VistaLab Ovation Manual

Operator’s Guide for
Electronic Single Channel
and Macro Volume Pipettes
L065-0001-001 Rev.
0.2-10mL
0.2-10mL

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel Operator’s Guide
Product Description & Specifications 1-1
Pipette Components 1-2
Introduction & Ergonomics 2-1
Ovation pipetting 2-3
Picking Up & Holding 2-3
Selecting Liquid Handling unctions 2-3
Acquiring Tips 2-3
Aspirating and Dispensing 2-4
Ejecting Tips 2-4
Using serological or volumetric pipettes (macro models) 2-5
Getting Started, Keypad & Display 3-1
unction Indicators and Setting Indicators 3-2
Set-Up of Liquid Handling unctions 3-2
Set-Up of Pipette Settings 3-9
Introduction 4-1
Determining a New Calibration actor 4-1
Entering a Known Calibration actor 4-2
Calibration with Serological or Volumetric pipets 4-2
Cleaning Exterior 5-1
Disinfecting Nozzles 5-1
Replacing a Nozzle (Single Channel) 5-1
Replacing a Nozzle (Macro 5mL and 10mL) 5-2
Replacing a Nozzle ilter (Single Channel) 5-3
Replacing a Nozzle ilter (Macro 5mL) 5-4
Replacing a Nozzle ilter (Macro 10mL) 5-5
Replacing a Nozzle Insert (Macro 10mL) 5-5
Battery Information 5-6
Troubleshooting 5-7
Warranty, Safety Compliance & Contact Information A-1
Hazards & Precautions A-2
Operating Temperature & Environment Conditions A-2
Power Supply and Battery Specifications A-2
Chemical Compatibility A-2
Tips & Accessories B-1
TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
BioNatural
Pipetting
Operating
Procedures
Calibration
Maintenance &
Troubleshooting
Appendix A
Appendix B

Volume Dispensing
Catalog# Color Range Increments Accuracy* Precision*
–1.0% at 20L 0.30% at
20L 1065-0020 0.5 — 20L 0.05L –1.5% at
10L 0.50% at 10L
1065-0020L –3.0% at 2L
1.80% at 2L
–0.8% at 125L 0.15% at
125L 1065-0125 2 — 125L 0.5L –0.8% at
62.5L 0.24% at 62.5L
1065-0125L –2.9% at
12.5L 1.00% at 12.5L
–0.8% at 250L 0.15% at
250L 1065-0250 5 — 250L 1L –0.8% at
125L 0.25% at 125L
1065-0250L –2.5% at
25L 1.00% at 25L
–0.75% at 1250L 0.15% at
1250L
1065-1250 25 — 1250L 5L –0.8% at
625L 0.20% at 625L
Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 1 - 1
Ovation BioNatural™pipettes are the ideal ergonomic solution for handling repetitive
and complex liquid handling tasks that contribute to repetitive stress injuries in
today's laboratory. Ovation pipettes increase laboratory efficiency through automated
liquid handling routines, while reducing fatigue and the effect of poor postures.
This manual describes how to use and care for your Ovation electronic single channel
or macro pipette. As you can see from its appearance, it is different from every
pipette that you have used before, therefore please read the instructions carefully.
Upon initial receipt of the pipette, the battery must be charged for 90 minutes prior to
use. (See instructions on page 5–5). Also, please activate the warranty on the VistaLab
Technologies web site – www.vistalab.com. The required on-line form can be found in
the “support” menu. Retain all packing materials in the event that the pipette is to be
sent back to VistaLab Technologies for calibration verification or service.
Electronic single channel and macro Ovation BioNatural Pipettes are adjustable volume,
air displacement, fully electronic motor-driven pipettes intended to aspirate and
dispense precise fluid volumes.
Product Description
1
ELECTRONIC INGLE CHANNEL
AND MACRO OVATION PIPETTE
Yello
Gree
Blue
Purp
Grey
Red
Note: Catalog numbers ending in “L” are left-handed models –
the LCD screen is on the opposite side of the pipette.

