GelMax
Imager
Installation and User Instructions
™
UVP, LLC Ultra-Violet Products Ltd.
2066 W. 11th Street Unit 1, Trinity Hall Farm Estate
Upland, CA 91786 Nuffield Road, Cambridge CB4 1TG UK
Phone: (800) 452-6788 Phone: +44(0)1223-420022
Fax: (909) 946-3597 Fax: +44(0)1223-420561
Web Site: www.uvp.com
81-0351-01 Rev A
GelMax Imager 2
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................. 3
System Components ................................................................................................................................................... 4
Specifications ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
Operating System Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 5
Standard Equipment .................................................................................................................................................. 5
Optional Equipment ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Setup Instructions ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
Components .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Connecting the Power and USB Cables .................................................................................................................... 7
Installing Emission Filters .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Installing the Doc-ItLS Ac quisition and Analysis Software ......................................................................................... 8
Using the System ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Powering Up the System ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Selecting Emission Filters ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Selecting Illumination Sources .................................................................................................................................. 9
Using the Transilluminator ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Installing Interchangeable Sample Plates ............................................................................................................... 10
Service Procedures .................................................................................................................................................... 11
Return Procedure .................................................................................................................................................... 11
Replacement Parts and Accessories ....................................................................................................................... 11
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
Care and Cleaning .................................................................................................................................................. 12
Technical Support ................................................................................................................................................... 12
Warranty .................................................................................................................................................................. 12
GelMax Imager 3
Introduction
The GelMax Imager is a compact, high resolution imager capable of capturing, documenting and analyzing
fluorescent and colorimetri c gel images. The darkroom has built-i n over h ead epi white lig ht i ng, a fiveposition motorized slide-out emission filter wheel with an ethidium bromide (EtBr) filter included as standard,
and an integrated slimline, long life, slide-out 302nm UV transilluminator. Interchangeable Sample Plates fit
snugly on top of the built-in UV transilluminator, converting the trans i lluminator’s light to longwave 365nm
UV, white light, or 460/470nm Visi-Blue
transillumination.
Many system functions are controll ed via front -mounted rotary knobs, including lighting and emission filter
selection. Camera functions are controlled and images are acquir ed, edit ed, sav ed and an aly z ed using the
®
LS software package, included as standard with the GelMax Imager.
Doc-It
™
blue light. A solid black plate is included for samples not requiring
GelMax Imager 4
365nm UV, White
Camera and Lens
Built Into Darkroom
Emission Filter
Selector Knob
“Lighting On”
Indicator
Built-In Overhead
White Lights
Lighting Selector
Knob/UV Reset
Slide-Out 302nm
UV Transilluminator
UV Safety Interlock
Switch & Override
Five Position SlideOut Emission Filter
System Components
Refer to the packing slip and schematic shown below for specific parts and components included with the
GelMax Imager.
Light, and Visi-Blue,
Interchangeable
Sample Plates (Black
Plate not shown)
GelMax Imager 5
Specifications
Power Requirements: 100/115V, 60Hz; 2.0 Amps
230V, 50Hz; 2.0 Amps
Mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed 10 percent of the
nominal supply voltage
Pollution Degree: 2
Installation Category: II
Altitude: Up to 2000m
Ambient Temperature: 5°C to 40°C
Humidity: Maximum relative humidity of 80% for temperatures up to 31°C,
decreasing linearly to 50% maximum relative hum idity at 40°C
Operating System Requirements
Windows 7 or XP, 32-bit or 64-bit
Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
Intel Pentium Processor or equivalent, 1.6 GHz or higher
2 GB of RAM or greater
200 MB of available hard disk space for the program , more for data
CD-ROM drive
One Universal Serial Bus (USB) port for connecting the GelMax unit
Color monitor, supporting at least 1024 x 768 resolution and 16-bit or better colors; 24-bit or 32-bit
color is strongly recommended
NOTE: For 21 CFR Part 11 support functionality, the computer partition must be formatted with NTFS. Refer
to the Doc-ItLS software manual for instructions.
