SERVICE MANUAL

Rev. 1.2 – December 2021

Automatic instrument for ESR determination
with modified Westergren method

Software version 1.xx

FOR IN VITRO DIAGNOSTIC USE ONLY

 This page is intentionally left blank.

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MINI-CUBE models:
This manual applies to the following MINI CUBE model:
Catalog number Description

10392 MINI CUBE

MINI-CUBE Accessories:
Catalog number Description

10435 ESR CONTROL CUBE 4 x 9 ml (2 x Level I + 2 x Level II)

10436 ESR CONTROL CUBE 2 x 9 ml (1 x Level I + 1 x Level II)

10293 Test device NEXT 500 (500 tests)

10294 Test device NEXT 1K (1000 tests)

10296 Test device NEXT 5K (5000 tests)

10297 Test device NEXT 10K (10000 tests)

21430320 Bluetooth MINI-CUBE Printer

MINI-CUBE Thermal paper (for Bluetooth MINI-CUBE
10404
printer)
20550510 External barcode reader

30006190 MINI CUBE USB-to-Serial adapter

Manual revisions list:

MANUAL revisions Description of changes

1.0 of 30.09.2016 First issue

Updated manual with new manual layout and new logo.
1.1 of 23.04.2021 Replaced MINI-CUBE figures due to new graphic design with
updated brand colors.
Manual update following the latest FW release (V. 1.26) and new
set of service parameters.
1.2 of 13.12.2021 Update of the screen with the new heading.
Adding of Chapter 1.6 “Preventive Maintenance” and of Chapter 5
“Exploded views of the instrument”

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 3

 Manufacturer
DIESSE DIAGNOSTICA SENESE SpA
Strada dei Laghi 39, 53035 Monteriggioni (SI) Italy
Tel. +39 0577 307109, Fax. + 39 0577 307106
www.diesse.it

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Strada dei Laghi 39, 53035 Monteriggioni (SI) Italy
Tel. +39 0577 307109, Fax. + 39 0577 307106
Numero Verde: 800 606932
e-mail: technicalsupport@diesse.it

No page in this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical or otherwise, for any use whatsoever without prior written permission from DIESSE
Diagnostica Senese S.p.A.

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Standards applied to this document:
- Directive 98/79/EC on in vitro diagnostic medical devices
- EN 61010-1 (CEI 66-5) “Safety requirements for electrical equipment for
measurement, control laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements”.
- EN 61326-1 “Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use
– Electromagnetic compatibility requirements – Part 1: General requirements”
- EN 61326-2-6 “Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory
Use – Electromagnetic compatibility requirements - Part 2 – 6: In Vitro
Diagnostic (IVD) medical equipment”
- EN 61010-2-081 Safety for electrical equipment for measurement, control,
laboratory use – Part 2-081: Particular requirements for automatic and semi-
automatic laboratory equipment for analysis and other purposes (CEI 66-8)”.
- EN 61010-2-101 “Safety for electrical equipment for measurement, control,
laboratory use – Part 2-101: Particular requirements for in vitro diagnostic (IVD)
medical equipment”.
- 2014/35/EC “Low voltage directive”
- 2014/30/EC “Directive on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States
relating to electromagnetic compatibility”
- 2011/65/EU “Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous
substances in electrical and electronic equipment – RoHS2”
- UNI EN ISO 18113-3 Information provided by the manufacturer (labeling) - Part 3:
in vitro diagnostic instruments for professional use
- UNI EN ISO 22870 Point of care testing (IOCT) – Requirements for quality and
competence
- Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, H02, Procedures for the Erythrocyte
Sedimentation Rate Test; Approved Standard—Fifth Edition

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Symbols:
Key of graphic symbols
Instrument meeting the requirements of the European Directive
98/79/EC on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (98/79/CE).

In vitro diagnostic medical device

Manufacturing date

Serial number

Manufacturer

Key of electric and safety symbols

Protective conductor

WEEE: Waste electrical and electronic equipment – Separate

Collection is required pursuant to Legislative Decree No. 49 of March
14. 2014 (Italy), on “implementation of Directive 2012/19/EC.”
Attention: please read this manual carefully and comply with the
safety symbols.

Caution: risk of electrical shock

Key of graphic symbols used in this document

WARNING: potential risk of personal injury; all the conditions indicated

in the relative text must be read and understood before proceeding.
CAUTION: potential risk of damage to the instrument; all the
conditions indicated in the relative text must be read and understood
before proceeding.

N.B. important information.

BIOHAZARD: risk of contamination with potentially infected

substances.

Instrument that complies with MET standards for the Canadian and
US markets

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 6

 LIMITATIONS AND WARNINGS

Revision 1.2 of this manual corresponds to the MINI-CUBE model of the instrument with
the 1.x.x family of installed software.
It was drafted and carefully reviewed and this version is closely related to the instrument
model (data can be obtained from the instrument’s ID plate) and the version of the
software that controls it (data can be obtained through a procedure on the instrument
itself).
It must be read carefully before using the instrument, especially the parts relating to
safety.

ATTENTION
Do not use this manual except in its complete form.
If this manual is used in an incomplete form, DIESSE Diagnostica Senese S.p.A.
declines any responsibility for adverse results.

ATTENTION
Any instrument updating done with the customer’s authorization requires that
the user manual be updated in a corresponding manner.

DIESSE Diagnostica Senese SpA accepts no responsibility for damage caused directly or
indirectly by errors, defects, or incidents due to any use of this manual that does not
correspond with the version of the supplied instrument.

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Content
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTRUMENT ................................................................................ 9
1.1 Overall view of the unit .................................................................................................................................. 9

1.2 Updating software...................................................................................................................................... 10

1.3 Technical specifications ........................................................................................................................... 11

1.4 Content and package dimensions.................................................................................................... 11

1.5 Shutting down and shipping .............................................................................................................. 12

1.6 Preventive Maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 14

2 DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURE (AND REASSEMBLY) ............................................................................ 15

2.1 Preliminary tasks assigned to the technical service ............................................................. 15

2.2 Equipment / instrumentation required........................................................................................ 15

2.3 Disassembly and reassembly procedures................................................................................... 15

3 SERVICE MENU...................................................................................................................................................... 21
3.1 Service functions ......................................................................................................................................... 21

3.1.1 Access to the service menu................................................................................. 21

3.1.2 Service menu ........................................................................................................ 23
3.1.3 Diagnostics functions .......................................................................................... 26
3.1.4 Reading parameters......................................................................................... 34
3.1.5 Reading viewer..................................................................................................... 37
3.1.6 Special ................................................................................................................... 42
4 LEARNING ABOUT THE UNIT- DESCRIPTION OF THE MAIN MODULES ......................... 43
4.1 CPU board connections ......................................................................................................................... 43

4.1.1 Interconnection board......................................................................................... 44

5 EXPLODED VIEWS OF THE INSTRUMENT .......................................................................................... 45
6 ATTACHMENT A: EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS .................................................................................... 52
6.1 General specifications for connecting to a barcode reader............................................ 52

7 ATTACHMENT B: CONNECTION TO A HOST COMPUTER .......................................................... 53

8 ATTACHMENT C: SPARE PARTS LIST ...................................................................................................... 60

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1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTRUMENT

1.1 Overall view of the unit

Figure 1

The MINI CUBE module consists of a single body containing all the operating functions
necessary for analyzing the sample. The instrument has 4 housings to insert the samples.
The motor lifts the reading unit that, with the help of four optical sensors (one per
position) verifies the suitability of the sample and detects the level at baseline and after
20 minutes of sedimentation.

