TomTec QUADRA 4 User Manual

Details on carefully removing the Quadra 4 from its shipping carton and placing it on a level surface.

Guidance on selecting a suitable place to set up the Quadra 4, considering level surface and ventilation.

Details environmental, physical, electrical, and pneumatic specifications for the QUADRA 4.

Explains the meaning of warnings, cautions, notes, and symbols used throughout the manual.

Overview of the TOMTEC Quadra 4 workstation, its features, and the manual's scope.

Visual identification of key components of the Quadra 4, Front View.

Visual identification of key components of the Quadra 4 from the side.

Visual identification of key components of the Quadra 4 from the rear, with and without stackers.

Details and illustration of the Quadra 4's front access panel.

Explanation of the compressor and pneumatic system components and functions.

Describes the Quadra 4's pipetting mechanism, stepper motor, and tip handling.

Discusses the Quadra 4's design philosophy, shuttle system, and stage functionality.

Outlines different Quadra 4 models (NS, SPE, LTD) and their features.

Details new features and improvements in Version 4.8.0 and subsequent versions.

Explains key changes in the Quadra 4 Command Software, including drag-and-drop and simplified dialogs.

Covers Shuttle Labware Labels, Icon Display, Tip Load Counter, and Main Screen components.

Details PSID2 Mirror Rack Checking, Getting Started, and Preparing for Program Execution.

Describes Labware Area, Shuttle Layout, Pump Volume Box, Operations Box, Steps Area.

Describes the functions available across the File, Edit, System, Database, Tools, Utilities, Options, View, Reports, and Help menus.

Explains specific program operations like Alert Timer, Aspirate, Dispense, and many others.

Covers the Database Editor, Plate/Fixture/Configuration/Curve databases, and importing data.

Details User Preferences, Default Plates/Reservoirs, Configure Model, Com Ports, and other settings.

Details functions within the Utility menu, including Shuttle/Stacker, Stage, Pump, System, Trap, Misc.

Guides users through setting up a serial dilution protocol.

Importance of understanding transfer operations and arranging them correctly for effective protocols.

Determining what needs to be accomplished and writing down the protocol steps.

Determining necessary labware and its placement on the shuttle for optimal workflow.

Steps and considerations for writing effective protocols, including loop commands and mix functions.

Configuration of stage parameters including run speed, ramp, and height settings.

Configuration of shuttle parameters including speed, distance, and center/left/right positions.

Configuration of pump parameters including init speed, chuck speed, and volume settings.

Configuration of miscellaneous system parameters like Auto-Arm, Vacuum Box, and Stackers.

Displays system firmware, software version, board check sums, and serial number.

Utility for setting stage/shuttle/pump alignment and recording position data.

Utility to view, print, or save system settings to a text file.

Automated Mini-Trap vacuum calibration utility.

Details the plate (Q4PLATEDB.DAT) and fixture (Q4FIXTUREDB.DAT) databases.

Details the Quadra 4 configuration database (Q4SOFTCFG.DAT).

Details the Quadra 4 pump calibration tables database (QCURVEDB.DAT).

Details the Quadra 4 system parameters file (Q4SYSPARM.DAT).

Overview of the File System Monitor and Logging service for CFR11 compliance.

Details user login, file system security, and administrator group requirements for CFR11.

Explains how file system monitoring tracks changes in directories and logs information.

Describes how program steps are logged with user logs and secure logs.

Explains the purpose of CFR11 compliance: accountability, traceability, and reproducibility.

Covers the installation and configuration of the File System Monitor and Logging Service.

Example configuration of File System Watch software for CFR11 security.

Details the 450uL disposable tip head, its advantages, and operation.

Describes the primary pipettor head, its volume, reach, and air blow features.

Explains the process of switching between organic and aqueous pipetting.

Describes dispensing without touching the well contents, using air pressure.

Explains using air pressure to clear residual liquid from tips.

Details the unique design of the 450uL tips for pipeline pipetting and versatility.

Describes the manual loading procedure for 450uL air displacement pipettor tips.

Explains how to adjust the tip load switch for proper tip loading.

Describes positive displacement pipettor heads (SV, LV) and their features.

Details the optional DMV head and its use with different volume pipetting tips.

Procedure for installing and aligning the DMV pipette head and setting Z offset.

Procedure for setting zero volume adjustment for air displacement pipettor heads.

Explains the shuttle's design, stepper motors, and station utility.

Describes how stackers are pneumatically actuated and pressure settings.

Explains stage movement, indexing, and calibration for different plate formats.

Details stage movement in X and Y directions and offset calculations.

