E
1
Introduction
The 2600 Microplate Washer is a microprocessor-controlled automatic microplate washer that
accepts many types of standard microplates and microstrip trays. The instrument will accept
microwells having flat-, round-, or V-bottom configurations. It automatically accommodates
partially filled microstrip trays (dummy wells must be used for partial strips). Plates may be washed
in the A to H direction (8 strips of 12 wells each) or in the 1 to 12 direction (12 strips of 8 wells each)
depending upon the plate orientation in the carrier and the number of wash probes on the head with
user changeable wash heads. The 8-probe wash head is standard, and the 12-probe and 16-probe
heads are available as optional accessories.
Do not attempt to make design changes to the circuitry. Do not install any non-specified replacement
parts. All parts must be obtained through Awareness Technology or your dealer. Consult your dealer
to make arrangements. Use of a fuse of the improper rating may constitute a fire hazard.
Layout
Figure 1 shows the exterior of the instrument, Figure 2 shows the rear panel, and Figure 3 shows the
chassis layout. For clarity of illustration, the aerosol shield is not shown in Figure 1. In Figure 3,
the probe arm and plate bed are removed, and the tubing is not shown.
The interface PCB mounted inside the cover behind the front panel connects to the main PCB by a
26-conductor ribbon cable and header. Two-conductor cables connect the pressure control valve,
the pump, and the pressure relief bleed valve. Four-conductor cables connect the dispense valve
assembly and the sensor input jacks to the main PCB. The mechanism PCB connects to the main
PCB via a 14-conductor ribbon cable terminated with IDC 14-pin DIP plugs.
All AC mains (high voltage) circuitry is enclosed behind the AC cover except the step down
transformer primary.
WARNING
Stainless Steel
Plate bed
Head
Reservoir Cover
Plate Carrier
Figure 1. Instrument Exterior (without aerosol shield)
Pressure
Vacuum
Wash
Rinse Power switch
Waste
Door
Fastener
Waste sensor
Rinse sensor Voltage select
Power inlet
switch
Wash sensor
Pump
exhaust
Mechanism
PCB EPROM
Main
PCB
Probe
motor
Pressure
Left trimpot
plate
Vacuum
sensor
trimpot
Plate
drive
belt
Plate Probe Mechanism Probe Right
motor sensors base rod plate
sensor
* Refer to the "Waste Valve" subheading in the "Principles of Operation"
section of this manual.
** Only the latest bleed valve configuration is illustrated.
*** Dual pump system only. See Figures 3 and 4 for differences in dual
pump and single pump systems.
Pressure
Control Valve
Outlet
EPROM
Mechanism
PCB
Main
PCB
Probe
motor
Pressure
Left trimpot
plate
Vacuum
sensor
trimpot
Plate
drive
belt
Plate Probe Mechanism Probe Right
motor sensors base rod plate
sensor
Pressure
Pump
Bleed
Valve
Vacuum
Pump
Combination
Valve
Bleed
Valve
Pressure /
Vacuum
Pump
Figure 4B. Detail of Pump Bracket for Single Pump System / Combination Valve
Exhaust
Check
Valve
Back Door
Red
Back Door
Blue
Figure 4C. Detail Of Pump Bracket For Single Pump System/ Control Valve and
Check Valve
Principles of Operation
System Control
The instrument is based on the 8-bit Z80 microprocessor U1. The software is permanently stored
in a 27256 EPROM U2. An MK48T08 battery-backed nonvolatile RAM (random access memory)
with real-time clock, U3, is used to store data such as calibration and test setups, and also maintains
the date and time. Almost all digital I/O is accomplished with 8255 Programmable Peripheral
Interface U5. Time intervals and pulse widths are measured using the counter channels of 8254
programmable timer U4, which drives the Z80 INT input. The Z80 NMI input is driven by TCNT,
which is generated by the rotation of the plate transport motor.
Dispense
A DC pressure pump produces 5 psi air pressure (adjustable in software) at the top of the wash and
rinse bottles. The fluid is forced up from the bottle but is stopped by a solenoid pinch valve. The
valve is opened for a precise interval under microprocessor control to allow fluid to flow into the
dispense cavity of the wash head, where it is distributed to stainless steel capillary tubes and then into
eight (or the optional twelve or sixteen) microplate wells. A bleed valve allows the instrument to
relieve pressure during standby and when power is removed.
