viaflo software and firmware update history · v14 released ime 29.04.2015 vialink 4.3.x, pipette...

VIAFLO_Software_and_Firmware_update_history_V20.docx 1/22 3. May 2017

VIAFLO Software and firmware update history

VIALINK - Pipette Management Software

VIAFLO & VIAFLO II - single and multichannel electronic pipette

VOYAGER & VOYAGER II - space adjustable electronic pipette

VIAFLO 96 / 384 - Electronic 96- and 384-channel pipette

VIAFLO ASSIST – Personal pipetting assistant


Document Change History

Vers. Status: Name: Date: Change:

V00 Released IMe 27.03.2012 Document issued, released

V01 Released MCa 07.05.2012 Update, released


V03 Released MCa 04.12.2012 Update

V04 Released IMe 19.02.2012 Update VIALINK 2.0.2

V05 Released IMe 13.12.2013 Update VIALINK 3.x.x


V07 Released MCa 03.02.2014 Update VIAFLO96/384 Base Unit, released

V08 Released MCa 07.05.2014 Update Electronic pipette, released

V09 Released IMe 11.08.2014 Update with VIALINK 4.0 and all pipette updates

V10 Released MCa 25.08.2014 Update VIAFLO96/384, Released

V11 Released MCa 09.09.2014 Update Base Unit VIAFLO96/384, Released

V12 Released MCa 17.09.2014 Update VIALINK 4.1, Released

V13 Released MCa 06.11.2014 VIALINK 4.2.x, Pipette V03.13, Base Unit V03.06

V14 Released IMe 29.04.2015 VIALINK 4.3.x, Pipette V03.20, ASSIST V1.07

V15 Released MCa 13.05.2015 Update ASSIST compatibility table

V16 Released IMe 15.10.2015 Update Electronic Pipette Generation 1 Update VIAFLO96/384 (50 µl heads)

V17 Draft MCa 01.04.2016 Pipette V03.30, VOYAGER II

Released MCa 17.05.2016 Pipette V03.31 .. 03.33, VIAFLO96/384 Base Unit

V18 Draft MCa 27.09.2016 Update VIAFLO96/384

Released MCa 18.10.2016 Released

V19 Released MCa 24.02.2017 Update VIAFLO96/384

V20 Released JVO2 30.05.2017 VIALINK 4.6.0, VIAFLO II and Voyager II Firmware V3.40

Table of Contents

Introduction ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 1.1 Purpose ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 1.2 Scope ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

2 VIALINK Software versions --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 2.1 Software version 4.6.x ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

2.1.1 Compatibility overview ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 2.1.2 Version 4.6.x----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

2.2 Software version 4.4.x ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 2.2.1 Compatibility overview ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 2.2.2 Version 4.4.x----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

2.3 Software version 4.3.x ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 2.3.1 Compatibility overview ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 2.3.2 Version 4.3.x----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

2.4 Software version 4.0.x – 4.2.x ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8 2.4.1 Compatibility overview ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 2.4.2 Version 4.2.x----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 2.4.3 Version 4.1.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 2.4.4 Version 4.0.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

2.5 Software version 3.0.1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 2.6 Software version 2.0.x --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 2.7 Software version 1.1.0 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10


3 VOYAGER space adjustable electronic pipette ----------------------------------------------------- 11 3.1 Different generations ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 3.2 Firmware version 3.40 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 3.3 Firmware version 3.32 / 3.33 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 3.4 Firmware version 3.31 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 3.5 Firmware version 3.30 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 3.6 Firmware version 2.xx --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12

4 VIAFLO single and multichannel electronic pipette ----------------------------------------------- 12 4.1 Different generations ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 4.2 Firmware version 3.40 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 4.3 Firmware version 3.31 / 3.32 / 3.33 ----------------------------------------------------------------- 13 4.4 Firmware version 3.30 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 4.5 Firmware version 3.20 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 4.6 Firmware version 3.13 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 4.7 Firmware version 3.12 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 4.8 Firmware version 3.10 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 4.9 Firmware version 3.04 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 4.10 Firmware version 3.03 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 4.11 Firmware version 3.02 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 4.12 Firmware version 3.01 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 4.13 Firmware version 2.81 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 4.14 Firmware version 2.80 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 4.15 Firmware version 2.78 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 4.16 Firmware version 2.77 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 4.17 Firmware version 2.44 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 4.18 Firmware version 2.24 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

