ProteinSimple FluorChem M User Manual
Formerly Cell Biosciences
FluorChem M System User Guide
page 1
Copyright © 2011 ProteinSimple. All rights reserved.
ProteinSimple
3040 Oakmead Village Drive
Santa Clara, CA 95051
Toll-free: (888) 607-9692
Tel: (408) 510-5500
Fax: (408) 510-5599
email: support@proteinsimple.com
web: www.proteinsimple.com
FluorChem M System User Guide
FluorChem M User Guide
P/N 94-15292-00
Revision 1a, July 2011
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic or clinical procedures
Patents and Trademarks
Automatic Image Capture (AIC) and digital ProteomeChip technology are covered by U.S. Patent Nos
6,995,901, 6,909,459, 6,853,454, 6,271,042, 7,166,202, and other issued and pending patents in the U.S. and
other countries. ProteinSimple, the ProteinSimple logo, the Alpha Innotech logo, Protein Forest, the Protein
Forest logo, the AIC logo, AlphaCal, AlphaImager, AlphaPart11View, AlphaQuant, AlphaSnap, AlphaSpec,
AlphaUV, AlphaView, ChemiGlow, Chromalight, dPC, digital ProteomeChip, FluorChem, MSRAT, MultiImage,
NanoPro, the intertwined helix design, iWB, ProteomeChip, red, SpectraPlex, Xpedition, XplorBright, and
XplorUV are trademarks or registered trademarks of ProteinSimple. Other marks appearing in these materials are marks of their respective owners.
FluorChem M System User Guide
Table of Contents
page i
Chapter 1:
General Information
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Introduction to the FluorChem M System . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
User Attention Notifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Instrument Safety Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Customer Service and Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Legal Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
FluorChem M System Disclaimer of Warranty . . . 6
Chapter 2:
Installation
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Space Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Electrical Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Safety Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
UV Transilluminator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
General Guidelines and Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
System Operation: Notification of Intended Use. 21
Lifting and Moving the System: Use Proper Lifting
Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Chapter 4:
Getting Started
Powering on the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Overview of FluorChem M User Interface. . . . . . . . . . 25
Using the Touchscreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
User Interface Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Imaging Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Sample Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Software and Computer Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Networking the FluorChem M System . . . . . . . . .10
System Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Chapter 3:
System Hardware
Overview of FluorChem M System Components . . . .14
FluorChem M Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Sample Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
FluorChem M System User Guide
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Sample Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
UV Light Override . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Chapter 5:
Image Acquisition
Overview of the Darkroom Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Imaging Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Selecting a Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Changing Channel Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
page ii
Multi-Channel Imaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Image Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Changing the Channel Image Display . . . . . . . . .51
Sample Imaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Chapter 6:
Image Review
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Overview of the Review Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Entering Image Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Channel Image Display and Overlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Viewing Image Data for One Channel . . . . . . . . .60
Overlaying Channel Image Data . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Making Image Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Brightness Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Invert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Exposures View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Image Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Viewing Pixel Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Browsing Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
FluorChem M System File Information. . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Copying, Printing and Deleting Images . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Copying Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Printing Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Deleting Images. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Chapter 7:
Managing Stored Images
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Overview of the Images Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
View Toggle Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Image List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Search Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Edit Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Selecting Images for Review or Enhancement . . 77
Searching for Images. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Editing the Image Album . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Selecting Images in the Album Edit Page . . . . . . 79
Deleting Images from the Album. . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Copying Images from the Album . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Exiting the Album Edit Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Trash Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Editing the Trash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Chapter 8:
System Settings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Overview of the System Settings Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 86
System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Software and Network Information . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Optics Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Changing System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Changing Date and Time Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Updating the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
USB Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Web Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
System Self Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Running the Self Tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Creating Dark Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Flat Field Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Changing Focus Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
System Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Paging Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Page Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
FluorChem M System User Guide
Chapter 9:
Networking and Remote Access
. . . . . . . . . . .99
Digital Darkroom Remote Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Connecting to FluorChem M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Downloading Image Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Opening Image Files in AlphaView Software . . . . . . 104
Opening .fcz Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Opening .png Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106
Chapter 10:
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
. . . . . . . 107
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
Cleaning the FluorChem M System . . . . . . . . . . 108
UV Transilluminator Bulb Replacement. . . . . . . 109
page iii
Changing the Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Accessories and Spare Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
FluorChem M System User Guide
page iv
FluorChem M System User Guide
Chapter 1:
General Information
Chapter Overview
•Welcome
• Introduction to the FluorChem M System
•Safety
• Customer Service and Technical Suppor t
• Legal Notices
page 1
FluorChem M System User Guide
page 2 Chapter 1: General Information
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the FluorChem® M MultiFluor system. ProteinSimple welcomes you as a
new user. This user guide includes important safety information, installation requirements, maintenance procedures, descriptions of the instrument and user interface as well as detailed operating instructions for setting up
and running FluorChem M.
Introduction to the FluorChem M System
FluorChem M is a high-performance imaging system for quantitative Western blot detection and gel imaging.
Its compact design incorporates state-of-the-art CCD optical technology with an intuitive touchscreen interface for detection of multicolor fluorescent, chemiluminescent, UV-excited and colorimetric gels and blots. In
addition, users can control and monitor image acquisition and access data remotely using a unique, browserbased interface from any networked computer or mobile Wi-Fi device.
The FluorChem M system comes with a cooled 8.3 megapixel CCD detector, 50-mm f/1.4 motorized fixed
lens and a 10-position motorized filter wheel with 710/40 nm, 607/36 nm, 593/40 nm, and 537/26 nm emission filters. Light sources include RGB fluorescent epi-excitation at 632 nm (red), 534 nm (green) and 475 nm
(blue), epi-white lights, trans-white light via white light conversion screen and an integrated 302 nm UV transilluminator. The system also includes an on-board integrated computer and LCD touchscreen, the
FluorChem M Digital Darkroom User Interface and AlphaView
FluorChem M System User Guide
®
stand alone image analysis software.
Safety page 3
Safety
User Attention Notifications
Several user attention phrases are used throughout this manual. Each phrase should draw the following level
of attention from the user:
NOTE Points out useful information.
IMPORTANT Indicates information necessary for proper instrument operation.
CAUTION Cautions users regarding potentially hazardous situations in regard to user injury or dam-
age to the instrument if the information is not heeded.
!WARNING! Warns users that serious physical injury can result if warning precautions are not heeded.
Instrument Safety Labels
The following safety labels are located on the FluorChem M system. Each label will display a safety alert symbol indicating a potential safety hazard.
Symbol Description
Ultraviolet Light
Risk of Electric Shock
Refer to the FluorChem M User Guide before proceeding
Hot Surface
Fuse Symbol (6 A fuses only)
Ta b le 1 - 1: FluorChem M system safety labels.
FluorChem M System User Guide
page 4 Chapter 1: General Information
!WARNING!
If the system is not used as specified by ProteinSimple, overall safety will be impaired.
!WARNING!
If the system is damaged and does not function properly, stop the instrument safely and contact ProteinSimple Technical Suppor t immediately.
UV Safety
CAUTION
The FluorChem M system contains an integrated ultraviolet transilluminator. The system
enclosure confines the radiation within the system and shields the user from exposure.
Exposure to UV radiation can cause permanent damage to the eyes and skin.
UV Interlock Switch
The FluorChem M system is equipped with a defeatable safety interlock switch which automatically cuts off
the power to the transilluminator when the door is open. This eliminates any dangerous user exposure to UV
light. As a safety precaution, the UV light will automatically turn off after three minutes when using the interlock switch.
It may become necessary to override the safety interlock and use the transilluminator for other purposes. In
this case, be sure to use the following safety precautions:
• Always wear UV-protected eyewear specified by the manufacturer as providing protection at the wavelength(s) used, making sure the eyewear protects any areas where radiation may come through. UV
sunglasses may not prevent UV radiation from coming in through the sides or around the lenses.
• Always cover all skin that may be exposed to UV light, in particular the face, neck, hands and arms.
• Always make sure that any UV protection devices (such as the safety interlock switch on the transilluminator) are working properly. If not, discontinue use until the device(s) are properly repaired.
• Use only UV lamps in the transilluminator.
FluorChem M System User Guide
Customer Service and Technical Support page 5
Hot Surface
CAUTION
Under normal conditions, the temperature of the glass surface of UV transilluminator is safe
to touch. However, if the system malfunctions, it is possible that the glass surface temperature could exceed 80 °C. Please exercise caution when touching the glass surface.
Electrical Safety
Be sure to take proper precautions when handling any electrical equipment. Never work on any live circuit, fixture, receptacle, or switch. Safety rules to follow whenever working with any electrical appliance include:
• Always turn the system power off and unplug the power cord before changing a fuse.
• Always shut off power to the circuit before repairing or replacing a switch, receptacle, or fixture.
• Always tape over the main switch, empty fuse socket, or circuit breaker being worked on.
• Always check that the circuit is dead before beginning work on it. Using a circuit tester or voltmeter
can help determine this.
• Always unplug any appliance before repairing it.
Prior to System Operation
Ensure that all users of the FluorChem M system have:
• Received instruction in general safety practices for laboratories.
• Received instruction in specific safety practices for the instrument.
• Received instruction on handling of biohazards if biohazardous materials are to be used on the system.
CAUTION
Avoid using the FluorChem M system in a manner not specified by ProteinSimple. While the system has
been designed to protect the user, this protection may be impaired if the instrument is used improperly.
Customer Service and Technical Support
The ProteinSimple support staff is available to respond to any questions or comments about our products.
For questions or general feedback, use the following contact methods:
FluorChem M System User Guide
page 6 Chapter 1: General Information
Telephone
(408) 510-5500
(888) 607-9692 (toll free)
Fax
(408) 510-5599
E-mail
support@proteinsimple.com
Web
www.proteinsimple.com
Address
ProteinSimple
3040 Oakmead Village Drive
Santa Clara, CA 95051
USA
Legal Notices
NOTE: Read the Legal Notices carefully before using your FluorChem M system.
FluorChem M System Disclaimer of Warranty
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN ANY ProteinSimple SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT OR QUOTATION, THE PRODUCTS
SOLD AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY ProteinSimple ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. ProteinSimple AND ITS SUPPLIERS DO NOT WARRANT THE SECURITY, PRIVACY, OR ACCURACY OF ANY
DATA PROVIDED VIA THE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES, AND YOU AGREE THAT THE USE OF ANY SUCH DATA BY YOU IS AT YOUR
SOLE RISK. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, ProteinSimple AND ITS SUPPLIERS DISCLAIM ANY
AND ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
FluorChem M System User Guide
Chapter 2:
Installation
Chapter Overview
•Introduction
•Space Requirements
• Electrical Requirements
• Environmental Requirements
• Software and Computer Requirements
• System Installation
page 7
FluorChem M System User Guide
page 8 Chapter 2: Installation
Introduction
This chapter will help prepare the laboratory for installation of the ProteinSimple FluorChem M system.
Please complete the space, electrical and environmental requirements prior to installing the instrument.
Space Requirements
The FluorChem M system is a bench-top instrument which requires a stable laboratory bench or table capable of supporting 75 lbs (34 kg).
System dimensions and space requirements are as follows:
Dimension Centimeters Inches
Width 32 12.6
Depth 62 24.5
Height 62 24.5
Ta b le 2 - 1: FluorChem M system dimensions.
A minimum clearance of 3 inches (7.6 cm) at the rear of the instrument must be provided for the CCD cooling fan ventilation and sufficient access to connect or disconnect the power cord as well as to operate the
power switch.
Electrical Requirements
As with all electrical instruments, the FluorChem M system should be located away from water, solvents or
corrosive materials. The system should also be placed away from interfering electrical signals and magnetic
fields.
Installation of the FluorChem M system requires a dedicated, grounded circuit capable of delivering the appropriate current and voltage for your country. The power requirements for select countries are listed in
Ta bl e 2 - 2 .
FluorChem M System User Guide
Electrical Requirements page 9
Frequency
Region Volts (AC)
(Hz)
Amps
US and Canada 120 60 3
Europe 230 50 1.5
UK 230 50 1.5
Japan 100 50/60 3.5
China 220 50 1.6
India 230 50 1.5
South Korea 220 60 1.6
Ta b le 2 - 2: FluorChem M system power requirements.
The FluorChem M system label displays the system power specifications:
In addition to the electrical power requirements listed above, ProteinSimple requires that all grounded circuits
terminate at the receptacles, and the receptacles must be located within 10 ft (3 m) of the instrument.
FluorChem M System User Guide
page 10 Chapter 2: Installation
Environmental Requirements
Please provide appropriate heating and cooling to maintain a constant laboratory temperature. For optimal
FluorChem M system performance, the laboratory environment must meet the following criteria:
Requirement Specification
Operating temperature range 15 - 25 °C (59 - 77 °F)
Operating humidity range 15 - 70% relative, non-condensing
Ta b le 2 - 3: FluorChem M system environmental requirements.
Software and Computer Requirements
The FluorChem M system includes an integrated computer with the FluorChem M User Interface preinstalled. Post-acquisition image analysis can be performed using AlphaView stand alone software.
Please use the AlphaView software CD provided with the FluorChem M system to install the software on a
separate computer workstation, such as a user’s desktop computer. In order to run AlphaView software, this
computer must meet the minimum requirements listed in the table below:
Component Minimum Recommended
Operating System Windows 7, Vista or XP
Processor Pentium 4 at 2.8 GHz
Memory 1 GB
Hard Drive 40 GB
Ta b le 2 - 4: AlphaView software computer requirements when used on local workstations.
Networking the FluorChem M System
The FluorChem M system can be connected directly to a local network for remote access using a web
browser on any Mac or PC-based network computer or Wi-Fi enabled device such as a smartphone or
TM
iPad
. Image acquisition can be controlled and monitored remotely, and stored image files can be accessed
for copying, printing and post-acquisition desktop analysis using AlphaView software. For more information on
accessing the FluorChem M system from a remote computer or device, please refer to Chapter 9, “Network-
ing and Remote Access“.
FluorChem M System User Guide
System Installation page 11
System Installation
The FluorChem M system is easily installed by the user. Once the space, electrical and environmental requirements have been met:
1. Unbox the system and place it on a lab bench.
IMPORTANT
The FluorChem M system weighs 75 lbs (34 kg). Two people are required to lift the system from the
shipping container onto the laboratory bench. Lift the system by grasping the bottom of the instrument at the midsection on either side.
2. Connect the power cord to the rear panel of the system and plug the cord into a power receptacle.
3. Network access (optional). To access FluorChem M via a local network, connect an Ethernet LAN cable
to the 10/100/BASE-T (RJ-45 connector) port.
4. Turn FluorChem M on using the power switch on the rear panel.
5. Let FluorChem M equilibrate for 30 minutes after the initial power up before imaging samples. This allows
the system optics to reach the optimum acquisition temperature of -25 °C.
FluorChem M System User Guide
page 12 Chapter 2: Installation
FluorChem M System User Guide
Chapter 3:
System Hardware
Chapter Overview
• Overview of FluorChem M System Components
• Compliance
• Safety Guidelines
• General Guidelines and Information
• System Specifications
page 13
FluorChem M System User Guide
page 14 Chapter 3: System Hardware
Epi-White Lights
Network and Side
UV Transilluminator
LCD Touchscreen
System Door
Motorized 10-Position
Door Latch
UV Interlock Switch
To p US B P or t
USB Ports
Multicolor LEDs
Filter Wheel and
CCD Optics
Overview of FluorChem M System Components
FluorChem M is a high-performance imaging system for Western blot and gel imaging, and provides detection
of multicolor fluorescent, chemiluminescent, colorimetric and UV-excited gels and blots. The individual hardware components of the FluorChem M system are described in this section.
FluorChem M Instrument
Integrated CCD Optics
The FluorChem M system uses a scientific grade 8.3 megapixel CCD detector cooled to -25 °C and a motorized lens for optimum resolution and acquisition speed. The optics are fully automated and require no manual
user adjustments.
FluorChem M System User Guide
Overview of FluorChem M System Components page 15
LCD Touchscreen
The 10.4” LCD touchscreen is used for direct control of the instrument through the FluorChem M User
Interface. Image acquisition and review, system settings, and image file copy and printing options are accessed
through commands on the touchscreen. Simply touch the screen to see menus or activate controls. ProteinSimple recommends using the stylus provided with the system to interact with the touchscreen.
System Door
The FluorChem M system door provides access to the inside of the instrument for loading of samples, gels
and blots for imaging. To open the door, pull the door latch forward and down until it stops, then pull the
door open. To close and lock the door, close the door and turn the door latch up and back to its stop position.
NOTE: The FluorChem M system door must be closed during image capture for proper instrument opera-
tion and user safety.
Multicolor LEDs
FluorChem M’s color LEDs are located at the top of the inside cabinet. The LEDs provide specific fluorescent
excitation used for red, green and blue multiplex fluorescent Western blot imaging as well as other epi-fluorescent imaging applications.
• 475 nm LED provides excitation for dyes such as MultiFluor Blue, Fluorescein/FITC or Cy2
• 534 nm LED provides excitation for dyes such as MultiFluor Green, DyLight 549 or Cy3
• 632 nm LED provides excitation for dyes such as MultiFluor Red, DyLight 633 and 649, or Cy5
Filter Wheel
The FluorChem M system is equipped with a motorized 10-position filter wheel which comes preinstalled
with the following emission filters:
• 537/26 nm (green) for dyes and stains such as MultiFluor Blue, Fluorescein/FITC, SYBR Green, SYBR
Gold or SYBR Safe
• 593/40 nm (orange) for dyes and stains such as EtBr or Coomassie Blue
• 607/36 nm (red) for dyes and stains such as MultiFluor Green, DyLight 549, Cy3 or SYPRO Ruby
• 710/40 nm (far red) for dyes and stains such as MultiFluor Red, DyLight 633 and 649 or Cy5
FluorChem M System User Guide
page 16 Chapter 3: System Hardware
NOTE: Filters cannot currently be changed or added by the user. Open positions on the filter wheel are
reserved for future use.
Epi-White Lights
Epi-white lights are also located at the top of the inside cabinet. The white light produced is used for sample
positioning and imaging of colorimetric blots.
UV Transilluminator
An integrated UV transilluminator is located at the base of the inside cabinet and is used for excitation of
stained DNA and protein gels. The unit slides out for easy sample loading. Power to the UV transilluminator is
automatically disabled when the FluorChem M system door is open.
CAUTION
The FluorChem M system contains an integrated ultraviolet transilluminator. The system
enclosure confines the radiation within the system and shields the user from exposure.
Exposure to UV radiation can cause permanent damage to the eyes and skin.
The FluorChem M system UV transilluminator uses 302 nm bulbs. These bulbs can be replaced with 365 nm
bulbs if needed. Please refer to “UV Transilluminator Bulb Replacement” on page 107 for information on
replacing UV transilluminator bulbs.
UV Interlock Switch
A defeatable safety interlock switch located below the UV transilluminator automatically cuts off power to the
transilluminator when the door is open. This eliminates any dangerous user exposure to UV light. As a safety
precaution, the UV light will automatically turn off after three minutes when using the interlock switch.
When the system door is open, users can override the safety interlock and turn the UV light source on by
pulling the switch out. The switch can only be used when the UV Light button has been selected from the
Door Open Screen in the user interface. For more information on how to use this option, please refer to
“UV Light Override” on page 33.
FluorChem M System User Guide
Overview of FluorChem M System Components page 17
CAUTION
Exposure to UV radiation can cause permanent damage to the eyes and skin. Always wear
UV-protected eyewear and protective clothing over areas of skin that may be exposed to
UV light when engaging the UV interlock switch override.
Computer
The FluorChem M system contains an integrated computer with a 250 GB hard drive. Acquired images are
automatically archived on the hard drive. Access to network and side USB ports is located on the right side
panel, near the rear of the instrument.
Network Port
The 10/100/BASE-T Ethernet (RJ-45 connector) can be used to connect the FluorChem M system computer
to a local network. Please see Chapter 9, “Networking and Remote Access“ for information on accessing the
system through a local network.
USB Ports
The FluorChem M system has two side and one top USB port. These ports can be used with USB flash drives
for copying image files or to connect directly to a compatible USB thermal printer.
System Label
The FluorChem M system label is located on the rear panel of the instrument and includes the following information: ProteinSimple location, system model, power and fuse requirements, serial number and certification
markings. An additional serial number label is located on the inside of the FluorChem M system door.
System Power
The power components consist of the main power switch, power entry and fuse. They are located on the
system’s rear panel.
FluorChem M System User Guide
page 18 Chapter 3: System Hardware
Imaging Area
!WARNING!
Only use the power supply cord provided with the instrument. If the power supply cord is damaged,
please contact ProteinSimple Technical Support.
!WARNING!
Only use fuses rated for 250 V, 6 A.
!WARNING! SHOCK HAZARD
Disconnect power cord from the instrument power inlet to disconnect power to the instrument.
Sample Screens
The FluorChem M system is provided with three sample screens for imaging a wide range of applications.
Sample screens are application specific and should be used as follows:
• Black screen: Epi fluorescent, epi white and chemiluminescent imaging. Low fluorescence and blocks
residual UV light.
• Clear screen: UV imaging. Transmits UV light.
• White screen: Colorimetric gel imaging. Converts transilluminating UV light to white light for imaging
of visible stains.
An imaging area at the center of each screen assists users with sample positioning. Prior to imaging, samples
should be placed on the appropriate sample screen and centered in the 16 cm x 12 cm imaging area. The
screen is then placed directly on the UV transilluminator.
FluorChem M System User Guide
Compliance page 19
When not in use, sample screens should be stored in the screen holder provided with the FluorChem M system:
Compliance
The FluorChem M system complies with:
• EN 61010-1:2001: Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use - Part 1: General requirements (EU)
• EN 61326-1:2006: Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use. EMC Requirements. General requirements (EU)
FluorChem M System User Guide
page 20 Chapter 3: System Hardware
Safety Guidelines
!WARNING!
If the instrument is not used as specified by the manufacturer the overall safety will be impaired.
!WARNING!
If the system is damaged and does not function properly, stop the instrument safely and contact ProteinSimple Technical Support immediately.
CAUTION
Avoid using the FluorChem M system in a manner not specified by ProteinSimple. While the system has
been designed to protect the user, this protection may be impaired if the instrument is used improperly.
UV Transilluminator
CAUTION
The FluorChem M system contains an integrated ultraviolet transilluminator. The system
enclosure confines the radiation within the system and shields the user from exposure.
Exposure to UV radiation can cause permanent damage to the eyes and skin.
CAUTION
Under normal conditions, the temperature of the glass surface of UV transilluminator is safe
to touch. However, if the system malfunctions, it is possible that the glass surface temperature could exceed 80 °C. Please exercise caution when touching the glass surface.
UV Interlock Switch
The FluorChem M system is equipped with a defeatable safety interlock switch which automatically cuts off
the power to the transilluminator when the door is open. This eliminates any dangerous user exposure to UV
light. As a safety precaution, the UV light will automatically turn off after three minutes when using the interlock switch.
FluorChem M System User Guide
General Guidelines and Information page 21
General Guidelines and Information
System Operation: Notification of Intended Use
NOTE: The FluorChem M system is for research use only. Not for use in diagnostic or clinical procedures.
Lifting and Moving the System: Use Proper Lifting Precautions
IMPORTANT
Use caution when lifting or moving the FluorChem M system. The system weight is 75 lbs (34 kg).
Two people are required to lift the system onto a laboratory bench. Proper lifting safety precautions
must be taken.
FluorChem M System User Guide
page 22 Chapter 3: System Hardware
System Specifications
Description Specification
Dimensions 62 cm D x 62 cm H x 32 cm W
(24.5 in x 24.5 in x 12.6 in)
Weight 34 kg (75 lbs)
Power Requirements 100 - 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz, self adjust-
ing
Power Consumption 345 W
Operating Humidity Range 15 - 70% relative, non-condensing
Operating Temperature Range 15 - 25 °C (59 - 77 °F)
Detector 8 Megapixel scientific-grade CCD,
16-bit A/D, thermoelectrically cooled
to -25 °C absolute and regulated
Optics 50-mm, f/1.4 motorized fixed lens
Field of View 16 cm x 12 cm (fixed)
Image output 16-bit PNG and 8-bit PNG
For indoor use only.
FluorChem M System User Guide
Chapter 4:
Getting Started
Chapter Overview
• Powering on the System
• Overview of FluorChem M User Interface
•Imaging Setup
•UV Light Override
page 23
FluorChem M System User Guide
page 24 Chapter 4: Getting Started
Powering on the System
To power up the FluorChem M system, turn on the main power switch located at the rear of the instrument.
NOTE: When imaging chemiluminescent samples, allow the FluorChem M system to equilibrate for at least
30 minutes after power up. This ensures that the system optics have reached the optimum acquisition
temperature prior to imaging. This equilibration time is not necessary if the system power remains on at all
times.
When the system has finished booting up and is ready to use, the following screen will display:
NOTES:
ProteinSimple recommends leaving the FluorChem M system power on when not in use. Power the system
down only when it will not be used for extended periods of time. Cycling the system power on a regular
basis is not optimal for the system's integrated computer and cooled CCD optics.
The FluorChem M system must be powered on in order for a remote computer or device to connect and
access the browser version of the FluorChem M User interface through a local network connection.
FluorChem M System User Guide
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