Gilson FC 203B Quick Reference Manual

Gilson,Inc.

3000 Parmenter Street • PO Box 620027 • Middleton, WI 53562 USA
Tel: [phone] or 800-445-7661 • F 608-831-4451 • www.gilson.com

FC 203B Fraction Collector

Quick Reference Guide

©2016 Gilson, Inc. All rights reserved. LT1732-05

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FC 203B FraCtion ColleCtor | QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Table of Contents

Overview .................................................................................. 1

Customer Service ................................................................ 2

Notable Features ................................................................. 2

Collection Modes ......................................................... 2

Racks ................................................................................ 2

Operation ........................................................................ 3

Memory ............................................................................ 3

HELP ................................................................................. 3

Cycle Collection ............................................................3

Collection Windows .................................................... 4

Key Controls .......................................................................... 5

“Hard” Keys .................................................................... 5

Cycle Collection ...................................................................11

Collection Modes ................................................................12

Time Mode ....................................................................12

Drop Mode .....................................................................12

Manual Mode ................................................................13

Peak Modes ...................................................................13

Racks ...................................................................................... 16

Input/Output Control .......................................................18

Overview

1

FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR | QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Overview

This quick reference guide provides a concise overview
of the operating features of the fraction collector. In most
cases, this is the only documentation needed to operate
the fraction collector.

NOTE

This guide does not detail installation
procedures! Before operating the fraction
collector, refer to the user’s guide to make
all necessary plumbing and electrical
connections.

Use the quick reference guide for information about:

• control keys

• operating modes

• programming

• available racks

• input/output control

For more detailed information, refer to the user’s guide. It
contains instructions for:

• choosing run parameters

• making plumbing and electrical connections

• setting collection windows to selectively save or
discard effluent

• programming the fraction collector to control another
device

• using hidden function keys to set parameter values
and to monitor fraction collector performance

• maintaining and troubleshooting your unit

2

CUSTOMER SERVICE | FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR

CustOmer serviCe

Customer Service

Gilson, Inc. and its worldwide network of authorized
representatives provide customers with the following
types of assistance: sales, technical support, applications,
and instrument repair.

If you need assistance, please contact your local Gilson
representative. Specific contact information can be found
at www.gilson.com.

Notable Features

Collection Modes

Choose from several collection modes: time, drop,
peak plus time, peak plus drop, or manual. Refer to

Collection Modes on page 12 for more information.

Racks

Choose from a variety of racks. Each rack has a code
number. Tell the fraction collector which rack you
are using by entering the rack code number. When
changing racks, simply enter the new code. See Racks on
page 16 for more information.

3

FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR | QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

CustOmer serviCe

Operation

The fraction collector has two kinds of controls:

• “Hard” keys, such as START, END, YES, NO. The
functions of these keys do not vary.

• “Soft” keys, the four white keys below the display.
The functions of the soft keys vary depending on the
current display. The current function of each soft key
appears on the display directly above the key.

See Key Controls on page 5 for more information.

Memory

The fraction collector remembers its last set of
instructions (e.g., the operating mode and the numerical
values assigned to the various options) even if the power
has been turned off. It always “wakes up” ready to do
exactly what it did the last time.

At each startup, check the list of current values. To check
the values in the current mode, press List.

HELP

Pressing this hard key provides on-line instruction during
setup or during a run.

Cycle Collection

The fraction collector allows for collecting fractions from
each sample into the same set of tubes or into a new set
of tubes.

4

CUSTOMER SERVICE | FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR

CustOmer serviCe

Collection Windows

Collection windows allow for collecting only the effluent
desired and discarding the rest. Optionally, build up to ten
collection windows.

Collection windows are useful for:

• excluding void volumes

• excluding equilibration or washing volumes

• aiding in selective peak collection

Remember four key points about collection windows:

• It is always possible to collect from start to end,
designating the entire collection period as one
collection window.

• Whenever the fraction collector is outside a collection
window, it automatically diverts the effluent to drain.

• At the start of each collection window, the dispense
head automatically advances to the next tube.

• The collection windows are not mode specific.
Windows created in one mode are active in all other
modes.

5

FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR | QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Key COntrOls

Key Controls

“Hard” Keys

START

Key used to start collection. This key has the same
function as the Start Soft Key. It is also possible to start
the fraction collector remotely; refer to the user’s guide.