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 1 - 2
Description Function
Pipetting Trigger Initiates pipetting action
Tip Eje t Button Ejects disposable pipette tips with minimal thumb force
Adjustable Hook Accommodates left and right handed users
Eje tor Sleeve Stored energy from tip installation releases tips
Nozzle T apered, chemically resistant coupling that secure pipette tips
Body Larger grip surface for comfort, eliminating tight hand grip
Keypad Selects and sets up liquid handling functions, settings and calibration
LCD Indicates liquid handling functions, status, settings, and remaining battery power
Battery Lithium ion rechargeable, located in base of pipette (not shown)
Volume Label Identifies volume range
Re harging Port Power supply connection for battery recharging
Power Supply AC adapter for recharging battery (not shown)
Captive S rew When loosened, allows access to inside of pipette for battery replacement
Serial Number Provides positive identification for the pipette
Ejector
Nozzle
Keypa
Bod
Tip Eject Adjustabl
e
Pipetting
LCD
Recharging Port
Volume
Serial
Captive
Pipette Components
100-
0.2-10mL

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 2 - 1
2
BIONATURAL PIPETTING
Studies have shown that pipetting is the #1 cause of musculoskeletal disorders in the
laboratory – it is, by nature, a repetitive process that puts strain on the body. While
we can’t change how repetitive pipetting is, we can and did change how comfortable
you are while doing it.
The Ovation BioNatural Pipette is the only pipette designed to keep your hand in the
neutral position recommended by ergonomics experts. We call this BioNatural™
pipetting – it allows a lower hand location to ease stress in the shoulder, and a
relaxed wrist angle eliminates uncomfortable extension and radial deviation
movements in the arm. orce, velocity and exertion from repetition or duration have
also been neutralized because of the Ovation pipette’s unique working position and
reduced forces required during operation.
Some practice may be required to change years of posture and habits developed
using standard axial pipettes; the physical benefits of BioNatural pipetting are worth
the practice! When using the Ovation pipette, arm/hand elevation should remain low
to the work surface, wrist rotation should not exceed 90º, and hand posture should
remain relaxed with the wrist and back of hand slightly flexed.
Introduction
Posture
A m elevation emains low,
minimizing st ess to elbow,
shoulde and neck
A loose, elaxed g ip inc eases
available st ength in the hand,
imp oving endu ance and
p oductivity du ing pipetting
W ist emains in a neut al
ange of motion th oughout
all pipetting ope ations

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 2 - 2
Ergonomics experts recommend establishing a “comfort zone” of
movement for the task of pipetting. Position your body within 9” of the
counter surface, and keep the items needed within easy reach. Ideally this
should be 14” or less, and should not exceed 24” of occasional reaching.
Wrist rotation should not exceed 90˚ from the work surface, and arm/hand
elevations should remain low to the counter surface.
Keep a “comfort zone”
for pipetting
14”
Maximum
Rea h
“Comfort Zone”
14”
24”
24”
5. Low arm and
elbow height
4. Neutral forearm
and wrist rotation
3. Relaxed hand grip
2. Low thumb forces
1. Relaxed shoulders
and upper arms
Ovation comfort-zone benefits:
1. Minimized tension and fatigue
2. Minimized exertion and contact stress
3. Low contact pressure
4. Lowest pressure in carpal tunnel and to median nerve
5. Minimized tension to shoulder and elbow

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 2 - 3
The Ovation pipette has been designed
to allow the body of the pipette to fill
your palm. Rotate the adjustable
hook to
rest comfortably on your forefinger. The
texture of the unit’s back helps reinforce
correct hand positioning.
The unique ergonomic design and
adjustable hook is compatible for both
right and left-handed use.
Keep hand posture relaxed – there’s no
need for a “firm grip” when using an
Ovation pipette.
The Ovation pipette’s keypad is easy to
use and provides access to all liquid
handling functions and settings. Simply
press the buttons on the keypad,
monitoring the selection of functions or
changes to settings on the LCD display.
Complete information and examples of
all liquid handling functions and
settings are included in “Operating
Procedures” - Chapter 3 of this guide.
While maintaining a flat wrist-hand
posture, insert the Ovation pipette
nozzles into a tip. Press down until you
hear or feel a “click”. This “click”
indicates that the tip is properly seated
and ready for use.
Picking Up the Pipette
electing Liquid
Handling Functions
and Changing
ettings
Acquiring Tips