The sample is detected when it is put into the test tube. The optical sensor of each
position scans the inserted test tube, checking that it contains an adequate volume of
blood and identifying the type of tube: normal (13x75 mm EDTA tube) or pediatric (BD
Microtainer®, BD Microtainer® MAP, Greiner MiniCollect® or Sarstedt Microvette® APT
EDTA tubes).

The function of the beeper is to alert the operator during various stages of the operating
cycle or in the event of errors.

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The sample is identified by an external barcode reader (accessory). The patient ID code
can be manually entered from a virtual keyboard.

External connections of the instrument

The MINI CUBE has a Bluetooth 4.0 connection for an external printer (accessory) or for
connection to a mobile device (in particular, for connection to the APP).

The power supply, serial/USB port for connection to the computer, a USB port for
connection to the USB mass storage device (that can be used to update software or
export files) and port for the external bar code reader are positioned at the rear. The
functional units of the module are described below.

Figure 2

1.2 Updating software

Updating software is a simple, direct procedure:
• Save the new software (i.e. mcfw.bin file and System folder) into a USB mass storage
device
• With the instrument switched off, insert the USB device into the appropriate port

Power on the instrument and wait for a few seconds. The instrument will update
automatically.

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1.3 Technical specifications

USE Internal use

Input: 100-240 Vac, 50-60Hz, 0.5A
Output: 9Vdc@2A marked UL
POWER SUPPLY LPS, DC output shall be provided a reinforced insulation
between primary and secondary circuits

DIMENSIONS (mm) 135x191x125

WEIGHT 1.5 kg (3.31 lbs)

ROOM TEMPERATURE Operating temperature From +5° to +40°C

Storage temperature From +5° to +45°C

RELATIVE HUMIDITY (RH) 20%-80% without condensation

ALTITUDE maximum 2000 meters (6562ft)

NOISE LEVEL below 80 decibel

LEVEL OF POLLUTION 2 pollution degrees

4 ml Tube: 0 to >140 mm/hr

MEASUREMENT RANGE
Pediatric Tube: 0 to >60 m/hr

CENTRAL UNIT ARM Cortex-M4 180 MHz Microprocessor

DISPLAY 480x272 TFT 16.7 Million colors+ Resistive Touch Panel

4 pairs of optical elements (photodiode +

OPTICAL UNIT
phototransistor)

INTERFACES USB

Safety requirements and functional performances of the instrument are not

assured if you use a different power supply from the one supplied in the package.

1.4 Content and package dimensions

The instrument is packed in:
1. An external cardboard box.
2. Molded housing in CFC and HCFC-free expanded, closed cell polyethylene.

The box has the following characteristics

Dimensions cm 33x23x15

Weight Kg 1.5

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Materials provided
The MINI CUBE is supplied with the following materials:
• User Manual
• USB mass storage with multi-lingual manual
• Non-capacitive touch stylus
• DC power Supply (see characteristics in Technical Specifications section)
• One power cable for each module according to IEC International Standards
(Female Plug IEC 320 C-13; Male Plug Schuko EEC 7-VII; Rating: 10A / 250V
AC).
• USB cable
• Certificate of Analysis
• Packing list

Figure 3

Do not throw away the original packaging in case of further transportation of

the instrument in the future.

1.5 Shutting down and shipping

Before shutting down and shipping the instrument, it is recommended
carrying out the following sanitizing procedure:

A) The instrument must be turned off and cleaned internally of all residues or
spillage with a liquid detergent and left to dry.
B) Use one of the ready-to-use spray cans of isopropyl alcohol available on the market.
C) Spray well on the sample-holder.

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D) Leave turned off for at least one hour before beginning a new work cycle or any
other type of operation on the instrument.

Instrument may be damaged if dropped.

Shipping
1. Put the instrument into its plastics bag and place the two the expanded
polyethylene blocks to hold the instrument.

Figure 4

2. Place the Unit contained between the expanded polyethylene blocks and the power
supply into the box.

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 Figure 5

If the instrument is being shipped to the manufacturer for repairs, affix a copy of the
“Fault Report” form (contained in this document) to the outside of the box.

1.6 Preventive Maintenance

a) Turn off the instrument.
b) Disconnect the instrument form the power supply in order to prevent risk of
contact with any energized electrical or mechanical parts.
c) Remove the rear plastics panel by unscrewing the four screws in the corners.
d) Clean the motor motion screw with WD40.
e) Lubricate the motor motion screw with CRC66-6.
f) Clean with compressed air the motor home sensor and the emitter and receiver
of the reading sensors unit.

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2 DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURE (AND REASSEMBLY)
2.1 Preliminary tasks assigned to the technical service
Before any type of operation on the instrument:

a) TURN OFF THE ON/OFF SWITCH ON THE UNIT.

b) DISCONNECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE POWER SUPPLY IN
ORDER TO PREVENT RISK OF CONTACT WITH ANY ENERGISED
ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL PARTS.

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS SHALL RELEASE THE

MANUFACTURER OF THE MINI CUBE FROM ALL LIABILITY.

2.2 Equipment / instrumentation required

• Multimeter - Mod.Fluke 8010A or equivalent.
• Set of screwdrivers.
• Set socket-head spanners.
• 5.5mm Plug socket spanner.

2.3 Disassembly and reassembly procedures

Disassembly procedure

a) Follow the instructions in paragraph 2.1 points a) and b).

b) Remove the rear plastics panel by unscrewing the four screws in the corners.

Figure 6

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 Figure 7

c) To open the front panel, use a screwdriver from the rear side to unscrew the 4
screws anchoring the front panel to the main metal body:

Figure 8

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 Figure 9

It is now possible to access the CPU Board and the cables can be disconnected to replace
it.
d) To Access to the Interconnection Board and the Transponder Antenna, remove
the plastics panel from the bottom side by unscrewing the 5 screws:

Figure 10

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 Figure 11

e) Unscrew the two screws that fix the board and remove it to access to its
connectors and cables and to access the screw to remove the Base Block

Figure 12

f) To remove the base block unscrew the 4 screws visible below:

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 Figure 13

g) Once the Base Block has been removed, it is possible to remove the Motor +
Motion Screw assembly; unscrew the two screws that fix the motor and then
manually rotate the Motion screw to release it from the Reading Sensors
Block
h) Removing the Reading Sensors Unit is now possible, without removing the
Motor, by removing the 4 Sample Tubes Holders. To remove them, access
from the bottom of the metal block to release the screws (do not unscrew
them completely) that fix the Sample Holders. At this point, pull-up the
bottom part out from its site to free it, then make it pass through the upper
round hole on the metal block.

Figure 14

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i) Once the holders have been removed, it is possible to take out the Reading
Sensors Unit. Then, by unscrewing the 4 small screws, it will be released from
the carriage that moves along the Moving Screw:

Figure 15

j) To be able to completely remove the Reading Sensors Unit out of the Instrument,
disconnect the flexible cables from the CPU board

Reassembly procedure
Follow the steps of the disassembly procedure in reverse.

During this phase, make sure to prevent the wires from becoming entangled
in the mechanical parts.

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3 SERVICE MENU
3.1 Service functions
3.1.1 Access to the service menu
Starting up the system
Procedure
1. Turn on the instrument.
2. When the instrument turns on, it shows the following menu:

Figure 16

3. Press the Settings Button to access the Settings Menu

4. Press the Right Arrow Button (NEXT PAGE) to access the second Page of the
Settings Menu.

Figure 17

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 5. Press the SERVICE item to access to the ACCESS CODE Input Page:

Figure 18
In the top part of this page, are shown the current Firmware Version and its release date.

