SAS-1+

O P E R AT O R S M A N U A L

HL-2-1512P 2004/01 English

 SAS-1 Plus Operators Manual

Contents
1 The SAS-1 Plus
1.1 Introduction 3
1.2 Informational symbols 3
1.3 Precautions and Limitations 3
1.4 Safety Considerations 4

2 Installation
2.1 Instructions for installation 5

3 Controls
3.1 Mains Supply 6
3.2 Front Panel 6
3.3 Application Drawer 6

4 Operating Instructions
4.1 Power up 7
4.2 Program selection 7
4.3 Prepare for electrophoresis 8
4.4 Start an application 9
4.5 Create or Edit a program 11
4.6 Edit or Change a program name 12
4.7 View process parameters during a program run 13
4.8 Abort a program run 14

5 Maintenance
5.1 Heat sink 15
5.2 Carbon electrodes 15
5.3 Antisera template 15
5.4 Sample tray 15
5.5 Cleaning spills 15
5.6 Replace fuse(s) 15

6 Troubleshooting
6.1 Problem, Cause and Solution 16

7 Performance Specification
7.1 Specifications and parameters 17

Warranty Report 18

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1 The SAS-1 Plus

1.1 Introduction

The SAS-1 Plus is a laboratory instrument, designed to perform an electrophoresis process

on Helena BioSciences Europe agarose products. The device incorporates automated sample
application, electrophoresis and incubation.

This manual provides all necessary information for the setup and operation of the SAS-1 Plus
including important information regarding safety and maintenance of the unit. To ensure safe
and reliable operation, always operate the SAS-1 Plus in accordance with the operator
manual.

READ SECTIONS 1.3 (PRECAUTIONS AND LIMITATIONS) AND 1.4 (SAFETY

CONSIDERATIONS) OF THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING INSTALLATION AND
OPERATION.

Helena BioSciences Europe is not responsible for injuries or damages caused by improper
use.

1.2 Informational Symbols

Warning
The operators manual should be consulted to avoid possible personal injury
or instrument damage.

Caution, high voltage!

Indicates an area where a potential electrical shock hazard may exist.

1.3 Precautions and Limitations

To isolate the equipment, remove the plug from the socket. The mains switch is considered
to be the primary disconnect device and should be easily accessible by the operator.
> The entire operators manual should be read and understood before attempting
instrument operation.
> This instrument is designed for use with Helena BioSciences Europe products only.
> Always check the parameters set in the SAS-1 Plus program before starting.
The parameters may be different than those prescribed in the Instructions For Use.
The parameters can be accessed via the edit-function.
> Ensure the fan at the rear of the unit is not covered and has adequate air circulation.
> Ensure that the electrodes and the sample tray are removed from the instrument prior
to any transportation.

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> This piece of equipment must not be used in areas of high electromagnetic
phenomenon as temporary loss of function may occur. Contact Helena Biosciences
Europe for advice.

1.4 Safety Considerations

The SAS-1 Plus is fully overload protected. However, the following guidelines should be
observed to ensure safe operation of the unit.
> The SAS-1 Plus must only be operated when connected to an earthed supply of the
correct voltage and frequency as indicated on the serial number label.
> For emergency shutdown, use either the ON/OFF (switch on the rear panel of the
device), or switch off at the mains supply.
> Wait at least 5 seconds after stopping a run before handling output leads or connected
apparatus.
> Always make sure your work area is clean and dry before operating the SAS-1 Plus.
> If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.

To avoid damage to the instrument:

> For proper ventilation, leave at least 10 cm of space behind the instrument and on
either side.
> Do not operate the SAS-1 Plus in high humidity environments (>90%), or where
condensation may occur.
> To avoid condensation, the unit should be left on between use during operation in a
cold room or in high humidity environments.
> Do not lubricate any parts of the instrument.
> Never place objects on top of the instrument.
> Keep flammable liquids and flammable vapors away from the instrument at all times.
> The Drawer door can be opened easily during electrophoresis. This is not
recommended as the instrument immediately aborts the program and displays the
error-message “Tray moved”. The voltage supply will be shut off immediately but it
is still possible to get an electrical shock straight after opening the drawer if the
electrode posts are touched. Wait for at least one minute to ensure that there is no
risk of electrical shock.
> The drawer and lift arms present no entrapment hazard, however it is recommended
that no objects are placed in the vicinity of the drawer whilst in operation.

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2 Installation
Please verify upon receiving the SAS-1 Plus that no damage has occurred during transit and
confirm that the following components and accessories are included:

Item No. Units Ref. No.

