NIMBUS IVD Operators Manual - EN

®
MICROLAB NIMBUS
IVD
Operator’s Manual
Part Number 65517-01 (Rev. A)
November, 2011
Important Notice
• Reproduction of any part of this manual in any form whatsoever without the express
written consent of Hamilton Company is forbidden.
• The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
• All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this manual.
However, should any errors be detected, Hamilton Company would greatly appreciate
being informed of them.
• The above notwithstanding, Hamilton Company can assume no responsibility for any
errors in this manual or their consequences.
• Copyright © 2011 Hamilton Company. All rights reserved.
• MICROLAB® is a registered trademark of Hamilton Company.

• CORE Duo is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
• Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
ii Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

1.1 About this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.1.1 Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
1.2 Additional NIMBUS Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.3 Intended Use of the NIMBUS IVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.4 Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.4.1 General Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.4.1.1 Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.4.1.2 Operating the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1.4.1.3 Method Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1.4.1.4 Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1.4.1.5 Work Routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1.4.2 Biohazard Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
1.4.3 Computer Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
1.4.4 Electrical Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1.5 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1.6 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1.7 Computer Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Chapter 2 — Description of the NIMBUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2.1 Pipetting Features of the NIMBUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.1.1 Air Displacement Pipetting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.1.2 Disposable Tip Attachment with the CO-RE Technology . . . . . . 2-2
2.1.3 Tip-On Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.1.4 Tip Size Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.1.5 Liquid Level Detection (LLD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.1.6 Monitored Air Displacement (MAD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
2.1.7 Capacitive Clot Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
2.1.8 Aspiration Monitoring with cLLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
2.1.9 Anti-Droplet Control (ADC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
2.1.10 Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM) . . . . . . . . . 2-6
2.2 Features of the Base Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
2.3 Axes and Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
2.4 Configuration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
2.4.1 Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
2.4.2 Decks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
2.4.3 CO-RE Grippers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
2.4.4 Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
2.5 Pedestals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
2.5.1 Pedestals for Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
2.5.2 Pedestals for Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
2.5.3 Pedestals for Tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
2.5.4 Pedestals for Shift-N-Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
2.5.5 Pedestal for Reagents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
2.6 Disposable CO-RE Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
2.6.1 Nestable Tip Racks (NTRs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
2.6.2 Tips in Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
2.7 Tip Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Contents iii
2.8 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
2.8.1 Hamilton Heater Shaker (HHS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
2.8.2 Liquid Waste System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
Chapter 3 — Setting up the NIMBUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

3.1 Site Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.2 Connect Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
3.3 Adjust Left Side of 9+2 Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
3.4 Install the Waste Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
3.5 Install NIMBUS Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
3.6 Set the Computer's IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
3.7 Set the NIMBUS Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
3.8 Turn on the NIMBUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Chapter 4 — Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

4.1 Preparing for a Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
4.2 Setting up the Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
4.3 Running a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
4.4 After a Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
4.5 Handling Errors during a Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
4.5.1 Missing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
4.5.2 Liquid Not Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
4.5.3 Door Not Locked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
4.5.4 Power Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
4.5.5 Object Gripped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Chapter 5 — Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

5.1 Intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
5.2 Materials Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
5.3 Accessing the Maintenance Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
5.4 Daily Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
5.5 Weekly Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
5.6 Decontamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
5.7 Replacing UV Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Chapter 6 — Parts and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

6.1 Disposable Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
6.2 Pedestals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
6.3 Tip Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
6.4 CO-RE Grippers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
6.5 Teaching Needles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
6.6 Hamilton Heater Shaker (HHS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
6.7 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
6.8 Consumables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
6.9 Maintenance Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
6.10 Software and Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
iv Contents
Chapter 7 — Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
7.1 Basic Instrument NIMBUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
7.1 Shift-N-Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
7.1.1 Supported Symbologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
7.1.2 Reading Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
7.1.3 Barcode Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
7.1.4 Positioning Sample Barcodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
7.2 CO-RE Gripper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
7.3 UV Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Appendix A — Getting Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

A.1 Technical Support in the Americas and Pacific Rim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
A.2 Technical Support in Europe, Asia, and Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
A.3 Finding the Software Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
A.4 How to Get a Screen Shot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Appendix B — Deck Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Appendix C — Regulatory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

C.1 Regulatory Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
C.1.1 Radio Interference (USA and Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
C.1.2 In Vitro Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
C.1.3 Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Appendix D — Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

D.1 Hamilton Company instrument warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GL-1
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IN-1
Contents v
MICROLAB® NIMBUS IVD Operator’s Manual (Rev. A)
Chapter 1
General Information
Hamilton’s MICROLAB® NIMBUS IVD (also referred to in this manual as

NIMBUS or NIMBUS IVD) is a pipetting workstation. This operator’s
manual is designed to help you get the most out of your NIMBUS.
You should read carefully through the entire manual before beginning to
operate your workstation.
This first chapter should be read with particular attention. It contains
important information about the use of the NIMBUS and this manual.
1.1 About this manual

This manual refers to NIMBUS Software (Revision B).
This manual is to help users operate the NIMBUS correctly and safely. To
achieve this goal, the manual describes the different components of the
NIMBUS and their functionality. The manual describes both the hardware
and software of the NIMBUS such that the user can operate the instrument.
After introducing you to the various parts of the NIMBUS, we will show you
how to operate the instrument. After you have read through this manual, you
should be capable of operating the NIMBUS.
Warnings and notes in this manual emphasize important and critical
instructions.
1.1.1 Symbols
The “Biohazard” symbol alerts the operator to situations where special care is required to remain
protected from chemical or biochemical hazards.
The “Warning!” symbol contains information that must be followed to prevent personal injury to those
operating the equipment.
The “Important” symbol gives instructions that must be followed to prevent damage to equipment or
loss of data.
The “Note” symbol provides useful information to improve system performance or directs you to
supplemental information to improve your understanding of overall operations.
Chapter 1 General Information 1-1

The “Procedure” symbol is followed by a set of installation or operational steps.
1.2 Additional NIMBUS

Manuals
For the programmer of the system, the Programmer’s Manual will
describe all the features of the NIMBUS Software.
1.3 Intended Use of the

NIMBUS IVD
The NIMBUS is intended as a pipetting/diluting system for analytical and
clinical use, including microtiter diluting/dispensing and sample
concentration, for applications that include tube-to-plate transfer, tube-to-tube
transfer, plate-to-plate transfer, dilution, and reagent dispensing.
1.4 Safety Precautions

The following section describes the main safety considerations when
operating this product and the main hazards involved.
Read the following safety notices carefully before using the NIMBUS.
1.4.1 General
Precautions
1.4.1.1 Instrument
During operation, the NIMBUS must be shielded from direct sunlight and
intense artificial light. The instrument should be positioned in the laboratory
in a way permitting personnel to access the front and sides of the instrument
for operation, maintenance, and opening and removal of protective covers.
Accordingly, to calculate how much room is needed, consider the dimensions
of the instrument (See Chapter 7 “Technical Specifications” on page 7-1) and
sufficient room for a person to move and work comfortably.
Never lift a fully installed instrument to transport it from one place to another.
It must be re-installed in the new work location by an authorized service
technician only.
The instrument weighs more than 225 lbs (102 kg). Necessary precautions
should be taken when transporting the instrument.
Only certified technicians are authorized to perform mechanical maintenance
on the NIMBUS.
1-2 Chapter 1 General Information

For repair or shipment, all mechanical parts must be put in their rest
positions. A NIMBUS sent away for repair must also be decontaminated
(see “Decontamination” section on page 5-9) if it was in a laboratory
environment with infectious or hazardous materials.
The NIMBUS must be repacked in the original shipping crate only by an
authorized service technician (contact your local HAMILTON
representative). There must be no containers or tips on the NIMBUS during
transportation.
The service technician and the laboratory share the responsibility for the
installation qualification (IQ) and the operation qualification (OQ), i.e.
verification and training. The process qualification (PQ) is the sole
responsibility of the laboratory.
Only original HAMILTON NIMBUS specific parts and tools may be used
with the NIMBUS, e.g. pedestals, racks, CO-RE tips, and waste containers.
Commercially available liquid containers, such as microtiter plates and tubes,
may of course be used.
An interruption of power during a run may cause the loss of data. If data loss
is unacceptable, use an independent power supply or an Uninterruptible
Power Supply (UPS).
1.4.1.2 Operating the

Instrument
When using the NIMBUS, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Universal
Precautions must be observed. Suitable protective clothing, safety glasses and
protective gloves must be worn, particularly when dealing with a malfunction
of the instrument where the risk of contamination from spilled liquids exists.
Any persons operating the NIMBUS and the PC running the NIMBUS
software must have attended a certified training course. Any departure from
the procedures given in this manual and during training could lead to
erroneous results or NIMBUS malfunction.
1.4.1.3 Method
Programming
Programming and validation of new methods is the responsibility of every
customer.
Perform test runs first with water and then with the final liquids, prior to
routine use. Test all the liquid classes you are going to use. A newly
programmed test method must first be run on the NIMBUS with the final
liquids, prior to validation of the method and routine use. The method
programmer should supervise this run.

Do not use methods which are not validated! Before using any newly created
or modified method for routine test purposes, a comparison study between the
method previously used and the new one must be carried out by the laboratory
supervisor to ensure that the processing and data evaluation of both methods
produce equal results.
When working with samples, which will be used in particularly sensitive
tests, take into account the evaporation and condensation that may occur
while the method is running.
If sampling aggressive liquids, use filter tips. Also use filter tips for tasks
which are sensitive to cross-contamination (aerosols).
Liquid level detection needs to be explicitly tested when working with
foaming liquids. Foam may affect the accuracy of liquid level detection.
Never disable any security measure.
1.4.1.4 Loading
Microplates must be placed such that well A1 is in the position defined in the
deck layout of the method.
When pouring liquid into the containers, ensure that there is no foam on the
surface of the liquid. Note that foam may cause pipetting problems.
Do not overfill reagent containers, tubes or other liquid containers.
Do not mix tip size and type (e.g. with or without filter or different volumes)
in the same tip rack.
Do not fill up tip racks with tips from another rack. Tips should be loaded in
the tip racks as they are provided in the original packaging. They are
individually labeled for identification.
1.4.1.5 Work Routine

Periodic maintenance (daily maintenance, weekly maintenance, six-monthly
maintenance) is a mandatory part of the work routine.
If the system is paused, do not wait too long before resuming the run. Loss
of liquid from a full tip may result in invalid data.
Discard used tips and do not reuse them. Do not empty the tip waste during
a run.
Do not leave tips on the pipetting channels for a long period of time (say,
overnight). This may cause damage to the CO-RE o-rings. The daily
maintenance procedure, or initialization through the Run Control’s Control
Panel will remove the tips.

1.4.2 Biohazard
Precautions
If the NIMBUS becomes contaminated with biohazardous or chemical
material, it should be cleaned in accordance with the maintenance procedures.
See Chapter 5 “Maintenance” on page 5-1. Observe and carry out the
maintenance procedures given. Failure to do so may impair the reliability and
correct functioning of the NIMBUS.
If working with biohazardous samples, observe and carry out the maintenance
procedures, paying particular attention to cleaning and decontamination.
Wear gloves when handling the pipetting arm and channels, the pedestals, and
the tips. Avoid touching tips discarded into waste container. Any surfaces on
which liquid is spilled must be decontaminated.
Do not use disinfecting materials which contain hypochlorite or bleaching

fluids.
If working with biohazardous or chemical materials, the user must not touch
them.
The NIMBUS will drop its used tips into a waste container that should be
emptied during the daily maintenance or as soon as it is full.
1.4.3 Computer
Precautions
Use the necessary precaution to guard against software viruses. Use only
manufacturer’s original installation DVD/CD-ROM sets for the operating
system and the original NIMBUS software.
Any manipulation of NIMBUS data files or other information determining or

affecting NIMBUS functions can result in erroneous test results or instrument
failure.
Only the NIMBUS Software may be used to control the NIMBUS.
For reasons of data security and integrity, use of an Uninterruptible Power

Supply (UPS) is recommended, since a loss of power may cause data to be
lost or corrupted.
To avoid computer breakdowns, configure a hard disk of sufficient space in

the computer. Ensure that there is always enough storage capacity on your
hard drive. Delete the log files from time to time. Generated data within the
log files directory, e.g. traces, TADM data and pipetting files, must be backed
up on your laboratory’s host device and deleted from the control PC’s hard
disk at regular weekly intervals.

