Biotek PowerWave Operator's Manual

Operator’s Manual

Microplate Spectrophotometer

PowerWave

™

TM

PowerWave

Microplate Spect rophotometer
Operator's Manual

June 2011
© 2011
Part Number 7281000
Revision F
BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

2 | Preface

Notices

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

Highland Park, P.O. Box 998

Winooski, Vermont 05404-0998 USA

All Rights Reserved

© 2011, BioTek® Instruments, Incorporated. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transcribed, or transmitted in any form, or by any means electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose other than the
purchaser’s use without written permission of BioTek Instruments, Inc.

Trademarks

BioTek® is a registered trademark, and PowerWave™, Gen5™, 4-Zone™ and
BioStack™ are trademarks of BioTek Instruments, Inc. BioCell™ is a trademark of
BioTek Instruments and is patented under U.S. patent number 5,963,318.

Microsoft®, and Windows®, are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Restrictions and Liabilities

Information in this document is subject to change and does not represent a
commitment by BioTek Instruments, Inc. Changes made to the information in this
document will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. No responsibility is
assumed by BioTek for the use or reliability of software or equipment that is not
supplied by BioTek or its affiliated dealers.

BioTek Instruments, Inc.

Contents

Preface ........................................................................................... 2

Notices ....................................................................................... 2

Contents ..................................................................................... 3

Contact Informat i on ..................................................................... 5

Revision History ........................................................................... 6

Document Conventions ................................................................. 8

Intended Use Statement ............................................................... 8

Quality Control ............................................................................. 9

Warranty and Product Registration ................................................. 9

Repackaging and Shipping ............................................................. 9

Warnings .................................................................................... 9

Hazards .................................................................................... 10

Precautions ............................................................................... 11

CE Mark .................................................................................... 12

Electromagnetic Interference and Sus ceptibility ............................. 13

User Safety ............................................................................... 14

Safety Symbols .......................................................................... 15

Chaper 1: Introduction ................................................................. 17

Product Description ....................................................................

Package Contents ....................................................................... 18

Optional Accessories ................................................................... 19

Specifications ............................................................................ 20

Product Support & Service ........................................................... 23

Contents | 3

All Rights Reserved.................................................................. 2

Trademarks ............................................................................ 2

Restrictions and Liabilities ........................................................ 2

Customer Service and Sales ..................................................... 5

Service/TAC ........................................................................... 5

European Coordination Center/Authorized European Representative5

Directive 2004/108/EC: Electromagnetic Compatibility ............... 12

Directive 73/23/EEC Low Voltage (Safety) ................................ 12

Directive 2002/96/EC: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment 12

Directive 98/79/EC: In Vitro Diagnostics .................................. 13

USA FCC CLASS A ................................................................. 13

Canadian Department of Communications Class A ..................... 13

18

Microplates ........................................................................... 20

Speed of Reading .................................................................. 20

Optical Specifications ............................................................. 21

Optical Performance .............................................................. 21

Hardware and Enviro nmental S pecifications .............................. 22

Contacting the Technical Assistance Center .............................. 23

Returning Instruments for Service/Repair ................................. 23

PowerWave Operator’s Manual

4 | Preface

Chapter 2: Installation ................................................................. 25

Product Registration ................................................................... 26

1: Unpack and Inspect the Instrument .......................................... 26

2: Remove the Carrier Shipping Bracket........................................ 26

3: Select an Appropriate Location ................................................. 27

4: Connect the Power Supply ....................................................... 28

5: Connect the Host Computer ..................................................... 29

6: Install Gen5 ........................................................................... 29

7: Turn on the Reader ................................................................ 29

Operational/Performance Qua lification .......................................... 30

Repackaging and Shipping Instructions ......................................... 31

Chapter 3: Operation .................................................................... 35

Operating the PowerWave ........................................................... 36

Getting Started with Gen5 ........................................................... 36

Recommendations for Optimum Performance................................. 37

Where to Go Next ...................................................................... 38

Chapter 4: Instrument Qualification ............................................. 39

Overview................................................................................... 40

