ROCKER Galaxy330 Manual Colony Counter

Overview

The ROCKER Galaxy330 Manual Colony Counter is a precision-engineered microbiological counting instrument designed for reliable, operator-controlled enumeration of microbial colonies on standard agar plates. Unlike automated image-based systems, the Galaxy330 employs a tactile, pressure-sensitive counting interface combined with optical magnification and real-time LED display feedback—making it ideal for laboratories requiring traceable, auditable, and repeatable manual colony enumeration in compliance with standardized microbiological methods (e.g., ISO 4833-1:2013, FDA BAM Chapter 3, USP ). Its robust mechanical architecture, adjustable sensitivity, and ergonomic design support high-throughput workflows without compromising count integrity or sample sterility.

Key Features

• Quad LED Display System: Four independent LED screens simultaneously show the current count plus the three most recent counts—enabling immediate cross-reference and intra-assay consistency verification.
• Multi-Replicate Averaging Function: Built-in arithmetic logic supports two- or three-fold replicate counting per plate; average values are computed and stored automatically, reducing transcription error and supporting GLP-aligned data recording.
• Reverse Count Correction: Dedicated “Undo” button allows instant retraction of the last count increment—critical for preventing overcounting during rapid or fatigued operation.
• Adjustable Pressure-Sensitive Interface: Compatible with standard stylus pens or finger touch; sensitivity is user-tunable to accommodate varied glove thicknesses or operator preference—ensuring zero physical contact with agar surface and eliminating cross-contamination risk.
• Full-Function Front Panel: Integrated control panel enables on-device review, editing, and deletion of stored counts (up to 100 entries), with real-time visibility of dilution factors, plate IDs, and timestamps when paired with optional software.
• Optical Enhancement: Dual-lens magnifier provides 2×–3× visual amplification with uniform LED illumination (cool-white, flicker-free), optimized for discerning closely spaced or faint colonies on both standard and chromogenic media.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Galaxy330 accommodates Petri dishes ranging from 60 mm to 150 mm in diameter via an adjustable dish holder—supporting common formats including 90 mm standard plates, 100 mm membrane filtration assemblies, and large-format 140–150 mm plates used in environmental or food testing. All mechanical and electrical components comply with EU Directive 2014/35/EU (Low Voltage Directive) and carry CE marking for safety and electromagnetic compatibility. The device meets essential requirements for laboratory equipment under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4 (equipment suitability) when operated within its specified environmental conditions (15–30 °C, ≤80% RH non-condensing).

Software & Data Management

The optional Galaxy330 Application Software (v2.1+) connects via USB 2.0 and enables full data export in CSV and Excel-compatible XLSX formats. It supports automatic dilution factor calculation, customizable report templates (PDF/Excel), and batch-level metadata tagging (e.g., analyst ID, date/time stamp, assay type). Audit trail functionality logs all data modifications with user attribution and timestamp—meeting basic requirements for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with institutional access controls and electronic signature protocols. Raw count files retain native device formatting, ensuring traceability from instrument output to final report.

Applications

• Total viable count (TVC) determination per ISO 4833-1 and AOAC 977.27
• Coliform and Escherichia coli enumeration using selective/differential media (e.g., VRBA, mEndo, CHROMagar ECC)
• Yeast and mold counts per ISO 21527-1
• Environmental monitoring in pharmaceutical cleanrooms (ISO 14644-1 Grade A–D)
• Food, beverage, and cosmetic product release testing under HACCP and GMP frameworks
• Educational microbiology labs requiring hands-on, method-transparent enumeration training

FAQ

Is the Galaxy330 suitable for use with membrane filtration plates?
Yes—the adjustable dish holder securely positions 47 mm and 50 mm membrane filters, and the 2×–3× magnification facilitates accurate colony identification on filter surfaces.
Does the device require calibration or periodic verification?
While no formal calibration is mandated for manual counters, users should perform daily verification using NIST-traceable reference plates (e.g., ISO 11133 Annex C test slides) and document results as part of their laboratory’s quality assurance program.
Can the memory be cleared remotely or only via front-panel controls?
Memory reset is performed exclusively through the front-panel menu; no remote wipe function exists—ensuring data persistence unless intentionally deleted by authorized personnel.
What is the warranty coverage and service support structure?
ROCKER provides a 24-month parts-only warranty; technical documentation, firmware updates, and certified repair services are available globally through authorized ROCKER service partners.
Is the USB interface compatible with modern operating systems?
Yes—the Galaxy330 uses CDC ACM-class USB communication and is natively supported on Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, and Linux kernels ≥5.4 without proprietary drivers.