Hudson Robotics LabLinx User Manual

STACKLINK

10 Stern Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081

Tel: [phone]  Fax: [phone]

LABLINX

USER MANUAL

Contents

CHAPTER 1-Introduction ................................................................................................. 1

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

Computer Requirements .......................................................................................................... 2

External Air Requirements ...................................................................................................... 3

Chapter 2-Installation ........................................................................................................ 4

Unpacking the StackLink ......................................................................................................... 4

Parts List .................................................................................................................................... 5

Setting up the StackLink .......................................................................................................... 6

Setting up the TrackLink(s) ..................................................................................................... 6

Setting Up StopLink(s) ............................................................................................................. 7

Connect Power Cord & Communication Cable: .................................................................... 9

Switching AC Line Voltage 110VAC/220VAC ....................................................................... 9

CHAPTER 3-StackLink Software ................................................................................... 10

Brief Description of Software ................................................................................................. 10

How to Install Software .......................................................................................................... 10

Configuring a Workcell .......................................................................................................... 11

Setting Up Plate Parameters .................................................................................................. 13

StackLink Delay (msec) .......................................................................................................... 14

CHAPTER 5-StackLink Components ................................................................................... 15

DriveLink System .................................................................................................................... 15

Stacks ....................................................................................................................................... 15

Power Cord/Communication Cable Connection .................................................................. 15

Power Switch ........................................................................................................................... 15

Optional Components ............................................................................................................. 15

CHAPTER 6-Hardware Specifications ........................................................................... 17

General ..................................................................................................................................... 17

TrackLink ................................................................................................................................ 17

StopLink ................................................................................................................................... 17

Mechanical Description .......................................................................................................... 17

Dimensions ............................................................................................................................... 18

Electrical .................................................................................................................................. 18

Environmental ......................................................................................................................... 18

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CHAPTER 7-Maintenance .............................................................................................. 19

Maintenance ............................................................................................................................ 19

Cleaning the StackLink .......................................................................................................... 19

Change the Fuse(s) .................................................................................................................. 19

Appendix A: ...................................................................................................................... 21

Hudson's LabLinx Communications and Command Set................................................. 21

Protocol Description ............................................................................................................... 21

StackLink Command Set ........................................................................................................ 23

Error Code Description .......................................................................................................... 30

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 WARNING

Possible hazardous situation could result in
serious injury.

 NOTE

A statement that is cautionary; operating
tip; instrument damage may occur if not
followed.

 HINT

Helpful hints and additional information

 LIST

List of instructions; parts



Important information



Specifications

! CAUTION

Electrical Hazard

WARNING- -

 This product may be used only in the manner described in this manual.

When used other than as specified, the safety protections provided by the
equipment may be impaired.

TABLE OF SYMBOLS:

The following symbols are to alert your attention to important information or

warnings that may present some hazards. These symbols may not appear in the
manual or on the product.

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CHAPTER 1-Introduction

Overview

The StackLink (Figure 1) is an automated microplate stacker, which also drives a high
speed, modular and expandable track system that delivers lab ware to multiple laboratory
instruments. A part of LabLinx track system, the StackLink is capable of handling up to
120 (60 x 2 stacks) 96-well, 384-well or 1536-well standard microliter plates.

The StackLink includes Hudson Robotics’ SoftLinx software, which provides an easy-to­use interface to coordinate the LabLinx operation with other automated instruments.
Softlinx is written in the Visual Basic for Applications programming language and can
run on Windows Vista, Windows 7. The StackLink can be interfaced with readers,
washers, liquid handlers, labelers, pipettors, etc.

The StackLink is equipped with optional expandable tracks, known as TrackLinks
(Figure 2), as well as up to 8 plate-stop modules called StopLinks (Figure 3). The

StopLink uses proximity sensors in line with quick plate catching “fingers” to stop and

position the microplate in precise locations.

Figure 1

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Tracklink StopLink

Figure 2 Figure 3

StackLink w/ TrackLink and StopLink options

Figure 4

Computer Requirements

The following are recommended for proper operation of the PlateCrane EX and Softlinx:

 Operating System: Windows XP SP3, Windows XP x64, Windows Vista

32, Windows Vista 64, Windows 7 32, Windows 7 64

 2.5GHz Quad Core Pentium processor or faster, 4GB RAM or higher, CD-

Rom drive, 2 available USB Ports

 3GB MB of free disk space available
 .NET Framework 4.0

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 The Computer has the recommended number of working serial ports (You

can Purchase USB-to-serial convertors from Hudson Robotics If Needed­Please contact your local Sales Manager)

 Power and communication cables for third party devices being connected

have been verified

External Air Requirements

 60 PSI compressed air

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Chapter 2-Installation

Unpacking the StackLink

WARNING- -

 Power switch must be turned OFF during entire installation procedure

DO NOT loosen or tighten any screws or touch parts not specified in the
instructions
Never force any component to fit
The StackLink weighs  30 lbs. and should be handled with care to avoid mishaps

Overview:

1. Remove StackLink from carton (Once you have a firm grasp on the unit gently lift the

unit straight up out of the carton. Make sure that the StackLink is separated from the
shipping foam)

2. Unpack any other accessories (TrackLinks, StopLinks, Alignment Bases) shipped

with the unit.

3. Position the StackLink on the Bench, with the flat side of StackLink facing towards

the end user. Unless limited by installation or layout.

4. Install Stack(s) into stack positions 1 and 2 on the unit. Make sure the stacks are

securely positioned on the unit. The open top section of the stacks should face out
and away from each other. This allows for the end user to remove or add plates easily.

5. Install any TrackLinks included in the system. First, remove the two clamp bars from

the StackLink. Slowly slide the TrackLink into the StackLink, make sure that the
gear on the StackLink and TrackLink align correctly. Then secure the TrackLink by
screwing down the clamp bars back into the StackLink.

6. Position any StopLinks where required by fastening them to the side of the track with

the provided Phillips head screws. Plug the modular plug into the desired port on the
side of the StackLink.

7. Position the plate stops across from the StopLinks and secure them with the provided

Phillip head screws. These plate stops prevent the plate from being pushed off of the
track when the StopLinks close.

8. Connect 1/4 “air line tubing supplying a minimum 60psi of compressed air to the

regulator located on the rear of the instrument.

9. Connect power cord and communication cable to the rear of the StackLink

10. Install Softlinx Software (see Chapter 3)

NOTE:

Please refer to the parts list to verify that all parts are included in the StackLink

carton. If any parts are missing, please contact Hudson Robotics.

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DO NOT DISCARD the StackLink carton. This carton has been specially

Power Cord Location

Communication Cable location

Air Inlet

created for this product and must be used for any additional shipping of the
instrument to prevent damage.

Figure 5

Parts List

The StackLink carton(s) should include the following:

 StackLink
 2 Extruded Stacks (double Stacks optional)
 Power cord
 Communication cable
 User Manual (This document)
 CD containing Softlinx and interfaces
 StopLink(s) (optional)
 Modular cord for each StopLink (optional)
 Alignment Bases for instrument(s) (optional)
 TrackLinks (optional)
 TrackLink connection assemblies (for linking multiple tracks) (optional)
 Clamp Bars (for securing TrackLinks to StackLink unit)

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Setting up the StackLink

 Remove the StackLink from the carton and carefully remove the protective plastic

covering.

 Un-wrap any TrackLinks and/or StopLinks included.
 Remove the Stacks from the carton, then remove the stack from the packaging
 Install the supplied Stacks on the StackLink securely.

Setting up the TrackLink(s)

 Position the TrackLink into either side of the StackLink and insert the track so the

groves match and fit into place (Figure 7).

 NOTE: Be sure the TrackLink and StackLink gearing is properly positioned and
aligned for correct operation

 Secure the track with the included Clamp Bars (Figure 11). Repeat if connecting

an additional TrackLink if required.

 Secure the TrackLink to any instrument nests.

 NOTE: Calibration and/or origin adjustments may need to be set for these

instruments. (I.E. PlateCrane positions, Micro10 dispensing origin, etc.)

Figure 7

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Adjustment
screws

Setting Up StopLink(s)

 Position the StopLink in the desired location on the track and secure its position

with the supplied Phillips head screws. (Figure 12)

 Connect modular plugs of the black coiled cable into both the StopLink and the

desired port on the side of the StackLink (Figure 9/10).

 Adjustments may be needed depending on the size and type of plates used. Place

a plate on the track in front of the StopLink sensor to activate the fingers. Loosen
the 2 hex screws on the StopLink (Figure 8) and adjust the width of the sides so
the plate is secure between the fingers without any movement.

Figure 8

StopLink Positions 1-4

Figure 9

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