1.4.4 Electrical Safety

Precautions
Before removing a mechanical or electrical component, the NIMBUS must be
switched off and disconnected from the main electricity supply.
1.5 Operation
The NIMBUS is operated by means of control software. Specific methods,
programmed by specially trained method programmers, and run via the
software, serve as instructions for the NIMBUS. The operator is not meant to
modify the methods, except in consultation with the persons responsible for
the programming. Improper method changes can lead to false results.
In order to assure error-free operation of the NIMBUS, pay special attention

to the maintenance procedures provided in this manual.
1.6 Waste Electrical and

Electronic Equipment
(WEEE)
Before returning an instrument to Hamilton in compliance with WEEE please
contact Hamilton Company (see Appendix A “Getting Technical Assistance”
on page A-1) and request a Returned Materials Authorization Number
(RMA).
Do not return instruments to Hamilton Company without an RMA number. This number assures proper
tracking of your instrument. Instruments that are returned without an RMA number will be sent back to
the customer.
The instrument MUST be decontaminated before it is returned to Hamilton Company. To

decontaminate the instrument remove health hazards, such as radiation, infectious diseases,
corrosive agents, etc. Provide a complete description of any hazardous materials that have been
used with the instrument.
Hamilton Company reserves the right to refuse a return shipment of any Hamilton product that has
been used with radioactive, microbiological substances, or any other material that could be
hazardous to Hamilton employees.

1.7 Computer Requirements

• 2.33 GHz Processor
• 2.0 GB RAM
• 80 GB Hard drive
• Graphics Card with DirectX 10.0 support
• Monitor, keyboard, mouse (monitor resolution set to 1280 x 768
or 1280 x 800)
• At least 1 (maximum 2) Ethernet port (RJ45 CAT5E) for connection to
the instrument
• At least 1 RS232 port for connection to the VFV kit balance
• Additional USB and/or RS232 ports as necessary for integrated devices
• Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
• Windows XP SP3 or Windows 7 (32- or 64-bit) Professional or
Ultimate

Chapter 2
Description of the NIMBUS
2.1 Pipetting Features

of the NIMBUS
The NIMBUS performs pipetting operations on liquids in containers.
Containers can be tubes, vials, microplate wells, or various custom containers.
A pipetting operation is defined as aspirating (drawing in) liquid from one
container and then dispensing it into another container.
Below are the standard and optional pipetting features of the NIMBUS.
2.1.1 Air Displacement

Pipetting
The NIMBUS uses air displacement pipette heads to perform the pipetting
operations (Figure 2-1). The pipette heads work similarly to hand-held
pipettes. A disposable tip is attached to the pipette head, and then liquid is
aspirated into and dispensed from that disposable tip. No system liquid is used
in the NIMBUS. A plunger within the pipette head enables the movement of
the liquid. The liquid in the tip never touches the pipette head.
Figure 2-1: Air Displacement Pipetting Principle
Chapter 2 Description of the NIMBUS 2-1

2.1.2 Disposable Tip

Attachment with the CO-RE
Technology
Tips are picked up using Compression-induced O-Ring Expansion (CO-RE)
technology (Figure 2-2 and Figure 2-3). The technology enables very low
force but high precision tip attachment, as well as gentle, contamination-free
tip eject.
Figure 2-2: How the NIMBUS uses the CO-RE technology to pick up tips.
Figure 2-3: The components of the CO-RE system.
The advantages of the CO-RE technology include the ability to use disposable
tips of various sizes as well as the use of various tools, all in the same run.
2-2 Chapter 2 Description of the NIMBUS

2.1.3 Tip-On
Recognition
The NIMBUS can detect when a tip is attached and when it is not. When a tip
is picked up, the outer sleeve of the pipette head moves upward, triggering a
sensor. When the tip is ejected, the spring-loaded sleeve moves downward,
and the sensor indicates the tip has been released. This security feature
prevents the accidental aspiration of liquid without a tip attached to the pipette
head.
2.1.4 Tip Size

Recognition
The various tips have geometries that allow the NIMBUS to detect their
different sizes. This prevents the accidental pick-up of 300 µl tips, for
example, when 1000 µl tips are expected.
The NIMBUS cannot differentiate between 300 µl and 50 µl tips, or between filtered and non-filtered
tips. When placing these kinds of tips onto the deck, pay special attention to their designated
locations.
2.1.5 Liquid Level

Detection (LLD)
The NIMBUS can detect the liquid surface in many situations. The system has
two modes of liquid level detection: capacitive (cLLD) and pressure (pLLD).
Capacitive LLD is used to detect fluids that are conductive, and pressure LLD
is used for liquids that are not.
The sensitivity of cLLD is based on the conductivity and volume of the liquid,
as well as how well the container is sitting on its pedestal. Capacitive LLD
can be used for both aspiration and dispense steps.
The sensitivity of pLLD depends on the tip size used and the vapor pressure
of the liquid. Pressure LLD is only available for an aspiration step. The tip
must be dry for pLLD to be used reliably.
In some situations, cLLD and pLLD can be used together. This is often useful
in liquids that may have some bubbles or foam. Using this dual LLD mode
may improve the reliability of detecting the liquid surface.

2.1.6 Monitored Air

Displacement (MAD)
Monitored Air Displacement (MAD, Figure 2-4 and Figure 2-5) is a mode
that allows for the aspiration step to be monitored. This monitoring can help
detect when a clot or air is aspirated. This feature uses the pressure sensor
inside the pipette head to monitor the air inside the tip as aspiration occurs. An
algorithm built into the system detects when a good aspiration is performed or
when a clot or short sample occurs.
Figure 2-4: Monitored Air Displacement
Figure 2-5: Aspiration monitoring based on pressure

2.1.7 Capacitive Clot

Detection
Another mode of detecting clots is based on a capacitive check at the end of
the aspiration step. If this mode is turned on, and if cLLD is used during the
aspiration step, then the system checks for a capacitive signal just above the
liquid surface. If the capacitance is the same as it was during aspiration, then
the presence of a clot is indicated (Figure 2-6). This mode can be used in
addition to or separately from MAD.
Figure 2-6: Capacitive Clot Detection
2.1.8 Aspiration
Monitoring with cLLD
This mode is used to detect when the tip is no longer within the liquid. If this
mode is activated and cLLD is used during the aspiration, the capacitive
signal is monitored throughout the aspiration. If the signal changes abruptly,
the system will indicates that the tip is out of the liquid
2.1.9 Anti-Droplet
Control (ADC)
Pipetting volatile liquids can be a challenge. The liquid inside the tip can
evaporate, causing an increase in pressure and a resulting formation of a
droplet. The Anti-Droplet Control (ADC) mode can be turned on to
compensate for that increased pressure. As the pressure increases, the plunger
pulls back slightly, reducing the inner pressure and preventing the droplet
from forming.

2.1.10 Total Aspiration and

Dispense Monitoring
(TADM)
A feature available for the NIMBUS IVD is Total Aspiration and Dispense
Monitoring (TADM). This works similarly to MAD, in that the pressure
sensor inside the pipette head monitors the changes in pressure inside the tip
during pipetting. But differently from MAD, TADM works for both
aspiration and dispense steps. In addition, TADM allows the user to set
“guard bands” to specify what is a good or “bad” aspiration or dispense.
TADM is used to detect clots, short samples, blocked tips, a leak in the
system, or incorrect volumes (Figure 2-7).
Figure 2-7: Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring

2.2 Features of the Base

Instrument
This section describes the parts of the NIMBUS that are common to each
configuration of the NIMBUS IVD.
Figure 2-8 shows NIMBUS as it would the sit on the bench or cart.
Figure 2-8: The NIMBUS IVD
Figures 2-9, 2-10 and 2-11 point out the parts of the NIMBUS IVD base
instrument.
The Gantry (Figure 2-9) is the arm that houses the independent channels. It
moves left and right across the deck of the NIMBUS.
The lower front side of the NIMBUS has a blue display light which indicates
the status of the Gantry itself. See Table 2-1and Figure 2-9.
Table 2-1: Blue Front Indicator Lights
Instrument Status Indicator Lights
Instrument in error state Blinking
Gantry in motion Sweeping pattern in direction of travel
Gantry is idle Slowly pulsing

The front door of the NIMBUS enclosure has a handle for opening and
closing the door (Figure 2-9).
On the right side of the NIMBUS is the instrument’s power switch, power
port and communication port (Figure 2-10 and Figure 2-11).
Remove the power panel cover to get access to the power switch and ports.
Figure 2-9: Base Instrument
Figure 2-10: Right side of NIMBUS

Figure 2-11: Power and Communication
2.3 Axes and Dimensions

Figure 2-12 shows the axes of motion and dimensions for the NIMBUS IVD.
When the door is open, the height of the NIMBUS is 123 mm.
Figure 2-12: Axes of motion and dimensions

2.4 Configuration Options

The NIMBUS leaves the factory configured with a specified number and type
of channels and a certain deck type. A labware gripping option and an
ultraviolet lamp are also available. This section describes the configuration
options.
2.4.1 Channels
The NIMBUS is configured with up to 4 independent pipetting channels.
Each channel incorporates a pipetting head. Two pipetting head sizes are
available: 1 ml and 5 ml. A NIMBUS can have one of the following
configurations:
• Up to four 1 ml channels
• Up to two 5 ml channels
Mixing the channel types is not supported at this time.
The channels have independent spacing. That is, there is no fixed maximum
spacing between channels. For example, three 1 ml channels can be
pipetting in the front of the NIMBUS while the fourth channel is pipetting
in the very rear of the NIMBUS. The minimum spacing between 1 ml
channels is 18 mm. The minimum spacing between 5 ml channels is 36 mm.
The 1 ml channels support the use of 10 µl, 50 µl, 300 µl, and 1000 µl filtered
and non-filtered disposable CO-RE tips. The 5ml channels support the use of
5 ml unfiltered and 4 ml filtered disposable CO-RE tips.
2.4.2 Decks
The NIMBUS can be configured with one of three deck configurations. The
options are:
• 9+2 deck
• 3x4 deck
• Shift-N-Scan deck
The 9+2 deck (Figure 2-13) has 11 positions, 9 of which are on the main
portion of the deck, in a 3x3 configuration. The other 2 positions are on the
left side of the deck. This portion of the deck can be adjusted to one of 5 levels
in the Z direction. The height-adjustable portion of the 9+2 deck can be
lowered in 12 mm increments, down to 48 mm below the level of the main
deck.

Figure 2-13: The 9+2 deck
The 3x4 deck has 12 positions, all on one level (Figure 2-14).
Figure 2-14: The 3x4 deck
The Shift-N-Scan deck has a 2x4 array of positions plus the Shift-N-Scan
device for holding up to 96 barcoded tubes. Everything is on one level. The
Shift-N-Scan device is affixed to the front three deck sites (shown as SS1-SS3
in Figure 2-15).
Barcoded tubes are placed into the device. A barcode reader is affixed to the
Gantry. The Gantry moves in the X direction to read the barcodes.
The Shift-N-Scan has special racks (Figure 2-16). Each row of these racks
moves independently. When a row of tubes is to be read, its row shifts slightly
in X, to a position that allows the reader to scan those barcodes through slots
between the tubes in the other rows.

