USER'S MANUAL

200320 - C – en - 2009/09 — P/N 4501 - 1905

bioMérieux S.A. 69280 Marcy l'Etoile / France

RCS Lyon 673 620 399
Tel. 33 (0)4 78 87 20 00 - Fax 33 (0)4 78 87 20 90
http://www.biomerieux.com
4501-1618 B en

Warning
This manual is periodically updated. The updates shall be included in the new releases of
the Software.
Information supplied in this manual may be subject to modifications before the products
described become available.
This manual may contain information or references relating to certain bioMérieux S.A.
products, software or services which are not available in the country of release; this shall not
mean that bioMérieux S.A. intends to market such products, software or services in such
country
To request copies of publications or for any technical request, contact bioMérieux S.A. or
your local distributor.

IMPORTANT! Use of the instrument and manual implies acceptance of the clauses below and the
clauses set out in the regulatory booklet. Users are invited to refer to these clauses.

Trademarks
bioMérieux and the blue logo are used, pending and/or registered trademarks belonging to
bioMérieux S.A. or one of its subsidiaries.
Any other name or trademark is the property of its respective owner.

© 1998-2009 bioMérieux S.A.

Photos: bioMérieux / Printed in France / bioMérieux S.A. RCS Lyon 673 620 399
 Revisions

The list of revisions below summarizes replacements or additional pages in your User’s
Manual.

Date of
Version Modifications Pages modified
printing

A – Rev1 1998 Creation All

B – Rev2 2002/08 Modification All

C 2009/09 Modification of legal and regulatory information and All

layout
 Table of contents

1 How to use this manual

Warnings................................................................................................................................................................... 1-1

2 General
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
Limitations, Warnings and Cautions.......................................................................................................................... 2-1
Limitations.......................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
Control LEDs .............................................................................................................................................. 2-1
Incubator Slot Preheating ........................................................................................................................... 2-1
Module Shake Speed ................................................................................................................................. 2-1
Warnings and Cautions...................................................................................................................................... 2-1
General ....................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
Temperature ............................................................................................................................................... 2-2
Shaking....................................................................................................................................................... 2-2
Operation .................................................................................................................................................... 2-3
Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................... 2-3
Technical Specifications............................................................................................................................................ 2-3
General Specifications ....................................................................................................................................... 2-3
Incubator specifications ..................................................................................................................................... 2-4
Shaker Specifications ........................................................................................................................................ 2-4
Description ................................................................................................................................................................ 2-5
Front View.......................................................................................................................................................... 2-5
Rear View .......................................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Keyboard and display ........................................................................................................................................ 2-7
Thermal Microplate Holder................................................................................................................................. 2-8

3 Installation
Unpacking procedure ................................................................................................................................................ 3-1
Environmental requirements ..................................................................................................................................... 3-1
Voltage Selector........................................................................................................................................................ 3-1
Power cable ....................................................................................................................................................... 3-2
Setup ................................................................................................................................................................. 3-2

4 Operating the Incubator Shaker 50x

Principle of operation ................................................................................................................................................ 4-1
Programming protocols ............................................................................................................................................. 4-1
Slot Status – Control LEDs ....................................................................................................................................... 4-2
Normal operation ...................................................................................................................................................... 4-3
Preheating and Heating ............................................................................................................................................ 4-4
Shaking ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4-5
Verifying Processing Protocol Parameters................................................................................................................ 4-5
Summary of color codes ........................................................................................................................................... 4-6

Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual I-1

5 Maintenance
Cleaning Procedures................................................................................................................................................. 5-1
Cleaning the Instrument Surface........................................................................................................................ 5-1
Cleaning the Thermal Microplate Holder............................................................................................................ 5-1
Decontamination of equipement at the end of life cycle ............................................................................................ 5-2
Replacing Fuses ....................................................................................................................................................... 5-2

6 Device interfaces

Note: Screenshots, figures, and messages are given for information purposes only.

I-2 Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual

1 How to use this manual

This manual provides the appropriate instructions to install, operate and maintain the
Incubator Shaker 50x.

Warnings

Different types of warnings are used throughout the manual:

− for safety reasons (DANGER!),
− to ensure that the instruments are maintained in good working condition (CAUTION!),
− for regulatory reasons (WARNING!) or,
− for optimum performance of operations, procedures, etc.(IMPORTANT!).
It is important that the operator reads this manual and the "General safety and regulatory
information" booklet before using the equipment.