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 2 - 4
Smooth gliding movements of the upper
extremities with proper posture and
minimal stress is the key to ergonomically
correct pipetting. Maintain a low forearm
elevation and neutral wrist posture
throughout the pipetting cycle. With
Electronic Single Channel models, Immerse
pipette tip to an appropriate depth (1mm
for 0.5–20µL, 2 to 3mm for 2µL–125µL & 5-
250µL, an 2 to 4mm for 25–1250µL). Press
& release the pipetting trigger to aspirate
sample. Press pipetting trigger again to
dispense or mix sample.
Aspirating and dispensing large sample
volumes traditionally create ergonomic
challenges because of an axial pipette’s
design, elongated macro tips, or the
overall length of typical serological pipets .
The Ovation macro pipette allows the
operator to minimize wrist rotation and
arm elevation.
Immerse pipette tip into sample, then
press and release the pipetting trigger to
aspirate. Wait one second after beep
tone, then remove tip and place it into
dispensing container at same angle
used during aspiration. Press pipetting
trigger again to dispense or mix sample.
Note: To inte upt aspi ating cycle and/o
p event accidental ove filling of a pipet (as
when set volume exceeds capacity of
se ological pipet), quickly p ess and elease
pipetting t igge . PURGE will be on
display. P essing pipetting t igge again
then expels any liquid o ai bubbles in the
tip o pipet.
Ovation pipettes store energy captured
during the acquisition of a tip, and use
it to discard tip when the tip eject button
is pressed. Point pipette tip into a suitable
waste container and press the tip eject
button to discard the tip.
To minimize forearm elevation and
“reaching”, position the waste container
below worksurface level or use shallow
containers. Raising the arm to discard
tips into a tall receptical on the counter
may negate some of the benefits of
Ovation’s low-profile design.
Aspirating and
Dispensing
Ejecting Tips

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 2 - 5
When extra length is needed to reach
the bottom of tall vessels, glass or
plastic serological or volumetric pipets
can be used with Ovation macro
volume models.
The nozzle on the 0.2-10mL model
accommodates both tips and pipets.
Insert the end of a pipet into the nozzle
until it stops. To remove the pipet,
manually pull it out of the nozzle.
The 100-5000mL model requires
installation of a Sero-Adapter prior to
use with serological pipets. The adapter
easily attaches to the pipette in place
of
its standard nozzle (See instructions
below). Insert the end of a pipet into the
Sero-Adapter until it stops. To remove
the pipet, manually pull it out of the
Sero-Adapter. Re-install the standard
nozzle to use pipette tips.
Using serological
or volumetric
pipets
(macro mo els only)
1. Place a macro pipette tip onto the nozzle and push
on ejector sleeve until click is heard. Grip tip firmly
near the nozzle, and turn it in a counterclockwise
direction to unscrew and remove nozzle from
pipette. Store nozzle in a safe place.
2. Carefully screw on adapter (clockwise). Ensure
adapter is square to threads for proper installation.
Installing a
ero-Adapter
(100-5000µL mo el only)
Nozzle
Note: Due to the
a itional length of the air
column or variations in
markings on serological or
volumetric pipets, it may
be necessary to a just the
Ovation’s calibration
factor. To optimize
performance, review the
calibration instructions in
chapter 4.

