Pin Tool task parameters
About this topic
This topic describes the task parameters for the Pin Tool task.
To run the Pin Tool task, see Performing a task using Bravo Diagnostics.
Parameter descriptions
The Pin Tool task contains the following parameters.
Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
Dwell time (s) | The time duration that the pins remain at the specified height (First distance or Second distance) within the well. For example, you might start with the following values: • Adsorb, Dispense into fluid, or Mix—0.5 s or longer for more viscous fluids • Blot—2 s, or longer for more viscous fluids |
Descriptive label | A text label that you can add to the task icon in the protocol. Click the arrow in the Descriptive label box to choose an option. The options include: • Enter a JavaScript variable or script. • Use a predefined label: Adsorb, Dispense, Wash, Blot, or Mix • Type your own label in the box. |
Liquid class | A parameter that you can use to control the accuracy and the speed of the pin tool as it moves into and out of the wells.  To ensure consistent pipetting, always select a liquid class for liquid-handling tasks. |
Pipette technique | The pipette location offset you want to use for the Pin Tool task. The list of pipette techniques are defined in the Pipette Technique Editor. |
First distance (mm) | The first height for the pin tool during the Pin Tool task. The value is the distance between the pin tips and the well bottoms. For example, during an adsorb step, you might set this value to 0 mm so that the pin tips touch the bottom of the wells. This parameter can affect the quantity adsorbed. The labware definition must be accurate and the teachpoint must be precise in order for the system to position the pins at the correct distance from the well bottom. |
Use two distances | The option to specify a second height for the pins during the Pin Tool task. For example, you could cycle the pin positions between two heights within the wells repeatedly to perform mixing or to wash the pins. Default: Not selected |
Second distance (mm) | The distance between the pin tips and the well bottoms at the second height for the pins. The labware definition must be accurate and the teachpoint must be precise in order for the system to position the pins at the correct distance from the well bottom. |
Cycles | Available if you select the Use two distances option. The Cycles parameter sets the number of times to move the pins repeatedly to the two heights, for example to perform mixing or to wash the pins. |
Perform tip touch | The option to touch the pins on one or more sides of the well, or to enable the pins to make lateral stirring moves inside the fluid, for example during a wash task. |
Which sides to use for tip touch | The side or sides of the well to use during tip touch: North, South, East, West, North/South, West/East, West/East/South/North. |
Tip touch retract distance (mm) | The vertical distance for the pins to move before moving laterally within the well, where • 0 is the vertical distance equal to the well bottom • > 0 is the vertical distance the pins rise above the bottom • < 0 is the vertical distance the pins attempt to move past the well bottom |
Tip touch horizontal offset (mm) | The horizontal distance that the pins move. The value is based on the well diameter specified by the labware definition, where • 0 is a distance equal to the well radius • > 0 is the distance the pins attempt to move past the well radius, which results in a more forceful tip touch • < 0 is a distance less than the radius of the well, resulting in a lighter tip touch or no tip touch |
Related information
For information about… | See… |
|---|---|
Opening Diagnostics | |
Editing the labware classes, liquid library, or pipetting techniques | VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide |
Performing a diagnostic task | |
Reporting a problem |