5 VIAFLO 96 / 384 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 5.1 Different generations ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 5.2 Compatibility between Control unit and Base unit (1st generation) -------------------------- 17 5.3 Compatibility between Control unit and Base unit (2nd generation) ------------------------- 17 5.4 Control unit firmware ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18

5.4.1 Firmware version 3.10---------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 5.4.2 Firmware version 3.07---------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 5.4.3 Firmware version 3.05---------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 5.4.4 Firmware version 3.04---------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 5.4.5 Firmware version 3.03---------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 5.4.6 Firmware version 2.94---------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 5.4.7 Firmware version 2.93---------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 5.4.8 Firmware version 2.91---------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 5.4.9 Firmware version 2.83---------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 5.4.10 Firmware version 2.81---------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 5.4.11 Firmware version 2.79---------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

5.5 Base unit firmware -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 5.5.1 Firmware version 3.27---------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 5.5.2 Firmware version 3.20---------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 5.5.3 Firmware version 3.12---------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 5.5.4 Firmware version 3.06---------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 5.5.5 Firmware version 3.05---------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 5.5.6 Firmware version 3.04---------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 5.5.7 Firmware version 2.30---------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 5.5.8 Firmware version 2.15---------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 5.5.9 Firmware version 2.14---------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 5.5.10 Firmware version 2.10---------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 5.5.11 Firmware version 2.02---------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 5.5.12 Firmware version 1.07---------------------------------------------------------------------- 21


5.5.13 Firmware version 1.02---------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 6 VIAFLO ASSIST ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

6.1 Compatibility between ASSIST and VIAFLO II electronic pipettes -------------------------- 21 6.2 Firmware version 1.07 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22 6.3 Firmware version 1.06 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22 6.4 Firmware version 1.04 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

Introduction

1.1 Purpose

VIALINK connects an INTEGRA VIAFLO electronic pipette, VIAFLO ASSIST and VIAFLO 96 / 384 to a computer. It allows creating and exchanging custom programs, uploading custom pictures for the start-up screen, maintaining a service history and upgrading VIAFLO instruments with the newest firmware.

1.2 Scope

This document describes the history of the VIALINK Software versions and the history of the VIAFLO instruments firmware versions.


2 VIALINK Software versions

2.1 Software version 4.6.x

2.1.1 Compatibility overview

VIALINK / Compatibility

Not

connectable Connectable to VIALINK V4.6.x

No firmware

update Firmware update only Full VIALINK functionality

Device firmware:

VIAFLO electronic pipette / VOYAGER (1st generation)

1.x < 2.24 2.24 2.44 2.77 2.78 2.8x

VIAFLO II electronic pipette (SC&MC) (2nd generation)

≤3.33 ≥3.40

VOYAGER II (2nd generation)

≤3.33 ≥3.40

1st generation: VIAFLO 96 / 384 Control unit

2.79 2.81 2.83 2.9x

VIAFLO 96 / 384 Base unit

1.02 1.07 2.xx

2nd generation: VIAFLO 96 / 384 Control unit

3.xx


3.xx

VIAFLO ASSIST 1.04 1.06 ≥1.07

2.1.2 Version 4.6.x

Released: Mai 2017 (1) Supports the latest VIAFLO II and VOYAGER II firmware V3.40

(2) Supports new steps for custom programs (non-ASSIST programs): Dispense NBO, Mix NBO, BlowOut, BlowIn, Timer and Beep





Not


No firmware


Device firmware:


1.x < 2.24 2.24 2.44 2.77 2.78 2.8x


≤3.13 ≥3.20

VOYAGER II (2nd generation)

≥3.30


2.79 2.81 2.83 2.9x


1.02 1.07 2.xx


3.xx


3.xx


2.2.2 Version 4.4.x

Released: Oct 2015 (1) Supports the latest VIAFLO 96/384 devices and its 50ul heads

(2) Supports the 2nd generation VOYAGER (VOYAGER II)





Not


No firmware


Device firmware:


1.x < 2.24 2.24 2.44 2.77 2.78 2.8x


≤3.13 ≥3.20


2.79 2.81 2.83 2.9x


1.02 1.07 2.xx

2nd generation: VIAFLO 96 / 384 Control unit Head-ID

≤3.04


≤3.12


2.3.2 Version 4.3.x

Released: May 2015 (1) Supports the latest VIAFLO II electronic pipette firmware and all the new features (see below).


