BMG Labtech readers

Revolution drives BMG Labtech microplate readers through a generic BMG driver: it runs a named protocol and writes the data where you tell it, so the reader keeps its full measurement capability and the schedule decides when each read happens.

Which models

The Revolution device declared for this driver is the BMG PheraStar. The driver code also references the SPECTROstar and VANTAstar families, so the same integration route covers them.

If your instrument is a BMG reader not named above, get in touch rather than assuming — the driver is generic, but which models are commissioned is a per-system question.

About the PHERAstar FSX

Revolution’s device declaration targets the PHERAstar FSX specifically, and its architecture is worth understanding because it shapes what a protocol can do.

Plate formats	Up to 3456-well microplates
Detectors	Two matched pairs of photomultiplier tubes, automatically selected for the detection mode
Optics	Assay-optimised Optic Modules, automatically recognised by the reader
Lasers	Dedicated AlphaScreen / AlphaLISA / AlphaPlex laser; new-generation TRF laser
Spectrometer	UV/vis

Detection

BMG states the two matched PMT pairs are split by purpose:

• One pair for fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarisation, luminescence and AlphaPlex
• The second pair optimised for time-resolved fluorescence and TR-FRET

Simultaneous Dual Emission (SDE) measures two emission wavelengths at once. BMG notes this both shortens read times and corrects for signal variation from differences in well volume, concentration or excitation energy — because the sample is only read once. It is the relevant feature for double-emission assays: FRET, TR-FRET, fluorescence polarisation and BRET.

Optic Modules

Rather than installing filters and dichroics by hand, the FSX takes Optic Modules that contain the application-specific filters, mirrors, dichroics and polarisers for an assay, and the reader recognises them automatically.

This matters for scheduling: the module fitted determines which assays the instrument can run, in the same way a filter set does on other readers. It is physical, not a software setting.

Other stated features

• Enhanced Dynamic Range and automatic focus
• Top and bottom focal height adjustment
• High-precision injectors, with simultaneous reagent injection and detection
• High-speed absorbance measurements
• Advanced Assay Stability system
• Improved robotic integration and multi-user control for HTS automation

BMG states the PHERAstar FSX is for research use only.

Supported methods

• Read — run a named protocol, writing results to a data output path
• Plate in — move the plate carrier in
• Plate out — move the plate carrier out, so a robot can load and unload

Protocols are authored in BMG’s own software and referenced by name. Revolution decides when a read happens and where its data lands; it does not define the measurement.

Integration

Revolution reaches the reader through BMG’s own software and its databases, addressed by instance name.

Prerequisites

• BMG’s control software must be installed, with the protocols the schedule calls already defined.
• The instance name must match the instrument as BMG’s software knows it — on a system with more than one BMG reader, this is what distinguishes them.
• The protocol and data database paths must exist and be reachable.
• The data output path the method passes must be writable.
• The Optic Module needed for the assay must be fitted.

Device configuration

Property	Purpose
Instance Name	The reader instance in BMG’s software
Pherastar Instance Name	Instance name for a PheraStar specifically
Protocol Db Path	Path to the protocol database
Data Db Path	Path to the data database
DB Connection	Database connection used for recording

If you need more of this instrument driven from a schedule, get in touch — the driver is extended on demand.