Recommended Qualification Schedule ........................................... 40

Qualification Procedures .............................................................. 41

System Test .............................................................................. 41

Sample System Test Report.................................................... 42

Absorbance Plate Test ................................................................. 44

Test Plate and Certificates ...................................................... 44

Enter the Absorbance Test Plate Data ...................................... 44

Run the Absorbance Plate Test ................................................ 44

Sample Absorbance Plate Test Report ...................................... 45

Test Results .......................................................................... 46

Liquid Testing ............................................................................ 47

Absorbance Liquid Test 1 ....................................................... 48

Absorbance Liquid Test 2 .......................................................

50

Absorbance Liquid Test 3 (Optional) ........................................ 53

Chapter 5: Decontamination ......................................................... 57

Purpose .................................................................................... 58

Clean Plate Carrier and Exposed Surfaces ...................................... 59

Decontamination ........................................................................ 60

Tools and Supplies ................................................................ 60

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting .......................................................... 61

Error Codes ............................................................................... 62

Error Codes During Operation with the BioStack ........................ 62

General Errors ........................................................................... 63

Fatal Errors ............................................................................... 67

Chapter 7: Instrument Dimensions .............................................. 69

Instrument Dimensio ns ............................................................... 70

BioTek Instruments, Inc.

Internet:

www.biotek.com
Phone:

888-451-5171 (toll free in the U.S.)

802-655-4740 (outside the U.S.)

Fax:

802-655-7941
E-Mail:

[e-mail]

Phone:

800-242-4685 (toll free in the U.S.)

802-655-4740 (outside the U.S.)

Fax:

802-654-0638
E-Mail:

[e-mail]

Internet:

www.biotek.de

Phone:

[phone]

Fax:

[phone]
E-Mail:

[e-mail]

Contact Information

BioTek® Instruments, Inc.

Highland Park, P.O. Box 998

Winooski, Vermont 05404-0998 USA

Customer Service and Sales

Contact Inform ation | 5

Service/TAC

European Coordination Center/Authorized European
Representative

BioTek® Instruments GmbH
Kocherwaldstrasse 34
D-74177 Bad Friedrichshall
Germany

PowerWave Operator’s Manual

6 | Preface

Microplate Stacker,’and ‘Abs’ to ‘OD’. Removed ‘Scanning’ from ‘PowerWave™

Revision History

Revision Date Changes

A 12/2001 First issue.
B 2/2002 For the Optical Perf or mance Specific a tions, changed the maximum allowa ble

Gain on Optics from 6.0 to 10.0 (page 1-5).
Replaced Figures 3-1a and 3-1b, Sample Output for the System Test (pages

3-4 and 3-5).
Updated technical support contact information (pages iii, 1-6, and 1-7).
Made editorial changes.

C 8/2003 Updated TAC information in Preface and Ch. 1, and Customer Servic e a nd

European contact information, Hazards, Standards, Safety Symbols, Intended
Use Statement, and Warranty in Preface.

Updated Introduction, Variations, Hardware Features, Software Features,
Package Contents, Optional Accessories, and Specifications, Ch. 1.

Enhanced Unpackin g/ R epack a ging sections, Ch. 2; added Fig. 2-5, 2-6.
Revised Ch. 3 se c tions: System Test, Universal Plate Test, Liquid Testing.
Enhanced Decontaminatio n section; added Cleaning section in App. A.
Enhanced section on KC4™ , added section on KCjunior™ in App. B, and

replaced previou s s e r ia l control section w ith a reference to Bio-Tek’s serial
communication pr otocol specifica tion 7266201-SP.

Replaced Error Codes tables in App. C with more detailed tables from the
PowerWave™ HT Service Manual.

Added information about t he optional barcode scanner in Ch. 1, and added
new App. E, Barcode Scanner .

Referenced new version s of PowerWave™, PowerWave™ 340, a nd
PowerWave™ HT 340 through out manual.

Included refer e nces to KCjunior as a n additional primary operating software
and substitute for KC4.