2600 Series Microplate Washer Service Manual
© 1993-2006 Awareness Technology, Inc. Unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited. Information given in this manual is restricted
for use by authorized personnel and is to be used for the sole purpose of providing routine instrument maintenance and repair services.
Rev. E
7
Aspirate
A vacuum is applied to the waste bottle through a fine hydrophobic aerosol filter and the aspirate
cavity of the wash head. The vacuum is distributed across stainless steel capillary tubes thereby
aspirating the contents of eight (or twelve or sixteen) microplate wells. Early 2600s were configured
with a waste valve on the inlet side of the waste bottle. See the "Waste Valve" subheading below
for a discussion.
Waste Valve
Early instruments in the 2600 series used a waste valve to isolate the waste bottle from the aspirating
tubes when aspiration was not taking place in order to maintain a vacuum in the waste bottle. The
need to maintain a vacuum on the waste bottle was eliminated by Software Revision SRO which
changed the control logic to enable a vacuum cycle on demand only when aspiration is needed. This
software revision allowed the elimination of the waste valve. The software revision and waste valve
deletion was incorporated in production units starting with serial number 2600-1112. In addition,
some of the earlier 2600 models have been modified with Software Revision SRO or newer and the
waste valve has either been removed or bypassed in the field by removing the tubing from the pinch
bar arrangement on the valve. All other 26XX models (2601, 2602, etc.) began manufacture
following the elimination of the waste valve.
Motion Control
Two DC motors, under bidirectional microprocessor control, turn 1/4-20 machined aluminum lead
screws via neoprene belts and nylon pulleys. One motor is dedicated to vertical motion of the probe
arm, the other to the horizontal motion of the plate carrier. Each pulley has several index holes which
create pulses when passing between an IR LED and a phototransistor, providing tachometer pulses
to the microprocessor at the NMI input and via the CLK0 input at 8254 U4. Phototransistors Q3, Q4,
Q6, and Q7, positioned at extremes of the plate and probe movements, disable the motor drivers U17
via NAND gates U18 when the travel limits are reached. Two of these phototransistors, Q3 and Q6,
additionally indicate the home positions to the microprocessor. LEDs D1-D4 provide visual
feedback to the service technician of the tach pulses and home positions. See Figure 6. The
mechanism PCB holds the motor drivers, index pulse buffers, and limit logic, and connects to the
main PCB via a 14-pin DIP cable.
Display and Keypad
A 24 x 2 line character Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is mounted inside the cover. A 4 x 4 membrane
switch keypad is sealed behind the front panel overlay. The LCD connects to an interface PCB via
a 14-pin DIP cable. The tail of the keypad switch layer is fed through the cover and is also connected
to the interface PCB. The interface PCB connects to the main PCB via a 26-conductor header cable.
Watchdog Circuit
All valves and pumps are powered through an IRF9530A MOSFET Q1A, which is in turn driven by
the re-triggerable one-shot comprised of C10, RN3A, and U16A. The microprocessor re-triggers
U16A at intervals smaller than the one-shot period. Should the microprocessor system "crash" or
otherwise malfunction, U16A will time out and shut down the valves and pumps by turning off Q1A.
If this occurs, LED D11 will be extinguished to provide a visual indication.
Power Supply
The power supply consists of a transformer, diode bridges, and two regulators. Line voltage supplied
to the transformer is stepped down to 11VAC (rms) and is fed to diode bridge BR1, which provides
+12VDC (raw, 11-13 VDC nominal) to the pumps and valves. VR2 regulates this down to +5VDC
for the logic and control circuits, as well as the plate and probe motors. VR1 regulates down to
+6VDC for the vacuum and pressure sensors.
Troubleshooting
In this section, each subassembly or component group is discussed, and possible problems and
solutions are outlined.
Test Mode
The instrument can be placed in "test mode" by holding down the YES and ALT keys simultaneously
while powering up the instrument. When in the test mode, the keypad is redefined as shown in Figure
5. The technician can then exercise various components and subsystems independently, to assist in
isolating problems.
