. Four different heating blocks available ................................... 65
Figure 5–48. Unfastening the two finger screws.......................................... 68
Figure 5–49. Removing the turntable............................................................ 68
Figure 5–50. Black spill shield exposed for cleaning.................................... 69

Tables
12 Thermo Scientific KingFisher®Flex User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
Tables
Table 3–1. Plates vs. heating adapter(s)........................................................28
Table 3–2. Magnetic head vs. tip comb.........................................................32
Table 4–3. Icons in the main view .................................................................43
Table 4–4. Processing volumes vs. plate types and magnetic heads...........64
Table 4–5. Heating blocks vs. plate types ..................................................... 65
Table 6–6. General specifications .................................................................75
Table 6–7. Performance specifications..........................................................75
Table 8–8. Error messages reported.............................................................. 83
Table 8–9. Actions taken against error messages and warnings................. 84
Table 9–10. Instrument catalog number........................................................87
Table 9–11. Codes for accessories ................................................................87
Table 9–12. Codes for spare parts.................................................................88

Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Scientific KingFisher®Flex User Manual 13
Chapter 1
Introduction to the KingFisher
Flex
The KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor (Figure 1–1) is
intended for professional research use by trained personnel. The
instrument is intended for automated transfer and processing of
magnetic particles in a microplate scale. Use for self-testing is excluded.
It is recommended that Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) are followed
to guarantee reliable analyses.
Refer to Chapter 6: “Technical Specifications”.
The KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor (Figure 1–1) is
designed for automated transfer and processing of magnetic particles in
microplate format.
The patented technology of the KingFisher Flex system is based on the
use of magnetic rods covered with a disposable, specially designed tip
comb and plates. The instrument functions without any dispensing or
aspiration parts or devices.
Samples and reagents, including magnetic particles, are dispensed into
the plates according to the corresponding instructions. The protocol
that is selected by the user via the keyboard and display have already
been preloaded into the onboard software. BindIt Software can be used
to create and run protocols.
Figure 1–1. KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor
Intended use
Principle of
operation

Introduction to the KingFisher Flex
Advantages of using KingFisher Flex
14 Thermo Scientific KingFisher®Flex User Manual Thermo Fisher Scientific
The KingFisher Flex magnetic particle processor has several operational
advantages:
●Enables automation of complicated manual steps
●Enables simultaneous processing and purification
●Binding and elution are enhanced due to the heating option
●Enables concentration of the sample during processing
●Facilitates a good collection of bead-bound sample due to the
efficiency of the magnet
●Enables a quicker reaction and a more efficient wash due to the
technology of moving magnetic particles instead of liquids
●No carryover
●No cross contamination
●Facilitates the whole processing with the aid of an internal
program/BindIt Software.
Advantages of
using KingFisher
Flex