Included information about the compa tibility of the Power Wave with the Bio­Stack™ Automated Microplate Stacking System, and brief paragraphs
concerning ins tallation, serial cab le connections, er r or codes, and align ment
when operating the PowerWave with the Bio-Stack; referenced the Bio Stack
Operator’s Manual.

D 5/2006 Updated prim arily to support introduction of Gen5™ Software.

General: Added Gen5 referen c es a nd instructions wherever KC4™ and
KCjunior™ references a nd instructions were present. Changed ‘Bio-Tek’ to
‘BioTek,’ ‘Bio-Stack™ Automated Microplate S tacking System’ to ‘Bio-Stack

Microplate Scanning Spectrophot om e ter’.
Cover: Replaced existing c ov er with new design.

BioTek Instruments, Inc.

Revision Date Changes

Throughout: Removed references to models ‘PowerWav e’ a nd ‘PowerWave HT

General: Removed references to outdated software KC4 and KCjunior.

(D) Preface: Updated contact information, Warnings, Hazards, Pre-cautions,

Safety Symbols. Removed Warranty and Registration Card.
Chapter 1, Introduction: Added clarification (in Inte r nal Barcode Scann er

section) that some older models of the reader may include the scanner.
Updated Package Conten ts, Optional Accessories, and replac ed pr ev ious
Technical Support pages w ith a P r oduct Support and Service page.

Chapter 2, Insta llation: Rearran ged installation steps to better reflect actu a l
practice.

Chapter 3, Performance Verificati on/Qualification T es ts : Added Gen5™
instructions for the Self Test and Absorbance Plate Test. In Recommended
Qualification Schedule, moved Absorbance Plate Test and Liquid Tests from
IQ to initial/ann ual OQ, changed PQ sem ia nnual frequency to quarterly, and
clarified criteria for running Liquid Tests 1, 2, or 3. Changed ‘Universal’ to
‘Absorbance’ in ‘Universal Test Pla te’ and ‘Universa l Plate Test’. In Liquid
Test 1, added BioTek wetting agent (7773002) to list of ingr edien ts . In Liquid
Test 3, changed Sigma® ‘P 3563 pac kets’ to ‘PBS tablets (#4417, or
equivalent).’ In Liqu id T es ts 1 a nd 3, changed ‘Analytical balance’ to
‘Precision balan ce.’ In all Liquid T ests, added ‘Cornin g” to “Costar’
(microplates), and added n ote to sh a ke plate or wait after pipetting and
before reading the plate.

Appendix A, Decontamination and C leaning: Corrected dilu tion mixtures for
bleach on page A-3 by changin g ‘ 20: 1’ r a tio f or c ommercial bleach to ‘1:20’,
and ‘10:1’ ratio for househ old bleach to ‘1:10’.

Appendix B, Computer Control: Added n ew section, “Controlling the Reader
with Gen5.”

E 12/2009

340’ (PowerWave HT and PowerW a ve 340 remain). Emphasized use of Gen5
instead of KC4 an d K Cjunior (which are no longer available fr om BioTek).
Removed references to the A c tiv eX component.

Preface: Updated Tradema r ks, Intended Use Statement, H azards,
Precautions, CE Mark information, and Safety Symbols. Removed lists of
illustrations and tables.

Ch 1 Introduction : Removed ‘Variations’ and ‘Internal Barcode Scanner’.
Updated Package Contents and Optional Accessories.

Ch 2 Installation: Simplified unpacking and setup ins tru c tions. Removed
Serial Pinout Desc r iption.

Ch 3 Operation: New chapter.
Ch 4 Instrument Q ualification: Moved recommendations for optimum

performance to ne w chapter 3. Clarif ie d instructions for the various
qualification tasks.

F 5/2011

Former Appendix B, Computer Control: Deleted this section . Moved Gen5
instructions to n ew chapter 3.

Former Appendices A and C: Ch a nged to Chapters 5 and 6.
Former Appendices D and E: Ch a nged to Appendices A and B.

