VistaLab Ali-Q 2 Series User manual

ali-Q™ 2 Series

Operating Manual

Table ofContents

Safety Instructions................................................................................................................................................. 3

Getting Started...................................................................................................................................................... 4

Component Diagram + Materials ........................................................................................................................................4

Package Contents ................................................................................................................................................................5

Terms and Definitions .........................................................................................................................................................5

Operation and Use ................................................................................................................................................ 6

Shipping Mode ....................................................................................................................................................................6

Sleep Mode..........................................................................................................................................................................6

Pipetting speed control .......................................................................................................................................................6

LED Indicators......................................................................................................................................................................6

Conventional Pipetting Mode ............................................................................................................................................ 7

Aliquot Mode.......................................................................................................................................................................8

Intelligent Measuring System..............................................................................................................................................9

Wall Mount..........................................................................................................................................................................9

Kickstand ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9

Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................................................... 10

Calibration……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11

In-lab Calibration Protocol ............................................................................................................................................... 12

Initial Performance Verification Worksheet......................................................................................................................12

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................................. 14

Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................................... 15

Cleaning / Decontaminating............................................................................................................................................. 15

Autoclaving....................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Replacing Membrane Filter.............................................................................................................................................. 15

Replacing Nozzle Insert .................................................................................................................................................... 15

Recharging Battery ........................................................................................................................................................... 16

Replacing Battery ............................................................................................................................................................. 16

Warranty ............................................................................................................................................................ 17

Send-in Service ................................................................................................................................................................. 17

Ordering Information .......................................................................................................................................... 18

Transport, Storage and Disposal........................................................................................................................... 19

Declaration of Conformity ................................................................................................................................... 20

Calibration Mode .............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Reset to Factory Calibration............................................................................................................................................. 13

P a g e | 3

<- Back to T.O.C.

Safety Instructions

Read this operating manual completely before using the device for the first time. Also, observe the instructions for use ofthe accessories. This

instrument may sometimes be used with hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. Itisbeyond the scope of this manual toaddress all

the potential safety risks associated with its use insuch applications. Itis the responsibility ofthe user ofthis instrumenttoconsult and

establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability ofregulatory limitations prior touse.

ali-Q 2 is an aliquoting pipet controller designed for aspirating and dispensing aqueous solutions with plastic orglass serological pipets in 1 to

100 mLvolumes. Itis intended for laboratory use. Any use ofthis instrument ina medical orIVD setting is the sole responsibility ofthe user.

! Read the following carefully!

1. Every user must read and understand this operating manual before operation.

2. Follow general instructions for hazard prevention and safety instructions; e.g., wear protective clothing, eye protection and gloves.

3. Observe all specifications provided by reagent manufacturers.

4. Never use the instrument in an atmosphere with a danger of explosion. Highly flammable liquids must not be pipetted.

5. Only use the instrument for pipetting liquids, with strict regard to the defined limitations of use. If in doubt, contact VistaLab.

6. Always use the instrument in such a way that neither the user nor any other person is endangered. Avoid splashes. Only use suitable

vessels.

7. Never use force on the instrument.

8. Use only VistaLab accessories and spare parts. See Ordering Information on pg 18. Do not attempt to make any technical alterations. Do not

dismantle the instrument any further than is described in the operatingmanual!

9. Always check the instrument for visible damage before use. If there is a sign of a potential malfunction, immediately stop pipetting. Consult

the 'Troubleshooting' section of this manual or contact VistaLab if needed.

10. Only the original Power supply can be used for recharging of the Lithium Ion battery. Do not replace with non-rechargeable batteries or

rechargeable batteries of other manufacturers.

11. The Power supply must be protected against moisture and must be used only for this instrument.

12. Only authorized service personnel may service the instrument. Unauthorized repair or service may void the units’ warranty

13. DO NOT AUTOCLAVE ali-Q. Only approved parts and accessories may be removed from unit for autoclaving. See pg. 15, Cleaning /

Decontaminating.

14. WARNING! Improper use of the instrument or the battery (short-circuit, mechanical damage, overheating etc.) may cause the explosion of

the battery.

