8 | Chapter 2 Installation
Shipping screw
and o-ring
Plug
Figure 2: Shipping screw, o-ring, and plug in usage position
3: Select an Appropriate Location
For optimal operation, install the Epoch on a clean, level surface in an area where
ambient temperatures between 18°C (64°F) and 40°C (104°F) can be maintained. The
reader is sensitive to extreme environmental conditions. Conditions to avoid are:
•
Excessive humidity: Condensation directly on the sensitive electronic
circuits can cause the instrument to fail internal self-checks. The humidity must
be in the range of 10% to 85%, non-condensing.
•
Excessive ambient light: Bright sunlight or strong incandescent light can
reduce the linear performance range and affect the instrument’s readings.
•
Dust: Optical density readings may be affected by extraneous particles (such
as dust) in the microplate wells. A clean work area is necessary to ensure
accurate readings.
•
Excessive vibration: Do not place the reader on a surface that is shared with
machines that cause the surface to vibrate.
BioTek
®
Instruments, Inc.