Bio-Rad Gel Doc XR+ System User Manual

10014084 Rev A

Molecular Imager®

Gel Doc™ XR System

170-8170 170-8070

170-8071

Hardware Instruction Manual

Molecular Imager

®

ChemiDoc™ XRS System

2

Important

Please read these instructions before attempting to install or operate the Molecular Imager® Gel Doc™ XR
or ChemiDoc™ XRS.

Note: This instrument is suitable for research use only.

It must be used, therefore, only by specialized personnel that know the health risks associated with UV
radiation, and with the reagents that are normally used with this instrument. Use of the acrylic screen does
not guarantee protection of the user from UV radiation. The use of protective eyeglasses or mask and
gloves, is strongly recommended.

Wichtig

Bitte lesen Sie die Anweisungen und machen Sie sich mit der Bedienungsweise vertraut, bevor Sie den
Hood benutzen.

Anmerkung: Dieses Geraet ist nur fuer Forschungszwecke geeignet.
Ausserdem ist die Benutzung nur fuer spezialisiertes Personal gedacht, das mit den Gesundheitsrisiken
vertraut ist, die an die UV-Strahlung gebunden sind und den Reagentien, die normalerweise mit diesem
Geraet benutzt werden.Die Benutzung eines Plexiglasschutzschildes garantiert dem Benutzer keinen Schutz
vor UV-Strahlung. Die Benutzung von Schutzbrille oder Schutzmaske ist strengstens empfohlen.

Warranty

The Gel Doc XR and ChemiDoc XRS systems are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship
for 1 year. If any defect occurs in the instrument during this warranty period, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
will repair or replace the defective parts at its discretion without charge. The following defects, however,
are specifically excluded:

• Defects caused by improper operation

• Repair or modification done by anyone other than Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. or an authorized agent

• Use of spare parts supplied by anyone other than Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

• Damage caused by accident or misuse

• Damage caused by disaster

• Corrosion caused by improper solvents or samples

Garantie

Die Garantie fuer den Hood betraegt 1 Jahr auf Herstellungs- und Materialfehler.
Bei Auftreten von Fehlern waehrend der Garantiezeit repariert oder ersetzt Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. die
fehlerhaften Teile auf eigene Kosten. Die folgenden Schaeden sind in jedem Falle ausgeschlossen:

• Schaeden durch unsachgemaesse Bedienung bedingt

• Instandsetzungen oder Veraenderungen durch nicht authorisiertes Personal von Bio-Rad

Laboratories, Inc.

• Benutzung von Ersatzteilen, die nicht von Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. geliefert wurden

• Schaeden durch Naturkatastrophen verursacht

• Schaeden durch unsachgemaessen und fehlerhaften Gebrauch verursacht

• Korrosionsschaeden durch ungeeignete Loesungen oder Proben

3

Regulatory Notice

IMPORTANT: The Gel Doc XR and ChemiDoc XRS systems are designed and certified to meet

EN61010, the internationally accepted electrical safety standards, EMC regulations, and TUV. Certified
products are safe to use when operated in accordance with the instruction manual. This instrument should
not be modified or altered in any way. Modification or alteration of this instrument will:

• Void the manufacturer’s warranty

• Void the regulatory certifications

• Create a potential safety hazard

NOTE: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. is not responsible for any injury or damage caused by use of this
instrument for purposes other than those for which it is intended or by modifications of the instrument not
performed by Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., or an authorized agent.

Richtlinien

WICHTIG: Dieses Geraet, von Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. konstruiert, besitzt das Zertifikat ENC1010

anerkannt von dem internationalen elektrischen Sicherheitsstandard EMC und unterliegt dessen Richtlinien
und TUV. Die Geraete sind sicher im Gebrauch, wenn die vorliegende Bedienungs- anleitung beachtet wird.
Dieses Geraet darf auf keinen Fall veraendert werden. Eventuelle Veraenderungen fuehren zu:

• Ungueltigkeit der Herstellergarantie

• Ungueltigkeit des Zertifikats

• Eventuelles Sicherheitsrisiko

Bemerkung: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. haftet nicht fuer Verletzungen an Personen oder Sachschaeden,
hervorgerufen durch eine nicht vorhergesehene Benutzung des Geraetes. Ebenso uebernimmt Bio-Rad
Laboratories, Inc. keine Haftung fuer Veraenderungen, die von nicht authorisierten Personen durchgefuehrt
wurden.