Figure 19

ACCESS CODE LIST:

98521 14785 74159 78952

SERVICE PARAMETERS VIEWER SPECIAL

Figure 20

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3.1.2 Service menu

Page 1:
Function Description Default
SN 2021-01 SN The instrument's serial number
3181

HCT HOST For future uses, always set to OFF

OFF

QC POS ORG ON = QC samples divided by the position occupied

during the analysis
OFF = QC samples in different positions, managed
all together. OFF
NOTE: for switching between modes, the QC archive
index must be rebuilt (DB INDEX REBUILD).
DAS28 HIDE ON = DAS28 not displayed
ON
OFF = DAS28 normal viewing
HOST BY USBH Enable USB /Serial link Protocol to host:
ON = on USBH (USB HOST) with FTDI (USB/Serial
Adaptor)
ON
OFF = on CDC (USB DEVICE) with direct USB
connection to the PC, that requires “STM32” USB Driver
to be installed on the PC.
SHOW VOLUME If ON, the volume of blood contained in the test tube
will be depicted next to the tube (e.g. 2.5 mL).
OFF
In the case of pediatric or MAP test tubes, the volume
will not be shown.
OVERFILL If ON, when there is a sample with high blood level
condition, it is assumed that the sample blood level
OFF
starts exactly at the leftmost point of the reading curve
(as on Cube200).

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 REFERENCE
Indicate the reference scale to be used for test results
W
(Westergren or Panchenkov).

TEMP ADJ > Allows to reset and insert the temperature measured
inside the instrument.
DIAGNOSTIC > Diagnostics on touchscreen, buzzer, movements,
transponders, EEPROM, SD card, readers, barcode
and Bluetooth. For the detailed description of the
tests, please see paragraph 3.1.3 “Diagnostics
Funtions”.

Page 2:
Function Description
SN 2021-01 SN The instrument's serial number
3181

BLUETOOTH > To test the Bluetooth communication with an external APP

DB REBUILD INDEX > Rebuilt of the archives indexes. It may be required if some
settings were changed.
STANDBY > To set the screen save function and the brightness of the MINI-
CUBE written.

TIME STANDBY: time of inactivity, in seconds, after which the

instrument goes in Stand-by mode. Set = 0 to deactivate the Standy-by
management. Default setting = 600
BACKLIGHT: the level of the display’s backlight during the Stand-By
Mode. The value may vary between 0 and 255, default value is set to 120
TEST: to check the Stand-by mode.
DECREASE CNT > You can decrease the number of available test on the instrument.
CAUTION: all removed test cannot be restored.
SD MANAGEMENT > HELP IMPORT: Import from a USB key all the .bmp and
help_xxx.txt files. NOTE: this function also imports the image of
initial presentation "hello.bmp".
HELP DELETE: Delete all help_xxx.txt and .bmp files.
NOTE: this function also erases the image of initial presentation
"hello.bmp".
ARCHIVES DELETE: Delete all archives.
LOG DELETE: Delete all log files.
SD BACKUP: Copy all internal MINI-CUBE files in a USB key. It is
advisable to do this operation in a completely empty key.
SD RESTORE: Copy all files in a USB key on the µSD inside the MINI-
CUBE
SD FORMAT: Formats the internal µSD of the MINI-CUBE.
WARNING: This operation involves the loss of all the internal files
of the MINI-CUBE.
CONFIG MENU > EXPORT: Export the Configuration Parameters into a .TXT file on a
USB key
PRINT: Print the list of the Configuration Parameters using the
external Bluetooth printer.
DEFAULT: Set the Configuration Parameters to their default values.

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 EEPROM > EXPORT: Export the binary image of the EEPROM memory on a USB
key. The file name will be: nnnn_EEP.BIN, where nnnn is the serial
number of the instrument.
IMPORT: Import a binary image of the EEPROM from a file located on
a USB key. The file will be imported only if its name includes the same
Serial Number of the instrument (see EXPORT function).
WARNING: The Import operation will overwrite all the calibrations: i.e.
temperature setting and motor home position.

TEST RACK > Using a special rack (i.e. Pan flute), it was possible to check the accuracy
of the bottom level measurement and to adjust it by setting an offset
value.
Note: this check is no longer performed, therefore this functionality is
no longer used.

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3.1.3 Diagnostics functions

Figure 21

3.1.3.1 Touch panel test

Figure 22

Using a pen, touch the panel in various points and check the following coordinates:
• The Top-Left corner has coordinates (0; 0);
• The Bottom-Right corner has coordinates (272; 480);

If there is a misalignment between the point touched and the dot draw on the display,
a touch calibration is needed.

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3.1.3.2 Touch panel calibration
To enter the touch panel calibration, proceed as follow:
a. Power off the instrument;
b. Press the touch panel and power on the instrument, keeping the touch
panel pressed, until the following page appears on the display:

Figure 23

c. Release the touch panel to access the calibration page:

Figure 24

d. Press the center of the small circles, drawn using a pen; at the end of the
procedure, the new values will be saved.

3.1.3.3 Buzzer test

Press Buzzer from the Diagnostics menu to hear the sound generated by the Buzzer.

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3.1.3.4 EEPROM test
Press EEPROM to enter in the EEPROM test page, then press START to execute the
procedures shown in the picture below:

Figure 25

At the end of the procedures, the initial content of the EEPROM memory is restored.
WARNING: if the procedure fails or the power supply is removed during the test, the
EEPROM content will be lost! Pay attention to export the EEPROM on a USB PENDRIVE
before starting this test.

3.1.3.5 Sd card test

Press SD CARD to access the internal SD CARD test page, then press START to execute
the procedures shown in the picture below:

Figure 26

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If the test is completed successfully, the SD CARD is working properly. During these
procedures, a text file is created and then deleted from the SD CARD while all the other
files are kept unchanged.

3.1.3.6 USB host test

Once entered the USB HOST page, the following message will appear:

Figure 27

Insert a properly formatted USB PENDRIVE and press OK to start the test.
If the test is completed successfully, an “OK” message will appear on screen.

PLEASE NOTICE: The Pendrive must be formatted with a FAT32 File System, without any
“EFI” partition. To create a Clean FAT32 PenDrive follow these steps:
• From Windows start the MS-DOS console;
• From the DOS PROMPT launch the command "diskpart";
• Type "list disk" and check the disk to be formatted (The PENDRIVE unit);
• Type "select disk n" where 'n' is the letter of the Pendrive unit to be formatted;
• Type "clean";
• Type "create partition primary";
• Type "format quick fs=fat32";
• Type "exit".

3.1.3.7 Transponder test

Press TRANSPONDER to access the internal TRANSPONDER test page, then press START
to execute the procedures shown in the picture below:

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 Figure 28

The test is made in two phases: first, the RF system is tested by measuring the frequency
of the RF carrier that must be 125KHz +/- 3KHz. Afterwards, the Check Device
Transponder is checked by reading the number of exams stored in it.
In the example above no check device has been inserted in the appropriate site.

3.1.3.8 Home sensor test

This test reports the status of the Home Sensor of the Sensor Reading Unit.
The status can be:
• Obscured (the carriage is in its home position);
• Free.

3.1.3.9 Sensor tube test

By accessing this menu, it is possible to set the light level of the 4 white LEDs emitters
(Range 0- 1000) and view the light level read by the corresponding Light Sensors.

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 Figure 29

LEDs TEST:
There are four predefined light levels written in the fields listed on the upper left side.
They can be changed by touching them. By pressing the purple button near the light
level field, the LEDs will be driven to emit the corresponding light.
You can check the light levels for all the four LEDS at the same time.

DARK TEST:
In the bottom part you can read the sensors light readings.
When all the LEDS are OFF and by closing the 4 holes on top of the instrument, it must
be checked that the light read by the sensors is less than 200.

