Checklist for Equipment Purchases
		  by Takashi Yogi

1. Instruction manual: Should be easy to read and well-
illustrated. All controls and connections should be described. 
There should be a listing of problems and probable causes. There 
should be a section on maintenance with a schematic wiring diagram. 
If the maintenance data is in a separate manual, it should be
reasonably priced. (Some companies refuse to sell the manual or 
charge $300 for it.)

2. Operation: Should be user-friendly. Most machines
with microprocessors are terrible to use. For example,
a dishwasher time setting goes slowly forward when you
press a button. If you want to reduce the time you must
hold the button until it cycles past 99. Make sure that
the software allows you to abort an operation at any
time. A good program should also allow you to run the machine
manually without entering and storing a protocol.

3. Maintenance: Make sure that regular maintenance
procedures are easy. For example, the drain on vacuum
pumps should open without any tools. Batteries should
be easy to replace and the polarities should be clearly
marked. Cold traps should be easy to defrost.

4. Breakable parts: Check for vulnerability to spills. Make
sure that door hinges will not break if stressed. Check for weak
plastic parts, delicate controls.

5. Safety features: Centrifuges should have door interlocks.
Water baths should be protected against low water levels.
Incubators should have high and low alarms. Power supplies
should not supply residual voltage after being turned off. Gel
boxes should be interlocked against shock.

6. Warranty: Should be at least one year.

I will be glad to advise you on any equipment purchases.