SAS-1 Plus 1 unit Cat. No. 1531 (230V)
or Cat. No. 1532 (115V)
Operator manual, including Warranty report 1 unit (art. no. 0100.076)
Spare fuses 2 units (art. no. 6000.315) or
(art. no. 6000.630)
Power cord 1 unit (art. no. 7100.001) or
(art. no. 7100.002) or
(art. no. 7100.006)
Carbon electrodes 2 units (art. no. 0030.366)
Sample Tray 1 unit (art. no. 0030.602)
Gel Block Remover 1 unit (art. no. 8100.025)
Antisera template 1 unit (art. no. 0030.650)
Gel cover 1 unit (art. no. 0030.405)

> Place the SAS-1 Plus unit on a level bench. Keep the area around the instrument clear to
ensure correct ventilation.
> Select an environment free from excessive humidity, dust and large temperature
fluctuations. Allow the instrument to acclimatise to room temperature for a period of
at least 2 hours before operating.
> The power cord attachment module is located at the rear of the unit. Position the unit
so this is easily accessible.
> Remove the transport pin and plug from the drawer, located on the bottom side of the
instrument. Store in a safe place for possible re-use should the device require further
transportation.
> Connect the unit to a suitable earthed mains outlet of the correct voltage and
frequency. This unit MUST be earthed.
> Turn on the main power switch located on the left side of the instrument.

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3 Controls
3.1 Mains Supply

ON/OFF Switch This is a rocker-type switch, which controls the mains input to the unit
and is situated on the rear of the instrument.

3.2 Front Panel

Display Unit LCD operator interface providing information of program parameters

and machine status.

LED Indicates that the current is flowing between the electrodes.

Enter Press to confirm selection of a program.

Press to enter the editable parameters in a program.
Press to confirm values in manual programming.

+ Press to begin electrophoresis.

Press to scroll up through program menu.
Press to increase the number of any editable setting.

- Press to cancel electrophoresis before run is started.

Press to scroll down through program menu.
Press to decrease the number of any editable setting.

Stop Press to stop operation and return to standby mode.

Press to end the edit page function.
Confirmation of an operator adjustable program name.

3.3 Application Drawer

Location mount The location mount is for the positioning of the sample tray.

Electrode Posts The electrode posts carry the voltage from the power supply to the
electrodes. The posts are also magnetic to hold the electrodes in place.
The positive electrode posts are located at the front of the drawer,
the negative at the rear.

Heat sink The heat sink carries heat away from the gel and is also used to position
the gel. The heat sink is adapted with a peltier device that controls the
temperature between 15°C and 45°C.

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4 Operating Instructions
4.1 Power up

Connect the unit to an appropriate mains outlet and switch on by using the power switch
located on the rear of the instrument. The display will prompt:

Helena BioSciences SAS-1 Plus

This shows that the machine is ready to operate.

4.2 Program selection

Press ANY KEY to continue. The display will prompt:

Select required test

Use +/- then ENTER

Use the ‘+’ and the ‘-’ keys to scroll between programs.

Press ENTER to select desired program.

The display will prompt and alternate between:

SAS program
Press + to Start

and

SAS program
Press - to Cancel

and

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SAS program
Press ENTER to edit

> Press ‘-’ to cancel and return to the program selection prompt.
> Press ENTER to edit or view the parameters of the selected program.
> Press ‘+’ to start the application.

NOTE: Always check the parameters in the SAS-1 Plus program before starting.
The parameters may differ to those prescribed in the Instructions For Use, supplied
with the electrophoresis kit.

4.3 Prepare for electrophoresis

The SAS-1 Plus must be prepared for the required application before the program
commences. Refer to the Instructions For Use supplied with each kit for full operator
instructions.

NOTE: Always put the Sample in the Sample row as displayed in figure 1 below. The Dilution
cups are for manual use only, the SAS-1plus is not able to reach the Dilution rows

Fig.1

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4.4 Start an application

Before starting the electrophoresis, verify the following. The sample gels are orientated
correctly and the sample cups are installed correctly and fully seated in the sample tray.
The applicator blades are properly installed and seated in the slots.

After selecting a program, as described in section 4.2, press ‘+’ to start. The drawer opens
and the display will prompt:

SAS program
Press key to close

NOTE: Refer to the Instructions For Use for specific gel preparation.
Place the sample tray into the instrument, apply REP Prep, place the gel into position and blot,
then place the electrodes into the correct position. Place the gel cover over the gel and
electrodes, press for 5 seconds to ensure good electrode contact.

Applicator Blades

Gel Cover

Electrodes

Gel

Sample Cup Holder

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Press any key to continue.

The instrument will then perform the following steps:

1. Pick up sample from the sample tray.
2. Load sample on the gel.
3. Apply Voltage for a timed period.

When no incubation is programmed the instrument will sound and display:

Electr. completed
Press key to open

Electrophoresis is complete and the gel is ready for further processing.

When incubation is programmed, the SAS-1 Plus will sound and alternate between the
displays shown below:

Incubation step 1
Press + to open

and

Incubation step 1
Press - to continue

Follow the Instructions For Use for reagent preparation. When ready Press ANY KEY to
commence incubation.

It is possible to program up to 9 incubation steps with different times and temperatures.

Between incubation steps, the drawer opens to allow for any further action by the operator.
After incubation is complete, the instrument will sound, and any key may be pressed to open
the drawer for gel removal.

Process completed
Press key to open

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4.5 Create or Edit a program

At program selection (see section 4.2) the screen will prompt:

SAS program
Press ENTER to edit

select ENTER and the prompt will read:

SAS program EDIT-PAGE

application nr. 2

The cursor blinks on the first position of the second line.

At this cursor position it is possible to use the +/- keys to scroll through the following
program parameters:

SAS-1 Plus parameter Parameter description Value (min / max)

SAS program Edit Program name 10 digits max

Application no. Number of Applications 0 - 12
Electr. voltage Electrophoresis voltage 50V - 600V
Electr. time Electrophoresis time 0 min - 99 min
Electr. Temp. Electrophoresis temperature 15°C - 45°C or OFF
Incubation steps* Number of incubation steps 1 - 9 steps & OFF
Incubation time 1** Incubation time for step 1 0 min - 99 min
Incubation temp.1 Incubation temperature for step 1 15°C - 45°C

* if this parameter is set to OFF, no incubation programming or use of the Add Reagent
function is possible.
** up to a maximum of 9 steps.

Press the Enter key to edit a parameter The cursor will automatically go to the setting, which
can be altered with the +/- keys, within the limits that are specified above. When the
parameter is set, press enter to leave parameter editing and return to scrolling between the
parameters.

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4.6 Edit or Change a program name

To edit the program name, use the - key until you reach the following prompt:

SAS program EDIT-PAGE

Program name

When pressing ENTER the cursor will go to the first digit of the name, which can be changed
with the +/- keys. When the digit is correct press ENTER and the cursor will go to the next
digit. All digits need to be confirmed before the cursor returns to its start position.

Use the STOP key to leave the edit-page. The prompt will read and alternate between:

SAS program EDIT-PAGE

Press + to save

and:

SAS program EDIT-PAGE

Press - to cancel

After pressing the + or - key the prompt will return to start position and the operater can
choose to start, cancel or edit the program.

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4.7 View process parameters during a program run

During a program run it is possible to view the process parameters on the display.
The standard display states the time left.

Time left = 18m38s

Electr. in Progress

Using the +/- keys it is possible to scroll through different values and show the following
screens.

Actual temp = 20C

Electr. in Progress

Output voltage = 600V

Electr. in Progress

Output current = 20mA

Electr. in Progress

The second line of the display will alternate between the actual program step
(electrophoresis or incubation) and “press STOP to abort”.

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4.8 Abort a program run

To abort a program run at any stage, the STOP key should be pressed, NOTE: it is not
possible to pause any stages of the program.

Press any key to open.

The drawer will open and the gel, electrodes and sample tray can be removed. The display
will prompt:

Electro. aborted
Press key to close

This ends the program and the display will prompt:

SAS program
Press + to start

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5 Maintenance
This section describes routine operators maintenance procedures.
For instrument calibration or for maintenance not described in this manual, call Helena
BioSciences Europe for assistance.

5.1 Heat Sink

After each use dampen a lint-free tissue with deionised water and wash the surface of the
heat sink.

5.2 Carbon electrodes

After each use rinse the carbon electrodes in deionised water and dry with a lint-free tissue.

5.3 Antisera template

After each use, clean the template with detergent, deionised water and a soft brush.
Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a lint-free tissue.

5.4 Sample tray

If the tray becomes contaminated with blood or blood derivatives, spray with a commercial
virucidal and germicidal agent. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a lint-free tissue.

5.5 Cleaning Spills

Clean spills with a soft cloth or sponge ONLY after switching off the power and unplugging
the power cord. Do not use corrosive cleaners. Dry the unit before plugging in the power
cord.