2.4 Software version 4.0.x – 4.2.x



Not

connectable Connectable to VIALINK V4.0.x – V4.2.x

No firmware


Device firmware:


1.x < 2.24 2.24 2.44 2.77 2.78 2.8x


3.02 3.05 3.10 3.12 3.13


2.79 2.81 2.83 2.9x


1.02 1.07 2.xx


≤3.04


≤3.12

VIAFLO ASSIST 1.04 1.06

2.4.2 Version 4.2.x

Released: October 2014 (1) Supports new 50 µl VIAFLO II electronic pipettes

2.4.3 Version 4.1.0

Released: September 2014 (1) Bug fix database converter for VIAFLO 96/384 2nd generation

2.4.4 Version 4.0.0

Released: August 2014 (1) Supports VIAFLO II electronic pipettes (2nd generation)

(2) Supports upload/download of custom programs for VIAFLO ASSIST


(3) Supports Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8

2.5 Software version 3.0.1

Released: December 2013 (V3.0.1) (1) Supports the new VIAFLO II electronic pipettes (2nd generation)

(2) Supports the new VIAFLO ASSIST

(3) Supports Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8


Not


No firmware


Device firmware:

VIAFLO electronic pipette (1st generation)

1.x < 2.24 2.24 2.44 2.77 2.78 2.8x

VIAFLO II electronic pipette (2nd generation)

3.02 3.05 3.10

VIAFLO 96 / 384 Control unit (1st generation)

2.79 2.81 2.83 2.9x


1.02 1.07 2.xx

VIAFLO ASSIST 1.xx



Released: June 2012 (V2.0.1), Bug fix Feb 2013 (V2.0.2) (1) Custom programs separated into two libraries: VIAFLO pipettes, VIAFLO 96.

(2) Supports new VIAFLO 96 features (See 5.4.8).

(3) New library function for startup pictures.

(4) New service level support dialog.

VIALINK / Pipette compatibility

Not


No firmware


Pipette firmware:


1.x < 2.24 2.24 2.44 2.77 2.78 2.80 2.8x

VIAFLO 96 / 384 Control unit

2.79 2.81 2.83 2.91 2.9x


1.02 1.07 2.02 2.0x 2.1x

Note: VIALINK 2.0.x is fully compatible with VIAFLO 384.

2.7 Software version 1.1.0

Released: August 2011 This was the first release of VIALINK Pipette Management Software.

VIALINK / Pipette compatibility

Not

connectable Connectable to VIALINK V1.1.0

No firmware


Pipette firmware:


1.x < 2.24 2.24 2.44 2.77 2.78 2.80 2.8x

VIAFLO 96 Control unit

2.79 2.81 2.83

VIAFLO 96 Base unit

1.02 1.07


3 VOYAGER space adjustable electronic pipette

3.1 Different generations

The VOYAGER electronic pipettes are manufactured with two different micro controller versions (1st and 2nd generation). The firmware is NOT compatible between the two generations.

Name: Generation Firmware versions

VOYAGER 1st generation 1.xx … 2.xx

VOYAGER II 2nd generation 3.30 and higher

Identification: (1) If firmware version 1.xx or 2.xx is installed on the device, it is a 1st generation unit. Firmware

version 1.xx or 2.xx only can be installed on such units.

(2) If firmware version 3.xx is installed, the device is of the 2nd generation. Only firmware versions 3.xx can be installed on such a unit.

Note: Firmware version 3.00 or higher can NOT be installed on 1st generation VOYAGER.

