Instruction Manual Gel Doc and Chemi
Instruction Manual Gel Doc and Chemi
Instruction Manual Gel Doc and Chemi
10014084 Rev A
2
Important
Please read these instructions before attempting to install or operate the Molecular Imager® Gel Doc™ XR
or ChemiDoc™ XRS.
Warranty
The Gel Doc XR and ChemiDoc XRS systems are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship
for 1 year. If any defect occurs in the instrument during this warranty period, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
will repair or replace the defective parts at its discretion without charge. The following defects, however,
are specifically excluded:
• Defects caused by improper operation
• Repair or modification done by anyone other than Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. or an authorized agent
• Use of spare parts supplied by anyone other than Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
• Damage caused by accident or misuse
• Damage caused by disaster
• Corrosion caused by improper solvents or samples
Garantie
Die Garantie fuer den Hood betraegt 1 Jahr auf Herstellungs- und Materialfehler.
Bei Auftreten von Fehlern waehrend der Garantiezeit repariert oder ersetzt Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. die
fehlerhaften Teile auf eigene Kosten. Die folgenden Schaeden sind in jedem Falle ausgeschlossen:
• Schaeden durch unsachgemaesse Bedienung bedingt
• Instandsetzungen oder Veraenderungen durch nicht authorisiertes Personal von Bio-Rad
Laboratories, Inc.
• Benutzung von Ersatzteilen, die nicht von Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. geliefert wurden
• Schaeden durch Naturkatastrophen verursacht
• Schaeden durch unsachgemaessen und fehlerhaften Gebrauch verursacht
• Korrosionsschaeden durch ungeeignete Loesungen oder Proben
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Regulatory Notice
IMPORTANT: The Gel Doc XR and ChemiDoc XRS systems are designed and certified to meet
EN61010, the internationally accepted electrical safety standards, EMC regulations, and TUV. Certified
products are safe to use when operated in accordance with the instruction manual. This instrument should
not be modified or altered in any way. Modification or alteration of this instrument will:
• Void the manufacturer’s warranty
• Void the regulatory certifications
• Create a potential safety hazard
NOTE: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. is not responsible for any injury or damage caused by use of this
instrument for purposes other than those for which it is intended or by modifications of the instrument not
performed by Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., or an authorized agent.
Richtlinien
WICHTIG: Dieses Geraet, von Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. konstruiert, besitzt das Zertifikat ENC1010
anerkannt von dem internationalen elektrischen Sicherheitsstandard EMC und unterliegt dessen Richtlinien
und TUV. Die Geraete sind sicher im Gebrauch, wenn die vorliegende Bedienungs- anleitung beachtet wird.
Dieses Geraet darf auf keinen Fall veraendert werden. Eventuelle Veraenderungen fuehren zu:
• Ungueltigkeit der Herstellergarantie
• Ungueltigkeit des Zertifikats
• Eventuelles Sicherheitsrisiko
Bemerkung: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. haftet nicht fuer Verletzungen an Personen oder Sachschaeden,
hervorgerufen durch eine nicht vorhergesehene Benutzung des Geraetes. Ebenso uebernimmt Bio-Rad
Laboratories, Inc. keine Haftung fuer Veraenderungen, die von nicht authorisierten Personen durchgefuehrt
wurden.
General Precautions
• Please read the instruction manual carefully
• The instrument must be used only for the intended purpose of gel documentation in research
laboratories
• The instrument must be connected to a power source line which MUST BE grounded and protected
by a circuit breaker
• Do not pour liquids directly on or inside the instrument
• Switch off all the lights immediately after use
• Clean the transilluminator platen after use
Generelle Vorsichtsmassnahmen
• Bitte die Bedienungsanleitung aufmerksam lesen
• Das Geraet darf nur fuer die vorgesehenen Applikationen eingesetzt werden, d.h.