General Precautions

• Please read the instruction manual carefully

• The instrument must be used only for the intended purpose of gel documentation in research

laboratories

• The instrument must be connected to a power source line which MUST BE grounded and protected

by a circuit breaker

• Do not pour liquids directly on or inside the instrument

• Switch off all the lights immediately after use

• Clean the transilluminator platen after use

Generelle Vorsichtsmassnahmen

• Bitte die Bedienungsanleitung aufmerksam lesen

• Das Geraet darf nur fuer die vorgesehenen Applikationen eingesetzt werden, d.h.

Geldokumentation in Forschungslaboratorien

• Fuer die Stromversorgung des Hood muss eine geerdtete Steckdose benutzt werden

• Keine Fluessigkeiten auf oder in das Geraet giessen

• Die Lampe sofort nach dem Gebrauch ausschalten

• Den UV-Filter des transilluminators nach Gebrauch reinigen

4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................6

1.1 COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................................................................6

SECTION 2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION..............................................................................................................7

2.1 IMPORTANT NOTICE....................................................................................................................................................................7

2.2 POWER SAFETY INFORMATION.....................................................................................................................................................7

SECTION 3 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION......................................................................................................................................8

3.1 CCD CAMERA AND LENSES .........................................................................................................................................................8

3.2 DARKROOM ENCLOSURE, EMISSION FILTERS, AND ILLUMINATION SOURCES .................................................................................8

3.3 USB AND FIREWIRE CONNECTIONS.............................................................................................................................................9

3.4 QUANTITY ONE SOFTWARE..........................................................................................................................................................9

3.5 PRINTER (OPTIONAL)..................................................................................................................................................................9

3.6 UNPACKING THE SYSTEM...........................................................................................................................................................10

SECTION 4 GETTING STARTED..............................................................................................................................................14

4.1 SELECTING A LOCATION ............................................................................................................................................................14

4.2 ASSEMBLING THE SYSTEM..........................................................................................................................................................14

4.2.1 ASSEMBLING THE UNIVERSAL HOOD II ...................................................................................................................14

4.3 GEL DOC XR SYSTEM...............................................................................................................................................................15

4.3.1 INSTALLING THE GEL DOC XR CAMERA.......................................................................................................................15

4.3.2 INSTALLATION OF QUANTITY ONE SOFTWARE FOR GEL DOC XR...................................................................................16

4.3.3 GEL DOC XR SYSTEM CABLE CONFIGURATION............................................................................................................20

4.4 CHEMIDOC XRS SYSTEM........................................................................................................................................................22

4.4.1 INSTALLATION OF QUANTITY ONE SOFTWARE FOR CHEMIDOC XRS..............................................................................23

4.4.2 CHEMIDOC XRS SYSTEM CABLE CONFIGURATION........................................................................................................28

4.4.3 FIREWIRE CARD INSTALLATION ....................................................................................................................................29

4.5 INSTALLING THE WHITE LIGHT TRANSILLUMINATOR (OPTIONAL)................................................................................................29

4.6 INSTALLING THE OPTIONAL 17 MM OR 25 MM WIDE-ANGLE LENSES (CHEMIDOC XRS SYSTEM ONLY) ........................................30

4.7 DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM FUNCTION AND SYSTEM INITIALIZATION..............................................................................................32

4.7.1 CONTROL PANEL .........................................................................................................................................................32

SECTION 5 OPERATION OF THE UNIVERSAL HOOD II ..................................................................................................39

5.1 OPERATING THE UNIT ...............................................................................................................................................................39

