VWR Gel Documentation Imager2 User manual

Version 01 Issue 04/2021
Instruction Manual
VWR®Gel Documentation Imager2
EUROPEAN CATALOGUE NUMBER: 730-1458

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Legal address of Manufacturer
Europe
VWR®International bv,
Researchpark Haasrode 2020
Geldenaak sebaan 464
B-3001 Leuven
[phone]
http:be.vwr.com
UK Importer:
VWR International Ltd
Hunter Boulevard, Magna Park
Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 4XN
http://uk.vwr.com
Country of origin
UK

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Legal Address of Manufacturer
2
Safety Instructions
5
Unpacking a Imager2 System
10
Removing from the Packaging
10
Visual Inspection
10
Unpacking the Main Box
10
Overview
12
Imager2 Overview
12
Imager 2
13
Gel Doc image capture Software
15
Software Installation
17
Minimum System Requirements
17
Software Installation
17
Run the Set-up Program
18
Select the Instrument Hardware Information
18
Select if running Gel Doc in a CFR21 part 11 Compliance environment
18
Select the Installation Folder Destination Location
18
Select the Start Menu Folder
19
Install Device Drivers using the Device Driver Installation Wizard
19
Operating
22
Operator Controls
22
Rear Panel
22
Touch Screen PC
22
Connected PC
22
Instrument Set-up - Standard Darkroom
22
Operator Accessories
23
Lights
23
Filters
24
Switching Instrument On
25
Entering Hardware Details
28
Entering Personal Preferences
31
Adjusting Basic Screen Viewing Size
35
Recommended Light / Dye / Accessory and Other Application Tables
36
Loading Test Samples
36
Converter Screens Installed
36
Ultra-slim Blue Light LED Transilluminator Installed
36
White Light Pad Installed
36
Automatic Gel Image Capture Mode
37
DNA/RNA Agarose Gel and DNA/RNA Acrylamide Gel
37
Visible Protein Gel
37
Automatic Blot Image Capture
37
Visible Blot
37
Automatic Image Capture - Sample Positioning
38
Automatic Image Capture - Capturing the Image
41
Automatic Image Capture - Image Actions Following Capture
44
Manual Image Capture Mode
44
Manual Image Capture - Start
44
Manual Image Capture - Single Image
45
Manual Image Capture - Series
46
Manual Image Capture - Additive Series
54
Manual Image Capture - Multiplex
59
Manual Image Capture - Image Actions Following Capture
63
Protocols - Saving, Opening and Editing
69
Introduction
69
Creating and Saving a Protocol
69
From the Home Screen
69
In Auto Image Capture Mode
71
In Manual Image Capture Mode
72
Table of Contents

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Using Protocols
73
Opening a Protocol
73
Deleting a Protocol
75
Editing a Saved Protocol
75
Image Functions
77
Load Images Screen
77
Image Actions from Load Images Screen
79
View Images Screen
79
View Images Screen - Single Images
80
View Images Screen - Multiplexed Images
80
View Images Screen - Image Display Options
80
View Images Screen - Combining Single Images into a New Multiplexed Image
84
Image Edit Screen
85
Image Edit Screen - Image Editing Main Options
86
Image Edit Screen - General Option
86
Image Edit Screen - Annote Option
88
Image Edit Screen - Enhance Option
91
Image Edit Screen - General / Annotate / Enhance Options Common Control
93
Image Edit Screen - 3D View Option
94
Image Edit Screen - All Options Common Controls
97
Common Screen Functions and Tools
98
Saving Images
99
Printing
102
Operator Maintenance
109
Looking After a Imager2 Instrument
109
Cleaning a Imager2 Instrument
109
Contacting VWR International
109
User Replacable accessories and spare parts
110
Imager2 Troubleshooting
111
Disposal
112
Disposing of a Imager2
112
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
112

