TomTec QUADRA 4 User manual
Quadra 4 Operator Manual
Tomtec
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ............................................................................................................................... 9
Unpacking Instructions ..................................................................................................... 10
Locating the Quadra 4 ..................................................................................................... 10
Section I - General Information ................................................................. 11
Specifications & Technical Information ............................................................................ 12
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, & Symbols ........................................................................... 13
Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 14
Quadra 4, Front View ............................................................................................ 15
Quadra 4, Side Views ............................................................................................ 16
Quadra 4 (with stackers), Rear View ..................................................................... 17
Quadra 4 (without stackers) .................................................................................. 18
Quadra 4 Access Panel ......................................................................................... 19
Compressor & Pneumatics .................................................................................... 20
Section II - Operational Functionality ...................................................... 21
Pipetting System .............................................................................................................. 21
Quadra 4 General Information ......................................................................................... 22
Quadra 4 Product Line ..................................................................................................... 23
Section III – Quadra Command System Op Manual ................................ 24
1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 25
1.1 What's New ..................................................................................................... 25
Version 4.8.0 ......................................................................................................... 25
Version 4.7.7.30 .................................................................................................... 25
Version 4.7.7.29 .................................................................................................... 25
1.2 Major Changes to the Quadra 4 Command Software ...................................... 26
1.2.1 Drag and Drop Operations ........................................................................... 26
1.2.2 Simplified Dialogs ......................................................................................... 26
1.2.3 Shuttle Labware Labels ................................................................................ 27
1.2.4 Labware and Program Function Icon Changes ............................................ 28
1.2.5 Tip Load Counter .......................................................................................... 29
1.2.6 PSID2 Mirror Rack Checking ........................................................................ 30
1.3 Quadra 4 - Getting Started .............................................................................. 32
1.3.1 Preparing the Quadra to run a program: ...................................................... 33
2.0 Main Screen .............................................................................................................. 34
2.1 Labware - Components Area .......................................................................... 35
2.2 Shuttle Layout Area ......................................................................................... 36
2.2.1 Shuttle Position Data Dialog ......................................................................... 36
2.3 Pump Volume Box ........................................................................................... 37
2.4 Program Operations Box ................................................................................. 38
2.5 Program Steps Area ........................................................................................ 39
2.6 Menu Bar ......................................................................................................... 40
2.6.1File Menu ................................................................................................... 40
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2.6.2Edit Menu ................................................................................................... 40
2.6.3 System Menu .............................................................................................. 42
2.6.4 Database Menu ........................................................................................... 43
2.6.5 Tools Menu .................................................................................................. 43
2.6.6 Utilities Menu ............................................................................................... 44
2.6.7 Options Menu .............................................................................................. 44
2.6.8 View Menu ................................................................................................... 45
2.6.9 Reports Menu .............................................................................................. 45
2.6.10Help Menu ................................................................................................ 46
3.0 Program Operations ................................................................................................... 48
3.1 Alert Timer ....................................................................................................... 48
3.2 Arm Plate Transfer Operation.......................................................................... 49
3.3 Aspirate Sample .............................................................................................. 50
3.4 AutoTrap Operations ....................................................................................... 52
3.5 Delay Program ................................................................................................ 53
3.6 Dispense Sample ............................................................................................ 54
3.7 Empty Sample ................................................................................................. 56
3.8 External Device ............................................................................................... 58
3.9 GOSUB Program ............................................................................................. 59
3.10 GOTO Program ............................................................................................. 60
3.11 Load Tips ...................................................................................................... 61
3.12 Lockout Shuttle Position ................................................................................ 62
3.13 Loop .............................................................................................................. 62
3.14 Magnetic Nest ............................................................................................... 63
3.15 Mix Sample.................................................................................................... 64
3.16 Move Arm ...................................................................................................... 66
3.17 Move Shuttle ................................................................................................. 67
3.18 Move Stage ................................................................................................... 68
3.19 Nitrogen Dry .................................................................................................. 69