5.1.1 SWITCH ON THE UNIVERSAL HOOD II ...........................................................................................................................39

5.1.2 POSITION YOUR GEL....................................................................................................................................................39

5.1.3 ACQUIRING AN IMAGE..................................................................................................................................................39

5.1.4 ACQUIRING AN IMAGE WITH FLAT FIELDING ................................................................................................................39

5.2 CUTTING GELS .........................................................................................................................................................................41

SECTION 6 TROUBLESHOOTING...........................................................................................................................................42

SECTION 7 ACCESSORIES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS ................................................................................................43

SECTION 8 MAINTENANCE AND PARTS REPLACEMENT..............................................................................................45

8.1 EPI ILLUMINATION LAMP REPLACEMENT ..................................................................................................................................45

8.2 FUSE REPLACEMENT................................................................................................................................................................45

8.3 UV TRANSILLUMINATOR............................................................................................................................................................46

8.4 LAMP REPLACEMENT................................................................................................................................................................46

APPENDIX A: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................48

5

Section 1 Introduction

The Bio-Rad Gel Doc™ XR and ChemiDoc™ XRS gel documentation systems are easy-to-use, high­performance systems. They use a charge coupled device (CCD) camera to capture images in real time,
which allows you to more accurately position and focus the image. With Bio-Rad Quantity One® software,
acquired images can be optimized, annotated, analyzed and printed.

The Bio-Rad Gel Doc XR and ChemiDoc XRS systems utilize an enclosure (Universal Hood II) that is
light-tight and contains UV illumination and white light illumination. Please note that both the Gel Doc XR
and ChemiDoc XRS cameras have external power supplies.

1.1 Computer Requirements

This software will run under Windows XP, Vista Ultimate, or Mac OS X. The amount of computer memory
required for using the program is mainly determined by the size of the images you will scan and analyze.
Images scanned at high resolution can be quite large. For this reason, we recommend that you archive
images on a network file server or removable storage media.

Specifications PC MAC

Operating system Windows XP or Vista Ultimate Mac OSX 10.5.x

Base unit Intel Core 2 Duo, minimum 2.0

GHz

RAM >2 GB >2GB

Cache memory >2 MB > 2 MB

Hard disk space >120 GB >120 GB

Video card 128 MB video memory minimum,

capable of generating minimum

1024 x 768 pixels

Camera connection ports One full height empty PCI slot

required (ChemiDoc XRS only)

Communication ports 4 USB 2.0 ports 4 USB 2.0 ports

Power PC G4 or better

128 MB video memory minimum,

capable of generating minimum

1024 x 768 pixels

Available FireWire port

(ChemiDoc XRS only)

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Section 2 Important Safety Information

2.1 Important Notice

Both the Gel Doc™ XR and ChemiDoc™ XRS imaging systems are intended for laboratory use only.
Use of the Gel Doc XR, and ChemiDoc XRS systems involve UV illumination. Proper precautions
must be taken to avoid eye and skin exposure to the UV radiation. This instrument is meant for use only
by trained personnel that know the health risks associated with UV radiation and with reagents that are
normally used with this instrument. The acrylic shield provides some UV protection. However, it does
not guarantee complete protection, and it is designed to shield only the person working in front of the
system.

Anmerkung: Dieses Geraet ist nur fuer Forschungszwecke geeignet.

Ausserdem ist die Benutzung nur fuer spezialisiertes Personal gedacht, das mit den Gesundheitsrisiken
vertraut ist, die an die UV-Strahlung gebunden sind und den Reagentien, die normalerweise mit diesem
Geraet benutzt werden.
Die Benutzung eines Plexiglasschutzschildes garantiert dem Benutzer keinen Schutz vor UV-Strahlung.
Die Benutzung von Schutzbrille oder Schutzmaske ist strengstens empfohlen.

2.2 Power Safety Information

a) Voltage Setting Information: The Universal Hood II has a power supply that automatically chooses the

correct voltage for your country or region.

Fusing: The Universal Hood II has two user-serviceable fuses, F1 and F2, which are located on the

b)

bottom rear panel and are a part of the power entry module (see below).