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Safety Instructions
Safety Practices
This document describes the general safety practices and precautions that must be observed when
operating a VWR®Gel Documentation Imager2 System.
This advice is intended to supplement, not supersede, the normal safety codes in the user’s country. The
information provided does not cover every safety procedure that should be followed. Ultimately,
maintenance of a safe laboratory environment is the responsibility of the user and the user’s organisation.
Please consult all documentation supplied with the Imager2 System before starting to work with the
instrument. Carefully read the safety information in this document and in the other documentation supplied.
When setting up the instrument or performing analysis or maintenance procedures, strictly follow the
instructions provided.
Warning Notices
Within this User Guide WARNINGS are used to highlight information or instructions that must be followed
in order to avoid personal injury to yourself or other people in the vicinity, e.g. switch off the mains voltage
and remove the mains cord before cleaning.
WARNINGS appear as below:
WARNING
Switch off the mains voltage and remove the mains cord before cleaning.
WARNING
Ensure that all instrument users read and understand the precautions listed below.
WARNING
You are advised to post a copy of the precautions near to or on the instrument itself.
Precautions
The following precautions must be observed when using a Imager2 System:
Be sure that the voltage of the Imager2 System corresponds to the voltage available where it is to
be installed.
Never remove the side or back panels of the Imager2 System without first shutting down the
instrument and disconnecting the mains cord.
General Operating Conditions
Imager2 Systems have been designed and tested in accordance with the safety requirements of the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Imager2 Systems conform to IEC61010-1:2010 (Safety

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Requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use) as it applies to IEC
Class 1 (earthed) appliances, and therefore meet the requirements of EC directive 2006/95/EC.
If possible, avoid any adjustment, maintenance or repair to the instrument while it is open and operative.
However, if any adjustment, maintenance or repair is necessary while the instrument is open, this must be
done by a skilled person who is aware of the hazards involved.
Whenever circumstances arise that mean a Imager2 System may be unsafe, make it inoperative. In
particular, a Imager2 System may be unsafe if it:
Shows visible damage.
Fails to perform the intended measurement.
Has been subjected to severe transport stresses.
Has been subjected to prolonged storage in unfavorable conditions.
Environmental Conditions
Imager2 System should only be used under the following conditions:
Indoors.
At altitudes below 2000m.
In ambient temperatures between 5°C and 40°C.
With relative humidity below 80% for temperatures up to 31°C, decreasing linearly to 50% relative
humidity at 40°C.
Electrical supply fluctuations not exceeding +10% of the nominal voltage.
WARNING
The protection provided by the equipment may be impaired if the environmental
conditions do not lie within these parameters.

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Electrical Safety
Imager2 Systems are designed to protect the user from potential electrical hazards. This section describes
some recommended electrical safety practices.
WARNING
Lethal voltages are present at certain points within the instrument.
When the instrument is connected to mains power, removing the instrument covers
is likely to expose live parts.
Even when the power switch is off, high voltages can still be present –capacitors
within the instrument may still be charged even if the instrument has been
disconnected from all live voltage sources.
The Imager2 System must be correctly connected to a suitable electrical supply. The supply must have a
correctly installed protective conductor (earth or ground) and must be installed and checked by a qualified
electrician before connecting the instrument.
WARNING
Any interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside the Imager2 System,
or disconnection of the protective conductor terminal is likely to make the
instrument dangerous.
Intentional interruption of the protective conductor is prohibited.
WARNING
Ensure that the mains supply socket on the instrument is not obstructed, i.e. leave a
gap to allow easy disconnection of the mains cord.
WARNING
If the mains power cord has to be replaced, ensure that the replacement cord is
appropriately rated and approved for the intended use.
When working with the Imager2 System:
Connect the instrument to a correctly installed mains power outlet that has a protective conductor
connection.
Do not operate the instrument with any covers or internal parts removed.
Do not attempt to make internal adjustments or replacements except as directed in the Imager2
System documentation.
Disconnect the instrument from all live voltage sources before opening it to make any
adjustments, replacements, maintenance or repair. If the opened instrument must be operated for
further adjustment, maintenance or repair, this must only be done by a supplier’s Service
Engineer.
If it is possible that the instrument is no longer electrically safe for use, make the instrument
inoperative and secure it against any unauthorised or unintentional operation. The electrical
safety of the instrument is likely to be impaired if:
It has any signs of visible damage.
If it has been subjected to prolonged storage in unfavourable conditions.

