TABLE OF CONTENT
Table of Content ................................................................................................................................................... 2
Warnings and Safety Precautions ......................................................................................................................... 3
Instruction Manual ............................................................................................................................................... 5
General Description ................................................................................................................................................. 5
Device Description and Installation ......................................................................................................................... 6
Components of AG 230 ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Prior Installation ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
Description of the AlgaeTron Control Unit Front Panel ........................................................................................... 9
Description of the AlgaeTron Rear Panel and Connection to 230 or 110 V Power Supply ..................................... 10
Description of the AlgaeTron Interior Space .......................................................................................................... 11
Description of the AlgaeTron Shelving ................................................................................................................... 12
Orbital Shaker .................................................................................................................................................... 14
Shaker Installation ................................................................................................................................................. 14
Shaker Control ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
AlgaeTron AG 230 Control .................................................................................................................................. 16
Explanation of Symbols and Color Differentiation Used in the Graphical Presentation ........................................ 16
Control Menu Tree ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Gas Input ............................................................................................................................................................ 27
Technical Data .................................................................................................................................................... 28
Statement of Limited Warranty .......................................................................................................................... 29
Troubleshooting and Customer Support ............................................................................................................. 30
2
WARNINGS AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE TURNING THE MULTI-CULTIVATOR ON:

Remove all packaging and transit protectors before connecting the AlgaeTron AG 230 to the electricity
supply.

Do not remove the plastic drain tray fitted above the compressor (see Fig. 1).

Let the AlgaeTron AG 230 stand up after the transport and WAIT AT LEAST 12 HOURS before connecting it
with the electricity.

Use only the cables supplied by the manufacturer.

Keep the device dry and avoid working in high humidity environment.

The manufacturer is not responsible for any damage due to improper operation.
Fig. 1 The back side of the AlgaeTron.
3
GENERAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY GUIDELINES:

Routinely check the devices and their wiring.

Replace worn or damaged cords immediately.

Use electrical extension cords wisely and do not overload them.

Place the devices on a flat and firm surface. Keep them away from wet floors and counters.

Avoid touching the device, socket outlet or switch if your hands are wet.