Operating Conditions:

Operating Temp: 15°C to 40°C (59°F to 104°F)

Storage Temp: -20°C to + 50°C (-4°F to +122°F)

Altitude up to 2000 m

Relative Humidity: 10% – 95%, non-condensing

Atmospheric Pressure: 70 – 106 kPa (525 – 795 mmHg)

Vapor Pressure up to max. 500 mbar. Aspirate slowly above 300 mbar, to prevent liquid boiling

ali-Q 2 Body Chemical Compatibility for cleaning and decontaminating:

Water, diluted ethanol or isopropanol. For more information on chemical compatibility, see the support area of our website,

www.vistalab.com/support

Safety Compliance:

See Declaration of Conformity at end of manual

EN 61010-1 General Safety Requirements CSA C22.2, No. 61010.1

EN 61326 EMC Requirements UL 31111-1

P a g e | 4

<- Back to T.O.C.

Getting Started

Materials Chart

Description

Material

Body/ Main Housing

PC/ABS

Aliquot volume dial

Nylon

Charging port, USB-C

N/A

Aliquot button

Nylon

Aspirate button

Nylon

Dispense button

Nylon

Battery, Lithium ion

Lithium Polymer

Battery compartment cover

PC/ABS

Nozzle Cover

Nylon

Nozzle Insert

Silicone

Membrane Filter, 0.22 µm

PTFE

LED Indicator

Polycarbonate

Kickstand

PC/ABS

Speed Dial (VS Models Only)

PC/ABS

P a g e | 5

<- Back to T.O.C.

Package Contents:

ali-Q 2 pipet controller (Original, LS, or VS)

Power supply (with universal outlet adapters)

USB-C charging cord

Kickstand

Wobble-notTM serological pipet samples (1 per size: 5mL, 10 mL, 25 mL, 50 mL, Shorty 10 mL, Shorty 25 mL)

1 Wall Mount

1 Replacement membrane filter (.22 µm)

Quick Reference Guide

Safety Sheet

Certificate of Calibration

Terms and Definitions:

Aliquot – (noun) An equal fractional part of a total amount of a solution or suspension; (verb) To divide (as a

solution) into equal parts.

Aspirate – (verb) to draw by suction

Dispense – (verb) to expel liquid

Serological Pipet (pipet) – (noun) disposable glass or plastic tube with volume graduations used to aspirate and

dispense liquid. Sometimes spelled ‘pipette’.

Accuracy – How close the measured volume is to the target volume

Precision (Coefficient of Variation (CV)) – How close measurements (aliquots) are close to each other in volume;

independent of target volume

Performance – Another way of referring to the unit’s accuracy and precision (repeatability/reproducibility)

P a g e | 6

Operation and Use

Shipping Mode:

ali-QTM 2is shipped fromthe factory in Shipping mode for safety andtopreserve battery life.When you firsttake

your ali-Q2 out ofthe box, you must wake it out of shipping mode by pressing the purple aliquot button with the

unit inthe upright position.

To put the ali-Q2 back into Shipping mode, set the volume dial above 5 mL, turn the unit completely upside down

and press and hold the purple aliquot button for at least 5seconds. You will then hear 3 “power down”

tones. Shipping mode should only beused when shipping or transporting ali-Q 2 for extended periods oftime.

Sleep Mode:

ali-Q 2 automatically goes into Sleep mode to preserve battery lifeafter being motionless for 3minutes.The status

LED (see below) will turn off when the unit isinsleep mode. Once the ali-Q 2 is picked upor moved, it will

automatically wake itself up, andstatus LED will be Magenta again.

Pipetting speed control:

In Conventional Pipetting Mode (see next page), thespeed that the ali-Q 2 aspirates and dispenses liquid is

controlled bythe touch-sensitive aspirate and dispense buttons. The amount of force used topush on the buttons

determines the speed that the liquid enters orexits the pipet.

↑ BUTTON FORCE = ↑ SPEED

LED Indicators:

All ali-Q 2models feature two LEDs atthetop ofthe unit. The two

LEDs will be referred to asthe Status LED and the Battery LED. The

chart below outlines the possible LED combinations, and explains the

meaning of each. If both ali-Q 2status LEDs are off, see the Sleep

Mode or Shipping Mode above.

NOTE: The functions ofthese LEDs will change when the unitisin

calibration mode. See the Calibration section for further information

on this procedure.

NOTE: ali-Q 2 can still be used when connected to charger. If LED does not light up during charging, see

Troubleshooting section.

<- Back toT.O.C.