Geldokumentation in Forschungslaboratorien
• Fuer die Stromversorgung des Hood muss eine geerdtete Steckdose benutzt werden
• Keine Fluessigkeiten auf oder in das Geraet giessen
• Die Lampe sofort nach dem Gebrauch ausschalten
• Den UV-Filter des transilluminators nach Gebrauch reinigen
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................6
1.1 COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................................................................6
SECTION 2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ..............................................................................................................7
2.1 IMPORTANT NOTICE ....................................................................................................................................................................7
2.2 POWER SAFETY INFORMATION .....................................................................................................................................................7
SECTION 3 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION......................................................................................................................................8
3.1 CCD CAMERA AND LENSES .........................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 DARKROOM ENCLOSURE, EMISSION FILTERS, AND ILLUMINATION SOURCES .................................................................................8
3.3 USB AND FIREWIRE CONNECTIONS .............................................................................................................................................9
3.4 QUANTITY ONE SOFTWARE ..........................................................................................................................................................9
3.5 PRINTER (OPTIONAL) ..................................................................................................................................................................9
3.6 UNPACKING THE SYSTEM...........................................................................................................................................................10
SECTION 4 GETTING STARTED..............................................................................................................................................14
4.1 SELECTING A LOCATION ............................................................................................................................................................14
4.2 ASSEMBLING THE SYSTEM ..........................................................................................................................................................14
4.2.1 ASSEMBLING THE UNIVERSAL HOOD II ...................................................................................................................14
4.3 GEL DOC XR SYSTEM ...............................................................................................................................................................15
4.3.1 INSTALLING THE GEL DOC XR CAMERA .......................................................................................................................15
4.3.2 INSTALLATION OF QUANTITY ONE SOFTWARE FOR GEL DOC XR...................................................................................16
4.3.3 GEL DOC XR SYSTEM CABLE CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................20
4.4 CHEMIDOC XRS SYSTEM ........................................................................................................................................................22
4.4.1 INSTALLATION OF QUANTITY ONE SOFTWARE FOR CHEMIDOC XRS ..............................................................................23
4.4.2 CHEMIDOC XRS SYSTEM CABLE CONFIGURATION........................................................................................................28
4.4.3 FIREWIRE CARD INSTALLATION ....................................................................................................................................29
4.5 INSTALLING THE WHITE LIGHT TRANSILLUMINATOR (OPTIONAL)................................................................................................29
4.6 INSTALLING THE OPTIONAL 17 MM OR 25 MM WIDE-ANGLE LENSES (CHEMIDOC XRS SYSTEM ONLY) ........................................30
4.7 DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM FUNCTION AND SYSTEM INITIALIZATION ..............................................................................................32
4.7.1 CONTROL PANEL .........................................................................................................................................................32
SECTION 5 OPERATION OF THE UNIVERSAL HOOD II ..................................................................................................39
5.1 OPERATING THE UNIT ...............................................................................................................................................................39
5.1.1 SWITCH ON THE UNIVERSAL HOOD II ...........................................................................................................................39
5.1.2 POSITION YOUR GEL....................................................................................................................................................39
5.1.3 ACQUIRING AN IMAGE ..................................................................................................................................................39
5.1.4 ACQUIRING AN IMAGE WITH FLAT FIELDING ................................................................................................................39
5.2 CUTTING GELS .........................................................................................................................................................................41
SECTION 6 TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................................................................................................................42
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Section 1 Introduction
The Bio-Rad Gel Doc™ XR and ChemiDoc™ XRS gel documentation systems are easy-to-use, high-
performance systems. They use a charge coupled device (CCD) camera to capture images in real time,
which allows you to more accurately position and focus the image. With Bio-Rad Quantity One® software,
acquired images can be optimized, annotated, analyzed and printed.
The Bio-Rad Gel Doc XR and ChemiDoc XRS systems utilize an enclosure (Universal Hood II) that is
light-tight and contains UV illumination and white light illumination. Please note that both the Gel Doc XR
and ChemiDoc XRS cameras have external power supplies.
This software will run under Windows XP, Vista Ultimate, or Mac OS X. The amount of computer memory
required for using the program is mainly determined by the size of the images you will scan and analyze.
Images scanned at high resolution can be quite large. For this reason, we recommend that you archive
images on a network file server or removable storage media.
Specifications PC MAC
Operating system Windows XP or Vista Ultimate Mac OSX 10.5.x
Base unit Intel Core 2 Duo, minimum 2.0 Power PC G4 or better
GHz
RAM >2 GB >2GB
Cache memory >2 MB > 2 MB
Hard disk space >120 GB >120 GB
Video card 128 MB video memory minimum, 128 MB video memory minimum,
capable of generating minimum capable of generating minimum
1024 x 768 pixels 1024 x 768 pixels
Camera connection ports One full height empty PCI slot Available FireWire port
required (ChemiDoc XRS only) (ChemiDoc XRS only)
Communication ports 4 USB 2.0 ports 4 USB 2.0 ports
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Section 2 Important Safety Information
2.1 Important Notice
Both the Gel Doc™ XR and ChemiDoc™ XRS imaging systems are intended for laboratory use only.
