Bio-Rad CFX Automation System II - Manual (Page 24)

Chapter 1: CFX Automation System II Installation
16 | CFX Automation System II 16 |
2. When instructed by the software, place the calibration block on top of the rack to be
calibrated (Figure 16). The calibration block is larger than a PCR plate and is designed to sit
on top of the rack and aid in this calibration position.
3. The top of the rack is properly calibrated when the gripper fingers are perfectly centered on
the calibration block (Figure 16).
4. If the calibration needs to be adjusted, manually adjust the plate handler only when
instructed by the software.
5. If needed, adjust the calibration by manually separating the gripper fingers from the
calibration block. Extend or retract the plate handler arm the appropriate amount so that
the gripper fingers will be centered on the calibration block. Release the gripper fingers and
inspect their location on the calibration block. Repeat as needed.
6. Follow the calibration wizard instructions to complete rack calibration.
Calibrate the Barcode Scanner
1. Place a sealed plate in rack 1.
Note: If both 96-well and 384-well CFX Systems are configured, use a 384-well plate for
this step.
2. The plate handler will move the plate from rack 1 to the barcode scanner. Confirm that the
barcode on the short side of the plate is facing the barcode scanner.
3. To be properly calibrated, the LED light from the barcode scanner should illuminate the
region immediately above the plate barcode or at the very bottom of the gripper assembly
(Figure 17). Manually adjust the plate handler arm and gripper assembly if not properly
positioned. Ensure the plate handler arm remains fully extended.
Note: For the software to properly calibrate the barcode scanner, the LED beam must
illuminate the region above the top of the barcode sticker.
4. Select Next. The software will now calibrate the barcode scanner.
Fig. 16. Calibrating the racks.
Properly calibrate the top
of the rack by making sure
the gripper fingers grasp
the calibration block with
an equal number of black
pyramids on each side.