Status Indicators
LED status indicators on the main PCB show the motor pulley index pulses, home sensor states, and
the watchdog status. These indicators, described in Figure 6, provide useful visual feedback while
troubleshooting the sensor and motor control circuits.
Available Tests
In addition to test mode, the following tests are available in normal mode. Press YES to run a test,
then enter the number of the desired test. Also listed are the selections available via the AUX key.
Test Function Range
99 List Stored Programs
101 Restore One or All Tests
183 Erase All User Tests
187 Check Probe Sense
201 Set Pressure Levels 0-15 PSI
210 Enter Plate Alignment Parameter 90-150 counts
212 Volume- Enter/Calibrate 5-40mL
213 Display Parameter Settings
214 Adjust Alignment
215 Display Probe Speed
216 Man Probe Depth-Enter/Calibrate [Aux Key Enables Selection Between
Auto or Manual] 1-115 counts
217 Man Dispense Depth-Enter/Calibrate [Aux Key Enables Selection
Between Auto and Manual] 1-115 count
Aux Key Menu- Refer to Owner's Manual, Section 2.2, Auxiliary Menu For Details
Select Well Type
Run Constant Time
View a Program
Set Auto Rinse
Set Date/Time
Enable Auto DepthVs. Manual Depth
Set Disp Depth
D11
PROCESSOR
ACTIVE LEGEND
LED ON OFF
D1 Plate pulley index hole Not aligned with hole in pulley, blocked
D2 Probe pulley index hole Not aligned with hole in pulley, blocked
D4 D3 D1 D2
D3 Probe homed (top) Not homed
PLATE PROBE PLATE PROBE
D4 Plate homed (right) Not homed
HOME HOME INDEX INDEX
D11 CPU running CPU malfunction- motors, valves,
Viewed from front of main PCB pump (s) disabled.
EPROM
* See Figure 4 for differences in dual pump and single pump systems.
Power Supply
An inactive instrument may result from just a blown fuse. However, a blown fuse may indicate a
problem with the main PCB or transformer. The voltage select switch setting must match the line
voltage.
If there is no voltage present at J4, check the fuse. To replace the fuse, disconnect the power cable
and open the instrument. Remove the two #4 screws holding the AC cover and lift the AC cover off.
The double clip fuse holder is mounted on the inside of the rear panel. Locate the blown fuse and
remove it with a fuse puller, or carefully pry it out with a small screwdriver. Install a new 0.5A, T
rating, 250 V, cartridge fuse. The fuse link is in a clear glass package and the element is spirally
If voltage is present at J4, check for input voltage on VR1 and VR2. If no voltage is present, diode
bridge BR1 may have failed.
Main PCB
Under normal circumstances, there are no adjustments to be made to the main PCB. Circuit failures
are highly unlikely, but if they occur, it is recommended that the repairs be performed by factory
authorized technicians. There are ten test points at J1 which provide access to a number of vital
signals. The instrument can be observed in operation with an oscilloscope. The main PCB is
mounted to the pump bracket. To remove the main PCB, disconnect all attached connectors and
remove the two screws holding the pump bracket assembly to the chassis (from the bottom of the
instrument). Remove the screw holding the main PCB heat sink to the pump bracket (from the pump
side of the bracket). Remove the screw holding the main PCB to the pump bracket (from the main
PCB). Figure 7 shows the main PCB connections and other details.
Keypad
The keypad is a sealed membrane switch layer which is serviceable only by replacement. To test the
keypad (when not in test mode), press YES, then press all keys except NO and YES. Note that each
key causes the instrument to beep and display a character. Press NO and the display clears. Press
YES to end the test.
Display
The display is a 24 x 2 line super twisted nematic liquid crystal display (LCD) module with integrated
controller. The display should be clearly legible at all times, with no dark spots or stray dots. There
are no adjustments and service is limited to replacement.
Valves
Each valve uses a short length of silicone tubing, which may self-adhere or become clogged with
dried residue from fluids. If the valve operates but no fluid is dispensed or aspirated, the valve tubing
may be blocked. You may be able to unblock the tubing. Grasp the tubing on either side of the valve
body and gently stretch it. If needed, pull the tubing from the valve body. Roll the tubing between
your fingers and gently stretch it. Reposition and test. If still blocked, see the section “Valve Tubing
Replacement”.