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 3 - 1
3
OPERATING PROCEDURE
The general steps to set up and operate an electronic single channel or macro model
Ovation pipette are:
1. Select a liquid handling function
2. Review and/or change settings as required
3. Acquire tip
4. Run the liquid handling function according to its protocol
5. Eject disposable tip into a proper waste container.
amiliarize yourself with the use of the keypad, display prompts, set-up and use of
the pipette’s liquid handling functions in this chapter before use.
Getting tarted
Button Description
Advances display to next liquid handling function in the run
mode. When in set-up, the button advances display to
the next setting within the liqui han ling function that can
be changed.
When changing the setting(s) within a liqui han ling
function, pressing the or button adjusts the settings.
When pressed together and held, they are used to access
pipette settings.
Description
Pipette Keypad
Pipette Display
UP DOWN
example
Displays volume an values
uring set-up, e.g. # of mix
cycles, # of multiple ispenses
Symbol in icates next
portion of aspirate (up) or
ispense ( own) cycle to
be performe
Displays liquid handling
function , setting or prompt
that is active
Icon in icates
remaining
battery capacity
Displaye when cal factor has
been change from factory
setting of 1.000

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 3 - 2
Function Indicator
p1 p2 p3
PDB
(no function shown)
multi
sdilu
mix
rever
(not available on
Macro models)
Function Description
Pipette Routine aspirating and dispensing at stored (user-defined)
volumes (also known as TC or "to contain" pipetting). Sample
volume is dispensed with blow-out to expel all liquid.
(P3 not available on macro mo els))
Pipette with Routine aspirating and dispensing at a stored (user-defined)
Delayed Blowout volume ("to contain" pipetting) with a delayed blowout. This
is especially useful when using viscous liquids or serological
pipets. (Available on macro mo els only)
Pipette Aspirating and dispensing in pipette function at a dynamic
user-defined volume.
Multiple Dispense Repetitive dispensing function of equal volumes. The
pipette calculates and aspirates the total volume required,
then dispenses in multiple aliquots. An automatic repetitive
dispensing utility, PACE, can be activated by holding the
pipette trigger while dispensing.
Serial Dilute A sequence of dilutions. Sample is aspirated, dispensed into
diluent and mixed. Diluted sample is automatically aspirated
for addition to the next diluent.
Mix Repetitive cycles of aspirating and dispensing.
Reverse Pipette A sample transfer function based on delivered dispense
volume (also known as TD or “to deliver” pipetting).
Sample volume is aspirated with slight overage and the
desired volume is dispensed, leaving some liquid in the tip
that is then purged.
etting Indicator
FILL
Speed
Dis
Disp
Mix
Vol
Description
Volume to be dispensed (when using p1, p2, p3 or PDB,
this is also the volume that will be aspirated).
Speed at which the pipette aspirates, dispenses and mixes
within a liquid handling function. 5 settings are available.
(1 is the slowest and 5 is the fastest)
Shows the number of dispenses remaining when using the
MULTI function.
The volume of individual dispense(s) when setting up the
MULTI function.
The volume of the dilution to be mixed when using the
SDILU function.
The volume to be mixed when using the MI function.

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 3 - 3
etting Indicator
Count
Purge
Zero
Pace
Tone
LCD
Sleep
HOME
Introduction
Description
The number of dispenses when using the MULTI function, or
the number of mix cycles (1-9) when using SDILU or MI
functions.
Last step in some Liquid Handling unctions, or is displayed
when a function has been interrupted.
Indicates that the pipette pistons are at the blow-out or lowest
position at the end of a MI function.
Pace is an adjustable timed interval delay between
automatic repetitive dispenses when using the MULTI
function (1 is slowest setting, 4 is fastest).
Ovation pipettes use “beep” tones to indicate various
actions, or can be disabled.
• A single beep tone indicates the end of a pipetting step.
• A double beep tone indicates the completion of the (last)
dispense cycle when using the MULTI function and REVER .
• A triple beep tone indicates the end of a liquid handling
function.
• An alert tone indicates the pipetting trigger was pressed
before set-up was completed, or an illegal action or
programming error has occurred.
The contrast on the liquid crystal display can be adjusted as
needed.
After 10 minutes of inactivity, the pipette automatically
enters SLEEP to conserve battery power. Press any button
or the pipetting trigger to resume operation.
When the pipette is first activated from SLEEP, the HOME
prompt is displayed while the plungers are automatically
reset.
et-up of Liquid Handling Functions
The Ovation pipette’s keypad is easy to use and provides access to all liquid handling
functions and settings. Simply press the buttons on the keypad to step through the
various functionss and make changes to settings. When a setting indicator is flashing, this
indicates that the setting has been changed from a previously “saved” setting.
During setup, settings such as speed, count, and mix may appear within a liquid
handling function. While their set-up is similar in all cases, they must be established
independently within each liquid handling function.