SINGLE SENSOR TEST:

Be sure that the Reading Unit is in its Home position (otherwise go to the Home Setting
Menu to move it to Home).
Be sure that all the LEDs are OFF (see LEDS TEST).
Activate one LED by pressing the corresponding button with the label “OFF” and check
that the corresponding Sensor reading is higher than 3500 and that all the other sensors
are less than 600.

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3.1.3.10 Barcode test
Power off the instrument.
Connect the RS232 external barcode reader to the proper serial connector.
Power on the instrument and enter in the BARCODE test menu.
Read a label and verify that its code appears correctly on the BARCODE TEST page.
WARNING: Never connect or disconnect the Barcode reader with the instrument
powered ON, it may damage the reader itself or the instrument’s internal circuits.

3.1.3.11 Bluetooth test

From this menu, it is possible to activate/deactivate the Bluetooth interface, to scan all
the Bluetooth 4.x visible devices and to read the Bluetooth module firmware version.
Using a special programming tool, it could be also possible to upgrade the FW version
of the Bluetooth module.

3.1.3.12 Home setting

This menu is used to set the Home position of the Reading Unit. Indeed, if the Motor or
the Home Optical Sensor have been dismounted or replaced, a new Home position
setting is needed. The home position has to be set in order to have the Reading Unit in
the higher possible position, without hitting on the top of the unit. Default setting for
Home steps is equal to 1450 steps.
Remove the rear panel in order to check the positioning and adjust the Home steps
value, then press “TEST” to move the motor to the new Home Position.
Once the correct positioning has been reached, press SAVE to store the new value.

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 Figura 30

3.1.3.13 Stress test

This function is used in the production phase of the instrument to stress the Motor and
the Reading Unit.
First of all, put something on top of the unit to close the holes for the tubes, then press
START once the desired parameters have been set.
The test will perform several Reading Procedures, by moving the motor up and down
and activating only one LEDs for each cycle.
A step loss control and the light level of each sensor is monitored cycle-by-cycle.
An error counter for the Motor error is increased for each step loss error.
An error counter for each sensor is also incremented if the light level is outside the
expected range (dark when the corresponding LED is OFF; light when the
corresponding is ON).
This function can be useful to check the integrity of the unit’s hardware.
The suggested number of cycles is 200 maximum, with a pause of 5 seconds between
each cycle.

Figura 31

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3.1.4 Reading parameters

In this menu, the parameters used to evaluate the blood levels and to calculate the ESR
values are accessible and may be varied.
Warning: changing these values may affect the performances of the Instrument.

The default values set on the instrument are shown below.

Time in seconds between the first and second scan for

SED. TIME 1200
normal tubes
Time in seconds between the first and second scan for
SED. TIME_PED 840
pediatric and MAP tubes
LIGHT_STANDBY 15 PWM LED in % - Used when there is no tube

LIGHT_DETECT 8 Used for detect the type of tube

LIGHT_NORMAL 200 Used for scan normal tubes (1st and 2nd readings)

LIGHT_PEDIATRIC 13 Used for scan pediatric tubes (1st and 2nd readings)
Used between the two scans, to detect if the tube has
LIGHT_TEST_EXTRACT 150
been removed

M1.AVG_N_SAMP_PRE 2 Filtering the original reading graph by a moving average.

A new curve is drawn where each point is the average of
M1.AVG_N_SAMP_POST 2
+/- 2 points. (Pre/Post processing filter values).
M1.N_RISING_BOTTOM 12 For the research of the tube bottom: starting from right to
left, we search for 12 consecutive steps in which the value
of light decreases. The first one is taken.

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 34

 M1.T_BOTTOM_LIM_MIN 501 Minimum bottom level position acceptable
M1.T_BOTTOM_LIM_MAX 980 Maximum bottom level position acceptable
M1.T.BOT_PED_LIM_MIN 200 Minimum bottom level position for pediatrics samples
M1.T.BOT_PED_LIM_MAX 500 Maximum bottom level position for pediatrics samples
M1.T.BOT_PED_MAP_LEV 300 Setting the point (number of steps) where to start the
backwards research of the bottom level with the MAP
tubes

M1.SH_THRESHOLD 1500 Sample High Threshold: this is a light level in digits of the
A/D converter. If in the top half of the tube the light level
never goes over this limit, it is assumed that the blood level
is too high inside the tube. Therefore, the blood level cannot
be determined, being over the upmost position reachable
by the reading sensor.
A SAMPLE HIGH error is issued for this sample.
Notice that this condition could happen also if the number
of labels attached to the sample is too high, avoiding the
light to pass through.
M1.PERC_FILTER 10 The method M1 to identify the point (steps n°) in which the
blood level begins (or sedimentation), uses the "filtered"
graph.
When the light value is less than M1.PERC_FILTER, the
percentage used to draw the filtered graph it is set equal
to this value.
M1.DIFF_DIGITS 100 Parameters used by the method M1 to find the points in
M1.DIGITS_RATE 200 the filtered graph (blood level in the 1st reading or
sedimentation level in the 2nd reading).
M1.N_FALLING 12 Parameter used by M1 in the filtered graph to find the blood
level.
The graph of the readings is analyzed from left to right. And
it stops at the first point corresponding to the filtered light
value. Then it goes back 12 steps, checking for a progressive
increase in the light value, and the intermediate point (sixth)
is taken.
M1.SL_THRESHOLD 600 Sample Low Threshold: if in the first reading, the difference
between the measured blood level and the tube bottom
level is less than this value, the sample is marked as SAMPLE
LOW.
This value is the difference: Bottom level - Blood level
(BOT.L. – BLD.L.).
CM.AVG_SMALL 20 Default setting for the narrow moving average of the
control method (see paragraph 3.1.5 Reading Viewer - Page
4/4)
CM.AVG_LARGE 50 Default setting for the wide moving average of the control
method (see paragraph 3.1.5 Reading Viewer - Page 4/4)
CM.ACCEPTABILITY 30 Maximum difference admitted between the points found
by M1 and those found by the control method (level of blood
in the 1st reading and level of sedimentation in the 2nd
reading). If the difference is above this limit, the sample is
marked with ERR (-14)

PERC_CORR_ESR 0 Corrects the ESR VALUE by increasing it by this percentage

VES_ADJ 1000 Multiplication factor to adjust the ESR result for normal
tubes

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 35

 VES_ADJ_PED 1000 Multiplication factor to adjust the ESR result for pediatric
tubes

BL_HEIGH_3000_UL 590 Parameter for determining the exact volume of blood for
blood column height of 3mL
BL_HEIGH_1500_UL 255 Parameter for determining the exact volume of blood for
blood column height of 1.5mL

Correlation matrices of ESR results, respectively for normal tubes (N_PNT_CURVE) and for
pediatric tubes (N_PNT_CURVE_PED)

N_PNT_CURVE 6 N_PNT_CURVE_PED 5
DELTA.1 12 ESR.1 1 DELTA.1 20 ESR.1 8
DELTA.2 50 ESR.2 15 DELTA.2 40 ESR.2 15
DELTA.3 150 ESR.3 30 DELTA.3 50 ESR.3 20
DELTA.4 240 ESR.4 70 DELTA.4 100 ESR.4 100
DELTA.5 290 ESR.5 100 DELTA.5 110 ESR.5 100
DELTA.6 340 ESR.6 140 DELTA.6 0 ESR.6 0
DELTA.7 0 ESR.7 0 DELTA.7 0 ESR.7 0
DELTA.8 0 ESR.8 0 DELTA.8 0 ESR.8 0

Correction tables as a function of the volume detected in the test tube.

