Bio-Rad iQ™5 Optical System Software, Version 2.1 - Manual (Page 143)

Section 9 Instrument Maintenance
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• Filter position 4 545/30X 585/20M TAMRA, Cy3
• Filter position 5 575/30X 625/30M Texas Red, ROX
• Filter position 6 630/30X 685/30M Cy5, LC640
NOTE: The filter designation 485/30X indicates that this filter will allow light between 475 and
595 nm to pass through. The first number, 485, indicates the center of the wavelength of light.
The second number, 30, indicates the total breadth of wavelengths of light that can pass through
it. The letter "X" indicates that the filter is specified for excitation only, and the letter "M" indicates
emission only types of filters. Excitation and emission filters are not interchangeable.
9.2.2 Accessing the Filters
To access the existing filters, proceed as follows:
1. Turn off the power to the optics module.
2. Reach behind the optics module and unscrew the short fastener that secures the lid of
the module in place.
3. Using gentle pressure and both hands, push inward on the rear vents located on the top
half of the instrument casing. Lift upward to remove the cover of the optics module.
4. To access the excitation filter wheel, remove the black plug from the slot located near the
lamp, at the right-hand side of the optics module. To access the emission filter wheel,
remove the plug from the slot located at the top of the instrument.
5. Turn the filter wheels to the desired positions using the supplied ball-end hex driver. As
long as the power to the optics module is off, the filter wheels may be turned freely in
either direction.
6. To remove a filter, grasp it on both sides with the filter removal pliers and squeeze the
tab in; gently pull the filter up and out.
7. To insert a filter, grasp the filter with the pliers and insert it into a vacant slot. For the
excitation filters, the tab on the filter should face toward the front of the instrument. For
the emission filters, the tab on the filter should face the right of the instrument. Be sure
that every position in the filter wheel has either an excitation or emission filter or a filter
blank before powering on the system.
8. After the filters or filter blanks have been inserted, replace the rubber plugs over the slots
of the filter wheels.
9. Realign the tabs on the front end of the optics module cover with the tabs on the main
housing. Lower the cover until the top half of the camera housing snaps into place.
10. Replace the screw in the rear of the optics module to secure the casing.
9.2.3 Cleaning the Filters
Each optics module is shipped with the specified filters pre-installed, ready for use. Normally, you
should not have to reconfigure or replace the optical filters that come with your unit. However,
the optical filters are removable and user-serviceable by design.
Handle the optical filters with care as they can crack if dropped. Also, avoid touching the surfaces
of the filters, especially with fingers, as this can impair data quality. Contact Bio-Rad for
replacement filters.