Software description

About this topic

This topic describes the software you use to set up, control, and troubleshoot the BenchCel Microplate Handler.

VWorks software

The VWorks software enables you to:

•	Set up the BenchCel Microplate Handler. During setup, you create device files for the BenchCel device and external devices.

•	Set up user accounts and privileges. You can set up different user accounts to enforce access policies. For instructions, see the VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide.

•	Define labware. Labware definitions describe the labware you will use during protocol runs. For instructions, see the VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide.

•	Create protocols. Protocols determine the sequence of tasks you want to automate in a run. For example, you can use a protocol to apply barcode labels to 100 microplates. For protocol-writing instructions, see the VWorks Automation Control User Guide.

•	Run, pause, monitor, and stop protocols. You can start, pause, monitor, and stop a protocol run from the controlling computer. For details, see the VWorks Automation Control User Guide.

Figure. VWorks software window

 

BenchCel ActiveX control

Included with the VWorks software is the BenchCel ActiveX control that enables the BenchCel device to interact with any Agilent Technologies or third-party lab automation system.

BenchCel Diagnostics software

Accessed through the VWorks software or the BenchCel ActiveX control, BenchCel Diagnostics enables you to:

•	Create and manage profiles. The software uses the information in the profile to communicate between the BenchCel device and the controlling computer. You create profiles using the BenchCel Diagnostics Profiles tab when you set up the BenchCel Microplate Handler.

Figure. BenchCel Diagnostics Profiles tab

 

•	Set and edit teachpoints. Teachpoints are locations that the BenchCel robot will go to and from during a protocol run. You set teachpoints using the BenchCel Diagnostics Controls tab when you set up the BenchCel Microplate Handler.

Figure. BenchCel Diagnostics Controls tab

 

•	Diagnose problems. You can use the Jog/Teach tab on the BenchCel Diagnostics Controls page to move and adjust individual hardware components. These controls are useful for diagnosing and troubleshooting problems.

Figure. BenchCel Diagnostics Jog/Teach tab

 

While testing new or troubleshooting labware definitions, you can change parameters to refine the labware definition. BenchCel Diagnostics includes a Labware tab on the Controls page, which enables you to adjust the labware definitions. Alternatively, you can use the Labware Editor to update the labware definitions.

Figure. BenchCel Diagnostics Labware tab

 

•	Change general device settings. After diagnosing problems, you can change some of the device settings to repair problems or to optimize operation.

Figure. BenchCel Diagnostics General Settings tab

 

Related information

 

For more information about...	See...
VWorks software instructions	VWorks Automation Control User Guide
Software installation instructions	VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide
Setting up profiles and teachpoints	Setup Workflow
Using BenchCel Diagnostics to troubleshoot problems	Diagnostic tools
BenchCel ActiveX control	BenchCel ActiveX control