Motor Control
Failure to move the probe or the plate can probably be attributed to a failure of driver U17. Also,
check the logic at U18 and U19. Check the operation of Q3-Q8 and voltage drop across IR LEDs
D5-D10.
If the wash or waste bottles are located at a different level than the instrument, such as on a shelf, the
pressure and volume calibration may require adjustment. Units which are configured with a waste
valve may also need a vacuum calibration. Refer to the sections of this manual covering “Volume
Calibration,” “Calibrate Pressure,” and “Calibrate Vacuum” as appropriate.
If aspiration is poor or absent, the exhaust filter may be clogged and should be replaced. In the event
that the exhaust filter gets wet due to a waste bottle spill, it must be replaced for continued operation.
See the section “Exhaust Filter Replacement.”
If the pressure pump (dual pump system) or combination valve (single pump system) is inoperative,
check inputs and outputs at U9A and U9B. If the vacuum pump (dual pump system) or pressure /
vacuum pump (single pump system) is inoperative, check Q2A. If pump(s) and all of the valves are
dead (no voltage present at any time), check Q1A and U16A for proper operation. Both should be
active at all times while the instrument is powered. LED D11 should be illuminated.
Incomplete Aspiration
One or more aspirate tubes maybe clogged. Clean the aspirate tubes using the cleaning wire. Check
the tubing path leading from the wash head to the waste bottle for kinked or pinched tubing. Verify
there is a vacuum using a gauge. Check the exhaust filter for clogging.
If the instrument has been stored for an extended period without rinsing, it may be necessary to unclog
the tubing and/or operate the valves manually in order to prime the instrument. See the section
"Valves".
Error Messages
Error messages are displayed when the instrument fails to operate correctly. They are intended to
help the operator locate the problem. If error messages appear frequently, a hardware problem is
Empty the Waste Bottle The instrument detected a full condition on the
waste bottle. If waste bottle is empty, dry waste
cap at terminal entry points. Check sensor lead is
plugged in properly. Check the sensor lead for
shorts.
Mech must be realigned The well type was changed and the instrument
detected this condition. Install a plate with the
new well type and press YES to continue.
PROGRAM CANCELED The instrument did not detect the bottom of the
first row of wells. This could be a result of
incorrect well type setting.
*** MECH. JAM: PROBE *** The motor stalled while the instrument was at-
tempting to move the probe. Check for mechani-
cal obstructions or broken belts. Check motor
driver U17 and associated logic.
*** MECH. JAM: PLATE *** The motor stalled while the instrument was at-
tempting to move the plate. Check for mechanical
obstructions or broken belts. Check motor driver
The following error messages, if displayed repeatedly, indicate possible failure of the NV RAM U3,
which can be checked by substituting a known good device.
*** CHECKSUM ERROR *** Calibration was lost. The display shows:
Service Procedures
Opening the Instrument
The cover must be removed to allow access to the inside of the instrument.
1. Disconnect the power cable, the tubing, and the sensor leads from the rear panel. Remove
the wash head and the plate carrier and set aside. Lower the aerosol shield.
2. Invert the instrument on a soft nonabrasive surface such as a terry cloth towel. Do not allow
the instrument to rest on the probe arm!! Hold the acrylic aerosol shield in place while
inverting the instrument. The instrument should rest on the area at the top of the keypad
and the front edge of the aerosol shield.
3. Refer to Figure 8. Locate and remove the five screws shown. While holding the cover in
place with both hands, return the instrument to the upright position.
4. Gently lift the cover upward. Do not stretch the 26-conductor cable connecting the main
PCB to the cover assembly. You can prop the cover securely on its right side by placing
the edge of the cover under the chassis base. This allows you to leave the display and
keypad connected while servicing the instrument.
1. Carefully lower the cover until it seats squarely on the plate bed and chassis base, taking
care to not pinch or stretch the 26-conductor cable connecting the main PCB to the cover
assembly. The cover should seal tightly against the back of the plate bed.
3. While holding the aerosol shield in place, return the instrument to the upright position.
4. Install the plate carrier and wash head. Install the tubing, sensor leads, and the power cable
to the rear panel connectors.
Hatch
Door
Front of instrument
* Refer to the "Waste Valve" subheading in the "Principles of Operation" section of this
manual.
