Shasta Synthesizer Pre-Installation Requirements

Important: Installation cannot be scheduled until all checklist items have been confirmed.

Selecting a Location:

• The system must be located near ventilation sources to comply with all air quality regulations.
• Ensure the synthesizer is accessible from all four sides.
• Minimum 34 inches of vertical clearance is required to open the cover.

Instrument Footprint

Instrument	Width	Depth	Height	Weight
Shasta 192/768	35.4 in (90 cm)	33.1 in (84 cm)	31.5 in (80 cm)	300 lbs. (136 kg)
Peripheral Devices	Width	Depth	Height	Weight
Computer	15.8 in (40 cm)	17.5 in (44 cm)	4.0 in (10 cm)	17 lbs. (7.7 kg)
Keyboard	18.0 in (46 cm)	7.5 in (19 cm)	1.5 in (4 cm)	1 lbs. (0.5 kg)
Monitor	21.0 in (53 cm)	9.0 in (23 cm)	14.0 in (36 cm)	7 lbs. (3.2 kg)

 

Laboratory Requirements

End-user is responsible for ensuring the laboratory has the following before the installation:

Requirement	Details
Delivery Pathway	Clear path (≥35.2 in) from Deliver site/dock to install site.
Work Bench	Must support instrument and computer.
Computer Setup	Located within 5 ft of instrument. A computer will be supplied with the instrument unless client is supplying their own.
Ergonomics	Computer positioned for comfortable use.
Ventilation	Vent or fume hood within 8 ft. Exhaust draw: –2 in H₂O or 100 ft/min.
Waste Disposal	Safe, regulation-compliant method in place.
Electrical	Dedicated 1.5 kVA line. Separate outlets for synthesizer, PC, and monitor. UPS recommended.

 

 

 

Required Equipment (User Supplied)

Required Items	Notes
Argon gas cylinder or Nitrogen gas cylinder ≥99.999% (grade 5 Purity)	The cylinder should hold 7.2 m3 (257 ft3) of gas when full. Two cylinders recommended: One in use, one spare.   House supply or Dewars acceptable if pressure and purity specifications are met. Please notify Sierra Biosystems/K&A if this is the case.
CGA-580 regulator for gas	0-60psi operating range. If using a house gas supply a one-stage regulator is permitted.
Input port size for instrument gas supply	¼ in. (6.35 mm) tube connection
Waste Collection Method or Device	A HDPE carboy, or centralized in-house waste infrastructure. An HDPE carboy is supplied if requested with instrument purchase.
PPE	Glasses, coats, gloves.
Safety	Spill kit, first-aid, eyewash, emergency shower, fire extinguisher.
Additional Laboratory Equipment	Top loading balance (± 0.01g accuracy.), pipettes, graduated cylinders, beakers, funnels, collection or microcentrifuge tubes, well collection plates (96 or 384 well format instruments)

 

Optional Equipment (User Supplied)

Recommended Items	Notes
Heating block or Oven	If heating during deprotection is desired
Evaporator	To dry down samples
Analytical Equipment	e.g. UV/Nanodrop, Analytical HPLC, Mass Spectrometry

 

Raw Materials (User Supplied)

*Items	Details/Examples
Columns	Solid Support. CPG Recommended
Phosphoramidites	DNA AMIDITES REQUIRED FOR INITIAL SYNTHESIS
Anhydrous, high-purity acetonitrile	Synthesis Grade, 10 ppm H20 recommended 30ppm max
Deblocking reagent	3% DCA in toluene or DCM
Activator reagent	5-ethylthio-1H-tetrazole, ETT
Capping reagents A	**Acetic Anhydride/Tetrahydrofuran
Capping Reagent B	Acetonitrile/ N-Methylimidazole/ Pyridine
Oxidizer	Iodine in Pyridine/Water
Cleavage and Deprotection solution	28-40% Ammonium Hydroxide or AMA (1:1, NH4OH: 40% **Methylamine)
Purification materials (if desired)	e.g. GlenPak, HPLC cartridges

*Verify that any reagents ordered match the bottle type and bottle size configuration given to Sierra Biosystems/K&A when the instrument was ordered. Purchased reagents and amidites from a reputable vendor are highly recommended for initial synthesis.

**Acetic anhydride and methylamine are classified as drug precursor chemicals. Depending on your country or region, you may need to obtain a permit from the appropriate regulatory authority before purchasing or using these substances.

Personnel Requirements:

An installation will typically take 2-3 days.

• Day 1: Physical Placement and Setup
• Day 2: Calibrations and Training/Trial Synthesis
• Day 3: Processing Samples and any Final Training.

• Set aside one full uninterrupted day for training.
• Assign a safety representative who knows lab protocols.
• Assign someone to assist in lifting and positioning (only Day 1).

 

What Sierra Biosystems/K&A Labs Will Provide:

• DNA Synthesizer
• Preconfigured computer with software
• Keyboard, monitor, and mouse
• Regional power cables
• Reagent and amidite caps (customized)
• 10L or 20L Waste Carboy (If requested with instrument)
• Reagent containment bin
• Tubing for gas supply
• Spare parts kit.
• Empty columns for setup

 

Key Safety Notes:

• Follow all chemical, biological, and radiation safety policies.
• Secure pressurized gas cylinders and cap them when not in use.
• Use needle-or ball valve type shutoff valves on gas regulators.
• All reagent handling and disposal should be performed under a certified fume hood.
• Flammable solvents must be stored in approved fireproof cabinets.
• Ensure all personnel have received chemical handling and lab safety training.

 

Computer Setup and Use Summary:

• The computer supplied includes only one Ethernet (LAN) port. If network access is required, customers may need to provide a USB-to-Ethernet adapter or USB Wi-Fi dongle.
• If a customer supplies their own computer, it must allow for a static IP address assignment or provide access for Sierra Biosystems or K&A personnel to configure one.
• If a Windows Update occurs during synthesis, it may interrupt a synthesis run. Customers are responsible for managing their system's update settings according to their IT policies.