Correction factor on calculated ESR data Correction factor on raw data before ESR
N_PNT_CURVE_VOL_ADJ 5 N_VCF_1000 TO 1500 uL 1000
VOL.1 1000 FACT.1 200 N_VCF_1500 TO 2000 uL 1000
VOL.2 1500 FACT.2 150 N_DELTA_TSH 160
VOL.3 2000 FACT.3 125 P_VCF_1000 TO 1500 uL 1000
VOL.4 3000 FACT.4 100 P_VCF_1500 TO 2000 uL 1000
VOL.5 4000 FACT.5 90 P_DELTA_TSH 160
VOL.6 0 FACT.6 0 M_VCF_1000 TO 1500 uL 1000
M_VCF_1500 TO 2000 uL 1000
M_DELTA_TSH 160

Legend
DELTA_TSH: minimum samples Delta value (see paragraph 3.1.5 Reading viewer – Pag.
2/4) to perform ESR correction according to volume.
N_VCF: for normal test tubes.
P_VCF: for pediatrics test tubes.
M_VCF: for MAP test tubes.

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 36

3.1.5 Reading viewer

Figure 32

This part of the program displays all graphs of the samples readings present in the
LOG.txt file. As you enter, the latest LOG.txt file reading is showing on screen.
Below the graph, there is the acquisition date of the LOG.txt file (a file log, covers a day),
with a right and left arrow keys to scroll forward and backward through the LOG files.
Below the date, there is the time of the test. If the readings are two (full examination),
the times shown represent respectively that of the first and second reading.
Below the time, there is instead a window with a right and left arrow keys to scroll
through four different pages containing various information and parameters about the
LOG.txt file reading.
The command “READ” allows the reading of a tube in real time. Before starting the test,
it’s possible to choose the position and the power of the light. The parameter LIGHT ALL
must always be set to OFF.
The command “EXT” allows to check the LOG files presents in an external USB KEY.

(Pag. 1/4) – The first page contains basic information about the loaded reading: type of
test tube, barcode, position of the analysis, light level and temperature.
Note: the temperature is only stored in the second reading. In case of a single reading,
the temperature is not displayed.
The temperature is always displayed in degrees Celsius and it is green or red depending
on whether the correction is respectively enabled or disabled.

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 37

 (Pag. 2/4) – The second page contains more
detailed information about the loaded reading:
BOT.L. = Bottom level;
BLD.L. = Blood level;
ERR = Error (the detailed list of errors is described
in the table below);
DELTA = Delta between readings (for
comprehensive examinations only);
ESR [W] = ESR calculated (for comprehensive
examinations only).
R1 = Column of values for the first reading log;
R2 = Column of values for the second reading log;
R1E = Column of the values for the first reading
elaborated with the current parameters set on the
ReadViewer;
R2E = Column of the values for the second reading
elaborated with the current parameters set on the
ReadViewer.
Figure 33

ESR results are always presented in Westergreen method. Since while saving the LOG,
the HCT is not present, ESR results cannot take account of HCT correction.

Note: the graph shows the tracks that originated the data through four different colors
Blue = R1
Red = R2
Cyan = R1E
Orange = R2E
In the graphs, the blue squares (for the first reading) and the red squares (for the second
reading) identify the bottom level and the blood level.

MINI-CUBE - ERROR TABLE

1 ERR Generic error

2 ERR The leading edge of the tube bottom was not found

3 ERR Tube bottom is out of range (both for pediatric and normal test tubes)

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 38

 4 ERR SH_TSH not found: all readings have a light value too low. The sensor is probably
faulty
5 HIGH SH_TSH found too low: a light value above SH_TSH was found too low, probably
beyond the bottom of the tube. The tube is too full or obscured
6 ERR Blood level not found with method M1

7 LOW Blood level over SL_TSH: following the first reading, the blood level is too low

8 ERR The blood level detected at the second reading is higher than that of the first
reading
9 ERR The ESR result is equal to 0 (allowed values from 1 to 140)

10* >140 The ESR result is higher than 140

11 ERR Tube removal detected during reading

13 ERR The control method (CM) failed to detect the blood level

14 ERR The blood levels found by M1 and the Control Method (CM) differ more than the
acceptability value
15 ERR Unexpected test tube: error related to the insertion of an anomalous tube

*The -10 is not an error but denotes that the value of ESR is above 140 and is displayed with ">
140"

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 39

 (Pag. 3/4) - The third page shows the
parameters used for processing the sample.
All the parameters present in this page can
be found in the parameters menu (password:
1-4-7-8-5) and are all editable.
Whenever a parameter is changed, the data
and the graphs are serviced accordingly.
The Temperature Correction setting
(ON/OFF) affects the calculation of the ESR
and is only active if there are both readings.
These parameters modification only affect
the ReadViewer session. Exiting and
reentering the ReadViewer resets all the
default values set on the instrument.
The LOGs are saved as raw data. Each time
the ReadViewer is used and a log is opened,
the software recalculates the curve by
applying on it a specific filter (i.e.
M1_PERC_FILTER).
Figure 34

NOTE: in software versions prior to 1.00, the readings were saved after having already
applied the filter in question. Therefore, attention must be paid in recovering the LOGs
up to 1.00 SW version, since the ReadViewer will apply the filter twice.
During saving, all possible file system errors are managed and saving the acquisition in
the log is attempted for a maximum of 3 times.

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 40

 (Pag. 4/4) - The fourth page displays
information and graphs related to the Control
Method.
This method is based on the "squaring" of the
curves, where two curves are used.
Pressing READ1 or READ2 you enter the
details of the first or second reading of the
sample. The curves are presented:
- BLUE or RED raw reading (BLUE if it is the
first reading, RED if it is the second).
- HEAVENLY the graph after applying the
narrow moving average (AVG SMALL)
- ORANGE graph after applying the wide
moving average (AVG LARGE)
The default setting for the narrow moving
average is 20. This means that for each sample
of the crude chart an average is performed
with twenty samples that precede and follow
it with the twenty in addition to himself (total
20 + 20 + 1 = 41).
For large moving average the default is 50 (= 50 + 50 + 1 = 101). The range is from 0 to 150
(0 = average of one sample, so no media, 150 = average of 301 samples).
By varying in the ReadViewer one of two values (for example, bringing the 50 to 100) you
can clearly see the effect on the graph.
With very clean curves the point of intersection between the two graphs is mediated
generally around the center of the front of the curve descent. With non-linear curves,
the point of intersection can move a lot along the graph.
The CM (Control Method) it’s available starting from SW V. 1.05.
After performing the first method, each reading is passed to the CM method (Control
method). The principle of operation of the CM is as follow:
- From the original curve, the curve 1 is generated by a moving average (default) of
20 + 1 + 20 = 41 data.
- From the original curve, the curve 2 is generated by a moving average (default) of
50 + 1 + 50 = 101 data.

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 41

- The two curves are compared looking for their first point of intersection with both
descendants’ curves.
- If you do not get any point of intersection, the function generates a -13 Error.
- If the point of intersection is located, it is compared with the blood level found
with method 1:
- If the two points are less than the acceptable value (default 30), the reading of
method 1 is accepted, otherwise it generates an Error -14.

3.1.6 Special

TEST COUNTER: absolute counter to record all tests performed on the instrument.
QC CNT TEST: if OFF, turns off the counting of QC samples performed on the instrument.
Set by default on ON.
CTRL METHOD: toggles the ESR calculation Control Method (M2). Set by default on ON.
LEV LOW BLOOD: parameter (n° steps) used to determine if a normal tube with low
blood volume should be treated as a pediatric tube. If the blood level detected during
the first reading (BLD.L.) is lower (greater n° steps) than the LEV LOW BLOOD threshold,
the tube is considered to contain pediatric sample (P appears on screen) and the
examination continues by carrying out the second reading with the pediatric light value
(LIGHT_PEDIATRIC).

