Molecular Dynamics plate reader

[jennyn]

Since purchasing a Molecular Dynamics Spectramax M2 plate reader (96 well) fluorescent and visible UV)) we have been having intermittent problems with reliability and error code 313 that prevent operation. We've had the instrument serviced by the manufacturer several times but this is hugely expensive to ship the instrument etc. The question is is anyone else out there having similar difficulties and are there any known fixes to improve performance? Although these problems started before warranty had expired we have not been able to get these resolved. May have something to do with electrical interference but we are not totally sure.

[CrowSan]

Sorry can't really help. The 313 code is a "313 reference gain check fail".
http://mdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/det ... rror-codes
Sounds like a job for a trained technician. I guess you could phone them up and ask what the likely cause of this is.

[r.rosati]

Hello!
I'm taking a look at the "Spectramax plus" instrument manual, shouldn't be much different from yours:
http://bti.cornell.edu/manuals/Microplate_Manuals/Microplate_User_Manual.pdf
On page 46, it suggests that error 313 might be due to a problem in the electronic board, or to stray light coming to the detector.
Basically, the instrument is doing a reference check to see how much light it's getting. This is the check that's failing.
If it's "stray light", then you might have some strong light source near the reader that's interfering with the reading,
If it's the board, apart of trying to check if any cables are loose, I'm afraid it will have to be serviced.
There's no plate or protective sheet inside the reader at power-up, right?