Use of the Gel Doc XR, and ChemiDoc XRS systems involve UV illumination. Proper precautions
must be taken to avoid eye and skin exposure to the UV radiation. This instrument is meant for use only
by trained personnel that know the health risks associated with UV radiation and with reagents that are
normally used with this instrument. The acrylic shield provides some UV protection. However, it does
not guarantee complete protection, and it is designed to shield only the person working in front of the
system.
a) Voltage Setting Information: The Universal Hood II has a power supply that automatically chooses the
correct voltage for your country or region.
b) Fusing: The Universal Hood II has two user-serviceable fuses, F1 and F2, which are located on the
bottom rear panel and are a part of the power entry module (see below).
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Section 3 Product Description
3.1 CCD Camera and Lenses
A CCD camera is placed on top of the Universal Hood II for capturing images. The camera comes with
a motorized zoom lens (MZL) that allows a remote adjustment of the lens control functions (zoom,
focus, and iris).
For ChemiDoc™ XRS systems optional lenses with low f-numbers are available that offer extreme light
collection efficiency for low-light applications like chemiluminescence.
The Universal Hood II is designed to capture fluorescent and chemiluminescent images without using a
photographic darkroom. The enclosure has built-in white light epi-illumination and UV
transillumination. An optional white light transilluminator (catalog #170-7950) or a white light
conversion screen (catalog #170-8001) may also be used with the system.
For easy sample loading, the UV transilluminator is located in the drawer of the Universal Hood II and
can be accessed from the front of the enclosure. For your convenience, the lights in the darkroom
enclosure turn off automatically after about 15 minutes. This time period can be extended indefinitely
by pressing the Hold button.
The Universal Hood II has a three-position filter slider that offers the flexibility of using two different
emission filters for fluorescent applications as well as the ability to image chemiluminescent samples
(no filter).
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3.3 USB and FireWire Connections
The Universal Hood, common to both Gel Doc XR and ChemiDoc XRS systems, requires a USB
connection in order to communicate with the PC. The Gel Doc XR camera has a USB connection that
connects to the Hood. However, the ChemiDoc XRS camera is directly connected to the PC and will
need a FireWire port to communicate with the PC, which is where the user interface software is
installed. In case of PCs that do not offer a FireWire (IEEE1394) interface, in order to connect the
ChemiDoc XRS system, a FireWire card (included as an accessory) needs to be installed in the host
computer to communicate with the camera.
Note: Read and follow the instructions for installing the USB cable (Gel Doc XR) or FireWire
cable (ChemiDoc XRS), card, drivers, and software in the following sections.
Each system ships with a full version of Quantity One 1-D Analysis Software and unlimited copies of
Quantity One Basic software for data sharing. The software can be used to annotate and document
images, analyze molecular weights, print, and perform a host of other applications. See the software
manual for detailed instructions on how to install and operate the software.
Note: Read and follow the instructions in the following pages prior to installing Quantity One
software.
For your convenience, Bio-Rad offers an optional USB printer for use with the Gel Doc XR and
ChemiDoc XRS systems:
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3.6 Unpacking the System
Catalog # Descriptions
170-8170 Gel Doc XR System PC/Mac
170-8162 Universal Hood II with TLUM 100/240 V
170-8169 Gel Doc XR Camera w/MZL(motorized zoom lens)
170-8080 Kit Accessory, Universal Hood II
170-9600 Quantity One Software PC/Mac
10 ft USB cable
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Quantity One software
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ChemiDoc XRS Components
Catalog # Descriptions
170-8070 / 1708071 ChemiDoc XRS System PC/Mac
170-8162 Universal Hood II with TLUM 100/240 V
170-8099 ChemiDoc XRS camera with MZL (including
camera controller cable and power supply)
170-8173 FireWire card (PC system only)
170-8080 Kit accessory, Universal Hood II
170-8008 Fluorescent reference plate
170-9600 Quantity One software PC/Mac
170-8177 FireWire cable
Firewire card
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Section 4 Getting Started
4.1 Selecting a Location
The Gel Doc™ XR and ChemiDoc™ XRS systems can be placed on any benchtop. The best position is
near the computer where Quantity One® is operating. Remember to leave space to easily access the
power switch on the Universal Hood II, which is located at the rear bottom-left side of the enclosure.
Important: It is recommended that the Universal Hood II be carried by at least two people
holding the instrument from the bottom side. Be sure that the door and the drawer are
completely closed.
Wichtig: Es wird empfohlen, dass mindestens zwei Personen den Hood transportieren und dabei
das Geraet am Geraeteboden halten.
