Service for SpectraMax® & VersaMax™ Microplate Readers
You rely on your equipment. Your equipment should rely on ATG.
Analytical Technologies Group specializes in the maintenance and repair of Molecular Devices microplate readers, including the SpectraMax® and VersaMax™ absorbance readers. Our specialization servicing microplate instrumentation and our focus on a narrow range of product lines allows us to provide the highest standards of service and ensure our engineers have the expert knowledge to solve just about any technical problem you may encounter. We keep most replacement parts stocked so we can provide rapid service and minimize your instrument downtime. If you really want to minimize your downtime, contact us about a service contract! Preventative maintenance from ATG will keep your SpectraMax® and VersaMax™ microplate readers running smoothly with minimal downtime for as long as possible.
See why over 2000 customers have trusted us to maintain over 5000 instruments.
Tips for keeping your SpectraMax® and VersaMax™ absorbance readers in good working order:
Keep your plate reader on a level surface away from vibration. It should not be in direct sunlight, and the environment should not be dusty or drafty. You might not think much of it, but these little things make a difference.
The SpectraMax® and VersaMax™ require proper ventilation to keep their internal components cool. Ensure there are three inches between the back of the instrument and any other objects or surfaces so it has proper air flow.
Ensure the area around the instrument is kept clean and free of dust. Dust on the bench easily becomes dust inside your instrument.
A slip cover can greatly reduce the amount of dust accumulating in the instrument over time - these are highly recommended.
The use of organic solvents can damage the optics. Always use a lid on the plate and do not leave the plate in the chamber any longer than necessary when working with organic solvents.
There is a fan filter on the bottom of the instrument which requires periodic cleaning. This should be done annually, but may need to be done more often if your lab is dusty. With the power off, all cables disconnected, and no plate in the instrument, turn the instrument on its left edge which is the flat side of the instrument. It should rest flat on the bench. Remove the black fan cover and remove the filter. Clean the filter by blowing clean, compressed air through it or by rinsing it with water then with alcohol and allowing it to dry completely. Replace the filter and cover, right the instrument, and reconnect the cables.
Having technical problems with your SpectraMax™ / VersaMax™?
Fast Response
We provide very prompt responses to customers within one business day.
Fast Turnaround
Our field service engineers are expediently dispatched across North America & Europe to fulfill your service request.
Expert Staff
ATG’s highly trained, highly skilled staff ensure your instruments remain in optimal condition.
Parts In Stock
To minimize instrument downtime, we stock virtually all parts for the systems in which we specialize.
SpectraMax® / VersaMax™ Troubleshooting Tips:
If the system will not power on, you may have a blown fuse. The fuse box is just to the right of the power switch on the rear of the instrument. Switch the unit off, unplug all cables, open the fuse box, and remove and inspect the fuses. If either need replacement, it is recommended you replace both. They can be replaced with slow blow, 4-amp, time-delay fuses.
Essentially all error codes in the 200s (main board failure or firmware error), 300s (hardware error), 400s (motion error), and 500s (memory error) cannot be resolved by the user. If you see one of these error codes, call for service.
Errors in the 100s are mostly command errors, where the reader cannot recognize or process a command being sent from the computer. Most of these can be solved by the user and are as follows:
Error 100: Command not found. The reader did not recognize the string as a command.
Error 101: Invalid argument. The command argument was not recognized.
Error 102 (103 on the 340PC): Too many arguments. Essentially, the computer is trying to tell the reader to do too many things at once.
Error 102 on the 340PC only: Invalid data. The command is not within the acceptable range.
Error 103 (104 on the 340PC): Not enough arguments. You are missing something to have a complete command.
Error 104 (105 on the 340PC): There are too many characters in the input line.
Errors 105 & 106 (106 & 107 on the 340PC): The instrument was busy when it received the command.
Error 107 (108 on the 340PC): The computer requested that the instrument transfer data when there wasn’t any data in the buffer.
Error 108 (109 on the 340PC): There are too many data sets in the buffer, which has run out of space. Ensure the computer is connected and SOFTmax PRO is running so the reader can transfer data out of the buffer as it runs.
Error 109 (110 on the 340PC): An error buffer overflow error. Clear the error buffer.
Error 110 (except on the 340PC): Stray light. The instrument is unable to make a reading because there is light getting into the instrument from an external source.
Error 111 (except on the 340PC): Invalid read settings. Check and re-enter your settings.