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 3 - 4
Ovation pipettes provide user-defined pre-sets for routine pipetting (TC or “to contain”)
at exact volumes with automatic blow-out (P1, P2 & P3 on electronic single channel
models, P1 & P2 on macro models). An additional pipetting function (PDB) with a
delayed blow-out is available on macro models which may be desirable when using
viscous liquids or a serological pipet. Volume and speed settings are stored for easy
recall and use.
To set-up and run a P1, P2, P3 or PDB liquid handling function, follow these steps:
Example: Pipette 500µL of sample
1. Press and release until P1, P2, P3 or PDB appears on the display.
2. Press or and the FILL appears on the display with the current volume
setting. Press and hold or to rapidly scroll to the desired setting, or press
and release or to step the volume measurement to the desired setting.
3. Press and release to lock-in the new volume setting and advance to the current
Speed setting.
4. Press and release or until the desired speed is displayed. (1 is slowest setting,
5 is fastest).
5. Press and release to lock-in the Speed setting and exit setup.
6. Aspirate sample by pressing and releasing the pipetting trigger.
7. Press the pipetting trigger to dispense sample. When using P1, P2 or P3, blow-out
is performed automatically to expel all liquid.
To prevent accidental re-aspiration of sample after blow-out, the pipetting
trigger can be held down during dispensing. Move tip away from the dispensing
area before releasing the pipetting trigger.
If using the PDB function (macro models only), press the pipetting trigger again to
initiate blow-out. This operator-controlled delayed blow-out may be desired when
using viscous liquids or a serological pipette.
etting a dynamic volume
To aspirate and dispense any volume, it is not necessary to store the new volume
setting. Simply press and release until
P1
,
P2
,
P3
or
PDB
appears on the display,
then press or until the desired volume is displayed. Press and or to
change speed if desired. Press and release the pipetting trigger to begin pipetting.
Note: P1, P2 or P3 will not appear on the display. This volume will remain active until
another liquid handling function or volume is selected; pre-set volumes for
P1
,
P2
,
P3
or
PDB
remain unchanged.
Pipette
P 1
10 0
.
0µ
L
FILL
10 0
.
0µL
Fill
50 0
.
0µL
Speed
.
2
SPEED
4
7
5
P 1
50 0
.
0µ
L
5
200
.
0µ
L
5
P 1
50 0
.
0µL
6
Liquid Handling Functions
!
7