Standard Equipment
Darkroom
The GelMax darkroom is li ght tight, providing optimal imaging condi tions. Darkroom features include:
Epi (overhead) LED white light
Slide-out five position em ission filter wheel
Slide-out, long life transilluminator with UV safety interlock switc h and manual override to
enable transillumination when the tra nsi llu mi nator is not clo s ed
Doc-ItLS Acquisition and Analysis Software
UVP’s Doc-ItLS software loads directly onto the user’s existing computer. The software controls the
camera acquisition functions, enhancement and reporting features, and analysis capabilities for 1D and
colony counting functions. For information on the installation and use of the software, refer to “Installing
the Doc-ItLS Acquisition and Analysis Software” in this manual or to the Doc-ItLS Software help files .
UV Transilluminator
A long life, slimline 302nm UV transilluminator is integrated into the front slide-out transilluminator tray.
The transilluminator provides highly uniform 302nm UV t ransillumination across an 11.5 x 16cm imaging
area. The transilluminator is designed to accommodate a variety of Interchangeable Sample Plates, as
described below.
CAUTION: All UVP transilluminators are powerful sources of UV radiation that will cause damage to
unprotected eyes and skin. Before operating, be sure all personnel in the area are properly protected.
GelMax Imager 6
Refer to “Replacement Parts and Accessories” in this manual for UV-blocking spectacles, goggles and
faceshield ordering informat io n.
Interchangeable Sample Plates
In addition to the 302nm UV transillumination provided by the built-in transilluminator, four
Interchangeable Sample Plates are available to provide additional transillu minat io n optio ns. Once in
place, these Plates can provide 460/470nm Visi-Blue blue, white, or 365nm longwave UV
transillumination. Inc lude d as stan dard is a solid, non-translucent black plate for placement of samples
which don’t require transillumination.
A Sample Plate Holder is available to store the Interchangeable Sample Plates neatly next to the
GelMax Imager. See “Replacement Parts and Accessories” for ordering informat ion .
Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) Emission Filter
The ethidium bromide (50mm square) UV-blocking bandpass interference filter bl ocks UV and IR
radiation emitted from the transilluminator. The filter is placed in the slide-out filter wheel on the side of
the Imager. The filter allows visualization of fluorophores from 580-630nm, targeting the ethidium
bromide emission peak of 605nm.
Additional and custom filters are available for other specific fluorophores. See “Repl ace men t Parts and
Accessories” or contact UVP for ordering information.
Fluorescent Focus Target
The UVP Fluorescent Focus Target fluoresces when placed
on the UV transilluminator. The Target provides sharp
fluorescent images to aid in adjusting the lens and camer a
settings for ideal imaging results.
Optional Equipment
UVP offers a variety of optional equipment to support the needs of varying laboratory environments. Refer to
“Replacement Parts and Accessor ies” at the end of this manual for optional equipment part numbers.
Thermal Printer
The thermal printer provides archive quality, 256 grayscale
prints and five optional cost-effective print size s.
Fluorescent Focus Target
Thermal Printer
GelMax Imager 7
Slide-Out Filter
Setup Instructions
Components
When unpacking the GelMax Imager, the following items will be included as standard:
1. GelMax Imager
2. Ethidium bromide (EtBr) emission filter
3. Power and USB cables
4. Doc-ItLS Software
5. Supporting documentation
6. One or more Interchangea ble S ampl e Plates (the Solid Black Interchangeable Sample Plate i s
included as standard)
Place the darkroom on a flat surface which can provide adequate support for up to 50 pounds.
WARNING: Do not attempt to perform any setup procedures while the system is plugged in or powered on
unless otherwise instructed.
If the equipment is used in a manner other than as specified by UVP, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired.
CAUTION: This system is designed for indoor use only. Do not install the system in areas with high
moisture, dust or high tem peratures. Keep the equipment away from motors or any other large magnetic
equipment apparatuses.
Connecting the Power and USB Cables
Plug the square end of the USB cable into the back of the GelMax. Plug the other end into an available USB port on the user’s computer.
Plug the main power cable into the back of the GelMax and the other end into a surge-protected power outlet. Set the power switch on the back of the system to the ON (I) position.
Note: It is recommended to leave the power switch on the back of the
system in the ON position except when the s ystem will not be used for
an extended period of tim e (one day or longer).
Note: Do not position the system so that it is difficult to access the
power cable and operate the main power switch at the back of the unit.
Installing Emission Filters
To install the 50mm square ethidium bromide (EtBr) filter and any other emission filters:
1. Carefully remove the filter from the
protective plastic case, holding the filter
at the edges to prevent placing
fingerprints on the glass surface.
2. The filter wheel is located on the user’s
right side of the darkroom. Press in on
the slide-out filter wheel door. The door
will pop out slightly. Pull the filter wheel
assembly out until it stops.
3. Using the Emission Filter Selector Knob,
rotate the filter wheel to the desired
position. Use the chart to determine the
ideal Emission Filter Selector Knob
position for installing filters:
Wheel Door
GelMax Imager 8
To Install a Filter in
Position #:
1 5
2 1
3 2
4 3
5 4
4. Place the included ethidium bromide filter in em ission filter wheel Position #1.
NOTE: Before placing the filter in the emission filter wheel, ensure that the text on the edge of
the filter is positioned so the text is right side up.
5. Once all filters have been l oaded, slide the filter wheel assembly bac k into the system. Press
the filter wheel assembly door until the assembly locks into place.
Additional and replacement emission filters are available through UVP. Refer to the “Replacement
Parts and Accessories” s ect io n of this manual for order ing in for mat ion .
Place the Emission Filter
Selector Knob in Positi on #:
Installing the Doc-ItLS Acquisition and Analysis Software
NOTE: The following provides a brief instruction for installing Doc-ItLS software. For instructions on using
the software, refer to the Doc-ItLS help files .
1. Insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive. The installation program should automatically start. If the
installation program fails to start, navigate to the CD-ROM drive and double-click setup.exe to
launch Doc-ItLS.
2. Follow instructions from the Wizard screens as they appear, click ing Next, Accept or Finish
as appropriate.
3. If prompted to restart the computer, click No. Rather, restart the computer by choosing Restart
from the Windows Start menu.
4. Double-click the UVP icon on the computer’s desktop.
5. If connected to the Internet, activate the software by choosing On the fly activation. Complete
all of the required information on the form and fill in the Serial Number (located on the CD).
Click on Get Activation No. and then click on Activate when the Activation Number appears
in the box.
6. Close the software.
NOTE: If not connected to the Internet, call UVP Technical Support at (800) 452-6788 to complete the
activation process.
GelMax Imager 9
Using the System
Powering Up the System
Set the power switch on the back of the system to the ON (I) position. Once plugged in to a wall outlet and
the power switch on the back of the system is pl aced in the ON (I) position, the GelMax Imager is always
powered on.
The “Lighting On” indicator on the front of the unit will glow green when the system’s epi white or
transillumination are on.
Note: It is recommended to leave the power switch on the back of the system in the ON position except
when the system will not be used for an extended period of time (one day or longer).
Selecting Emission Filters
See the “Installing Emission Filters” section of this manual for instructions on installing individual emission
filters.
Once all filters have been i nstalled and with the system powered on, rotate the Emission Filter Selector
Knob to the desired filter position. The emission filter wheel will automatically rotate to the appropriate
position within the system. Note that the filter wheel only rotates in one direction, so it is normal for the
system to take longer to reach certain filter positions than others.
Selecting Illumination Sources
With the system powered on, rotate the Lighting Selector Knob clockwise one detent to select
Transillumination. Rotate the knob clo ckw ise an addit ion al detent to select Epi White (Focus) light. The
“Lighting On” indicator on the front of the unit will glow green when the system’s epi white or
transillumination are on.
NOTE: For UV protection and to extend the life of the UV transilluminator and epi white lighting, the system
incorporates an automatic 10-minute lighting shutoff timer. The user will know that the shutoff timer has
turned off power to the lighting source when the lighting selector knob is either on Transillumination or Epi
White (Focus) and the “Lighting On” indicator is not glowing.
To reset the lighting timer, press in firmly on the Lighting Selector Knob. This will res et the 10-minute lighting
shutoff timer for an additional 10 minutes.
Using the Transilluminator
The GelMax Imager contains an integrated slimline, long life, slide-out 302nm UV transilluminato r. To
access the transilluminator, press in on the slide-out transilluminator door on the front of the Imager. The
door will pop out slightly. Pull the UV transilluminator assembly out until it stops, and then place the sample
and/or Interchangeable Sample Plate on the transilluminator surface. Once the sample is aligned, press the
transilluminator in until the unit locks into a closed position.
NOTE: To avoid scratching or damaging the transilluminator surface, do not attempt to cut or perform
excision directly on the filter glass surface. Rather, remove the sample, perform cutting or excision on a GelTray or other surface, then replace the sample on the transill umin ator surface.
The UV Transilluminator is designed with a UV
safety interlock to automatically turn UV lighting off
when the transilluminator is pulled out. To override
this interlock, press the green ov err ide button
located at the rear of the transilluminator module. To
cancel the override, either press the red override
cancel button or slide the transilluminat or back into
the GelMax unit (see image at right).
GelMax Imager 10
UVP Logo
Interchangeable
Sample Plate
NOTE: All UVP transilluminators are powerful sources of UV radiation that will cause damage to unprotected
eyes and skin. Before operating, be sure all personnel in the area are properly protected. Refer to
“Replacement Parts and Accessories” in this manual for UV-blocking spectacles, goggles and faceshield
ordering information.
Installing Interchang eab le Samp le Plates
To provide additional transillumination options, the GelMax Imager can accommodate a variety of
Interchangeable Sample Plates. Available exclusively from UVP, these Plates are placed on top of the
slide-out UV transilluminator s urfac e to conver t the standard 302nm transillumination to:
• 460/470nm Visi-Blue
• White Light, or
• 365nm Longwave UV
Also available is a solid, non-translucent, non-reflective
black plate for the placement of samples not requiring
transillumination.
To install an Interchangeable Sample Plate, slide out the
UV transilluminator. With the UVP logo on the Sample
Plate facing up and toward the rear of the transilluminator,
place the Sample Plate on the transilluminator until it fits
snugly into place. Place the sample to be imaged on top
of the Plate, and slide the transilluminator unit into the
GelMax Imager.
NOTE: An orange Visi-Blue emission filter is supplied with all Visi-Blue Interchangeable Sample Plates.
When using the Visi-Blue Plate, utilize this orange e mi ss ion f ilter for ideal imaging results.
Focusing the Image
The GelMax Imager is con fig u r ed with an auto foc us camera and lens. However, some samples may not
produce enough light or s harp enough details for the system to focus automatically. In this case, the user
must manually focus the image.
To manually focus the image:
1. Place the sample on the transilluminator surfac e and rotate the Lighting Selector Knob
clockwise two detents to select Epi White (Focus) lighting.
2. With the Doc-ItLS softw are open, click the Preview button at the top of the software interface.
3. Once the Preview
window appears,
select the radio button
next to “Manual focus”.
Six manual focus
buttons should appear
as shown to the right.
4. Use the arrow buttons to manually focus the image. Begin by using the outer buttons with
three arrows to attain a general focus, then use the inner buttons with two arrows and one
arrow for finer focus control.
Once the focus is set manually, this setting is maintained even when the system is power cycled. Therefore,
the system should not need to be focused again. However, if the focus setting is toggled back to Auto focus
on the Preview screen, the manual focusing process will need to be completed again.
Note: Once manual focusing is completed, the depth of field capabilities of the system will keep the sample
in focus even if a converter plate is installed or removed.
GelMax Imager 11
Service Procedures
Return Procedure
A Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) number must be obtained from UVP Customer Service before
returning any product. See “Technical Support” below for contact information.
Replacement Parts and Accessories
To order accessories or replacement parts for the GelMax Imager, contact UVP’s offi ces.
