Set Head Mode (Agilent Bravo)
Description
The Set Head Mode (Agilent Bravo) (
) task specifies the channels (or barrels) in the pipette head to be used for pipetting. You can select an m × n array of channels (barrels) for one of the following configurations:
) task specifies the channels (or barrels) in the pipette head to be used for pipetting. You can select an m × n array of channels (barrels) for one of the following configurations:• All of the pipette channels
• The first or last full column or row of pipette channels
• Multiple full columns or rows of pipette channels
• The first or last partial column or row of pipette channels
• Multiple partial columns or rows of pipette channels
• A single pipette barrel at the corner of the pipette head
This task should only be used if the Series III pipette head is installed.
Task is available for... | Task is available in... |
|---|---|
Bravo Platform | Main Protocol, Bravo Subprocess |
Liquid-handling head requirements
You can use the following pipette heads with a flexible array of pipette tips:
Pipette head | Microplate format |
|---|---|
Series III 96-channel head with disposable tips | 96, 384, or 1536 |
Series III 384-channel head with disposable tips | 96, 384 or 1536 |
Accessible deck locations
The deck locations you can access depends on the pipette head channels you select. The following table shows the channel selections and corresponding deck location limits. Use this information when you set up labware on the Bravo deck.
Pipette channel selection | Accessible Bravo deck locations |
|---|---|
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
Before you add the task
Make sure:
• You have installed the correct pipette head. See Liquid-handling head requirements and the Bravo Platform User Guide.
• If you are going to use partial rows or columns of channels (barrels) on the pipette head, retract the tip box stripper pins on the pipette head. See the Bravo Platform User Guide for this procedure.
• The correct Bravo device file is open in the VWorks window.
• The profile you selected shows the correct head type, tip type, and miscellaneous settings.
• All the teachpoints have been added and verified.
Task parameters
The Set Head Mode task should always precede the pipetting tasks that require the specified subset of pipettes.The Set Head Mode task should precede the Serial Dilution task. If you plan to change tips during the serial dilution process, add the Set Head Mode task before the Tips On task.After adding the Set Head Mode task at the desired point in the protocol, set the following parameters in the Task Parameters area:
 |
Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
Head mode | The channel selection. Click the Head mode field, and then click the  button that appears. In the Head Mode Selector dialog box that opens, select the pipette channels. |
Head Mode Selector dialog box
The Head Mode Selector dialog box allows you to select the pipette channels. Except for the Subset: All barrels mode, you select the desired channels using a combination of the Subset mode selection with the Subset orientation selection.
 |
To select the pipette channels:
1 In the Subset list, select one of the following:
Subset mode | Description |
|---|---|
All barrels | Uses all of the pipette channels. |
Full column | Uses one or more full columns of pipette channels, starting from the right-most or left-most column. |
Full row | Uses one or more full rows of pipette channels, starting from the first row or the last row. |
Partial row/column | Uses part of the selected columns or rows. |
2 In the Subset orientation list, select one of the following:
Subset orientation | Description |
|---|---|
Front right | Uses pipette channels that contain the single channel in the front right corner. |
Back right | Uses pipette channels that contain the single channel in the back right corner. |
Front left | Uses one or more full rows of pipette channels, starting from the first row or the last row. |
Back right | Uses part of the selected columns or rows. |
3 When you are finished, click OK to save the selection.
Example: Specify the pipette channels to use on the Bravo Platform
Goal
Use only column 1 of a Series III 96-channel pipette head for the liquid-handling tasks.
Implementation
At the beginning of the Bravo subprocess, add a Set Head Mode task as shown.
 |
In the Set Head Mode Task Parameters area, column 1 is selected.
I
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Related information
For information about... | See... |
|---|---|
Configured labware | |
Static labware | |
Startup Protocol | |
Adding devices | • Device user guide |
Adding tasks in a protocol | |
Tips On task | |
Tips Off task | |
Microplate-handling tasks | |
Microplate-storage tasks | |
Liquid-handling tasks | |
Scheduling tasks |