Guiding You To Success!

User's GuideTable of Contents

Warranty
Gilson warrants this product against defects
in material under normal use and service for aperiod of 12 months from the date of purchase.
Gilson is not responsible for incidental damage
resulting from physical shock, continuous exposure to corrosive reagents or technical handling
not in accordance with the guidelines describedin the user’s guide.

1

Introduction

2

2

PARTS CHECKLIST AND ACCESSORIES

2-3

3

SAFETY NOTES

3-4

4	Description

4-7

5

getting started

7-8

6	USING THE TRACKMAN	

9-12

7	CLEANING, DECONTAMINATION and MAINTENANCE

128	TROUBLESHOOTING	

13

9	REPLACEMENT PARTS

13

ec declaration of conformity	

14

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET	

15

1 introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of the TRACKMAN, the professional assistant who keeps track of
pipetting from microtube to microtube and from microplate to microplate!
The TRACKMAN is ideal for tracking pipetting. It holds two microplates (96-well or 384-well)* or two
optional Gilson Microtube Holders (0.5 mL, 1.5 mL and 2 mL), A and B, for transferring liquids frommicrotube to microtube or microplate to microplate. The TRACKMAN tracks and displays the positionof the liquids.
The TRACKMAN:• helps eliminate pipetting mistakes and cross-contamination.
• is a high quality Gilson product and is CE compliant.
• can be used manually or with a pedal for hands-free operation.
• simplifies your work, improves your productivity and will guide you to success!

2 PARTS CHECKLIST AND ACCESSORIES
Verify that the following items are present••••

TRACKMAN 				Ref. F70301
Power supply with AC adapter and cable 	Ref. F30705
User’s Guide 				Ref. LT801522
4 reagent reservoirs (25 mL)
Ref. F267660-2-* Patent pending.

Optional Accessories••

Pedal for TRACKMAN
Ref. F70261
0.5 mL, 1.5 mL and 2 mL Microtube Holder(vessel capacity: 16 microtubes)
Ref. F70105

The Microtube Holder allows for placing 0.5 mL tubes into one sideand 1.5 mL or 2.0 mL tubes into the other side, thus enabling useof the TRACKMAN to track pipetting between microtubes.

Figure 1

The TRACKMAN can be used with any kind of pipette (mechanical or electronic, single, multichannel
and repetitive), like all models of Gilson’s PIPETMAN® product line, DISTRIMAN®, REPETMAN® and
MICROMAN®.
For ordering information please contact your Gilson distributor or http://www.gilson.com.

3 SAFETY NOTES
Possible dangers if the safety precautions are not observed
The TRACKMAN is a state-of-the-art instrument and is safe to use. All persons working with the TRACKMAN
must read the operating and safety instructions before operating the instrument.

Safety at work
In addition to any safety precautions listed here, all other relevant safety aspects–e.g., GLP, GMP, professional trade associations, Department of Health, trade supervisory authorities–must be observed.
The TRACKMAN has
an IP 32 rating. It is
protected against
direct sprays of water
up to 15° from thevertical.
For more information,refer to Chapter 7.

Do not autoclave the TRACKMAN. Extreme heat
will damage electronic components.
Do not immerse the TRACKMAN; liquid inside candamage its internal components.
Do not clean the keypad with bleach solutions
or other solvents. Caustic cleaning solutions candamage the keypad.

Figure 2

Do not use the TRACKMAN in a potentially explosive environment or with potentially explosive
chemicals.

Changes in configuration/designby user
No changes may be made to theTRACKMAN.

Any parts that become defective must be replaced by original Gilson parts.

-3-

The TRACKMAN may not be altered in design orin any of their safety aspects without the express
written permission of Gilson. In particular, noalterations may be made to any of the protectivefunctions. Any alteration releases Gilson fromany liability for damage caused.

The TRACKMAN may not be opened!
Repairs must be carried out by Gilson ora service company authorized by Gilson!
Do not carry the TRACKMAN by theretractable stand.
Make sure that the TRACKMAN is well
positioned on the bench. Do not use the
TRACKMAN on an irregular surface.