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If it has been subjected to severe stress during transportation.
Changing a Fuse
There are two User accessible fuses that may need to be replaced:
These are located in the mains power socket on the rear panel of the Imager2 instrument and are
only accessible when the mains power cord has been removed.
To change the fuses:
WARNING
Switch off the instrument and unplug the mains power cord from the electrical
supply.
Gently pull out the fuse holder.
Replace the fuses with new fuses of the same type and rating. The fuse type is 20 mm x 5 mm
IEC 60127-1:2006, AMD1:2011 and AMD2:2015 CSV for instruments in all countries.
Replace the fuse holder.
Note: Accessories such as the GelVue Transilluminator may have their own fuse.
Note: If the instrument still does not work correctly after replacing the fuses with the correct
replacements, or if the fuses blow repeatedly, contact the supplier’s Office or Representative.
Electrical Protection
Insulation: Class I rating for external circuits. Only connect equipment that meets the
requirements of IEC 61010-1:2010, IEC 60950-1:2005, AMD1:2009 and AMD2:2013 CSV or
equivalent standards.
Installation Category: The instruments are able to withstand transient overvoltages typically
present on the mains supply. The normal level of transient overvoltages is impulse withstand
(overvoltage) category II of IEC 60664-1:2007.
Pollution Degree 2: Normally only non-conductive pollution occurs. Occasionally, however,
temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be expected.
EMC Compliance
EC Directive
The Imager2 System is designed and tested to meet the requirements of the EC directive 2004/108/EC and
93/68/EEC. The instrument complies with the EMC standard EN61326-1:2013 (EMC standard for electrical
equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use) and EN 55011:2009 and A1:2010 (ISM) class A (rf
emissions).
FCC Rules and Regulations
The Imager2 System is classified as a digital device used exclusively as industrial, commercial or medical
test equipment. It is exempt from the technical standards specified in Part 15 of the FCC Rules and
Regulations based on Section 15.103 (c).

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UV Safety
The Imager2 System uses epi mid wave UV tubes and UV transilluminator. If the door is opened the image
capture software will automatically switch off the UV light.
To override the UV light when the door is open for cutting bands out of your gel please follow the
instructions listed below;
1. Open the Imager2 door and locate the top white switch under the black square button. Pull the top
white switch out.
2. Then press the black square button and hold for a few seconds until you hear the UV
transilluminator switch on.
Warning Labels
Warning labels attached to the instrument draw attention to specific hazards - refer to this User Guide and
other documentation provided with the instrument for more details concerning potential hazards and any
precautions or other actions that must be taken.
WARNING
To prevent potential personal injury and damage to the instrument, switch OFF all
components in the system and disconnect them from the mains power supply
before altering, or making any new electrical connections.
WARNING
Please ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used when overriding UV
light source.
It is recommended that a laboratory coat is worn, a UV visor and gloves.
UV override switch
Top white switch needs to be
pulled out to override UV
light.

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Unpacking a VWR®Imager2 System
Removing from the Packaging
Visual Inspection
Upon taking delivery of a new Imager2 Instrument:
Check the contents of the cartons as they are unpacked against the contents listed on the
packing list
Check each item on the packing list for damage and document any damage carefully
If any items are missing or damaged, contact your local distributor immediately
Unpacking the Main Box
The Imager2 Instrument is packaged in a large carton which is securely strapped. Some Instruments may
be shipped as a carton only, others may be shipped with the carton strapped onto a wooden pallet.
Accessories are shipped in one or more separate cartons.
To unpack a typical Imager2 Instrument:
WARNING
A Imager2 Instrument requires two people to lift it safely. A Imager2 Instrument
complete weighs approximately 37kg (Standard model).
UNPACKING A IMAGER2
Original packing of Imager2
Remove the strapping and tape
Open the cardboard carton top flaps
Remove the carton and gently lift the
Imager2 out

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6. Carefully unpack the accessories.
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Mains power cord - suitable for country of use
Camera to PC lead (USB Mini-B to USB Type A)
Darkroom to PC lead; serial lead (9-way D-type male to 9-way D-type female) plus serial/USB
converter (9-way D-type male to USB Type A)
Pre-ordered Emission Filters
Transilluminator
UltraBright LED blue light transilluminator
Visible light converter screen
White light pad
Attach the camera, slide the
transilluminator into place, and put on
camera cover
Imager2 ready for use

