Molecular Devices SpectraMax 190, Operator'S Manual

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Instrument Description
SPECTRAmax
190
Microplate Spectrophotometer Operator’s Manual 1-9
Functional
Description
Stand-Alone Operation
The paragraphs that follow describe functions that can be activated during
stand-alone operation.
When operating the SPECTRAmax 190 as a stand-alone system, you can
choose a temperature setting, choose a wavelength, and make an Endpoint
read. Data is sent to the printer port of the SPECTRAmax 190. The wavelength
is chosen by pressing the up or down arrows beneath the display labeled
λ
.
Temperature regulation of the microplate chamber can be enabled and set
using the keys on the left side of the control panel, and actual temperature can
be monitored in the display.
Wavelength Selection
The display on the control panel shows the currently selected measurement
wavelength (
λ
). You can change the wavelength by pressing the up or down
arrows until the display shows the desired wavelength. The wavelength will
wrap around to the top or bottom when the last selectable wavelength is
reached.
Temperature Regulation
The SPECTRAmax 190 has been designed to regulate the temperature of the
microplate chamber from 4°C above ambient to 45°C. Upon powerup, when
the incubator is off, the temperature in the SPECTRAmax 190 microplate
chamber is ambient and isothermal. Pressing the incubator
[TEMP On/Off]
key will cause the instrument to begin warming the microplate chamber.
The temperature set point defaults to 37.0°C at start-up.
Accuracy of the temperature set point is guaranteed only if the set
point is at least 4°C above ambient. If the temperature set point is
lower than the ambient temperature, the chamber temperature will
remain at ambient. Temperature regulation is controlled by heaters
only and, therefore, cannot cool the temperature to a setting lower
than ambient. Additionally, the highest setting (45°C) can be achieved
only if the ambient temperature is >20°C.
You can change the temperature set point by pressing the up ( ▲ ) or the down
( ▼ ) arrow keys above and below the word TEMP until the desired set point is
shown in the display. Typically, the microplate chamber will reach 37.0°C in
15 to 30 minutes.
The microplate chamber temperature is maintained at the set point until you
press the incubator
[TEMP On/Off]
key again, turning temperature regula-
tion off. The microplate drawer will open and the temperature within the
chamber will begin returning to ambient.
Should you turn the incubator back on after a momentary shutdown,
allow about ten minutes after reaching temperature for the control
algorithm to fully stabilize the microplate chamber temperature.
Temperature regulation within the microplate chamber is achieved through
electric heaters, a fan, ef
Þ cient insulation, and temperature sensors. The heat-
ers are located in the chamber which is insulated to maintain the temperature
NOTE:
NOTE: