Hudson Robotics SOLO User Manual
SOLO
User Manual
Version 6.0
10 Stern Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081
Tel: 973-376-7400 Fax: 973-376-8265
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Index
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 3
Section 1 - Hardware ........................................................................................................ 4
1-Unpacking the SOLO .............................................................................................. 4
2 – SOLO Setup .............................................................................................................. 7
2.1 – Ivek Pump Setup ................................................................................................ 7
2.2 – Hamilton Pump .................................................................................................. 8
2.3 – Multichannel ...................................................................................................... 9
3 – Accessories ............................................................................................................. 11
Section 3.1 – Heating/Cooling Nest.......................................................................... 11
Section 3.3 – SOLOPlus ........................................................................................... 12
4 – Hardware Specifications ......................................................................................... 15
Section 2 – Software........................................................................................................ 17
1-Installation ................................................................................................................. 17
1.1 – Installation CD ................................................................................................. 17
1.2 – RS-232 ............................................................................................................. 17
2 – SOLOSoft: Main Screen ......................................................................................... 18
2.1 - Overview .......................................................................................................... 18
2.2 – File Menu ......................................................................................................... 18
2.3 – View Menu....................................................................................................... 19
2.4 – Tools Menu ...................................................................................................... 20
2.5 – Window / Help Menus ..................................................................................... 27
3 – Developing SOLOSoft Methods ............................................................................. 28
3.1 – Overview.......................................................................................................... 28
3.2 – Aspirate Step .................................................................................................... 29
3.3 – Dispense Step................................................................................................... 35
3.4 – Get Tip Step ..................................................................................................... 36
3.5 – Shuck Tip Step ................................................................................................. 37
3.6 – Loop / End Loop Steps .................................................................................... 38
3.7 – Pause Step ........................................................................................................ 38
3.8 – Move Arm Step................................................................................................ 39
3.9 – Set Speed Step.................................................................................................. 40
3.10 – Prime Step ...................................................................................................... 41
3.11 – HitPick Step (available ONLY for single-tip operation modes).................... 42
3.12 – GetLevel Step................................................................................................. 45
3.13 – GetBottom Step.............................................................................................. 47
3.14 – Change Plate Types........................................................................................ 49
3.15 – Operate Accessory ......................................................................................... 50
3.15.1 – Micro10x..................................................................................................... 51
3.15.2 – Ten WayValve ............................................................................................ 51
3.15.3 – Shaker Nest ................................................................................................. 52
3.15.4 – Wait For Input............................................................................................. 52
3.15.4 – Write To Output .......................................................................................... 53
3.15.5 – Hot/Cold Nest ............................................................................................. 53
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Introduction
The SOLO Robotic Pipettor is designed to easily automate complex pipetting tasks that
would otherwise prove tedious or error-prone for researchers to perform manually.
The SOLO can be controlled as a stand-alone instrument using its easy-to-learn user
software, called SOLOSoft. Or, it can be integrated into larger automated systems using
its own Active X control. Hudson’s SoftLinx scheduling and workcell control software
offers such an integrated interface.
In its standard configuration, the SOLO offers 4 plate nest positions, for locating labware
such as microplates, disposable tip boxes, fluid reservoirs or other SBS -standard labware.
Two additional locations can be added to either the left or right side of the SOLO, to
allow a total of six nest locations. Mounted on the side is a flush station with a d rain,
upon which is mounted a forked fixture for removing disposable tips. An emergency E Stop button is mounted on the front body of the SOLO. Pressing this immediately stops
all motion of the major (X, Y, Z) axes and causes the normally blue pilot ligh t, located on
the upper arm, to turn red. While the E-Stop button is pressed in, arm power is removed
from the major axes, allowing them to be manually moved by the user.
We currently carry three configurations of the SOLO chassis. The standard configuration
includes a either a 125 uL or 250 uL capacity syringe that is mounted on the robot’s
vertical axis, offering individual pipetting volumes from 100 nL to 250 uL, and a waste
station, and a tip-shucking station to automatically remove disposable pipette tips.
The second configuration, offers a syringe pump mounted on the rear vertical frame
member, with either 8 or 3 position valves. The syringe is mounted on the pump body
and may be easily changed by the user to sizes ranging from 25uL to 10mL per full
stroke. This configuration allows the SOLO to perform as both a Pipettor and Dispenser,
drawing fluid from any one of up to 7 fluid reservoir bottles.
The Third configuration, offers either an 8 or 12 channel multitip pipettor. The 8 and 12
channel heads come in either 10ul or 200ul syringe capacity per channel configurations.
The multitip head can be pick up anywhere from one to the maximum number of 8 or 12
tips..
