How to Create Custom Sample Trays for a CTC Autosampler

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Answer

Custom trays can be added to the PAL through the handheld terminal. If the custom tray is similar to an existing tray it is
easiest to copy the existing tray and alter the necessary parameters. By comparing directly to an existing tray, the
physical dimensions that the parameter is referring to will become apparent. In the case that there is no similar existing
tray, a new tray can be inserted with the parameters set to zero.
The following stepwise instructions will guide you through the process of copying and altering an existing tray to make a
custom tray.

1. Handheld menu path: Menu/F3/Setup/F3/Objects/Tray Types
2. Select a tray type that is similar to your custom tray
3. Copy type (F1)
4. Change the name
5. Enter (F4)
6. Adjust the parameters

The Row follows the direction in which the numbers count upwards. In the VT32 the row is in the Y axis, while in the
DW96 the row is in the X axis. Either the Row Length X or Row Length Y parameter will have a value, but not both. The
same is true for Col Length X and Col Length Y. If there is a single column or row, the value you enter for the distance
would be zero for both. This is because the distance is measured from center to center. “Spl” is an abbreviation for
sample and it refers to how many vials or wells are in each row or col.