Note: Please do not connect the power cable to a power source until all connections are made.
The power source has to be grounded and protected by a circuit breaker.
6. Locate the band pass filter in the accessory kit and thread it onto one of the two 62 mm rings of
the Filter Slider (inside of the hood). The filter slider facilitates the selection between two
filters and an open position for chemiluminescence.
7. The three selectable positions are indicated by NO FILTER, FILTER 1, or FILTER 2.
on the right side of the camera support. Note the position of the 580 AF 120 Ethidium Bromide
filter for future use. See picture below.
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4.3 Gel Doc XR System
If you have purchased the ChemiDoc XRS System, proceed to page 22 for installation insructions.
1. Place the camera on the bench sideways as shown. Take out the lens cap and put it a safe place.
Take out the thumb screw from the box and assemble it to the camera bracket exactly as shown.
2. Place the thumb screw as shown.
3. Place the Camera over the Universal Hood II by inserting the lens into the hole in gasket and
seating the lens on the gasket while the thumb screw is positioned on the camera bracket as
shown. The thumb screw slides through the slot in the vertical camera bracket on the Hood.
4. Secure the thumb screw (see pictures below). Make sure that the camera/lens is fully seated on
the gasket and is upright.
5. The camera position can be fine adjusted in all directions; loosen the two Phillips head screws
and move the entire assembly, along with the bracket.
Thumb screw
Phillips head
screws
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4.3.2 Installation of Quantity One Software for Gel Doc XR
Quantity One ships with the CD and the HASP key.
HASP key
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3. The Select Features screen has Quantity One and HSK Support selected as default.
4. In addition, select Gel Doc XR drivers.
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7. Finish Installation.
8. Insert the HASP key in the USB port.
9. Restart the computer.
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4. Select Custom Install.
5. Select Quantity One and Gel Doc XR drivers, users guide is optional.
6. Click on Install.
7. Insert the HASP key in the USB port.
8. Shut down and restart the computer.
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4.3.3 Gel Doc XR System Cable Configuration
Camera connections
Power supply
USB connector connector
1. Locate the 6 ft USB cable. Connect one end of the USB cable connector to the USB port on the
camera. Connect the other end to the corresponding port on the rear panel on the Universal
Hood that says ‘TO CAMERA’.
2. The camera power supply cable should be plugged into the CCD camera power connector.
3. Connect the MZL (Motorized Zoom Lens, page 13) cable connector to the connector labeled
LENS on the rear panel of the Universal Hood.
4. Connect the 10 ft USB cable from the Universal Hood to the PC.
5. The main power cable that connects the Universal Hood to the power outlet.
Label Instrument/Connection
10 ft USB connector/cable From hood to PC
6 ft USB connector/cable From camera to hood
Camera power supply cord/power supply Camera/PWR connector
MZL (motorized zoom lens) cable Hood/LENS Din connector
Power cable Connects the Hood to the power outlet on
the wall
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Power cable
from power
supply
USB cable
Figure 1
MZL cable
To main power outlet
110/240 VAC
USB cable
This completes the installation of the Gel Doc Camera and Quantity One
software. Proceed to Section 4.7 on page 32 for a description and initial test
for the Universal Hood II.
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4.4 ChemiDoc XRS System
1. Place the camera on the bench so that the locking hole of the tripod mount is facing you.
2. Thread the thumb screw on the locking tripod hole. Turn twice.
3. Remove the lens cap and put it in a safe place.
4. Place the filter assembly in the ‘NO FILTER’ position.
5. Place the ChemiDoc XRS camera/lens (MZL: motorized zoom lens) on the mounting plate, on
top of the enclosure, by inserting the lens through the hole in the gasket while the screw slides
through the camera bracket slot. Make sure that the lens is fully seated on the gasket.
6. Tighten the screw against the camera bracket. See the following pictures.
7. Fix the camera bracket. Tighten the screw to lock the camera against the camera bracket.
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4.4.1 Installation of Quantity One Software for ChemiDoc XRS
When you restart and click on Quantity One, you will see a Welcome screen.
You can either click on the registration form button to send your registration online, or call Bio-Rad Tech
Support with your system ID to register.
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To register the software, you need the software serial number and the system ID.
The Quantity One serial number is on the outside of the box and on the CD jacket.
Format of serial number: BRQ1AXXXXXX
Once you register online or by phone, you get a password. Enter the password in the Quantity One field.
The Password is not case sensitive and can be entered without spaces. If the password is correct, a Green
OK is seen. Click Done to finish.