Updated Gen5 ins tr uctions for Gen5 version 2.x.
Introduction: Deleted redundant “Hardware Features” and “Softwa re

Features” sections.
Liquid Testing: Updated Liquid Test 3; remov ed in s tructions for creating the

10x concentration PBS solution.
Appendices: Removed former Appendix B: Barcode Scanner .

Revision History | 7

PowerWave Operator’s Manual

8 | Preface

Document Conventions

This manual uses the following typographic conventions:

This icon calls attention to important safety notes.

Warning!

Caution

Note:



A Warning indicates the potential for bodily harm and
tells you how to avoid the problem.

A Caution indicates potential damage to the instrument
and tells you how to avoid the problem.

Bold text is primarily used for emphasis.

This icon calls attention to important inform ation.

Intended Use Statement

The PowerWave is an eight-channel, automated, benchtop, general-purpose Microplate
Spectrophotometer that performs optical density measurements of samples in a microplate
format. The user must evaluate this instrument with PC-based software in conjunction
with the specific assay. This evaluation must include the confirmation that performance
characteristics for the specific assay are met.

• BioTek Gen5 software package provides the user with instrument control and data

reduction capabilities.

• This product can operate with standard robotic systems, such as the BioStack

Microplate Stacker.

• This product may be used for In Vitro Diagnostic, research and development, or

other non-clinical purposes.

BioTek Instruments, Inc.

Quality Control | 9

Operate the instrument on a level surface away from excessive humidity.

Quality Control

It is considered good laboratory practice to run laboratory samples according to
instructions and specific recommendations included in the package insert or standard
laboratory protocol for the test to be conducted. Failure to conduct Quality Control checks
could result in erroneous test data.

Warranty and Product Regist rat ion

Review the Warranty information that shipped with your product. Register your
product(s) with BioTek to ensure that you receive important information and updates.
Contact the Customer Resource Center (CRC) at www.biotek.com or by calling 888/451­5171 or 802/655-4740.

Repackaging and Shipping

If you need to ship the instrument to BioTek for service or



repair, contact BioTek for a Return Materials Authorization

(RMA) number, and be sure to use the original packing

materials. Other forms of commercially available packaging are
not recommended and can void the warranty. If the original
packing materials have been damaged or lost, contact BioTek for
replacement packing.

Warnings

Strong light can reduce the linear performance range of the instrument.

Measurement values may be affected by extraneous particles (such as dust) in the
microplate wells. A clean work area is necessary to ensure accurate readings.

When operated in a safe environment according to the instructions in this
document, there are no known hazards associated with the instrument. However,
the operator should be aware of certain situations that could result in serious injury;
these may vary depending on the instrument model. See Hazards and Precautions.

PowerWave Operator’s Manual

10 | Preface

Warning! Power Rating. The instrument’s power supply cord must be connected

Warning! Internal Voltage. Always turn off the power switch and unplug the

Warning! Potential Biohazards. Some assays or specimens may pose a

Hazards

The following hazard warnings are provided to help avoid injury:

to a power receptacle that provides voltage and current within the specified rating
for the system. Use of an incompatible power receptacle may produce electrical
shock and fire hazards.

Warning! Electrical Grounding. Never use a two-prong plug adapter to connect

primary power to the external power supply. Use of an adapter disconnects the
utility ground, creating a severe shock hazard. Always connect the power supply
directly to an appropriate receptacle with a functional ground.

power supply before cleaning the outer surface of the instrument.

Warning! Liquids. Avoid spilling liquids on the reader; fluid seepage into internal

components creates a potential for shock hazard or instrument damage. If a spill
occurs while a program is running, abort the program and turn off the instrument.
Wipe up all spills immediately. Do not operate the instrument if internal
components have been exposed to fluid.

Warning! Unspecified Use. Failure to operate this equipment according to the

guidelines and safeguards specified in this manual could result in a hazardous
condition.

Warning! Software Quality Control. The operator must follow the

manufacturer’s assay package insert when modifying software parameters and
establishing reading methods. Failure to conduct quality control checks could result
in erroneous test data.