SS1 SS2 SS3
Figure 2-15: The Shift-N-Scan deck
The back wall of the Shift-N-Scan device has a series of barcode labels. If a
tube is missing from the row that is being scanned, the reader will see the
barcode label on the back wall. This special barcode indicates to the NIMBUS
that an expected tube is missing.
Figure 2-16: The Shift-N-Scan device
For all deck types, the maximum height of any item on the deck is 118 mm above the main deck
surface. Items that sit higher than that are in the “no-fly zone.” That is, the tips could collide with those
tall items and cause a crash. For tall labware items, consider using the two height-adjustable deck
sites on the 9+2 deck. The maximum height of items on those lowered deck sites is 166 mm.

2.4.3 CO-RE Grippers

If labware transport is required, then the CO-RE Grippers (Figure 2-17) are
a suitable option. CO-RE Grippers are parked on the deck of the NIMBUS.
During a transport operation, two pipette heads pick up the two CO-RE
gripper paddles. The paddles then are used to pick-up, move and place the
labware from and to various places on the deck. After transport, the CO-RE
Gripper paddles are put back into their storage location, thereby freeing the
pipette heads to pick up tips and carry out pipetting steps.
Plate transport with CO-RE Grippers is only allowed within the deck area.
Also, plate rotation is not possible with the CO-RE Grippers.
Figure 2-17: CO-RE Grippers
2.4.4 Ultraviolet (UV)

Lamp
For laboratories that require ultraviolet germicidal decontamination, the
NIMBUS can be fitted with the UV Lamp option. When fitted with this
option, the NIMBUS will have two UV lamps inside the enclosure,
situated in the upper left and right side corners. The lamps are short wave
(254 nanometers) low pressure mercury tubes that produce ultraviolet
wavelengths that are lethal to microorganisms (virus, bacteria, protozoa,
and mold) in the air and on surfaces inside the NIMBUS.
The lamps are fitted with an integrated safety shield that protects the user
from mercury and broken quartz in the event of accidental breakage. This
protective coating provides excellent transmission of ultraviolet energy, with
minimal loss in output.

The covers of the enclosed NIMBUS are made of polycarbonate. The covers
prevent the transmission of UV energy to the outside of the NIMBUS.
A software utility, accessed via a desktop shortcut, allows the user to

activate the light in order to decontaminate the inside of the NIMBUS.
The utility allows the user to set the duration of the UV exposure, up to a
maximum of 60 minutes per session, after which time the light will
automatically be shut off. In addition, the utility automatically locks the
door of the NIMBUS before activating the lamps, in order to protect the
user from dangerous ultraviolet transmission.
Never disable any safety measure. Always operate the NIMBUS with the door closed. Exposure to
the lamps' (UV-C) energy is a hazard to skin and eyes.
It is the responsibility of the laboratory to verify the NIMBUS UV Lamp output meets the laboratory's
requirements for decontamination.
The lamps contain mercury. Manage them in accordance with local disposal laws.
After 400 hours of use, the UV lamp intensity degrades to some level. Each laboratory should
continue to verify - throughout the life of the lamps - that the intensity meets the laboratory's
requirements for decontamination.

2.5 Pedestals
The NIMBUS utilizes specially-designed blocks to hold various labware in
precise positions on the deck. These pedestals are easily placed onto, removed
from, or moved around the deck in order to customize each application. This
section describes the various pedestals available as of the date of this manual.
2.5.1 Pedestals for

Tips
The NTR pedestal (Figure 2-18) holds nestable tip racks (NTRs) as well as
some NIMBUS labware adapters. 10 µl, 50 µl, and 300 µl non-filtered
disposable CO-RE tips are available in the NTR format. They come in stacks
that are 4 racks tall. These stacks of NTRs can sit atop NTR pedestals located
in the lowered portion of the 9+2 deck.
A single NTR rack can sit on an NTR pedestal on the main portion of the 9+2
deck or the other available decks. Stacked NTRs are not allowed on the main
portion of any deck, as they sit higher than the traverse height of the NIMBUS
channels.
The FTR pedestal holds tips in frames. “FTR” stands for Filtered Tip Racks,
but this pedestal holds both filtered and unfiltered tips that are in frames. The
latches on either side of the frame snap into the locks on the FTR pedestal.
Figure 2-18: NTR and FTR Pedestals
For applications such as extraction, where multiple washes of the same

samples are done, there are Tip Isolator pedestals (Figure 2-19). A Tip
Isolator pedestal allows for re-use of tips. These pedestals hold tips in frames.
Beneath the tip frame, the operator places a deepwell plate. The tips sit in the
wells of the empty plate. The wells isolate each tip from its neighbor and also
catch any liquid that may drain from the used tip. At the end of a run, the tips
and the deepwell plate are discarded.

Figure 2-19: 300 uL Tip Isolator
2.5.2 Pedestals for

Plates
The MTP pedestal is intended to hold a single standard height microplate. It
has springs to hold the microplate in place. Plates can be moved to and from
this pedestal with the CO-RE Grippers.
The DWP pedestal holds a single deepwell plate or SBS-format reagent
reservoir. The pedestal has springs to hold the microplate in place. Plates can
be moved to and from this pedestal with the CO-RE Grippers.
The MTP (left) and DWP (right) pedestals are shown in Figure 2-20.
Figure 2-20: MTP and DWP pedestals

For PCR plates, there are two PCR plate adapters available. There is an
adapter for 96-well plates and one for 384-well plates. A PCR plate adapter
does not stand alone as its own pedestal; it sits on top of a DWP pedestal.
The 96- and 384-well PCR adapters are for skirted and unskirted PCR plates
and for PCR strip-wells (Figure 2-21).
Figure 2-21: 96- and 384-well PCR adapters
If the application requires stacks of plates, there is a stacker option. If the

NIMBUS has CO-RE Grippers, then the MTP CO-RE Paddles Stacking
Pedestal (Figure 2-22) can be used. This pedestal holds up to 8 standard
height microplates.
Figure 2-22: MTP Stacking Pedestal

2.5.3 Pedestals for

Tubes
The NIMBUS uses multiple pedestal types (Figure 2-23) to accommodate a
variety of tubes and vials.
The 32-Tube pedestal holds tubes having an outer diameter (OD) of 12-13
mm and heights of 75-100 mm. The 24-Tube pedestal is for tubes with an
OD of 16-17 mm and heights of 75-100 mm. The 6-Tube pedestal holds six
50 mL tubes with an OD of 28-29 mm and heights up to 116 mm.
Figure 2-23: Variety of pedestals for tubes
For 0.5 to 2 ml vials, there is the Small Tube Adapter. This adapter sits on top
of an NTR pedestal. The adapter holds up to 32 vials. See Figure 2-24.
Figure 2-24: 32-position Small Tube Adapter

2.5.4 Pedestals for

Shift-N-Scan
For the NIMBUS configured with the Shift-N-Scan deck, two pedestal types
are available which go into the three bays of the Shift-N-Scan device. One
pedestal type holds 32 smaller barcoded tubes (12-13 mm OD x 75-100 mm
tall). The other pedestal type holds 24 larger barcoded tubes (16-17 mm OD x
75-100 mm tall). The Shift-N-Scan device fitted with a mixture of 24- and
32-tube Shift-N-Scan Tube pedestals is shown in Figure 2-25.
Figure 2-25: Shift-N-Scan tube racks
2.5.5 Pedestal for

Reagents
There are pedestals that hold 5 or 6 50 ml reagent troughs (Figure 2-26).
The 50 ml troughs are made in a clean room environment (ISO 14644-1,
class 8) and are pyrogen-, RNAse- and DNAse-free.
Figure 2-26: The reagent pedestals with tubs

2.6 Disposable CO-RE Tips

Disposable CO-RE tips come in many sizes, with or without filter, in
conductive black or non-conductive clear, stacked and unstacked. All tips
are produced under clean room conditions (ISO 14644-1, class 8) and are
pyrogen-, RNAse- and DNAse-free (Figure 2-27).
The tip type is printed in plain text on the barcode label of the tip rack for visual identification. For
example, “50 ul” for the 50 µl CO-RE tips.
Before running a NIMBUS, verify the right tips are in the correct location. Picking up the wrong tips
could cause poor pipetting result or pipetting liquid into the head (which could damage it).
When transitioning from one tip type* to another, it is important to re-evaluate pipetting performance
and if necessary, adjust liquid class settings to achieve optimal pipetting performance.
* tip types: size (10 µl vs. 50 µl, 300 µl, 1000 µl or 5000 µl); color (black vs. clear); filters (non-filtered
vs. filtered; sterility (sterile vs. non-sterile).
Figure 2-27: Disposable Tips
The 10 µl, 50 µl and 300 µl unfiltered tips are stackable. Larger tips, or tips
that are filtered, are not stackable.
Disposable tips for the NIMBUS are only available through Hamilton
Company.

2.6.1 Nestable Tip

Racks (NTRs)
NTRs (Figure 2-28) allow for many tips to be loaded onto the deck of the
NIMBUS. This provides for longer runs, without the need for an operator to
replenish the tips.
NTRs sit on NTR pedestals.
NTRs require the use of the CO-RE Grippers. After a rack of tips is
consumed, the gripper will pick up the empty rack and put it into a stack of
empty racks or into the waste bin.
NTRs come in a package of 5 stacks of 4 racks each. NTRs in stacks can only
be placed onto the lowered portion of the 9+2 deck.
A stack of NTRs on the main deck will be too tall for the NIMBUS's traverse height and will potentially
cause a crash.
Figure 2-28: NTR and one pack tray

2.6.2 Tips in Frames

Tips in frames require the use of FTR pedestals. Filtered tips - as well as the
1000 µl, 4 ml, and 5 ml tips - come only in this configuration (not in NTRs).
See Figure 2-29.
Figure 2-29: Tips in frames

2.7 Tip Waste

The NIMBUS deck comes with a tip waste station (Figures 2-30 and 2-31).
The waste station sits on the right rear portion of the deck. The station
comes with a waste block, a tip eject plate, a waste bin, and a place for one
or more needles used for maintenance and for teaching positions on the
deck. In addition, the waste block includes positions for the optional liquid
waste tub and for the park position for the optional CO-RE Grippers.
Figure 2-30: Tip Waste Station (1 of 2)
Figure 2-31: Tip Waste Station (2 of 2)
The Waste Block is permanently attached to the deck. It is not intended to be

removed by the operator.

