What is the Hamilton PSD?

The Hamilton PSD (Precision Syringe Drive) is a compact precision syringe pump designed for liquid handling operations including dispensing, serial dispensing, and diluting. It is available in five configurations: Standard, Smooth Flow, High Lift Force, High Valve Torque, and High Lift Force + High Valve Torque.

What syringe sizes are compatible with the Hamilton PSD?

Hamilton offers syringes ranging from 12.5 microliters to 50 milliliters for use with the PSD. Two syringe termination options are available: Luer Lock or Hamilton's Bubble-Free Prime Syringes.

What are the power requirements for the Hamilton PSD?

The Hamilton PSD requires 24V DC with a minimum current rating of 1.5 Amps, supplied through the DB-15 connector on the rear panel.

What communication protocols does the Hamilton PSD support?

The Hamilton PSD supports RS-232, RS-485, and CAN communication protocols, all through the DB-15 connector on the rear panel. Baud rate and termination settings are configured via the onboard DIP switch bank.

How do I install the valve on the Hamilton PSD?

To install the valve: (1) Insert the valve shaft into the valve actuator opening. (2) Slowly rotate the valve until the stem engages the drive mechanism and the alignment pins slip into the front holes — the syringe port must point downward. (3) Press the valve firmly against the PSD faceplate and tighten the mounting screws.

How do I install the syringe on the Hamilton PSD?

To install the syringe: (1) Position the syringe plunger to the center of its stroke. (2) Insert the syringe termination into the valve syringe port and rotate clockwise until finger-tight — do not use tools. (3) Gently pull the plunger downward until it reaches the drive stem. (4) Seat the plunger button into the channel of the drive stem. (5) Hold the plunger in position and tighten the thumbscrew on the drive stem to secure it.

How do I set the address switch when using multiple Hamilton PSD pumps?

The Hamilton PSD uses a 16-position rotary address switch (positions 0–F) on the rear panel. Each pump in a daisy chain configuration must have a unique address. For a single pump, set the address switch to position 0. For additional pumps, assign sequential addresses (1, 2, 3, etc.).

How do I configure the DIP switches on the Hamilton PSD?

The 8-position DIP switch bank on the rear panel controls valve configuration, syringe overload detection, baud rate, and bus termination. For a standard Y-valve single-pump setup, set DIP switches 4, 5, and 6 to OFF. Consult the Hamilton PSD manual for DIP switch settings specific to other valve types and communication configurations.

Does the Hamilton PSD come with a calibration certificate?

Yes. Each Hamilton PSD ships with a NIST-traceable performance test report specific to the serialized pump unit, confirming it has been tested and meets Hamilton's precision standards.

Where can I get help setting up my Hamilton PSD?

For setup assistance, contact Hamilton at sales@hamiltoncompany.com. A Software Development Kit (SDK) is also included on the USB drive in the starter kit to help integrate the PSD into your application.

PSD Setup and Installation | Knowledge Center

Streamline the setup of your PSD (Precision Syringe Drive). This quick-start walkthrough takes you from unboxing to initialization, including valve and syringe installation, cable connections, and switch configuration.

The Hamilton PSD is a compact, precision syringe pump designed for repeatable liquid handling—supporting common operations like dispensing, serial dispensing, and diluting. Use the video below as your step-by-step guide to ensure your PSD is assembled and configured correctly before use.

What You’ll Learn in this Video

What’s included with the PSD and starter kit
How to identify key PSD components (valve actuator, syringe drive mechanism, rear-panel connections)
How to install the valve (alignment, seating, and mounting screws)
How to install the syringe and secure the plunger to the drive stem (thumbscrew)
How to connect power + communications through the DB-15 connector
How to set the address switch for single vs. multi-pump (daisy chain) setups
How to configure the DIP switches for communication and valve configuration (and when to reference the manual)

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Key Specs & Options Mentioned (Quick Reference)

Power: 24 V DC, minimum 1.5 A
Connector: DB-15 (power + communications)
Comms supported: RS-232, RS-485, CAN
Multi-unit addressing: 16-position rotary switch (addresses 0–F)
Syringe compatibility range: 12.5 µL to 50 mL
Syringe termination options: Luer Lock or Hamilton Bubble-Free Prime Syringes
Plunger options mentioned: Standard PTFE, long-life UHMWPE
PSD configurations mentioned: Standard, Smooth Flow, High Lift Force, High Valve Torque, or combined High Lift Force + High Valve Torque
Documentation: NIST-traceable performance test report included for the serialized pump

Setup Checklist

Before powering on, confirm:

Valve is fully seated, aligned, and screws are tightened
Syringe is finger-tight (no tools) and plunger is secured to the drive stem via thumbscrew
DB-15 connector is fully inserted and jack screws are tightened
Address switch is set appropriately (single pump typically set to 0)
DIP switches match your valve/configuration (consult the manual for your specific valve type)

Download the PSD Checklist

Helpful Note for Multi-Pump Setups

Running multiple PSD units in a daisy chain? Each pump needs a unique address (e.g., 0, 1, 2, …) using the rear-panel rotary address switch. See the PSD manual for more information.

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