3.2 Firmware version 3.40

Released: May 2017 for VOYAGER II pipettes (1) New steps for non-ASSIST custom programs: Dispense NBO, Mix NBO, BlowOut, BlowIn,

Timer and Beep

(2) Introduced customizable pipetting speeds (speed table)

(3) Loop target in a custom program can now be selected with a cursor using the Touch Wheel

(4) Displays both Aspirate and Dispense speeds in Pipet mode

(5) Increased BlowIn Delay time up to 5 s

(6) Extended character length in Prompt up to 12 characters per line

(7) Introducing Compliance-Screen during device start-up and in Device Info

(8) Beep before dispense in variable aspirate mode

(9) Beep for last dispense with pace set to none

(10) Improvements to Japanese translation

(11) Copied programs receive an addendum “_CP” at the end of the program name

(12) Battery charging balancing (available on hardware version 2 only)

3.3 Firmware version 3.32 / 3.33

Released: May 2016 for VOYAGER II (1) Improved tip spacing demonstration mode.


Released: April 2016 for VOYAGER II (1) New default tip spacing positions.



Released: March 2016 for VOYAGER II (1) Supports the 2nd generation VOYAGER (VOYAGER II, first release)

3.6 Firmware version 2.xx

See “VIAFLO single and multichannel electronic pipette” (same firmware)

4 VIAFLO single and multichannel electronic pipette


The VIAFLO electronic pipettes are manufactured with two different micro controller versions (1st and 2nd generation). The firmware is NOT compatible between the two generations.


VIAFLO 1st generation 1.xx … 2.xx

VIAFLO II 2nd generation 3.00 and higher




Note: Firmware version 3.00 or higher can NOT be installed on 1st generation VIAFLO pipettes.


Released: May 2017 for VIAFLO II pipettes (1) New steps for non-ASSIST custom programs: Dispense NBO, Mix NBO, BlowOut, BlowIn,

Timer and Beep

(2) Introduced customizable pipetting speeds (speed table)

(3) Loop target in a custom program can now be selected with a cursor using the Touch Wheel

(4) Displays both Aspirate and Dispense speeds in Pipet mode

(5) Increased BlowIn Delay time up to 5 s

(6) Extended character length in Prompt up to 12 characters per line

(7) Introducing Compliance-Screen during device start-up and in Device Info

(8) Beep before dispense in Variable Aspirate mode

(9) Beep for last dispense with pace set to none

(10) Improvements to Japanese translation

(11) Copied programs receive an addendum “_CP” at the end of the program name

(12) Battery charging balancing (available on hardware version 2 only)

(13) For ASSIST: adjustable move speed for X- and Z- axis in 3 levels

(14) For ASSIST: new custom step Beep

(15) For ASSIST: location for last dispense (source or tip) can be selected in Repeat Dispense and Variable Dispense mode


4.3 Firmware version 3.31 / 3.32 / 3.33

Released: May 2016 for VIAFLO II pipettes (1) Raised the firmware version for VIAFLO II pipettes to the same version number as the

VOYAGER II for convenience in production without introducing new features. These firmware versions have changes for the tip dance demo mode of VOYAGER II only.


Released: March 2016 for VIAFLO II pipettes (1) New ASSIST pipetting mode: Multi Aspirate. Allows aspirating multiple aliquots of the same or

different volumes from a microplate.

(2) Minor bug fixes


Released: May 2015 for VIAFLO II pipettes (1) ASSIST: Liquid level tracking in reservoirs (for repeat and variable dispense)

(2) ASSIST: Liquid level tracking during mixing, aspirating and dispensing (for serial dilution and custom programs)

(3) ASSIST: CALL function in Custom programs

(4) Custom programs: Complex loops allowed (loop in loop)

(5) Date / Time setting introduced

(6) Modell setting (improves default values of ASSIST preset programs)

(7) Re-Home ASSIST before every program start

(8) Remote control interface (API)

(9) Live position teaching on VIALINK for ASSIST

(10) Supports a second source LCD

(11) Changed calibration curve for VIAFLO II 12.5 µl pipettes @ 10%

(12) Number of ASSIST presets/modes increased to 20 and number of custom programs increased to 40

(13) Ready for 12.5 µl short tip (reservoir adapter needed on ASSIST)


Released: October 2014 for VIAFLO II pipettes (1) Supports new 50 µl models

(2) Increased motor force for pipette model #4015

(3) Minor bug fixes


Released: August 2014 for VIAFLO II pipettes (1) Compatible with new VIAFLO II single channel pipette (2nd generation)

(2) Additional GUI languages in Spanish, Japanese and Chinese


(3) Number of ASSIST custom programs increased from 10 to 20 programs

(4) Program converter: Converts the settings of a pipette mode into a custom program.