Attached to the waste block is the Tip Eject Plate. This plate is intended to be
removed by the operator for cleaning and during teaching or maintenance
modes. The plate is easily removed; just pull up and away from the waste
block.
Wear gloves when removing the tip eject plate, as it could be contaminated.
Under the tip eject plate are the 1 ml Teaching Needles. On a NIMBUS
configured with 1ml channels, these needles are used for daily maintenance,
calibration, teaching labware positions, and for some service activities.
The 5 ml Teaching Needle is located in a position just in front of the tip eject
plate. On a NIMBUS configured with 5 ml channels, it is used for daily
maintenance, calibration, teaching labware positions, and for some service
activities.
To the right of the waste block is the Waste Bin. The waste bin holds the
ejected tips. This bin is meant to be lined with a waste bag. When the
NIMBUS is idle, the operator can remove the waste bin. The waste bin uses a
frame to hold the waste bag in place.
The waste bin can hold at least 4 racks of 1 ml tips.
To the rear of the tip eject plate is a place for the optional liquid waste tub. If
equipped with the liquid waste system, the tub drains to a carboy that has a
level sensor. The liquid waste system is a good option for extraction
applications.
Finally, the waste block has positions for the optional CO-RE Grippers.
The CO-RE Grippers come with park position brackets. These brackets
attach to the waste block and are adjustable. The brackets have magnets,
as do the CO-RE Gripper paddles. The magnets hold the paddles in place.
Figure 2-32: 5 mL and 1 mL CO-RE Grippers

2.8 Accessories
A variety of accessories and other devices are available for use on the
NIMBUS. This section describes the most common of these. Many of these
items will come with their own documentation describing their installation
and use.
2.8.1 Hamilton Heater

Shaker (HHS)
For applications that require heating and/or shaking of plates, the Hamilton
Heater Shaker (HHS) is available (Figure 2-33). The HHS can heat to 105oC.
The HHS has a circular orbit of either 2 mm or 3 mm.
Multiple HHSs can be used on the Nimbus. If more than two are required, a
special control box is used to power them.
The HHS requires an integration plate, which secures the HHS to the deck.
An HHS, when used with a microplate that is 25 mm or shorter, can sit
anywhere on the deck. If a deepwell plate is to be used, the HHS must sit in
the lowered part of a 9+2 deck.
It is not recommended to locate the HHS immediately next to the waste block, as it is difficult to attach
the integration plate to the deck at those locations.
Figure 2-33: Hamilton Heater Shaker (HHS)

2.8.2 Liquid Waste

System
Some applications generate liquid waste. For these applications, a liquid waste
option is available (Figure 2-34). A portion of the tip waste block can be
configured to hold a tub and drain tubing. Liquid waste can be dispensed to
this tub, which drains to a waste carboy that incorporates a level sensor.
Figure 2-34: Liquid Waste System

Chapter 3
Setting up the NIMBUS
3.1 Site Considerations

The NIMBUS must be located on a stable surface that can accommodate the
weight and dimensions of the instrument without bowing or swaying. Refer to
Chapter 7 “Technical Specifications” on page 7-1.
Protect the NIMBUS from direct sunlight, drafts, excessive vibrations and
widely fluctuating temperatures or humidity. This is especially critical for low
volume (< 10 µl) applications that require highly accurate and precise
pipetting.
For optimum serviceability, it is best to position the NIMBUS in an island
location within the laboratory.
Provide sufficient space for the controlling computer and any ancillary
equipment (e.g., liquid waste tubing and carboy) as well as storage for
documentation, tips, pedestals, and maintenance materials.
Provide power outlets for the NIMBUS and the computer. Please see
Chapter 7 “Technical Specifications” on page 7-1 for the power input
requirements for the NIMBUS.
3.2 Connect Cables
To connect the cables:

1. With the NIMBUS off, plug one end of the AC power cable into the
power entry socket on the NIMBUS instrument (see Figure 3-1). Plug
the other end into a grounded, three prong outlet.
Figure 3-1: Power and Communication
Chapter 3 Setting up the NIMBUS 3-1

2. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port of the
NIMBUS. Connect the other end into the network interface port in
the NIMBUS computer.
3.3 Adjust Left

Side of 9+2 Deck
If you have a 9+2 deck and you wish to adjust the height of the left side
(Figure 3-2), follow these instructions.
Figure 3-2: 9+2 deck with lowered left side deck
Refer to Figure 3-2:

1. Open the door of the NIMBUS.
2. Remove the four button-head screws from the left side deck, using
a 3 mm Allen wrench (see Figure 3-3).
3. Carefully lift the left side deck from the NIMBUS deck assembly,
and put the left side deck aside.
3-2 Chapter 3 Setting up the NIMBUS

Figure 3-3: Left side deck - screw locations
4. There are two level shelf assemblies on the deck assembly (Figure 3-4).
Remove the two socket-head screws from each of the level shelf
assemblies, using an Allen wrench.
Figure 3-4: Left side deck mounting brackets

5. Re-install the two shelf assemblies and four socket-head screws at the
desired height (adjustment locations), using an Allen wrench.
The left side deck can be moved up or down at 12 mm increments. There are 5 possible positions
relative to the main deck: 0, -12, -24, -36, and -48 mm.
6. Carefully replace the left side deck onto the two level shelf assemblies.

7. Install the four button-head screws into the left side deck, using an
Allen wrench (refer to Figure 3-3).
3.4 Install the

Waste Bin
To install the waste bin assembly:

1. Insert the waste bag into the waste bin as shown Figure 3-5.
2. Place the bag retainer over the waste bin and waste bag as shown
Figure 3-6.
Figure 3-5: Waste bin assembly installation (1 of 2)
Figure 3-6: Waste bin assembly installation (2 of 2)

3. Place the waste bin behind the waste station as shown in Figure 3-7.
You may find that the bag fits better if you cut off a portion from the top of the bag before placing it
into the waste bin.
Figure 3-7: Waste bin assembly installed on NIMBUS
3.5 Install NIMBUS

Software
Install the NIMBUS Software from the disk supplied with the instrument.
Before launching the installation, turn off or disable any antivirus software,
and disconnect from the NIMBUS and from any internet connection.
The installation is a multi-part process. Follow the on-screen instructions
during the installation, keeping the defaults. If asked to restart the computer,
please do so.
Where screen shots are provided in this manual, they are taken from revision B of the NIMBUS
Independent Channel software.
Once the software is installed, you will see up to 6 new icons on the computer
desktop:
• Hamilton Method Editor - NIMBUS methods are written and edited in the
Method Editor.
• Hamilton Run Control - Methods are run via the Run Control. The Run
Control also provides a Control Panel for locking and unlocking the
NIMBUS door, among other functions.

• Hamilton CO-RE Liquid Editor - Liquid classes are listed here.

• Calibration - Service technicians use this for calibrations and adjustments.
• DTK (Device Tool Kit) - Service technicians use this for troubleshooting
and advanced service activities.
• Maintenance - User and service maintenance routines are launched from
here.
3.6 Set the Computer's

IP Address
In order to communicate with the NIMBUS, the computer uses an Ethernet
connection. This connection must be configured correctly. Please follow the
following procedure to set up the connection properties on your computer.
To set the computer’s IP address:

1. Click the Windows START button and then select Control Panel
(Figure 3-8).
Figure 3-8: Control Panel selection
2. Click Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center >
“Change adapter settings.”
3. Select “Local Area Connection.” In the resulting Local Area
Connection Properties window, double-click the connection
“Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).” Select “Use the
following IP address” and then type in the IP address
192.168.100.101.

4. Place your curser in the Subnet mask box. You should see
255.255.255.0 automatically appear (Figure 3-9).
5. Click OK to save the properties. Close any opened dialog boxes to
return to the desktop.
Figure 3-9: Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IPv4) Properties window
3.7 Set the NIMBUS

Configuration
Set the NIMBUS configuration options in the software:

1. Open the Hamilton Run Control from the desktop.
2. Select Tools > System Configuration Editor.
3. Select MicroLab Nimbus Independent Channel (NimbusChannel).
See Figure 3-10.

4. Click the Deck Configuration line on the right side of the window.
A browse button (a small box with three dots) will appear. Click the
box. The Deck Configuration window appears (Figure 3-11).
Figure 3-10: System Configuration Editor window
Figure 3-11: Deck Configuration window
5. Select the radio button that matches the deck type of your NIMBUS
(9+2, 3x4, Shift-N-Scan). If you have a 9+2 deck, also select the
recess value from the drop-down list for the left side portion of your
deck (0, -12, -24, -36, -48 mm). Click OK.

The 9+2 NIMBUS deck comes from the factory with the lowered portion of the deck set to the lowest
position (-48 mm).
6. Note the IP address for the NIMBUS. The default is

192.168.100.100. This is a static IP address. This is appropriate if
the computer is not connected to a network.
If the computer is to be connected to both the NIMBUS and a network,
then a dynamic IP address is required. To configure a dynamic
connection, see Appendix A “Getting Technical Assistance” section on
page A-1.
7. Click the line for Channel configuration. Click the resulting browse
button (...). Select the type and number of channels that matches
your instrument has. Click OK. See Figure 3-12.
Figure 3-12: FrmProbeConfig window
8. If you would like to enable Clot Detection with cLLD, then double-
click the “Clot Detection” line.
9. Leave the Labware Gripper option disable.
10. If you would like to enable Tip Type Detection, then double-click
on the “Hardware tip detection” line.
11. If you would like to enable Aspiration Monitoring with cLLD, then
double-click the “Monitor aspirate during cLLD” line.
12. The default for Daily and Weekly Maintenance is such that it is required
in order to operate the NIMBUS.
13. The programmer for the NIMBUS has the option of enabling the
various method programming steps. To do this, click on the “+”
symbol next to “Step Selection.” That opens up the list of options,
each of which can be set to Visible or Hidden.

14. If the TADM feature was installed, set the TADM mode to
Recording (if the method has not yet been defined) or to Monitoring
(if the method and its liquid class guard bands have been set).
15. Save the configuration and exit the Configuration Editor. Exit the
Run Control.
3.8 Turn on the

NIMBUS
To power up the NIMBUS:

1. Toggle the power switch on the right side of the instrument. Refer
to Figure 3-1.

Chapter 4
Operation
4.1 Preparing for a

Run
Turn on the computer. Open the NIMBUS.
To open the door of the enclosed NIMBUS:

1. Grab the handle on the front of the NIMBUS. Use two hands, or
grab the middle of the handle with one hand.
2. Pull the door toward you a short distance.
3. Move the door upward to access the inside of the NIMBUS.
4.2 Setting up the

Deck
Set up the deck according to the programmed protocol. Place pedestals in
their prescribed locations. Place labware, tips, samples, and reagents onto the
pedestals.
For a deck with Shift-N-Scan, place barcoded tubes in Shift-N-Scan racks

such that the labels are facing toward the front of the NIMBUS. Make sure the
tubes are sitting all the way down into the racks.
Make sure there are enough tips to run the protocol. Make sure the tip waste
bin is empty. Make sure the tip eject plate is attached to the waste block.
Do not put anything on the main deck that sits higher than 118 mm above the deck. If using the
lowered portion of a 9+2 deck, avoid putting anything there that is taller than 166 mm.
To place a pedestal on the deck, align the holes on the left and right of the pedestal with the pins on
either side of the deck site.
If the NIMBUS is powered off, you can move the gantry by hand to give you full access to the deck. If
the NIMBUS is on and the door is closed, you can use the Control Panel in the Run Control to “Park”
the Gantry.
Chapter 4 Operation 4-1

4.3 Running a
Method
To run a method:
1. Double-click on the Hamilton Run Control icon on the desktop.
2. From the Run Control window, click File > Open and browse to
find the method you wish to run.
3. Click on View on the menu bar. You can select which windows you
would like to see:
- Method View
- Nimbus Deck View
- Trace View
Once these windows are showing, you can resize and rearrange them how
you like. Figure 4-4 shows one way the windows can be arranged. The
views can also be turned on and off by clicking the appropriate toggle
buttons on the right side of the icon bar.
Figure 4-1shows the Run Control with a method ready to run. This shows the
Trace View (upper left), the Method View (right), and the Deck View (lower
left).
During a run, the deck view will be colorized, illustrating the activities that are taking place. The
method view will highlight the step that is being performed. The trace view will show text that
gives the details of the steps that were performed. The trace view details are also written to a log
file that is stored on the hard drive.
Figure 4-1: Run Control window
4-2 Chapter 4 Operation

4. Methods can be run with simulation mode on or off. The Status box
in the Run Control will indicate if Simulation is on by having the
word “(Simulator)” showing. To toggle Simulator on or off, click
Settings > Simulation Mode.
5. Compare the deck view with what is on the deck of the NIMBUS,
and make sure they match. You can look at a close-up of the deck
view by clicking on it and using the mouse wheel to zoom in. You
can also use the various zoom tools found in the View menu. In
addition, the right edge of the deck view window has various icons
that match different views you can see: front, back, left, right, top.
6. When you are ready to start the method, close the door of the
enclosed NIMBUS. Then click the green Start button at the top of
the Run Control. You can also use the F5 button on the keyboard to
start a method.
Figure 4-2: Run Control buttons
7. To pause a run, either click the blue Pause icon at the top of the Run
Control (Figure 4-2). The NIMBUS will finish the last command it
received and then come to a stop. To resume after a pause, click the
icon again.
8. To abort a run, click the red Abort icon at the top of the Run Control.
A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you are sure you would
like to abort the run. Click OK. The NIMBUS will finish the last
command it received, come to a stop, and the method will be aborted.
An aborted method cannot be restarted from the point it was aborted. An aborted method must restart
at the beginning of the method.
9. After a run, you can click the Control Panel icon at the top of the
Run Control to perform various actions: park the arm, eject the tips,
initialize the NIMBUS, and lock and unlock the door.

