Physical Description, Unpacking and Servicing

Bento Lab contains a thermocycler module 1 a microcentrifuge 2, a blue LED transilluminator 3 and a gel electrophoresis power supply used with an external gel electrophoresis container 4.

The system is operated using an intuitive on-board graphical interface 5, and comes with a convenient tube rack 6.

Interface Area

Bento Lab has three physical buttons. The blue round button 1 under the screen is the HOME button and always takes the user back to the overview screen from where all the modules can be selected. The green button shaped like an arrow, “<” 2 is the BACK button and depending on the context takes the user back one step or undoes an action. In addition, there is an orange click-dial 3 which is used to select elements on the screen and change values.

You can find more about how the user interface works in the interface chapter.

Physical Description – Sides

At the back, Bento Lab has a 4-pin power connector (1) and a physical power switch (2).

Bento Lab back with power switch and connector

On the right side, Bento Lab has vents for the active fan cooling of the thermal cycler’s heat sink.

Bento Lab Side Perspective focusing on the PCR air vents

On the left side, Bento Lab has red and black connectors for the gel electrophoresis power supply.

Bento Lab Gel Electrophoresis Box - all parts laid out: Orange filter acrylic lid, clear acrylic tank with red and blue electrodes, two shutters, a 9 well and a 12 well comb. — All parts of the Bento Lab gel electrophoresis box

Gel Electrophoresis box is plugged into the Bento Lab — The gel box is plugged into the side of Bento Lab. An indicator light is on when the power supply is turned on

Bento Lab comes with an external gel electrophoresis container with two rubber dams to create buffer zones during casting, a 9 well comb and a 12 well comb. The current for gel electrophoresis is run through the lid which connects to the Bento Lab gel electrophoresis power supply. The lid also doubles as an orange ﬁlter for the blue light transilluminator. See how to assembly the gel imaging hood here.

Unpacking and Inspection

Carefully unpack the unit and ensure Bento Lab, including tube rack and gel box, and power supply are present. If the equipment appears damaged in any way, contact us at [email protected].
Please retain packaging to return equipment for servicing.

Ensure that Bento Lab is placed on a solid, level surface, to support and balance its weight.

Identifying Device Model

To identify your Bento Lab model (Pro or Entry), see the table below:

	Bento Lab Entry	Bento Lab Pro
Baseplate Sticker	“Entry” in identifier	“Pro” in identifier
Settings Screen	“Entry Configuration”	“Pro Configuration”

If you’d like to update your Bento Lab to use the mobile app, the device must have built-in Bluetooth hardware. Here are some ways to determine whether your device includes Bluetooth (new version) or Wi-Fi (old version):

	Wi-Fi before April 2024	Bluetooth latest
Hardware	Version 1.3 or below	Version 1.4 and later
Settings Screen	Has Wifi button	No Wifi button

To connect your Bento Lab to the Bento Bio app your Bento Lab should run version 1.4.18 or later. If your Bento Lab is capable of bluetooth but runs an earlier software version, update your Bento Lab using this guide.

Servicing

Bento Lab contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer all repairs to qualified service personnel. Opening the product voids the warranty. For servicing contact us at [email protected] for more info.

Troubleshooting

If you identify a fault with your lab, please contact us at [email protected].