Do not perform any alterations to the electrical part of the devices or their components.
WARNING:
The AlgaeTron AG 230 is considered Class 1M* LED Product. LED radiation may be harmful to eye, avoid
direct and strongly reflected exposure. It is recommended to use protective glasses.
*Class 1M: Laser and LED equipment that is safe under reasonable conditions of operation for use with the
naked eye. Looking directly into the source of radiation by employing optics within the beam such as
magnifying glass, telescope or microscope can be potentially hazardous.
4
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
AlgaeTron AG 230 (Fig. 2) is a floor standing incubator that provides well-defined uniform environment for
controlled growing of algae, cyanobacteria and plant tissue cultures in Petri dishes or Erlenmeyer flasks. It is
designed with three independently illuminated tiers of shelving maximizing tissue culture area. Illumination of each
shelf is separately controllable in intensity, mode and timing according to user’s defined protocol. AG 230 is
designed with minimal footprint size that makes it ideal for laboratories with limited space. AlgaeTron AG 230 may
be supplied with up to three integrated orbital shakers.
AG 230 is equipped with a programmable controller that enables customers to create programs and to automate
changes to multiple operating parameters such as timing, light intensity, light characteristics, temperature, and
shaking power. Easy-to-read display screen located on the AlgaeTron front side clearly shows operating parameters
and actual values.
Optionally, the AlgaeTron may be supplemented with a Gas Mixing System GMS 150 that can bring pure or mixed
gases into the incubator to allow cultivation conditions under controlled air compositions. Concentration of gases
inside of the cultivator may be modulated according to user’s defined protocol with optional high-precision Gas
Mixing System GMS 150.
This manual contains technical information about AlgaeTron AG 230, description of instrumentation delivered with
the device and step by step instructions for successful installation and operation of the incubator.
Fig. 2 Front side, rear side and inner part of the AlgaeTron AG 230.
5
DEVICE DESCRIPTION AND INSTALLATION
Standard version of the AlgaeTron AG 230 package consists of a main body of AG 230 containing control unit to
regulate temperature and illumination. All controlled parameters can be set via a small display screen on the top of
AlgaeTron front size. In idle mode, the screen shows actual values of temperature. Optional accessories of AG 230
include orbital shakers with attachments and gas mixing system.
The illumination is provided with three independent light panels employing LED lights. The top panel is inbuilt light
panel integrated into the AlgaeTron AG 230 device body. Two lower light panels are separately controllable slide
out light shelves.
Standardly supplied light is cold white LEDs with far-infrared light LED. Moreover, the optional customized
illumination can include warm white, red, green or blue LED lights or their combination. The control unit enables to
modify the intensity, timing steps and light mode of each panel separately. The LED panels generate a highly uniform
irradiance flux over the entire shelve area that is adjustable up to 500 µmol (photons).m-2.s-1 for top panel and up
to 100 µmol (photons).m-2.s-1 for two lower panels. Optionally, the light intensity can be increased up to 1000 and
150 µmol (photons).m-2.s-1 respectively. Timing steps for various light modes range from seconds to hours. Besides
the above mentioned parameters, the illumination can by modified using different light modes: continuous, pulse,
sine and triangle modes in different time scales are available. Light periods can be alternated with dark periods what
together with the sine light mode enables for example a precise simulation of the circadian rhythms. Moreover, the
customized light protocols can be used in customized version of the cultivation chamber.
Temperature can be set in the range of +15 to +45 oC (with maximum illumination). The controlled range can be
customized and extended: from +10 to +55oC. To allow homogenous temperature distribution inside of the
AlgaeTron, inner airflow fans are in-built into the chamber.
In total 0.46 m2 of illuminated cultivation area is available on three slide-out shelves. As optional, the shelves can
be supplemented with up to three integrated orbital shakers. Each of the shakers has loading capacity of 5 kg,
platform size 290 x 258 mm and rotation speed range of 30 to 500 rpm. The shakers are equipped with non-skid
rubber mat; optionally sticky pads or Erlenmeyer attachment of different size can be delivered.
The AlgaeTron maintains constant inner air circulation and optionally allows controlling the inner gas composition
as well. The air source can be either non-pressurized outside room air which is supplied simply via PWM air pump
into cultivation chamber or a defined gas mixture from a pressurized source (external gas mixing system, gas tank
or air compressor, etc.). Additionally, to control the inlet gas the AlgaeTron can be supplemented with a Gas Mixing
System GMS 150 that can bring pure or mixed gases in defined concentration into the incubator. Gas Mixing System
GMS 150 is used for precise control the concentration and the flow rate of the used gas mixture from gas source.
Device Control Center software delivered on the USB flash disc serves for downloading and uploading various
information or files from and onto the device. Among other the Device Control Center software might be to calibrate
device lights if necessary and to set and visualize light protocol. In Custom Protocol upgrade package a Custom
Protocol Loader is included what is one purpose software tool designed for visualization of the customized light
protocol files and their upload to the device.
6
COMPONENTS OF AG 230
Please, find bellow a list of standard AlgaeTron AG 230 components delivered to the customer.
Note: Check the contents of the package and compare it with enclosed standard package list (see below).
LIST OF STANDARD AG 230 COMPONENTS
1.
The cultivation unit.
2.
Three slide out cultivation shelves.
3.
One inbuilt LED light panel and two slide out LED light panels.
4.
Power cord.
5.
Plastic plug used to close the gas input connector if no supplementary gas or gas mixture is used.
6.
USB flash disc with Device Control Center.
7.
Serial cable with USB adapter for data transfer or firmware upgrade.
8.
Instruction Manual and User’s Guide.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES/COMPONENTS
7
1.
Up to three orbital shakers equipped either with non-skid rubber mat or sticky pads or Erlenmeyer
attachment of different size.
2.
Gas mixing GMS 150 system.
3.
Software for AlgaeTron controlling.
PRIOR INSTALLATION

Place the AlgaeTron AG 230 on a flat, firm and dry surface! IMPORTANT NOTE: Please let the AlgaeTron
device stand and wait at least 12 hours before connecting it with electrical power.