Wash Rinse
Valve Valve
Solenoid
Metal Valve
body
Solenoid
1. Set the power switch to OFF (O). Open the valve door by removing the door fastener. Refer
to Figure 2, Rear Panel.
3. Refer to Figure 10A and 10B. Pull back the pinch bracket and remove the valve tubing from
the valve body.
6. Install the replacement tubing to the valve body. Push the tubing over the fittings until
seated. If you have trouble sliding the tubing over the fittings, dip ends of tubing in
isopropyl alcohol. Be especially careful not to kink, stretch, or tension the tubing. The
replacement tubing should be routed in exactly the same place as the original.
7. Close the valve door and replace the door fastener. Take special care not to pinch, kink,
or stretch any tubing behind the door.
Valve Rebuild
(wash, rinse, and/or waste valve)
2. Remove solenoid, plunger, and spring. Relocate the wiring soldered to the original
solenoid to the replacement solenoid. Install replacement solenoid, plunger, and spring by
loosely installing the solenoid mounting screws to allow for adjustment.
3. Replacement valves manufactured starting January 1999 are preadjusted and do not need
step 3. Adjust position of solenoid by inserting a 0.092 in (2.337 mm) diameter gage pin
between the pinch bar on the plunger and the valve block (or bracket, depending on which
configuration valve is installed) and move the solenoid toward the block (or bracket) until
plunger bottoms in solenoid. Align pinch bracket, valve bracket, and solenoid. Tighten
mounting screws and remove gage pin.
4. Reinstall the tubing to the valve body. Push the tubing over the fittings until seated. Be
especially careful not to kink, stretch, or tension the tubing. The replacement tubing should
be routed in exactly the same place as the original.
5. Close the valve door and replace the door fastener. Take special care not to pinch, kink,
or stretch any tubing behind the door.
2600 Series Microplate Washer Service Manual
© 1993-2006 Awareness Technology, Inc. Unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited. Information given in this manual is restricted
for use by authorized personnel and is to be used for the sole purpose of providing routine instrument maintenance and repair services.
Rev. E
20
Bleed Valve Replacement
1. Set the power switch to OFF (O). Refer to Figure 1 and remove the Aerosol Shield (see
Service Procedures- Opening the Instrument) and Cover (Figure 1 is a view of the
instrument with the Aerosol Shield already removed).
2. Move the solenoid plunger away from the valve tubing and remove the tubing.
NOTE
There are three styles of Bleed Valve in service. See Figure 11 to
determine which style applies to the unit being serviced.
Style A Style B
Style C
3. If the unit is fitted with a "Style A" valve, proceed as follows, otherwise proceed to step 4:
Remove the two screws which secure the valve block, spacers and valve bracket to the
Pump Bracket. Care must be taken to account for these parts as they will tend to fall apart
into the unit while the screws are being removed. Discard the removed parts. Install the
replacement "Style B" valve assembly by securing the assembly with the two supplied
mounting screws and lock washers. Proceed to step 5.
4. If the unit is fitted with a "Style B" valve, remove the two screws which secure the Valve
Bracket to the Pump Bracket. Replace with another "Style B" valve assembly by securing
the assembly with the two supplied mounting screws and lock washers.
5. If the unit is fitted with a "Style C" valve, remove the two screws which secure the Valve
Bracket to the Pump Bracket. Replace with another "Style C" valve assembly by securing
the assembly with the two supplied mounting screws and lock washers. Replacement
valves manufactured starting January 1999 are preadjusted and do not need the following
step. Adjust position of solenoid by inserting a 0.082 in (2.083mm) diameter gage pin
between the pinch bar on the plunger and the valve block (or bracket, depending on which
configuration valve is installed) and move the solenoid toward the block (or bracket) until
6. Move the solenoid plunger away from the valve bracket and insert the tubing between the
plunger and the bracket while routing the tubing through the holding slots in the valve
bracket.
1. Set the power switch to OFF (O). Pull the tubing from the fittings on the filter.
2. Install the new filter with the INLET side pointing toward the waste bottle. Push the tubing
on the fittings until seated.
1. Check to see if your instrument has a hatch door. If not, open the instrument. If your
instrument does have a hatch door, go to Section 2.