Figure 4-3: Run Control Panel
10. To run the method again, click the green Start button.
11. When you are finishing running the NIMBUS, close the Run
Control.
4.4 After a Run
When a run is complete:

1. Remove the empty racks of tips and the processed labware.
2. Remove or replenish reagents. If spills occur, clean them up
immediately. Check under, around, and on affected pedestals. See
“Maintenance” section on page 5-1.
3. Empty the waste bin, if it is full.
4. At the end of the day, perform Daily or Weekly maintenance. Turn
off the NIMBUS and shut down the NIMBUS computer.

4.5 Handling Errors

during a Run
Errors are inevitable in the world of automation. During a run, various
conditions could occur that would cause an error dialog to appear. Many of
these errors are such that the operator can make corrections and continue the
run. Some errors result in method abort. This section describes some of the
possible messages you can see during a run and what can be done about them.
4.5.1 Missing Tips

If the channels go to pick up tips, and the tips at the expected location are
missing, the following error dialog will appear (Figure 4-4).
Figure 4-4: Error: Tip Pickup window
The recovery options are given as buttons at the bottom of the window. Here
are the options:
• Cancel. This will abort the method, unless the method has built-in error
recovery options.
• Abort. This will abort the method.
• Exclude. The channels that detected a missing tip will not be used in the
subsequent pipetting steps.
• Repeat. The channels will try again to pick up tips at that location.
• Next. The channels will move to the next location in the rack and attempt
to pick up tips from there.

To gain access to the deck to replenish tips:

1. Click the “Launch Control Panel” button.
2. Click the “Unlock Door” button (Figure 4-5). The door will be
unlocked, and you can then open the door to access the deck.
3. When finished replenishing the deck, close the door, then click the
“Lock Door” button.
4. Close the Control Panel window. Then click Repeat on the error dialog.
Figure 4-5: Control Panel window

4.5.2 Liquid Not

Found
If the channels go to aspirate liquid with from a container that is empty, and
liquid level detection is turned on, the following error dialog will appear
(Figure 4-6).
Figure 4-6: Error: Aspirate window
The recovery options are given as buttons at the bottom of the window. Here
are the options:
• Cancel. This will abort the method, unless the method has built-in error
recovery options.
• Abort. This will abort the method.
• Bottom. The tips will go to the bottom of the container and aspirate from
there.
• Exclude. The channels that experienced the error will not be used in the
subsequent pipetting steps. This could cause errors in the subsequent
dispense step.
• Repeat. The channels will try again to find the liquid surface.
• Air. The tips will go to the clearance height and aspirate air.

To gain access to the deck to replenish the liquid:

1. Click the “Launch Control Panel” button.
2. Click the “Unlock Door” button. The door will be unlocked, and
you can then open the door to access the deck.
3. When finished refilling the container, close the door, then click the
“Lock Door” button.
4. Close the Control Panel window. Then click Repeat on the error dialog.
4.5.3 Door Not

Locked
If you attempt to Initialize the instrument via Control Panel with the door
unlocked, you will get the error shown in Figure 4-8. Click OK and the
confirmation dialog (Figure 4-9) will appear. Click OK.

Figure 4-8: FourProbe window
To lock the door:

1. Click OK on the error dialog and on the subsequent window. Close
the door of the NIMBUS, and then click the “Lock Door” button.
2. If you have paused the run, unlocked and opened the door, and then
tried to resume the run without closing and locking the door, then
you will get a message similar to Figure 4-10.
Even though multiple options appear to be available, Exclude and Repeat will
most likely not allow you to continue the method. Abort will most likely be
the practical option.
Always have the NIMBUS door closed and locked before starting or resuming a run!

Figure 4-10: Error: Aspirate window
4.5.4 Power Off

If you attempt to run a method or launch Control Panel with the NIMBUS
power off - or with the communication or power cable disconnected - you will
get the following message (Figure 4-11).
Figure 4-11: HxHslRunControl2 window
To recover from this, follow these instructions:

1. Check cables and turn on the power to the NIMBUS.
2. Click OK and try the operation again.

4.5.5 Object Gripped

If a method aborted while labware is gripped, you will need to perform a
controlled release of the labware.
To do this, follow these instructions:

1. Open the Control Panel, click “Unlock Door,” and open the door
(Figure 4-12).
2. Click the “CORE Control” button; the CORE Control window
appears (Figure 4-13).
3. If you can reach the plate and the computer keyboard at the same
time, or if a second person is available, put your gloved hand under
the labware while the “Release Plate” button is clicked. The plate
will be released.

Figure 4-13: CORE Control window
If you cannot reach the plate and the keyboard simultaneously, close the door,
click the “Lock Door” button, and then use the Move buttons to position the
plate onto a pedestal. When the plate is in a safe position to be released, click
the “Release Plate” button.
4. After releasing the plate, click “Park CORE Tool.” The CO-RE
paddles will be returned to their station. Close the dialog.
Clicking “Drop CORE Tool” will release the CO-RE paddles where the channels currently sit.

Chapter 5
Maintenance
Periodic maintenance is required in order to assure safe and reliable operation

of your NIMBUS. Daily and weekly maintenance should be performed by the
operator in order to keep the NIMBUS clean and to verify proper functioning.
Half-yearly preventative maintenance should be performed by a trained
Hamilton service engineer to maintain proper functioning and verify
performance.
5.1 Intervals
Hamilton recommends that you maintain your NIMBUS at the following
intervals:
• Daily - Recommended before NIMBUS shut-down at the end of the day.
• Weekly - Recommended at the end of the week before NIMBUS shut-
down.
• Every 6 months - Recommended preventative maintenance by a trained
service technician. This PM includes replacement of the CO-RE O-rings
and stop disks, system adjustments and calibration, and volume
verification.
If the NIMBUS is run more that about 12,000 tip eject cycles per channel per 6 months, then a more
frequent PM schedule is strongly recommended.
5.2 Materials Required

• Personal protective equipment (gloves, eyewear, lab coat)
• Paper towels
• Lint-free paper towels
• Deionized water
• Microcide SQ. This is a cleaner and broad-spectrum disinfectant for use
on Hamilton instrumentation. It is a colorless, low foaming liquid. The
concentrate comes with a spray bottle.
Dilute the concentrated Microcide SQ with deionized water according to the instructions on the bottle.
Do not use cleaning or disinfecting solutions which contain hypochlorite, such as bleach.
Chapter 5 Maintenance 5-1

5.3 Accessing the

Maintenance Utility
To access the Maintenance Utility:

1. Double-click on the Maintenance desktop shortcut. The Nimbus
Channel Maintenance window appears (Figure 5-1).
Figure 5-1: Nimbus Channel Maintenance window
2. Enter the serial number of the NIMBUS. The serial number is on a

label near the power button on the right side of the instrument.
3. If the System Configuration Editor is such that the maintenance
procedures are set to “Required” or “Warning,” then leave the
Maintenance Type in this window set to “Scheduled.” If the System
Configuration Editor has the maintenance set to “Disabled,” then set
the Maintenance Type to either “Daily” or “Weekly.”
The “Semi-Annual” selection is for the service engineer.
5-2 Chapter 5 Maintenance

4. Click Run Maintenance to launch the selected maintenance protocol. If

“Scheduled” was selected, the required maintenance procedure will be
automatically launched.
Refer to either the “Daily Maintenance” section on page 5-3 or the
“Weekly Maintenance” section on page 5-5.
5.4 Daily Maintenance

Daily maintenance requires the following tasks be performed:
• Inspect the deck and pedestals for cleanliness
• Empty the tip waste and, if equipped, liquid waste
• Have the NIMBUS perform a tightness check
• Have the NIMBUS perform a cLLD check
The following procedure describes these steps in detail. Refer to “Accessing
the Maintenance Utility” on page 5-2 for information for accessing the
Maintenance Utility.
To perform Daily Maintenance:

1. Inspect the deck and pedestals for cleanliness. Wipe up any spills.
Spray Microcide SQ on any dirty deck or pedestal surfaces and wipe
dry with paper towels. When finished, click the checkbox marked
“Inspect deck and carriers for cleanliness.” See Figure 5-2.
Figure 5-2: Daily Maintenance window

2. Move the gantry by hand to the far left of the deck. Remove the tip
waste bin from the NIMBUS deck. Remove the waste bin frame and the
tip waste bag. Dispose of the tip waste bag according to laboratory
procedures. Place a new bag in the bin and secure it with the bin frame.
Put the tip waste bin back in place on the deck of the NIMBUS. Refer
to Figure 3-5 thru Figure 3-7.
3. If the NIMBUS is equipped with the Liquid Waste System, inspect
the liquid waste carboy. Empty it if it is full or nearly full.
4. Click the checkbox marked “Empty Tip Waste / Liquid Waste.”
Doing so indicates you have performed this task.
5. Remove the tip eject plate from the waste bar to reveal the
maintenance needles. Clean the tip eject plate with soap and water
or with Microcide SQ. Dry thoroughly.
6. Close the door of the NIMBUS. Grab the handle, pull the door
toward you a short distance, and then move the door downward
until it is fully closed.
7. Click the checkbox marked “Check tightness of Pipetting Channels”
and click Continue. The instrument will initialize and then perform
an over- and then under-pressure check on each channel.
8. After the pipette channel pressure test has completed successfully,
click the checkbox marked “Check LLD” and click Continue. Each
channel will then perform a cLLD check by touching the corner of
the waste bar.
9. When the cLLD check is completed successfully, a box will appear
indicating the end of the Daily Maintenance (Figure 5-3). Click OK.
Close any open Maintenance window.
10. Open the door of the NIMBUS. Reinstall the cleaned tip eject plate.
Close the door.
Figure 5-3: Confirmation of completed maintenance.