Place the AlgaeTron AG 230 in a well-ventilated room with ambient temperature not exceeding 25 ºC.

Do not cover the upper part of the AlgaeTron AG 230. Ventilation holes cooling the device electronics are
installed on the AlgaeTron AG 230 top.

If you place the rear of the AlgaeTron AG 230 against the wall, use plastic distance tubes as shown in Fig. 3
[1] to ensure sufficient distance from the wall for heat removal from the condenser.
Fig. 3 Rear side of the AlgaeTron AG 230. [1] Plastic distance tubes.
8
DESCRIPTION OF THE ALGAETRON CONTROL UNIT FRONT PANEL
The device is controlled via front panel with 4 Main control keys on the right side (Fig. 4).
Fig. 4 The AlgaeTron front panel. [2] Light panel indicators. [3] LCD display. [4] Temperature and Relative Humidity indicators. [5]
Four control keys.
[2] Light panel indicators: Indicating whether the corresponding light is active. Light 1, 2, 3 are related to the upper,
middle and lower shelves respectively. IR indicates if infrared light in the upper in built panel is ON/OFF. In middle
and lower shelves the infrared light is switched ON/OFF together with white LEDs automatically. All lights are
calibrated by the manufacturer and a corresponding calibration list is delivered.
Note: In a customized version with optional various light colors each additional color within the upper inbuilt light
panel can be adjusted separately. In such a case more light indicators (Light 4, Light 5, etc.) will be available on the
front panel.
[3] Two-line LCD display. Displays lights currently switched ON.
[4] Temperature and Relative humidity (RH) indicators: Indicating the status of thermoregulation and humidity.
[A]
Indicates the Active state of Thermoregulation [Temp] / Humidity [RH]
[R]
Indicates Reaching the desired Temperature [Temp] / Humidity [RH]
[5] Four control keys:
[M]
Used to move back in the menu tree or to exit the menu.
[S]
Used to move forward in the menu tree or to save the selection.
[▲]
Used to move up in the menu or to increase value of parameter.
[▼]
Used to move down in the menu or to reduce value of parameter.
See Chapter AlgaeTron AG 230 Control on page 16 for more information about the AlgaeTron Control Panel
operation.
9
DESCRIPTION OF THE ALGAETRON REAR PANEL AND CONNECTION TO 230 OR 110 V POWER SUPPLY
The rear panel houses connectors for all connecting cables (Fig. 5).
Fig. 5 The AlgaeTron rear panel. [6] ON/OFF power switch. [7] Firmware communication connector. [8] Gas ports. [9] Main power
connectors. [10] Internal outlet fuse. Detail description is below.
[6] ON/OFF power switch (mains).
[7] Firmware communication connector.
[8] Gas ports: Provide connection to an external gas control system (via corrosion resistant connectors and 6 mm
thermoplastic tubing).Gas input 1 is intended for non-pressurized air source (for example room air). Gas input 2 is
intended for pressurized air source. Gas output serves for release of a redundant air from the chamber. See the
chapter Gas Input for more details.
Note: External gas control system is not included in the standard device version.
[9] 230 or 110 V power connector: The type of a power connector depends on the supply system in concerned
country. The connector includes a safety fuse (its value in amperes is indicated on the label). The main cable (see
Fig. 6) is supplied by the manufacturer as a standard device accessory.
[10] Internal outlet fuse related to the inner power sockets.
[11] Main cable 230 V. Use this cable for connection to 230 V power.
[12] Main cable 110 V. Use this cable for connection to 110 V power.
10
Fig. 6 [11] Main cable 230 V. [12] Main cable 110 V.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ALGAETRON INTERIOR SPACE
The components installed in the upper part of the interior back-wall are shown and described in the Fig. 7.
