Digitalize your analyses with the TLC Explorer

The glove-compatible touch sensors allow easy operation in typical laboratory settings. The plug-and-play experience eliminates the need for technical service support. To enhance its versatility, the instrument can function off the grid by utilizing a power bank (to be ordered separately), making it suitable for remote use.

The instrument includes a safety feature to protect against UV exposure during use. Plates (single or multiple) are securely placed on the Drawer Unit (Figure 1). The analysis only starts when the Drawer Unit is closed, ensuring no UV exposure. Additionally, the device uses more sustainable LED light sources instead of conventional lamps containing mercury.

The digital documentation system provides flexibility and convenience throughout your entire TLC measurement process. You can easily connect to the system via WiFi or by scanning a QR code, making it operable on multiple devices (Figure 2).

The intuitive software allows for TLC plate analysis without the need for time-consuming manual data processing and handling. It enables quick measurement of tracks in less than 2 minutes, with automated track recognition. Furthermore, the software facilitates simultaneous detection and measurement of multiple plates, covering an area of 20 x 20 cm (Figure 3).

The software can do an auto-image rotation in case the plate is improperly aligned prior to measurement in the device. Background noise reduction filters can be applied as needed. It also automatically pre-selects the starting line and solvent front, though manual addition and deletion of tracks, solvent, and starting line is also an option. Annotations, such as methodology details or naming conventions, can be easily added for further clarity. Moreover, the software facilitates both comparative and quantitative examinations of TLC and HPTLC plates.

The ergonomic design (Figure 6a), allows for quick examination of the plate through its inspection window (Figure 5). A shutter slider (Figure 4, F8) controls the opening to reduce disturbance from stray light entering the device while the user is looking through the inspection window. By pushing the shutter slider fully or only partially down, different parts of the baseplate can be seen.

The device has three types of excitation sources that can be easily switched on by a light tap on the touch sensitive buttons indicating the wavelengths (Figure 4, F2 – 4). However, only one of these light sources can be active at a time. 

To clean the TLC Explorer and get rid of any potential iodine gas residue, follow these steps:

1. External Cleaning: Use a common solvent to clean the outside and remove any iodine residue.
2. Safety Precautions: Wear gloves, a lab coat, and safety goggles while cleaning to avoid skin irritation or iodine vapor exposure.
3. Avoid Bleach: Don’t use cleaners with bleach, as they can create harmful compounds.
4. Regular Maintenance: The TLC Explorer doesn’t require regular maintenance, but it should be cleaned after contamination. If needed, you can order replacement parts and accessories separately.

The device won’t automatically overwrite old files. When it runs out of space, it shows an error and stops you from saving or capturing new images. You’ll need to manually free up space since there’s no automatic cycling or chronological deletion of files. When the storage is full, you’ll get an error prompt, and you’ll have to go into the file manager to delete old files.

This issue might be due to not executing the trajectory definition steps correctly. Check the manual on page 35 of chapter 4.7 for the required steps. The software automatically adjusts the orientation to enhance TLC plate detection, especially when the image isn’t fully visible or the edges are unclear (see sections 4.4 and 4.6). It’s best to insert a clean TLC plate and capture the image until the report is generated, checking if it auto-corrects.

If it still doesn’t correct, you might need to make adjustments to improve trajectory detection. If the issue persists, you can manually adjust the plate's orientation using the +90° / -90° buttons in the software, ensuring it’s in a satisfactory position before moving to the next step.

The system doesn’t specify the total capacity; it only shows the available space.

You can monitor this information in the file manager at the bottom right. The only guideline is to keep at least 250 MB of free space to ensure smooth operation. The instrument mainly functions as an imaging system, and while it can store some data, it’s recommended that users regularly extract and back up data to a hard drive for safety, so the total storage capacity isn’t disclosed.

Yes, files can be deleted in three ways:

1. Built-in File Manager: Go to the file manager, select the image set, click “Delete,” and confirm. Just a heads up: deletion is permanent and can’t be undone.
2. Export and Delete: First, export the image set (as a ZIP file or to a USB), then choose to delete the data from the device afterward.
3. Backup/Factory Reset (Advanced): You can perform a complete backup on a USB. A factory reset will delete all user data and settings, so it’s not recommended unless you have a specific data storage cleaning policy.

To connect the TLC Explorer and download data, follow these three steps:

1. Connect TLC Explorer to Computer:
   - Wired Connection: Use a LAN cable to connect the TLC Explorer to the port on the back of your computer (see page 83 of the manual).
   - Wireless Connection: Turn on Wi-Fi, search for, and connect to the TLC Explorer network (see page 21 of the manual).
2. Store Data on Website: After connecting, open a browser and enter http://192.168.200.1, bookmark it for easy access.
3. Download Data: Once the report and analysis data are generated, use your computer to access the site, click on the file manager to download the data, which will be saved in a folder on your computer for analysis or storage.

The TLC Explorer software currently doesn’t include features for setting individual user passwords or restricting data access between users.

The software is designed for efficient and standardized TLC plate analysis, featuring automatic trajectory recognition, background noise reduction, and data files.

You can only select one compound (one peak) for quantification at a time.

If you want to quantify multiple compounds on the same track using the instrument, you’ll need to manually add and label each peak in that track one by one.

Yes, the operation manual in chapter twelve details intensity testing for the three types of light sources, so you can check the manual for more info and diagrams on that.