Hudson-robotics SOLO User Manual

SOLOUser ManualVersion 6.010 Stern Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081Tel: 973-376-7400  Fax: 973-376-8265

10The multichannel SOLO has two deck configurations. For the 12 channel the deck will beplaced all the way forward towards the operator (Figure 2.5).

113 – AccessoriesThe SOLO has several options that can be purchased in additional to the S OLO they arethe following:1- Heating/Cooling Nest2- Shaker

12the communication cable into an available comport on the USB to serial converter.Figure 3.2Section 3.3 – SOLOPlusThe SOLOPlus option is the addition

13Figure 3.3SoloPlusAlignmentBracketMC10X PlasticDeck withAlignment holes

14Figure 3.4

154 – Hardware SpecificationsSOLO PipettorSOLO Pipettor/DispenserHardware featuresArm configurationOne liquid handling armTip configuration1 disposabl

16SOLO MultichannelHardware featuresArm configurationMultiple liquid handling armTip configuration12 or 8 Channel Disposable tipTip varietyDisposable

17Section 2 – Software1-Installation1.1 – Installation CDPlace the SOLOSoft Installation CD in your CD drive. It will automatically beginthe Installa

182 – SOLOSoft: Main Screen2.1 - OverviewUpon Startup, SOLOSoft presents the ‘Log In’ display, which shows thecurrent Version and a “Log In” button.

19Save –This will save the currently active method only, using the path and nameshown along the title bar of that method.Save As… -This allows the use

2IndexIntroduction... 3Section 1 -

202.4 – Tools MenuSimulated Configuration –This option is only active when the communications port (seeCommunications…, below) is set to <none>,

21b. ‘D’ Syringe Type (Side-mounted valved syringes) –This option allow the user to move liquid from any of the systems fluidreservoir vessels to or

22Calibrate Deck… –This option allows the user to create, teach, save or delete robot positionswithin the working area of the SOLO’s 3-axis robot arm,

23TipDisposal – located where the syringe tip is within the tip-strippingfixture, with the forks of the fixture surrounding the syringe tip mandrel,an

24Define Plate Types… -This enables the user to define the properties of the various microplates thatwill be used in the SOLO. The following screen i

25Communications… -This enables the user to select the serial port to be used by the computer tocontrol the SOLO. A drop-down list of available serial

26Accessory Devices:If the SOLO has the Shaker Nest, Micro10, Hot/Cold Nest, 10-Way or 4-WayValve Accessories, the user would setup a serial port to c

272.5 – Window / Help MenusThe Window menu enables the user to manipulate the window display patternsfamiliar to users of MicroSoft Windows products.

283 – Developing SOLOSoft Methods3.1 – OverviewSOLOSoft enables the user to create, save and run pipettor processes called‘methods’. A method consist

293.2 – Aspirate StepThis step will move the pipettor to a selected aspirate position, then aspirate theindicated volume of fluid. The display shown

3IntroductionThe SOLO Robotic Pipettor is designed to easily automate complex pipetting tasks thatwould otherwise prove tedious or error-prone for res

30Increment Order – (applies only to aspirating from a plate position forSOLO equipped with single tip pipettor head or multi-tip pipettorhead used in

31Syringe Speed –Scroll up or down to accelerate or slow the syringe piston’s movement.Pre-Aspirate –Enter this volume to aspirate air before each asp

32The file for a 384-well plate would have 16 rows of 24 values each.For multi-tip operation only values for wells addressed by first tip ofmulti-tip

33Aspirate Shift –This enables the user to adjust the actual aspiration location from thetaught position selected for aspiration. This enables the us

34upper rim of the well or vessel, below which it will not proceed if noliquid is detected. If aspirating from a defined microplate, and theentered “

353.3 – Dispense StepThis step will move the pipettor to a selected dispense position, then dispense theindicated volume of fluid. The display shown

363.4 – Get Tip StepThis step, whose GUI is shown in the next figure, will start by shucking any tipthat may have been left on the mandrel from a prio

37The tip box will be reset to “full” if the type of box at that location is changed, ifthe identity of that tip box is changed (e.g., if operated usi

383.6 – Loop / End Loop StepsThese steps, shown in the next figure at the top and bottom of the method flowdiagram, allow the user to repeat sequences

39a message to the operator. It also allows the user to permit the operator to end themethod at the time of the pause (if, for instance, no liquid wa

4Section 1 - Hardware1-Unpacking the SOLO Remove all material from inside the crate except for the SOLO itself. Open the Black nylon strapping that

40As an option, by checking the “Move ‘Z’ Axis…” box, the tip will move up to itsnormal travel height prior to moving laterally to the selected destin

413.10 – Prime StepThe Prime step allows a user to prime or evacuate “D” type syringe liquid lines,or to position a “P” type syringe piston at a desir

42The user make elect to position the syringe piston at the very top of its stroke(FILL) or position it at the bottom of its stroke (EMPTY). Alternat

43“ABC123”, then the file’s name would be “ABC123.csv”. The file contents aresimply the well name of each source well, followed by a comma then the a

44target wells and dispense equal amounts in each until they receive the full amountrequired. In order to reduce any effect from pipetting residual v

453.12 – GetLevel StepThe GetLevel step allows the user to detect and record, in a file, the liquid levelinside selected wells in a microplate located

46select the number of wells to search (entering “-1” to select all unblocked wells),the depth to which the probe should travel before stopping (that

473.13 – GetBottom StepThe GetBottom step allows the user to detect and record, in a file, the level of thebottoms of selected wells in a microplate l

48The user should also confirm the “Search Params” (as percents of full speed andforce) at which the probe tip will descend to the surface being measu

493.14 – Change Plate TypesThis utility allows the user to select the type of microplate (or tip box, omni tray,etc.) that is located in any of the 4

5 Once the unit is out of the crate remove all the plastic wrapping that secures thearm to the SOLO.LiftingPoints onSoloRemovePlastic Wrap

503.15 – Operate AccessoryThis utility allows the user to operate any of several optional accessories that areavailable for the SOLO. Drag down the ‘O

513.15.1 – Micro10xSelecting the Micro10x action for this step will change this step’s displayto appear as follows:This option allows a SOLOPlus to pe

523.15.3 – Shaker NestSelecting the Shaker Nest for this step will change this step’s display toappear as follows:This enables the user to set the spe

533.15.4 – Write To OutputSelecting the Write To Output action for this step will change this step’sdisplay to appear as follows:This option allows a

54The user would enter the desired temperature to be achieved (the SetPoint)in the appropriate box. The range is -10.0 to 110.0 Deg.C. When aMethod

6 Once the plastic wrap is removed install the nest plates on the deck of the SOLO.Align the holes in the bottom of the nest plate with the metal dow

72 – SOLO SetupDepending on the version of SOLO that you purchased, there will be different hardwaresetups before you start using your instrument. We

82.2 – Hamilton PumpThe Hamilton pump SOLO is disassembled during shipping to prevent damage. Theglass syringe from the pump is removed before shippi

92.3 – MultichannelThe Multichannel SOLO is disassembled during shipping to prevent damage. TheMultichannel head is removed for shipping. To set up;