Liquid Handling Software Update

TEMPEST® 3.2

TEMPEST® 3.2

TEMPEST® 3.2 provides the latest improvements to make your work easier. Here is a quick preview of the developments for TEMPEST 3.2.

Featuring Fast and Precise Dispense Modes for Greater Versatility

The latest TEMPEST software provides you with two dispense modes for greater flexibility. The new Precise mode gives you the lowest possible instrumental error, and is particularly useful for low volume dispensing. The higher precision is achieved by separating a dispense into separate passes using only one diaphragm at a time. Fast mode provides the same great dispense speed and performance you're accustomed to from TEMPEST. You can choose the mode that's best for your dispense from the Reagent List menu. For more information, see Reagent List.

Dispense Mode in the Reagent List Menu

Dispense Mode in the Reagent List Menu

 

Enhanced TEMPEST Liquid Classes

Liquid Classes in TEMPEST are easier to use than ever. The new liquid classes feature clearer naming based on viscosity range, so that it's easy to choose the right liquid class for any reagent you want to use. Each liquid class comes with custom delay and pressure settings for each type of TEMPEST chip, to ensure the highest possible accuracy in every dispense. For more information, see Liquid Classes.

The Liquid Classes Menu

The Liquid Classes Menu

 

Assigning Multiple Plate Barcodes to One Dispense List

Previously, the TEMPEST could only assign one plate barcode to one dispense list. Now, when using TEMPEST plate stackers, you can assign multiple barcodes to a dispense list, saving you more time in designing dispenses. You can assign multiple plate barcodes to a new dispense list or to a dispense list that has been previously saved. For more information, see Executing a Plate Dispense .

Multiple Barcode for Single Dispense List in the Dispense Log

Multiple Barcode for Single Dispense List in the Dispense Log

 

Easy Access to the Newest TEMPEST Features

TEMPEST will now automatically check for availability of a new release when starting up the software, making it easy to stay up-to-date with all the latest TEMPEST features. You can also check for updates using the Check for Updates option in the Help menu. When an update is available, you'll be taken directly to the installer for the newest version of TEMPEST. For more information, see Upgrading the TEMPEST Software.

The Check for Updates Option

The Check for Updates Option

 

Edit Your Protocol with a Single Button

You can now easily edit your current protocol from the Edit Protocol button in the Input Toolbar on the Input Control Panel. This way, you can directly access the Edit Protocol window and quickly make any necessary modifications before dispense. For more information, see Input Control Panel.

Edit Protocol Button in the Input Control Panel

Edit Protocol Button in the Input Control Panel

 

New Restack to Source Option for Easier Dispense with Plate Stackers

The latest TEMPEST software includes an option to restack your plates to the loading stacker after dispense, to help you keep your plates organized. This feature allows you to retrieve the dispensed plates in the same order they have been loaded in. You can enable this feature through the Restack To Source option in the Options menu. For more information, see Using the Options Menu.

Plate Stacker Settings in the Options Menu

Plate Stacker Settings in the Options Menu

 

Minor Software Changes

TEMPEST has added a minor change for better usability. Other change include:

  • Fixed homing and post dispense sequences to avoid collisions of tall labware with the dispense head following a motor skip. You may have experienced this issue while dispensing deep well plates, If you continue to experience this issue following the upgrade to TEMPEST 3.2, please contact support@formulatrix.com for assistance.
  • Improved the software license activation and reactivation by adding the Online Activation option. You can now easily activate your TEMPEST software license online, helping you get to work with TEMPEST more quickly. Contact support@formulatrix.com for assistance. For more information, see Online License Activation.
  • Added a Barcode Settings tab to the Device Control Panel for easier access to the barcode settings.

Many of the best TEMPEST updates have been suggested by our awesome user community.

Have a great idea on how to make TEMPEST better?

 

Let us know by contacting us at support@formulatrix.com

 

Would you like to view the updates from previous releases of the TEMPEST software?