Molecular Devices FLIPR Tetra, Руководство пользователя

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FLIPR
®
Tetra High Throughput Cellular Screening System User Guide
0112-0109 H 23
Robotic Integration
To increase the number of plates you can use in an experiment (and
minimize personnel requirements), use the TETRAcycler internal plate
handler coupled with the SynchroMax ET or a third-party plate handler
(for example , stacker system or robotic arm). One read and up to 12
source plates and tip racks can be shuttled in and out of the FLIPR
®
Tetra System in one experiment with this method.
When using automated delivery the SynchroMax ET or third-party plate
handler delivers plates to, and picks them up from, the landing pad on
the outside left of the instrument, from where the TETRAcycler shuttles
them in and out of the read compartment. The shuttle door over the
landing pad opens and closes to maintain a light-tight environment
within the compartment.
During automated operation the SynchroMax ET or third-party plate
handler controls the FLIPR
®
Tetra System by sending instructions to
load protocols, run experiments, and retrieve plates from the landing
pad. These commands are executed immediately upon receipt by the
instrument. Persisting instrument settings cannot be made from the
remote controlling program—these must be configured in ScreenWorks
Software before control is passed to the plate-delivery system.
To pass control to the plate-delivery software select
Set Remote Mode
in the Instrument menu in ScreenWorks Software. The FLIPR
®
Tetra
System remains in remote control until Set Manual Mode is pressed.
The third-party plate handler software communicates with the FLIPR
®
Tetra System computer via the serial communication port using TCP/IP.
SynchroMax ET software is installed with ScreenWorks Software on the
FLIPR
®
Tetra System computer so it is able to communicate directly
with the instrument. See Appendix A: Robotic Integration on page 221
for remote control syntax.
TETRAcycler™
The TETRAcycler is a plate gripper that runs along the back wall of the
upper read compartment, giving it access to Positions 1–4 in the
five-position stage and the landing pad on the outer left-hand side of
the cabinet. It shifts source plates and tip containers between these
locations when under the control of the SynchroMax ET or a third-party
plate handler (see above).
The TETRAcycler carries standard, low volume and deep well 96-, 384-
and 1536-well plates that conform to propose ANSI standards
submitted by the Society for Biomolecular Sciences. In addition, the
TETRAcycler handles Molecular Devices qualified tips. Reservoirs can be
used during robotic integration, however the TETRAcycler is not able to
move these. All reservoirs must be loaded manually prior to running an
experiment, including the Cell Reservoir.