--- title: Shasta Instrument Specifications description: Shasta Specification sheet --- [Skip to content](https://support.sierrabio.com/shasta-instrument-specifications#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![](https://support.sierrabio.com/hs-fs/hubfs/JPG%20file%20-02.jpg?width=2000&height=1125&name=JPG%20file%20-02.jpg) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Contact us](mailto:support@sierrabio.com) [Contact us](mailto:support@sierrabio.com) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Sierra Biosystems Support Center](https://support.sierrabio.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Product Documentation & Policies](https://support.sierrabio.com/product-documentation-policies?hsLang=en) 3. [Specifications](https://support.sierrabio.com/product-documentation-policies?hsLang=en#specifications) August 1, 2025 # Shasta Instrument Specifications #### The Shasta Oligonucleotide Synthesizer from **Sierra BioSystems** is a high‑throughput, flexible DNA/RNA synthesizer designed for production and research laboratories. Its modular design supports multiple column and plate formats, delivers consistent synthesis quality, and uses a **positive‑pressure fluidics system** for reduced maintenance compared to vacuum‑based systems. --- #### **1. Physical Specifications** ### **Synthesizer Models** | Model | Width | Depth | Height | Weight | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Shasta 96** | 35.2 in (89.4 cm) | 31.5 in (80 cm) | 33 in (83.8 cm) | ~250 lbs (113 kg) | | **Shasta 192** | Same footprint as 96 | Same footprint as 96 | Same as 96 | ~260 lbs (118 kg) | | **Shasta 768** | Same footprint as 96 | Same footprint as 96 | Same as 96 | ~260 lbs (118 kg) |   ### **Peripheral Devices** | Device | Width | Depth | Height | Weight | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Computer** | 7 in (17.8 cm) | 6.9 in (17.5 cm) | 1.3 in (3.3 cm) | 3.13 lbs (1.4 kg) | | **Monitor** | 21 in (53.3 cm) | 9 in (22.9 cm) | 14 in (35.5 cm) | 7 lbs (3 kg) | | **Keyboard** | 18 in (45.2 cm) | 7.5 in (19 cm) | 1.5 in (3.8 cm) | ~1 lb (0.5 kg) |   --- #### **2. Laboratory Requirements** - **Altitude:** ≤ 2000 m (6500 ft) - **Temperature (operating):** 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) recommended; 15–30 °C allowable - **Humidity:** ≤ 80% RH (lower humidity improves synthesis quality) - **Pollution Degree:** Nonconductive pollutants only - **Space:** Bench space accommodating full footprint + access for ventilation and maintenance - **Clearance:** Access to front and sides for servicing --- #### **3. Gas Requirements** - **Gas Type:** Argon (preferred) or Nitrogen, ≥ 99.998% purity - **Supply:** Pressurized house line or cylinder source - **Pressure Regulator:** Two‑stage, Swagelok®‑type outlet for ¼‑in OD tubing - **Primary Gauge:** 0–3000 psi - **Secondary Gauge:** Adjustable to 0–50 psi (typical setpoint: 25–30 psi) - **Recommendation:** Keep two cylinders available (1 in use, 1 spare) --- #### **4. Ventilation Requirements** - **Option 1:** Fume hood with face velocity 100 ft/min (30 m/min) average (80–125 ft/min range) - **Option 2:** Dedicated duct exhaust with draw of –2.0 in. H₂O (–5.1 cm H₂O) - **Waste System:** Closed fluid waste system, typically 20 L HDPE carboy - **Exhaust Handling:** Positive‑pressure vented lines should connect to lab exhaust --- #### **5. Electrical Requirements** | Location | Voltage | Frequency | Amperage | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **North America** | 120 ± 10% VAC | 50/60 Hz ± 1% | 10 A | | **Europe / Australia** | 240 ± 10% VAC | 50/60 Hz ± 1% | 10 A | | **Japan** | 110 ± 10% VAC | 50/60 Hz ± 1% | 10 A |   - **Power Rating:** 250 W - **Line Requirement:** Dedicated 1.5 kVA line and ground, UPS or line conditioner recommended - **Cords:** Standard 3‑prong plug (NA/JP), EC plug (EU/AU) - **Grounding:** Dedicated electrical ground required to avoid noise issues --- #### **6. Throughput & Format Compatibility** - Supports **96‑well plate format** - Upgradeable to **192‑ or 384‑well plate format** - Flexible for multiple oligo lengths and synthesis scales in the same run - Can run different chemistries simultaneously in separate columns --- #### **7. Chemistry Compatibility** - Supports **standard DNA/RNA phosphoramidite** synthesis chemistries - Compatible with multiple vendors' amidites and solvents - Requires **anhydrous acetonitrile** --- #### **8. Waste Management** - **Waste Bottle Size:** 20 L polyethylene safety carboy - **Safety:** Bottles should be in LDPE safety containers with secure covers - **Disposal:** Follow all local, state, and national hazardous waste disposal regulations --- #### **9. Shipping & Storage** - **Shipping & Storage Temperature:** 10–40 °C allowable - **Packaging:** Crated with computer, peripherals, reagent