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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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