Hydra ® DT Microdispenser User Manual Hydra DT Firmware Version 5.15 or later ControlMate ™ Software Version 1.3.33 or later Hydra DT Module Version 1.1.17 or later Manual Version 1.0, October 2006 Matrix Technologies 22 Friars Drive Hudson, NH 03051, USA Telephone: (800) 345-0206 i Trademarks and Copyright © 2006 Matrix Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved. Hydra, eDrop, TrakMates, ControlMate, DuraFlex, ScreenMates, and the Matrix logo are registered trademarks are trademarks of Matrix Technologies Corporation, Hudson, New Hampshire. Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, ActiveX, and Visual Basic are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Third party trademarked products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies in the United States and/or other countries. CONTENTS Warranty..............................................................................................................................vi Packing List....................................................................................................................... viii Warnings and Cautions ......................................................................................................ix Stopping the System .................................................................................................................ix Protecting the Operator ............................................................................................................. x Protecting the System from Damage ........................................................................................ x How to Use This Manual.....................................................................................................xi 1: Introduction to the Hydra DT Microdispenser...................................1-1 Overview of the Hydra DT Microdispenser ..................................................................... 1-1 Hydra DT Base Unit................................................................................................................1-2 Optional Accessories..............................................................................................................1-3 Hydra DT Microdispenser Model Types.......................................................................... 1-4 Syringe Design and Construction.................................................................................... 1-5 DART Magazine Construction......................................................................................... 1-6 Related Products ............................................................................................................. 1-8 Contact Us with Questions and Comments .................................................................... 1-9 2: Setting up the Hardware ...................................................................2-1 Prepare the Site ............................................................................................................... 2-1 Unpack the Microdispenser ............................................................................................. 2-1 Moving the Microdispenser.............................................................................................. 2-2 Set Up the Stage (Hydra DT with X/Y Plate Stage Only) ............................................... 2-2 Change the Voltage Setting for the Microdispenser If Necessary.................................. 2-3 Connect Power Cords and Cables; Turn On the System ............................................... 2-5 Configure hardware options ............................................................................................ 2-7 Configure XY stage ................................................................................................................2-7 Connect the Computer..................................................................................................... 2-8 3: Getting Started: Manual Operation...................................................3-1 Two Operation Methods .................................................................................................. 3-1 Steps for Learning Manual Operation of the Hydra DT Microdispenser......................... 3-2 1. Study the SAFETY Instructions..........................................................................................3-2 2. Look at flowcharts of Hydra DT interface ...........................................................................3-2 3. Read the table of file-parameter definitions and values .....................................................3-4 4. Map the microdispenser buttons ........................................................................................3-5 5. Read the table of microdispenser operations.....................................................................3-6 6. Set up a tray table/stage height..........................................................................................3-7 7. Set file parameters .............................................................................................................3-9 9. Run a procedure...............................................................................................................3-11 iii 4: Getting Started: Automated Operation............................................ 4-1 Two Operation Methods .................................................................................................. 4-1 Steps for Learning Automated Operation of the Microdispenser.................................... 4-3 1. Install ControlMate software if it is not already installed.................................................... 4-4 2. Study the SAFETY instructions.......................................................................................... 4-4 3. Read the overview of the software..................................................................................... 4-4 4. Check the software configuration..................................................................................... 4-13 5. Calibrate the stage (Hydra DT with X/Y Plate Stage systems only) ................................ 4-21 6. Create labware................................................................................................................. 4-28 7. Create and edit sequence files ........................................................................................ 4-39 8. Run a sequence file ......................................................................................................... 4-42 Command Reference..................................................................................................... 4-45 Main Sequence Editor.......................................................................................................... 4-46 Procedure Library................................................................................................................. 4-51 ControlMate OLE Optional Add-On Software Component ........................................... 4-69 5: Service and Maintenance of the Hydra DT Microdispenser ............ 5-1 Overview of Service and Maintenance Tasks................................................................. 5-2 Contact Us If You Have Service or Maintenance Questions .......................................... 5-3 How to Return the Microdispenser or Microdispenser Parts for Service or Repair........ 5-3 Checking the PTFE Tips.................................................................................................. 5-4 Replacing PTFE Tips....................................................................................................... 5-5 Replacing Syringes.......................................................................................................... 5-7 Removing the syringe head from the Hydra tower. ............................................................... 5-7 Syringe Head Disassembly and Syringe Removal ................................................................ 5-9 Installing a New Syringe....................................................................................................... 5-12 Attaching the syringe head to the Hydra Tower................................................................... 5-13 Sending in your DT head ..................................................................................................... 5-14 Checking and Replacing Fuses..................................................................................... 5-15 6: Getting the Most Out of Your Hydra DT Microdispenser ................. 6-1 Basics of Liquid Handling With the Hydra DT Microdispenser ....................................... 6-1 Two Aspirate/Dispense Modes .............................................................................................. 6-1 Priming Syringes .................................................................................................................... 6-8 Setting Dispense Heights....................................................................................................... 6-9 Using the Microdispenser in Cell Culture Applications ................................................. 6-15 Creating Dot Blots and Membrane Arrays With the Vacuum Manifold......................... 6-17 Using the Wash Operation as a Mix Operation............................................................. 6-19 Using the Manually Operated Plate Positioners