Flex Attachment Steps

Installing the Heater-Shaker on your robot includes attaching it to the deck and calibrating it for the first time. The instructions here and on the touchscreen will help you get started. The tools you need are included with the module or in the User Kit that came with your Flex.

Attaching the Heater-Shaker

1. Choose the supported slot you want to use for the module. Use the 2.5 mm screwdriver to remove the deck slot plate.

2. Insert the Heater-Shaker into its caddy by aligning the power button on the module with the on/off switch on the caddy.

   Tip

   If you’re having trouble inserting the module into its caddy, the module’s power button is probably facing away from the caddy’s on/off switch. Turn the module so the power button faces the on/off switch and try again.

3. Holding the module in the caddy, use the T10 Torx screwdriver to turn the anchor screws clockwise to tighten the anchors. The module is secure when it doesn’t move while gently pulling on it and rocking it from side to side.

   Warning

   The shaking motion of the Heater-Shaker requires anchoring to help ensure it does not dislodge itself while in operation.

4. Connect the USB cable to the module.

5. Connect power cable to the module. The Heater-Shaker has an asymmetrical 4-pin power connector. When connecting the power cable to the module:

   • Match the connector's flat side to the flat side of the module's power port.
   • Aligned cables attach easily; misaligned cables do not.
   • Do not plug the power cable into a wall outlet until instructed to do so.

   

6. Insert the caddy into the deck slot and route the power and USB cables through the removable side covers of the Flex.

7. Connect the USB cable to a USB port on the Flex.

8. Connect the power cable to a wall outlet. Gently press the on/off switch to turn the module on.

If the temperature and status LCDs are illuminated, the module is powered on.

When successfully connected, the module appears in the Pipettes and Modules section on your robot’s device detail page in the Opentrons App. From there, you can control the module’s labware latch or run a test shake. See the Software Control section below.

Next, you’ll calibrate the module.

Calibrating the Heater-Shaker

When you first install a module on Flex, you need to run automated positional calibration. This process is similar to calibrating instruments like pipettes or the gripper. Module calibration ensures that the Flex moves to the exact correct location for optimal protocol performance. You do not have to recalibrate the module if you remove and reattach it to the same Flex.

To calibrate the Heater-Shaker, turn on the power supply. This starts the calibration workflow process on the touchscreen. Instructions on the touchscreen will guide you through the calibration procedure, which is outlined below.

Warning

The gantry and pipette will move during calibration. Keep your hands clear of the working area before tapping an action button on the touchscreen.

1. Tap Start setup on the touchscreen. The robot checks the module’s firmware and updates it automatically, if required.

2. Attach the Heater-Shaker’s calibration adapter to the module and tap Confirm placement.

3. Attach the calibration probe to the pipette.

4. Tap Begin calibration.

5. After the calibration process is complete, remove the calibration adapter from the module and remove the calibration probe from the pipette.

6. Tap Exit. Your module is now calibrated.