2. Remove the four flat head screws at each corner of the plate bed, and lift the plate bed
upward and forward to clear the probe arm.
3. Refer to Figure 12. Disconnect the 14-pin DIP cable from the mechanism PCB. Mark the
location of the mechanism assembly using the four nuts holding the mechanism assembly
to the chassis. You will need these marks to place the mechanism back in proper alignment.
Remove the nuts. Lift the mechanism assembly upward and off.
4. Look at the rear of the mechanism assembly. Remove the old belt by carefully lifting one
side off the probe motor pulley. Remove the belt from the other pulley. Do not bend the
optical sensors mounted on the edge of the mechanism PCB.
5. Install the new belt first to the probe lead screw pulley, then to the probe motor pulley. Do
not bend the optical sensors mounted on the mechanism PCB. Do not twist the belt.
Mechanism
PCB
Plate
Sensor
PCB
Plate
Drive
Belt
6. Turn the probe motor shaft several revolutions to ensure that the belt is seated without
twisting.
7. Install the mechanism assembly and replace the four nuts. Align the mechanism using the
marks made in step 3, then tighten the nuts. Connect the 14-pin DIP cable to the mechanism
PCB.
Section 2:
1. Refer to Figure 8. Open the hatch door on the bottom of the instrument.
2. If Probe Arm is stuck at the top, turn the belt clockwise. If Probe Arm is stuck at the bottom,
turn belt counter clockwise. If belt shows wear, replace belt.
3. Remove the old belt by carefully lifting one side off the probe motor pulley. Remove the
2600 Series Microplate Washer Service Manual
© 1993-2006 Awareness Technology, Inc. Unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited. Information given in this manual is restricted
for use by authorized personnel and is to be used for the sole purpose of providing routine instrument maintenance and repair services.
Rev. E
23
belt from the other pulley. Do not bend the optical sensors mounted on the edge of the
mechanism PCB.
4. Install the new belt first to the probe lead screw pulley, then to the probe motor pulley. Do
not bend the optical sensors mounted on the mechanism PCB. Do not twist the belt.
5. Turn the probe motor shaft several revolutions to ensure that the belt is seated without
twisting.
2. Remove the four flat head screws at each corner of the plate bed and lift the plate bed upward
and forward to clear the probe arm. Set the plate bed aside.
4. Refer to Figure 12. Look at the left side of the mechanism assembly. Remove the old plate
drive belt by carefully lifting it off the smaller plate motor pulley. Remove the belt from
the other pulley. Do not bend the optical sensors mounted on the edge of the mechanism
PCB.
5. Install the new belt first to the plate lead screw pulley, then to the plate motor pulley. Do
not bend the optical sensors mounted on the plate sensor PCB. Do not twist the belt.
6. Turn the plate motor pulley several revolutions to ensure that the belt is seated without
twisting.
EPROM Replacement
The EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) device U2 holds the microprocessor
operating software. The EPROM label shows the software version number. The EPROM can be
replaced with a newer version to provide new software features (upgrades). See specific information
included with EPROMS for further details.
3. Remove the old EPROM. Install the new EPROM in the same orientation. The small
indentation at the end of the EPROM should be oriented as indicated by the white
orientation label on the ZIF socket. See the following CAUTION. While holding the
EPROM in the socket, push the locking lever down toward the PCB. Do not bend the
EPROM pins or apply excessive force to the EPROM, socket, or locking lever.
CAUTION
Some early units were configured with ZIF sockets where the locking
lever is located on the opposite end from the notched end of the
installed EPROM. Be sure to observe the orientation label on the ZIF
socket.
Calibration
Restore Calibration Data
The calibration data is stored with a check sum that is recalculated and compared each time a mode
is selected. Failure to recover the calibration data properly (checksum failure) will be indicated on
the display:
In this event, the pressure is set to 5.0 psi. The volume and plate alignment calibration values must
be entered from the calibration label. The instrument will automatically prompt for these values.
Locate the calibration label on the bottom of the unit. There are two values recorded there: Alignment
and Volume. Write down these numbers.
Enter the Volume from the calibration data label. Press YES.
Enter the Alignment from the calibration data label. Press YES.
4. The instrument will now revert to normal operation. Note that all user programs will have
been deleted from memory. You will need to reenter the user programs from a written
listing.
