Hi @VantageHandler ,
When getting into 5mL channels, the biggest thing to remember is that 5 mL channels utilize twice the spacing as standard 1mL channels. Therefore, channel access will be affected. For example, to get the same random access of 8 1mL channels, you will need to have 4 5mL channels. This will have full access to the deck. See the post below for a breakdown on the channel access on the deck by number of 1mL channels.
Now when you start to mix and match the random access gets to be a little tricky. See bellow a visualization of random access for 8 1mLs, 8 5mLs and a 4x4 combination:
8 1mL
8 5mL
4 1mL x 4 5mL
This is visualizing a STAR but the Y access is the same for STAR or Vantage. The red lines are 1mL channels and the blue lines are 5mL channels. Everywhere in between each line color is accessible by all channels of that type. Outside that region is where certain channels can no longer reach.
In regard to transportation, there is currently no solution to transport using the 5mL channels on a Vantage. QCG is limited only to 1mL channels. On a system that has all 5mL channels, an IPG or Track Gripper would be your only options for transportation.