The manufacturer does not assume any responsibility for user modifications. Such
modifications might change the EMC-behavior of the instrument.
Any modification of this instrument by the user and any use of the instrument outside the
description in the User Manual ends the warranty given by the manufacturer. Any repair or
modification to this instrument by another person than an bioMérieux representative ends the
warranty given by the manufacturer.

Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual 1-1

2 General

Introduction

The Incubator Shaker 50x is a compact, modular instrument designed for incubation and
shaking of plates used in microplate-based assays. The Incubator Shaker 50x may consist
of one to three modules, each module having a capacity for 3 microplates at a time.
The Incubator Shaker 50x provides a wide incubation temperature range, from room
temperature up to 40°C, as well as programmable shaking speed and time settings. It
operates as a stand-alone instrument.
Thermal microplate holders are heated electrically via connectors in the plate carrier. An
upper heater within the top of the module prevents condensation from forming within the
microplate holder. Orbital shaking occurs within a module at selectable speed settings. All slot
positions within a module are shaken simultaneously.

Limitations, Warnings and Cautions

Limitations

Control LEDs
The orange control LED (Light Emitting Diode) flashes when a slot is heating up to the
programmed target temperature. Refer to section Slot Status – Control LEDs for information.
The LED turns to a continuous orange color when the slot reaches the target temperature.
However, the continuous orange LED may falsely indicate that a slot is at the target
temperature under the following conditions:
− If the microplate holder is removed and then reinserted into the slot during the initial
preheating of the slot.
− If the programmed target temperature is lower than the actual temperature of the slot.
Incubator Slot Preheating
Heating of the incubator slots does not occur automatically when the instrument is powered
on. The operator must turn the temperature function on (Preheating) after the instrument has
been powered on.
Module Shake Speed
All slots within a module will shake at the same speed. The slots within a module shake at the
speed that is programmed into the most recently started processing protocol. Refer to section
Warnings and Cautions.

Warnings and Cautions

General

V i e wi n g P r o g r a m m e d P r o c e s s i n g P a r a m e t e r s

Programmed processing parameters can only be viewed while in the programming mode.
Care should be taken during review of parameters to ensure that unintentional changes are
not made to the programmed values.

Splashing From Overfilled Wells

Splashing may occur if shaking is used with wells that have too much liquid for a given speed.
To avoid splashing and potential cross-contamination from well to well, DO NOT overfill wells
for a given shaking speed setting.

Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual 2-1

General
Limitations, Warnings and Cautions

Splashing, Aerosols and Evaporation

To minimize the possibility of splashing, aerosols and evaporation during shaking and
incubation, it is recommended that you use microplate sealers.

Spills

All spills of liquids should be wiped up immediately from all surfaces of the instrument to
prevent leakage into the electronics and mechanics of the instrument. The surfaces should be
cleaned and decontaminated if necessary.

Incubation Time

DO NOT remove the microplate holder until the incubation time has elapsed. If the microplate
holder is removed from the slot before the incubation time has elapsed, the incubation timer
does not stop and continues to count down causing tracking of actual incubation time to be
lost.

D O N O T R e a c h I n t o S l o t W h e n P o we r I s T u r n e d O n

To prevent electrical shock, DO NOT reach into a slot and/or touch the power contacts at the
rear of the slot when the power is turned on to the instrument. If access to the slot is required
(e.g. cleaning), turn power off to the instrument and unplug the power cable.

High Temperatures

The microplate holders are designed to stop heating if temperatures reach 53°C ±10°C in the
unlikely event that temperature control to a microplate holder is lost or enters a runaway
condition. Microplate holders at this temperature will be hot when touched. To help prevent
loss of temperature control, ensure that the power contacts on the back of the microplate
holder are clean and free from dirt or corrosion and that the microplate holder is correctly
inserted into the slot before starting the processing protocol.
Temperature

Changing Programmed Temperature Setting

When changing the programmed temperature setting, make sure that the slot temperature is
at the new target setting before starting the processing protocol. The instrument does not
prevent the processing protocol from starting if the slot is not at the target temperature. Actual
slot temperatures can be viewed on the instrument display. Refer to Preheating and Heating
in section Operating the Incubator Shaker 50x.

Slot Warmup Time

Allow the slots to reach the programmed target temperature before starting any processing
protocol. The slot has reached target temperature when the orange LED has stopped flashing
and stays a continuous orange color.