Fig. 7 The back-wall of the AlgaeTron interior. [13] Upper LED light shelf connector. [14] Airflow Fans. [15] The upper LED panel.
[16] Air inlet. [17] Gas port. [18] Temperature sensor. [19] Inside electrical outlet. [20] Heating tube. Find a detailed description
below.
[13] The upper LED light shelf connector.
[14] Airflow Fans provide proper air circulation and uniform temperature distribution inside the AlgaeTron AG 230.
11
[15] LED panel.
[16] Air Inlet is an entry point of air into the chamber (via internal air pump). The air flow rate can represent up to
150 L/min if the pump is switched ON.
[17] Gas ports provide connection to an external gas control system.
Note: The external gas control system is not included in the standard device version.
[18] Temperature sensor.
[19] Inside electrical sockets are intended for connection of supplementary accessories (shakers, etc.) inside the
AlgaeTron AG 230. The outlet has a fuse, which is situated on the rear panel of the device (see feature [10] in Fig.
5). To connect supplementary accessories to the outlet, use only the cable supplied by the manufacturer.
Note: Be aware that using accessories that produce too much heat can influence temperature regulation inside the
AlgaeTron AG 230!
[20] Heating tube is hidden behind the back-wall.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ALGAETRON SHELVING
For the illustration of inner space of the AlgaeTron see Fig. 8. Three shelves [21], [22] and [23] are supplied for
placement of samples or shakers. These shelves can be adjusted for position in the chamber. Two removable LED
light panels [24] and one inbuilt [15] are also provided.
Caution, do not cover air flow holes when adjusting the level of the shelves as this can affect temperature regulation
inside the AlgaeTron AG 230!
Do not place any objects on top side of LED light panels. Designated place for accessories (shakers, etc.) is on the
shelves [21], [22] and [23].
12
Fig. 8 The AlgaeTron shelving and inner space compartmentalization. [21], [22] and [23] Cultivation shelves. [24] Two lower LED
panels.
13
ORBITAL SHAKER
The supplied orbital shaker is SHK-2013 (Fig. 9). It has a strong housing made from composite material, which is
corrosion resistant and ensures easy cleaning. The shaking table is equipped with a solid non-skid rubber mat. This
makes the whole unit easy to clean and resistant to abrasion and a wide range of chemicals. Optionally, sticky pads
or Erlenmeyer attachments of different size can be delivered.
The shaker can be operated in two modes: continuous and time controlled shaking. An digital process timer allows
for unattended operation and can be set from 1 to 999 minutes. When the set time has elapsed an acoustic alarm
will sound and the operation stops. The rotation speed ranges between 30-500 rpm and the platform size amounts
to 290 – 258 mm.
SHAKER INSTALLATION
Place the shaker into the AlgaeTron AG 230 and plug it into the inner electrical socket [19].
Do not overload the shaker! Maximum is 5 kg.
Loading capacity:
50 ml flasks:
100 ml flasks:
250 ml flasks:
500 ml flasks:
1000 ml flasks:
25 pc
12 pc
9 pc
6 pc
2 pc
Fig. 9 Orbital shaker
SHAKER CONTROL
The orbital shaker is controlled through several buttons placed on the front panel, see Fig. 10.
Fig. 10 The position of the control buttons on the orbital shaker.
14
The control panel includes following controls:
A
2-pole master switch (toggle-type, lighted green on the left side of the unit)
B
Setting knob, shaking frequency
C
Set Time key : time up
D
Set Time key : time down
E
Select key: display selector: shaking frequency (Act Speed) / time (Act Time)
F
LED Time: time appears in display
G
LED Speed: rotational speed (shaking frequency) appears in display
H
Start / Stop key: to START / STOP shaking action
I
LED Start / Stop: lighting, while item is running
J
4-digit display
CONTINUOUS SHAKING