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Installation of Quantity One On MAC
25
5. Select Quantity One and ChemiDoc XRS drivers.
6. Click on Install.
7. Insert the HASP key in the USB port.
8. Shut down and restart the computer.
When you click on newly-installed Quantity One software, you will see a Welcome screen.
You can click on the Registration Form button to register online, or call with the system ID to register.
To register the software, you need the software serial number and the system ID. The serial number of
Quantity One is on the outside of the box and on the CD jacket.
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Format of serial number: BRQ1AXXXXXX
Once you register online or by phone, you get a password. Enter the password in the Quantity One field.
Password is not case sensitive and can be entered without spaces. If the password is correct, a Green OK is
seen. Click Done to finish.
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4.4.2 ChemiDoc™ XRS System Cable Configuration
1. Locate the FireWire cable. Connect one end of the FireWire cable connector to the FireWire
connector on the camera.
2. Connect the other end to the FireWire connector on the PC/Mac.
3. The camera power supply cable should be plugged into the CCD camera power connector.
4. Connect one end of the USB cable to the connector labeled ‘TO PC’ on the hood, and the other
end to the USB port on the PC.
5. Connect the MZL cable connector the extension cable. Connect the other end of the extension
cable to the connector labeled LENS on the rear panel of the universal hood.
The following table describes the cable connectors and their designations.
Label Instrument/Connection
6-pin FireWire cable/connector FireWire connector from camera to PC
Camera power supply cord/power supply Camera/PWR connector
10 ft USB cable From Hood to PC
MZL (motorized zoom lens) cable LENS Din connector to extension cable din connector
MZL extension cable Extension cable din connector to Hood connector
Power cable Connects the Hood to the power outlet on the wall
FireWire cable
Power cable
from power
supply
MZL cables
USB cable
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4.4.3 Firewire Card Installation
Please follow the instructions below to install the FireWire card into your PC or Mac.
1. To install the white light transilluminator, open the enclosure door and pull the drawer toward you.
2. Locate the power cable positioned on the inside left side of the enclosure, behind the drawer slide.
3. Remove the black rubber that covers the banana plug and insert it into the white light
transilluminator outlet. Make sure that the main power switch on the transilluminator is in the ON
position. The transilluminator will not illuminate, because power to the white light transilluminator
is controlled from the membrane touch pad.
4. To use the white light transilluminator, place it horizontally on the UV transilluminator and press the
TransWhite button on the membrane touch pad.
When the white light transilluminator is not in use, store it in the two plastic holders located at the rear of
the enclosure, as it stands against the back wall.
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4.6 Installing the Optional 17 mm or 25 mm Wide-Angle Lenses
(ChemiDoc XRS System only)
This installation guide covers installation of the optional lenses for the ChemiDoc XRS system. The
following catalog numbers are covered under this category:
The lens kit includes a lens and the light seal adaptor ring. See pictures below:
Remove existing motorized zoom lens Install the wide angle lens
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5. The wide-angle lenses come with an adapter. See picture below.
Make sure that the lens is seated properly on the gasket in the adapter.
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The wide angle lenses have an iris and focus ring that allows users to adjust for optimum light collection
and focal plane. See image below:
For imaging of chemiluminescent samples, make sure that the iris is opened all the way.
The front membrane touch pad control panel of the Universal Hood II allows full control of the motorized
zoom lens, UV transillumination, white epi illumination and white light transillumination. Please read the
following section to become familiar with each function.
Power indicator
LED
Imaging indicator
LED
Trans UV LED
and button
Prep UV LED and
button
Trans White
LED and
button
Hold LED and
button
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The Power light tells you whether the system is turned on. The power on/off switch is located at the rear
bottom-left side of the enclosure.
The Imaging LED blinks when you are acquiring an image with the camera indicating integration by the
Camera. It also blinks if the computer is turned off.
Light Sources
The TransUV button controls the UV transilluminator with full intensity. The transilluminator will
automatically turn off after 15 minutes unless the Hold button is activated. For safety purposes, this switch
is subject to the following automatic controls:
If the door or drawer is opened while the transilluminator is ON, the blinking LED will warn you that the
transilluminator has been turned OFF. After the door or the drawer is closed, you have to press the UV
Trans switch again to turn it ON.
Important: For the purposes of band cut applications, it is possible to turn ON the UV
light with the drawer fully open. You must wear all possible UV protections, especially for your eyes,
when the transilluminator switch is turned ON with the drawer fully open. The UV shield has to be
used but glass or mask and gloves are recommended to block the UV radiation. This option is not
applicable to the door.