Warning! Reader Data Reduction Protocol. No limits are applied to the raw

absorbance data. All information exported via computer control must be thoroughly
analyzed by the operator.

biohazard. Adequate safety precautions should be taken as outlined in the assay’s
package insert. Always wear safety glasses and appropriate protective equipment,
such as chemically resistant rubber gloves and an apron.

BioTek Instruments, Inc.

Precautions

Caution: Ser v ic e. The instrument should be serviced by BioTek authorized service

Caution: Carrier Shipping Bracket. The microplate carrier shipping bracket

The following precautions are provided to help avoid damage to the instrument:

personnel. Only qualified technical personnel should perform troubleshooting and
service procedures on internal components.

Caution: Environmental Conditions. Do not expose the system to temperature

extremes. For proper operation, ambient temperatures should remain within the
range listed in the Specifications section of Chapter 1. Performance may be
adversely affected if temperatures fluctuate above or below this range. Storage
temperature limits are broader.

Caution: Sodium Hypochlorite. Do not expose any part of the instrument to the

recommended diluted sodium hypochlorite solution (bleach) for more than 20
minutes. Prolonged contact may damage the instrument surfaces. Be certain to rinse
and thoroughly wipe all surfaces.

Precautions | 11

Caution: External Power Supply. Only use the power supply shipped with the

instrument. Operate this power supply within the range of line voltages listed on it.

must be removed before operating the instrument and reinstalled before
repackaging the instrument for shipment.

Caution: Disposal. This instrument contains printed circuit boards and wiring

with lead solder. Dispose of the instrument according to Directive 2002/96/EC, “on
waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)” or local ordinances.

Caution: Warranty. Failure to follow preventive maintenance protocols may void

the warranty. See Chapter 5 for preventive maintenance procedures.

Caution: Electromagnetic Environment. Per IEC 61326-2-6 it is the user’s

responsibility to ensure that a compatible electromagnetic environment for this
instrument is provided and maintained in order that the device will perform as
intended.

Caution: Electromagnetic Compatibility. Do not use this device in close

proximity to sources of strong electromagnetic radiation (e.g., unshielded
intentional RF sources), because these may interfere with the proper operation.

PowerWave Operator’s Manual

12 | Preface

CE Mark

Based on the programs described below and info rmation contained herein,
this product bears the CE mark.

 See the Declaration of Conformity for more information.

Directive 2004/108/EC: Electromagnetic Compatibility

Emissions—CLASS A

The system has been type-tested by an independent, accredited testing laboratory
and found to meet the requirements of EN 61326-1 and EN 61326 2 6: Class A for
Radiated Emissions and Line Conducted Emissions.

Verification of compliance was conducted to the limits and methods of EN 55011—
(CISPR 11) Class A. In a domestic environment it may cause radio interference, in
which case you may need to mitigate the interference.

Immunity

The system has been type-tested by an independent, accredited testing laboratory
and found to meet the requirements of EN 61326-1 and EN 61326-2-6 for Immunity.
Verification of compliance was conducted to the limits and methods of the
following:

EN 61000-4-2, Electrostatic Discharge
EN 61000-4-3, Radiated EM Fields
EN 61000-4-4, Electrical Fast Transient/Burst
EN 61000-4-5, Surge Immunity
EN 61000-4-6, Conducted Disturbances from RFI
EN 61000-4-11, Voltage Dips, Short Interruptions and Variations

Directive 73/23/EEC Low Voltage (Safety)

The system has been type-tested by an independent testing laboratory and was found
to meet the requirements of EC Directive 73/23/EEC for Low Voltage. Verification of
compliance was conducted to the limits and methods of EN 61010-1, “Safety
requirement for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use. Part
1, General requirements.”

Directive 2002/96/EC: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Disposal Notice: This instrument contains printed circuit boards and wiring with lead
solder. Dispose of the instrument according to Directive 2002/96/EC, “on waste
electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)” or local ordinances.

BioTek Instruments, Inc.

Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility | 13

Directive 98/79/EC: In Vitro Diagnostics

• Product registration with competent authorities.

• Traceability to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST):

Optical density measurements are traceable to NIST.

Electromagnetic Interference and Susceptibility

USA FCC CLASS A

Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the

manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Like all
similar equipment, this equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.