(5) New “loop” step function in custom programs

(6) ASSIST custom programs: Enables to download and upload custom programs with VIALINK 4.2.x

(7) Bug fix of “µ”-symbol for program names. It now displays correctly.

(8) Fixed a bug where a “loop” step at end of ASSIST custom program would cause an error.


Released: May 2014 for VIAFLO II pipettes (1) Improved readability of the user interface

(2) Modifications to allow a new motor type


Released: January 2014 for VIAFLO II pipettes (1) Further improved homing routine for multichannel pipettes


Released: December 2013 for VIAFLO II pipettes (1) Improved homing routine for multichannel pipettes

(2) Fixed a bug where the wrong version information of the Bluetooth module was displayed


Released: December 2013 for VIAFLO II pipettes (1) Compatible with VIALINK V3.x.x or higher


Released: November 2013 for VIAFLO II pipettes (1) Redesign of firmware for new VIAFLO II pipettes

(2) Supports VIAFLO ASSIST

(3) New power and battery management

(4) New Bluetooth module and communication


Released: June 2015 (1) Supports a second source LCD


Released: August 2011 (latest version for 1st generation pipettes) (1) Compatibility update for VIALINK V 1.1.0 or later.

Same functions and features as V2.78.



Released: March 2011 (1) Password protection: Allows the user to write protect Standard Programs, Custom Programs,

Calibration, and the user’s Toolbox.

(2) The calibration reminder now requires any button to be pressed before it clears.

(3) A re-trigger is now required when utilizing a first dispense. The user can no longer hold the run button down and have the dispenses continually run until the end. However, this is still true once the first dispense is executed. Users will no longer unintentionally dispense more than just the first dispense.

(4) This new software upgrade displays an “Exit Without Saving?” prompt if the user tries to exit a Custom Program before saving. This will prevent users from exiting accidentally before they save their Custom Programs.

(5) The upper volume limit has been raised for 300 µl pipettes from 300 µl to 310 µl. This allows a first or last dispense without sacrificing working volume.

(6) New battery logic


Released: July 2010 (1) Extended Volume Range for 125 µl, 300 µl and 1250 µl pipettes:

Pipette nominal volume [µl]

Old minimum volume [µl]

New minimum volume [µl]

125 5 2

300 10 5

1250 50 25

Note: Accuracy and Precision within the lowered volume range (e.g. 5-10 µl for a 300 µl pipette) is reduced!

(2) Introduced option for a First dispense in a multi-dispense mode

(3) Introduced a new step in custom programs: “Prompt”. This displays a message on the pipette’s screen.

(4) Number of custom programs that can be saved increased to 20.

(5) Mix cycles can be paused and aborted by pressing the “Back” key.


Released: October 2009 (1) “Calibrate Tip Spacing” has been added for VOYAGER pipettes under “Toolbox/ Calibration &

Service/ Calibrate Tip Spacing”. This can be used to ensure the proper positioning of the VOYAGER tip spacing.

(2) Volume can be quickly edited in both Pipet & Manual Pipet modes. This is done by editing the volume directly in the run screen.

(3) Maximum Mix Cycles allowed increased to 30. This applies to Pipet Mix, Serial Dilute, Sample Dilute and Custom pipetting modes.

(4) Pace setting increased from four speed settings to ten speed settings. The fastest pace speed was increased.

(5) Custom programs: VOYAGER tip moves can be programmed, name of programs can contain alphanumeric characters, number of step in a program increased to 98.

(6) The Calibration Reminder can be set for a time period and/or a number of cycles.


(7) The Service History is now listed with the newest entry first. (8) Two custom Startup Screens can be saved to each pipette. (9) A Delayed Blowin can be programmed when pipetting. This option is found in “Toolbox/

Preferences/ Pipetting/ Delayed Blowin”. (10) Communication modes Bluetooth and Serial are now listed in the “Toolbox/Communication”.


Released: November 2008 (1) Changed Pipetting Speeds (2) The purge speed after pressing the purge button can be set. See “Toolbox/ Preferences/

Pipetting/ Purge Key Speed”. (3) A beep tone will sound before executing the Last Dispense in Repeat Dispense and Variable

Dispense. This can be set in “Toolbox/ Preferences/ Sound/ Last Dispense”. The default setting is turned ON.