Slot Temperature

Ensure that the temperature of the slot is within the acceptable range appropriate for the
application to be carried out before starting the processing protocol. The actual slot
temperature can be viewed on the instrument display.
Shaking

Module Shake Speed Set By the Most Recently Started Processing Protocol

The slots within a module shake at the speed that is programmed into the most recently
started processing protocol. Incorrect shaking speed may result if the operator starts a
protocol within the same module that has a shaking speed different than the other slots
already in use. To minimize the likelihood of this occurring, it is recommended that all
processing protocols within a module be programmed with the same shaking speed.

Interval Times

Interval time is a programmable parameter that allows a user to specify a period of time
during which shaking is alternately switched off and on (e.g. an interval time of 00:00:10

2-2 Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual

 General
Technical Specifications

results in 10 seconds of shaking turned on, 10 seconds of shaking turned off, 10 seconds of
shaking turned on, etc.) for the duration of the programmed shaking time.
Operation

Ensure Microplate Holder is Latched into its Normal Operating Position

Ensure that the microplate holder is correctly inserted into the slot before starting the
processing protocol. When inserting a microplate holder into a slot, push the microplate
holder completely in and down to latch it into its normal operating position. If the microplate
holder is not latched into position, it may lose contact with the temperature controlling
connectors at the rear of the slot.

I n s t r u m e n t R e s e t D u e t o P o we r L o s s

If power to the instrument is lost, the instrument will reset to the READY mode when power is
restored. All shaking and incubation functions, including timing, will be turned off. No LEDs
will be lit and the current time of day will be shown on the display.
Maintenance

T u r n P o we r O f f a n d U n p l u g I n s t r u m e n t D u r i n g M a i n t e n a n c e P r o c e d u r e s

To prevent electrical shock, turn the power off to the instrument and unplug the power cable
during maintenance procedures.

Dirty Microplate Holder Contacts

Ensure that the power contacts on the back of the microplate holder are clean and free from
dirt or corrosion. Dirty contacts may affect temperature control of the microplate holder in the
slot.

Corrosive Materials

DO NOT use corrosive materials during maintenance procedures. Refer to section

Maintenance later in this manual for information on maintenance procedures.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

PARAMETERS
Weight
Overall dimensions
Mains power supply
Power consumption
Fuses
Operating conditions
(indoor use)
Transportation conditions
Storage conditions
Altitude
Installation category
(overvoltage category):
Pollution degree:
CHARACTERISTICS
1-module instrument 15 kg
400 mm (W) x 450 mm (D) x 220mm (H)
100 – 120 Vac, 60 Hz, nominal (operating range 90 to 136 V)
200 − 240 Vac, 50 Hz, nominal (operating range 188 to 256 V)
380 VA max.
2 x T3.15 A/250 V, 5x20 mm
IEC 127-3 / III
+15°C to +40°C,
RH 90% max.
-40°C to +70°C,
packed in transport packaging
-25°C to +50°C,
packed in transport packaging
Up to 2.000 m
II
2

Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual 2-3

General
Technical Specifications

Incubator specifications

Performance of the incubator with flat-bottomed microplates with nominal voltages:

PARAMETERS CHARACTERISTICS
Programmable +14°C to +40°C
temperature range
Controlled incubation Ambient plus 3°C to +40.0°C
range
Resolution 0.1°C
Incubation time Up to 48 hours in steps of 1 second
Slot warmup time ≤ 20 minutes to reach a 37°C ± 1.0°C target temperature in the empty plate carrier
when starting from ambient temperature (approximately 24°C)
Inaccuracy ± 0.3°C (calculated as the mean of the minimum and maximum well temperatures of
wells A1, A12, H1, H12 and E7, after 1 hour at 37°C, with an ambient temperature of
24°C, with 200 µL water/well, without a plate sealer, and without shaking)
Uniformity ≤ 0.3°C (calculated as the difference between the maximum and minimum well
temperatures of wells A1, A12, H1, H12 and E7, after 1 hour at 37°C, with an ambient
temperature of 24°C, with 200 µL water/well, without a plate sealer, and without
shaking)
Evaporation ≤ 300 mg/plate after 1 hour (at 37°C, without plate sealer)

Shaker Specifications

PARAMETERS CHARACTERISTICS
Frequency 400 to 1400 revolutions per minute (rpm) in steps of 250 rpm

