Download the Latest Microlab Prep Software

The Microlab Prep software receives regular updates with bug fixes, new labware, and new features. To make sure you get the best results possible from your Prep, you should always update the software to the latest revision. This article describes how to download and install new versions of the Microlab Prep software.

Change Summary, v3.3.4

Please note that this software update may take up to 40 minutes to complete depending on the software version being updated, and your device may restart several times during this process. Do not attempt to power off your Prep while the update is taking place.

  • Updates to resolve minor bugs in software

Previous Version Change Summaries 

v3.3.3

  • Tutorial videos removed from software
  • Updates to resolve minor bugs in software

v3.3.2 

  • Updates to resolve minor bugs in software

v3.3.1 

  • Add support for the ability to enable/disable allowing Remote Desktop Connection

v3.3.0

  • Add support for Windows Remote Desktop Control (RDC) allowing for off-instrument access to the software, including:
  • Creating and editing protocols remotely
  • Starting protocols and maintenance routines remotely
  • Handling errors remotely
  • Monitoring active protocols remotely
  • Importing and exporting files to/from the instrument remotely. Files include protocols, run reports, worklists, diagnostics, verification reports, etc
  • Add support for LIMS and sample tracking by producing run reports in JSON and/or CSV formats
  • Allow run reports to be automatically exported at the end of a run
  • Add software version to run reports
  • Add Mix Speed as an overridable liquid parameter
  • Add support for taking, managing, and exporting screenshots in the Microlab Prep software
     

Requirements

  • USB drive for downloading and installing the update(s)
  • Computer with internet connection
  • Administrator permissions, if user management is enabled

Procedure

Checking your software version

The upgrade procedure differs slightly depending on the current version of your Prep’s software. Make sure to check the software version before upgrading:

  1. Turn on the Prep. Do not sign in if prompted.
  2. If you are prompted to log in, tap the help button to view the software version. Follow the appropriate update instructions according to the software version.

    If you are not prompted to log in, continue to step 3.
  3. From the home page, tap the settings button. The settings button is located at the top-right corner, and has a gear icon.
  4. In the Software tab, tap Configuration, then open the Version tab.
  5. Follow the appropriate upgrade instructions according to the Microlab Prep Core Installer version.

  1. Download the installer(s) and place them on a USB drive.
    Download Current Software

    Software installers are stored in the Hamilton Resource Center. If you do not yet have access, request an account to receive access. Make sure to download the file to the root (the main folder) of the USB drive.
  2. Turn on the Prep and sign in if prompted. You will need Laboratory Administrator permissions to complete the update.
  3. Insert the USB drive. The ports are located on the left side of the Prep, near the bottom of the door.
  4. From the home page, tap the settings button. The settings button is located at the top-right corner, and has a gear icon.
  5. In the Software tab, tap Configuration, then open the Application tab.
  6. Scroll down to the “Update and backup utility” setting and tap Launch. The Prep will reboot in a separate utility.
  7. In the Modify Software tab, tap Refresh. The software version should appear in the update list (for example, “Upgrade MlPrepCore to 2.0.1.00002” with an Install button. Tap Details for a list of all changes in the package.
  8. Tap Install. A dialog will appear to confirm that you want to install the update. Tap Yes to proceed.
  9. Wait for the upgrade to be installed. Do not turn off the Prep.
  10. Tap OK in the dialog that appears after installation is complete.
  11. If the upgrade package contains firmware, tap Yes when asked to update it. After the update finishes installing, you may be prompted to physically restart the Prep. Press and hold the power button on the instrument if prompted.
  12. Tap Exit to return to the normal Prep software.
  13. Calibrate the camera:
    1. Clear the deck and replace any absent base plates.
    2. From the home page, tap the settings button with the gear icon at the top-right corner.
    3. Open the instrument tab and select System Calibration.
    4. Select Camera and tap Run. If the calibration fails, contact us.

  1. Download the installer(s) and place them on a USB drive.
    Download software

    Software installers are stored in the Hamilton Resource Center. If you do not yet have access, request an account to receive access. Make sure to download the file to the root (the main folder) of the USB drive.
  1. Turn on the Prep and sign in if prompted. You will need Laboratory Administrator permissions to complete the update.
  2. Insert the USB drive. The ports are located on the left side of the Prep, near the bottom of the door.
  3. From the home page, tap the settings button. The settings button is located at the top-right corner, and has a gear icon.
  4. In the Software tab, tap Configuration, then open the Application tab.
  5. Scroll down to the “Update and backup utility” setting and tap Launch. The Prep will reboot in a separate utility.
  6. In the Modify Software tab, tap Refresh. The software version should appear in the update list (for example, “Upgrade MlPrepCore to 2.0.1.00002” with an Install button. Tap Details for a list of all changes in the package.
  7. Tap Install. A dialog will appear to confirm that you want to install the update. Tap Yes to proceed.
  8. Wait for the upgrade to be installed. Do not turn off the Prep.
  9. Tap OK in the dialog that appears after installation is complete.
  10. If the upgrade package contains firmware, tap Yes when asked to update it. After the update finishes installing, you may be prompted to physically restart the Prep. Press and hold the power button on the instrument if prompted.
  11. Follow the instructions “Upgrading from Version 2.1 and on”.

  1. Download the installer(s) and place them on a USB drive.
    Download Software

    Software installers are stored in the Hamilton Resource Center. If you do not yet have access, request an account to receive access. Make sure to download the file to the root (the main folder) of the USB drive.
  2. Turn on the Prep and sign in if prompted. You will need Laboratory Administrator permissions to complete the update.
  3. Insert the USB drive. The ports are located on the left side of the Prep, near the bottom of the door.
  4. From the home page, tap the settings button. The settings button is located at the top-right corner, and has a gear icon.
  5. In the Software tab, tap Configuration, then open the Application tab.
  6. Scroll down to the “Run repair utility” setting and tap Repair. The Prep will reboot into the repair utility software.
  7. In the Modify Software tab, tap Refresh. The software version should appear in the update list (for example, “Upgrade MlPrepCore to 1.1.0.88”) with an Upgrade button.
  8. Tap Upgrade. Two Windows installer dialogs will appear reading, “The setup must update files or services that cannot be updated while the system is running”. Tap OK for both.
  9. Wait for the upgrade to be installed. Do not turn off the Prep.
  10. When the update finishes, check for a line of text at the bottom of the page confirming the update. The text should read, “Installed Core Version:” followed by the version you updated to.
  11. Follow the instructions “Upgrading from Version 2.1 and on”.