Describes the stage's built-in safety feature involving a spring and safety switch.

Discusses stepper motor speeds, liquid following, and slow withdrawal for accurate aspiration.

Explains using the long narrow tip portion for sequential reagent aspiration with air gaps.

Discusses dispensing speed, drops hanging on tips, and methods to return them to the well.

Explains the Quadra 4's functions for mixing well contents after dispensing.

Describes titration as multiple aspirate and dispense moves.

Explains aspirating and dispensing air for mixing, noting potential foaming issues.

Describes ejecting tip contents using air pressure, controlled by volume, height, and pressure.

Best CV for 0.5uL aliquots using pipeline pipetting, air gap separation, and tip rinsing.

Dispensing 0.5uL aliquots into dry wells without washing, with testing results.

Handling DMSO, preventing clinging droplets, and dispense methods.

Evaluating pipetting protocols using visual checks for liquid level, mixing, and tip clearing.

Features of the 450uL head for BioAnalytical applications, handling volatile organic fluids.

Applications for mixing protein, liquid/liquid, and SPE, including filtration automation.

Explains program checksum for ensuring exact program execution and accuracy.

Explains how stepper motors move pistons and the calibration process for volumes.

Tomtec fabricates custom reservoirs to match pipetting patterns.

Applications requiring dispensing liquids with matter that needs uniform suspension.

A self-contained stirring reservoir nest that sits on the shuttle.

Maintains a constant liquid level using a peristaltic pump for controlled tip insertion.

Nest with a DC motor that imparts a vibrating motion to microplates or reservoirs.

Sophisticated constant level reservoir with 24 small holes for inlet.

Aluminum block providing thermal mass for a reservoir, may be heated or cooled.

Nest designed to heat or cool a flat bottom Teflon coated reservoir.

A 3-part vacuum box for SPE applications, manually operated.

System consisting of a manual vacuum box and a regulated mini vacuum trap.

Mini Vacuum Trap automatically controlled through Quadra 4 software.

Factory installed system with robotic hand for walk-away automation.

Dispensing tip height adjustment to prevent air bubbles and improve readout.

Handling hydrophobic and non-hydrophobic tips, and setting air blow height.

Best CV for 0.5uL aliquots using pipeline pipetting, air gap separation, and tip rinsing.

Dispensing 0.5uL aliquots into dry wells without washing, with focus on tip height.

Mixing reagents by aspirating from the bottom and dispensing above the liquid level.

Improves pipetting accuracy via timed dispense and understanding air column compressibility.

Lists necessary equipment like balance, water, tip loading jig, and reservoirs.

Steps for creating and verifying calibration curves, including evaporation considerations.

Guides through setup, adding data points, using templates, and ambient conditions.

Defines calibration terms and specifies liquid and ambient conditions for accuracy.

Discusses volatility, vapor pressure, partial pressure, and their effects on pipetting.

Explains density, compression, viscosity, surface tension, and wetting effects on pipetting.

Options in aspirate/dispense steps to improve performance with different liquid properties.

Lists necessary tools for head removal, installation, and alignment.

Steps to shut off power, remove top cover, and disconnect head connectors.

Illustration and description of the top rear view showing access to head components.

Steps for installing the desired head, aligning it to the stage, and powering on.

Details connecting electrical connectors, hose fitting, and securing the head.

Illustration of the front view of the air bladder tip shuck 450uL head.

Illustration of the back view of the 450uL backfill head.

Illustrations of the top/front and back/bottom views of the tip block assembly.

Identification of components in the front and rear views of the 55uL SV head.

Illustrations of the 384 SV tip and seal assembly.

Tomtec recommends annual Preventative Maintenance Inspection (PM) by a trained engineer.

Keep stages, stacker, and shuttle clean; promptly clean spilled liquid.

Using the kit to lubricate 'O' rings on tip pins for optimum positive seal.

Lists the tip pin lubrication tool and bottle of mineral oil.

Washing tips using ultrasonic cleaner or additional procedures for thorough cleaning.

Steps to safely replace fuses by turning off power and removing the fuse holder.

Guarantees against defects in materials/workmanship for one year; labor included.

Excludes failures due to misuse/neglect; liability limited to replacement price.

User responsibility for suitability; defective products replaced if returned promptly.

Signed Decontamination Form must accompany returns for safety verification.

Form must be signed and accompany instrument for service/repair.

Contact details for service and maintenance inquiries, have model/serial number ready.

Contact information for technical support and concerns regarding Tomtec products.

Provides US and International shipping addresses for equipment returns.