5.5 Weekly Maintenance

Weekly maintenance requires the following tasks be performed:
• Clean the deck and pedestals
• Check the pedestals and devices for damage
• Empty and clean the tip waste and, if equipped, liquid waste
• Clean the pipette heads
• Clean the covers
• Have the NIMBUS perform a tightness check
• Have the NIMBUS perform a cLLD check
The following procedure describes these steps in detail. Refer to “Accessing
the Maintenance Utility” on page 5-2 for information for accessing the
Maintenance Utility.
To perform Weekly Maintenance:

1. Turn off the NIMBUS and open the door.
2. Remove the pedestals from the deck. Spray them with Microcide
SQ and wipe them clean with paper towels. Pedestals must be
completely dry before reuse.
3. Spray the deck with Microcide SQ and wipe it down with paper
towels. Do not spray any devices mounted to the deck.
4. To clean devices, spray Microcide SQ onto a paper towel and then
wipe the device with the towel.
5. When finished, click the checkbox marked “Clean deck and carriers.”
See Figure 5-4.
Figure 5-4: Weekly Maintenance window

6. Inspect the pedestals for damage as you place them back onto the
deck. Replace damaged pedestals.
7. Inspect any on-deck devices for damage. Replace or repair damaged
devices.
8. When finished, click the checkbox marked “Check condition of
carriers and other devices.”
9. Move the gantry by hand to the far left of the deck. Remove the tip
waste bin from the NIMBUS deck. Remove the waste bin frame and
the tip waste bag. Dispose of the tip waste bag according to
laboratory procedures.
10. Spray the waste bin and waste bin frame with Microcide SQ and
wipe with a paper towel.
11. Remove the tip eject plate from the waste bar. Clean the tip eject
plate with soap and water or with Microcide SQ. Dry thoroughly.
12. Spray Microcide SQ onto a paper towel and wipe down the tip
waste block and the area where the tip waste bin sits. Make sure the
waste block is dry.
Do not spray Microcide SQ onto the teaching needles. Do not wipe down the teaching needles. If
the teaching needles are dirty, remove them from the waste block and clean them with soap and
water. Rinse them with deionized water. Dry them thoroughly before returning them to the waste
block.
13. If the NIMBUS is equipped with the Liquid Waste System, inspect
the liquid waste carboy. Empty it if it is nearly full. Spray the
outside of the carboy with Microcide SQ and wipe down with a
paper towel. Wipe down the liquid waste tubing with a paper towel
wetted with Microcide SQ and the liquid waste tub on the waste
block.
14. Place a new bag in the tip waste bin and secure it with the waste bin
frame. Put the tip waste bin back in place on the deck of the
NIMBUS.
15. Click the checkbox marked “Empty and clean Tip Waste / Liquid
Waste.” Doing so indicates you have performed this task.
16. Gently pull each pipette head down from the Gantry to make them
accessible.
17. Spray deionized water onto a lint-free paper towel. See Figure 5-5.
For each channel, wipe down the tip eject sleeve (the black outer
part) of the pipette head with the wetted towel. See Figure 5-6.

Figure 5-5: Spraying deionized water
Figure 5-6: Wiping the tip eject sleeve
18. Then lift up the tip eject sleeve and wipe the o-ring and stop disk. The
stop disk is the very bottom part of the pipette head. See Figure 5-7.

Figure 5-7: Stop disk - Bottom of pipette head
Do not get liquid inside the pipette head (inside the hole of the stop disk).
If it is necessary to move the channels in the Y direction, move them gently by hand by pushing close
to where they are attached to the Y spindle (the long threaded rod upon which the channels travel).
Never force them to move, as this may damage or misalign the channels.
19. When finished, click the checkbox marked “Clean each channel,
stop disk, o-ring, and tip eject sleeve.”
20. Spray the outer covers of the NIMBUS and wipe dry. Wipe the
inner covers and Gantry cover with a paper towel wetted with
Microcide SQ and wipe dry. When finished, click the checkbox
marked “Clean the side covers.”
21. Make sure the tip eject plate is not on the waste block. Close the
door.
22. Click the checkbox marked “Check tightness of Pipetting Channels”
and click Continue. The instrument will initialize and then perform
an over- and then under-pressure check on each channel.
23. After the pipette channel pressure test has completed successfully,
click the checkbox marked “Check LLD” and click Continue. Each
channel will then perform a cLLD check by touching the corner of
the waste bar.

24. When the cLLD check is completed successfully, a box will appear
indicating the end of the Weekly Maintenance (Figure 5-8). Click OK.
Close any open Maintenance window.
25. Open the door of the NIMBUS. Reinstall the cleaned tip eject plate.
Close the door.
Figure 5-8: Confirmation of completed maintenance.
5.6 Decontamination
To decontaminate the NIMBUS, perform the Weekly Maintenance. Use
Microcide SQ instead of water to clean the stop disks, o-rings, and tip
eject sleeves.
After Daily or Weekly Maintenance, ultraviolet germicidal
decontamination can be done (on systems with the UV option).
For systems equipped with the UV Lamp option, use the computer’s
desktop utility to activate the UV decontamination. The door of the
NIMBUS must be closed for the operation.
The utility will ask for the duration for UV decontamination. The UV
lamps will automatically shut off after the specified time (maximum of
one hour). During the decontamination, the Gantry will automatically
move form one side of the deck to the other, repeatedly. This is to
maximize the UV exposure to the surfaces inside the NIMBUS.
Decontamination by UV can only be done where the surface is directly
exposed to the UV light. Dirty surface, shadowed surfaces, or
unexposed surfaces are not decontaminated by UV exposure.

5.7 Replacing UV Lamp
To replace a UV lamp:
1. Make sure lamp is cold and NIMBUS is powered off.
2. Open the NIMBUS door. Move the Gantry by hand to access the
lamp to be changed.
3. The lamp is secured by two sockets (UV Spring Socket and UV
Light Socket, see Figure 5-9). Push the lamp toward the spring
socket. This will free the other end away from its socket. Then pull
the lamp from the spring socket.
4. Dispose of the used lamp according to the local regulations.
5. Install the new lamp by putting one end into the spring socket and
then connect the other end into the fixed socket.
6. Verify the functioning of the new lamp. It is the responsibility of
your laboratory to verify the functioning of the UV system for your
particular needs.
Figure 5-9: UV Lamp location

Chapter 6
Parts and Accessories
6.1 Disposable Tips

Table 6-1: Unfiltered Tips for 1 mL Channels
Part Number Description
235900 10 L Tips without filters in frames, black conductive, case of

5760 tips
235949 10 L Tips without filters in NTRS, black conductive, case of
11520 tips
235971 10 L Tips without filters in NTRS, clear non-conductive, case
of 11520 tips

5760 tips
11520 tips
235964 50 L Tips without filters in NTRS, clear non-conductive case
of 11520 tips

5760 tips
11520 tips
235965 300 L Tips without filters in NTRS, clear non-conductive,
case of 11520 tips
235904 1000 L Tips without filters in frames, black conductive, case

of 3840 tips
Table 6-2: Filtered Tips for 1 mL Channels
235901 10 L Tips with filters in frames, black conductive, case of

5760 tips
5760 tips

5760 tips
3840 tips
Chapter 6 Parts and Accessories 6-1

Table 6-3: Tips for 5 ML Channels

720 tips
184021 4 L Tips with filters in frames, black conductive, case of 720
tips
6.2 Pedestals
Table 6-4: Pedestals
61050-01 NTR pedestal, for nestable tip racks (NTRS) and for the small
tube adapter
61054-01 FTR pedestal, for tips in frames
65422-01 1 ml Tip isolator, for reusable tips in frames
64668-01 300 L Tip isolator, for reusable tips in frames
61051-01 MTP pedestal, for standard height microplates
61053-01 DWP pedestal, for deepwell plates and reservoirs, and for
PCR plate adapters
59402-01 96-Well PCR plate adapter (requires a DWP pedestal)
59402-01 384-Well PCR plate adapter (requires a DWP pedestal)
61055-01 MTP CO-RE gripper stacking pedestal, for stacking plates

accessed by the CO-RE Grippers
64943-01 32-Tube pedestal, for 12-13 mm OD X 75-100 mm tubes
64944-01 24-Tube pedestal, for 16-17 mm OD X 75-100 mm tubes
64945-01 24-Tube pedestal, for 15 ML Falcon-type tubes
64946-01 8-Tube pedestal, for 50 ML Falcon-type tubes
63985-01 SMALL Tube adapter, for 32 0.5-2 mL vials (requires NTR

pedestal)
62290-01 32-Tube pedestal for Shift-N-Scan
62300-01 24-Tube pedestal for ShifT-N-Scan
61052-01 5x50 ml reagent pedestal, for 5 50 ml troughs
65540-01 6x50 mL reagent pedestal, for 6 50 mL troughs
6-2 Chapter 6 Parts and Accessories

6.3 Tip Waste
Table 6-5: Tip Waste
199202 Tip waste bags, clear, quantity 25
199203 Tip waste bags, biohazard, quantity 25
6.4 CO-RE Grippers
Table 6-6: CO-RE Grippers
62987-01 1 ML CO-RE Grippers
62987-02 5 ML CO-RE Grippers
6.5 Teaching Needles
Table 6-7: Teaching Needles
182176 1 ML Teaching needle
184184 5 ML Teaching needle
6.6 Hamilton Heater

Shaker (HHS)
Table 6-8: Hamilton Heater Shaker (HHS)
Part Number
199033 HHS, 2 mm Orbit, MTP, for plates with flat bottom.
199034 HHS, 3 mm Orbit, MTP, for plates with flat bottom.
199038 HHS, 2 mm Orbit, DWP NUNC 96 2 ml, for 2 ml well volume

deepwell plates with u-bottom.
199039 HHS, 3 mm Orbit, DWP NUNC 96 2 ml, for 2 ml well volume

deepwell plates with u-bottom.
188318 HHS, 2 mm Orbit, custom adapter, customized for a particular
plate
188319 HHS, 3 mm Orbit, custom adapter, customized for a particular

plate
59336-01 Integration kit, required to affix hhs to the nimbus deck
190755 HHS Control box, for controlling more than 2 HHSS
Chapter 6 Parts and Accessories 6-3

6.7 Accessories
Table 6-9: Accessories
59090-01 USB-to-serial port adapter
63222-01 NIMBUS control computer
6.8 Consumables
Table 6-10: Consumables
56694-01 50 ml Reagent troughs, box of 28
6473-01 HAMILTON 2.2 mL deepwell plates, polypropylene, for use

with tip isolators, 25/case
6.9 Maintenance Fluids
Table 6-11: Maintenance Fluids
3995-01 Microcide SQ Kit, consisting of an 8 oz. bottle of Microcide

SQ plus an empty spray bottle
3896-01 Microcide SQ, 8 oz. bottle
3896-02 Microcide SQ, 32 oz. bottle
6.10 Software and Manuals
Table 6-12: Software and Manuals
59087-01 NIMBUS IC Software Disk
65518-01 NIMBUS Programmer's Manual
65522-01 NIMBUS TADM Manual
6-4 Chapter 6 Parts and Accessories

Chapter 7
Technical Specifications
7.1 Basic Instrument

NIMBUS
Table 7-1: Enclosed NIMBUS specifications
Parameter Specification
Input Power (Primary)

Universal Supply: 100 - 240 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 5A
Output Power (Secondary)
Power: +42 VDC +5%
Wattage: 600 Watts maximum
Power supply UL/CSA/CE approved universal power supply
with IEC connection
Physical Dimensions
Length: 41 in. (104 cm)
Width: 26.5 in. (67 cm)
High (door closed): 31.5 in. max (80 cm)
Weight: 223 lbs (101 kg)
Liquid level detection

Independent Channels: Capacitive liquid level detection (cLLD)
Pressure liquid level detection (pLLD)
Throughput
4 x 1 mL: 540s to fill one 96-well microplate with 100 L
sample, with new tips for each
sample.
120s to aliquot reagent to a 96-well

microplate (< 90 L per well).
Deck capacity 8 - 12 SBS positions
Communication type Ethernet
Operating
Temperature: 15o to 35oC (59o to 95oF)
Relative Humidity: 10% to 90% R.H. non-condensing
Storage
Temperature: -20oC to 70oC @ 90% humidity non-
condensing
CSA Certification
Installation category: II
Pollution degree: 2
Chapter 7 Technical Specifications 7-1

Table 7-1: Enclosed NIMBUS specifications (Continued)
Note: Indoor Operation and Use Only Per Section 3.6.6.2 “pollution degree 2” is
defined as “normally only non-conductive pollution occurs (addition of foreign
matter, solid, liquid, or gaseous (ionized gasses), that may produce a reduction of
dielectric strength or surface resistivity).” Occasionally, however a temporary
conductivity cause by condensation must be expected.
Indoor Operation and Use Only