Canadian Department of Communications Class A

This digital apparatus does not exceed Class A limits for radio emissions from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.

Le present appareil numerique n'emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numerique de la Class A prescrites dans le Reglement
sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications du
Canada.

PowerWave Operator’s Manual

14 | Preface

User Safety

This device has been type-tested by an independent laboratory and found to meet the
requirements of the following:

North America

• Canadian Standards Association CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1, “Safety

Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory
Use, Part 1: General Requirements”

• UL 61010-1, “Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,

Control, and Laboratory Use, Part 1: General Requirements”

International

• EN 61010-1, “Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,

Control, and Laboratory Use, Part 1: General Requirements”

BioTek Instruments, Inc.

Safety Symbols

Some of these symbols appear on the instrument or accessories:

Alternating current

Courant alternatif
Wechselstrom
Corriente alterna
Corrente alternata

Both direct and alternating current

Courant continu et courant alternatif
Gleich - und Wechselstrom
Corriente continua y corriente alterna
Corrente continua e corrente alternata

Safety Symbols | 15

Direct current

Courant continu
Gleichstrom
Corriente continua
Corrente continua

On (Supply)

Marche (alimentation)
Ein (Verbindung mit dem

Netz)
Conectado
Chiuso

Off (Supply)
Arrêt (alimentation)

Aus (Trennung vom Netz)
Desconectado
Aperto (sconnessione dalla rete

di alimentazione)

Warning, risk of electric shock

Attention, risque de choc
électrique

Gefährliche elektrische schlag

Precaución, riesgo de sacudida
eléctrica

Attenzione, rischio di scossa
elettrica

Earth ground terminal

Borne de terre
Erde (Betriebserde)
Borne de tierra
Terra (di funzionamento)

Protective conductor terminal

Borne de terre de protection
Schutzleiteranschluss
Borne de tierra de protección
Terra di protezione

Caution (refer to accompanying
documents)

Attention (voir documents
d’accompanement)

Achtung siehe Begleitpapiere
Atención (vease los documentos incluidos)
Attenzione, consultare la doc annessa

Warning, risk of crushing or pinching

Attention, risque d’écrasement et
pincement

Warnen, Gefahr des Zerquetschens und
Klemmen

Precaución, riesgo del machacamiento y
sejeción

Attenzione, rischio di schiacciare ed
intrappolarsi

Warning, hot surface

Attention, surface chaude
Warnen, heiße Oberfläche

Precaución, superficie caliente
Attenzione, superficie calda

PowerWave Operator’s Manual

Warning, potential biohazards

Attention, risques biologiques potentiels
Warnung! Moegliche biologische Giftstoffe

Atención, riesgos biológicos
Attenzione, rischio biologico

16 | Preface

In vitro diagnostic medical
device

Dispositif médical de
diagnostic in vitro

Medizinisches In-Vitro­Diagnostikum

Dispositivo médico de
diagnóstico in vitro

Dispositivo medico
diagnostico in vitro

Separate collection for electrical and
electronic equipment

Les équipements électriques et
électroniques font l’objet d’une collecte
sélective

Getrennte Sammlung von Elektro- und
Elektronikgeräten

Recogida selectiva de aparatos eléctricos y
electrónicos

Raccolta separata delle apparecchiature
elettriche ed elettroniche

Consult instructions for use

Consulter la notice d’emploi
Gebrauchsanweisung beachten

Consultar las instrucciones de
uso

Consultare le istruzioni per
uso

BioTek Instruments, Inc.

Chapter 1

Introduction

This chapter introduces the PowerWave Microplate
Spectrophotometer, describes its features and specifications, and
provides contact information for technical assistance.

Product Description .................................................................. 18

Package Contents .................................................................... 18

Optional Accessories ................................................................. 19

Specifications .......................................................................... 20

Product Support and Service ..................................................... 23

18 | Chapter 1: Introduction

Product Description

The PowerWave offers tunable wavelength selection and wavelength scanning without the
need for interference filters. The eight-channel reader is computer controlled via BioTek’s
Gen5 software. Key features include:

• A variety of read methods including endpoint, kinetic, multiwavelength, and

spectral scanning.