END

A manual override key that ends the collection and
returns the dispense head to the “home” position at the
left and rear of the unit. Typically, the dispense head will
return to “home” after collecting into the last tube in the
rack.

When using the multiple column option, press END after
the last fraction has been collected.

If END is pressed while viewing any display, the ready­to-run display of the current mode will appear. It is then
possible to begin collecting fractions.

EDIT

Key that calls up the display you use to select or change
collection modes. To access advanced technical and
service options, press EDIT 1, 2, or 3. Refer to the
appendices in the user’s guide for more information
about those options.

6

KEY CONTROLS | FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR

Key COntrOls

HELP

Displays information and instructions to simplify
operation during setup or during a run. There are many
help messages. Each gives specific information about the
current options.

ADV

Manually advances the number of the current collection
vessel. The current tube number is always shown on the
display. For instance, if tube 1 is the current collection
vessel, pressing ADV makes tube 2 the current collection
vessel. When using the multiple column option, the
current fraction number, rather than tube number, is
displayed.

Typically, tube advance is automatic, but it is possible to
manually initiate an advance by pressing ADV or advance
remotely, as described in the user’s guide.

To understand the interaction between the
ADV and DRAIN Keys, refer to DRAIN below.

DRAIN

Diverts effluent to drain. DRAIN is a two-state key. Press
it once, its light goes on and effluent is diverted to drain.
Press it a second time, the light goes off and the fraction
collector collects into the current vessel.

Whenever the dispense head of the fraction collector
travels from a vessel to the drain trough or back again, it
avoids passing over any vessel into which fractions have
been collected, to prevent contamination of collected
fractions.

7

FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR | QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Key COntrOls

While the fraction collector is draining, pressing ADV
does not resume collection, but rather it advances the
number of the current tube, which is always displayed
during a run. When DRAIN is pressed a second time, the
fraction collector collects into the vessel shown on the
display. This allows for maximum flexibility: after draining,
optionally resume collection in the last vessel, the next
one, or the first vessel in the next row.

0–9

Press number keys to enter numerical values. The decimal
point, where applicable, does not have to be entered.

One easy way to enter a new number is to press the NO
key to clear the current number and then enter the new
number. Numbers appear on the display at the far right,
and move to the left with each successive entry.

YES

Press YES when you want the instructions shown on the
top line of the display to apply. The YES Key has the same
function as the Ok Soft Key.

NO

Press NO to clear the numerical value from the
display. Also used to choose alternate options (e.g.,
programmable output 2).

8

KEY CONTROLS | FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR

Key COntrOls

“Soft” Keys

The following functions are controlled by the four white
keys on the fraction collector front panel. Directly above
a soft key its current function is displayed. If the display
above a key is blank, that key is inactive.

Add

Press to begin building a collection window. Press Add
and then specify the start and end times of the window.
When the fraction collector is outside a window, all
effluent will be discarded.

Collection windows are optional. Add up to ten windows.
Refer to the user’s guide for detailed instructions.

Collect

Press to collect the non-peak effluent in peak modes.
Collection of non-peak material is optional. It is possible
to set a different time/tube or drop/tube value for
collection of non-peak effluent than for collection of peak
effluent. Refer to Discard on page 9.

Cycle

Identifies the next set of tubes to be used for collection.
This soft key appears instead of the Start Soft Key if the
Tubes per cycle Parameter was set to a number greater
than 0 (zero). Refer to the user’s guide for detailed
instructions.

9

FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR | QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Key COntrOls

Del

Press to delete the collection window currently shown on
the top line of the display. To collect from start to end,
delete all collection windows. Refer to the user’s guide for
detailed instructions.

Delayed Adv

In manual mode, this soft key functions like ADV, except
tube advance is delayed to account for the time it
takes effluent to pass from the detector to the fraction
collector.

Discard

In peak modes, press to divert the non-peak effluent to
the drain.

Drop

Specifies collection in drop mode. Refer to

Collection Modes on page 2 for more information.

Back

After viewing a HELP message, press this key to return to
the point at which HELP was requested.

List

Press to display a listing of each option and its current
value in the selected collection mode.

Manl

Specifies collection in manual mode. Refer to

Collection Modes on page 2 for more information.

10

KEY CONTROLS | FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR

Key COntrOls

More

Press this key to see the next display of a HELP message.
Refer to Back on page 9.

Ok

Press to apply the instructions shown on the top line of
the display. Works in the same way as the YES Hard Key.