(4) Help Screens can be displayed in English, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese. This can be selected in “Toolbox/Help Language”.

(5) Dispense count is automatically calculated and set at its maximum value in the Repeat Dispense EDIT screen. This Count can be edited and reduced if desired.


5 VIAFLO 96 / 384


The VIAFLO 96/384 control units are manufactured with two different micro controller versions (1st and 2nd generation). The firmware is NOT compatible between the two generations.


VIAFLO 96/384 1st generation 1.xx … 2.xx

VIAFLO 96/384 (manufactured from August 2014)

2nd generation 3.00 and higher




Note: Firmware version 3.00 or higher can NOT be installed on 1st generation control units.

5.2 Compatibility between Control unit and Base unit (1st generation)

VIAFLO 96 / 384 has two firmware parts: 1.) Control unit firmware and 2.) Base unit firmware. VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 share the same firmware (one exception). The following table shows the compatibility between the two parts.

Control unit: Base unit:

1.02 1.07 2.02 2.10 2.14 (V384 only)

2.15 2.30

V2.79 OK OK - - - - -

V2.81 OK OK - - - - -

V2.83 OK OK - - - - -

V2.91 - - OK - - - -

V2.93 - - - OK - - -

V2.94 - - - OK OK OK OK

5.3 Compatibility between Control unit and Base unit (2nd generation)

VIAFLO 96 / 384 has two firmware parts: 1.) Control unit firmware and 2.) Base unit firmware. VIAFLO 96 and VIAFLO 384 share the same firmware. The following table shows the compatibility between the two parts.

Control unit: Base unit:

3.06 3.12 3.20 3.27

V3.03 OK - - -

V3.04 - OK OK -

V3.05 - OK OK -

V3.07 - - - OK

V03.10 - - - OK


5.4 Control unit firmware

5.4.1 Firmware version 3.10

Released: February 2017, for 2nd generation control unit only

(1) Tip Load Forces for 384 channel heads increased to 100%

(2) Blowin Delay time extended up to 5s

(3) Minor bug fixes


Released: October 2016, for 2nd generation control unit only

(1) Supports new Headboard PCB (V3)

(2) X/Z Position adjustment: Global position offset for all custom programs

(3) Tip load force in low power mode increased

(4) Allow multiple tip loading attempts

(5) Move X (Automatic mode) accuracy improved

(6) Name for copied Custom programs set to ‘NAME_CP’

(7) Minor bug fixes


Released: October 2015, for 2nd generation control unit only

(1) Supports 50 µl 96 & 384 channel heads

(2) Automatic head recognition for all heads if the 5 ID head PCB is installed

(3) Manual head type setting for 50 µl head if the 5 ID head PCB is not installed.


Released: August 2015, for 2nd generation control unit only

(1) New 5 ID head PCB

(2) No new functions

(3) Compatible with old and new versions of head PCB


Released: August 2014, for 2nd generation control unit only

(1) Compatibility with VIALINK ≥ V4.x

(2) Additional GUI languages in Spanish, Japanese and Chinese

(3) Tip align setting: individual strength settings for positions A and B

(4) Improved column detent function (Tip align) for serial dilutions

(5) The ability to override the minimum Z-height setting can be deactivated Toolbox/Position settings (default = on)

(6) Number of custom programs increased from 20 to 40

(7) Program converter: Converts the settings of a pipette mode into a custom program

(8) If “Write protection” of custom programs is enabled, programs can also no longer be edited with VIALINK.

(9) New “Tip change” step in automated custom programs

(10) New “loop” step function in manual custom programs



Released: November 2012

(1) Unintended reset of control unit fixed: On rare occasions touching the spinner on the control unit for a long time (>10 sec) could result in a reset and re-initialization of the homing process.


Released: October 2012

(1) Supports the new VIAFLO 384: First release which supports the VIAFLO384 and the new 384 heads

(2) Some small bugs fixed


Released: June 2012

(1) Improved Z-height setting: The Z-height can now be set from every pipetting menu and is no longer part of the Position Settings menu of the Toolbox.

(2) Implementation of Automated mode: VIAFLO 96 can now perform a number of automated liquid handling operations.