Speed settings:
0 = 0 rpm 3 = 900 rpm
1 = 400 rpm 4 = 1150 rpm
2 = 650 rpm 5 = 1400 rpm
Tolerance ± 50 rpm
Amplitude 1 mm (radius 0.5 mm)
Shaking time Up to 48 hours in steps of 1 second
Interval time Up to 48 hours in steps of 1 second

2-4 Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual

 General
Description

Description

F r o n t V i ew

1. Incubation slot
2. Incubation module with three slots
3. Control LED (Light Emitting Diode)
4. Display
5. Keyboard
6. Power input socket
7. Power switch
8. Voltage selector and fuses

Figure 2-1: Front View

Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual 2-5

General
Description

R e a r V i ew

1. DIP switches (not used)

2. Device link RS-485 (not used)
3. Computer RS-232C/Device link RS-485 (not used)
4. Air inlet
5. Air outlet

Figure 2-2: Rear View

2-6 Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual

 General
Description

Keyboard and display

1. LCD display
2. Keyboard keys

Figure 2-3: Keyboard and display

The alphanumeric LCD display has two lines with up to 20 characters per line.

The functions of the keyboard keys are listed below:

Keys Functions
stop Stops the ongoing operation.
temp Sets the incubation temperature ON or OFF. Used for
starting preincubation (preheating) of the thermal microplate
holders to the temperature set in processing protocol
parameters.
shake Starts shaking with speed and time set in processing protocol
parameters.
start Starts operation defined by processing protocol parameters.
C Clears an incorrectly keyed numeric value.
Enters a keyed value or continues the program.

Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual 2-7

General
Description

Thermal Microplate Holder

1. Thermal and sensor contacts

2. Handle
3. Detachable cover with heating element
4. Bottom with heating element
5. Adjustment screws

Figure 2-4: Thermal microplate holder

The thermal microplate holder is designed for holding the microplate during the incubation
process, ensuring accurate temperature control.

IMPORTANT ! Adjust the screws (5) with a screwdriver so that the microplate is held firmly in place
during shaking.

• Place the microplate into the thermal microplate holder so that well A1 is located in the
upper left corner as shown in Figure 2-4.

CAUTION! Care should be taken not to spill the contents of a microplate when loading it into the
holder and when inserting the holder into the slot. Carefully insert the plate into the
holder and close the cover. The covers of the microplate holders are not spring-loaded,
but care should be taken not to trap your fingers when closing the cover of the holder.
Avoid bumping the microplate holder while inserting it into the slot.

DO NOT handle the thermal microplate holder from its cover since it will come off.

Note: When inserting a thermal microplate holder into a slot, push the microplate holder completely
in and down to latch it into its normal operating position. If the microplate holder is not latched
into position, it may lose contact with the temperature controlling connectors at the rear of the
slot.

2-8 Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual

3 Installation

Unpacking procedure

• Unpack the Incubator Shaker 50x carefully and check for any damage that may have
occurred during transportation

CAUTION! If you observe any damage on the packaging or equipement, contact your bioMérieux
representative before installing the instrument.

If any parts are damaged or missing, contact your bioMérieux representative.

• Retain the original packaging for future transportation.

• Refer to the packing instructions enclosed in the transport package.

• To lift the instrument, put your fingers under the bottom on both sides and lift it with your
back straight.

Environmental requirements

• Locate the Incubator Shaker 50x to avoid exposure to excess dust, vibrations, strong
magnetic fields, direct sunlight, draft, excessive moisture or large temperature
fluctuations.
• Install the Incubator Shaker 50x on a sturdy, level surface.
• Leave sufficient clearance (10 cm) behind and at the right side of the instrument for
adequate air circulation.

Voltage Selector

The voltage selector/fuse block assembly is located on the left-hand side of the instrument
(see (8), Figure 2-1).
1. Fuse holder
2. Voltage selector
3. Fuses

Figure 3-1: Voltage selector

Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual 3-1

Installation
Voltage Selector

• Check that the selected voltage corresponds to the local voltage.