Do not dispose of the product withgeneral waste, when a unit reaches
its end of life, use a recognizedorganization to collect and recycle
the products.

4	DESCRIPTIONTRACKMAN Location A Location B Power touch pad = ON/OFF LED light box

 Step touch pads

 Position indicators (for 96- or 384-well microplates)

 LCD screen

 Plate holder (for 96- or 384-well microplates)

 Operator touch pads

Figure 3 - TRACKMAN Front Panel-4- Four antiskid rubber feet

 Retractable stand Reset (see Chapter 8)

 Cable guide on left and right side

Figure 4 - TRACKMAN Bottom Side

Angle Adjustment

Figure 5 - Retractable stand

The TRACKMAN may be positioned flat or slightly
inclined. To raise the TRACKMAN, lift the retractable
stand on the underside.

Reset

Figure 6

In case of malfunction, first reset the TRACKMAN. To
reset, insert a paper clip into the reset hole on therear panel of the TRACKMAN for at least 3 sec.

Cable guide

Reset

Cable Guide
The TRACKMAN provides you with a cable guide on
the bottom side. To align the pedal cable or power
supply cable for more comfortable working, insert thecable into the cable guide found near the rubber feet.

Description of TRACKMAN connections
Pedal port

Figure 7-5-

USB port

Power connectionDisplay
The display is an LCD screen. It shows the current mode and operating step, battery indicator, sound,
timer, and an indicator for manual or automatic timer operation.
Operation screen

Setup screen

Figure 8 - TRACKMAN Display
 Selected location(s) Indicator of well or tube position
 Timer selection On/Off for automatic run
 Run, to start a run
 Config, to set up a run Setup, to set sound, timer and transport function
 Modify, appears when Config or Setup are chosen, modification can be done Valid, to accept the selection
 Quit, to return to the Operation screen
 Indicator for single or multichannel pipette type
 Beeper selection On/Off Selected mode: M = manual, P = pedal (with accessory pedal, ref. F70261)
or T = automatic operation using timer (between pipetting steps)
 Indicator for battery level Indicator for vessel type (microplate or Microtube Holder)-6-

Microplate and/or Microtube Holder positioning:
The TRACKMAN is ideal for tracking pipetting to 96-well microplates, as well as to 384-well microplates. To position yourmicroplate or Microtube Holder, use the position indicatorson the TRACKMAN (see fig. 9) and the indication displayedon the front panel. Select the vessel type in the software (seeChapter 6). The LED lights will indicate the chosen pattern andhelp you place the microplate or Microtube Holder. Before
starting a “run” the LED light pattern will illuminate again fora final positioning verification.

Figure 9 - Position indicators on the TRACKMAN

5 GETTING STARTEDPower Management
The TRACKMAN is provided with a minimal battery
charge. Before using a new TRACKMAN, it is recommended to fully charge the battery. The TRACKMAN
battery has been designed to ensure up to 8 hours
of cordless operation. For service continuity whenneeding more capacity, your TRACKMAN can also be
used while charging.

Only use a power supply approved or
supplied by Gilson. Use of an incompatible power supply can damage
the TRACKMAN!
Use indoors.

Battery Charging
The TRACKMAN charges 80% of its full battery capacity in less than an hour. It takes three hours to fully
charge the battery. The battery charges fastest withthe unit power off.
Use the power supply and power supply cable, supplied with the TRACKMAN, to make the connection
between the power receptacle on the TRACKMAN
and a power source. The TRACKMAN starts charging.
-7-

Pedal port

Figure 10

USB port

Power connection

Low Battery Warning
The TRACKMAN has a low battery alert. As the battery runs down, the “low battery level” message appears, followed by a warning beep. Press ok before continuing to work. The warning is replaced by ablinking symbol of an empty battery. If it is not recharged, a second “low battery” warning will appear.
The TRACKMAN will switch off automatically after a few minutes if it is still not recharged. Your last
program and position will be saved.