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Overview
Imager2 Overview
The Imager2 is a high resolution systems capable of imaging all your fluorescence requirements. Imager2
system can be used for a wide range of imaging applications including; DNA/RNA gels, Fluorescence and
visible gels.
The Imager2 Instrument comprises two main components:
Darkroom - this provides a completely black environment into which the sample to be imaged is
enclosed. Samples can be placed into the Darkroom directly onto a screen, a transilluminator or a
white light pad.
Imaging System - samples are illuminated with a specified light source or sources and imaged
directly or through specified filters. Four types of light source are available:
UV lamps of known wavelengths (254-nm, 302-nm and 365-nm) located above the LED
light modules on either side of the instrument. These illuminate the sample from above.
Blue LED lights on transilluminators, providing side and through lighting of samples, an
alternative is to use a blue converter screen over the UV transilluminator.
UV lights on transilluminators, providing side and through lighting of samples.
A white light pad , an alternative is to use a visible light converter screen over the UV
transilluminator.
In addition, white LED lights are provided on each side of the Darkroom to provide general
illumination when positioning and setting up samples.
Between the Darkroom and the lens/camera there is a rotating screen with spaces for up to 7 filters
to be inserted. The screen is indexed, enabling the location and specification of each installed filter
to be specified to the Gel Doc image capture software.
Imager2 Instruments have a new generation of camera - having 5 million pixels, giving the system
range outstanding sensitivity and versatility.

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Imager2
Imager2
Image resolution (megapixels)
5
Effective resolution (megapixels)
15.3
A/D
12/16 bit
Greyscales
65 536
Quantum efficiency @ 425nm
52%
Cooling - regulated
n/a
Lens (motor driven)
f1.2
Filter wheel (7 position)
●
UV filter*
●
Use with external PC
●
Darkroom - standard
●
EPI LED white lights
●
EPI UV 302nm**
●
Visible light converter (33 x 31
cm)
●
White light pad for visible stains
(20 x 14 or 20 x 30 cm)
●
UltraBright LED blue light
transilluminator (20 x 16 cm)
●
UV transilluminator 302nm (20 x
20 cm)***
●
Maximum image area (cm)
35.2 x 24.1
Minimum image area (cm)
5.6 x 4.2
W x H x D (cm)
57 x 84 x
45
Weight (kg)
37
Supply voltage (V ac)
115 / 240
* other emission filters are available
** other wavelengths are available
*** other sizes and wavelengths are available including dual wavelength

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The Imager2 system is suited to the applications detailed below:
APPLICATIONS
Imager2
Affordable system for routine fluorescent
and visible gel imaging.
High resolution 5MP camera for good
spatial resolution.
Effective resolution up to 15.1MP.
Motor driven lens
Integral white LED lighting for sample
positioning, visible light applications and
colorimetric markers.
Motor driven 7-position filter wheel with
UV filter to extend applications.
Automatic or manual control using Gel
Doc image capture software.
Pre-defined 1-click protocols for rapid
imaging.
Unlimited user saveable protocols.
Use with UV transilluminator for DNA
imaging.
Use converter screen for visible light
applications such as protein gels.
Use with blue LED UltraBright
transilluminator for safe-dye applications.
Includes unlimited copies of Gel Doc
analysis software.
IQ/OQ qualification protocols as
available.
APPLICATIONS INDEX
Imager2
DNA gels
●
Protein gels
●
Multiplex gels - 3 or more colours
Colony counting
●
2D Gels (DIGE)
Chemiluminescence blots
Colorimetric blots
●
Stain free imaging
Films
●
IR imaging
Bioluminescence
GFP plant imaging

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Gel Doc Image Capture Software
The Gel Doc image capture software runs in a standard Windows environment and provides an application
driven and time-saving workflow for running a variety of life-science applications.
The basic Imager2 Instrument is controlled and operated by the Gel Doc software running on an external
PC operating a standard Microsoft Windows environment. Two cable connections are required between the
PC and the Imager2 Instrument; one for the Darkroom, and one for the Camera.
The raw data recorded by the digital camera is processed by the Gel Doc image capture software to
generate the images and technical files which are the Imager2 Instrument's basic outputs.
The Gel doc image capture software provides both automatic and manual modes of control of the Imager2
hardware and has an inbuilt database of application specific data which it uses in automatic capture mode
to optimise the hardware configuration in order to obtain the optimal sample image. The database contains
information relating to:
Sample format; Gel, Blot, Other
Blot type; Chemiluminescence, Fluorescence, Visible
Sample type; Protein, DNA, RNA
Matrix type; Acrylamide, Agarose
Dye types
Lighting types
CAMERA COVER
INDICATOR LIGHTS
DARKROOM DOOR
DARKROOM DOOR
MANUAL RELEASE
BUTTON