The SOLO also offers an alternate configuration that allows it to become a component in
Hudson’s LabLinx track-based stacker system, providing automated feeding and
removal of plates and/or tip boxes for high throughput applications. The LabLinx track
mounts directly to the SOLO’s deck, taking the place of 2 or 4 plate-nest positions, or
even all 6 if very high throughput is desired.
The SOLOPlus is a SOLO integrated with Hudson’s Micro10x high speed bulk
dispenser. The dispenser is attached to the side of the SOLO with provided hardware.
The Micro10x and SOLO share a nest position and SOLOSoft seamlessly controls both
instruments through its interface.
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Section 1 - Hardware
1-Unpacking the SOLO
Remove all material from inside the crate except for the SOLO itself.
Open the Black nylon strapping that secures the SOLO to the shipping form.
Once the straps are set aside, lift the SOLO by the aluminum bracket that the nest
plate holders are secured to. DO NOT LIFT BY THE ARM as this will damage
the unit. See Picture on next page
Shipping
Straps
5
Once the unit is out of the crate remove all the plastic wrapping that secures the
arm to the SOLO.
Lifting
Points on
Solo
Remove
Plastic Wrap
6
Once the plastic wrap is removed install the nest plates on the deck of the SOLO.
Align the holes in the bottom of the nest plate with the metal dowel pins on the
deck assembly and push the nest plates onto the deck.
Remove the Power cable and communication cable from their shipping packages
and plug them into the correct locations on the SOLO’s rear panel.
Install the SOLOSoft on the computer you are going to use with the SOLO.
The unit is now ready to startup.
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2 – SOLO Setup
Depending on the version of SOLO that you purchased, there will be different hardware
setups before you start using your instrument. We currently carry three types of SOLOs:
1-Ivek Pump (125ul or 250ul)
2-Hamilton Pump (syringe size optional)
3-MultiChannel (8 or 12 Channel configuration)
2.1 – Ivek Pump Setup
The Ivek Pump SOLO comes ready to run from the factory. The Mandrel is shipped on
the unit, so there is no need to setup anything on the unit. (See Figure 2.1)
Figure 2.1
Unit ships with
mandrel installed
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2.2 – Hamilton Pump
The Hamilton pump SOLO is disassembled during shipping to prevent damage. The
glass syringe from the pump is removed before shipping. The mandrel for a disposable
tip, or the fixed cannula tip, is also removed before shipping. You may need to home the
unit first before you can reinstall the Glass syringe. The cannula tip mandrel is installed
by pulling out the plunger that locks the mandrel into the Z-axis assembly. (See Figure
2.2)
Figure 2.2
Plunger for
mandrel
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2.3 – Multichannel
The Multichannel SOLO is disassembled during shipping to prevent damage. The
Multichannel head is removed for shipping. To set up; the Multichannel head is pressed
into the SOLO’s z-axis. Align the Multichannel head assembly with the Pipettor Drive
assembly locking stud. (See Figure 2.3) You will then press the Pipettor head firmly into
place until you hear the locking mechanism snap in place. (See Figure 2.4)
Figure 2.3 Figure 2.4
Lock
Engaged
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The multichannel SOLO has two deck configurations. For the 12 channel the deck will be
placed all the way forward towards the operator (Figure 2.5). For the 8 channel head the
deck will be placed back in the furthest position away from the operator (Figure 2.6).
Figure 2.5 Figure 2.6
Nests all the way
back
Nests all the way
forward
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3 – Accessories
The SOLO has several options that can be purchased in additional to the S OLO they are
the following:
1- Heating/Cooling Nest
2- Shaker Nest
3- SOLOPlus (SOLO w/attached Micro10x)
Section 3.1 – Heating/Cooling Nest
The Heating/Cooling Nest requires the SOLO Accessory Platform. Your SOLO will
arrive with the SAP already attached. Unpack the H/C nest and place in the desired
location deck location (See Figure 3.1). Attach provided cables.
Figure 3.1
Section 3.2 – Shaker Nest
The Shaker Nest comes shipped separately from the SOLO. The Shaker Nest has the
same alignment holes that are located in the standard nest plates. To install the Shaker
Nest; remove one the nest location and install the Shaker Nest in that location (See
Figure3.2). Plug in the supplied power/communication cable into the Shaker Nest. Plug
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the communication cable into an available comport on the USB to serial converter.
Figure 3.2
Section 3.3 – SOLOPlus
The SOLOPlus option is the addition of a Hudson Robotics, Inc. Micro10x reagent
dispenser that is attached to the side of the SOLO (See Figure3.3). The SOLO is
equipped with an alignment bracket that is attaches the M icro10x to the SOLO chassis.
This alignment bracket can be mounted in the front position of the SOLO, so that the
Micro10x nest is located at the SOLO deck position 6, or in the back position, so that the
Micro10x nest is located at the SOLO deck position 5. This bracket contains two
alignment pins which locate the Micro10x into its proper position. During shipping the
SOLO and Micro10x are shipped in different boxes. To install the Micro10x onto the
SOLO, you will slide the Micro10x next to the SOLO where the alignment bracket is
installed. Slowly lift the Micro10x up, so the bottom of the plastic deck is above the
alignment pins. Move the Micro10x into position, so that the alignment holes in the
Micro10x plastic deck are aligned with the alignment pins in the S OLO bracket. Slowly
move the Micro10x down until the Micro10x deck is located on the pins, and that the
bottom the Micro10x deck is sitting flush on the alignment bracket. You may have to
adjust the feet on Micro10x to re-level the unit to the SOLO deck. (See Figure 3.4)
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Figure 3.3
SoloPlus
Alignment
Bracket
MC10X Plastic
Deck with
Alignment holes
14
Figure 3.4
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4 – Hardware Specifications
SOLO Pipettor
SOLO Pipettor/Dispenser
Hardware features
Arm configuration
One liquid handling arm
Tip configuration
1 disposable tip
1disposable tip/Pipetting Needle
Tip variety
Disposable tips with or
without filters
(10,20,50,100,250 µL)
Disposable tips with or without
filters (10,20,50,100,250 µL) or
Stainless Steel Pipetting Cannula,
various gages and length are
available.
Positioning Precision:
X-axis
± 0.025mm
Y-axis
± 0.025mm
Z-axis
± 0.004mm
Motion Range
X-axis
594mm (23 3/8")
Y-axis
244mm (9 5/8")
Z-axis
101mm (4")
Liquid handling features
Pipetting
٧
٧
Bulk Dispensing
N/A
٧
No of fluid sources
N/A
1,3,5,7
Syringe size
125, 250µL
25 – 10,000 µL
Wash Pump
N/A
Delivery of wash solution by
peristaltic pump.
Flow: 7,14,21,28 mL Software
adjustable.
Safety features
Password protection
Emergency Stop
E-stop Button located on the front of the dispenser chassis
Dimensions
W. 556mm (30") x D. 483mm (19") x H. 610mm(24")
Weight
27 kg (60 lb)
Power requirements
Power: 60VA Voltage: 100-240VAC, Frequency: 50/60HZ
Operating conditions
Temperature 15-32°C/ 59-90°F, Relative humidity 30-80%
(non condensing)
Regulatory compliance
Computer requirements
PC with Microsoft Windows XP or newer
Quad Core @ 2.5 Ghz
3 Gigabytes free hard drive space
RAM : 4 Gigabytes
1 USB port
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SOLO Multichannel
Hardware features
Arm configuration
Multiple liquid handling arm
Tip configuration
12 or 8 Channel Disposable tip
Tip variety
Disposable tips with or without filters
(20 or 200 µL)
Positioning Precision:
X-axis
± 0.025mm
Y-axis
± 0.025mm
Z-axis
± 0.004mm
Motion Range
X-axis
594mm (23 3/8")
Y-axis
244mm (9 5/8")
Z-axis
101mm (4")
Liquid handling features
Pipetting
٧
Bulk Dispensing
N/A
No of fluid sources
N/A
Syringe size
10 or 200 µL
Wash Pump
N/A
Safety features
Password protection
Emergency Stop
E-stop Button located on the front of
the dispenser chassis
Dimensions
W. 556mm (30") x D. 483mm (19") x
H. 610mm(24")
Weight
27 kg (60 lb)
Power requirements
Power: 60VA Voltage: 100-240VAC,
Frequency: 50/60HZ
Operating conditions
Temperature 15-32°C/ 59-90°F,
Relative humidity 30-80% (non
condensing)
Regulatory compliance
Computer requirements
PC with Microsoft Windows XP or
newer
Quad Core @ 2.5 Ghz
3 Gigabytes free hard drive space
RAM : 4 Gigabytes
1 USB port
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Section 2 – Software
1-Installation
1.1 – Installation CD
Place the SOLOSoft Installation CD in your CD drive. It will automatically begin
the Installation process. It will create a folder “C:\Program Files\ SOLOSoft”
where the SOLOSoft executable files, the SOLOSoft Active X control, plate
definition Access database and support files are loaded. This folder is also the
default folder for all SOLOSoft methods, which have the file extension “.hso”.
Several sample methods are loaded from the CD as well.
1.2 – RS-232
Most users will choose to use the included RS-232 cable to connect their
computer to the SOLO. If you are using RS-232, a 9-pin female RS-232
connector is located on the rear panel of the SOLO. Connect the provided cable
here and either to the serial port on your computer, or to a USB to serial
converter. Selecting the serial port assignment and communication parameters is
covered in another section of this manual.
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