Thermo Scientific Matrix MultiChannel EqualizerPipette User manual

Thermo Scientific Matrix
MultiChannel Equalizer
Pipette with Expandable,
Equal Tip Spacing
User Manual

1
Thermo Scientific
Matrix Equalizer
MultiChannel Electronic
Pipette with Expandable,
Equal Tip Spacing
North America: 1-800-345-0206 email: matrix.info@thermofisher.com
Europe: +44 161 (0) 4862110 email: matrix.eu.info@thermofisher.com
Asia Pacific: Local representative or matrix.ap.info@thermofisher.com
© 2011 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks and product names
are the intellectual/ industrial property of their respective owners.

II
Content
Congratulations! .............................................................................................................1
Before You Begin.............................................................................................................1
A. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 2
A.1 Thermo Scientic Matrix Equalizer™ Pipette Models ........................................3
B. PIPETTE OVERVIEW................................................................................. 3
B.1 Components........................................................................................................3
B.2 General Description ............................................................................................4
B.3 Keypad ................................................................................................................5
B.3.1 Operation Keys ................................................................................................5
B.3.2 Programming Keys...........................................................................................6
B.3.3 Special Function Key .......................................................................................7
B.4 Display ................................................................................................................9
B.5 Matrix Equalizer Pipette Specications .............................................................10
B.6 Hazards and Precautions..................................................................................11
C. PROGRAMMING AND OPERATION....................................................... 12
C.1 Operating the Equalizer Pipette .......................................................................12
C.2 Programming the Equalizer Pipette .................................................................14
C.2.1 Open Programming Mode or “Scratch Pad” (P-0) .........................................14
C.2.2 Entering a Program in Open Programming Mode..........................................14
C.2.3 Storing a Program..........................................................................................17
C.2.4 Program Recall ..............................................................................................17
C.2.5 Adjusting Pipetting Speed ..............................................................................18
C.2.6 Reviewing the Program..................................................................................18
C.3 Programming Examples....................................................................................19
C.3.1 Sample Transfers...........................................................................................19
C.3.2 Incremental Pipetting .....................................................................................19
C.3.3 Serial Dilutions ...............................................................................................20
C.3.4 Simple Dilutions .............................................................................................20
C.3.5 Supernatant Collection...................................................................................21
C.4 Operating Procedures.......................................................................................21

III
D. CALIBRATION ......................................................................................... 23
D.1 Volume Measurement .......................................................................................23
D.2 Pipette Calibration.............................................................................................24
D.2.1 Factory Calibration Step ................................................................................24
D.2.2 “EASY” Cal Mode...........................................................................................25
D.2.3 “CALC” Mode .................................................................................................25
D.2.4 CALVIEW .......................................................................................................26
D.2.5 CALRESET ....................................................................................................27
D.3 Recommendations for Accurate Pipetting.........................................................27
E. TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................................. 29
F. MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................ 31
F.1 Equalizer Pipette Maintenance .........................................................................33
F.1.1 Equalizer Pipette Disassembly ......................................................................33
F.1.2 Equalizer Pipette Cleaning and Autoclaving ..................................................36
F.1.3 Equalizer Pipette Maintenance and Reassembly ..........................................36
F.2 Installing/Replacing Batteries ............................................................................42
F.3 Charging/Recharging Batteries..........................................................................44
G. TECHNICAL SERVICE ............................................................................ 46
G.1 Instrument Warranty .........................................................................................46
G.2 Recommended Equipment Decontamination Methods ....................................47
G.3 Factory Service - Calibration, Maintenance, & Repair......................................48
G.4 On-site Site Service - Calibration & Maintenance.............................................49
G.5 Regulatory Information .....................................................................................50

IV

1
Congratulations!
You have purchased the state-of-the-art in precision pipetting. The patented*
Thermo Scientic Matrix Equalizer Pipette is available with variable, equal tip
spacing, allowing multiple sample delivery between various tube rack, vial and
plate formats.
Ergonomically designed and balanced to reduce fatigue, the Matrix Equalizer
pipette functions so intuitively you may need only a quick survey of this
manual to use it.
The Matrix Equalizer pipette executes liquid pipetting tasks quickly, accurately,
and with less risk of developing repetitive strain injuries (RSI) typically
associated with manual pipette use. Laboratory results will become more
standardized, while less time is expended on tedious bench procedures.
Before You Begin
Before using the Matrix Equalizer pipette, verify the contents of your package.
The package should contain the following items:
1 Matrix Equalizer Pipette
1 Operator’s Manual
1 Universal Power Transformer
1 Warranty Card
1 Pipette Calibration Report
If items are missing, contact your Thermo Scientic representative or contact
customer service at 800-345-0206 (US) or [phone] (Europe).
* US Patent 6235-244; European Patent 1150-772

