Bio-Rad EXQuest Spot Cutter - Manual (Page 77)

TROUBLESHOOTING
11-2
Symptom Cause Solution
Hydration and clamping Excess water on the gel tray causes backed gels to
slide when the gel plug is being scraped off the
backing. Make sure clamps are used to hold gels in
place and do not over hydrate. Before placing
backed gels on the cutting sheet dry both the
cutting sheet and gel backing.
Low membrane cutting Tip is dull, or damaged A membrane cutting tip that is dull or damaged will
efficiency not cut PVDF and nitrocellulose membranes
efficiently. If the tip is dull or damaged, replace the
tip.
Low membrane delivery Microplate wells and The membrane cutting tip must contact water to
efficiency tubes need water efficiently release cut PVDF and nitrocellulose
membrane. Fill microplate wells within 1 to 2 mm of
the top and wash station microtubes to within 3 to 4
mm of the top. Make sure the three membrane
wash station tubes are filled with water to within 2
to 3 mm of the top.
Low gel and Gel hydration Gels that are not properly hydrated may shrink
membrane cutting or swell. If gels are becoming dry, increase the
accuracy hydration rate. Fully hydrate gels before setting up a
cut run.
Hydration and clamping Gels or membranes that are overhydrated may
float. This is particularly problematic for membranes
and backed gels. Make sure clamps are used to
hold the gels and membranes in place and do not
over hydrate. Before placing backed gels on the
cutting sheet, dry both the cutting sheet and the gel
backing.
The spot cutter is Recalibrate the spot cutter.
out of calibration
Calibration fails Calibration puck is Repeat the calibration.
misaligned
Calibration pucks Examine calibration pucks for material blocking
are damaged the hole at the bottom of the V-shaped well.
Examine the pucks for damage that does not allow
the puck to center properly. Replace damaged
pucks.
An error occurred Restart the calibration procedure.
during the flat field
or lens calibration