(3) Manual pipetting: The pipetting mode “Manual pipetting” has been introduced to VIAFLO 96. It is equal to the manual pipetting mode of VIAFLO electronic pipettes.

(4) Column tip loading with reduced force: Pressing the “OK” button when the Tip Load button flashes, enables tip loading with reduced force. This is necessary when loading only 8 tips (e.g. for serial dilutions).

(5) Lower pipetting speed at low speed settings: The pipetting speed has been lowered at low speed settings to match the speed of the VIAFLO electronic pipettes.

(6) Display calibration factor after head change: When performing a pipetting head change, the unit will display the current pipetting factor that will be used for the installed head. The factor must match the factor given on the calibration certificate or labeled on the pipetting head itself.

(7) New steps for custom programs: Set Z-height and set Tip Align

(8) Implemented new functionalities to work with VIALINK 2.0.x.

Note: Base unit firmware version V2.00 or higher is required.



(1) Eliminates the possibility of corrupting the software of the control unit when switching off VIAFLO 96 in the middle of a process.


Released: August 2011

(1) Supports full VIALINK (Version 1.0.0) functionality.


Released: April 2011

(1) First release


(2) VIAFLO 96 can be connected to VIALINK but triggers a necessary firmware update to 2.81.

5.5 Base unit firmware


Released: October 2016, in combination with 2nd generation control unit only

(1) Supports new Headboard PCB (V3)

(2) Allow multiple tip loading attempts

(3) Park Head function improved (positioning accuracy)

(4) Increased tip eject force for 384 channel heads


Released: May 2016, in combination with 2nd generation control unit only

(1) Enables the use of new 384 and 1536 well plate holders with y-adjustment.

(2) Park Head function improved


Released: August 2015, in combination with 2nd generation control unit only

(1) New 5 ID head PCB

(2) Ready for 50ul heads


Released: October 2014, in combination with 2nd generation control unit only

(1) Changes in the internal board manufacturing test (application is not affected)


Released: September 2014, in combination with 2nd generation control unit only

(1) Bug fixed for tip load position (Three Position Stage accessory only)


Released: August 2014, in combination with 2nd generation control unit only

(1) Enables the use of the Three Position Stage accessory

(2) Can detect a jammed Tip Load Button. Produces an error message and requires the user to push the RUN button to continue.


Released: August 2014, in combination with 1st generation control unit only

(1) Enables the use of the Three Position Stage accessory


Released: February 2014


(1) In some instances the pipetting unit would slightly move up or down by itself when multiple mix cycles were performed. This is now corrected.


Released: October 2013, for VIAFLO 384 only

(1) Noise reduction VIAFLO384 Z-drive

- Reduce the “jingle” motor sound on vertical move - Firmware available on request only



(1) Supports the new VIAFLO384: First release which supports the VIAFLO384 and the new 384 heads.


Released: June 2012

(1) Implemented new functionalities to guarantee compatibility with new Control unit firmware version (2.91) and VIALINK (2.0.x).

(2) Pipetting head release in case of damaged control unit (initiated at power on).

If a pipetting head cannot be removed due to a damaged control unit, a special homing routine can be initiated to remove a stuck pipetting head. Refer to the operating instructions for details.


Released: January 2012

(1) Increased tip loading force to guarantee proper tip loading


Released: April 2011

(1) Initial release

6 VIAFLO ASSIST

6.1 Compatibility between ASSIST and VIAFLO II electronic pipettes

VIAFLO ASSIST and the VIAFLO II electronic pipettes work closely together in the same application. Therefore it is important that the two firmware versions are compatible. The following table shows the compatibility between the two devices.

VIAFLO ASSIST:

VIAFLO II electronic pipette :

2.xx 3.00 – 3.19 3.2x 3.30-3.40

V1.04 - OK - -

V1.06 - OK - -

V1.07 - OK OK OK



Released: May 2015 (1) Live position teaching on VIALINK


Released: May 2014 (1) Bug fix: Factory side Z position calibration improved


Released: November 2013 (1) Initial release

(2) Compatible with VIALINK V3.x.x to perform firmware updates

viaflo software and firmware update history · v14 released ime 29.04.2015 vialink 4.3.x, pipette...

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