2
Introduction
A. INTRODUCTION
The revolutionary Thermo Scientic Matrix Equalizer Pipette features a
patented* tip spacing mechanism to boost laboratory productivity while
reducing risk of repetitive stress injuries (RSI). Built with the same design
principles incorporated into Thermo Scientic Matrix Electronic Pipettes, the
Matrix Equalizer pipette features include:
• Variable tip spacing.
• Expanded memory for storing up to ve pipetting programs.
• Each program holds a maximum of 40 steps.
• “Scratch Pad” programming mode enables fast and simple program
changes that are not stored into memory.
• Enhanced speed control offers slower aspirating and dispensing of
viscous liquids. Ideal for gel loading!
• “EASY” CAL, simplies in-lab calibration verication using distilled water.
The Matrix Equalizer pipette is lightweight and cordless, utilizing a
rechargeable battery that can be used during recharge. The pipette also has
an automatic shut-off feature to extend battery life.
The Equalizer pipette uses integrated circuit technology to store programming
information. It will hold up to 40 steps in a program, with up to 5 programs
saved in memory, and 1 scratch pad (See section C.1.1 Open Programming
Mode or “Scratch Pad”). The program information is retained in memory, even
if the battery is fully discharged.
The Equalizer pipette uses a “paced dispense” feature that performs repeat
pipetting steps while the trigger is depressed.
*US Patent 6235-244; European Patent 1150-772

3
Pipette Overview
A.1 Equalizer Pipette Models
Matrix Equalizer multichannel pipettes are available in a number of
congurations in both 8 and 12 channnels. Models range in volume from 0.5
µl to 1250 µl. Each handle is color-coded with a color ring for easy volume
identication (see section B.5, Handle Specications).
B. PIPETTE OVERVIEW
B.1 Components
Figure B.1:
eQualizer
Components
8-channel
Equalizer Pipette
8-channel
Equalizer 384 Pipette 12-channel
Equalizer 384 Pipette

4
Pipette Overview
B.2 General Description
Keypad. The keypad contains the operation keys that are used in
programming the pipetting sequence and volumes. (See Section B.3,
Keypad).
Display. The display is an LCD screen that shows the pipetting operation
(ll, dispense, mix, or purge) and uid volume for each step in the pipetting
program. (See Section B.4, Display).
Battery Case. The battery case contains the rechargeable battery. Lithium-
ion battery fully charges in 2 hours. The Matrix Equalizer pipette can perform
a full day’s workload with no need to recharge. Battery life is extended with
automatic shut-off after 10 minutes of inactivity. (See Section F.3, Installing/
Replacing Batteries).
Pipetting Trigger. The pipetting trigger initiates a program. A single pipetting
step is executed by a quick press and release of the trigger. Repeat pipetting
is executed by pressing and holding the trigger.
Note: At the end of any dispense, the pipette tips should be removed from
the uid before releasing the trigger, to prevent aspiration of uid.
Ejector Trigger. The ejector trigger is pressed to eject the tips from the
pipette.
Tip Fittings. The tip ttings form an airtight seal with the tips to ensure
accuracy while pipetting.
Note: Equalizer pipettes are equipped with chemically resistant (PEEK) tip
ttings to allow pipetting of acidic solutions without damage to the tip ttings.
Color-coded Ring. The ring around the pipette handle is color-coded
to identify the pipetting volume of the handle (See Section B.5, Handle
Specications).
Transformer Connector. The transformer connector receives the plug from
the power transformer for recharging the battery. The pipette can be used
while recharging.

5
Pipette Overview
B.3 Keypad
The keypad contains the operation keys, programming keys, and the special
function key.
B.3.1 Operation Keys
[On/Off] The On/Off key turns the pipette on or off. When the pipette is
turned on, it emits a beep tone, ashes “ZERO” on the display,
then automatically resets the pistons to zero position. After
zeroing, the display shows the rst step of the program in the
RUN mode.
Note: If the pipette is being programmed for the rst time,
the rst step will be the ll operation, with the default ll
volume. (See Section C.1, Programming the Equalizer
Pipette, for the default settings).
[Prog] The Program key on the Matrix Equalizer pipette enables you to
store up to ve separate programs in memory for future recall.
Each program can hold up to 40 steps. Programs are stored in
reserved program location numbers 1 – 5. Program “0” is used as
a “scratch pad” where temporary programs can be written, run,
and overwritten easily. Program “0” is considered to be an “open”
program. (See Section C.1, Programming the Equalizer Pipette).
Figure B.3: Equalizer Keypad

