Applicable Panasonic (PHCBI) Incubator Model Series

  • MCO Series 
  • KM Series
  • Cell IQ Series
  • CytoGrow Series


Package Contents

  • Element-B
  • Connection Cable


Safety Information

Review and abide by the safety information found in the Element-B and Panasonic (PHCBI) Incubator user manuals. Tidy connection cable to prevent tripping hazards.


Installation Instructions

Receiving the Shipment

1. If this is your first time setting up the Elemental Machines system, you will receive an email for your dashboard account verification. Save this email for when the devices arrive.

2. When devices are shipped, they will be added to your Elemental Insights Dashboard™ with default names. When you first log in you will see all your devices with a 'disconnected' status.

3. When devices arrive, carefully remove the contents from the packaging. If any of the contents look damaged, please send a picture to help@elementalmachines.com. 

4. If you have ordered multiple Element-B’s, ensure the Element-B being used is configured as Normally Closed (NC). This can be verified by checking the device label, the dashboard under ‘Machine Model’, or the packing list sent with your shipment. 

a. Element-B’s can either be configured as Normally Closed (NC) or Normally Open (NO) by our team here at Elemental Machines. Different assets require different configurations. If you have ordered Element-B’s for multiple assets, you may have a mix and need to be aware of attaching the correctly configured device to the correct asset.

5. Ensure there is an Elemental Machines Gateway set up in the vicinity of the Element-B.

a. Note: ‘Vicinity’ is within wireless connection range. This is usually up to 30 meters but can depend on the lab’s layout.

Attaching Connection Cable to Asset

6. Locate the Remote Alarm panel on the back of the incubator as shown in Figure 1. 

Figure 1 Remote Contact panel on the back of a Panasonic MCO incubator

7. Power off the incubator.

8. Slightly loosen the screws for the NC and COM slot (2nd and 3rd screws from top respectively). 

9. Insert the wires from the connection cable into the two slots (either wire can go into either slot) and tighten the screws.

Attaching Connection Cable to Element

10. Per your discretion, write the name and/or location of the equipment being monitored on the Element-B. This can be particularly helpful if multiple devices are being installed. Use of a Sharpie is recommended.

11. Plug the thermocouple end (Figure 2) of the connection cable into the Element-B.

a. Note Ensure the (-) and (+) prongs of the thermocouple end are properly matched.

Figure 2 Thermocouple end of Element-B connection cable

12. Pull the battery tab on the Element-B.

Positioning the Element-B

13. Determine where the Element-B should be placed so that it is not blocked, which allows a better wireless connection, and so that the connection cable is tidy.

14. Securely position the Element-B in the chosen location. The Element-B has magnets which make it easily mountable to magnetic surfaces. 

a. Note: If applicable, an adhesive metal mounting plate available from EM may be used.

Programming Alerts

15. Program alerts on the incubator. Refer to the Panasonic (PHCBI) Incubator user manual for which alarm conditions the incubator can detect and how to set up alerts. 

16. Set up alert rules on the Elemental Insights Dashboard™ for the Element-B. Guidance on how to do so is available in the Support section of the dashboard.


NOTE: Alerts must be programmed on both the asset and the Elemental Insights Dashboard™ to receive remote alerts through the Elemental Machines platform.