Changing the battery
If the following symptoms occur, please contact yourGilson Service Center:
1. The battery will not charge or will not operate even
if connected to the charger for at least five minutes.
2. The battery operates for a very short time or permanently needs to be used in connected mode.

The TRACKMAN uses a Lithium-Ion
battery. Operation on the battery isdone at user’s risk only.
Opening the TRACKMAN voids thewarranty.

Sleep Mode
The TRACKMAN goes into sleep mode and the display
will shut off after five minutes of inactivity. Press ON/
OFF to reactivate the TRACKMAN; the last programand position will appear on the screen. The stand-bymode lasts 15 minutes before TRACKMAN switches off.

If you switch off the TRACKMAN,
the last program will be saved but
not the last position; you may startagain, but cannot continue the run.

Switch ON or OFF
Press and hold the power touch pad “ON/OFF” for at least two seconds.
If TRACKMAN is switched off, it can hold a battery charge of up to 40 days.

Transport Mode
The TRACKMAN is preset to Transport Mode “on”. To start working with the TRACKMAN, press the key
combination that is indicated on the screen.
The TRACKMAN is now ready to use (see Chapter 6).

-8-

6	USING THE TRACKMAN
Use the TRACKMAN in several different ways.
You can pipette with:

Symbol1x channel pipettex1

8 x multichannel pipettex8

12 x multichannel pipette

x12

Message

You can pipette:
to 0.5 mL/1.5 mL and 2.0 mL microtubes

A or B

tube 0.5 mL or tube 1.5 mL

to 96 /384 well microplates

A or B

96-well or 384-wellfrom microtubes to microtubes

AB

tube 0.5 mL or tube 1.5 mLfrom microplates to microplatesAB

96-well or 384-wella sequence of microtubes or microplates

A+B

tube 0.5 mL, tube 1.5 mL,
96-well or 384-well

Choose between different patterns: individually, entire rows or columns and in serpentine.
microplate

patterns

96 wellsingle channel

8 x channel

A
B
A+B

A
B
A+B

A B
A
B
A+B

AB

AB
A
B
A+B
AB
A
B
A+B
AB

microtubes holder
384 well

12 x channel

single channel

8 x channel

A
B
A+B
A
B
A+B
AB

AB
A
B
A+B
AB
A
B
A+B

A
B
A+B
AB

0.5 mL and 1.5 mL
12 x channel

single channel

A
B
A+B

A
B
A+B

AB

AB
A
B
A+B
AB
A
B
A+B

AB
A
B
A+B

AB
A
B
A+B

AB

AB

Overview of all programming possibilities-9- How to program the TRACKMAN:
The screen will guide you through your programming.
You can change the pipette type, vessel type, pipettepattern, location and timer.
1.	Switch on the TRACKMAN.

Note before starting:
The TRACKMAN is touch sensitive. So,
please keep in mind that you need tolift your finger between clicks.

2. Press Config; the indicator of pipette type is blinking.
3. Press Modify until the desired pipette type is selected.
4.	Press Valid; the next symbol on the screen will blink and can be changed. Continue programmingas described in steps 2–4 until all required items are selected.
5. After programming your run, the first screen appears again.
6. Press Run to start the program (see “How to use the TRACKMAN”).
After all parameters are selected, the TRACKMAN may be operated using the step touch pads on the
keypad or a pedal (optional, ref. F70261). If you chose automatic timer mode, the step touch pads andpedal are disabled during the run.
If you have to pause before you have finished a run, press “Stop”. This will automatically pause your run. The question“Are you sure?” appears and you are in “pause” mode. All parameters will be retained and you can continue without
a risk of pipetting error. If you want to continue your run press “No”, this will cancel the stop function. If you confirm theoption by selecting “Yes” you will reset the run.

