Connecting the computer

About this topic

This topic explains how to connect the controlling computer to the BenchCel Microplate Handler.

Before you start

Make sure you have the following:

•	RS-232 DB9 serial cable or Ethernet cable (supplied)

•	Ethernet switch (supplied) for Ethernet connections only

Connecting the controlling computer

You can connect the computer to the BenchCel Microplate Handler in one of the following ways:

•	Serial connection. You can use the supplied RS-232 DB9 serial cable to connect the computer to the BenchCel Microplate Handler.

•

Ethernet connection. You can use the supplied Ethernet cable to connect the computer to the BenchCel Microplate Handler. The Agilent Technologies configured computer has two Ethernet ports. You can use one port to connect to the BenchCel Microplate Handler and the other to connect to your company network.

To connect the controlling computer to the BenchCel Microplate Handler:

1	Turn off the computer.

2	Serial connection only. Do the following:

a	Connect the female end of the serial cable to a COM port on the controlling computer. Note the number of the COM port. You will provide this number in the software.

b	Connect the male end of the serial cable to the serial port on the back of the BenchCel Microplate Handler.

Figure. Serial connector on the BenchCel Microplate Handler (back view)

 

3	Ethernet connection only. Do the following:

a	Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the back of the BenchCel device.

b	Connect the free end of the Ethernet cable to any available port on the Ethernet switch.

Figure. Ethernet connector on the BenchCel Microplate Handler (back view)

 

 

Configuring the computer network card (Ethernet connection only)

The computer configured by Agilent Technologies is already set up to communicate with the BenchCel Microplate Handler. No change to the network card IP address is required.

If you are using a computer that was not configured by Agilent Technologies, make sure the value of the network card IP address and subnet mask are as follows:

•	IP address: 192.168.0.1

•	Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

 

WARNING Connecting the BenchCel Microplate Handler to a company or general network can potentially cause injury. Remote computer operators might accidentally initiate an operation that causes the robot to move unexpectedly, possibly injuring nearby lab personnel.

If your computer will be connected to your LAN, make sure the computer has a second network card. The second network card can have a dynamic IP address.

Connecting the computer to external devices (Ethernet connection only)

To connect the external devices to the controlling computer:

1	Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the external device. See the device user documentation for details.

2	Connect the free end of the Ethernet cable to any available port on the Ethernet switch.

Related information

 

For more information about…	See…
The controlling computer requirements	Verifying laboratory requirements
The Ethernet switch	The Ethernet switch user documentation
IP addresses	The Microsoft Windows user documentation
Installing the BenchCel Microplate Handler	Installation workflow
Setting up the BenchCel Microplate Handler	Setup Workflow
Operating the BenchCel Microplate Handler	Workflow for operating the BenchCel Microplate Handler