Molecular Devices SpectraMax GEMINI EM, Operator'S Manual

Page: 37 / 64

Operation
SpectraMax GEMINI EM Operator’s Manual 3-3
This chapter contains operating information for the SpectraMax GEMINI EM Dual-
Scanning Microplate Fluorometer. If you are an experienced user of this instrument, a
quick review of the operating steps may be found on page 3-4.
Prepare for a
Reading
Turn the Instrument and Computer On
The power switch for the SpectraMax GEMINI EM is located on the back
panel. Press the rocker switch to the on position. The instrument will auto-
matically perform diagnostic checks to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
Turn the computer on at this time also and start the SoftMax Pro software pro-
gram.
Set the Temperature
If elevated temperature within the microplate chamber is desired, you should
turn on the incubator
fi rst, allowing enough time for the temperature to reach
the set point before performing a reading. When you fi rst turn the instrument
on, up to 60 minutes may be required for the temperature within the chamber
to reach the set point. Turning on the incubator and choosing a temperature
set point can be done using the software or the front panel of the instrument
(described here).
Temperature cannot be regulated at a set point that is lower than 4°C
above the ambient temperature.
To enable the incubator, press the incubator
[Temp on/off]
key. The LCD dis-
play will indicate that temperature control is on and will show the set point
and current temperature of the microplate chamber.
To change the temperature set point, press the up or down arrow keys until
the desired temperature set point is shown in the display.
The microplate chamber temperature will be maintained at the set point until
you disable temperature control by touching the incubator key again. When
the incubator is off, the temperature within the microplate chamber will begin
returning to ambient.
Should you turn the incubator back on after a momentary shutdown,
allow about ten minutes for the control algorithm to fully stabilize the
microplate chamber temperature.
Read the
Microplate
The underside of the microplate must be dry prior to plac-
ing it in the drawer. If the microplate has fl uid on the underside, dry
it using a paper towel (or equivalent) before placing it in the drawer.
Insert the fi lled microplate into the drawer, matching well A1 with position
A1 in the drawer. Make sure the microplate is fl at against the drawer bottom
(for 6-, 12-, 24-, or 48-well microplates) or against the adapter (if using top
read for 96- or 386-well plates—see “Installing the Drawer Adapter” on
page 2-4 for more information).
You must use SoftMax Pro software running on a computer (properly con-
nected to the SpectraMax GEMINI EM) in order to perform instrument setup
or reading and to analyze the data that is collected.
NOTE:
NOTE:
BIOHAZARD: