Turner BioSystems TBS-380 User Manual

www.turnerbiosystems.com

User’s Manual

TBS-380

Mini-Fluorometer

Operating Manual

Dated: 08/14/2007

Rev. E

Phone: [phone] • Toll Free: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

645 N. Mary Avenue • Sunnyvale, CA 94085

For the most current version of this manual, visit our

Customer Care Center at www.turnerbiosystems.com

Table of Contents

Introduction

1.

1.1. Description ................................................................................................................................................. 3

1.2. Unpacking and Inspection .......................................................................................................................... 3

1.3. General Information and Precautions ......................................................................................................... 3

2. Quick View Diagram ......................................................................................................................................... 4

3. Instrument Parameters

3.1. Setup Flowchart ......................................................................................................................................... 6

3.2. Instrument Power Up .................................................................................................................................. 8

3.3. Fluorescence Channels .............................................................................................................................. 8

3.4. Calibration Standard Value ......................................................................................................................... 8

3.5. Calibration .................................................................................................................................................. 8

3.6. Sample Analysis ......................................................................................................................................... 9

3.7. Internal Data Logging (IDL) ...................................................................................................................... 10

3.8. Diagnostic Information .............................................................................................................................. 10

3.9. Solid Standard .......................................................................................................................................... 10

4. General Considerations for Analysis

4.1. Handling Samples .................................................................................................................................... 11

4.2. Linear Range and Quenching ................................................................................................................... 11

4.3. Temperature Considerations .................................................................................................................... 11

4.4. Positioning Samples ................................................................................................................................. 12

4.5. Data Quality .............................................................................................................................................. 12

5. Troubleshooting

5.1. Low or No Reading ................................................................................................................................... 13

5.2. High or Over Reading ............................................................................................................................... 13

5.3. Fluctuating Results ................................................................................................................................... 13

6. Warranty

6.1. Terms ....................................................................................................................................................... 14

6.2. Warranty Service ...................................................................................................................................... 14

6.3. Out-of-Warranty Service ........................................................................................................................... 15

Appendices:
A. Instrument Specifications

A1. General Specifications ............................................................................................................................... 16

A2. Optical Specifications ................................................................................................................................ 16

B. Internal Data Logging

B1. Shipping Checklist ..................................................................................................................................... 17

B2. Hardware Requirements ............................................................................................................................ 17

B3. Software Installation .................................................................................................................................. 17

B4. Connecting ................................................................................................................................................ 17

B5. Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................................ 17

Date

Notes/Information

User Notes and Information

3

1 Introduction

1.1 Description

The TBS-380 Mini-Fluorometer is a dual-channel fluorometer designed for quick, easy, and accurate

fluorescence measurements. When properly calibrated with a standard of known concentration, the TBS­380 displays the actual concentrati on of the m eas ured c om pound. T he ne w Minice ll ada ptor desig n
enables the user to measure compounds at a low concentration with a low assay volume (e.g. dsD N A at
1ng/mL using PicoGreen, and RNA at 1 ng/mL using RiboGreen).

1.2 Unpacking and Inspection

Upon receiving your instrument, inspect everything carefully and make sure all accessories are present

(refer to the packing list shipped with the instrument). All shipments include:

• TBS-380 Mini-Fluorometer

• TBS-380 User’s Manual

• TBS-380 Quick Reference Guide

• Power supply

• RS-232 cable

• Spreadsheet Interface software (one CD) and Instructions

1.2.1 Setup

To get started (see Section 2. Quick View Diagram):

1. Position the instrument on a flat surface.

2. Assemble the power supply: choose the proper AC clip for your outlet and slide it on to the AC
adaptor.

3. Plug the power supply into the TBS-380 (see Section 2. Quick View Diagram). Be sure to use
only the power supply provided with your instrument by Turner BioSystems. Powering the
instrument with an unapproved power supply may damage the unit.

4. To turn on the TBS-380, press the ON/OFF button. The instrument takes 5 seconds to warm up.
After the warm-up, the TBS-380 is ready for operation.

5. To adjust the brightness of the LCD, press the UP or DOWN ARROW buttons.

1.3 General Information and Precautions

The sample compartment cannot accept glass or quartz cuvettes, except when using Minicell adaptor.

1. A minimum volume of 2 mL is required when using the 10x10 mm cuvette.

2. A minimum volume of 50 µL in a Minicell is required.

3. Avoid having any air bubbles in your sample. They can significantly affect the fluorescence reading.

4. When the Minicell is used, make sure to place the Minicell adaptor in the correct orientation.
If BLUE channel is selected, insert the Minicell adaptor in the sample compartment with the tab away
from you and the “BLUE” label facing you. If UV channel is selected, insert the Minicell adaptor in the
sample compartment with the tab close to you and the “UV” label facing you (see Section 2. Quick
View Diagram).

TBS-380 Mini-Fluorometer O perating Manual

4

Serial Port

Power Supply Input

BLUE Position

UV Position

2 Quick View Diagram

Sample
Compartment

LCD Screen

ON/OFF button

Positioning the Minicell Adaptor

10x10 mm Cuvette Holders

Minicell Cuvette Holders

TBS-380 Mini-Fluorometer O perating Manual