Pipettor X-Axis Motor Encoder Replacement

Use discretion to determine whether an X-axis Motor or X-Axis Motor Encoder should be replaced.
The encoder is a simpler and less expensive repair than replacing the X-axis motor.

If servicing a System for a Pipettor X-axis Motor failure, order both an X-axis motor AND an X-Axis Motor Encoder for the failed motor.
Remove the encoder cap and inspect as per this procedure.
If the encoder wheel is visibly damaged, replace the Encoder.

Additionally, to reduce the corrosion affects, a Encoder cap should be installed on all motors to protect the encoders from corrosion.

Parts and Materials Required

• Pipettor X-Axis Motor Encoder Cap (Bag of 12)
• Pipettor X-Axis Motor Encoder
• Pipettor X-Axis Motor
• Pipettor, Sample, X-Axis Encoder Cable (only required if existing cable on System is damaged)
• PH0 screwdriver

Procedure

1. Safely shut down the PC and Power off the System.
2. Remove the rear Panther (and Fusion, if servicing a Fusion) canopy to access the X-motors.
   
3. Remove the 4 hardware screws that hold the side Plexiglas.
   Carefully remove the Plexiglas and set aside.
4. Carefully inspect the encoder cable’s wire sockets.
   Confirm they are firmly attached to the connector.

   Note— If the Encoder Cable is damaged, replace the Encoder Cable. The same Encoder Cable is used for ALL Pipettor motors

   

5. (Optional Step) Remove the X-Axis Motor cable harness.
   The harness would need to be removed ONLY if it is difficult to install the Encoder Cap.

   

6. Disconnect the encoder cable from the X- Axis motor.

   Caution— DO NOT pull out by wires! Loose wire/connections here will cause intermittent encoder related errors.

7. Snap-off encoder housing. (pull directly along motor axis).

   

8. Removing the housing, exposes encoder disk.

   

9. Using a 5-10mm wide flathead screwdriver, pry the Encoder disk off.

   

10. Inspect the Encoder Disk
    1. If inspection of the Encoder disk shows signs of damage, wear or corrosion, proceed to the next step and replace the encoder.
    2. If inspection of the Encoder disk shows NO signs of damage, wear or corrosion, proceed to replace the entire X-Motor.
11. Inspect baseplate. Ensure the 6 prongs have not been damaged.
    If needed, replace baseplate with that provided with the new Encoder.

    

12. Align new Encoder with baseplate. The assembly is keyed to prevent incorrect installation.

    

13. Snap into place.

    !!! IMPORTANT !!! Depress the (triangular) push-button atop the encoder to index the encoder disk inside the housing.

    

14. Verify the push-button easily depresses.

    

15. Install the Encoder Cap, by pressing on the cap so that the cap covers the encoder cable and motor power cables.
    During installation be careful not to put excessive strain on the cables.

    

16. Ensure that the cap is fully seated onto the X-Axis Motor and fully covering encoder.
    Below are examples of incorrect & correct installation of the encoder cap.

    

17. If the X-Axis Motor cable harness was removed, re-install now.

    

18. Final Procedures
    1. If the instrument was moved and/or unfused:
       1. Move instrument back to its correct location
       2. Reconnect the Fusion to the Panther. (FUSION ONLY)
       3. Teach Pipettors (make sure elution track is taught - FUSION ONLY)
       4. Teach LDLinear distributor handoff (perform Fusion System OQ - FUSION ONLY))
       5. If canopies were removed, re-install canopies
    2. If the instrument was NOT moved and/or unfused:
       1. Check Reference Teach Points to confirm pipettor positioning.
       2. If Reference Teach points are not accurate, then re-teach.
       3. If canopies were removed, re-install canopies

Verification

1. For Panther ONLY Systems
   1. Pipettor XY random move sequence - perform this verification IF ONLY this procedure is performed.
      1. Remove the clear blue divider that separates the Tip Tray and the Sample Bay
      2. Start SSW, Select the Pipettor Tab,
      3. Under Main, enter 1 cycle for XY- Random movement.
         Ensure the Both Arms are selected AND the Z Movement is NOT selected
      4. Click Execute

         

      5. Run for 2 min. If no errors are reported, then ‘Cancel’. Verification has passed
      6. Once Verification has passed replace the clear blue divider that separates the Tip Tray and the Sample Bay.
   2. 12 Capacitive Detections per Pipettor -
      Perform this verification when multiple pipettor procedures will be performed on the same service call.
      This will satisfy multiple verifications.
      For this verification only 12 capacitive liquid level detections per pipettor is required.
2. For Panther Fusion Systems - Perform on a Panther Fusion ONLY
   1. Perform a Side Car Pipettor OQ - Only IF System was unfused
   2. Perform Pipettor XY random move sequence, (no Z-movement) for 2mins IF ONLY this procedure is performed.
      1. Remove the clear blue divider that separates the Tip Tray and the Sample Bay
      2. Start SSW, Select the Pipettor Tab,
      3. Under Main, enter 1 cycle for XY- Random movement.
         Ensure the Both Arms are selected AND the Z Movement is NOT selected
      4. Click Execute

         

      5. Run for 2 min. If no errors are reported, then ‘Cancel’. Verification has passed
      6. Once Verification has passed replace the clear blue divider that separates the Tip Tray and the Sample Bay.
   3. Perform 12 Capacitive Detections per Pipettor when multiple pipettor procedures will be performed on the same service call. This will satisfy multiple verifications.
      For this verification only 12 capacitive liquid level detections per pipettor is required.