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 42

4 LEARNING ABOUT THE UNIT- DESCRIPTION OF
THE MAIN MODULES

4.1 CPU board connections

Figure 30

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 43

• CN14: Stepping Motor
• CN15: Home Sensor Optical Switch
• CN12: Reading Sensors LEDS
• CN11: Reading Sensors Leight Detectors
• CN6: USB Ports, to be connected to the Interconnection Board in the Base
block
• CN3: 9Vdc Power Supply + Barcode Reader RS232 Port + RF Antenna output
for the transponder reader. To be connected to the Interconnection Board in
the Base block.

4.1.1 Interconnection board

Figure 31

• J1: 9Vdc / 2A Power Supply Input Jack

• J2: USB HOST port
• J3: USB DEVICE port
• J4: Barcode RS232 port
• CN3: Transponder Antenna
• CN2: USB PORTS input from CPU board
• CN1: POWER Supply out for the CPU Board + RS232 signals for the Barcode
reader and the RF Antenna.

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 44

5 EXPLODED VIEWS OF THE INSTRUMENT

P/N Description

30007310 MINI CUBE

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 45

 P/N Description

30228880 MINI-CUBE BASEMENT ASS’Y

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 46

 P/N Description Q.ty Reference
30229430 MINI-CUBE NEW ANALYSIS MODULE ASS'Y 1 001 (30007310)
10806820 MATRICULAR LABEL VES MATIC MINI CUBE 1 005
10809040 MINI-CUBE BASEMENT SCREEN PRINTED 1 001 (30228880)
20920550 CLIP FOR PIPE FIXING VM-1004 ESSENTRA 1 201
(exRICHCO)
1110H84Z SCREW TC ECO-SYN BN 82428 2,2x12 Xtermopl 1 202

NOTE: for the actually orderable part numbers refer to the official spare parts list

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 47

 P/N Description
30228890 MINI-CUBE FRONTAL PLATE ASS’Y

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 48

 P/N Description Q.ty Reference
10606890 FRONT PANEL MINI-CUBE 1 001
10602780 DISPLAY FRAME 1 002
10809060 MINI-CUBE FRONTAL PANEL 1 003
30147940 CPU CORTEX M4 180MHz TFT + 1 STEP MOT + 4 1 101
SENS v.MINI CUBE
20510950 DISPLAY LCD TFT 4.3" 480X272 TOUCH 1 102
DLC0430EZG-T-2 [DLC] /DLC0430BCP07RF-R-1
1110H85Z SCREW TC ECO-SYN BN 82428 3x8 xTERMOPL. 6 201
11140972 SCREW M2X6 UNI 7687 INOX 4 202

NOTE: for the actually orderable part numbers refer to the official spare parts list

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 49

 P/N Description

30229430 MINI-CUBE ANALYSIS MODULE ASS’Y

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 50

 P/N Description Q.ty Reference
10341731 ANALISIS UNIT SCREW 1 002
10603830 SAMPLES TUBE 4 004
10603840 BACK CABLE CLAMP 1 005
10603850 CABLE CLAMP PLATE 2 006
10603860 READING SENSOR BOARD SUPPORT SLIDING SIDE 2 003
10606900 BACK PANEL MINI-CUBE 1 008
10606920 MINI-CUBE BASEMENT LID 1 010
10803360 "CAUTION" LABEL 25x25 UL 1 011
10803370 WEEE LABEL 15x20 UL 1 012

10803880 "BIO HAZARD" LABEL 25x25 UL 1 013

10807390 MINI-CUBE TRANSPONDER INSERTION LABEL 1 015
10809890 MINI-CUBE CENTRAL BODY SCREEN PRINTED 1 001

1110393G SCREW PZAB 2,9X19 UNI 6954 ZN 4 201

1110H85Z SCREW TC ECO-SYN BN 82428 3x8 xTERMOPL. 6 202
1110H86Z SCREW TC ECO-SYN BN 82428 4x10 xTERMOPL. 4 203
1110H87Z SCREW TC ECO-SYN BN 82428 2,5x6 xTERMOPL. 5 204
1110M56Z VITE TS ECO-SYN BN 82427 3x8 X termopl. 8 208
11141156 SCREW M3X4 UNI 5923 INOX 2 206
11141172 SCREW M3X6 UNI 7687 INOX 4 207
11141382 SCREW M4X8 UNI 7687 INOX 4 212
1114544Z WASHER 4X12 INOX 4 209
1114B61Z SERRATED LOCK WASHER A 3,2 DIN 6798 INOX 2 210
11505720 IGUS POLYMER BUSHING J3SM-0507-05 1 211
30111640 PHOTOSENSOR WIRED BOARD L=260 1 101
30117832 WIRED COIL 1 102
30136060 CONNECTION BOARD EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS 1 104
30138200 CHASSIS GROUND WIRING MINI CUBE 1 105
30221140 MINI-CUBE READING CART ASS'Y 1 014
30228880 MINI-CUBE BASEMENT ASS'Y 1 009
30228890 MINI-CUBE FRONTAL PLATE ASS'Y 1 007
30403020 STEP MOTOR PM35S-048 WIRED L=110 1 103
NOTE: for the actually orderable part numbers refer to the official spare parts list

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 51

6 ATTACHMENT A: EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS

The cables used for the external connections must not exceed 3 meters in
length.

6.1 General specifications for connecting to a barcode reader

Before connecting the external barcode reader, it is recommended checking that:

a) This is fitted with a cable with a DB9 female connector in DTE set-up with a 5Vdc
9-pin power supply (refer to the instruction manual of the barcode reader)
b) The signals on the DB9 female connector are compatible with the connector
installed on the rear of the instrument to which it is connected:

DB9 Male “EXTERNAL

BARCODE” on system rear
PIN SIGNAL
[Tx] Data transmission towards the
2
reader (not used)
3 [RX] Date received from the reader
5 GND
9 +5V

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

• The electrical levels of the signals are of the standard RS232 type.
• The communication is one-way from the barcode reader towards the machine.
• The speed of the transmission is 9600 bit/s; the data format is of the type with 8 data
bits, 1 stop bit and no parity bit.
• The communication protocol is of the ASCII type; the barcode read must be
terminated with the Carriage Return (0x0d).

Connect the instrument to the external barcode.

Use the Barcode Model Z-3080 [Zebex] (or equivalent) with a connection cable type CAB
50607-R9 [Zebex] (or equivalent).

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 52

7 ATTACHMENT B: CONNECTION TO A HOST
COMPUTER

Foreword: Hardware data

The Communication between the MINI-CUBE and an external PC may be done in two
possible ways:

1. Using the Direct USB Connection:

In this case, connect a standard USB Cable A-B between the PC Host USB Port
(Rectangular Type A Connector) and the MINI-CUBE Client USB Port (Square Type
B Connector). In this case a software Driver (STM32_SW) for MS Windows has to
be installed on the PC (downloadable from the website www.diesse.it), in order to
set the communication with the MINI-CUBE through a virtual COM port over USB.

On the MINI-CUBE the parameter “HOST BY USBH” has

to be set OFF in the Service Menu.

2. Using a serial RS232 COM port on the PC.

In this case the ”MINI CUBE USB-to-Serial adapter“ (code: R30006190) has to be
used.
Connect a standard RS232 straight Cable between the PC RS232 COM port and
the Adapter’s Serial Connector.
Then connect a standard USB cable A-B between the MINI-CUBE Host USB Port
(Rectangular Type A connector) and the Adapter’s Client USB Port (Square Type
B Connector).

On the MINI-CUBE the parameter “HOST BY USBH”

has to be set ON in the Service Menu.

