XactII and THOMAS Microarrayer Software Overview
	
	XactII and THOMAS microarray systems run the same control software. Differences can be found only 
	in the work board settings since the arrayers differ in size and feature different number of labware
	components on the board.
	
	Control software consists of separate modules called Utilities in the user documentation ( i.e. JobControl 
	utility ) 
	
	
	
Utilities
	
	ManualControl 
	
	 
	
	Used for moving the arrayer Motion System manually, in arbitrary way by clicking on corresponding 
	"arrow" (left, right, forward, backward, up, down) buttons. 
	
	
	JobControl 
	
	 
	
	Used for running Print Jobs ( print routines ). This is the utility you need to launch the microarrayer to
	execute one of the PrintJobs.
	JobControl requires connection of the arrayer to the USB port.
	
	See Docs page for detailed information JobControl Utility
	   
	JobWizard 
	
	 
	
	Used for creating or editing PrintJobs that will be executed by the JobControl utility. The GUI of 
	of JobWizard represents a series of consecutive steps needed to enter all parameters necessary to create a
	valid PrintJob.
	
	Job Wizard does not require microarrayer connection to USB.
	
	See Docs page for detailed information JobWizard Utility
	
	ConfigureSystem 
	
	 
	
	Used for configuring geometrical and mechanical ( such as speed, acceleration ) parameters of the
	microarrayer. The microarrayer is shipped preconfigured, so normally configuration is not required.
	However if a new component (such as a 3rd party print head, or non standard plate holder ) is installed in
	the system its parameters need to be registered and the	the system needs to be calibrated to accurately 
	position thin new component.
	
	ConfigureSystem requires connection of the arrayer to the USB port.
	
	See Docs page for detailed information System Calibration
	
	Job Editor
	
	 
	
	Used for viewing and editing already created Print Jobs. The GUI offers a "list" view of all parameters
	that comprise a print job.
	
	JobEditor does not require microarrayer connection to USB.
	
	
	
Microarrayer USB Connection
	
	Some Utilities have ability of actually	moving the microarrayer - they "talk" via the USB port to the 
	microarrayer. In order to run them the arrayer has to be connected to the USB port of the computer. If
	there is no arrayer connected, they won't launch and produce an error message:
	
	
	
	Other utilities are for editing print routines and system settings. They work with files only, do not 
	communicate with the microarrayer and therefore do not require the arrayer connected to the USB port.
	
	
Data Storage and Exchange between Utilities
	Microarrayer control utilities do not communicate directly with each other. Instead they communicate via 
	computer files stored in C:/labnext/PRODUCTION_DATA folder on the PC.
	Some utilities such as JobWizard create print routines and save them in files. Other such as JobControl 
	read the files and move the microarrayer according to the instructions set in the files.
	
	It is important to know that all data specific to the current microarrayer installation is stored in the
	PRODUCTION_DATA folder. If you need to move the microarrayer form one PC to another you need to install
	the software and copy the PRODUCTION_DATA folder. All settings and print jobs will me transferred.