 How to use the TRACKMAN:
1.	Switch on the TRACKMAN.
2. Place your vessel using the position indicators.
3. Press Run to start the program.
4. The LED light pattern will appear. Verify that the vessels are in the correct positions and then confirm
the question “Are you ready” with “Yes” or “No”.
If you choose “Yes”, the run starts, if you choose “No”, you will return to the previous menu.

5. Press one of the step touch pads to advance the light sequence
If you want to go one step backwards, press “Back”. The question “Are you sure?” appears. Press “Yes” to go backwards
or “No” to continue.
If you want to stop the run, press “Stop”. The question “Are you sure?” appears. Press “Yes” to stop, or “No” to continue.

6. When the run is finished, the first screen appears again and you can start another run.
The TRACKMAN goes to sleep and the display will shut off after five minutes of inactivity. Press ON/OFF to reactivate
TRACKMAN and continue working. Your last settings and operating step appear on the screen.

- 10 -

 How to use the TRACKMAN with timer mode:
1.	Switch on the TRACKMAN.
2. Place your vessel by using the position indicators.
3. Press Config; the indicator of pipette type is blinking.
4. Press Modify until the desired pipette type is selected.
5.	Press Valid; the next symbol on the screen will blink and can be changed. Continue programmingas described in steps 2–4 until all required items are selected.
6.	When you reach the item to change between automatic timer mode T and manual mode M, selectT and then press Valid to accept your selection.
7.	Next, set the Time Interval by using + and - . The valid range is between 1 sec. and 99 sec. Click
Valid to confirm your choice and return to the operation screen.
8.	Press Run to start the program. The LED light pattern will appear. Verify the vessel is in the correct
position, and then respond to the question “Are you ready” with “Yes” or “No”.
If you choose “Yes”, the run starts, if you choose “No”, you will return to the previous menu.

9. The pattern will light automatically to track your pipetting.
10. When the run is finished, the first screen appears again and you can start another run.

 How to use the TRACKMAN with the pedal:
1.	Switch on the TRACKMAN.
2.	Plug the pedal into the TRACKMAN (see Chapter 4, Fig. 4). A beep signals that the pedal is connected
and a P (for pedal) appears on screen.
3. Press Run to start the program.
4. Step the pedal to advance the light sequence.
If you want to go one step backwards, press BACK, the question “Are you sure?” appears. Press “Yes” to go backwards
or “No” to continue.
If you want to stop the run, press ”Stop”, the question “Are you sure?” appears. Press “Yes” to stop, or “No” to continue.

6. When the run is finished, you return to the first position where you can start another run.
If you use the pedal, you cannot use the step touch pads.

 How to change the setup parameters:
You can change following parameters:
Timer: Indication of pipetting time.
Beeper: Beep sound.
Transport function: to lock the TRACKMAN before transport or for security.

- 11 -

1.	Switch on the TRACKMAN.
2. Press Setup; the timer symbol starts blinking.
3.	To change it, press Modify. Click Valid to confirm your choice. The next item, the beeper symbol,
starts blinking.
If you do not want to change it, press Valid, the beeper symbol starts blinking.

4.	If you want to switch the beeper on or off press Modify and then Valid to accept the selection.
If you do not want to change it, press Valid. Set the next item, the transport function, by using the Modify soft touch.
Press Valid to accept the selection and return to the operation screen.

5. To exit the Setup menu, press Quit.

7	CLEANING, DECONTAMINATION AND MAINTENANCE
Cleaning and Decontamination
	To clean the TRACKMAN, wipe it with a soft-cloth orlint-free tissue dipped in a simple soap solution or
70 % Ethanol, to remove all marks. If the TRACKMAN
is very dirty, a brush with soft plastic bristles may
be used.
 To rinse, wipe the TRACKMAN with a soft cloth orlint-free tissue dipped in distilled water.
 Allow it to air dry or dry it carefully with a soft clothor lint-free tissue.
If you use chemical solutions for decontamination or
detergents for cleaning other than those specified
below, you should check with your supplier that thesolution or detergent is safe for use with the following materials: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene),polyester, rubber and stainless steel.

