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Starting Up the TEMPEST after an Extended Period of Inactivity

After long periods of inactivity, typically around two weeks or more, the TEMPEST may need to be exercised prior to use. This is important to prevent TEMPEST from any dispense failures that could affect dispense accuracy. Follow the instructions below to start up TEMPEST after an extended period of inactivity.

Required Supplies

• TEMPEST chips with input tubing
• 50 mL Falcon tube
• 30-50 mL of distilled (DI) water

Prerequisites

• You have connected the power supply cord to the TEMPEST and plugged it into an available outlet.
• You have connected the USB cord to the TEMPEST and plugged it into your computer.
• You have connected the pressure and vacuum input lines to the TEMPEST. Make sure that the house air is available or the pump box is turned on.
• You have filled the Falcon tube with DI water and inserted the tube into the Tube Holder.
• You have installed any version of TEMPEST software on your computer. Skip this step if you are running the TEMPEST software from the TEMPEST USB drive.

To start up TEMPEST after extended period of inactivity:

1. Turn the TEMPEST ON and open the software.

2. Prime the chips with 5 mL of DI water.

3. Then, recover the reagent volume and wash all inputs using your standard wash settings.

4. OPTIONAL: If you suspect a stuck or failed solenoid, go to the Valve Control tab under the Device Control Panel in the TEMPEST software. Then, open and close the chip’s valves by manually clicking Fill, Purge, Small (diaphragm), and Large (diaphragm). You should hear an audible click coming from the TEMPEST as you cycle these solenoids. If one solenoid is not making an audible sound, please contact support@formulatrix.com.

   Note: Green indicates that the valve is open, while red indicates that the valve is close.

   

   Valve Control Tab in the Device Control Panel

5. Your TEMPEST is now ready for normal operation!

Related Topics

• Priming the Chips
• Washing the TEMPEST Chips

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