Bio-Rad PDQuest 2-D Analysis Software - Manual (Page 36)

Simulate Cutter and Camera
Fig. 34. Simulate Cutter and Camera check boxes.
These are diagnostic boxes for communication with the devices. The spot cutter and the camera
are separate devices to the computer. If there is an X in the box, then communication has not
been established. If the box is blank, there is communication with the indicated device. If you are
having communication problems with the spot cutter, go into the Simulation Mode when the dialog
box on the screen asks if you want to do that. Look at the simulation boxes to see which device
is not communicating. Deselect the X in the Simulate box to establish the desired connection.
For Demonstrations, you can simulate the action of the cutter and its camera by clicking on the
Simulate Cutter and Simulate Camera checkboxes. To run the spot cutter without the camera,
choose only the Simulate Camera checkbox. These checkboxes will stop communication with the
cutter and camera if selected. In simulation mode, you will be prompted to open a file image of a
gel in place of the camera cutter image.
Section 5
Spot Excision
5.1 Free Gel and Blot Preparation
• Storage of gels can be in any type of container or plastic that keeps the gel protected and
hydrated until they are needed for spot cutting. Before cutting the gel, it is best to
equilibrate the gel in water for 1-2 hours to overnight, and bring the gel to room
temperature. This will avoid any swelling that may occur from water being added to the
gel on the cutting platform.
• Place the Cutting Mat and Gel Cutting sheet on the cutting platform of the spot cutter. A
Gel Cutting Sheet should always be used on top of the Cutting Mat to protect the Cutting
Mat from being scored by the cutting tip.
• Place the gel or membrane on the gel cutting sheet. (The gel cutting sheet can be used to
transfer the gel from the storage container to the cutting platform In this case, use the
Gel Cutting Sheet to carry the gel, and place both the gel and the Gel Cutting Sheet on
the Cutting Mat.) Position the gel or membrane against the right side of the cutting
platform to maximize the cutting range.
• Position the Gel Holding Bars on the edges of the gel or membrane partly resting on the
cutting mat and partly resting on the edge of the gel.
• Add a light layer of water to the surface of the gel, but do not fill the platform or create a
large "pool" of water on the gel. Avoid water under the gel as much as possible.
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