Multiple Dispense is a repetitive pipetting function for dispensing equal volumes.
Once a dispense volume and the number of dispenses are established, the Ovation
pipette automatically calculates the total fill volume required.
To set-up and run a Multiple Dispense liquid handling function, follow these steps:
Example: Dispense a 50µL aliquot, 10 times
1. Press and release until MULTI appears on the display.
2. Press or and DISP appears on the display with the current volume setting
for individual dispenses. Press or until the desired volume is displayed.
3. Press and release to lock-in the new volume setting and advance to the
current COUNT setting.
Note: The count setting will either be the last number of dispenses used or the
maximum number of full dispenses that can be performed at the new volume setting.
4. Press and release or until the desired number of dispenses is displayed.
5. Press and release to lock-in the new COUNT setting and advance to the
current speed setting.
6. Press and release or until the desired speed is displayed (1 is slowest speed, 5 is
fastest).
7. Press and release to lock-in the Speed setting and exit setup.
8. Aspirate sample by pressing and releasing the pipetting trigger. The total
volume required to complete all dispenses and FILL is displayed while the
volume is being aspirated.
9. Press and release the pipetting trigger to dispense each aliquot. The display will
indicate the volume being dispensed, and the number of dispenses remaining.
To activate Pace , press and hold the pipetting trigger when dispensing, and
aliquots will be dispensed automatically at a timed interval until the pipetting
trigger is released or the last dispense is performed. See the Pace instructions
to set-up or change the interval setting (page 3-9).
10. After the final volume is dispensed, purge appears on the display. Press and
release the pipetting trigger to discard any remaining liquid in the tip.
Note: purge can be used at any time to end any liquid handling function by
pressing . To cancel purge, press again and resume dispensing.
Multiple
Dispense
Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 3 - 5
m u l ti
850µL
DISP
25µL
DISP
50 µL
D I S 1 0
50µL
PURGE
COUNT
.
5
COUNT
10
5
Fill
500µL
5
6
D I S 9
50µL
6
Speed
.
2
SPEED
5
77
7
7

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 3 - 6
The SDILU liquid handling function performs sequential dilutions. An initial sample
volume is aspirated, dispensed into diluent and then mixed. The diluted sample is
then aspirated for addition to the next diluent.
To set-up and run a Serial Dilute liquid handling function, follow these steps:
Example:
Prepare a 1:2, 1:4, ,1:8 . . . serial dilution using a sample volume of
100µL.
Mix 125µL of each dilution three times.
1. Use the MULTI liquid handling function to dispense 100µL of diluent into each
sample well.
2. Press and release until SDILU appears on the display.
3. Press or and FILL appears on the display with the current volume setting
for aspiration. Press or until the desired setting is displayed.
4. Press and release to lock-in the new volume setting and advance to the
current MI volume.
5. Press or until the desired mix volume is displayed.
6. Press and release to lock-in the new mix volume and advance to the current
COUNT setting.
7. Press or until the desired number of mix cycles (1-9) is displayed.
8. Press and release to lock-in the new COUNT setting and advance to the current
speed setting.
9. Press and release or until the desired speed is displayed (1 is slowest, 5 is fastest).
10. Press and release to lock-in the Speed setting and exit setup.
11. Aspirate 100µL of sample by pressing and releasing the pipetting trigger.
12. Place (filled) tip into the first diluent-filled row, and press and release the pipetting
trigger to dispense sample into the diluent, followed by three mix cycles. After
mixing, 100µL of the diluted sample is automatically aspirated. Move tip to next
row and press pipetting trigger to dispense and mix the next dilution. Continue
until all dilutions are prepared.
13. To empty the tip of liquid after the final dilution is made, press and purge
appears on the display (or to cancel PURGE, press again). Press and release the
pipetting trigger to dispense liquid into an appropriate container.
erial Dilute
SDILU
50 µL
FILL
50 µL
COUNT
.
5
COUNT
3
5
FILL
10 0µ
L
5
SDILu
10 0µ
L
5
M I
75 µL
M I
125µL
Speed
.
2
SPEED
4
7
7
7 7

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 3 - 7
Mix is a liquid handling function with repetitive cycles of aspirating and dispensing of
the same sample. The Mix function can be used independently of other functions
and is included within the SDILU function.
To set-up and run the Mix liquid handling function, follow these steps:
Example: Mix 100µL of solution 5 times
1. Press and release until MI appears on the display.
2. Press or and VOL appears on the display with the current volume setting for
mixing. Press or to scroll to the desired setting.
3. Press and release to lock-in the new volume setting and advance to the
current Count setting.
4. Press and release or until the desired number of mix cycles is displayed (1-9).
5. Press and release to lock-in the new COUNT setting and advance to the current
SPEED setting.
6. Press and release or until the desired speed is displayed (1 is slowest, 5 is fastest).
7. Press and release to lock-in the Speed setting and exit setup.
8. Mix 100µL of sample by pressing and releasing the pipetting trigger.
9. When zero appears on the display, remove tips from solution and press the
pipetting trigger. The pipette is now ready to perform the next Mix function.
Mix
M I
50
.
0µ
L
VOL
50
.
0µL
VOL
10 0
.
0µL
Speed
2
SPEED
4
ZERO
5
M I 5
100
.
0µ
L
5
M I 5
100
.
0µ
L
5
COUNT
.
3
COUNT
5
7
777