 Turn item ON with master switch (A).
 Set time with
and keys to 000 (depress and together).
 Start continuous operation by hitting the Start / Stop key. Start and Speed LEDs turn on, shaking frequency is
displayed (4-digit display).
 Set shaking frequency with knob (B).
 Hitting Start / Stop key will stop shaking.
TIMER CONTROLLED SHAKING
 Set time between 0 and 999 minutes with Set Time or Set Time keys.
 Short hits on the keys change time setting slowly, whereas depressing keys is going to change time rapidly.
Depressing the Set Time and Set Time keys resets the timer to 000.
 Depressing the Start / Stop key (H) starts shaking at the frequency selected with knob (B) and for the time interval
set before. Start LED turns ON.
 Time lapse appears in a 3-digit display. Time LED turn ON.
 Current shaking action may be discontinued with the Start / Stop key (H). Actual time won’t change. Hitting this
Start / Stop key continues shaking at the moment it had been discontinued.
 In case of a power supply failure or interruption (item turned OFF), this feature is lost.
 Hitting the Select key during timer-controlled operation, you may change display from time to shaking frequency
and vice versa.
 Speed LED turns ON. Timer LED flashes to indicate timer operation mode.
 Timer LED also flashes, when timer-controlled operation was discontinued with the Start / Stop key.
REPETITION
 Repeating last timer controlled operation does not require new time setting, as long as you did not touch the
master switch.
TIME MODIFICATION DURING SHAKING OPERATION
 Time setting may be changed during shaking, while timer is running and even when timer controlled operation
was discontinued.
 Memory timer will keep initial value in its memory.
15
ALGAETRON AG 230 CONTROL
AlgaeTron AG 230 is usually manufactured in following light color versions:
WIR:
Cool White + InfraRed LEDs (standard version)
WIR2:
Warm White + Infra Red LEDs (optional version)
RGBIR:
Red + Green + Blue + InfraRed LEDs within the inbuilt upper LED panel (optional version)
All versions provide:
- Precise control of illumination in different modes, intensity and timing.
- Separate control of particular light colors and light panels.
- Control of the interior temperature.
For light, temperature and gas inputs adjustment, use four green keys located on the right side of the front panel
[5]:
EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS AND COLOR DIFFERENTIATION USED IN THE GRAPHICAL PRESENTATION
The following pages show a graphical representation of the operation scheme for the AlgaeTron. This scheme is
structured in five levels. Individual levels are marked with a different color for an easier orientation in the scheme.
Note: The AlgaeTron AG 230 front panel does not reflect this color differentiation
Main menu
blue
First-level nested sub-menu
yellow
Second-level nested sub-menu
green
Third-level nested sub-menu
orange
Fourth-level nested sub-menu
grey
16
See pages 18 - 26 of this Manual for the graphical representation of individual menus and for explanations of their
functions.
[M] key:
Used to move back in the menu tree or to exit the menu.
[S] key:
Used to move forward in the menu tree or to save your selection.
[↑] key:
Used to move up in the menu or to add value.
[↓] key:
Used to move down in the menu or to subtract value.
Full-line arrows are used for the [S] key.
Dashed-line arrows are used for the [M] key.
Dotted-line arrows are used for the [UP/DOWN] keys.
After 10 seconds of no activity within the menu settings the display on the AlgaeTron returns to the current
temperature readings.
17
CONTROL MENU TREE
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
GAS INPUT
AG 230 allows to connect both pressurized and non-pressurized air source. At the rear side of the device, there are
two gas input connectors (see Fig. 5, feature [8]):