3.20 Pause ............................................................................................................ 70
3.21 Pressure Control ........................................................................................... 71
3.22 Program Note ................................................................................................ 71
3.23 Quit ................................................................................................................ 72
3.24 Restack Plates .............................................................................................. 72
3.25 Serial Dilution ................................................................................................ 73
3.26 Shaker Nest ................................................................................................... 75
3.27 Shuck Tips..................................................................................................... 77
3.28 Shuttle Layout Change .................................................................................. 77
3.29 SPE Pressure Vacuum Operation ................................................................. 78
3.30 SPE Vacuum Box Operation ......................................................................... 80
3.31 Stacker Operations ........................................................................................ 81
3.32 Target Method ............................................................................................... 82
3.33 Timed Dispense ............................................................................................ 84
3.34 Vacuum Box Operation ................................................................................. 85
3.35 Vacuum Control ............................................................................................. 86
3.36 Wash ............................................................................................................. 87
3.37 Program Operations Common Options ......................................................... 89
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3.37.1 Additional Options ...................................................................................... 89
3.37.2 Dip Tips ...................................................................................................... 90
3.37.3 Select Shuttle Position ............................................................................... 90
3.37.4 Stage Operations ....................................................................................... 91
3.37.5 Touch Off .................................................................................................... 93
4.0 Database Editor ......................................................................................................... 94
4.1 The Menu Bar .................................................................................................. 95
4.2 The Plate Panel ............................................................................................... 96
4.3 The Fixture Panel ............................................................................................ 97
4.4 The Touch Off Panel ....................................................................................... 98
4.5 Importing Plates-Reservoirs-Fixtures .............................................................. 98
5.0 Options ....................................................................................................................... 99
5.1 User Preferences ............................................................................................ 99
5.2 Default Plates ................................................................................................ 101
5.3 Default Reservoirs ......................................................................................... 102
5.4 Configure Model ............................................................................................ 103
5.5 Configure Com Port ....................................................................................... 104
5.6 Set User Defined Output Names ................................................................... 105
5.7 Set Arm Position Names and Heights ........................................................... 106
5.8 Displayed Fixtures ......................................................................................... 106
5.8.1 Edit Display and Order of Fixtures .............................................................. 107
5.9 Current File Settings Options ........................................................................ 108
5.9.1 Logging Options ......................................................................................... 108
5.9.2 Runtime Database Usage Options ............................................................. 109
5.10 View Preferences ........................................................................................ 110
6.0 Utility ........................................................................................................................ 111
6.1 Shuttle/Stacker .............................................................................................. 111
6.2 Stage ............................................................................................................. 112
6.3 Pinch Tubes .................................................................................................. 114
6.4 Pump ............................................................................................................. 115
6.5 System .......................................................................................................... 116
6.6 Trap Operations ............................................................................................ 116
6.7 Miscellaneous ................................................................................................ 118
6.8 Arm - Vacuum Box ........................................................................................ 119
6.9 Status ............................................................................................................ 120
6.10 Pump Calibration Tables ............................................................................. 121
6.11 Utility User Outputs ..................................................................................... 124
7.0 Tools ........................................................................................................................ 125
7.1 Tools Serial Dilution Wizard .......................................................................... 125
7.1.1 Setup .......................................................................................................... 125
7.1.2 Set Source Row/Column ............................................................................ 126
7.1.3 Set Sample Aspirate Volume and Height, Row, and Column Offsets ......... 127
7.1.4 Set Initial Dilution Row/Column .................................................................. 128
7.1.5 Serial Dilution ............................................................................................. 128
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8.0 Technical Tips .......................................................................................................... 129
8.1 Introduction.................................................................................................... 129
8.2 Pre-Planning .................................................................................................. 129
8.3 Labware ........................................................................................................ 129
8.4 Labware Location .......................................................................................... 129
8.5 Writing The Protocol ...................................................................................... 130
9.0 System Parameters .................................................................................................. 132
9.1 System Parameters – Stage.......................................................................... 133