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 3 - 8
Reverse Pipette is a sample transfer function based on an exact dispense volume (TD or
“to deliver” pipetting). Sample volume is apirated with a slight overage and the exact
amount is dispensed, leaving some liquid in the tip that is purged with the next press of
the pipetting trigger. This method of pipetting is commonly used for highly volatile or
viscous samples, and/or when working with small microvolumes.
To set-up and run a Reverse Pipette liquid handling function, follow these steps:
Example: Pipette 50µL of sample
1. Press and release until REVER appears on the display.
2. Press or and DISP appears on the display with current volume setting. Press
or tuntil the desired setting is displayed.
3. Press and release to lock-in the new volume setting and advance to the current
Speed setting.
4. Press and release or until the desired speed is displayed (1 is slowest, 5 is fastest).
5. Press and release to lock-in the Speed setting and exit setup.
6. Aspirate sample by pressing and releasing the pipetting trigger.
7. Press and release the pipetting trigger to dispense sample.
8. The
PURGE
prompt is displayed after sample is dispensed. Press and release the
pipetting trigger to purge liquid remaining in the tip into a suitable container. The
pipette is now ready to perform the next Reverse Pipette function.
Reverse Pipette
(Not available on
Ma ro models)
REVER
10 0
.
0µ
L
DISP
10 0
.
0µL
DISP
50
.
0µL
Speed
.
2
SPEED
4
5
REVER
50
.
0µL
5
PURGE
Rever
50µL
5
77
7

LCD
Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 3 - 9
The contrast on the pipette’s liquid crystal display can be adjusted as needed.
Note: disconnecting battery returns LCD to a default intensity.
1. Simultaneously press and hold the buttons until TONE appears on the display.
2. Press and release until LCD appears on the display.
3. Press or to increase or decrease the contrast to desired level. Press to step
to PACE or press the pipetting trigger to return to routine operation.
The Pace setting represents the pause time between automatic repetitive dispenses
while using the Multiple Dispense function.
To change PACE setting, follow the steps below:
1. Simultaneously press and hold the buttons until TONE appears on the display.
2. Press and release until PACE and a numeric value is displayed (1, 2, 3 or 4).
Press the or button until the desired pause interval is displayed (1 is slowest,
4 is fastest). The lower the number, the shorter the delay in milliseconds between
automatic dispenses.
3. Press and release to step to CAL or press the pipetting trigger to return to
routine operation.
Note: To use PACE when in the Multiple Dispense liquid handling function, press and
hold the pipetting trigger when dispensing; aliquots will be dispensed
automatically at the specified interval setting. To interrupt PACE , release the
pipetting trigger.
Pace
Tone
o
n
PACE
2
tone
o
n
L C D + -
IIII
L C D + -
IIII
Ovation pipettes use “beep” tones to indicate various actions. A single beep tone
indicates the end of a pipetting step. A double beep tone indicates the completion of
the (last) dispense cycle when using the multiple dispense or reverse pipette function.
A triple beep tone indicates the end of a liquid handling function
. An alert tone
indicates the pipetting trigger was pressed before set-up was completed or an illegal
action or programming error has occurred.
Beep tones can be disabled if desired as follows:
1. Simultaneously press and hold the buttons until TONE appears on the display.
2. Press or to toggle the “beep” setting ON or O . Press to step to LCD or
press the pipetting trigger to return to routine operation.
Tone
tone
o
n
Tone
off
et-up of Pipette ettings
77

