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Before You Begin

Review this section for important information about deck placement, alignment, and anchor adjustments for the Heater-Shaker.

Flex Caddies

When used with a Flex robot, the Heater-Shaker fits into a caddy that occupies space below the deck. The caddy places your labware closer to the deck surface and allows for below-deck cable routing. See the Caddies section of the Flex Instruction Manual for more information.

Module caddy with labels

Caddies are available for purchase from the Modules section of the Opentrons website.

The OT-2 does not use caddies. The module clips directly to the deck. However, you still need to secure the Heater-Shaker with its anchors when used with an OT-2.

Anchor Adjustments

Anchors are screw-adjustable panels on the Heater-Shaker module. They provide the clamping force that secures the module to its caddy or to the deck when mounted on a Flex or OT-2. Use the T10 Torx screwdriver that comes with the module to adjust the anchors.

  • To loosen/retract the anchors, turn the screws counterclockwise.
  • To tighten/extend the anchors, turn the screws clockwise.

Adjusting module anchors

Before installation:

  • Check the anchors to make sure they’re flush with the base of the Heater-Shaker.
  • If the anchors interfere with installing the module, adjust them until there’s enough clearance to seat the module and tighten them to hold it in place.

Deck Placement and Cable Alignment

The supported deck slot positions for the Heater-Shaker depend on the robot you’re using.

Robot Model Deck Placement
Flex In any slot in column 1 or 3. The module can go in slot A3, but you need to remove the trash bin first.
OT-2 In deck slots 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, or 10.

Deck map showing module installation locations

To properly align the Heater-Shaker relative to the robot, make sure the module’s power and USB ports face outward, away from the center of the deck. This helps make cable routing and access easier.

Robot Model Deck Placement
Flex
  • Facing left in column 1.
  • Facing right in column 3.
OT-2
  • Facing left in slot 1, 4, 7, or 10.
  • Facing right in slot 3 or 6.

Do not install the Heater-Shaker with the ports facing in, towards the middle of the deck. This alignment makes cable routing and access difficult.