Bio-Rad Model 550, Ultramark, and Benchmark Microplate Reader Accessories - Manual (Page 11)

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3. Using the Ultramark
The Ultramark is operated through the Protocol dialog boxes in Microplate Manager. See the
Microplate Manager User Guide for instructions on specifying the filter wavelengths (section 2.7)
and operating the Ultramark through the Protocol dialogs (Chapter 5).
3.1 Loading a Plate
To load a plate into the Ultramark, press the Open/Close button on the front of the instrument or
click on the Reader Door: Open button in the Protocol dialog box in Microplate Manager. The front
door of the reader will open and the plate loader will extend.
Place your microplate in the plate loader, pressing lightly to snap the plate into place. Press the
Open/Close button again to close the reader door, or click on the Reader Door: Close button in the
Protocol dialog in Microplate Manager.
The Ultramark will accept any plate with the dimensions 138 mm (length) x 98 mm (width).
Plate height cannot exceed 15 mm.
3.2 Reading a Plate
Plate readings are controlled entirely by Microplate Manager. See Chapter 5 of the Microplate
Manager User Guide for instructions.
To stop a plate reading that is in progress, press the Stop button on the front panel of the Ultramark
or click on the Stop button in the Microplate Manager Protocol dialog box.
3.3 Incubator Controls
The incubator in the Ultramark is controlled from within Microplate Manager. You can also start the
incubator by pressing the Incubator button on the front panel of the Ultramark.
Pressing the Incubator button once will begin warming up the incubator (message: “Ready. Temp =
__”). Pressing it again will begin cooling the incubator down to ambient room temperature (message:
“Cooling”). Pressing it again will turn the incubator off (message: “Ready. Incu. Off”).
Incubator Set Point
The incubator set point is set from within Microplate Manager. The last set point selected in
Microplate Manager is stored in memory inside the Ultramark, so if you start the Ultramark and start
the incubator without opening Microplate Manager, the incubator will begin warming up to the last
specified set point.