Biomek FXp these days

Beckman-Coulter
1

I’m looking at buying a used Beckman Biomek FXp (8-span and 384 well head) as a low-cost entry into liquid handling. What are people’s experience with this machine? It seems like a decent gateway LH to some of the more modern ones.

The unit doesn’t come with software - anyone have a suggestion on how to acquire?
I see a lot of parts on ebay - is it easy to replace and maintain function?

Thanks!

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@DNA Hello. I have used and worked on the Biomeks for about 15 years and I like them. The software is more intuitive than the other LH software.

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Hi there,
I learned automation with a Biomek fxp and once you understand the core concepts of the software it worked reliably. Just keep in mind that Beckman does not support them any longer (at least in Germany), so you’ll need to maintain them by yourself. All spare parts where as expensive as can be.

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I really like the software, I agree it’s very intuitive.

One thing to be aware of is that Beckman will stop support for the FXp and NXp at the end of 2028. So it might be a short/medium-term solution

1 Like
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I believe getting the software will be a sticking point for these instruments. I haven’t used an FX/NX in quite awhile, but my recollection was that some early instruments will only support Windows XP and older, while newer instruments will support Windows 7 and probably Windows 10.

We were told at the time that it was a controller issue, much in the same way that Tecan held everyone ransom over the Windows 7 upgrade by not allowing Genesis/Gemini instruments Windows 7 support. I’m sure some enterprising people have found ways around these limitations by now, but it’s defintiely something to be aware of. Even finding a computer that can run WinXP is getting more difficult by the day.

I would definitely encourage you to find an instrument that comes with a controlling computer and software pre-installed. An instrument with no software is going to be useless.

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I also learned on a Biomek FX. I agree on the software - easy and fairly intuitive. I feel like it’s also very powerful in giving access into the software to change things as opposed to just giving you prepackaged techniques.