5.6 Replace fuse

1. Switch off the device and remove the mains cable from the input.
2. Withdraw the fuse carrying tray from the fuse holder and remove the fuses.
3. Replace with fuses of the correct type and rating.
4. Replace fuse holder.
5. Plug power cord back into the instrument and switch on the power.
6. If fuses blow immediately contact Helena BioSciences Europe for assistance.

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6 Troubleshooting
NOTE: If problem persists or any other messages are displayed on the screen, contact
Helena BioSciences Europe for assistance.

Problem Cause Solution

No Power to the Instrument Fuse(s) blown Replace fuse(s)
Error Message Instrument failed to position Switch instrument off and on
“Tray pos. Failure” tray correctly
Error Message Instrument failed to position lift Switch instrument off and on
“Lift pos. failure” correctly
Error Message Power Supply has failed during Results might not be correct
“Power Failure” a run Press any key to continue
Error Message Current during electrophoresis Check the programmed voltage
“Overload!” is too high
Error message Drawer moved during Press any key to continue
“Tray Moved” electrophoresis
Error message Poor electrode contact Ensure the electrodes are in
“No Load detected” complete contact with the gel
buffer blocks and the electrode
posts
Error message Peltier unit failed to reach set Programmed temperature is
“Temp. not reached” temperature out of specifications (more than
5°C below ambient
temperature
Poor electrophoresis results Poor electrode contact Ensure the electrodes are
incomplete contact with the gel
buffer blocks
Electrophoresis procedure has Check program steps
not been performed correctly
Check electrophoresis setting

Check electrophoresis temp.

Check and/or replace contact
sheet
Check and/or replace
electrodes
Contact your local distributor

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7 Performance Specifications
Input Power: 230 Vac (Cat. No. 1531)
115 Vac (Cat. No. 1532)
Frequency 50/60 Hz, 225 watts
Voltage is factory set (see Serial No. Label).

Environmental conditions: Operating temperature 15 till 27°C.

Relative humidity of max 90% (non condensing).

Display: 2 x 20 character LCD + LED for HV-indication.

Keypad: 4 keys

Operating Modes: Standby, Program selection, Program editing and Program run.

Programmable Run parameters:

Electrophoresis Voltage: Set-value: 50 - 600 Volts (increments 5 Volt)

Accuracy: within ± 2%
Noise and Ripple: Better than 5 % of output voltage
Power: 50 -300 Volt at max. 100 mA or 30 Watt
300 - 600 Volt at max. 50 mA or 30 Watt

Electrophoresis & Set value: from 0 to 99 minutes:

incubation Timers: 1 minute increments.
Accuracy: Better than +/- 1 % of setting.

Temperature control: Set Value: 15°C till 45°C

(at Ambient temperature of 20°C)
Accuracy: ± 1°C
Stability: ± 1°C

Program features: Possibility to Add Reagents manually during program.

Possibility to program up to 9 incubation periods.

Safety features: Safety Interlock breaks electrophoresis circuit when applicator drawer
door is open.

Process control: Current overload protection.

No load detection.
Check set temperature reached.

Dimensions: Weight: approx. 13 kilo

Size: 24 cm x 33 cm x 26 cm (WxDxH)

Fuse - Mains: 230 Vac 1 AT 5 x 20mm Spiral

115 Vac 2 AT 5 x 20mm Spiral
2 fuses required (live and neutral fused)

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Warranty
Please complete and return to Helena BioSciences Europe, by email, fax or post.

Instrument Name:
Date Received: Catalogue Number:
Serial Number:

Name: Department:
Institution:
Address:

Post Code:

Telephone Number:
Ext. (where applicable):
Email:
Helena warrants each unit to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Helena’s liability under this warranty
is limited to servicing or adjusting any unit and to replacing any defective part. This warranty is effective for 1 year
commencing from the date of shipment to the original purchaser, and does not cover faults caused by misuse, abnormal
conditions, damage incurred in shipment, or consumable items such as lamps. This warranty is made in lieu of all other
warranties, expressed or implied, and is limited in any sale to the repair or replacement of the affected component.

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Condition of Equipment on Arrival

In order to evaluate shipping procedures and conditions of equipment on arrival, please

complete this report and return to us.

1. Did the instrument arrive in apparent good condition?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

2. Will you be able to operate this instrument without additional information?

Yes [ ] No [ ]

Comments:

Helena BioSciences Europe is committed to providing you with the finest equipment and supplies possible.
If you need assistance please call our Sales / Service Department:
tel: +44 (0) 191 549 6064
fax: +44 (0) 191 549 6271
email: info@helena-biosciences.com
www.helena-biosiences.com

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