Unit Plugged In

Unit on Battery Power

Battery

LED

Solid Red – Charging

Green – Fully Charged

Off – Battery Normal

Slow Red Blink – Battery Low

Fast Red Blink – Battery Critical

Status

LED

Magenta – Ready

Off – Unit Busy/Asleep

Fast Red Blink – Error

Magenta – Ready

Off – Unit Busy/Asleep

Fast Red Blink – Error

<- Back toT.O.C.

P a g e | 7

Conventional Pipetting Mode:

1Attach serological pipet - Hold the pipet as near to its upper end as possible, and carefully insert it into the nozzle

until it fits tightly. NOTE: ali-Q 2 is compatible with all brands and sizes of pipets!

WARNING!

Using excessive force when inserting pipets risks breakage and injury. If you are having difficulty inserting pipets fully,

try using VistaLab Wobble-notTM low insertion force pipets.

2Aspirate liquid - Immerse the pipet’s tip into the liquid. Press and hold the gray aspirate button and fill the pipet so

that the meniscus is above the volume graduation desired. Then press the bottom gray dispense button until bottom

of meniscus is at the desired volume graduation.

ATTENTION!

Do not fill the serological pipet over the max volume! Severe

damage can occur if any liquid enters ali-Q 2! Decrease pressure

on aspirate button when reaching max volume to slow down

aspiration.

3Dispense liquid - Carefully position the tip of the full pipet over the receiving vessel. Press and hold the gray

dispense button until meniscus reaches desired volume graduation or when pipet is completely empty.

ATTENTION!

NEVER invert ali-Q 2 or lay it on a bench when filled with liquid.

NOTE:

The motor will activate at seemingly random times when pressing the aspirate or dispense buttons.

Don’t worry. It’s normal!

For more information on ali-Q 2’s Intelligent Measuring System, see pg. 9.

Aspirate button

Aspirate

Dispense

Dispense button

<- Back toT.O.C.

P a g e | 8

Aliquot Mode:

1Attach serological pipet.

2Set the desired aliquot volume on purple volume dial (left picture) - Turn the dial sothat the arrow

points tothe volume you wish toaliquot.

3Set the aliquot speed on the purple aliquot speed dial (VS models only; right picture) – Turn the dial so that

the arrow points tothe desired speed. 1 isthe slowest and 7 isthe fastest. 1dispenses with the lowest force

and 7 dispenses with the highest force.

4Aspirate enough liquid todispense as many aliquots asyou will need.

Ex:If you need to dispense 10 aliquots of 2mL, you will need toaspirate at least 20mLof liquid.

5Aliquot - Carefully position the tip of the full pipet over the firstreceiving vessel. Press andHOLD the purple

aliquot button until the status LED blinks GREEN. You will feel and hear the motor turn onbriefly.Then,

carefully transfer to the next vessel and repeat for each aliquot.

NOTE:Discard first aliquot for optimal precision.

NOTE:Ifyou release the aliquot button too soon, i.e. before the full aliquot volume has dispensed, you will hear

an “alert” sound and the status LED will blink RED.The aliquot did not dispense fully/properly andwill not be

accurate. Re-do the aliquot.

Aliquot button

Aliquot

P a g e | 9

<- Back to T.O.C.

Intelligent Measuring System:

ali-Q 2’s aliquot mode utilizes a state-of-the art measuring system that incorporates information and feedback from

multiple sensors to give real-time feedback and parameter adjustment for different variables that affect the accuracy

and precision when in aliquot mode.

-Varying environmental conditions: Temperature, humidity and pressure all have significant effects on the

performance of any liquid handling device…. EXCEPT for the ali-Q 2! ali-Q 2 can sense changes in ambient conditions

and compensate as necessary to ensure accurate aliquoting whether you're in the deserts of Arizona, or the

mountains of Colorado!

-Varying pipet angle: One of the most useful (and ergonomic!) features of the ali-Q 2 is its ability to adjust the

dispensed aliquots for varying pipet angles. This is especially useful in a hood, where space and maneuverability are

limited. Whether you hold the pipette completely vertical or tilted, you can be confident that accuracy and

repeatability of the aliquots will not be affected.

-Varying brands/sizes serological pipets: Every brand of pipet has different sizes and geometries. These geometric

differences contribute to changes in the physical characteristics of the system. ali-Q 2 can sense the effect of these

differences and will automatically compensate accordingly to optimize performance.