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 4 - 1
4
CALIBRATION
Each Ovation pipette is factory calibrated to manufacturing specifications and a
Certificate of Calibrtation traceable to NIST is enclosed in the unit’s original
packaging. The pipette is calibrated at 21.5˚C (±2˚) and relative humidity of 45%-75%
using distilled wate r. It is recommended that calibration be verified every six months or
on an as-needed basis, whichever is applicable.
The Ovation pipette can be easily in-lab calibrated ±10% for optimum performance at
your operating conditions. In addition, the calibration factor can be pre-determined
and set at the appropriate value for a liquid to be dispensed. Use Ovation’s calibration
software to quickly and easily determine an appropriate calibration factor. Returning
the calibration factor to 1.000 will re-set the Ovation pipette to its original factory
calibration.
For optimum performan e over the en tire pipetting range, verify and
alibrate the pipette using the maximum volume setting. For a spe ifi
liquid at one volume, verify and alibrate at that volume.
The Ovation macro models can be used with a wide variety of serological pipets. In
order to achieve optimum accuracy for a particular brand pipet, it may be necessary to
adjust the Ovation’s calibration.
1. Perform a verification at the desired volume.
2. Simultaneously press and hold the buttons (about 3 secon s) until TONE
appears on the display. Press and release until CAL appears.
Note: To interrupt the calibration sequence at any time, depress and release
the pipetting trigger. No changes will be saved.
3. Press or and Targ (target) and the pipette’s maximum volume is displayed.
4. Press or to change the volume, but only if calibrating at other than the
maximum.
5. Press and MEAS (measured) and the maximum volume is displayed.
6. Press or to enter the actual volume dispensed during verification. (See Step 1)
7. Press and fact (factor) and a new calibration factor is displayed. Record
this factor.
8. Press again and SET (set) appears on the display. After one second, the
pipette accepts and stores the new calibration factor. A “C” may now appear
on the display.
9. Re-verify volume delivery with this new calibration factor.
* or additional information on calibration verification, go to our documentation
library under Support at www.vistalab.com
Introduction
Determining a
New Calibration
Factor

Ovation BioNatural Pipette – Electronic Single Channel and Macro Operator’s Guide 4 - 2
Ovation allows the user to enter a pre-determined calibration factor for a specific
liquid or volume, or return to the factory setting of 1.000.
1. Repeat Step 2 under “Determining a New Calibration actor. Press until CAL
appears on the LCD.
Note: To interrupt the calibration sequence, press and release the plunger.
No changes will be saved.
2. Press or , followed by (2 times) to advance to FACTR on the display.
Record this factor.
3. Press or to enter the known calibration factor.
4. Press and SET (set) then appears on the display while the pipette homes the
plungers. The pipette has accepted and stored the new calibration factor.
5. Verify volume delivery at this new factor, or begin to use the pipette.
Entering a known
Calibration Factor
Due to the additional length of the air column or variations in serological or
volumetric pipets, it may be desired to optimize performance by changing the
internal calibration factor of the Ovation pipette. The factor may vary for different
brands of serological or volumetric pipet used.
Note: or 100-5000µL models, install the Sero-adapter before beginning the
calibration procedure. (See instructions on Page 2–5)
Reco d the cu ent calib ation facto as follows:
1. Simultaneously press and hold (about 3 secon s) until TONE appears on
the display. Press and release until FACTR appears.
2. Record the number displayed. This is the calibration factor when using Ovation
pipette tips. Record this value.
To set the calib ation facto fo use with se ological pipets:
1. In the P1, P2 or PDB liquid handling function, set the macro Ovation to the
maximum volume setting (i.e. 5000µl or 10.00mL).
2. Aspirate water or the liquid to be used with the serological pipet. Using the
graduations on the pipet and the meniscus of the liquid, determine the volume
aspirated. Dispense the liquid. Repeat aspiration and volume determination at
least 3 more times. Average the results.
3. Simultaneously press and hold (about 3 secon s) until TONE appears on
the display. Press and release until CAL appears.
Calibration when
using serological or
volumetric pipets
(mac o models only)