Bioptechs FCS2 User Manual

FCS2 (Focht Live-Cell Chamber System) Instructions

A Message from the Developer:

The FCS2 utilizes the most advanced technology for optimum functionality and versatility for the observation of living cells on a
light microscope. As part of our dedication to respond to our customers needs we would be very appreciative of any comments or
suggestions you may have relative to our products continued improvement.

Before You Begin:

• Check to make sure there is no visible damage in shipment and save all packing materials.

• The Controller box should contain; controller, power cord, 2.5mm screwdriver, 1/8” jack, and 3 pin mini DIN

connector.

• Check the packing list and call your supplier if there are any discrepancies.

Front Panel of FCS2 & FCS3 Controller

Figure 1

Control Interface Descriptions:

Numeric Display should be illuminated when the controller is turned on. If it does not light, check the main power source then the

fuse block located in the power input module where the AC power cord plugs in.

Display Selector is the black button adjacent to the display. It selects the source of the information displayed. When the controller
is turned on, the default condition is to display the setpoint value indicated by the red light adjacent to the word Setpoint. The button
selects one of a sequence of display options. This button can be pressed at any time and has no effect on the temperature regulation
functions of the controller.

Display Lights indicate the source of the value displayed on the numeric display.

Setpoint is adjusted by a potentiometer accessible with the 2.5mm screwdriver provided. To adjust the setpoint set the numeric

display to Setpoint, then adjust the potentiometer to the desired value. If you need to change the setpoint value during your
experiment on a routine basis there is a remote setpoint jack on the back of the controller. See Remote Setpoint.

Slide is the location where the calibration of the circuit reading the Microaqueduct Slide can be adjusted.

Chamber is the location where the calibration of the circuit reading the Chamber can be adjusted.

Reset (Red Button) resets the controller if the alarm sounds. Note: If the alarm went off there must have been a reason. Check the

chamber before resetting the controller.

Calibrate substitutes precision resistors into the circuit that reads the thermistors so that calibration adjustments can be made to a
known value.

Chamber is a six pin mini DIN connector where the FCS2 or FCS3 is plugged in.

3560 Beck Road • Butler, PA 16002 • Voice: 724-282-7145 • Fax: [phone] • E-mail: [e-mail] • Web: www.bioptechs.com

3560 Beck Road • Butler, PA 16002 • Voice: 724-282-7145 • Fax: [phone] • E-mail: [e-mail] • Web: www.bioptechs.com

Back Panel of the FCS2 & FCS3 Controller

Figure 2

AC Power line input, power switch, voltage selector, and fuses are all incorporated in the AC Power Input Module. The
controller can operate between 90 - 260V 50-60Hz, or a 24V battery can be used as an alternate power supply. The fuse
carrier contains two 0.5A slow blow fuses. The fuses can be accessed by prying the fuse block out of its socket with a small
screwdriver wedged under the small slot in the opening of the AC line receptacle. When replacing the fuse block, make sure to
align the arrow on the outside of the fuse block with the closest voltage value to your supply line voltage:

• For 90-130 supply line voltage place the fuse block with the arrow pointing to 110-120V.

• For 180-260 supply line voltage place the fuse block with the arrow pointing to 220-240V.

Temp Out is a voltage output direct from two instrument ampliers reading the thermistors from channel A and B.
The output from this socket is temperature / 10. 37.0°C = 3.70 Volt DC.
The left pin is channel A, center pin is channel B, and right pin is ground.

Remote Setpoint is an analog input that allows the user to set the controllers setpoint from an external DC source. The sleeve is
earth ground. A DC voltage can be applied to the tip of this jack equal to temperature /10. i.e.: 28.5°C = 2.85 Volt. When the jack is
inserted into the controller it will automatically switch to the jacks value. When removed it will default to the setting on the front of
the controller. Use for programming or cycling operating temperatures.

Controller Operation:

1. Turn the unit on using the main on-off switch located on the rear panel. The Chamber need not be plugged in at this time.
All further adjustments are made on the front panel.

2. Set the display switch to the “SET” position. Insert the enclosed screwdriver into the hole marked Setpoint and adjust the
controller to the desired setpoint.

3. Set the display to the “Slide” or “Chamber” position. The LCD will display a number between -1.8 and -4.2. This is normal.

4. Press the black button labeled “CALIBRATE” and make sure the display reads 26.6°C when “Slide” is selected and 25.0
when “Chamber” is selected. If adjustment is necessary, turn the corresponding screws in the adjustment holes with the
enclosed screwdriver. CW = increase, CCW = decrease.

5. Turn the controller off.

6. With the chamber loaded, plug the chamber into the controller. DO NOT plug the chamber into the controller unless it is
either loaded or both slide contact wires are restricted from coming in contact with the base.

7. When the controller is turned on and the display switch is set to “Slide” or “Chamber” it will read the ambient temperature,
then slowly begin to rise until it reaches setpoint temperature. We recommend leaving the display switch in the “Slide”
position because it is the closest representation of the cell temperature.

Special Notes:

There is a safety cut-off circuit that protects the cells if the microaqueduct drops below 0.9°C from the setpoint after reaching
setpoint minus 0.9°C. Only during a cold start will the safety cut-off circuit ignore the out-of-range condition. This safety circuit
will shut off power to the slide circuit only and sound the alarm. If the alarm sounds, the user should correct the problem and
press the red reset button located next to the red LED.

3560 Beck Road • Butler, PA 16002 • Voice: 724-282-7145 • Fax: [phone] • E-mail: [e-mail] • Web: www.bioptechs.com