WARNING! Disconnect the power supply before changing the fuse or voltage selector and before
removing any access panel.
For protection against fire hazard, replace only with the same type and rating of fuse.
Not operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

To change the selected voltage,

• remove the power cable from the power inlet.
Use a small flat screwdriver to pry the voltage selector/fuse block assembly away from
the power entry port housing and remove.
• Then remove the voltage selector module (see (2), Figure 3-1), rotate it 180° and
replace.
• Make sure that the correct voltage value is visible on the end of the voltage selector/fuse
block assembly.
• Slide the assembly back into the power entry port housing.

• Snap the assembly securely into place.

• Reinsert the power cable.

P ow e r c a b l e

• Connect the mains supply cable to the mains power socket. If a suitable mains supply
cable is not provided, contact your local bioMérieux representative.
Use only cables approved by the local authorities.
• Connect the instrument to a correctly installed line power outlet, which has a protective
conductor that is grounded.

CAUTION! Never operate your instrument from a power outlet that has no ground connection.

Setup

• Power on the instrument.

The firmware version is shown on the display.
• To select the setup menu in the READY state press C.
• Then you can either select 1 for clock or 2 for baud rates. Press ENTER.
• To set the clock time, program the new time and press ENTER (24-hour clock).

3-2 Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual

4 Operating the Incubator Shaker 50x

Principle of operation

POWER ON

READY

Press Place Number (1,2,.....9) SHAKE TEMP

PLACE NO. PLACE NO.

To change Turn Turn
To start operation parameters heating on heating off
START
START ↵ (Enter)
START STOP
SHAKING ON
PROTOCOL STARTS Set Parameters
HEATING ON HEATING OFF
READY

READY READY

Figure 4-1: Principle of operation

Programming protocols

Operation Display

1. Switch the power on.

READY 09:25:15
Note: If the power is already on, shaking and heating must be
turned off in the slot (or the plate holder removed from
the slot) to be able to program a protocol.

2. To program the incubation and shaking parameters,

• Press the appropriate slot number (1 − 9).
PLACE 1
For example, TEMPERATURE 37.0°C
Press 1 ENTER

3. If you want to program the same parameters to all slots:

• Press 0 ENTER
PLACES 1-9
TEMPERATURE 37.0°C

4. Program the new temperature value by dialing the number

keys or press ENTER to accept the existing one. TEMPERATURE 30.0°C
For example,
Press 30 ENTER
INC TIME 00:00:00
Note If you do not want to program any other parameters,
press STOP to return to the READY state. Your changes
will be saved.

Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual 4-1

Operating the Incubator Shaker 50x
Slot Status – Control LEDs

Operation Display

5. Program the incubation time by dialing the number keys:

first hours; then minutes, and lastly seconds.
For example, for an incubation time of 1 hour 30 minutes: INC TIME 01:30:00
Press 01 30 00 ENTER SHAKE TIME 00:00:00
Note: If you want to interrupt the programming, press STOP to
return to the READY state. Your changes will be saved.

6. Program the shaking time by dialing the number keys:

first seconds; then hours, and lastly minutes. SHAKE TIME 00:00:20
For example, for a shaking time of 20 seconds:
Press 20 00 00 ENTER
INT TIME 00:00:00
Note: If you want to interrupt programming, press STOP to
return to the READY state. Your changes will be saved.

7. Program the interval shaking time by dialing the number keys:

first minutes; then seconds, and lastly hours.
SHAKE TIME 00:00:20
For example, for an interval shaking time of zero: INT TIME 00:00:00
Press 00 00 00 ENTER

SHAKE SPEED 0 rpm

VALUE 0 1 2 3 4 5
8. Program the shaking speed by pressing the appropriate
number key corresponding to the required speed.
For example, for a speed of 900 rpm:
Press 3 ENTER SHAKE SPEED 900
850 rpm
VALUE 0 1 2 3 4 5

If no shaking is desired,
• select the value 0.
In this incubation module, shaking is disabled in every PLACE 2
slot. PROHIBITED OPERATION
Note: If you try to start a slot with a protocol with shaking, an
error message will appear on the display:

READY 09:25:15
9. On the display the READY state will appear after the
programming phase.

Slot Status – Control LEDs

Each slot of the Incubator Shaker 50x has a control LED that displays the status of the slot.
The LED will change to a specific color based on the status of the slot.
The colors of the LED are defined below.

COLOR CODE EXPLANATION

Flashing orange The heating has been turned on but the set temperature has not yet been reached.
Orange The slot has reached the set temperature and is ready for operation.
Red The slot is in use (shaking and/or incubating).
Green The processing protocol is complete and the heating of the slot is still on.

