Autosampler Control
Sample Position Commands (WPS-3000/ACC-3000)

This topic explains how to use relative sample positions for the WPS-3000 and ACC-3000 autosamplers.

Sample Positions

The sample carousel has three color-coded segments: R for red, G for green, and B for blue. Each segment can hold a sample container (vial tray, well plate or deep-well plate). The sample Positions on the sample container are indicated as follows: The character defining the segment that holds the sample comes first (R, G, or B), followed by a letter and a digit, as in a system of coordinates. The letters specify the individual rows from the inner to the outer row. The digits specify the position of the sample in the row. The numbering is from the left to the right. For information about how to specify the carousel configuration in Chromeleon and how to define sample positions, refer to  Defining Sample Positions (WPS-3000/ACC-3000).

Before starting a program, verify that the carousel configuration in Chromeleon matches the sample containers actually installed in the carousel. In addition, define the sample positions for the reagents and wash liquid. These positions are valid throughout the entire running time of the program:

Defining Relative Sample Position

Chromeleon allows you to define vial positions relative to another position, e.g., for the sample preparation vial. The new position can be in a different row, in a different segment, or a certain number of vials away from the current vial.

1. Next row: To use the corresponding vial in the next row, use the following command in the program:

    

   0.000

   Sampler.PrepVial

   =

   Sampler.Position + RB1 - RA1

   This line specifies that the corresponding vial in the next row be used as the mixing vial for the sample in the previous row. For example, if you process the sample at position RB5, mixing takes place at position RC5.

2. Next segment: You can also place the samples to derivate into the red segment, for example, and use a reagent in the corresponding vial in the green segment for mixing. In this case, use the following command:

    

   0.000

   Sampler.PrepVial

   =

   Sampler.Position + GA1 - RA1

   This line specifies that the corresponding vial in the green segment be used as the mixing vial for the sample in the red segment. For example, if you wish to process the sample at position RB5, mixing takes place at position GB5.

3. Incrementing the positions: To specify a sample position that is a certain number of vials away from the current position, you should not specify a relative sample position as in the previous examples. Use the PositionCalculator property. This is important because correct position calculation depends on the installed sample container. The PositionCalculator property calculates the correct position independent of the installed sample container. The following example defines position 5 after the current position for the prep vial:

    

   0.000	PositionCalculator	=	Sample.Position
   	IncrementPositionCalculator By	=	5
   	Sampler.PrepVial	=	PositionCalculator

   For example, for the sample at position RB3, the mixing vial is at position RB8.

For an overview of the individual commands, refer to Commands for Controlling Dionex Devices
 Dionex UltiMate 3000 Series Autosamplers

 Dionex WPS-3000 Autosamplers: Commands for User-Defined Programs

 Dionex UltiMate 3000 Series Autosamplers Column Compartment.  

For detailed program examples for the WPS-3000 autosamplers, refer to

 Examples for User-Defined Programs for the WPS-3000 Autosamplers