6
Pipette Overview
[Purge] The Purge key enters a purge prompt anytime during a pipetting
operation to abort the program. By pressing the Purge key, then
pressing the trigger, you can dispense any remaining liquid from
the pipette tips and return to the beginning of the program.
The Purge key is also used to enter the purge step into a program.
Note: If there is insufcient liquid for a nal dispense step,
the pipette emits a beep tone and automatically displays
the purge prompt.
Note: The RUN mode performs the operation that is displayed on the
Equalizer pipette, such as ll, dispense, mix, or purge. When “Run”
appears in the display, you can activate the RUN mode by pressing the
trigger. At the end of a pipetting sequence, the pipette emits a triple
beep tone and returns to the beginning of the program. The pipette
remains in RUN mode until you program a new pipetting sequence.
B.3.2 Programming Keys
[Fill]
[Disp]
[Mix]
The Fill, Dispense, and Mix keys program the pipetting operations.
By pressing ll or mix keys, you can enter the programming mode
of the Equalizer. The “Run” prompt disappears from the display
and the appropriate operation appears with a ashing “Vol”
prompt. Fill, dispense, or mix volumes can be programmed by
pressing the Volume key. Also, the number of mix cycles can be
programmed by pressing the Mix key twice.
Automatic blowout: At the end of a nal dispense step, the pipette
automatically expels any remaining liquid from the pipette tips with
a short burst of air (blowout). The pistons then reverse direction
and return to zero position.
Note: If you press and hold in the trigger during the nal
dispense step, the pipette performs the automatic blowout
and holds its position until you release the trigger. This
delay allows you sufcient time to remove the tips from
the liquid to prevent aspiration of liquid, as the pistons
return to zero position.

7
Pipette Overview
Vol
t
sThe Volume key controls the quantity of liquid to be aspirated or
dispensed. The volume can be entered when the “Vol” prompt
appears.
Pipetting volume can be incremented quickly by continuously
depressing the Volume key. The longer you hold the key the
greater the incremental speed.
The Volume key can also be used to change pipetting speeds
within a stored program or during the execution of a program.
(See Section C.1.5, Adjusting Pipetting Speed).
[Enter] The Enter key stores the program in memory. After each step is
programmed, the Enter key is pressed once to accept the step.
After the nal step is programmed, the Enter key is pressed twice
to denote the end of the program. The pipette veries the end of
the program with a triple beep tone.
B.3.3 Special Function Key
The Special Function key is the small hole below the Volume key. It can be
activated with a pipette tip. By repeatedly pressing the Special Function key,
you can display four functions: Pipetting Speed (SPd), Beep Tone (TONE),
Paced Dispense Speed (PACE), and Calibration (CAL). To exit the Special
Function key at any time, press the Enter key.
TONE The beep tone signals the completion of one or more steps, or
signals a warning:
Single beep tone: end of pipetting step.
SPd Pipetting speed can be adjusted by pressing the Volume key in
the special function mode. Five speed settings are available:
Speed Setting Display
Slow S
Medium Slow Sz
Medium Sz z
Medium Fast Szzz
Fast SzzzF
The current speed setting is always shown at the bottom of the display. These settings
can be selected and changed at any time before a program step is executed.

8
Pipette Overview
Double beep tone: operation or programming key is not active in
current mode; insufcient dispense volume, purge required; illegal
programming step attempted (see Section E, Troubleshooting).
Triple beep tone: end of pipetting sequence; end of programming
sequence.
There are three options to choose from in setting the beep
tone. ON1 will have all tones sound at the appropriate times
listed above. ON2 will use only double and triple beep tones.
OFF will turn off all tones except for the tone to signify an illegal
programming step. Press the Special Function key twice to
display “TONE” and its current setting. To change the setting,
press the Volume key. If the beep tone is set for ON1 or ON2, the
beep tone symbol “ ” appears at the bottom of the display.
Note: For paced dispensing, the beep tone should be set
ON1, to prepare you for each dispense step.
PACE The pace controls the speed of repeat pipetting (paced
dispensing), FAST, SLOW or OFF. Press the Special Function key
three times to display “PACE” and its current setting. To change
the setting, press the Volume key.
Paced Dispense. When using the paced dispense feature, the
pipette dispenses the programmed volume at the specied pace
(fast or slow). Immediately after each dispense step, the pipette
emits a single beep tone (if beep tone is on) to prepare you for the
next dispense step (see Section C.5, Operating Procedures).
CAL The calibration of the pipette is factory set for distilled water at
20-22 °C. If you are pipetting uids with signicantly different
specic gravities or temperatures, use this setting to recalibrate
the pipette. (See Section D, Calibration).