9.2 System Parameters – Shuttle ........................................................................ 134
9.3 System Parameters – Pump.......................................................................... 135
9.4 System Parameters – Miscellaneous ............................................................ 136
9.5 System Parameters - System Info ................................................................. 137
9.6 System Parameters - Shuttle Alignment Utility .............................................. 138
9.7 System Parameters - View System Parameters ............................................ 139
9.8 Vacuum Calibration ....................................................................................... 140
10.0 File Management ................................................................................................... 141
10.1 File Management – Plate & Fixture Databases ........................................... 143
10.2 File Management – Configuration Database ............................................... 145
10.3 File Management – Curve Database ........................................................... 146
10.4 File Management – System Parameters Database ..................................... 148
11.0 Tomtec FileSystem Watcher Service ..................................................................... 149
11.1 FileSystem Watch Marketing Information .................................................... 149
11.1.1 System Security ....................................................................................... 149
11.1.2 File System Monitoring ............................................................................. 150
11.1.3 Program step logging ............................................................................... 150
11.1.4 Why use CFR11 ....................................................................................... 150
11.1.5 Installation ................................................................................................ 151
11.1.6 FDA CFR11 Documentation ..................................................................... 151
11.2 FileSystem Installation Information .............................................................. 154
11.2.1 Overview .................................................................................................. 154
11.2.2 Installation ................................................................................................ 154
11.2.3 Configuration ............................................................................................ 155
11.2.4 Usage ....................................................................................................... 156
11.2.5 OS Requirements ..................................................................................... 157
11.2.6 Quick Start ................................................................................................ 158
11.3 Providing 21CFR Part 11 Security for the Quadra 4 .................................... 159
Section IV – Pipettor Heads .................................................................... 163
1.0 Quadra 4 Air Displacement Pipettor Heads ............................................................. 163
1.1 Quadra 450µL Disposable Tips .................................................................... 163
1.2 Organic to Aqueous Pipetting ....................................................................... 163
1.3 Non Contact Dispensing ............................................................................... 164
1.4 Clearing Tip Residual ................................................................................... 164
2.0 Quadra 450µL Tip Design ........................................................................................ 164
2.1 Loading the 450µL Disposable Tips .............................................................. 164
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2.2 Adjusting Tip Load Switch ............................................................................. 165
3.0 Quadra 4 Positive Displacement Pipettor Heads .................................................... 166
4.0 Quadra 4 Disposable Multi Volume Head (DMV) .................................................... 167
5.0 Setting the Zero Volume Adjustment for Air Displacement Pipettor Heads ............ 170
6.0 Quadra Shuttle ........................................................................................................ 172
7.0 Stackers .................................................................................................................. 172
8.0 Quadra Stage .......................................................................................................... 173
Section V - Suggested Pipetting Methods & Recommendations ........ 175
1.0 Aspirating ................................................................................................................ 175
2.0 Pipeline Pipetting .................................................................................................... 175
3.0 Dispensing .............................................................................................................. 176
4.0 Mixing ...................................................................................................................... 176
5.0 Titration ................................................................................................................... 176
6.0 Bubbling .................................................................................................................. 177
7.0 Injection ................................................................................................................... 177
Section VI - Pipetting with the Positive Displacement Pipettor Head . 178
1.0 Pipetting 0.5µl with Positive Displacement .............................................................. 178
2.0 Dispensing 0.5µl spots - Aqueous ........................................................................... 178
3.0 Dispensing 0.5µl spots – DMSO ............................................................................. 179
4.0 Protocol Verification ................................................................................................ 179
Section VII - Bioanalytical Applications ................................................. 180
1.0 Aqueous and Organic Pipetting .............................................................................. 180
2.0 Protein Precipitation, Liquid/Liquid, And SPE ......................................................... 180
3.0 Protocol Or Program Security ................................................................................. 181
4.0 Calibration For The Quadra 4 ................................................................................. 181
Section VIII - Quadra 4 Accessories ....................................................... 184
1.0 Custom Reservoirs.................................................................................................. 184
1.1 Keeping Participate Matter in Suspension ..................................................... 184
1.2 Stirring Reservoir ........................................................................................... 184
1.3 Constant Level Reservoir .............................................................................. 185
1.4 Shaker Nest................................................................................................... 185
1.5 Live Bottom Reservoir ................................................................................... 185
1.6 Thermal Retention Reservoir ........................................................................ 185
1.7 Peltier Nest .................................................................................................... 186
1.8 SPE Vacuum Box .......................................................................................... 186
1.9 Filtration System for the Quadra 4 ................................................................. 186
1.10 Auto Regulated Mini Vacuum Trap .............................................................. 187
