Installing a pipette head

About this topic

This topic describes how to install the pipette head when you set up the Vertical Pipetting Station. For details on how to replace a pipette head that is already mounted on the device, see Changing the pipette head.

About the pipette head mount

The pipette head fits onto the head mount using a dovetail interface, shown in the following figures. The 96‑ and 384‑channel pipette heads have two head-retainer pins that secure the head in the head mount. The 8‑ and 16‑channel pipette heads have a lock on the front of the head.

Figure. Pipette head

 

Figure. Vertical Pipetting Station head mount (bottom view)

 

Installing the pipette head

 

CAUTION Always turn off the Vertical Pipetting Station before installing or removing a pipette head. Failure to turn off the Vertical Pipetting Station before installing or removing a pipette head can damage the pipette head electronics.

To install the pipette head on the head mount:

1	Verify that the head mount of the Vertical Pipetting Station is in an easily accessible position.

The Vertical Pipetting Station ships with the head mount already in position for easy access.

2	On the Vertical Pipetting Station rear panel, ensure the power switch is set to off (o).

3	Remove the pipette head from the packaging, using care to avoid touching the tips or barrels.

 

CAUTION Keep the pipette head in the supplied stand until mounting. Do not place the bottom of the pipette head on a surface. Doing so can damage the pipette barrels.

4	(96‑ and 384‑channel heads only)

a	On each side of the head, pull out and twist the head-retainer pins 90 degrees so that they remain retracted.

b	Slide the head out of the stand.

 

5	Slide the pipette head onto the head mount as the figure shows.

 

6	Do one of the following to lock the pipette head in place:

•	(96‑ and 384‑channel heads) Twist the two head-retainer pins so that they snap into place.

•	(8‑ and 16‑channel heads) On the front of the pipette head, rotate the head lock (not shown) counterclockwise to the Lock position.

7	To verify that the pipette head is secure, firmly support the head with your hands while you attempt to move the head from side to side as if to remove it. If the head is locked, it will not disengage from the dovetail interface.

 

CAUTION Do no touch the pipette head barrels or tips with your hands.

 

CAUTION If the pipette head is not properly secured in place, it could drop unexpectedly. Dropping the pipette head or bumping the tips or barrels will damage the head. Contact Automation Solutions Technical Support if you suspect that the pipette head is damaged.

Related topics

 

For more information about…	See…
Safety guidelines	Safety guidelines
Starting up the Vertical Pipetting Station	Starting up and shutting down
Replacing a pipette head	Changing the pipette head
Connector and switch locations	Hardware overview