The electrical levels of the signals are of the standard RS232C type.

• The default transmission speed is 9600 bit/s, the data format is of the 8 data bit type,
1 stop bit and no parity bits
• The DB9 Male “RS232C” connector reflects the following pin-out:

PIN SIGNAL
2 Rx of data from Host
3 Tx of data towards Host
5 GND

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 53

 Foreword: Hexadecimal ASCII (HEX-ASCII) representation

In the protocol described below, a great deal of the parameters and data are
represented in Hexadecimal ASCII (HEX-ASCII) format, in other words: a byte with
a value of 0x7A is represented by two ASCII characters: ‘7’ (0x37) and ‘A’ (0x41), the
first represents the most significant nibble and the second, the least significant.

Examples:

Original Byte Representation HEX-ASCII

Hexadecimal value H characters L characters
0x45 ‘4’ (0x34) ‘5’ (0x35)
0xC8 ‘C’ (0x43) ‘8’ (0x38)
0x6F ‘6’ (0x36) ‘F’ (0x46)
0x10 ‘1’ (0x31) ‘0’ (0x30)

As can be seen, this type of representation means that two ASCII characters are
necessary for representing the value of one byte.

General remarks: Delay in replying

To allow the machine time to activate the reception mode it is necessary to enter a delay
of 1 second on the reply.

Message for sending Results: Command 0x51

The MINI-CUBE host protocol is a one-way protocol without query.

In particular, the MINI-CUBE send a message to the host computer, which contains the
results of the analyses carried out on one or more tubes.

Command: MINI-CUBE sends the following frame:

STX H-BLK L-BLK H-LEN L-LEN H-ADD L-ADD H-COM L-COM Data-1 ... Data-n ETX H-CHK L-CHK
(0x3E) (0x30) (0x30) (0x30) (0x31) (0x35) (0x31) (0x0D)

The hexadecimal values indicated in brackets are constant values for this message. The
fields in bold print are the variable ones and are described below:

H-LEN / L-LEN:
Length of the data field, from Data-1 to Data-n inclusive, represented in HEX-ASCII.
Maximum value ‘F’ (0x46) / ‘F’ (0x46). This is the effective number of bytes contained in
the data field. The maximum number of bytes contained in the ‘Data’ field is in fact 255.

Data-1 .. Data-n:
Data field. The data field for the message code 0x51 consists of the following:

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 54

 H-PRO / L-PRO Record Tube-1 …… Record Tube-n
(2 bytes HEX-
ASCII)

H-PRO / L-PRO: Number of Record Tube contained in the message, represented in HEX-
ASCII.

The Record Tube number contained in the data field is limited by the fact that the data
field itself is able to contain up to a maximum of 255 bytes, in any case the Record Tubes
are never cut off.

Record Tubes:

BarCode Terminato DATA TIME VES H- L-FLAGS RACK ID POSITION

(ASCII r of the ANALYSES ASCII FLAGS ASCII ASCII
ANALYSES
string max string ASCII string 4 string 4 string 2
15 string 6 ASCII
Barcode characters characters characters
characters) characters string 4
(0x10)
characters

BARCODE: ASCII string with variable lengths, maximum of 15 characters allowed. This
is the barcode just as it is read by the Mini Cube Barcode Reader.

TERMINATOR: the string of barcodes terminates with the 0x10 byte. This is because the
length of this string is variable.

DATA ANALYSES: string of 6 characters without terminator, “DDMMYY” where: “DD” =

day of the month, from “01” to “31” ASCII.

“MM” = Month of the year, from “01” to “12” ASCII. “YY” = Year of the century, from “00” to
“99” ASCII.

TIME ANALYSES: string of 4 characters without terminator, “hhmm” where: “hh” = hour
of the day, from “00” to “23” ASCII.

“mm” = Minutes, from “00” to “59” ASCII.

VES: Value of the VES measured, ASCII string without terminator: from “ 0” (3 spaces +
‘0’) transmitted in the case of an error, to “ 140” (1 space + “140”). If the result is greater of
140 the string will be “>140”.

EXAMPLES, see following table:

VES String sent Bytes of the String

value
1 “ 1” 0x20, 0x20, 0x20, 0x31
100 “ 100” 0x20, 0x31, 0x30, 0x30
>140 “>140” 0x3E, 0x31, 0x34, 0x30

H-FLAGS / L-FLAGS: Bitmap with 8-bit of the sample errors, represented in HEX-ASCII.
The following table illustrates the errors:

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 55

 Bit Error Description
0 Sample High Blood column too high
1 Sample Low Blood column too low
Sample
2 Tube Empty
Absent
Reading
3 Generic reading error
Error
4 QC PASS Reserved for samples with control blood
5 QC FAIL Reserved for samples with control blood
6-7 - Reserved

EXAMPLES:

• In the case of a “Sample High” error the Bit 0 (least significant) will be set to one
and all the others to zero, therefore the byte of the Flags will have a 0x01
hexadecimal value and its HEX-ASCII representation will be 0x30 / 0x31.
• In the case of a “Sample Absent” error the Bit 2 will be set to one and all the others
to zero, therefore the byte of the Flags will have a 0x04 hexadecimal value and its
HEX- ASCII representation will be 0x30 / 0x34.

Managing Errors in RESULTS:

If a Test Tube Record is sent with a VES value equal to 0 and an Error Flag enabled (Bit 3
set to 1), the result (VES=0) must be interpreted by the Host as a ‘Reading Error of the
sample’.

RACK ID: Not Used, always “0000” (string of 4 characters without terminator)

POSITION: string of 2 characters without terminator, identifies the position occupied by

the sample into the instrument (“01”…..”04”).

H-CHK / L-CHK: CheckSum of the message, represented in HEX-ASCII. The Checksum is

calculated by carrying out the OR- exclusive of all the bytes sent from STX to ETX
inclusive. The resulting hexadecimal value is then converted into HEX-ASCII and the two
characters that represent it are sent.

ATTENTION: for debugging purposes it is possible to disable the checksum control,

replacing the H-COM bytes with the value of 0x44 instead of 0x35. In this case the two
bytes of the checksum are still sent but their value will be insignificant. The Host
computer must also manage any possible cases in which the checksum is disabled.

Reply from the Host computer (optional)

On receiving the message, the Host computer may send an ACK reply to acknowledge
correct receipt and interpretation of the message, meaning that all the fields have the
correct values, and the checksum is correct; or a NACK reply to indicate that the message
contains one of more errors: inexact checksum, incorrect length of the data field, etc…

ACK Message

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 56

 ACK H-ADD L- ETX
(0x06) (0x30) ADD (0x0D
(0x31) )

Timeout on ACK Message: 1 Sec.

NACK Message

NACK H-ADD L-ADD H-ERR L-ERR ETX

(0x15) (0x30) (0x31) (0x0D)

where: H-ERR / L-ERR are the HEX-ASCII representation of the error code defined
according to the following table:

H-ERR
Error code L-ERR Value Meaning
Value

0x00 0x30 0x30 General Error

0x04 0x30 0x34 Checksum Error

Error field value

0x05 0x30 0x35
H-LEN / L-LEN
Data field Length
0x06 0x30 0x36
Error

Message for sending QC (Quality Control) sample data: Command 0x52

This message is sent by the Mini Cube towards the host computer. The message
contains the results of the analyses performed on one or more samples. The host
computer must only reply to this message with an ACK or NACK type message to notify
the successful receipt of the results or the presence of errors in the message.

