VWorks User Guide : Creating a protocol: basic procedure : Setting up phantom devices
Setting up phantom devices
About this topic
In the VWorks software, every task is associated with a device. A phantom device permits the manual movement of labware during a protocol run.
This topic describes how to set up the following phantom devices:
•
Phantom Robot
•
Phantom Stacker
Phantom Robot
Description
The Phantom Robot is the virtual device that represents the operator who will move labware manually during a programmed pause in a protocol run. The software displays a message during the pause. You can indicate the completion of the task in the message dialog box so the protocol can continue. For an example of a Phantom Robot use case, see the example for Print.
Setup workflow
 
Step
For this task...
See...
1 
Add the Phantom Robot in the device file.
Adding the Phantom Robot in the device file
2 
Create a profile for the Phantom Robot.
Creating a profile for the Phantom Robot
Adding the Phantom Robot in the device file
To add the Phantom Robot to the device file:
1
In the device file, add the Phantom Robot. See Adding devices for instructions.
2
In the Devices area, select the device. In the Phantom Robot Properties area, type or select the following:
 
 
Property
Description
Name
The name of the Phantom Robot.
Profile
The profile associated with the device.
Select the desired profile from the list. If you have not created a profile, see Creating a profile for the Phantom Robot, and then return to this step to select the profile.
3
Select File > Save.
Creating a profile for the Phantom Robot
To create a profile for the Phantom Robot:
1
In the VWorks window, select the Phantom Robot device in the Devices area, and then click Device diagnostics.
The Phantom Robot Diagnostics dialog box opens.
 
2
In the Profiles tab, click Create new profile.
3
In the Create Profile dialog box that opens, type a name for the profile, and then click OK.
4
Optional. If you want the software to prompt the operator for each robot movement, select Prompt user for each robot move.
5
Click Update this profile to save the changes.
6
Click Initialize this profile.
7
Return to the device file and select the profile for the Phantom Robot device.
Phantom Stacker
Adding the Phantom Stacker in the device file
To add the Phantom Stacker to the device file:
1
In the device file, add the Phantom Stacker. See Adding devices for instructions.
2
In the Phantom Stacker Properties area, type the Name of the Phantom Stacker.
3
In the Devices area, expand Phantom Stacker, and then select Location.
 
4
In the Phantom Stacker Location Properties area, type or set the following:
 
 
Property
Description
Allowed/prohibited labware
Permitted labware class for the selected location.
Use this field only if you want to limit the labware types. For details on labware classes, see the VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide.
BCR on south/west/north/east side
Not applicable.
Use for deadlock avoidance
Not applicable.
Door
Not applicable.
Stack Height
Type the maximum height (mm) of the stack.
5
Select File > Save.
Related information
 
For information about...
See...
Device files
Adding devices
Platepad and Waste Bin devices
Setting up location devices
Other devices
Device user guide
Creating a new protocol
Workflow for creating a basic protocol