The pipetting specifications for the MICROLAB® NIMBUS using disposable
tips are given in Table 7-2.
Table 7-2: Pipetting Specifications for Disposable Tips and 1 mL Channels
Pipetting Disposable Tip Size Volume Trueness Precision

Specifications for |R| (%) CV(%)
Disposable Tips
1000 L Maximum pipetting 10 L 1L 5.0 5.0

Independent volume: 1000 L 10 L 5 L 2.5 2.0
Channels 10 L 10 L 1.5 1.5
50 L 1 L 5.0 5.0
50 L 5 L 2.5 2.0
50 L 50 L 2.0 1.0
300 L 10 L 5.0 2.0
300 L 50 L 2.0 1.0
300 L 300 L 1.0 1.0
1000 L 10 L 7.5 3.5
1000 L 100 L 2.0 1.0
1000 L 1000 L 1.0 1.0
For pipetting of less than 10 L HAMILTON recommends 10 L/50 L

volume disposable tips to achieve highest pipetting precision.
Table 7-3: Pipetting Specifications for Disposable Tips and 5 mL Channels
Pipetting Disposable Tip Size Volume Trueness Precision

Specifications for |R| (%) CV(%)
Disposable Tips
5 ML Independent 5 mL 50L 5.0 2.5

Channels 5 mL 500 L 2.0 1.5
5 mL 1000 L 1.5 1.0
5 mL 5000 L 1.0 0.5
The design specifications mentioned above are valid under the following
7-2 Chapter 7 Technical Specifications

conditions, obtained for measurements at HAMILTON:

• Test method: Gravimetric testing at Hamilton. The scatter of the test
method must be less than 1/6 of the specified precision (for one channel).
• Trueness/Precision The values given refer to use of 4 pipetting channels.
• Test size: > 10 single pipettings per channel with disposable CO-RE tips
(pick-up and dispense, tip used only once) per channel and specified
volume
• Test mode: Volumes > 20 µl as jet dispense, < 20 µl as (liquid) surface
dispense
• Acceptance criteria: Measured values are within specifications if less than
the values appearing in the tables above.
• Balance: Mettler Toledo mx5
• Test temperature: 20oC + 2oC

• Relative humidity: 50% + 5%
• Test fluid deionized water with 0.1% NaCl, 0.01% Tween
• Test liquid temperature within + 0.5oC of room temperature
No warranty can be given that the above specifications for trueness and precision are met with any
other liquid or environment than the ones specified.
7.2 Shift-N-Scan
7.2.1 Supported
Symbologies
The following bar code symbologies can be detected by the Shift-N-Scan
system:
• ISBT standard
• Code 128 (subset B and C)
• Code 39
• Codabar
• Code 2 of 5 Interleaved
• UPC A/E
• JAN/EAN 8
7.2.2 Reading
Accuracy

The rate of inaccurate reading of sample and container bar codes is less than 1
ppm.
The above-mentioned specification is valid under the following conditions:
• Bar code symbology module: ISBT standard
• Code density: 0.0065 in (0.1651 mm)
• Print contrast (PCS): > 80% ( = 650 nm)
• Bar code reading with error detected is defined as an accurate reading.
7.2.3 Barcode
Specifications
Table 7-4: Barcode Specifications
Length of string Maximum 32 characters excluding start, stop and check

characters, depending on the code length (see label dimensions).
Code Density, Minimum module width (X dimension) including a print tolerance:

Tolerance > 0.0065 in (0.1651 mm)
Maximum module width (X dimension) including a print tolerance:
< 0.02 in (0.508 mm)
Best reading performance with X dimension > 0.01 in (0.254 mm)
Check character Codabar None
Code 39 None
Code 128 One character
Quiet Zone > 10 times the X dimension, but at least 3 mm

Print contrast Minimum contrast between bars and spaces (PCS): > 80% (at
632.8 nm)
Print quality The barcode print must be of a high quality. Offset, typographic,
intaglio and flexographic printing are suitable.
Mechanical dot matrix and thermo matrix printing are not suitable.
The surface may be treated, sealed or plastic-coated.

7.2.4 Positioning
Sample Barcodes
The label (Figure G-1) must be glued within a range of between 20 mm to 100
mm from the bottom of the tube.
The label must fit tightly at an angle of approximately 90° to the tube.
Figure G-1: Sample Barcodes

7.3 CO-RE Gripper
Table 7-5: Gripper Specifications
Plate format microtiter footprint

plate height < 43 mm
Absolute positioning accuracy X, Y, Z = 0.5 mm

reproducibility X, Y, Z = 0.25 mm
Gripping force 5 N – 16 N (default 9 N): Independent Channel

Gripper Landscape
Transport mass Maximum 300g filled deep-well plate
Operating Data Temperature range 15°C – 35°C

Relative humidity 30% – 85% (not condensation,
indoors)
Altitude 0-2000 m (6,561.7 ft) above
sea level
7.4 UV Lamp
The Supplied Uv lamps provide 50 W/cm2 of ultraviolet intensity at 254 nm.

Appendix A
Getting Technical Assistance
If you require additional assistance with your NIMBUS, please contact your
authorized Hamilton Company distributor or the Hamilton Company directly.
Please have the following information available when requesting technical
assistance:
• NIMBUS model number
• NIMBUS serial number
• NIMBUS configuration
• Description of the problem
• Your contact information
If possible, please also supply the following additional information:
• What was happening at the time of the error
• What you have tried so far to solve the problem
• Version of software (see “Finding the Software Version” section
on page A-2)
• Screen shots of any errors (see “How to Get a Screen Shot”
section on page A-2)
• Photos that could more readily illustrate the problem
• Trace files, log files (found in the” Hamilton Company / Logfiles”
directory)
• A copy of the method (see the NIMBUS IVD Programmer’s Manual,
65518-01, Rev. A.)
Please see below for contact information.
A.1 Technical Support in

the Americas and Pacific
Rim
Hamilton Company
4970 Energy Way, Reno, Nevada 89502, USA
Toll Free (USA and Canada), General: 800-648-5950
Toll Free (USA and Canada), Service Hotline: 800-527-5269
Telephone: + 1- 775-858-3000
Fax: +1-775-856-7259
E-Mail: tech@hamiltoncompany.com
Appendix A Getting Technical Assistance A-1

A.2 Technical Support in

Europe, Asia, and Africa
Hamilton Bonaduz AG
CH-7402, P.O. Box 26, Bonaduz, Switzerland
Telephone: + 41 81 660 60 60
Fax: +41 81 660 60 70
E-Mail: itechsupport@hamiltoncompany.com
A.3 Finding the

Software Version
To determine which software version you have:

1. From Windows START, click All Programs > Hamilton > Version
Info (Figure A-1).
Figure A-1: Version Information window
A.4 How to Get a

Screen Shot
If an error appears on the screen, follow these instructions to make a screen

shot:
1. Click on the window or error dialog you wish to copy.
2. On the keyboard, click Alt+PrtScrn. This will copy a picture of the
window. (To make a screen shot of the visible desktop -not just the
selected window - use Ctrl+PrtScrn.)
3. Open Microsoft Word or WordPad. Right-click into the document
and select Paste.
4. Save the document.
A-2 Appendix A Getting Technical Assistance

Appendix B
Deck Accessibility
The NIMBUS is a compact pipetting workstation. To maximize the

efficiency of a protocol, be aware of the deck access limitations of the
channels. All channels can reach all positions of the middle and rear rows
of pedestals. As for the front row of pedestals, only the front channel can
reach all positions. Figures B-1 and B-2 show the forward-most positions
of the other channel(s).
When planning a deck layout, it is generally recommended to put tips in
the rear two rows of pedestals, and samples and reagents in the front. In
hit-picking applications, the labware with the hits to be picked should be
placed in the rear rows.
When using CO-RE Grippers, it is generally recommended to use
channels 3 and 4 (the front-most channels of a 4-probe 1ml system) for
full deck accessibility.
The four dots shown in Figure B-1at each corner of the deck represent the
extremes of travel for the four 1 ML channels. For example, the three rear-
most channels cannot access the front row of individual tips in a rack or wells
in a 96-well plate in the front row of pedestals.
The two dots shown in Figure B-2 at each corner of the deck represent the
extremes of travel for the two 5 ML channels. For example, the rear 5ml
channel cannot access the front three rows of wells in a 96-well plate in the
front row of pedestals.
Appendix B Deck Accessibility B-

-‘ n빼1κ빼n:삐
Figure B-1: Deck accessibility for the 1 ML channels
8-2 Appendix B – Deck Accessibility

-----------
Figure 2: Deck accessibility for the 5ML channels
Appendix B – Deck Accessibility 8-3

Appendix C
Regulatory
C.1 Regulatory
Affairs
CE, CSA and UL conformity are maintained for the NIMBUS.
C.1.1 Radio Interference

(USA and Canada)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
class B digital device, pursuant to both Part 15 of the FCC Rules and the
radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the present user manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Pursuant to the Canadian Radio Interference Regulations, ICES-001 Notice

for Industrial, Scientific and Medical Radio Frequency Generators, this ISM
apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Regulations. Please note that this requirement is only for
generators which operate at over 10,000 Hz.
C.1.2 In Vitro
Diagnostics
The MICROLAB® NIMBUS is an In Vitro Diagnostic Device and therefore
regulated by the Directive 98/79/EC of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 1998-10-27 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices.
C.1.3 Declaration of
Conformity
The declaration of conformity is part of the delivery of the NIMBUS
instrument.
It verifies that the instrument meets all required Directive standards.
Appendix C Regulatory C-1

Appendix D
Warranty
D.1 Hamilton Company

instrument warranty
Hamilton Company warrants this product to be free of defects in material and
workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of delivery. This
warranty is extended to the buyer of record on the original purchase order to
Hamilton Company.
Hamilton Company or an authorized Hamilton representative will repair or
replace, at its option and free of charge to the buyer at a normal place of
business or at a Hamilton repair facility, any part or parts that, under proper
and normal use, prove to be defective during the warranty period.* Abuse,
unauthorized replacement of parts, modifications, or adjustments made by
anyone other than Hamilton Company or an assigned representative voids this
warranty.
This warranty gives you specific rights. No other warranties, expressed or
otherwise, including implications of warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular product, are made.
This warranty does not apply if:
a) the product has not been operated in accordance with the user manual
b) the product is not regularly and correctly maintained
c) the product is not maintained, repaired, or modified by a Hamilton
authorized representative or user
d) parts other than original Hamilton parts are used
e) the product and parts thereof have been altered without written
authorization from Hamilton
f) the product is not returned properly packaged and secured Hamilton
Company’s liability on the sale of all products shall be limited to repair,
replacement, or refund of price of any defective product.**
Hamilton Company endeavors to provide prompt and satisfactory service.
* Hamilton Company reserves the right to refuse to accept the return of any
instrument or valve that has been used with radioactive, microbiological, or any other
material or substance that may be deemed hazardous to employees of Hamilton
Company.
Appendix D Warranty D-1

Glossary
Table GL-1: Glossary
Term Definition
ADC Anti Droplet Control to prevent drops while pipetting highly volatile solvents.
Air displacement tip Hamilton CO-RE disposable tip.
Aliquot Aliquots are identical small volumes of liquid.
Aspirate To draw up liquid into a pipetting device.
Barcode Mask The barcode mask defines the basic structure of a barcode. It is a pattern to which a
barcode must conform. The assignment of a specific Labware item can be done in
this manner. The barcode mask can require a barcode to contain specific strings at
fixed positions. It can also contain wildcards.
Barcode Reader Device for reading sample/plate Barcodes.
Container A container defines a tube, vessel or a single well of a plate.
Container identification Barcode for the identification of a container. Serves for a unique identification of a
vessel, e.g. a sample test tube.
CO-RE Compression INduced O-Ring Expansion
Deck The work surface (work area) of the NIMBUS. The area where the pipetting channels
perform liquid handling or transport steps.
Deck Layout A collection of labware placed upon a deck.
Dispense To distribute quantities of liquid from a pipetting device.
Enclosure Protective covering for the NIMBUS Instrument, featuring a hinged front door made of
transparent polycarbonate. With this assembly, the work surface of the NIMBUS is
covered in such a way that it is shielded from user intervention and other outside
influences (such as dust). At the same time, it protects the user from the movements
of the NIMBUS.
Firmware Lower Level program code that is carried out on the processors of the NIMBUS
Instrument.
Hardware Error Type of error that is caused by a technical problem with the hardware.
HSL Hamilton Standard Language
HHS Hamilton Heater Shaker. Unit to heat of shake microplates in SBS format.
HSB Heater Shaker Box. Interface unit which is needed if more than two HHS are being
used.
Instrument Hardware of the NIMBUS (mechanics, electronics, and firmware).