Command: MINI-CUBE sends the following frame:

STX H-BLK L-BLK H-LEN L-LEN H-ADD L-ADD H-COM L-COM Data-1 ... Data-n ETX H-CHK L-CHK
(0x3E) (0x30) (0x30) (0x30) (0x31) (0x35) (0x32) (0x0D)

The hexadecimal values indicated in brackets are constant values for this message. The
fields in bold print are the variable ones and are described below:

H-LEN / L-LEN:

Length of the data field, from Data-1 to Data-n inclusive, represented in HEX-ASCII.
Maximum Value ‘F’ (0x46) / ‘F’ (0x46). This is the effective number of bytes contained in
the data field. In fact, the maximum number of bytes contained in the DATA field is 255.

Data-1 .. Data-n:

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 57

 Data field. The Data field for the message code 0x52 consists of the following:

QC QC Record Sample
data

QC data

Batch No. EXPIRY DATE H-VALMIN L-VALMIN H-VALMAX L-VALMAX

(ASCII string ASCII
6 characters) string 6
characters

BATCH No.: ASCII string of 6 characters. Identifies the production batch of the control
blood

EXPIRY DATE: string of 6 characters without terminator, “DDMMYY” where:

• “DD” = day of the month, from “01” to “31” ASCII.

• “MM” = Month of the year, from “01” to “12” ASCII.
• “YY” = Year of the century, from “00” to “99” ASCII.

H-VALMIN / L-VALMIN: Value lower than the acceptability range for the control blood,
represented in HEX-ASCII.

H-VALMAX / L-VALMAX: Value higher than the acceptability range for the control blood,
represented in HEX-ASCII.

QC Record Sample:

BarCode Terminato DATA TIME ANALYSES VES H-FLAGS L-FLAGS RACK ID POSITION
(ASCII string r of the ANALYSES String ASCII Strin String
max 15 Barcode ASCII ASCII 4 string 4 g ASCII
characters) string string 6 characters characters ASCI 2
characters I4 characters
(0x10) characte
rs

BARCODE: ASCII string with variable length, maximum of 15 characters allowed. This is
the barcode just as it is read by the Mini Cube Barcode Reader.

TERMINATOR: the string of barcodes terminates with the 0x10 byte. This is because the
length of this string is variable.

DATA ANALYSES: string of 6 characters without terminator, “DDMMYY” where:

• “DD” = day of the month, from “01” to “31” ASCII.

• “MM” = Month of the year, from “01” to “12” ASCII.
• “YY” = Year of the century, from “00” to “99” ASCII.

TIME ANALYSES: string of 4 characters without terminator, “hhmm” where:

• “hh” = hour of the day, from “00” to “23” ASCII.

• “mm” = Minutes, from “00” to “59” ASCII.

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 58

VES: Value of the VES measured on the QC sample, ASCII string without terminator:

from “ 0” (3 spaces + ‘0’) transmitted in the case of an error, to “ 140” (1 space + “140”). If
the result is higher than 140 the string will be “>140”

EXAMPLES, see following table:

VES value String sent Bytes of the String

1 “ 1” 0x20, 0x20, 0x20, 0x31
100 “ 100” 0x20, 0x31, 0x30, 0x30
>140 “>140” 0x3E, 0x31, 0x34, 0x30

H-FLAGS / L-FLAGS: Bitmap with 8-bit of the sample errors, represented in HEX-ASCII.
The following table illustrates the errors:

Bit Error Description

0 Sample High Blood column too high
1 Sample Low Blood column too low
2 Sample Absent Tube Empty
3 Abnormal Error in acquisition of height
4 QC PASS The VES of the QC measured is within the
acceptability range
5 QC FAIL The VES of the QC measured is outside the
acceptability range
6-7 - Reserved

EXAMPLES:

• In the case of a “Sample High” error the Bit 0 (least significant) will be set to one
and all the others to zero, therefore the byte of the Flags will have a 0x01
hexadecimal value and its HEX-ASCII representation will be 0x30 / 0x31.
• In the case of a “QC Fail” error the Bit 5 will be set to one and all the others to zero,
therefore the byte of the Flags will have a 0x20 hexadecimal value and its HEX-
ASCII representation will be 0x32 / 0x30

RACK ID: string of 4 characters without terminator, identifies the classifier rack in which
the sample has been repositioned.

POSITION: string of 2 characters without terminator, identifies the coordinates of the

position in which the sample has been repositioned in the Classifier rack.

ATTENTION: for debugging purposes it is possible to disable the checksum control,

replacing the H-COM bytes with the value of 0x44 instead of 0x35. In this case the two
bytes of the checksum are still sent but their value will be insignificant. The Host
computer must also manage any possible cases in which the checksum is disabled.

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 59

8 ATTACHMENT C: SPARE PARTS LIST

Code Description
10806820 MATRICULAR LABEL VES MATIC MINI CUBE
21890040 220Vac CABLE 3x0.75 L=2m SCHUKO 90° - C1
21890360 USB CABLE 1.1 A-B M/M 1,5 Mt
21890370 220Vac CABLE SVT PLUG USA/SOCKET VDE 2MT
30229430 MINI-CUBE NEW ANALYSIS MODULE ASS'Y
10341731 ANALISIS UNIT SCREW
10141731 ANALISIS UNIT SCREW
10603830 SAMPLES TUBE
10603840 BACK CABLE CLAMP
10603850 CABLE CLAMP PLATE
10603860 READING SENSOR BOARD SUPPORT SLIDING SIDE
10606900 BACK PANEL MINI-CUBE
10606920 MINI-CUBE BASEMENT LID
10809890 MINI-CUBE CENTRAL BODY SCREEN PRINTED
11505720 IGUS POLYMER BUSHING J3SM-0507-05
30111640 PHOTOSENSOR WIRED BOARD L=260
30113900 CABL. FOTOCELLULA
30117832 WIRED COIL
30136060 CONNECTION BOARD EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS
30138200 CHASSIS GROUND WIRING MINI CUBE
30221140 MINI-CUBE READING CART ASS'Y
10603810 MINI-CUBE READING SENSOR BOARD SUPPORT
10603820 MINI-CUBE READING SENSOR BOARD SUPPORT CLAMP
30136081 READING SENSORS 4x BOARD
10603711 MINI-CUBE READING SENSOR COVER
30136090 SINGLE READING SENSOR BOARD
30136110 BACKPLANE READING SENSOR BOARD
30144650 SINGLE READ SENSOR BOARD (LED ONLY)
30136460 CABL. FFC P=1.27mm 10V 35cm F-F POLAR. INVERSA UL
30228880 MINI-CUBE BASEMENT ASS'Y
10809040 MINI-CUBE BASEMENT SCREEN PRINTED
30228890 MINI-CUBE FRONTAL PLATE ASS'Y
10602780 DISPLAY FRAME

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 60

10606890 FRONT PANEL MINI-CUBE
10809060 MINI-CUBE FRONTAL PANEL
DISPLAY LCD TFT 4.3" 480X272 TOUCH DLC0430EZG-T-2 [DLC] /DLC0430BCP07RF-
20510950
R-1
30136470 MOLEX 5264 6P - MOLEX 5264 6P PIN TO PIN L=200mm CABLE
30136480 CABL. MOLEX 5264 8P - MOLEX 5264 8P PIN TO PIN L=220mm
30136491 CABL. MOLEX 5264 3P - MOLEX 5264 3P PIN TO PIN L=150mm
30147940 CORTEX M4 180MHz TFT + 1 STEP MOT + 4 SENS CPU v.MINI CUBE
30136122 CPU CORTEX M4 180MHz TFT + 1 STEP MOT + 4SENS (with SSOsc)
30403020 STEP MOTOR PM35S-048 WIRED L=110
11800390 MOTORE STEP PM35S-048-ZIM2 24V

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 61

Rev. 1.2 (12.2021) MINI-CUBE | SERVICE MANUAL 62