Wichtig: Wer die Absicht hat, Banden aus dem Gel zu schneiden, kann bei eingeschaltetem UV-Licht
die untere Schublade oeffnen. Sie muessen Schutzkleidung und die notwendigen UV-
Schutzmassnahmen tragen, besonders Augenschutz, wenn der transilluminator bei offener Schublade
eingeschaltet ist. Das Plexiglasschutzschild muss benutzt werden, ebenso Schutzbrille oder
Schutzmaske und Einmalhandschuhe, um sich vor der UV-Strahlung zu schuetzen. Diese
Moeglichkeit ist von der Geraetetuer aus nicht anwendbar.
The Prep UV switch is used to decrease the light output of the UV Transilluminator. The UV Preparative
function is a lower intensity light designed to minimize the effects of UV exposure on DNA. The
Preparative mode is recommended for applications that require longer UV exposure times. In order to
activate the UV Prep switch, the UV Trans button must be on.
The Epi White button controls the epi white illumination. Press the button to turn ON epi-white; press the
button again to turn it OFF. Epi illumination will automatically turn off after 15 minutes, unless the Hold
button is activated. When the UV transilluminator switch is activated, Epi White is automatically turned off.
The Trans White Light button controls the white light transilluminator when installed (optional). It will
automatically turn off after 15 minutes, unless the Hold button is activated.
If the Conversion Screen option is selected, place the ‘Conversion Screen’ on the sample area, select Trans
White Light. It turns on the Trans UV.
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The Hold key disables the automatic shut-off of the UV and White light transilluminators and the epi
illumination; the lights will remain active until the hold status is cancelled. When the Hold key is pressed,
the orange LED will light up, indicating that the Hold function is active.
If opening the door or drawer (activating the UV interlock, which turns off the UV), you will need to turn
off the Hold button before pressing any other switch. The control panel has a second section that includes
the buttons to run all the MZL functions (see the Lens Control Section below).
Lens Control
The membrane pad has a Fast and a Slow button to obtain rapid or fine adjustments of the lens. An image
can be optimized with the following lens adjustments:
Aperture is adjusted using the Iris buttons on the membrane touch pad. The size of the aperture opening
allows the CCD sensor to take in more or less light. The Iris has two buttons. One button, Close (-), reduces
the size of the aperture and decreases the amount of light coming into the sensor, thereby making the image
darker. The other button, Open (+), opens the aperture and increases the amount of light coming into the
sensor, resulting in a brighter image.
Focus is adjusted using the Focus buttons on the keypad. Pushing the Near (+) button or the Far (-) button
changes the focal point of the lens and allows the user to focus on the sample.
Zoom is adjusted using the Zoom buttons on the keypad. These buttons allow you to change the size of the
image on the screen. Pushing the Wide (-) button zooms out (far field). Pushing the Tele (+) button zooms
in (close up).
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Lens and Light Source Control Through the Computer
The functions described in the previous paragraphs can also be performed through the PC. The attached
screen shot as applied to Gel Doc XRS is self-explanatory.
Filters: A +1 diopter is factory installed on the lens. This diopter should always remain on the lens
assembly. A 580AF120 Ethidium Bromide filter is included in the accessory kit. Place this filter in
position 1 or 2 of the filter slider (see 4.2.1). The Ethidium Bromide filter should be used for fluorescence
(UV) and colorimetric (white light) applications.
35
Please follow the procedure in the table to ensure that the Universal Hood II is functioning properly.
Note: The light source buttons on the control panel are disabled when the Imaging LED blinks
(indicating that the computer is switched off).
STEP 2. Procedure for initialization of the camera and lens assembly both (for GelDoc XR/
ChemiDoc XRS systems)
1. Press the epi iIllumination button.
2. Open the door and determine if lights are on.
3. Place the focusing target on the UV transilluminator.
4. Double click on Quantity One software icon on the desktop. From File Menu, select Gel Doc XR
or ChemiDoc XRS.
Note: “Dark Reference” comes up on first use for both GelDoc XR system. Please refer to the step 3
for details about reference file image acquisition.
5. Select Live/Focus. This applies to Chemi-Doc XRS System only, Gel Doc XR does this
automatically.
6. An image of the target will appear on the computer screen. Using the lens control buttons on the
membrane touch pad or the control panel that appears in the software, find the best Iris, Focus, and
Zoom conditions.
Note: Working with a widely open Iris and changing the Zoom may require you to adjust the Focus.