Peak

Specifies collection in one of the two peak modes.
After making this selection, select to subfractionate
peaks by time or by drop. Refer to Collection Modes on
page 2 for more information.

Quit

Press to return to the previous display.

Rack

Press to tell the fraction collector which rack will be
used. Change the rack code by entering a new number.
Also calls up a description of the rack code that
currently appears on the display. Refer to Racks on
page 16 for more information.

Start

Press to start the collection. The START Hard Key has the
same function.

Time

Specifies collection in time mode. Refer to

Collection Modes on page 2 for more information.

11

FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR | QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

CyCle COlleCtiOn

Cycle Collection

The fraction collector enables collecting fractions two
different ways:

• Collect each sample, or full collection cycle, into the
same set of tubes. During the run, each cycle begins at
tube 1.

• Collect each sample, or full collection cycle, into a new
set of tubes. During the run, each cycle begins at the
tube following the last tube of the previous cycle.

The Tubes per cycle Parameter in the Technical Menu
(press EDIT 2) allows for indicating how the fractions will
be collected.

To collect each sample into the same set of tubes, set the
Tubes per cycle Parameter to 0 (zero).

To collect each sample into a new set of tubes, set the
Tubes per cycle Parameter to a value other than 0 (zero).
Using the tubes per cycle and the total tube capacity for
the rack, the number of cycles is calculated. If the number
of tubes per cycle cannot be divided evenly into the tube
capacity for the rack, the number of cycles is the whole­number quotient; the remaining tubes are not used.

Refer to the user’s guide for more information.

12

COLLECTION MODES | FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR

COlleCtiOn mOdes

Collection Modes

Time Mode

For collection of timed fractions; from 0.01 to

99.99minutes per tube, in 0.01 minute increments.

Parameters:

_ _ . _ _ min/tube

Collect: _ _ _ . _ to _ _ _ . _ (collection windows)

Optionally, change min/tube values during the run. Enter
new numbers and then press YES.

Drop Mode

For collection of fractions by drop count; from 1 to
9999drops per tube.

Parameters:

_ _ _ _ drops/tube

Collect: _ _ _ . _ to _ _ _ . _ (collection windows)

Optionally, change drops/tube values during the run.
Enter new numbers and then press YES.

13

FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR | QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

COlleCtiOn mOdes

Manual Mode

For manual collection, use the START, ADV, DRAIN and
END Keys. A delayed advance soft key advances the

dispense head only after waiting until the effluent passes
from the detector to the fraction collector. Refer to the
user’s guide for more information about when to activate
the delayed advance function.

Parameters:

Delay time: _ . _ _ min

Collect: _ _ _ . _ to _ _ _ . _ (collection windows)

Peak Modes

Choose to collect peak and/or non-peak fractions. To
detect peaks, the fraction collector must be connected
to an analog output of a detector. The fraction collector
can interpret the detector data to distinguish peaks from
non-peaks. Refer to the user’s guide for instructions
to connect the detector to the fraction collector
multipurpose I/O port.

There is no peak-only mode. Peak or non-peak effluent
must be subdivided either:

• by time (from 0.01 to 99.99 min/tube) or

• by drops (from 1 to 9999 drops/tube)

14

COLLECTION MODES | FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR

COlleCtiOn mOdes

In peak modes, the fraction collector needs the following
information:

• the width of a typical peak in the run at half of its
maximum height, measured in minutes

• the height of the shortest peak of interest, measured
in millivolts (this number is easily determined from
the full scale voltage deflection of the detector and
recorder) or the millivolt (mV) level above which peaks
will be collected

• the time it takes for the effluent to pass from the
detector flow cell to the dispense head of the fraction
collector. This aids in the collection of purer peaks. The
user’s guide explains how to calculate the delay time
based on the setup.

Optionally, collect the non-peak effluent at a different
time/tube or drop/tube than the peak effluent.

To discard non-peak effluent to waste, press the

Discard Soft Key. When you discard non-peak effluent, it

is highly recommended that you use a 3-way valve. Refer
to the user’s guide.

Parameters:

Peak: _ _ . _ _ min/tube

or

Peak: _ _ _ _ drops/tube

Non-peak: _ . _ _ min/tube

or

Non-peak: _ _ _ _ drops/tube

15

FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR | QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

COlleCtiOn mOdes

NOTE

The “Non-peak” displays will not appear if
discard non-peak fractions was selected.