9
Pipette Overview
B.4 Display
The pipette display is a dynamic LCD screen. It displays the current operation,
volume prompt (if entering a program), pipetting volume, beep tone symbol
(if the beep tone is on), pipetting speed, and program number.
Figure B.4: Equalizer Display

10
Pipette Overview
B.5 Equalizer Pipette Specications
Item
No. Volume Channel Volume Range
Color
Ring
Accuracy*
(±)
Precision**
(±)
2032 250 µl 8-Ch 5-250 µl Blue 2.5%/1.5 µl 0.7%/1.0 µl
2034 1250 µl 8-Ch 15-1250 µl Green 1.5%/6.0 µl 0.6%/3.0 µl
2139 12.50 µl 8-Ch 384 0.50-12.50 µl Red 2.5%/0.15 µl 2.0%/0.15 µl
2130 30 µl 8-Ch 384 1.0-30.0 µl Purple 2.0%/0.30 µl 1.7%/0.30 µl
2131 125.0 µl 8-Ch 384 2.0-125.0 µl Yellow 2.0%/1.0 µl 1.0%/0.6 µl
2239 12.50 µl 12-Ch 384 0.50-12.50 µl Red 2.5%/0.15 µl 2.0%/0.15 µl
2230 30 µl 12-Ch 384 1.0-30.0 µl Purple 2.0%/0.30 µl 1.7%/0.30 µl
2231 125 µl 12-Ch 384 2.0-125.0 µl Yellow 2.0%/1.0 µl 1.2%/0.8 µl
Table B.5 Equalizer Pipette Specications
Note: For Accuracy and Precision, values shown are expressed as a percent
(%) deviation or microliter (µl) value. When applied to desired volume, the
greater of the two values will always apply.
*Both values represent the deviation from the mean.
**Percentage values are expressed as the coefcient of variation.
Microliter values are expressed as the standard deviation.

11
Pipette Overview
B.6 Hazards and Precautions
There are no known hazards associated with the Equalizer pipette when it
is operated in accordance with the instructions in this manual. However, you
should be aware of situations that can result in serious injury.
Note: Do not perform troubleshooting procedures on the internal components
unless instructed by Thermo Fisher Scientic Technical Service personnel.
WARNING! Ensure that the power transformer is connected to a
power receptacle that provides voltage and current specied by
Thermo Fisher Scientic. Use of an incompatible power receptacle
can cause shock and re hazard.
CAUTION! Use only the power transformer supplied by Thermo
Fisher Scientic. Use of an incompatible power transformer can
damage the pipette.
CAUTION! Always turn off the power and unplug the power
transformer before cleaning the exterior. Fluid seepage can
damage internal components.
CAUTION! Do not immerse the unit in liquid. Fluid seepage can
damage internal components.
CAUTION! Do not autoclave the entire unit. Extreme heat can
damage the display and other electronic components.
Note: For autoclaving specic portions of the pipette, refer to the Autoclaving
Procedures, or call Thermo Fisher Scientic Technical Service for instructions.
CAUTION! Do not clean the keypad with bleach solution or other
solvents. Caustic cleaning solutions can damage the keypad.
CAUTION! An old battery can cause the pipette to malfunction. We
recommend that you change the battery every 3 years. To extend
battery life cycle, it’s recommended to charge the pipette every two
months even the pipette is not used daily.

12
Programming and Operation
C. PROGRAMMING AND OPERATION
C.1 Operating the Equalizer Pipette
The Matrix Equalizer pipette allows the tip-to-tip spacing to change.
This allows pipetting into or between vessels of varying center-to-center
congurations. The set button(s), spacing indicator and spacing control rod all
work together to change the distance between the tips (see gure C.1).
To attach tips, the control rod should be in position such that the indicator is
set at closed (position A). In the case of the Equalizer 384 pipette (with two
set buttons), tips arranged in racks of 384 can be attached when the indicator
is set at the 4.5 mm mark. Once tips are attached, follow the steps below to
change the pipette to a new tip spacing.
Matrix Equalizer Pipette:
1. Depress the set button using your thumb or nger.
2. While depressing, slide the set button to the desired tip-to-tip spacing
marker on the window. Release the set button to lock the spacing.
3. Using the control rod, slide the tips into the desired position. The indicator
in the window will also move and will nest into the set button when the
desired position is achieved.
Figue C.1: Equalizer Spacing

