Knowledge Base

Introduction

The combination of the DanioVision Observation Chamber and the Temperature Control Unit allows you to set up a temperature-controlled water flow underneath the well-plate in the DanioVision Observation Chamber. The result is a constant temperature in the well-plates throughout an experiment.

User Documentation

The DanioVision Temperature Control Unit has the following documentation:

• DanioVision Temperature Control Unit Service Manual (current document): This document contains technical background information about the Temperature Control Unit. It also describes how to replace certain parts and how to maintain the system.
• DanioVision Temperature Control Unit User Manual: This document describes how to work with the DanioVision Temperature Control Unit.
• DanioVision Temperature Control Unit Nutshell Documents: These 2-page documents serve as a quick start for the DanioVision Temperature Control Unit.

Replacing the Filter

The filter inside the DanioVision Temperature Control Unit is a particle filter with a pore size of 20 μm. The filter does not remove bacteria and/or yeast.

To replace the filter, do the following:

1. Open the lid of the Temperature Control Unit by unscrewing the white, plastic screw at the front of the unit. You can use a small screwdriver or a coin to do this.

   Note: The filter can get blocked after you have used the system for a longer period of time. When this happens, you will get an 'insufficient-flow' error message. Please first check the error table in the Temperature Control Unit - DanioVision User Manual. Contact Noldus IT if you need a new filter.

   Important: Before replacing the filter, make sure to completely drain the system (see the DanioVision Temperature Control Unit - User Manual for instructions on how to do this).

2. Remove the left side panel by unscrewing the 2 screws at the top and three screws at the bottom of the side panel (indicated in the figure below).
3. Lift the filter from the clamp and disconnect the tubes at both ends from the filter.
4. Insert the new filter, connect the tubes and push the filter back into the clamp. Make sure the little black arrow on the filter points in the direction as shown in the figure above.
5. Put the side panel back in place and close the lid of the Temperature Control Unit.

Replacing the Liquid Coolant

1. Open the lid of the Temperature Control Unit by loosening the plastic screw at the front of the unit.
2. Remove the left side panel by unscrewing the screws at the top of the side panel.
3. Unscrew the cap (this can be done with a small coin) on top of the reservoir for the liquid coolant (indicated in the figure below).

4. Use the funnel to fill the reservoir with the liquid coolant.

   Recommendation: Fill the reservoir to the Max level.

5. Screw the cap back on the reservoir.

6. Put the side panel back in place and close the lid of the Temperature Control Unit.

   Note: After refilling the liquid coolant, turn the Operation switch to Fill/Drain to make sure the tubes inside the Temperature Control Unit are also filled with liquid coolant. As a result, the level of coolant in the reservoir might drop a bit. Add more coolant so it reaches the Max level.

Technical Specifications

The table below shows the technical specifications of the DanioVision Temperature Control Unit.

Mechanical

• Dimensions (mm / inch): 460 x 210 x 280 / 18.11 x 8.26 x 11.02 (L x W x H)
• Weight (kg / pound): 7 / 15.43
• Hose Connectors: 8 mm outer diameter tube

Electrical

• Operating Voltage (volt-DC): 24
• Power Consumption (W) — Average / Maximum: 40 / 120
• TTL Port Specs — 2 Input / 2 Output: Max. 5 Volt / Max. 5 Volt, open collector

Operational

• Temperature Accuracy (°C / °F): ± 0.5 °C / ± 0.9 °F
• Temperature Set Point Range (°C / °F): 15 - 40 °C / 59 - 104 °F
• Maximum Heating Capacity (°C / °F): At least 10 °C / 18 °F above ambient temperature
• Maximum Cooling Capacity (°C / °F): 2.5 °C / 4.5 °F below ambient temperature
• Permissible Water Temperature Range (°C / °F): 5 - 50 °C / 41 - 122 °F
• Water Capacity (ml / ounces): ± 350 / ± 11.83
• Pump Flow Rate – Water (ml/min): ± 310 / ± 10.48
• Water Filter Type: 20 μm pore size, 1 inch diameter
• Cooling Liquid Capacity (ml): ± 250 / ± 8.45
• Cooling Liquid Type: Colored, anti-corrosive, anti-algae, PC-type cooling liquid
• Pump Flow Rate – Cooling Liquid (ml/min): ± 1650 / ± 55.79

Wear and Tear

All Noldus hardware is sold with a two-year guarantee. That means that if it breaks within two years of the delivery date, it will be repaired or replaced at Noldus' expense.

Wear and tear caused by regular, normal use of the DanioVision Temperature Control Unit is not covered by the guarantee. Below are some recommendations about environmental conditions and cleaning of the Temperature Control Unit.

Environmental Conditions

The recommended environmental conditions for the use of the Temperature Control Unit are described below.

Operational

• Maximum Height Difference Between DanioVision Observation Chamber and Temperature Control Unit (m / ft): 1.3 / 4.26. Do not place the Temperature Control Unit higher than the Observation Chamber.
• Noise Level (dB): Average over all frequencies <35 dB. Max. peak of ± 48 dB around 160 Hz.

Environmental Limits

• Permissible Ambient Temperature Range — Operating (°C / °F): 10 - 35 °C / 50 - 95 °F
• Permissible Ambient Temperature Range — Storage (°C / °F): 5 - 65 °C / 41 - 149 °F
• Permissible Relative Humidity (%): 20 - 80 (non-condensing)

Please see the document Noldus Guarantee to see what is covered by the guarantee.

Source: EthoVision XT 18 - THC - Trial and Hardware Control, Noldus Information Technology