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STEP 3. Reference file acquisition:
Please note that the steps described below must be performed in either of the following scenarios:
• When installing the system with a new computer or camera
• When software is first installed or reinstalled for any reason
1. Make sure that all lights in the Universal Hood II are off.
2. Make sure that the lens cap is on the lens. This is critical!
3. Power ON the camera and the Universal Hood II.
4. Wait 30 minutes for the system to warm up and stabilize.
5. Double click on Quantity One software icon on the desktop.
6. From File Menu, select Gel Doc XR, OR ChemiDoc XRS.
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The following window will open with a notification that the system will be acquiring reference files,
depending on the imager:
a. Gel Doc XR
Note: No lights should be turned ON. Please allow approximately 30 seconds for the acquisition
of the reference file.
b. ChemiDoc XRS
After the reference file acquisition is over the system will be ready to operate.
Note: For additional details on Reference File Acquisition, refer to the Quantity One software
manual.
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Section 5 Operation of the Universal Hood II
5.1 Operating the Unit
The Gel Doc™ XR and ChemiDoc™ XRS systems are easy-to-use instruments. In the Quantity One®
acquisition window on your computer, select Live/Focus mode and adjust your image position, size, focus,
and intensity using the lens controls. After the image is optimized, capture the image. A typical procedure is
described below.
1. Turn on the Universal Hood II main switch (on the rear bottom-left side of the enclosure).
2. Turn on the computer and start the software.
3. Select the acquisition mode from the File menu.
NOTE: Turn the camera power on, if you have not already done so.
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9. Next you will be prompted to remove your sample from the transilluminator and place the
fluorescent reference plate on the platen for UV-illuminated images. For white light illumination
the white light transilluminator or the White Light conversion screen is used to collect the
reference flat fielding image. In either case, you must remove the sample from the platen.
10. Remove the sample from the transilluminator. Remove any liquid or residue remaining from the
sample platen. Place the fluorescent reference plate on the platen. Make sure that the plate covers
the entire glass surface. Close the door and then click on Continue in the window shown above.
11. The next prompt will direct you to turn ON the UV transilluminator. Press the UV transilluminator
or white light transilluminator button on the hood, as the case may be, and click on Continue.
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Note: When using the white light, you must turn ON the UV transilluminator after removing the
sample.
12. The system will automatically acquire a reference image, and a flat-fielded corrected image
of the sample will be generated for you to save and analyze.
13. For additional details on flat fielding please refer to the Quantity One Software Manual. You may
also click on the Quantity One Help button for a detailed description.
1. Open the drawer until it is fully extended and the Trans UV LED stops blinking.
2. Place the clear acrylic UV protection screen in the horizontal slot in the inside of the drawer facing
the transilluminator.
Clear acrylic UV
protection screen
!! CAUTION!! !! VORSICHT !!
WARNING: EXPOSURE TO UV RADIATION IS HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH. PLEASE
WEAR PROPER UV PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND FACE AND EYE SHIELDS WHEN
CUTTING GELS. THE UV SHIELD PROVIDED WITH THE SYSTEM IS NOT ADEQUATE
PROTECTION AGAINST UV GENERATED BY THIS SYSTEM.
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Section 6 Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Cause Solution
Hot (very bright) pixels are • Hot pixels are more • Select reference by clicking on
seen in the image susceptible to dark current the appropriate box in the Options
(ChemiDoc™ XRS only) than surrounding pixels. window
Hot (very bright) pixels are • Corrupted reference dark • Click on Options button and then
seen in the image image click on Reset Reference Dark
(Gel Doc XR only)
ChemiDoc XRS camera will • Camera power may be turned • Turn ON the power to the camera
not respond/camera not off • Make sure that all cables are
found • Controller cables may not be connected properly
seated properly • Install Quantity One software
• Software driver for the again if the camera driver is not
camera is missing present
• Computer power-saving • Disable power-saving modes on
modes may be interfering the computer
with the camera driver • Exit out of the Quantity One
• Multiple FireWire devices software and turn off power to the
are installed on the same ChemiDoc XRS camera
computer • Power the camera back on and
• Camera may be defective restart the software
• Replace camera
ChemiDoc XRS image will • The sample is too bright and • Close the Iris control until
not autoexpose saturates the image at the autoexpose is possible
minimum possible exposure
Unable to focus on the • Aperture is open too wide • Close the iris slightly and then
sample using white light causing a shallow depth of focus again. Repeat until good
transilluminator or field focus is achieved
conversion screen
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Section 7 Accessories and Replacement Parts
Accessories and Replacement Parts
Catalog
Description
number
170-8001 UV/White light conversion screen
170-7950 White light transilluminator upgrade for Universal Hood II
170-8089 Printer, digital, Mitsubishi P93DW, 100/240 V, USB
170-7581 Mitsubishi thermal printer paper, 4 rolls
170-8074 Filter, 520DR30
170-8075 Filter, 560DF50
170-8076 Filter, 630BP30
170-8077 Filter, 440BP70
170-8081 Kit, filter, 580AF120, 62 mm
170-8072 Lens, f/0.95, 25 mm, wide-angle lens (ChemiDoc™ XRS system only)
170-8073 Lens, f/0.95, 17 mm, wide-angle lens (ChemiDoc XRS system only)
931-0198 Lens, motorized, 12–75 mm, f/1.2 (ChemiDoc XRS system)
921-0265 Lens, motorized, 8.5–51 mm, f/1.2 (Gel Doc™ XR system)
170-8068 Shield, UV, Universal Hood II
170-3759 Bio-Rad fluorescent ruler
170-3760 Gel cutter ruler
170-7813 Sample holders for gels
170-8008 Fluorescent reference plate (ChemiDoc XRS system only)
