Manually Teaching the Distributor to Any Module

Background

If Linear Distributor teaching to any module using the Autoteach function does not work, the distributor must be manually taught to the module. This is done by entering default teaching coordinates to position the hook close the module teach point. After saving the default coordinates, the hook should be close enough for the Autoteach function to work.

The default coordinates for each module are provided in the Procedure. The image below explains the meaning of the teach positions listed in Service Software.

• Up/Down: Z-axis position
• Left/Right: X-axis position
• Back/Forward: Distributor hook extension

Time Required

30 minutes

Procedure

1. The Linear Distributor must be correctly aligned and taught to the Input Queue in accordance with Distributor Alignment and Teaching Procedure.
2. Ensure the Distributor is initialized. Also, the following modules must be initialized in order to manual teach: Luminometer, Load Stations, Magwashes, and Incubators (Slot must be moved to Slot 1).
3. On the 1. Distributor > Parameter tab, enter 1 in the Authorization Code field and select Set.

   

4. On the 1. Distributor > Teach tab, ensure “Sledge” is selected in the Select Drive list.
5. Select the desired module from the Select Position list.

   Note—The Service Drawer will have to be pushed in and latched if the Output Queue or MagWashes are selected. The drawer can be out for observation on other modules.

6. From the Options for selected Device and Drive list, select the “Move Theta & Z & X to selected Position (!! fast move !!)” option and click Execute. This will move the Distributor in front of the selected module.

   

7. From the Options for selected Device and Drive list, select the “Move Hook to selected Position” option and select Execute to extend the hook out of the distributor to the teach position.

   

8. In the Move Axis to Position column, enter the three default teaching coordinates for the selected module from the table below.

   

   OLD LDLinear distributor Default Teach Positions Table

   OLD LD Default Teach Positions
   Module	X-Axis (left/right)	Z-Axis (up/down)	Distributor Hook (in/out)
   Input Queue	0	2150	1375
   Amp Load Station	9052	1930	1480
   HPAHybridization protection assay—The Hologic HPA technique uses a specific DNA probe, labeled with an acridinium ester detector molecule that emits a chemiluminescent signal. Load Station	7049	1935	1485
   High Temp Incubator	4888	1783	1415
   Transition Incubator	8552	1872	1421
   Amp Incubator	1233	1720	1410
   MagWash 1	5383	2246	1476
   MagwashMagnetic washer 2	4696	2248	1475
   Sample Mix	3943	1852	1483
   Luminometer	14	1906	1509
   Output Queue	731	2042	1455
   Service Queue	8955	2070	1386
   Magwash Parking	6256	1989	1479
   Chiller Ramp	2391	1999	1477
   MTUMulti-tube unit—Container used to process tests in the instrument. An MTU contains five separate reaction tubes. The MTU is moved through the instrument by the linear distributor and includes five tiplets for pipettiing to be used in the mag wash station. Barcode Reader	160	2280	0
   Sample Dispense Slot	3176	1930	1480

   NEW LD Default Teach Positions Table

   NEW LD Default Teach Positions
   Module	X-Axis (left/right)	Z-Axis (up/down)	Distributor Hook (in/out)
   Input Queue	-34	2105	1363
   Amp Load Station	9057	1834	1500
   HPA Load Station	7051	1790	1503
   High Temp Incubator	4918	1940	1414
   Transition Incubator	8559	1659	1415
   Amp Incubator	1263	1829	1410
   MagWash 1	5391	2121	1479
   Magwash 2	4713	2055	1478
   Sample Mix	3951	1825	1513
   Luminometer	28	1708	1526
   Output Queue	742	2008	1457
   Service Queue	8994	1958	1304
   Magwash Parking	6269	1841	1491
   Chiller Ramp	2407	1740	1505
   MTU Barcode Reader	140	2280	0
   Sample Dispense Slot	3188	1787	1503

9. One at a time, select the Move button for the Up/Down coordinate, the Left/Right coordinate, and the Back/Front coordinate. Each time the value should update in the Save Current Axis Position list.

   

10. Select the (Save) All button. This will save the coordinates to RAM.

    

11. From the Options for selected Device and Drive list, select “Overwrite NVM” and select Execute to permanently save the coordinates to NVM.

    

12. From the Options for selected Device and Drive list, select “Execute Position Autoteach” and select Execute.

    Note—The Service Drawer must be closed to manually teach the Output Queue and Mag Wash modules. It is a good practice to leave the drawer open during manual teach of other modules so the distributor can be observed.

    

13. When the Autoteach completes successfully, select “Overwrite NVM” again and select Execute to permanently save the coordinates to NVM.

    

14. If the Autoteach still fails:
    1. Place a marked MTU (see Distributor Alignment and Teaching Procedure) into the module.
    2. Extend the hook (!!fast move!! to module and extend the hook), see Steps 5-7.
    3. Check the position of the hook, it should be close to the marks on the MTU tab. Make adjustments to get the hook within the markings and touching the tab. Use the Incremental Positioning controls if necessary, and Save and Overwrite to NVM.
    4. Try to autoteach again.

Verification

• Run an Operational Qualification (OQ) on the selected module.