Ningaloo MLA-1: FAQs

Buying an MLA-1

As compared to other devices, it comes with a number of advanced features, ensuring reproducibility, experimental flexibility and robustness:

  • Better temperature management
  • Wireless connectivity
  • Data logging/monitoring
  • Scalability – for future larger volumes

 

Yes – you can test the device in your lab for an affordable monthly fee.
Contact us to receive a quote. Benefit from the introductory price valid until 15 Nov. 2024!

 

Contact us to receive a quote. Benefit from the introductory price valid until 15 Nov. 2024!

 

Yes, contact us to receive a quote.

 

Questions on the LightControl software

Yes. You can define programs for 96, 24 and 6 well formats . Contact us if you want to work with a different format.

 

Because you want to prove that long illumination experiments were executed uninterrupted and did not result in any errors. Integrity of experiment is key.
Real-time monitoring is possible by connecting the LightControl software to a device through Bluetooth. After an experiment, you can download a logging file in *.csv format with timestamps to review and document.

 

We are happy to give you an online software demo. Please contact us to arrange a meeting.

 

Yes. You can save or load your illumination program at any time. In addition, you can download the program that is currently stored on your device into the LightControl software.

 

Yes, they are included in the license you get. You can perform the software and firmware updates yourself.

 

The minimum timespan of a pulse/episode is currently 1 second and the maximum length is 100 days. The length of pulsesis limited to 18 h, but for expanding this timespan pulsing can easily be defined through a sequence of episodes.

 

Yes. You can generate a *.csv file for review and documentation purposes, e.g. in your lab journal.

 

Technical questions on the MLA-1

While the standard MLA-1 comes with three types of LEDs for blue, red and far-red illumination, we offer customized designs covering a full range of wavelengths. See the list.

 

We have data from 96-well up to 6 well formats

 

The device is equipped with efficient fan-based cooling (bottom and top). Based on experimental data under typical lab conditions, this designhas beens  shown to avoid any overheating of cells. There’s no active function in the MLA yet, though.

 

Yes. Just use the Start/Stop button to control the illumination whenever you want.

 

Yes. The Start/Stop button can be deactivated in the device setting using the LightControl software. In this mode, you can only start or stop programs through an active connection to the LightControl software.

 

We tested connectivity in several different incubators with several meters of distance – including settings where the computer was placed in an adjacent room.

 

The maximum is provided in the certificate of calibration. For instance, for 470 nm we can achieve at least 5-10 mW/cm2 inside 96 well plates.

 

Yes. The power supply is compatible and tested with 100 to 240 V AC.

 

Yes, we tested MLA prototypes with long-term shaking. Make sure your device is securely fixed on your shaker platform.

 

You can program stepwise profiles. Based on customer feedback, sinusoidal curves or ramps might be integrated in one of the next software updates.

 

No, but it improves cross talk in case you have different illuminations running in different positions.

 

No, but it improves cross talk in case you have different illuminations running in different positions.

 

For black/transparent bottom 24 well plates, we recommend affordable plates from Artic White LLC. Contact us for further recommendations.

 

It’s light tight if you close and secure the lid. You can carry your cells inside a closed MLA-1 in daylight. We’ve not measured the factor of light cancelation, though, so avoid exposing the device to direct sunlight or other strong light sources.

 

We selected it to be of very low intensity so that should not interfere with your experiment even when not using the device lid.

 

Yes – use the device settings in the LightControl Software.

 

Yes, but be aware of possible condensation of water when switching between environmental conditions.

 

First, unplug the device. Refer to the manual for further steps to clean and dry the device.

 

Questions related to cell biology

Yes. We have no data about light propagation in deep wells or other special formats yet, though.

 

In principle yes, but be aware of possible high light intensities (at least use appropriate light filters).

 

back
Back To Top