Do not autoclave TRACKMAN. Extreme heat will damage electronic
components.
Do not immerse the TRACKMAN;
liquid inside can damage its internal
components.
Do not clean the keypad with bleachsolutions or other solvents. Caustic
cleaning solutions can damage the
keypad.

Maintenance
The TRACKMAN must be cleaned regularly.
If necessary, you can replace the antiskid rubber feet
(Refer to Chapters 4 and 9).

- 12 -The TRACKMAN may not be opened!
Repairs must be carried out by Gilson
or a service company authorized
by Gilson! Please contact your local
Gilson Service for the replacementof spare parts or battery.

8	TROUBLESHOOTING
In case of malfunction, first reset the
TRACKMAN. To reset, insert a paper clip
into the reset hole on the rear panelof the TRACKMAN for at least 3 sec.
If the problem persists, you may
consult the following table which
identifies potential problems andpossible solutions.

ProblemPossible Cause

Refer to pageNo LCD display.

Recharge battery.
Reset the software.

7
5

No operation possible.

Recharge battery.
Reset the software.

7
5

Step touch pads do not work. Set program to Manual mode. 10
Lift finger between clicks.
10
No activity after sleep mode. Reset the software.
Recharge battery.

5
7

No move of light sequence.

Reset the software.
Recharge battery.

5
7

No operation possible.

Recharge battery.
Reset the software.

7
5

Calibration impossible.

Reset the software.

5

9	Replacement Parts
Description

Reference

Antiskid rubber feet

5462105001- 13 -

EC	 dECLARATION OF CONFORMITYGILSON S.A.S.
19, avenue des Entrepreneurs
BP 145 - 95400 VILLIERS LE BEL
FRANCE
Tel.: +33(0)1 34 29 50 00
Fax: +33(0)1 34 29 50 20

The company

Here by certifies on its sole responsibility that the
products listed below:
comply with the requirements of the following
European Directives:

TRACKMAN™

2004/108/EC
Electromagnetic Compatibility
2006/95/EC
Low Voltage Equipment
2002/95/EC
Restriction of hazardous substances

Villiers-le-Bel, August 1st, 2011

Atika El Sayed
General Manager

Hervé Ledorze
Quality Manager- 14 -TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
Dimensions(L x W x H) Instrument 280 mm x 170 mm x 23 mm

Weight0.490 kg

ScreenLCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

LED light box

No-heat emitting diodes will have no effect on samples.

Capacity	Microplates ISO/ANSI SBS 1-2004, 2-2004, 3-2004 and 4-2004 are accepted,
height: 10 mm to 45 mm, two microplates can be placed side by side, transparent
and translucent.
100-240V ~ 0.4A
AC Adapter	Input:
		
47-63Hz
Output:
5VDC 2.0A
Class II	
	Indoor use only
Battery	Gilson Lithium Polymer Cell, Battery Rating: 3.7V, 1Ah (3.7 Wh), autonomy up to 8
hours (single channel pipette) or 5 h (multichannel pipette) with one charge!
Temperature	Storage:-20°C to + 45°C

Operating: +4°C to + 40°C
Humidity

20%–80%Air pressure

800–1200 mbar

UV-resistanceI f the TRACKMAN will be exposed to ultraviolet light, the plastic housing might
discolour and become yellow. This will not affect the functioning efficiency of thedevice.

- 15 -

LT801522/C - ©2011 Gilson SAS All rights reserved
EnglishAugust 2011
Printed in France

Specifications subject to change without notifications - errors omitted.

www.gilson.com
sales@gilson.com
service@gilson.com
training@gilson.com
Gilson, Inc. World Headquarters
3000 Parmenter Street I P.O. Box 620027 I Middleton, WI 53562-0027, USA
Tel: (1) 800-445-7661 or (1) 608-836-1551 I Fax: (1) 608-831-4451
Gilson S.A.S.
19, avenue des Entrepreneurs I BP 145, F-95400 Villiers-le-Bel, France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 34 29 50 00 I Fax: +33 (0) 1 34 29 50 20