1.11 Fully Automated Filtration System ............................................................... 187
Section IX - Pipetting Recommendations .............................................. 188
1.0 Tip# 1 ........................................................................................................... 188
2.0 Tip #2 ........................................................................................................... 188
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3.0 Tip #3 ........................................................................................................... 188
4.0 Tip #4 ........................................................................................................... 188
5.0 Tip #5 ........................................................................................................... 189
Section X – Calibration of the Quadra 4® 450µL ................................... 190
1.0 Equipment Required ............................................................................................... 191
2.0 Weighing Vessels .................................................................................................... 191
2.1 Calibration Curve Procedure ......................................................................... 192
2.2 Verification of Calibration Curve Procedure .................................................. 193
3.0Evaporation ......................................................................................................... 193
4.0Pipetting To Weighing Cycle Time ...................................................................... 194
5.0Setup Procedure ................................................................................................. 194
6.0Adding the New Calibration Curve into the Quadra Command System from Data
Points 194
7.0“Calibration Template – Q4” Spreadsheet .......................................................... 195
8.0Creating a New Calibration Curve With Water .................................................... 196
9.0Creating a Verification Curve .............................................................................. 198
10.0“Calibration Template” For the Verification Curve ............................................... 200
11.0Calibration Instructions for 450 µL Head ............................................................. 201
11.1Definitions ................................................................................................. 201
11.2Liquid Used For Calibration Curve Set Volumes ................................................. 201
12.0Ambient Calibration Conditions ........................................................................... 201
12.1Importing an Existing Calibration Curve .................................................... 201
Section XI - Some Properties of Liquids That Affect Pipetting Accuracy
................................................................................................................... 202
1.0 The relationship between liquid and gaseous states of a solvent have an effect on
pipetting ......................................................................................................................... 202
2.0 Additional properties of liquids that might have an effect on pipetting ................... 202
3.0 To compensate for these properties of liquids, the aspirate and dispense steps have
options to improve performance ..................................................................................... 203
Section XII - Head Removal, Installation and Alignment ...................... 204
1.0 Top Rear View ......................................................................................................... 204
2.0 Top Front View (Open Panel) .................................................................................. 205
3.0 Head Installation ...................................................................................................... 206
5.0 450µL Backfill Head Back View .............................................................................. 208
6.0 Tip Block Assembly ................................................................................................. 209
7.0 55µL SV Head ......................................................................................................... 210
8.0 384 SV Tip and Seal Assembly ............................................................................... 211
Section XIII – Routine & Preventive Maintenance by Operator ........... 212
Maintenance and Schedule
....................................................................................... 212
Routine & Preventive Maintenance by Operator ............................................................ 212
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1.0 Lubrication Kit ......................................................................................................... 212
2.0 Cleaning the Pipettor Tips ........................................................................................ 213
3.0 Fuse Replacement ................................................................................................... 214
WARRANTY .................................................................................................................. 215
RETURN POLICY .......................................................................................................... 215
QUADRA 4 DECONTAMINATION FORM ..................................................................... 216
Tomtec Contact Information - If You Need Help ... ........................................................ 217
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Preface
This manual provides general information, installation and operation instructions for
the TOMTEC QUADRA 4®.
Every effort has been made to avoid errors in text and diagrams, however, TOMTEC
assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions which may appear in this
manual.
It is the policy of TOMTEC to improve products as new techniques and components
become available. TOMTEC reserves the right to change specifications at any time.
We welcome your comments on this publication.
TOMTEC, INC.
1000 Sherman Avenue
Hamden, CT 06514 USA
Phone: (203) 281-6790
Fax: (203) 248-5724
Toll Free for USA & Canada: 1-877-866-8323
www.tomtec.com
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Unpacking Instructions
Carefully remove the Quadra 4 from the shipping carton and place on a level surface.
When moving the equipment, lift only in the locations indicated by Figure A. Do not lift or
handle the equipment by the X-Y table.
Locating the Quadra 4
When selecting a suitable place to set up your Quadra 4, please consider the
following:
The Quadra 4 should be placed on a level surface. A slanted surface can cause the
liquid to pool to one side of a well or reservoir and may impair your ability to fully
pipette out small volumes.
Be sure to leave at least four inches (10 centimeters) between the back of the
Quadra 4 and any wall or shelving that may impair the movement of air through the
cooling fans.
Although the Quadra 4 can supply its own air pressure, some accessories may
require a water source (normally DI), a vacuum source, a place to drain waste liquid,
or additional space for a vacuum trap or controller module.
For overall space requirements, please refer to the instrument dimensions under
"Physical Specifications" on page 12.
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Section I - General Information
CAUTION: IF THE EQUIPMENT IS USED IN A MANNER NOT SPECIFIED
BY THE MANUFACTURER, THE PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE
EQUIPMENT MAY BE IMPAIRED.
The Quadra 4 is designed for use with various liquids, aqueous
or organic solutions with a pH near neutral. As the pH of the
solution moves away from neutral, various parts may be
affected, depending on the length of time they are in contact.
The user has full responsibility for the selection of compatible
liquids and for thoroughly rinsing the system after use. Damage
resulting from improper use of liquids and lack of cleaning are
the user's responsibility and may void the warranty.