Peak width: _ . _ _ min

Peak height: _ _ . _ mV

or

Peak level: _ _ . _ mV

Delay time: _ . _ _ min

Collect: _ _ _ . _ to _ _ _ . _ (collection windows)

It is possible to change time/tube or drop/tube values
during a run. Enter numbers and then press YES.

16

RACKS | FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR

raCKs

Racks

The fraction collector “knows” the collection patterns
for all of the following racks, according to their code
numbers. When you enter the code number of the rack
you intend to use, the fraction collector describes the
rack to you. To change rack codes, simply enter the code
of the new rack.

RACK DESCRIPTION

Collection Plate 80-cavity plate, 2.5 mL/cavity; will also hold 11mm

Eppendorf vials. Set the rack code to “0”.

Code 0 rack For 80 12 mm diameter vials

Code 1 rack For 80 13 mm diameter tubes

Code 2 rack For 119 6 mm diameter tubes

Code 4 rack For 80 12 mm diameter tubes

Code 11 rack For 105 13 mm diameter tubes

Code 14 rack For 128 12 mm diameter tubes

Code 15 rack For one 96-well microplate. Set rack code to “15” to

collect across rows. Set rack code to “17” to collect in
a serpentine pattern.

Code 20 rack For 108 10 mm diameter tubes

Code 21 rack For 60 13 mm diameter tubes

Code 23 rack For forty-four 17 x 55 mm (6.8 mL) or 17x65mm

(8mL) mini-scintillation vials

Code 23W rack For 44 Waters WISP vials. Set rack code to “23”.

17

FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR | QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

raCKs

RACK DESCRIPTION

Code 24 rack For quantity fourteen 28 x 57 mm scintillation vials

(20 mL)

Code 28 rack For quantity one hundred eight 10 x 65 mm (3mL) or

10 x 75 mm (3.5 mL) tubes

Code 29 rack For quantity sixty 12 x 75 (5 mL) or 13 x 75 (6mL)

tubes

Code 29 LE rack For 60 11 mm Eppendorf vials. Set rack code to “29”

if using vials without caps. If using capped vials, place
vials in center two rows with caps facing outward,
set rack code to “19”. (See Appendix A of the user’s
guide for diagram.)

Code 29 SE rack For 60 8 mm Eppendorf vials. Set rack code to “29” if

using vials without caps. If using capped vials, place
vials in center two rows with caps facing outward,
set rack code to “19”. (See Appendix A of the user’s
guide for diagram.)

Code 30 rack Thermostated rack for 60 12 mm diameter vials

Code 30P rack Polypropylene rack for quantity 60 12 x 32 mm (2 mL)

vials; 4 x 15 pattern

Code 32 rack Thermostated rack for 60 13 mm diameter tubes.

When used with 13 x 65 mm tubes, mount rack on a
thermostated rack holder and set rack code to “30”.

Code 33 rack Thermostated rack for 14 28 mm diameter vials

Code 33P rack Polypropylene rack for quantity fourteen 28x57 mm

scintillation vials; 2 x 7 pattern

18

INPUT/OUTPUT CONTROL | FC 203B FRACTION COLLECTOR

input/Output COntrOl

Input/Output Control

Provides inputs for:

• remote start/advance and end by contact closure

• analog signal from detector for peak detection and
quantification

Provides outputs for:

• event mark on tube advance

• programmable on/off control of pump, recorder, etc.,
by contact closure

The user’s guide describes how to make the input and
output connections and how to set the programmable
output. The following table lists the functions of each pair
of contacts.

PAIR DESCRIPTION

1–2 Analog input from detector. Used in peak modes.

Pin 1 is signal (10–100 mV); Pin 2 is ground reference.

3–4 Input A. When activated by contact closure, fraction collector will

start a run or, if already in run, will advance to the next tube.

5–6 Input B. When activated, collection will end and indexing head will

return to home.

7–8 Output 1. Sends a 0.1 second contact closure at each tube advance.

Used to indicate an event on your recorder/data device.

9–10 Output 2. User programmable contact closure. Timing of this

contact closure is set in the Technical Menu (press EDIT 2). See
the user’s guide to learn how to set this option. The factory default
setting is “On after wait 1”.

Also, Gilson Serial I/O Channel (GSIOC) port allows full­function computer control of the fraction collector. See
the user’s guide for details.