caps, tubing, columns, and spares. Compressor typically packaged separately --- #### **10. Accessories Included** *(unless otherwise specified)* - Pre‑loaded computer with software - Keyboard, monitor, mouse - Reagent/amidite caps sized per configuration - Tubing set - Spare parts kit - 20 L polyethylene safety carboy *(if requested at time of purchase)* --- #### **11. Safety Equipment Recommendations** - Lab coat - Safety glasses - Chemical‑resistant gloves - Fire extinguisher (Halon recommended) - Eyewash station - First aid kit - Spill cleanup kit --- 💡 **Tip:** For installation and setup requirements, see our [Shasta Pre-installation Guide](https://47834229.hs-sites.com/shasta-synthesizer-pre-installation-requirements?hsLang=en) and [Pre-Installation Checklist](https://47834229.hs-sites.com/shasta-synthesizer-pre-installation-requirements-0?hsLang=en) - [Pre-Installation & Installation](https://support.sierrabio.com/pre-installation-installation?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Pre-Installation Requirements](https://support.sierrabio.com/pre-installation-installation?hsLang=en#pre-installation-requirements) - [Site & Lab Preparation](https://support.sierrabio.com/pre-installation-installation?hsLang=en#site-lab-preparation) - [Installation & Initial Setup](https://support.sierrabio.com/pre-installation-installation?hsLang=en#installation-initial-setup) - [Troubleshooting & Errors](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Software Errors & Communication Issues](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en#software-errors-communication-issues) - [Chemistry and Protocol-Related Issues](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en#chemistry-and-protocol-related-issues) - [K&A - Preventative Maintenance & Quick Fixes](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en#ka-preventative-maintenance-quick-fixes) - [Shasta - Preventative Maintenance & Quick Fixes](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en#shasta-preventative-maintenance-quick-fixes) - [Shasta - Hardware Issues](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en#shasta-hardware-issues) - [Training Videos and Guides](https://support.sierrabio.com/training-videos-and-guides?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Shasta Software](https://support.sierrabio.com/training-videos-and-guides?hsLang=en#shasta-software) - [K&A Next Gen Software](https://support.sierrabio.com/training-videos-and-guides?hsLang=en#ka-next-gen-software) - [K&A Legacy Software](https://support.sierrabio.com/training-videos-and-guides?hsLang=en#ka-legacy-software) - [K&A - Troubleshooting Videos](https://support.sierrabio.com/training-videos-and-guides?hsLang=en#ka-troubleshooting-videos) - [Shasta - Troubleshooting Videos](https://support.sierrabio.com/training-videos-and-guides?hsLang=en#shasta-troubleshooting-videos) - [Software Updates & Release Notes](https://support.sierrabio.com/software-updates-release-notes?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Release Notes](https://support.sierrabio.com/software-updates-release-notes?hsLang=en#release-notes) - [Downloads](https://support.sierrabio.com/software-updates-release-notes?hsLang=en#downloads) - [Update Instructions](https://support.sierrabio.com/software-updates-release-notes?hsLang=en#update-instructions) - [Product Documentation & Policies](https://support.sierrabio.com/product-documentation-policies?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Technical Documentation](https://support.sierrabio.com/product-documentation-policies?hsLang=en#technical-documentation) - [Specifications](https://support.sierrabio.com/product-documentation-policies?hsLang=en#specifications) - [Warranty & Service](https://support.sierrabio.com/product-documentation-policies?hsLang=en#warranty-service) - [Oligonucleotide Chemistry & Methods](https://support.sierrabio.com/oligonucleotide-chemistry-methods?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Synthesis & Strategy](https://support.sierrabio.com/oligonucleotide-chemistry-methods?hsLang=en#synthesis-strategy) - [Post-Synthesis Processing](https://support.sierrabio.com/oligonucleotide-chemistry-methods?hsLang=en#post-synthesis-processing) - [Quantitation & QC](https://support.sierrabio.com/oligonucleotide-chemistry-methods?hsLang=en#quantitation-qc) - [Special Topics](https://support.sierrabio.com/oligonucleotide-chemistry-methods?hsLang=en#special-topics) - [Support & Contact](https://support.sierrabio.com/support-contact?hsLang=en) - [Uncategorized](https://support.sierrabio.com/uncategorized?hsLang=en) [![](https://support.sierrabio.com/hs-fs/hubfs/JPG%20file%20-02.jpg?width=2000&height=1125&name=JPG%20file%20-02.jpg)](http://sierrabio.com) [mailto:Support@sierrabio.com](mailto:Support@sierrabio.com) Copyright © 2025, Sierra BioSystems