Creating a BenchCel device in the VWorks software

 

 

About this topic

Read this topic if you are an administrator responsible for managing Agilent devices that are controlled by the VWorks software. This topic describes how to add and delete new BenchCel devices in the VWorks software.

The VWorks software uses the information in a device file to communicate with and operate devices within the lab automation system.

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If your computer was configured by Agilent Technologies. The correct device configuration is already set up for communication with the BenchCel Microplate Handler. You are not required to create a new BenchCel device in the software unless you want to reference different profiles, integrate additional devices with the workstation, or change the rack size. To establish communication, you must initialize the device.

•	If you configured your own computer. You must add a device in the VWorks software for the BenchCel Microplate Handler. You must also add devices in the software for any devices that are physically integrated with the workstation.

For detailed information about device files and associations with profiles, teachpoints, and labware definitions, see the VWorks Automation Control User Guide. For instructions on how to add third-party devices, see the Device Driver User Guide.

Devices and device files defined

A device is an item in your lab automation system that has an entry in a VWorks software device file. A device can be a robot, an instrument, or a location in a lab automation system that can hold a piece of labware.

The device file (*.dev) stores information for all the devices in an integrated system, including:

•	Type of device (for example, BenchCel device)

•	Device configuration information (for example, approach height, allowed or prohibited labware, and so on)

•	Profile to use

Creating a device file

If you are setting up the BenchCel Microplate Handler for the first time, you will create a device file. You add the BenchCel device and the external devices to the device file.

To create a device file:

1	Log in to the VWorks software as an Administrator.

2	In the VWorks window, choose File > New > Device.

A Device File tab appears in the VWorks window.

3	Choose File > Save. In the Save As dialog box, type a file name (*.dev), select the following storage location, and click Save:

…\VWorks Workspace\Device Files

 

Adding the device to a device file

Before you begin:

•	Ensure that any devices are physically networked to the computer.

•	Turn on the devices.

To add devices to a device file:

1	In the VWorks window, verify that the correct device file is open.

To open a device file, choose File > Open. In the Open dialog box, select your device file (*.dev), and then click Open. The device files should be stored in the following location:

…\VWorks Workspace\Device Files

2	In the Available Devices area, double-click the BenchCel icon. Or, drag the BenchCel icon to the Device File tab.

Note: To show or hide the list of available devices, choose View > Available Devices.

 

3	In the Device File tab, select the BenchCel‑n icon.

4	Under BenchCel Properties, type a Name for the device. By default, the software assigns BenchCel‑n, and increments the number for each BenchCel device that you add.

To identify the specific BenchCel, the device name should include the device serial number.

5	In the Profile list, select a profile for the device.

If the Profile list is empty, open BenchCel Diagnostics and create a profile. Then return to the Profile list under BenchCel Properties and select the new profile.

 

To use different configurations of the same device in different protocols, you can save time by creating a different device file for each configuration. For example, if you change a pipette head on a pipettor, you can simply open the device file that contains the device with the appropriate profile instead of editing the profile selection in the device file.

 

6	On the Device File tab, expand the BenchCel device icon to show the list of stackers, and then click the Stacker 1 icon. The corresponding stacker properties appear.

 

Set the desired values for the following properties. Use the default values for the remaining properties.

 

Property	Description
Allowed/prohibited labware	Optional. Click if you want to specify labware restrictions for this location. The Allowed/prohibited labware dialog box appears. For details on the labware classes, see the VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide. Note: If the button is not visible, click the empty field.
Stack Height	Type the maximum height (mm) of the rack you are using at this location. For example, type 660 if you are using a 660-mm tall rack.

 

Do not change the default value of the Teachpoint for robot BenchCel property. For example, the stacker 1 teachpoint identity is 1, the identity of stacker 2 is 2, and so forth.

 

Repeat this step for each stacker.

7	Select File > Save.

If you are creating a new device file, the Save As dialog box appears so that you can specify a name and location for your device file. Ensure the file type is *.dev.

Alternatively, you can select File > Save All to save the device file and the current protocol file at the same time.

 

 

Related information

 

For information about…	See…
VWorks software	VWorks Automation Control User Guide
Setting up BenchCel Microplate Handler	Setup Workflow
Profiles	Creating profiles
Teachpoints	Setting and managing teachpoints