Part Description Part Number
Fuse, 2.0A 56-0022-03 (2 Recommended)
Power Cord, 100V/115V 58-0085-01
Power Cord, 230V 58-0085-03
Interchangeable Sample Plates:
365nm Longwave UV Interchangeable Sample Plate 38-0381-01
460/470nm Visi-Blue Interchangeable Sample Plate 38-0381-02
White Light Interchangeable Sample Plate 38-0381-03
Solid Black Interchangeabl e Sample Plate 38-0381-04
Interchangeable Sample Plate Holder 20-1657-01
Emission Filters:
Filter, Ethidium Bromide, 50mm Square 38-0220-01
Filter, SYBR Green, 50mm Square 38-0219-01
Filter, SYBR Gold, 50mm Square 38-0221-01
Additional Filters Contact UVP
Gel Accessories:
Gel-Cutter 85-0002-01
Gel-Ruler 85-0003-01
Gel-Scooper 85-0006-01
Gel-Tray, Small 85-0007-01
Gel-Sentry DNA Preparation Plate 97-0076-01
Fluorescent Standard Step Tablet 33-0014-02
Protective Equipment:
Spectacles, UV Blocking (UVC-303) 98-0002-01
Goggles, UV Blocking (UVC-503) 98-0002-02
Faceshield, UV Blocking (UVC-803) 98-0002-04
Troubleshooting
No Power to the Transilluminator or Filter Wheel
1. Recheck the main power cord connection to the GelMax unit.
2. Check the fuses located at the back of the unit next to the power
port. A small flat-head screwdriver or similar tool w ill be requi r ed.
Push the left tab of the fuseholder to the r ight until the
fuseholder’s left side pops out. Then, push the right tab toward
the left until the right side pops out. The entire fuseholder can
now be pulled out.
Inspect the thin wire within each glass fuse to see if there is a
break in the wire. If so, replace the fuse(s). If fuses are blowing
repeatedly, contact UVP Technical Support for additional troubleshooting.
GelMax Imager 12
Call (800) 452-6788 or (909) 946-
7:00 am and 5:00 pm, PST.
Call +44(0) 1223-420022
5:30 pm.
Care and Cleaning
Use only mild soap or detergent solution for cleaning. Do NOT use oil- or petroleum-based cleaners for the
cabinet. Ensure that the system is turned OFF and unp lugg e d during cle anin g.
Technical Support
UVP offers free lifetime technical support on all of its products and software. Should you have any questions
regarding the product’s use, operation or repair, contact UVP’s offices at the locations below, or visit
www.uvp.com
.
If you are in North America, South
America, East Asia or Australia:
3197, and ask for Technical Support
during regular business days, between
If you are in Europe, Africa, the
Middle East of Western Asia:
, and ask for
Customer Service during regular
business days between 9:00 am and
E-mail your message to:
info@uvp.com
Fax Customer Service, and send it to
(909) 946-3597
Write to: UVP, LLC 2066 W. 11th
Street, Upland, CA 91786 USA
Warranty
UVP's products are guaranteed to be free of defect s in materials, workmanship and manufacture for one (1)
year from date of purchase. Consumable and disposabl e parts including, but not li mited to tub es and filt ers, ar e
guaranteed to be free from defects in manufacture a nd materi als for ninet y (90) day s fr om da te of purchase.
Transilluminators carry a two (2) year war ranty fr om date of purchase. If equipment failure or malfunction
occurs during the warranty period, UVP shall examine the inoperative equipment and have the option of
repairing or replacing any part(s) which, in the judgment of U VP, were originally defective or became so under
conditions of normal usage and service.
No warranty shall apply to this instrument, or part thereof, that has been subject to accident, negligence,
alteration, abuse or misuse by the end-user. Moreover, UVP makes no warranties whatsoever with respect to
parts not supplied by UVP or that have been installe d, used an d/or serv iced other than in strict compliance with
instructions appearing in this manual.
In no event shall UVP be responsible to the end-user for any incidental or consequential damages, whether
foreseeable or not, including but not limited to property damage, inability to use equipment, lost business,
lost profits, or inconvenience arising out of or connected with the use of instruments produced by UVP. Nor
is UVP liable or responsible for any personal injuries occurring as a result of the use, installation and/or
servicing of equipment.
This warranty does not supersede any statutory r ights that may be av ailable in certain countries.
Doc-It is a registered trademark of UVP, LLC.
GelMax and Visi-Blue are trademarks of UVP, LLC.
E-mail your message to: uvp@uvp.co.uk
Fax Customer Service, and send it to:
+44(0) 1223-420561
Write to: Ultra-Violet Products Ltd
Unit 1, Trinity Hall Farm Estate, Nuffield
Road, Cambridge CB4 1TG UK
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