4-2 Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual

 Operating the Incubator Shaker 50x
Normal operation

Normal operation

Operation Display

1. To start the protocol, PLACE 1

• Press the number of the appropriate slot.
For example, to start slot 1:
Press 1 START

2. The protocol will start and the LED will light up with a red READY 09:25:15
color.

The READY state appears.

3. During operation, the remaining incubation time can be

checked by pressing the slot number.
For example, PLACE 1
• Press 1 TIME LEFT 00:23:15
If the remaining time is 23 minutes and 15 seconds, the
display will show:
• Press C to return to the READY state.
4. Within a module, if a slot has a protocol in progress with a
shaking speed of 0, another protocol with shaking will not start
and the display will show:
CAUTION! The slots within a module shake at the speed that PLACE 2
is programmed into the most recently started
processing protocol. PROHIBITED OPERATION
For example, if there is a protocol in progress
with speed 5 and the adjoining slot is started with
speed 3, all slots within the module will shake at
speed 3.

5. Within a module, a second protocol with a programmed PLACE 3

temperature different from the protocol already in progress will PROHIBITED OPERATION
not start and the display will show:

6. When the protocol is completed, the LED will light up with a

green color and a beeping sound will be heard.
The heating stays on.
7. Before taking the thermal microplate holder out of the slot, the
actual time of day when the incubation stopped can be
checked.
• Press slot number (1 − 9).
PLACE 1
For example, INC STOP 09:20:31
• Press 1
• Press C to return to the READY state.
If the thermal microplate holder is taken out of the slot,
the time indicating the stop of the incubation can no
longer be checked.

8. If a slot number and STOP are pressed before the processing

protocol time elapses, the protocol stops, incubation stays on READY 09:25:15
and the LED will light up with a green color and a beeping
sound will be heard.
The READY state appears.

Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual 4-3

Operating the Incubator Shaker 50x
Preheating and Heating

Preheating and Heating

Operation Display

1. To display the temperature in a particular slot or to start the

preheating of the thermal microplate holders: PLACE NUMBER
• Press TEMP followed by the slot number
• Press TEMP.

PLACE 1 SET 30.0°C

2. Press the slot number (1 – 9).
HEAT OFF TRUE 25.7°C
For example,
• Press 1
PLACE 1 SET 30.0°C
3. The actual (TRUE) slot temperature and heating status HEAT ON TRUE 37.0°C
(HEAT OFF or HEAT ON) are displayed.

If the thermal microplate holder is not installed or inserted

correctly, the display will show: PLACE 1 SET 30.0°C
HEAT ON TRUE ##.#°C

4. Heating:
• Press START to turn the heating on.
• Press STOP to turn the heating off.·
• Press a number key or ENTER to move to another slot.
Before the temperature has reached the set value, the
LED flashes with an orange color. After the temperature
has reached the set value, the orange LED lights up
continuously.
• Press TEMP 0 to display the heating status of all slots.

PLACES 1-9
5. If the heating is ON in every slot, the display will show: HEAT ON

PLACES 1-9
6. If the heating is OFF in every slot, the display will show: HEAT OFF

7. If some slots are ON and some are OFF, the display will
PLACES 1-9
show: HEAT ON/OFF

8. At this point,
• press START to turn the heating ON in all slots READY 09:25:15
or
• press STOP to turn the heating OFF in all slots.
• Press C to return to the READY state.

4-4 Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual

 Operating the Incubator Shaker 50x
Shaking

Shaking

Operation Display

1. Shaking without heating can be activated as a separate PLACE NUMBER

function by pressing the SHAKE key:
• Press SHAKE

2. Press the slot number (1 – 9).

For example,
• press 1
PLACE 1
• To start shaking, press START. 750 rpm 01:30:00
The shaking time and speed are the same as the parameters set 400 rpm
in the programming phase.
After pressing SHAKE, the slot numbers can be selected by
pressing number keys or by scrolling with the ENTER key.

3. Within a module, if a slot has a protocol in progress with a PLACE 2

shaking speed of 0, another protocol with a nonzero shaking PROHIBITED OPERATION
speed will not start and the display will show:

READY 09:25:15
4. After the shaking protocol has finished, the control LED turns
to green and a beeping sound is heard.