WARNING: The operator should wear appropriate safety glasses, or a
protective mask and gloves, in addition to using the UV safety shield provided
with this instrument.

Fuse F1 and F2 are located in
this drawer. Use a
screwdriver and pull the
drawer out to see the fuses.

Main power entry module

7

Section 3 Product Description

3.1 CCD Camera and Lenses

A CCD camera is placed on top of the Universal Hood II for capturing images. The camera comes with
a motorized zoom lens (MZL) that allows a remote adjustment of the lens control functions (zoom,
focus, and iris).

For ChemiDoc
collection efficiency for low-light applications like chemiluminescence.

Lens f/0.95, 25 mm, wide-angle catalog #170-8072
Lens f/0.95, 17 mm, wide-angle catalog #170-8073

3.2 Darkroom Enclosure, Emission Filters, and Illumination Sources

The Universal Hood II is designed to capture fluorescent and chemiluminescent images without using a
photographic darkroom. The enclosure has built-in white light epi-illumination and UV
transillumination. An optional white light transilluminator (catalog #170-7950) or a white light
conversion screen (catalog #170-8001) may also be used with the system.

For easy sample loading, the UV transilluminator is located in the drawer of the Universal Hood II and
can be accessed from the front of the enclosure. For your convenience, the lights in the darkroom
enclosure turn off automatically after about 15 minutes. This time period can be extended indefinitely
by pressing the

The Universal Hood II has a three-position filter slider that offers the flexibility of using two different
emission filters for fluorescent applications as well as the ability to image chemiluminescent samples
(no filter).

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. offers a selection of filters and illumination sources.

Standard Filter Comes with each system. Catalog #

580AF120 62 mm Ethidium Bromide filter 170-8081

Optional Filters Can be purchased for optimal performance.

520DF30 62 mm Optional filter for SYBR Green/SYBR Gold/GFP/

560DF50 62 mm Optional filter for Cy3/rhodamine 170-8075
630BP30 62 mm Optional filter for SYPRO Ruby 170-8076
480BP70 62 mm Optional filter for Hoechst/coumarin 170-8077

Optional Illumination Sources

White light transilluminator 170-7950
White light conversion screen 170-8001
302 nm UV lamps, 6 (shipped standard with each system) 170-8097
254 nm UV lamps, 6 170-8098
365 nm UV lamps, 6 170-6887

™

XRS systems optional lenses with low f-numbers are available that offer extreme light

Hold button.

fluorescein 170-8074

8

3.3 USB and FireWire Connections

The Universal Hood, common to both Gel Doc XR and ChemiDoc XRS systems, requires a USB
connection in order to communicate with the PC. The Gel Doc XR camera has a USB connection that
connects to the Hood. However, the ChemiDoc XRS camera is directly connected to the PC and will
need a FireWire port to communicate with the PC, which is where the user interface software is
installed. In case of PCs that do not offer a FireWire (IEEE1394) interface, in order to connect the
ChemiDoc XRS system, a FireWire card (included as an accessory) needs to be installed in the host
computer to communicate with the camera.

Note: Read and follow the instructions for installing the USB cable (Gel Doc XR) or FireWire
cable (ChemiDoc XRS), card, drivers, and software in the following sections.

3.4 Quantity One® Software

Each system ships with a full version of Quantity One
Quantity One Basic software for data sharing. The software can be used to annotate and document
images, analyze molecular weights, print, and perform a host of other applications. See the software
manual for detailed instructions on how to install and operate the software.

Note: Read and follow the instructions in the following pages prior to installing Quantity One
software.