931-0071 Cable, USB, Type A to B, 10' long
901-0064 Cable, USB, Type A to B, 6' long
10007733 Cable, Din, 5 pin, 3 ft, blk.
100-2827 Lamp, epi illumination, 5 W
100-1361 Lamp, UV B, 302 nm, 1
170-8097 Kit, 6 lamp, 302 nm
170-8098 Kit, 6 lamp, 254 nm
170-6887 Kit, 6 lamp, 365 nm
170-8080 Kit, accessory, ChemiDoc XRS system
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170-8173 Card, FireWire, ChemiDoc XRS systems
170-8177 Cable, FireWire, 10' for ChemiDoc XRS system
170-8099 ChemiDoc XRS camera with MZL
100-2784 UV transilluminator lid (includes filter glass)
100-2785 Universal Hood II right shield epi-illumination (lid complete)
100-1948 Universal Hood II opal filter epi-illumination (without metal frame)
100-2786 Universal Hood II left shield epi-illumination (lid complete)
100-2787 Universal Hood II screw feet, 4
100-3951 ¼-20 screw with black knob
100-1951 Fuse T 2 A, 250 V, 10
100-1952 Fuse T 4 A, 250 V, 10
100-1370 UV TR starter, 3
170-9600 Quantity One® software, PC/Mac
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Section 8 Maintenance and Parts Replacement
This section covers the replacement of parts in the Universal Hood II.
Power cable
ON/OFF main
switch
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1. Unplug the main power cable from the power entry module outlet.
2. Use a screwdriver lever on the fuse holder to extract it.
3. Remove the blown fuses and replace them with two new ones (catalog #100-1951).
4. Slide the fuse holder into the power entry module until it snaps in place.
8.3 UV Transilluminator
Attention: The UV filter surface should always be kept clean from the chemical agents used as gel
dyes. Please use protective gloves when touching the UV transilluminator cover.
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Starter Replacement (Catalog #100-1370)
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Appendix A: Technical Specifications
Model Gel Doc™ XR ChemiDoc™ XRS
Application
Chemiluminescence No Yes
Fluorescence Yes Yes
Chemifluorescence No No
Colorimetry/densitometry Yes Yes
Gel documentation Yes Yes
Isotopic imaging No No
Hardware specifications
Maximum sample size (cm) 28 x 36 28 x 36
Maximum image area (cm) 25 x 26 25 x 26
Trans-UV 302, (254, 365 nm Trans-UV 302, (254, 365 nm
Excitation source and white, optional), and white, optional)
epi white light epi white light
3 3
Illumination modes Trans UV and white, Trans UV and white,
epi white epi white
Supercooled
Detector CCD
CCD
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Legal Notices
Coomassie is a trademark of BASF Aktiengesellschaft. Cy is a trademark of GE Healthcare Group
Companies. FireWire, Mac, and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple, Inc. Hoechst is a trademark of Hoechst
Gmbw. Mitsubishi is a trademark of Mitsubishi Companies. Slo-Blo is a trademark of Littelfuse, Inc. Sony
is a trademark of Sony Corporation. SYBR, SYPRO, and Texas Red are trademarks of Invitrogen
Corporation. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. is licensed by Molecular Probes, Inc. to sell SYPRO products for
research use only, under US patent 5,616,502. Windows, Windows XP, and Windows Vista are trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation. Practice of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may require a license.
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