PD 40 DD 28 10/01/97
Pl 118 Pres 5.0 Vol 27.0
The top line shows the Plate Depth, Dispense Depth, and last calibration. The bottom line
shows the plate alignment parameter (Pl), pressure (Pres), and volume (Vol). Values in the
display may be different than the example. Write down the display value shown for
volume. Press YES to return to the main prompt.
Run a program
Ent calibration vol Y/N
Run a program
Calibrate volumes Y/N
5. Unplug the plastic dispense tube from the upper fitting (blue fitting) on the side of the head.
Place the end of the tubing in a clean, dry 50 mL graduated cylinder. Position the tubing
so that the tubing remains level with the head. Press YES and the unit will dispense a
relatively large amount of fluid (but not more than 50mL). When this is complete, the
display shows:
6. Read the amount dispensed from the graduated cylinder. Enter the new value read from
the graduated cylinder and press YES. Otherwise, press NO twice in succession to cancel
and return to the main prompt. Record the volume each month. If the volume is trending
lower each time, verify the pressure setting.
7. Connect the plastic dispense tube to the fitting on the head. Be sure to PRIME before
performing any dispense operation, to remove any trapped air from the head.
1. Fill the wash bottle with a solution containing a wetting agent (such as a drop of liquid
soap).
4. Remove the plate and examine the wells to see that each all wells appear evenly filled.
If any row of wells has lower volumes than the other rows, suspect a clogged probe. Attempt to clean
the dispense probe for the affected row with wire. Repeat the test. If the wells do not appear to be
filling evenly, replacement of the wash head may be required.
To make the probe head go lower, press the 0 or . key. To make the probe head go higher, press the
1 or 2 key. Press YES when the aspirate tubes are where you desire the depth to be set. Auto-detection
for partial plates is disabled when in manual mode, so using NUM (to select the number of strips
being washed) is automatically selected. If you set the depth so the aspirate tubes are not touching
the bottom of the wells, you may notice an increased amount of residual liquid after aspirating, and
double aspiration may not decrease the amount of residual liquid over single aspiration.
Note: This will not enable this setting. To use Manual Depth ,
follow the section below.
Enabling Parameter
Use the AUX key to select Manual verse Auto-Depth. Select NO until you see "Set Auto Depth",
then press YES. Enter 0 for Auto Depth, 1 for Manual Depth. The current manual plate depth value
can be viewed using test #213.
2600 Series Microplate Washer Service Manual
© 1993-2006 Awareness Technology, Inc. Unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited. Information given in this manual is restricted
for use by authorized personnel and is to be used for the sole purpose of providing routine instrument maintenance and repair services.
Rev. E
28
Probe Arm Adjustment
This is used if the head is not sitting level to the wells (Z-direction), or if it is out of alignment with
the plate or trough (X-direction). Remove the cover to begin adjustment, and notice the two Phillips
head screws with set screws on each side of the probe rod. Note: Set Depth selection to AUTO for
this process.
If there is a Z-direction alignment problem, depending upon the direction the probe head needs to
be adjusted, loosen the appropriate Phillips head screw approximately 1/4 to 1/2 turn, then retighten
the Phillips head screw. Example: If there is clearance from the bottom of the well to the rear aspirate
tube, loosen the Phillips head screw, tighten the set screw 1/4 turn (to bring the arm down in the back,
up in the front), then retighten the Phillips head screw. Press key #4 (ALIGN) and watch the
movement of the probe head. The aspirate tubes should touch the front wells first, then rock to the
rear wells. When stopped, the aspirate tubes should be even across the bottom of the wells. Repeat
adjustment until alignment is correct.
If there is an X-direction alignment problem (wash head is not parallel to the wells), loosen the
Phillips head screws and use a small squaring tool to align the probe. Retighten the screws, and run
test #214 to adjust the X-direction alignment. After performing this alignment, select test #213, and
read the PL# value. If this number has changed from the value on the calibration label on the bottom
of the instrument, make a note of the new value. If you are running manual depth, be sure to reset
using section Probe Auto Depth vs. Manual Depth and Plate Sensing. If auto, do an align.
Calibrate Pressure
(applies to all configurations)
Tools and Materials
Reference pressure gauge reading at least 34 kPa (5 psi.)