Wall Mount:

ali-Q 2 may be stored in the wall mount (included in box) to avoid damage from accidental drops and chemical spills

(and save precious bench space!). ali-Q 2 may also be placed in the wall mount with pipets up to 100 mL inserted. The

wall mount will firmly adhere to any smooth, clean, non-painted surface, such as the inside of a hood, using the 3M

Command strips included. Clean the surface with alcohol before applying the wall mount. Remove the stickers on the

adhesive backs and immediately press onto surface and keep applying moderate pressure for about 30 seconds. DO

NOT place ali-Q 2 into the wall mount for about 30 minutes to allow the adhesive to set.

Kickstand:

ali-Q 2 can be used with the removable kickstand (included in box) even with a serological pipet inserted. The

kickstand attaches securely in one orientation only. Be sure to attach so that the curved ends point up. Simply snap

the pins on the kickstand into the round dimples on the sides of the ali-Q 2 body. To remove, gently pinch the curved

ends and pull kickstand away from body.

Kickstand

P a g e | 10

<- Back to T.O.C.

Technical Specifications

Conventional pipetting mode:

Accuracy and precision (CV) is determined by the graduations on the serological pipet used (typically ±2%, see

manufacturer’s spec) as well as the user’s ability to consistently eyeball and control the liquid meniscus.

Aliquot mode:

ali-Q 2 is calibrated to perform within the following performance specifications, under controlled environmental

conditions with Grade 3 purified water:

ali-Q 2 and ali-Q 2 VS (speed 7): 0.5-5mL

With Wobble-notTM serological pipet (any size):

Volume

Accuracy

Precision (CV)

5.0 mL

±2%

±1%

0.5 mL

±2%

With any other brand of serological pipet (any size):

ali-Q 2 LS (Low Speed): 0.3-3mL

With Wobble-notTM serological pipet (any size):

Volume

Accuracy

Precision (CV)

3.0 mL

±2%

±1%

0.3 mL

±3%

With any other brand of serological pipet (any size):

Dimensions: 7.2’’ x 7.0’’ x 2.2’’ (18.3 cm x 17.8 cm x 5.6 cm)

Weight: 350g

Volume Capacity: Accepts 1 to 100 mL serological pipets

Pipet Compatibility: Compatible with ANY size and ANY brand serological pipet. Optimal performance when using

VistaLab Wobble-not serological pipets. Not for use with Pasteur pipets.

Mains/ power supply:

Input Voltage = 100-240 VAC

Frequency = 50-60 Hz

Input Current = 190-320 mA Output Voltage = 5V

Output Current = 2 A

Rechargeable Battery:

Type = Lithium-Polymer Voltage = 3.7V

Capacity = 1000 mAh Charging Time = ~ 3 hr

Number of Dispenses = ~2000 dispenses (with a 25mL pipet)

Ambient Conditions:

Ambience = For indoor use only Ambient Temperature = 15 - 40°C

Relative Humidity = 10% - 95%, non-condensing

Atmospheric pressure = 70 – 106 kPa (525 - 795 mmHg)

Volume

Accuracy

Precision (CV)

5.0 mL

±3%

±2%

0.5 mL

±4%

±3%

Volume

Accuracy

Precision (CV)

3.0 mL

±4%

±3%

0.3 mL

±5%

±4%

This manual suits for next models

Table of contents

Popular Controllers manuals by other brands

Digiplex

Digiplex DGP-848 Programming guide

YASKAWA

YASKAWA SGM series user manual

Sinope

Sinope Calypso RM3500ZB installation guide

Isimet

Isimet DLA Series Style 2 Installation, Operations, Start-up and Maintenance Instructions

LSIS

LSIS sv-ip5a user manual

Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation 1769-L31 installation instructions

Airflow

Airflow Uno hab Installation and operating instructions

ABB

ABB ACS580-01 drives Hardware manual

Panasonic

Panasonic GM1 Series Reference manual

Emerson

Emerson SW93 owner's manual

AutoAqua

AutoAqua Smart ATO micro SATO-120P manual

Panasonic

Panasonic FP? Positioning Unit RTEX Technical manual

Samson

Samson Type 5824 Mounting and operating instructions

Alpha IP

Alpha IP MIOB 21001 manual

Siemens

Siemens OpenAir GMA 1 Series Mounting instructions

Surecom

Surecom SR-629 user manual

Fishman

Fishman TriplePlay installation guide

Regulus

Regulus SRS1 T Installation and operation manual

VistaLab ali-Q 2 Series User manual

Popular Controllers manuals by other brands