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Molecular Devices SpectraMax M5 - User Manual

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SpectraMax
®
M3, M4, M5, and M5
e
Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
User Guide
0112-0115 F
July 2010

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

  • M
    Michael WestSep 23, 2025
    What does 'NVRAM Stage offset error' mean on Molecular Devices SpectraMax M5?
    • J
      Janet SmithSep 23, 2025
      If your Molecular Devices Laboratory Equipment displays 'NVRAM Stage offset error', it means the stage offset data is unreasonable.
  • S
    Stephanie GordonAug 25, 2025
    What to do if I see Fatal Error Codes on my Molecular Devices SpectraMax M5 display?
    • B
      Bruce MontgomeryAug 25, 2025
      If you're seeing fatal error codes on the display of your Molecular Devices Laboratory Equipment, try these steps: Ensure the cuvette door is closed during the power-up sequence. If the problem persists, leave the instrument on for about five minutes, then turn it off and back on again.
  • C
    Christopher PorterAug 25, 2025
    Why is there a signal level saturation in Molecular Devices SpectraMax M5 Laboratory Equipment?
    • T
      Tara MorganAug 26, 2025
      Signal level saturation during a cuvette read on your Molecular Devices Laboratory Equipment could be due to the cuvette door being open.
  • Z
    zcarterAug 27, 2025
    Why is there a reference level saturation in Molecular Devices SpectraMax M5 Laboratory Equipment?
    • V
      Victoria ClarkAug 27, 2025
      Reference level saturation during a cuvette read on your Molecular Devices Laboratory Equipment could be due to the cuvette door being open.
  • X
    xrobersonSep 23, 2025
    What does 'NVRAM Battery' mean for Molecular Devices SpectraMax M5 Laboratory Equipment?
    • M
      melanie77Sep 23, 2025
      The 'NVRAM Battery' message on your Molecular Devices Laboratory Equipment indicates that it is time to replace the NVRAM battery (U3).
  • C
    Cassandra TaylorSep 13, 2025
    What does 'Absorbance boot check failed' mean on Molecular Devices Laboratory Equipment?
    • A
      Alexander BensonSep 13, 2025
      If your Molecular Devices Laboratory Equipment displays 'Absorbance boot check failed', it means the plate or cuvette check failed.
  • B
    Brian HansonSep 12, 2025
    What does 'grating motor driver faulty' mean on Molecular Devices SpectraMax M5 Laboratory Equipment?
    • L
      Linda VegaSep 12, 2025
      If your Molecular Devices Laboratory Equipment shows 'grating motor driver faulty', it means the grating motor didn't move to where it was commanded to in a reasonable time.
  • C
    Christian WalkerSep 12, 2025
    What does 'monitor ADC faulty' mean on Molecular Devices SpectraMax M5 Laboratory Equipment?
    • R
      Regina NelsonSep 12, 2025
      A 'monitor ADC faulty' message on your Molecular Devices Laboratory Equipment indicates an error was found during the periodic check of the ADC system.
  • C
    Christy WalshSep 4, 2025
    What does 'grating error' mean on Molecular Devices SpectraMax M5 Laboratory Equipment?
    • N
      Natalie WoodSep 4, 2025
      A 'grating error' on your Molecular Devices Laboratory Equipment means that the grating did not move to its photo interrupt in a reasonable time, or it can't find its photo interrupt.
  • K
    Kevin MckeeSep 2, 2025
    What does 'carriage motion error' mean on Molecular Devices Laboratory Equipment?
    • G
      grimesrichardSep 2, 2025
      A 'carriage motion error' on your Molecular Devices Laboratory Equipment means that the carriage did not move to either of its photo interrupts in a reasonable time, or it can't find its photo interrupt.

Summary

SpectraMax Reader Description

PathCheck Pathlength Technology

Explains how the technology normalizes well volumes to 1-cm cuvette readings.

Computer Control with SoftMax Pro

Explains control via SoftMax Pro Software for instrument functions.

Control Panel Overview

Details the LCD display and membrane keys for instrument control.

Microplate Drawer Operation

Describes the location, function, and operation of the microplate drawer.

Cuvette Chamber and Handling

Discusses the cuvette chamber and proper cuvette use and alignment.

Back Panel Components

Details components on the back panel: power switch, ports, fuse box, label.

Principles of Operation

Absorbance and Transmittance

Explains absorbance measurement (A = -log(I/Io)) and transmittance (T = I/Io).

PathCheck Pathlength Measurement

Explains the Beer-Lambert law and absorbance proportionality to pathlength.

PathCheck Interference Handling

Identifies turbidity and sample color as common interferences for PathCheck.

Time-resolved Fluorescence (TRF)

Details TRF mode, its advantage over fluorescence intensity, and detection parameters.

Fluorescence Polarization (FP)

Explains FP mode, data sets, and calculation of polarization (mP) and anisotropy (r).

Luminescence Principles

Describes luminescence as light emission from non-thermal processes.

Instrument Installation

Important Safety Precautions

Covers power safety, environment, temperature, and instrument handling warnings.

Setting Up the Instrument

Step-by-step guide for placing, connecting, and powering the instrument.

Instrument Operation

Optimizing Fluorescence Assays

Discusses adjusting wavelengths, plate blanks, and PathCheck for fluorescence.

Optimizing Absorbance Assays

Details factors for optimization like wavelengths, filters, PMT voltage, and Stokes' shift.

Instrument Maintenance

General Safety Warnings

Covers power, environment, electrical shock, optics handling, and organic solvent precautions.

Troubleshooting Guide

Manual Drawer Opening

Procedure to manually open the microplate drawer if it fails to open.

Understanding Error Codes

Lists error code ranges and their general causes.

Error Message Types

Differentiates between Fatal and Warning messages.

Molecular Devices SpectraMax M5 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Wavelength Range200 - 1000 nm
Light SourceXenon flash lamp
SoftwareSoftMax Pro Software
Wavelength Range (Fluorescence)250 - 850 nm
Wavelength SelectionMonochromator
ShakingLinear, Orbital, and Double Orbital
Detection ModesAbsorbance, Fluorescence, Luminescence
Plate Formats6- to 384-well plates
Temperature Control4°C above ambient to 45°C
Data InterfaceUSB

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