15 cm length of 3.1 mm ID flexible tubing
3.1 mm barbed “tee” fitting
1. Disconnect the pressure line (red Luer fitting) at the rear panel. Refer to Figure 13A.
Connect the pressure gauge as shown.
2. Open the instrument. Refer to Figure 14. Locate the pressure trimpot R10. Turn trimpot
fully counterclockwise.
3. Set the power switch to ON (1). Wait until the instrument stabilizes and the pumps stop
running. The pressure gage should read much less than 34 kPa (5 psi.)
2600 Series Microplate Washer Service Manual
© 1993-2006 Awareness Technology, Inc. Unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited. Information given in this manual is restricted
for use by authorized personnel and is to be used for the sole purpose of providing routine instrument maintenance and repair services.
Rev. E
29
Reference pressure
gauge,
6psi
To pressure side
From pressure (red) of wash and rinse
fitting on rear panel bottles
Tee fitting
Figure 13A Gauge Connections - Pressure Calibration
Reference vacuum
gauge,
16 in Hg
Vacuum Pressure
trimpot trimpot Pressure
Sensor
Vacuum
Sensor
5. Set the power switch to OFF (O). Set the Vacuum Trimpot at mid-span of its range. Replace
the cover. Disconnect gauge and tubing. Reconnect the pressure fitting.
Calibrate Vacuum
(applies only to units configured with waste valve)
Tools and Materials
Reference vacuum gauge reading at least negative 51 kPa (16 inches Hg.)
15 cm length of 3.1 mm ID flexible tubing
3.1 mm barbed “tee” fitting
1. Disconnect the vacuum line (blue Luer fitting) at the rear panel. Refer to Figure 13B.
Connect the vacuum gauge as shown.
2. Open the instrument. Refer to Figure 14. Locate the vacuum trimpot R7. Turn trimpot fully
counterclockwise.
3. Set the power switch to ON (1). Wait until the instrument stabilizes and the pumps stop
running. The vacuum gauge should read much less than negative 51 kPA (15 in. Hg.)
4. Slowly turn the vacuum trimpot clockwise until gauge reaches negative 51 ± 2 kPa (15 in.
Hg ±0.5.) When turning the trimpot, pause while the pump runs to maintain vacuum.
5. Set the power switch to OFF (O). Replace the cover. Disconnect gauge and tubing.
Reconnect the pressure and vacuum fittings.
Plate Alignment
The plate is aligned by means of a software adjustment value.
To enter the alignment parameter from the calibration data label, select test #210. The display shows:
Type the value shown on the calibration data label and press YES.
To realign the plate carrier, install a microplate with flat-bottom wells. Press ALIGN. After the align
is complete, select test #214. The display shows:
Refer to Figure 15. Press 0 and 1 to achieve the results pictured. Press 1 to move the plate to the right.
994027
994029
994028
997423
137140
994011 Complete Bottle and External Tubing Set and
997423 Bottle Rack
163061 NV RAM
162515 Display
183111 Keypad
B. Male Luer 1/8 Barb 137122* 137135 137128 137127 137129 137134
Male Luer
C. Luer Coding Rings 137119* 137115 137117 137118 137114 137116
for use by authorized personnel and is to be used for the sole purpose of providing routine instrument maintenance and repair services.
39
© 1993-2006 Awareness Technology, Inc. Unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited. Information given in this manual is restricted
Rev. E
40
➝
➝ Rear
Door
Valves
➝ Bottle
Sensor
➝
184703J-2
Opto
184702J
184704J ➝
➝
Mechanism
Rear Tray (Left) PCA
Pulley Sensor 995102SP need
184703J S/N of
Front Tray (Right)
Pulley Sensor
➝ instrument
(Home)
184701J
➝ Main PCA
995101SP need
S/N of
instrument
Schematics
Main/Mechanism PCB (1 of 5)
© 1993-2006 Awareness Technology, Inc. Unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited. Information given in this manual is restricted
for use by authorized personnel and is to be used for the sole purpose of providing routine instrument maintenance and repair service. No
part of this manual may be copied or redistributed without the express consent of Awareness Technology, Inc. There is no transfer of
technology, copyright, trade name, patent, trade secret, or other proprietary right given or implied. Rev E, 08/06