Important Note:
Powered accessories such as Vacuum Traps, Autotraps and
Shaker Nests, should not be connected with the Quadra 4
powered on. Please turn off AC power
BEFORE
connecting
these accessories.
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Specifications & Technical Information
QUADRA 4
Environmental Specifications
Operating environment
INDOOR USE ONLY
Temperature 5ºC to 40ºC (41 ºF to 104 ºF
Humidity: 20%-90% (no condensation)
Storage environment
INDOOR USE ONLY
Temperature: 0 °C to 60 °C (32 °F to 140 °F)
Humidity: 5%-90% (no condensation)
Physical Specifications
Dimensions:
Width: 30” (762 mm)
Depth: 21” (534mm)
Height: 33” (838mm)
Weight: 200lbs (90.71kg)
Shuttle Extension: 9.5” (241mm) L/R
Shuttle Extension: 6” (153mm) (Front to Back)
Electrical Specifications
Power requirements:
100VAC NOM, 60Hz @ 4.0 AMP
105-125VAC 60Hz @ 4.0 AMP
230-240, 50Hz @ 2.0 AMP
Pneumatic Specifications
Internal Compressed Air
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Warnings, Cautions, Notes, & Symbols
Throughout this manual, there may be blocks of text printed in bold type within boxes
or italic type. These blocks are warnings, cautions, and notes, and they are used as
follows:
WARNING:
A WARNING INDICATES THE POTENTIAL FOR BODILY HARM
AND TELLS YOU HOW TO AVOID THE PROBLEM.
CAUTION:
A CAUTION INDICATES EITHER POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO
HARDWARE OR LOSS OF DATA AND TELLS YOU HOW TO AVOID THE
PROBLEM.
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better
use of your Quadra.
In this manual, there may be symbols within triangles, and they are used
as follows: The lighting flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated
"dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the instrument.
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Introduction
The TOMTEC Quadra 4 is a third generation liquid handling workstation with
numerous optional pipetting head configurations available with or without stackers,
formatting stage selections and protocol specific accessories. Your local TOMTEC
Sales Engineer or our Worldwide Distribution Network can offer customer assistance
in selecting the correct model, pipetting head and accessories to fit individual
requirements.
The Quadra 4 incorporates an embedded PC, 15" full Color Display, our unique
Quadra 4 Command Software, and wireless keyboard. In addition, the embedded
PC provides 4 USB ports and internet network capabilities.
This manual will describe the standard Quadra 4 Pipettor - both with or without
stackers. Additional pipetting head configurations and stage options are outlines in
APPENDIX A at the end of this manual.
An electronic copy of this manual is provided in PDF Format and is resident on the
internal hard drive in the instrument.
Login Instructions
The Quadra 4 uses the login functions available with the MS Windows 7® Operating
System installed in the embedded PC. This feature gives the user the option of
setting operational privileges and parameters for each individual using the Quadra 4.
The Quadra 4 shipped to you has a default login with administrator privileges :
administrator (PW = password)
tomtec (PW = Tomtec)
Privileges of defaults:
administrator – full application and MS Windows privileges
tomtec - operation of application programs
- create application programs
- upload and download USB ports
The Administrator can add, delete, change users, functionality, passwords, etc. by
using the MS Windows 7 functions (control panel – user accounts).
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Quadra 4 Pictorials
Quadra 4, Front View
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Quadra 4, Side Views
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Quadra 4 (with stackers), Rear View
Aux.
Pres
sure
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Quadra 4 (without stackers)
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Quadra 4 Access Panel
(Front Access Panel)
Recommended to be used by TOMTEC Service Technicians only!
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Compressor & Pneumatics
Pneumatic Panel Description
The front panel provides manual access to the pneumatic system. The pressure gauge
may be connected to several ports for readout.
Compressor Pressure: 30psi for 60 Hz operation.
25psi for 50Hz operation.
NOTE: Due to normal compressor pulsing, do not leave the pressure gauge connected
to the compressor for long time periods. This affects the life of the pressure gauge.
Blowout Pressure: This is set by the regulator on the right hand side of the
Quadra 4. It will range from 0psi to 5psi. A more accurate
pressure reading is available on the front display.
Elevator Pressure:
Regulatory Accessory (API) Pressure:
At system pressure (not a user adjustment).
This pressure is set by the R2 pressure regulator.
It must be less than 10psi or it will rupture the bladder in the various nests.
Switches: Elevator Override - Actuates the stacker elevators.
Compressor Bypass:
Shuts off the internal air compressor and connects system to external air
supply. External air supply must not exceed 35psi.
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