Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. xMark
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. · Model xMark
Monochromator-based system for maximum optical efficiency and flexibility in photometry reading Spectral scanning to define the best absorbance wavelength for assays Imaging capabilities for pixel intensity data in a single well or entire plate Ability to scan custom plates Flexible control and data analysis with PC or Mac software Incubator with programmable temperature control Compatible with 6- to 1,536-well and custom microplates 128 mm L x 88 mm W Plate height cannot exceed 21 mm Clear flat-bottom plates are recommended such as Bio-Rad's Costar 96–Well Flat–Bottom EIA Plate (2240096) U-Bottom plates can be used, but V-bottom plates are not recommended.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Absorbance readings drift / out of QC
HighSymptoms: Blank or standard absorbance off, poor plate-to-plate reproducibility, high CV.
Root cause: Aged lamp / light source, monochromator drift, contamination on the optics, or a dirty plate transport.
Plate transport / carrier fault
MediumSymptoms: Plate not loading, jams, mis-registration of wells, "plate error".
Root cause: Worn transport belt/motor or a position-sensor fault; a plate taller than 21 mm or a V-bottom plate used.
Incubator temperature control fault
MediumSymptoms: Chamber not reaching or holding the programmed temperature, assay results temperature-sensitive.
Root cause: Heater element, temperature sensor, or control-board fault.
PC / Mac communication loss
LowSymptoms: Software will not connect, control or data transfer fails.
Root cause: USB/serial cable or port fault, or a driver issue.
Monochromator / wavelength drive fault
MediumSymptoms: Spectral scan noisy or shifted, wrong absorbance wavelength selected.
Root cause: Monochromator grating drive or its calibration.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Lamp / light source
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Plate transport belt / motor
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Difficult
Incubator heater / temperature sensor
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Plate position sensor
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $R&R Moderate
Communication cable
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $R&R Easy
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamp / light source | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Plate transport belt / motor | Periodic replacement | $$ | Difficult |
| Incubator heater / temperature sensor | Major service part | $$ | Moderate |
| Plate position sensor | Periodic replacement | $ | Moderate |
| Communication cable | Periodic replacement | $ | Easy |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Absorbance readings drift or fail QC
- Run the instrument's self-diagnostics / plate-check with a validated absorbance plate.
- Confirm recommended plate type (clear flat-bottom; not V-bottom; height under 21 mm).
- Inspect and clean the optics and plate transport.
- Replace the lamp if intensity is low.
- Re-verify with the QC plate across the used wavelengths.
Symptom: Plate will not load or registers wrong
- Confirm the plate meets the size/type limits.
- Watch the load cycle for belt slip or a stall.
- Check the plate position sensor is clean and seated.
- Replace the transport belt/motor or sensor as indicated.
- Confirm reliable load and correct well registration.
Technical Specs
- Height
- 21.9 cm
- Length
- 44 cm
- Weight
- 27.5 kg
- Width
- 54.4 cm
Documents & Manuals
Related calculators
From BioLab, for work done with this kind of equipment.
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