Beckman Coulter, Inc.
 
 
T3 Update Home
 
Current Issue
 
Subscribe
 
Comments
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 

Biomek® Software: 3.2 Updates
Printer Friendly

Lisa Fan, Calvin Fujimoto, Beckman Coulter, Inc.

This document describes updates that have been made to the Biomek software and hardware since the release of version of 2.5. The upgrade includes trade-in of the existing PC Workstation for the new XP Workstation. The new 3.2 Biomek FX Software will come already installed on the PC for fast setup. This new software provides enhanced performance to the FX.

These features are NEW in 3.2 software versions:

  1. Use of the Span-8 with the new P1000 1 mL pipette tips 
  2. Micro stepping for the Cavro* Pumps for better control of Span-8 
  3. Speed for Biomek FX now has a resolution for 0-1000 µL/sec instead of 1-100% speed 
  4. Support for the Plate Sensor on the Multichannel Pod 
  5. Supports NEW Span-8 Active Wash ALP, Drainable Refillable Reservoir, and Waste Source Sensor 
  6. Supports easy Worklisting databases 
  7. Microsoft Windows XP Operating System 
  8. 21 CFR Part 11 enabling 
  9. Better collision avoidance 
  10. Easy Sample Tracking 
  11. Aspirate and Dispense speeds are in µL/sec (versus 0 to 100%). 

To obtain additional information on new features of version 3.2 FX software: First start with the pdf from the migration guide that is on eLabNotebook:

This is a brief summary of some of the changes that have been made:

Biomek 3.1 Additions 

  • Micro Stepping for the Cavro Pumps, for better control of the Cavro Pumps. 
  • Speed for Biomek FX now has a resolution for 0-1000 instead of 0-100, for better control of the D Axis
  • Support for a Plate Sensor on the Multichannel Pod – New M/C Pods in the near future will start shipping with this installed. There are no plans to update older pods. 
  • Three new ALPs (Automated Labware Positioners) 
    • Span-8 Active Wash ALP 
    • Drainable Refillable Reservoir 
    • Waste Source Sensor 
  • Framing Tool Offset values stored on the Accuframe, which means you can now move the Accuframe between units with Biomek 3.1 software without redoing the Framing Offset Values on the new instrument. 

Biomek Software Version 3.2 on Biomek FX and Biomek NX 
Software Part number 719349

Biomek Software version 3.2 has been released to manufacturing and should start showing up with new installs very soon.

The major enhancements with Biomek Software version 3.2 are AP P1000 tip support and support for Assay Workstation EX.

To be able to use P1000 tips on the Span-8 pod on the FX or NX, the customer must purchase a replacement part for there current Span-8 Trash ALP. The top piece of the ALP has been changed to function with the longer P1000 tips. The part number for the piece is A20304, Trash Extension Kit. New Span-8 Trash ALP kits will include this replacement part. The Half Trash for the Biomek NX Span is already modified for use with the P1000 tips.

Note: If you upgrade an existing Biomek FX or NX with the standard Span-8 Trash ALP, you must purchase the Trash Extension Kit. All of the Span Trash definitions in the Biomek Software are set for the new style tip with the cutout for the P1000 tips. If you do not do this the Span pod will crash into the current trash alp.

Part Numbers:

Part No. Description
A20304 Trash Extension Kit
987935 AP P1000 LLS Tips
987925 AP P1000 LLS Barrier Tips

This version of Biomek Software CD has a different startup file and also includes several SILAS™ modules.

 Major Programs: 

  • Biomek Software 3.2 
  • Beckman Accounts and Permissions 2.0.10 
  • SILAS 4.0.7 

SILAS Modules: 

  • Barcode Reader Module (new step and look) 
  • Circulating Reservoir Tip Box ALP 
  • Storage Position ALP (FX only) 

Other files: 

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 
  • Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 
  • Microsoft SQL Server sp3 
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 sp3 
  • Microsoft Windows XP sp1 
  • Adobe Acrobat 5.0.5 

The starting screen now has an option for the second window "View Supplement Installs." Use this to install the SILAS modules on the CD, but you must first install Biomek 3.2.

From the Supplemental screen, install any of the SILAS modules by clicking on the green light. Be sure to open and close Biomek 3.2 before installing any SILAS Modules.

After clicking on the green light to install Biomek 3.2, a new program will appear. This program checks that all required files for Biomek 3.2 are installed and up to date.

In the above example, the Beckman Accounts and Permissions and SILAS need to be installed. This can be done by clicking on the install button on the right side of the screen. SQL will be checked but not installed from the Biomek Software 3.2 Installation CD. This screen must be all green before you can proceed and install Biomek Software 3.2.

For Research Use Only; not for use in diagnostic procedures.

For comments or questions about T3 Update, please contact David Daniels, Ph.D., editor.

 
 
Home | Products | Customer Support | Resource Center
Employment | Our Company | Contact Us | Site Map
 Privacy |  ©1998 - 2008 Beckman Coulter, Inc.