5. To stop shaking before the shaking time has elapsed:

• Press the slot number and the STOP key. READY 09:25:15
The protocol stops, the LED turns to green and a beeping
sound is heard.
• Press C to return to the READY state if no shaking is to
be started.

Verifying Processing Protocol Parameters

The parameters programmed for each slot can be displayed. To display the programmed
parameters, press the appropriate slot number and then press ENTER. Continue to press
ENTER to display the programmed parameters for temperature, incubation time, shake time,
interval time and shake speed.

CAUTION! Programmed processing parameters can only be viewed while in the programming
mode. Care should be taken during review of parameters to ensure that unintentional
changes are not made to the programmed values.

Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual 4-5

Operating the Incubator Shaker 50x
Summary of color codes

Summary of color codes

COLOR CODE EXPLANATION

Flashing orange After turning the heating on the LED flashes with orange showing that the temperature
has not yet reached the set value.
Orange The slot has reached the set temperature and is ready for operation.
Red Operation (incubation and/or shaking) is on.
Green Operation (incubation and/or shaking) is over. The heating of the slot is still on.

4-6 Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual

5 Maintenance

For reliable daily operation, keep the instrument free of dust and spills from liquids. It is also
advised to cover the instrument with the dust cover when not in use.
In the event of any damage, contact your local bioMérieux representative for service.

Cleaning Procedures

DANGER! PRIOR TO CLEANING, DISCONNECT THE Incubator Shaker 50x FROM THE MAIN
POWER SUPPLY TO AVOID ANY RISK OF FIRE AND EXPLOSION.

THE CLEANING PROCEDURE SHOULD BE PERFORMED IN A WELL-VENTILATED

ROOM BY AUTHORIZED TRAINED PERSONNEL WEARING APPROPRIATE
INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT.

WARNING! The cleaning procedures and the disinfectants should comply with the local applicable
regulations.

Cleaning the Instrument Surface

In the event of spills of infectious agents on the surfaces of the instrument, the following
disinfectant procedure should be performed:
• Switch the power off and unplug the instrument.

• Use disposable gloves.

• Absorb the spill with disposable towels.
• Dampen a disposable towel with 2% glutaraldehyde containing disinfectant solution and
clean the surfaces of the instrument.
• Place the disposable towels into a biohazard container.

Cleaning the Thermal Microplate Holder

In the event of spills of infectious agents on the surfaces of the thermal microplate holder, the
following disinfectant procedure should be performed:
• Use disposable gloves.
• Absorb the spill with disposable towels.

• Dampen a disposable towel with 2% glutaraldehyde containing disinfectant solution and

clean the surfaces of the thermal microplate holder.
• Place the disposable towels into a biohazard container.

If the above mentioned cleaning procedure is insufficient because of the extensiveness of the
spill of infectious agent, the following disinfectant procedure should be performed:
• Place the thermal microplate holder into a container containing disinfectant solution with
2% glutaraldehyde for 30 minutes (or according to the directions provided by the
manufacturer of the disinfectant solution).
• Rinse the thermal microplate holder with water.
Periodically inspect the connectors on the microplate holders for dirt or corrosion. If dirty or
corroded, wipe the connectors with a soft cloth slightly dampened with water.

Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual 5-1

Maintenance
Decontamination of equipement at the end of life cycle

Decontamination of equipement at the end of life cycle

Refer to the instructions for use in the "General safety and regulatory information" booklet and
follow the instructions described in the section "Cleaning Procedures" on page 5-1 of this
manual.

Replacing Fuses

WARNING! Disconnect the power supply before changing the fuse or voltage selector and before
removing any access panel.
For protection against fire hazard, replace only with the same type and rating of fuse.
Not operator serviceable parts inside. -Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

The fuses are located on the left side of the instrument (see (8), Figure 2-1).
• Switch the instrument off.

• Unplug the instrument and disconnect the power cable from the power input socket.
• Loosen the fuse holder (see (1), Figure 5-1).

• Replace the blown fuses with the same type (3.15 A).

• Place the fuse holder into the slot and push it in until a click is heard.
• Connect the power cable to the instrument and switch it on.

1. Fuse holder
2. Voltage selector
3. Fuses

Figure 5-1: Voltage selector

5-2 Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual

6 Device interfaces

The Incubator Shaker 50x is provided with two interfaces:

1. Serial RS-232C interface for computer
2. Serial RS-485 interface for other device link

Incubator Shaker 50x User’s manual 6-1