Gas Input 1 is used when the air source is not pressurized, for example outside room air. It is connected to
inner PWM pump, which pumps outside room air into the AlgaeTron chamber and maintains constant air
circulation. The air flow rate is about 150 L/hour if the pump is switched ON.

Gas Input 2 is used when the gas source is pressurized, for example a use of external gas mixing system or
gas tank or air compressor. The external gas source is connected directly to the Gas port 2and the user is
responsible for input gas flow management and control.
Selection of the currently used gas input is made in the device menu (Settings>GasInput). Gas Input 1option is
indicated as "Pump", Gas Input 2 option is indicated as "Ext". Once gas input is selected the alternative Gas Input
connector which is not being used should be blocked by supplied plastic plug to prevent unwanted gas leakage.
The scheme of the gas circulation inside the AG 230 unit is represented in Fig. 11.
Fig. 11 Scheme of gas flow control inside the AG 230 unit.
Optionally, the gas inlet can be operated with gas mixing system GSM 150 which allows precise control of the gas
flow rate and also gas concentration (for example CO2) of the chosen gas mixture. GMS 150 can produce mixtures
of up to 4 different gasses. Typically, the GMS 150 operates in the lowest range 0 – 8mL/min and in the highest
range 0 – 2 500 mL/min. The user can define the required gas mixture either by setting the flows of the individual
gasses (e.g., 980 mL/min of N2 and 20 mL/min of CO2) or by setting the required relative composition of gas mixture
(2% CO2) and the total mixture gas flow (1 000 mL/min).
27
TECHNICAL DATA
ALGAETRON AG 230
Temperature range (ºC)
+15…+45
Optionally +10…+55°C (the increased temperature exclude the
use of increased customized light intensity)
LED Light Illumination (cm), upper panel
25 x 35
LED Light Shelves Illumination (cm)
33.5 x 46.5
LED illumination
Cold white LED with infrared (optional warm white or RGB
LEDs)
Maximum light intensity up to 500 µmol (photon)/m 2.s for top
panel and up to 100 µmol (photon)/m2.s for two lower panels
Optionally, up to 1 000 and 150 µmol (photons)/m2.s,
respectively
Light regime
Static or dynamic (sinus, triangle, pulse)
Heating system
One 200W cartridge heater
Gas circulation
PWM pump, optional with purchase of GMS 150
Communication port
Serial RS232
External Dimensions (H x L x D cm)
170 x 60 x 62
Internal Dimensions (H x L x D cm)
135 x 50 x 40
Weight (kg, without shaker)
88
Internal Volume (l)
265
Refrigerant
R600a
Power / Power Input (W)
1200
Compressor……220 – 240 V
~ 50 Hz or 115 V
~ 50 Hz
ORBITAL SHAKER:
Shaker Speed (RPM)
30-500
Orbit (mm)
10
o
Permissible Ambient Temperature ( C)
0 – 50
Permissible Ambient Humidity (%)
80
Weight (kg)
8
Maximum Loading Weight (kg)
5
Dimensions D x W x H (mm)
375 x 320 x 125
Power Supply115/230 V +/-10%......~ 50/60 Hz
28
STATEMENT OF LIMITED WARRANTY

Photon Systems Instruments, Ltd. (PSI) warrants all its instruments to be free from defects in materials or
workmanship for a period of one year from the date of invoice/shipment from PSI (unless otherwise stated).

If at any time within this warranty period the instrument does not function as warranted, return it and PSI will
repair or replace it at no charge. The customer is responsible for shipping and insurance charges (for the full
product value) to PSI. PSI is responsible for shipping and insurance on return of the instrument to the customer.

No warranty will apply to any instrument that has been (i) modified, altered, or repaired by persons
unauthorized by PSI; (ii) subjected to misuse, negligence, or accident; (iii) connected, installed, adjusted, or
used otherwise than in accordance with the instructions supplied by PSI.

The warranty is return-to-base only, and does not include on-site repair charges such as labor, travel, or other
expenses associated with the repair or installation of replacement parts at the customer's site.

PSI repairs or replaces faulty instruments as quickly as possible; the maximum time is one month.

PSI will keep spare parts or their adequate substitutes for a period of at least five years.

Returned instruments must be packaged sufficiently so as not to assume any transit damage. If damage is
caused due to insufficient packaging, the instrument will be treated as an out-of-warranty repair and charged
as such.

PSI also offers out-of-warranty repairs. These are usually returned to the customer on a cash-on-delivery basis.

Any defects caused by fluctuating electricity or inappropriate site preparation cannot be a subject of warranty
repair.

Wear & Tear Items are excluded from this warranty. The term Wear & Tear denotes the damage that naturally
and inevitably occurs as a result of normal use or aging even when an item is used competently and with care
and proper maintenance.

Some PSI instruments use accessories made by other manufacturers. In such case, these accessories may be
covered by a different warranty period.
29
TROUBLESHOOTING AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT
In case of troubles and for customer support, please, write to support@psi.cz or contact your local distributor.
Manual Version: 2015/03
© PSI (Photon Systems Instruments), spol. s r.o.
30