WIGGENS Galaxy 230 Manual Colony Counter
| Brand | WIGGENS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | Galaxy 230 |
| Instrument Type | Manual Colony Counter |
| Counting Speed | 150–1,000 colonies/sec, 1 ring band/sec |
| Measurement Range | 0–9999 |
| Display | 4-digit LED |
| Petri Dish Height Adjustment | 60 mm, 90–150 mm adjustable |
| Zero Reset Button | Yes |
| Counting Method | Pressure-sensitive stylus (compatible with standard water-based markers) |
| Sensitivity Adjustment | Continuously variable |
| Illumination | Universal circular fluorescent lamp |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 313 × 360 × 100 mm |
| Weight | 5.2 kg |
Overview
The WIGGENS Galaxy 230 Manual Colony Counter is a precision-engineered instrument designed for reliable, operator-controlled enumeration of microbial colonies grown on standard agar plates. Unlike automated image-based systems, the Galaxy 230 employs a tactile pressure-sensing counting mechanism—based on calibrated capacitive or piezoresistive transduction—that registers physical contact across the entire petri dish surface via an annular sensing band. This design eliminates reliance on optical recognition algorithms, ensuring consistent performance regardless of colony morphology, opacity, color, or agar turbidity. The device operates independently of computer interfaces or external power sources beyond standard AC input, making it ideal for GLP-compliant routine microbiological testing in regulated environments where auditability and procedural transparency are paramount. Its mechanical simplicity supports long-term stability and minimal maintenance, aligning with ISO 7218:2017 and AOAC Official Method 977.27 requirements for manual colony enumeration.
Key Features
- Annular pressure-sensing zone covering full plate surface—enables uniform detection without blind spots or edge bias
- Adjustable sensitivity control allows optimization for varied operator hand pressure and stylus types (including standard water-based markers)
- Integrated audible feedback and real-time 4-digit LED display prevent miscounting and support batch-wise zero-reset workflows
- Height-adjustable stage accommodates standard petri dishes (60 mm height preset; extended range 90–150 mm) including deep-agar or stacked plates
- Universal circular lamp provides even, shadow-free illumination across all standard dish diameters (up to 150 mm)
- Compact footprint (313 × 360 × 100 mm) and lightweight construction (5.2 kg) facilitate placement in biosafety cabinets or laminar flow hoods
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Galaxy 230 supports all conventional solid media formats—including TSA, PCA, VRBA, MRS, and Sabouraud dextrose agar—in standard polystyrene or glass petri dishes (diameters 60–150 mm). It is compatible with both aerobic and anaerobic colony isolation protocols and performs reliably under controlled humidity conditions typical of microbiology labs. The unit meets CE marking requirements per Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), and its non-invasive, non-radiative operation ensures compliance with ISO 13485:2016 clause 7.5.2 (production process validation) for medical device manufacturing QC labs. While not an automated system, its manual counting methodology is explicitly recognized in USP , EP 2.6.12, and FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) Chapter 3 as a validated reference method when performed by trained personnel.
Software & Data Management
As a standalone manual counter, the Galaxy 230 does not incorporate embedded software or digital data export functionality. All counts are recorded locally on the LED display and manually transcribed into laboratory notebooks or LIMS-compatible spreadsheets. This architecture intentionally avoids electronic record integrity concerns associated with 21 CFR Part 11 compliance—eliminating the need for user authentication, audit trails, or electronic signature validation. For laboratories requiring traceable digital capture, the Galaxy 230 integrates seamlessly with third-party documentation systems via standardized manual entry protocols aligned with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).
Applications
- Routine quality control testing of pharmaceutical raw materials, excipients, and finished dosage forms per USP and Ph. Eur. 2.6.12
- Microbial limit testing in food and beverage production facilities (ISO 4833-1:2013, ISO 6887-1:2017)
- Environmental monitoring in cleanrooms and aseptic processing suites (ISO 14644-1, EU GMP Annex 1)
- Water and wastewater analysis per APHA Standard Methods 9215B and ISO 6222
- Validation of sterilization processes and disinfectant efficacy studies (EN 13697, ASTM E2149)
- Academic and industrial research involving strain isolation, viability assays, and serial dilution validation
FAQ
Does the Galaxy 230 require proprietary styluses or pens?
No—the system is fully compatible with standard water-based markers, gel pens, or fine-tip laboratory markers (e.g., WIGGENS order no. 175200-35 or 175200-48). No dedicated pressure-sensitive hardware is needed.
Can the Galaxy 230 be used inside a biosafety cabinet?
Yes—its compact dimensions, low electromagnetic emissions, and absence of heat-generating components allow safe operation within Class II A2 and B2 cabinets.
Is calibration required or supported?
The Galaxy 230 does not require periodic calibration per ISO/IEC 17025:2017, as it functions as a deterministic mechanical counter. Users may perform functional verification using NIST-traceable reference plates with known colony counts.
What is the expected service life under routine lab use?
With proper handling and cleaning (isopropyl alcohol wipe-down only), the pressure sensor and electronics maintain specification performance for ≥5 years of daily use (≥200 cycles/day).
Is the circular lamp replaceable, and what is its rated lifetime?
Yes—the universal circular fluorescent tube (G13 base) is field-replaceable and rated for 10,000 hours of continuous operation at 25°C ambient temperature.
