Creating Vertical Pipetting Station profiles

About this topic

VWorks software users with Administrator or Technician privileges (advanced users) can create and manage profiles for the Vertical Pipetting Station.

 

CAUTION Using the wrong profile for the configuration or using an improperly created profile can damage the Vertical Pipetting Station.

Profiles defined

Profiles enable the VWorks software to:

•	Identify and communicate with the Vertical Pipetting Station

•	Determine which pipette head is being used

•	Store teachpoints and other Microsoft Windows registry file values

The Vertical Pipetting Station requires a profile for each combination of Vertical Pipetting Station base, pipette head, and configured accessories.

If you move a pipette head from one Vertical Pipetting Station to another, you must create two profiles, one for each Vertical Pipetting Station base. The Vertical Pipetting Station has no firmware, so all configuration settings are stored in the profile, which is part of the Microsoft Windows registry.

Example of four configurations that require four profiles

 

Base A		Base B
Head 1	Head 2	Head 1	Head 2
Profile 1: base A head 1	Profile 2: base A head 2	Profile 3: base B head 1	Profile 4: base B head 2

Every Vertical Pipetting Station setup that requires different teachpoints requires a profile for that set of teachpoints. For example, if you add an accessory such as a Weigh Shelf to the Vertical Pipetting Station, you must modify the profile to include the new teachpoint for the Weigh Shelf.

Creating a profile

You use the Profiles page in Vertical Pipetting Station Diagnostics to create profiles.

Figure. Profiles page in Vertical Pipetting Station Diagnostics

 

 

CAUTION Each profile can be used by multiple protocols. Deleting, renaming, or changing the parameters for a profile based on one protocol can invalidate other protocols that use the profile.

To create a new profile:

1	In Vertical Pipetting Station Diagnostics, click the Profiles tab.

2	Click Create a new profile.

3	In the Create Profile dialog box, type a name for the new profile, and click OK. Use a profile name that identifies the specific configuration, for example:

head type_head serial number_base serial number

4	Under General Settings, select the Serial port on the controlling computer to which the Vertical Pipetting Station serial communications cable is connected.

5	Under Head Type Settings, verify the following parameters:

a	In the Head type box, make sure the selected pipette head is correct.

If you select a different pipette head from the list, a message appears and asks if you want to use the default parameter values for the selected head. Click Yes to use the default values.

b	Ensure the Check head type on initialization check box is selected (default). This enables a notification if the mounted head does not match the profile head type when the operator initializes a profile.

6	(Disposable-tip pipette heads only) Under Tip Settings, select the Teaching tip type (µL) from the list, and then verify the remaining parameter values.

 

CAUTION If you change the teaching tip type in a profile, you must reteach the shelves using the new tip type.

Note: The 200 µL and 250 µL filtered tips have a 180 µL maximum volume.

Note: For details on the parameters under Tip Settings, see Profile Settings area.

7	Configure any special shelf settings as follows:

a	In the Shelf Settings area, try using the default settings at first, and make adjustments later, if necessary.

b	On the Configuration page, configure any accessories. The accessory settings must be saved with the profile.

c	On the Configuration page under Toggle Shelf on Initialization, select the check box of a shelf that you want to toggle when the device initializes. For example, you might toggle a shelf that is configured for autofilling to ensure that the tubing does not interfere with the shelf movement.

8	If you want to slow down the pipette head during protocols, select the Run device at medium speed during protocol check box.

9	Verify that the SDH Base check box setting is correct for your Vertical Pipetting Station base.

 

WARNING If the SDH Base check box setting is incorrect, potential damage to the device can result. If you are unsure about the selection, contact Automation Solutions Technical Support.

•	If the base is compatible with serial dilution heads, select the check box (default).

•	If the base has part number 02318.001 or 02318.002, clear the check box. These models are not compatible with serial dilution heads.

10	Click Update this profile to save the new profile.

11	To establish communication with the device using this profile, click Initialize this profile.

If you are setting up the Vertical Pipetting Station for the first time, return to Creating or adding a Vertical Pipetting Station device and select the profile name (step 5).

Related topics

 

For more information about…	See…
Profiles tab settings	Profiles tab quick reference
Replacing the pipette head	Changing the pipette head
Changing shelf settings on the Configuration page	About configuring the shelves
Configuring accessories	Accessories overview
Setting teachpoints	Setting shelf teachpoints
Creating and running protocols	VWorks Automation Control User Guide