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TYPICAL STANDARD IMAGER2 - FRONT
TYPICAL STANDARD IMAGER2 -
DARKROOM DOOR OPEN
INDICATOR
LIGHTS
CAMERA
MODULE
TRANSILLUMINA
TOR UNIT
ELECTROMAGNETIC
DOOR CATCH
UPPER LIGHT
UNITS - BOTH
SIDES

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Software Installation
Minimum System Requirements
The Gel Doc image capture software can operate on the following Microsoft Windows Operating Systems:
Windows 7 Professional SP3 (32 bit and 64 bit versions),Windows 8 Professional and Windows 10
Note: Home versions of the Windows Operating Systems are not supported.
Software Installation
A Imager2 Instrument needs to have the Gel Doc image capture software installed on the associated PC
from which the instrument is to be controlled.
The Gel Doc image capture software can only be installed from a Windows account that has Administrator
rights. Installation is performed in the following order:
1. Run the Set-up Program
2. Select the Instrument Hardware Information
3. Select the Installation Folder Destination Location
4. Select the Start Menu Folder
5. Install Device Drivers using the Device Driver Installation Wizard
Run the Set-up Program
1. Insert the VWR USB stick and run the Set-Up Program. The following screen will appear:
SETUP –Gel Doc - WELCOME TO THE Gel Doc SETUP WIZARD SCREEN
2. Click on the Next > button. The first Hardware Information screen will appear.

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Select the Instrument Hardware Information
SETUP –Gel Doc- FIRST HARDWARE INFORMATION SCREEN - INSTRUMENT TYPE
3. Select the instrument type that you have by selecting the appropriate radio button, i.e. Imager2.
4. Click on the Next > button. The Setup –Gel Doc Select CFR compliance screen will appear.
Select if running Gel Doc software in a CFR21 part 11 Compliance
environment
SETUP –Gel Doc –CFR COMPLIANCE
Select the Installation Folder Destination Location
SETUP –Gel Doc - SELECT DESTINATION LOCATION SCREEN
5. Select the folder in which you would like the Gel Doc software to be installed:

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To accept the displayed default folder click on the Next > button.
To choose a different folder click on the Browse... button and navigate to the desired
folder or create a new folder. Then click on the Next > button.
Note: The Gel Doc software installation requires free space of at least 80.7 MB.
6. The Setup –Gel Doc Select Start Menu Folder screen will appear.
Select the Start Menu Folder
SETUP –Gel Doc - SELECT START MENU FOLDER SCREEN
7. Select the folder in which you would like Gel Doc program start shortcut to be installed:
To accept the displayed default folder click on the Next > button.
To choose a different folder click on the Browse... button and navigate to the desired
folder or create a new folder. Then click on the Next > button.
8. The Ready to Install screen will appear. Click on the Install button to start the installation
process.
SETUP –Gel Doc - SELECT START MENU FOLDER SCREEN
9. The Device Driver Installation Wizard screen will appear.
Install Device Drivers using the Device Driver Installation Wizard
This part of the installation process installs the software drivers that some computers need in order to
complete the installation.

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DEVICE DRIVER INSTALLATION WIZARD WELCOME SCREEN
10. Click on the Next > button. The Wizard (a sub-program, part of the Gel doc image capture
software) will automatically install the necessary device drivers on the PC that the hardware
device you selected previously needs in order to operate.
Once the device drivers have been installed, the screen will change to the second Device Driver
Installation Wizard screen. This displays details of the device drivers that have been installed.
DEVICE DRIVER INSTALLATION WIZARD FINISH SCREEN
11. Click on the Finish button.
12. The Setup –Gel Doc Completing the Gel Doc Setup Wizard screen will appear. This indicates
that the installation process has finished successfully.
SETUP –Gel Docs - COMPLETING THE Gel Doc SETUP WIZARD SCREEN
13. Click on the Finish button to complete the Set-Up process.
14. Remove the VWR USB stick.