• A monochromator for continuous wavelength selection from 200 to 999 nm (or 340

to 999 nm for the PowerWave 340), in 1-nm increments

• A xenon flash lamp for both UV and visible light absorbance measurements.

• Superior optical specifications, with an extended dynamic range of up to 4.000 OD.

• Ability to read standard 96- and 384-well (PowerWave HT) microplates and

BioTek’s patented BioCell quartz vessel for 1 cm measurements.

• Three reading speeds: normal, rapid, and sweep mode.

• A unique 4-Zone™ temperature control from 4º over ambient to 50ºC that ensures

superior temperature uniformity necessary for kinetic assays.

• Low, medium, high, and variable plate shake speeds with adjustable durations.

• Robot accessible carrier. Compatible with BioTek’s BioStack Microplate Stacker.

 If you purchased the BioStack to operate with the PowerWave, refer to

the BioStack Operator’s Manual for installation, setup, and operation
instructions. If you are interested in purchasing the BioS t ack, contact
your local BioTek dealer or visit www.biotek.com.

Package Contents

 Package contents and part numbers are subject to change. Please contact

BioTek Customer Care if you have any questions.

• Gen5 Software (PN 5320200)

• Power supply (PN 76053) and power cord (PN varies according to country of use)

• Serial cable (PN 75053)

• PowerWave Operator’s Manual (PN 7281000)

BioTek Instruments, Inc.

Optional Accessories

 Accessories and part numbers are subject to change. Please contact

BioTek Customer Care if you have any question s, or vi sit www.biotek.com
and use the Accessories search feature.

• USB to Serial Adapter (PN 75104)

• Absorbance Test Plate (PN 7260522)

• BioCell Quartz vessel for 1 cm wavelength fixed pathlength absorbance

measurements (PN 7272051); adapter plate for up to eight BioCells (PN 7270512)

• PowerWave Product Qualification (IQ-OQ-PQ) package (7280520)

• Liquid Test Solutions:

 BioTek Wetting Agent (PN 7773002)
 BioTek QC Check Solution No. 1 (PN 7120779 for 25 ml; PN 7120782 for 125 ml)

• BioStack Microplate Stacker (contact Customer Care)

Optional Accessories | 19

PowerWave Operator’s Manual

20 | Chapter 1: Introduction

Specifications

Microplates

• All models accommodate standard 96-well microplates, and up to 8 BioCells.

• The PowerWave HT also accommodates standard 384-well microplates.

Speed of Reading

The plate read time and accuracy are dependent on the method of reading:

• Normal mode is the slowest of the three available modes. After positioning the

well over the beam, the instrument waits 100 milliseconds before taking the
measurement (8-flash data collection). Note: The 100 ms delay is to allow for
more complete fluid settling.

• Rapid mode is faster than Normal mode because the instrument does not wait

before taking the measurement (8-flash data collection).

• Sweep is the fastest of the three available modes. The plate carrier sweeps each

row past the optics channel without stopping, and collects data with a single
flash at each well as it goes by.

The following read times are based on a single or dual wavelength measurement.
Actual reading speeds may vary, depending upon the reading wavelength selected.
Each wavelength has a unique location within the monochromator, and the different
locations require varying amounts of time to position.

96-Well Read Timing 630 nm 630/450 nm

Normal Read Mode Single Dual

Endpoint 16 to 25 sec. 26 to 44 sec.

Rapid Read Mode Single Dual

Endpoint 16 sec. 26 sec.

Sweep Read Mode Single Dual

Endpoint 11 sec. 16 sec.

Kinetics: All three read modes are available in Kinetics mode. Single wavelength
reads are limited to the following minimum times.

20 seconds from A1 to A1 in Normal mode, single wavelength, depending
upon density of solution.

11 seconds from A1 to A1 in Rapid mode, single wavelength.

5 seconds from A1 to A1 in Sweep mode, single wavelength.

BioTek Instruments, Inc.