13
Programming and Operation
Matrix Equalizer 384 Pipette:
1. To set the tip spacing for the vessel with the widest spacing, depress the
outer set button (the button closest to the control rod) using your nger or
thumb.
2. While depressing, slide the set button to the desired tip-to-tip spacing
marker on the window. Release the set button to lock the spacing.
3. Check the spacing by using the control rod to slide the tips into position.
The spacing indicator in the window will also move and will nest into the set
button when the desired position is achieved.
4. For the vessel with the tightest spacing (from 4.5 mm - the spacing for 384
well plates), depress the other set button using your thumb or nger and
repeat steps 2 and 3.
Note: On 8-Channel Equalizer 384 pipettes, there is a notch (see gure C.1
Position C) located on the control rod that indicates the 9 mm position for
easier aligning of the control rod for 96-well plates. By applying pressure to
the front side of the control rod, the notch can be by-passed for smoother slide
operation. Conversely, when pushing or pulling the control rod past the 9 mm
position, if pressure is applied to the back side of the control rod, the notch is
more noticeable.
Important: Do not attempt to slide the set button(s) without depressing.
Moving the set button(s) without rst disengaging will cause premature wear
on the mechanism.
Important: Do not attempt to disassemble the unit. Please contact our
Technical Service Department at 800-345-0206 (US) or [phone]
(Europe) for all service-related issues.

14
Programming and Operation
C.2 Programming the Equalizer Pipette
Programming the Equalizer pipette is fast and easy. Pipetting steps and
volume are entered in the sequence that they will be performed, then the
program is saved to memory. This program will stay in memory (even if the
pipette is turned off, or the battery runs low) until you change it. Five programs
and one scratch pad (Program 0), each capable of holding 40 steps, can be
entered and stored in the pipette.
C.2.1 Open Programming Mode or “Scratch Pad” (Program 0)
The Equalizer pipette provides ample program storage for ve, 40 step
programs. In addition, it offers open programming mode, also known as the
“scratch pad.” This mode is identied by “P-0,” which appears in the program
section of the display (refer to the pipette display on page 10). This feature
enables quick changes to pipetting protocols without affecting previously
stored programs.
To use the “scratch pad” mode: From the start of any program, simply begin
entering a new protocol (selecting a pipetting operation as described below).
This new protocol can now be used, and will remain active until a stored
program is retrieved. “P-0” appears in the program ID section of the display to
indicate that the (O)pen programming mode, or “scratch pad” mode, is active.
C.2.2 Entering a Program in Open Programming Mode
To enter a pipetting program:
1. Turn on pipette. Press the green [On/Off] key to turn on the pipette. The
pipette will beep once and ash “ZERO” on the display while resetting the
pistons to zero position. The rst step of the current program is displayed.
Note: If the pipette is being programmed for the rst time, the rst step is the ll
operation, with the default ll volume displayed (see the following table).
Volume Fill
Volume
Dispense
Volume
Mix
Volume
12.50 10.00 10.00 5.00
30.0 25.0 25.0 10.00
125.0 100.0 100.0 50.0
250.0 250.0 50.0 50.0
1250 1250 100 100
Table C.2.2: Default Programming Volumes (in µl)

15
Programming and Operation
2. Select pipetting operation. Enter the programming mode by pressing the
[Fill] or [Mix] key.
For example, to begin
programming with a
lling operation, press
the [Fill] key. The display
shows “Fill” with a
ashing “Vol” prompt:
Note: The displayed volume defaults to the last volume programmed for
the selected operation, or to the default volume for the pipette, if it is being
programmed for the rst time.
Fill. The [Fill] key programs the pipette to aspirate a volume of liquid. A
single ll step can be programmed for uid transfers, or a combination of
ll steps can be programmed for dilutions or supernatant collection.
Dispense. The [Disp] key programs the pipette to dispense a volume
of liquid. The dispense volume can be the entire ll volume or a smaller
increment for repeat pipetting. The dispense volume needs to be
programmed only once for repeat pipetting. The pipette will dispense the
volume each time the trigger is pressed (or repeatedly during a paced
dispense) until the ll volume is reached, or until insufcient volume
remains.
Mix. The [Mix] key programs the pipette to perform a combination of lls
and dispenses. You can program a mix volume or mix cycle (single ll and
dispense). You can press [Mix] once to program a mix volume, or twice to
program a mix cycle. Mix cycles from 2 to 9 are available on the Equalizer
pipette. The default setting is three mix cycles.
Some programming considerations for the mix operation:
If the program begins a mix cycle from zero position, it will complete the
cycle with an automatic blowout, then display “ZERO.” Press the trigger to
return the pistons to zero position.
Figure C.2.2a: Flashing Volume Display