1-D Analysis Software and unlimited copies of

3.5 Printer (Optional)

For your convenience, Bio-Rad offers an optional USB printer for use with the Gel Doc XR and
ChemiDoc XRS systems:

Mitsubishi P93DW Thermal Printer catalog #170-8089

9

3.6 Unpacking the System

Gel Doc XR Components

The Gel Doc XR and ChemiDoc XRS systems consist of multiple components. Each of them may be in
a separate box or in one box with a label describing the catalog numbers and its contents. Please make
sure that all the system components are in your shipment. Please unpack each component carefully and
verify that you have the correct one. Each system includes the following:

Catalog # Descriptions

170-8170 Gel Doc XR System PC/Mac

170-8162 Universal Hood II with TLUM 100/240 V
170-8169 Gel Doc XR Camera w/MZL(motorized zoom lens)
170-8080 Kit Accessory, Universal Hood II
170-9600 Quantity One Software PC/Mac

Universal Hood II with TLUM 100/240V

Gel Doc XR camera with MZL & power supply

10

………

6 ft USB cable

10 ft USB cable

580 AF 120 Band Pass Filter (EtBr)

11

Quantity One software

12

ChemiDoc XRS Components

Catalog # Descriptions
170-8070 / 1708071 ChemiDoc XRS System PC/Mac

170-8162 Universal Hood II with TLUM 100/240 V
170-8099 ChemiDoc XRS camera with MZL (including
camera controller cable and power supply)
170-8173 FireWire card (PC system only)
170-8080 Kit accessory, Universal Hood II
170-8008 Fluorescent reference plate
170-9600 Quantity One software PC/Mac
170-8177 FireWire cable

ChemiDoc XRS Camera with MZL and Power Supply

Firewire card

13

Section 4 Getting Started

4.1 Selecting a Location

The Gel Doc
near the computer where Quantity One
power switch on the Universal Hood II, which is located at the rear bottom-left side of the enclosure.

4.2 Assembling the System

4.2.1 Assembling the Universal Hood II

Important: It is recommended that the Universal Hood II be carried by at least two people
holding the instrument from the bottom side. Be sure that the door and the drawer are
completely closed.

Wichtig: Es wird empfohlen, dass mindestens zwei Personen den Hood transportieren und dabei
das Geraet am Geraeteboden halten.

1. Lift the top lid off the main box.

2.

Open the accessory box and review the unpacking instructions.

3.

Lift off the top foam.

4.

Lift the cardboard enclosure off the pallet.

5.

Remove the plastic wrapping and carefully lift the enclosure from the bottom foam, and place it

in a suitable location.

Note: Please do not connect the power cable to a power source until all connections are made.
The power source has to be grounded and protected by a circuit breaker.

6. Locate the band pass filter in the accessory kit and thread it onto one of the two 62 mm rings of

the Filter Slider (inside of the hood). The filter slider facilitates the selection between two
filters and an open position for chemiluminescence.

7.

The three selectable positions are indicated by NO FILTER, FILTER 1, or FILTER 2.

filter for future use. See picture below.

™

XR and ChemiDoc™ XRS systems can be placed on any benchtop. The best position is

®

is operating. Remember to leave space to easily access the

on the right side of the camera support. Note the position of the 580 AF 120 Ethidium Bromide

Three positions sliding filter

14

4.3 Gel Doc XR System

If you have purchased the ChemiDoc XRS System, proceed to page 22 for installation insructions.

4.3.1 Installing the Gel Doc XR Camera

Place the camera on the bench sideways as shown. Take out the lens cap and put it a safe place.

1.
Take out the thumb screw from the box and assemble it to the camera bracket exactly as shown.

Place the thumb screw as shown.

2.

Gel Doc XR camera with bracket, MZL, and thumb screw

3. Place the Camera over the Universal Hood II by inserting the lens into the hole in gasket and
seating the lens on the gasket while the thumb screw is positioned on the camera bracket as
shown. The thumb screw slides through the slot in the vertical camera bracket on the Hood.

Secure the thumb screw (see pictures below). Make sure that the camera/lens is fully seated on

4.
the gasket and is upright.

The camera position can be fine adjusted in all directions; loosen the two Phillips head screws

5.
and move the entire assembly, along with the bracket.

Thumb screw

Phillips head

screws

Closeup of Gel Doc XR camera mounted with thumb screw

15