Instrument steps The commands made available by the firmware for controlling the NIMBUS.
Labware Refers to movable items to be placed on the NIMBUS deck, such as pedestals,
containers, or racks.
Glossary GL-1
Term Definition
LIMS Higher level data processing system, generally known as Laboratory Information
Management System, also LMS.
Liquid Includes all kinds of liquids, including reagents, controls, standards, and samples.
LLD (Liquid Level Detection of liquid surface which may be achieved either by pressure or capacitive
Detection) signal detection.
MAD (Monitored Air Aspiration monitoring feature. During the aspiration process, the pressure within the
Displacement) pipetting channel is measured in real time.
Method The method contains all instruction that must be executed during a run.
NIMBUS Software Software to run the NIMBUS.
MTP (Microtiter plate) In general, a microtiter plate is assumed to have 96 wells (8 x 12) 9 mm apart.
There are also plates with 384 wells (16 x 24 / 4.5 mm), or others with a
different size.
Pause Interruption of processing. The current processing steps are completed.
Pedestal A block that sits on the deck of the NIMBUS and which holds plates, tips, reagents,
etc.
Pipetting Transfer of liquids from one container to another.
Pipetting arm Assembly equipped with the pipetting device and/or plate handler.
Pipetting channel Hardware that performs the functions of picking up a tip, aspirating, dispensing,
tip eject, liquid level detection and the Y/Z-movements.
Pooling Pipetting of different liquids in to one well.
Processing Step Defines what must be carried out on the NIMBUS instrument, as well as the location it
must be carried out and possible interaction with other system components or
labware. The action is defined in accordance with the methods, the loading and the
tasks.
Rack Group of containers, as DWP, MTP, etc.
Run Execution of the processing steps defined in the method with the aim of processing
one or more liquids and containers (e.g. MTP). The run is a series of timed
commands, in order to carry out processing on the NIMBUS according to the
processing plan.
Run abort Cancelled run by the user or by the NIMBUS.
Run visualization Visualization of the current run, reporting the status of the NIMBUS.
Sample Refers to a liquid in a unique identified container which is to be processed.
Shift-N-Scan A device on the NIMBUS for reading barcodes on tubes.
Stacker Storage unit for racks.
Side Touch Pipetting on the wall of a container of its center to prevent droplets.
TADM Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring. The pressure inside each individual
pipetting channel is monitored, during aspiration and dispensing.
Tip Disposable tip for pipetting.
GL-2 Glossary
Term Definition
Tip rack Frame that holds the tips.
Tip waste Container for ejected tips.

Touch-off Type of dispensing where the tip approaches the bottom of the empty container so
close as to allow the dispensed droplet to have simultaneous contact with the tip and
the container bottom.
Trace Record of the status during processing.
Tube A container for liquid, usually having a circular cross-section and a cylindrical length
section.
User User of the software. Access rights for different types of users can be defined, such as
operators, laboratory manager, etc.
Waste Bin A device on the NIMBUS deck to collect used disposable tips.
Well The individual container of a MTP or DWP.
Well type Geometrical shape of the well, such as U, V or flat.
Work area The area of the NIMBUS to which access is provided during the processing. Elements
to be pipetted or handled can be placed in this area.
Worklist Information according to which a method is to be executed on the NIMBUS. A worklist

may contain different parameters e.g. Pipetting volume, heating temperature, shaking
speed, etc.
Glossary GL-3
Index
A
About this manual 1-1
Accessing the Maintenance Utility 5-2
Accessories 2-25, 6-4
Hamilton Heater Shaker (HHS) 2-25
Liquid Waste System 2-26
Addendum
Hamilton Company instrument warranty D-1
Adjust Left Side of 9+2 Deck 3-2
After a Run 4-4
Air Displacement Pipetting 2-1
Anti-Droplet Control (ADC) 2-5
Aspiration Monitoring with cLLD 2-5
Axes and Dimensions 2-9
B
Barcode Specifications 7-4
Basic Instrument NIMBUS 7-1
C
Capacitive Clot Detection 2-5
Channels 2-10
Computer Requirements 1-7
Configuration Options 2-10
Channels 2-10
CO-RE Grippers 2-13
Decks 2-10
Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp 2-13
Connect Cables 3-1
Consumables 6-4
CO-RE Gripper 7-6
CO-RE Grippers 2-13, 6-3
D
Deck Accessibility B-1
Decks 2-10
Decontamination 5-9
Description of the NIMBUS 2-1
Disposable CO-RE Tips 2-20
Nestable Tip Racks (NTRs) 2-21
Tips in Frames 2-22
Disposable Tip Attachment with the CO-RE Technology 2-2
Disposable Tips 6-1
Door Not Locked 4-8
F
Features of the Base Instrument 2-7
Finding the Software Version A-2
IN-1
G
General Information 1-1
About this manual 1-1
Getting Technical Assistance
Finding the Software Version A-2
How to Get a Screen Shot A-2
Technical Support in Europe, Asia, and Africa A-2
Technical Support in the Americas and Pacific Rim A-1
Glossary GL-1
Gripped 4-11
H
Hamilton Company instrument warranty D-1
Hamilton Heater Shaker (HHS) 2-25, 6-3
Handling Errors during a Run 4-5
Door Not Locked 4-8
Liquid Not Found 4-7
Missing Tips 4-5
Object Gripped 4-11
Power Off 4-10
How to Get a Screen Shot A-2
I
Important symbol 1-1
Install NIMBUS Software 3-5
Install the Waste Bin 3-4
Intervals 5-1
L
Liquid Level Detection (LLD) 2-3
Liquid Not Found 4-7
Liquid Waste System 2-26
M
Maintenance 5-1
Maintenance Fluids 6-4
Materials Required 5-1
Missing Tips 4-5
Monitored Air Displacement (MAD) 2-4
N
Nestable Tip Racks (NTRs) 2-21
Note symbol 1-1
O
Operation 4-1
P
Parts and Accessories 6-1
Accessories 6-4
Consumables 6-4
CO-RE Grippers 6-3
Disposable Tips 6-1
Hamilton Heater Shaker (HHS) 6-3
Maintenance Fluids 6-4
Pedestals 6-2
IN-2
Software and Manuals 6-4

Teaching Needles 6-3
Tip Waste 6-3
Pedestal for Reagents 2-19
Pedestals 2-15, 6-2
Pedestal for Reagents 2-19
Pedestals for Plates 2-16
Pedestals for Shift-N-Scan 2-19
Pedestals for Tips 2-15
Pedestals for Tubes 2-18
Pedestals for Plates 2-16
Pedestals for Shift-N-Scan 2-19
Pedestals for Tips 2-15
Pipetting Features of the NIMBUS 2-1
Air Displacement Pipetting 2-1
Anti-Droplet Control (ADC) 2-5
Aspiration Monitoring with cLLD 2-5
Capacitive Clot Detection 2-5
Disposable Tip Attachment with the CO-RE Technology 2-2
Liquid Level Detection (LLD) 2-3
Monitored Air Displacement (MAD) 2-4
Tip Size Recognition 2-3
Tip-On Recognition 2-3
Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM) 2-6
Positioning Sample Barcodes 7-5
Power Off 4-10
Preparing for a Run 4-1
Procedure symbol 1-2
R
Reading Accuracy 7-3
Replacing UV Lamp 5-10
Running a Method 4-2
S
Safety Symbols 1-1
Set the Computer's IP Address 3-6
Set the NIMBUS Configuration 3-7
Setting up the Deck 4-1
Setting up the NIMBUS 3-1
Shift-N-Scan 7-3
Barcode Specifications 7-4
Positioning Sample Barcodes 7-5
Reading Accuracy 7-3
Supported Symbologies 7-3
Software and Manuals 6-4
Supported Symbologies 7-3
Symbols
Important 1-1
Note 1-1
Procedure 1-2
Warning 1-1
IN-3
T
Teaching Needles 6-3
Technical Support in Europe, Asia, and Africa A-2
Technical Support in the Americas and Pacific Rim A-1
Tip Size Recognition 2-3
Tip Waste 2-23, 6-3
Tip-On Recognition 2-3
Tips in Frames 2-22
Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM) 2-6
Turn on the NIMBUS 3-10
U
Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp 2-13
UV Lamp 7-6
W
Warning symbol 1-1
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) 1-6
IN-4

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• MICROLAB® is a registered trademark of Hamilton Company.

Chapter 1 — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Chapter 2 — Description of the NIMBUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Chapter 3 — Setting up the NIMBUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Chapter 4 — Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Chapter 5 — Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

Chapter 6 — Parts and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Appendix A — Getting Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Appendix B — Deck Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Appendix C — Regulatory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Appendix D — Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

Hamilton’s MICROLAB® NIMBUS IVD (also referred to in this manual as

1.1 About this manual

Chapter 1 General Information 1-1

The “Procedure” symbol is followed by a set of installation or operational steps.

1.2 Additional NIMBUS

1.3 Intended Use of the

1.4 Safety Precautions

1-2 Chapter 1 General Information

1.4.1.2 Operating the

Chapter 1 General Information 1-3

1.4.1.5 Work Routine

1-4 Chapter 1 General Information

Do not use disinfecting materials which contain hypochlorite or bleaching

Any manipulation of NIMBUS data files or other information determining or

Only the NIMBUS Software may be used to control the NIMBUS.

For reasons of data security and integrity, use of an Uninterruptible Power

To avoid computer breakdowns, configure a hard disk of sufficient space in

Chapter 1 General Information 1-5

1.4.4 Electrical Safety

In order to assure error-free operation of the NIMBUS, pay special attention

1.6 Waste Electrical and

The instrument MUST be decontaminated before it is returned to Hamilton Company. To

1-6 Chapter 1 General Information

1.7 Computer Requirements

Chapter 1 General Information 1-7

2.1 Pipetting Features

2.1.1 Air Displacement

Figure 2-1: Air Displacement Pipetting Principle

Chapter 2 Description of the NIMBUS 2-1

2.1.2 Disposable Tip

Figure 2-3: The components of the CO-RE system.

2-2 Chapter 2 Description of the NIMBUS

2.1.4 Tip Size

2.1.5 Liquid Level

Chapter 2 Description of the NIMBUS 2-3

2.1.6 Monitored Air

Figure 2-4: Monitored Air Displacement

Figure 2-5: Aspiration monitoring based on pressure

2-4 Chapter 2 Description of the NIMBUS

2.1.7 Capacitive Clot

Figure 2-6: Capacitive Clot Detection

Chapter 2 Description of the NIMBUS 2-5

2.1.10 Total Aspiration and

Figure 2-7: Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring

2-6 Chapter 2 Description of the NIMBUS

2.2 Features of the Base

Figure 2-8: The NIMBUS IVD

Table 2-1: Blue Front Indicator Lights

Instrument Status Indicator Lights

Instrument in error state Blinking

Gantry in motion Sweeping pattern in direction of travel