Using the MultispeQ

Before using the MultispeQ, make sure the instrument is fully charged. Connect the supplied cable to the micro-USB port on the right side of the rear panel. Use a power supply with at least 500 mA output and charge the instrument for about 8 hours before taking the first measurements.

MultispeQ v2.5 device views

Create an Account

To access the Protocols available to your account and Projects, save measurements, and create Protocols, you need an account. Go to https://photosynq.org (opens new window), select Sign Up, and follow the registration instructions. See Create an Account for details.

Install an Application

The MultispeQ requires a PhotosynQ application. Install the Android app or the desktop app for Windows, macOS, or experimental Linux from the PhotosynQ Software Page (opens new window). Sign in with your account email and password, then complete email verification. The first synchronization can take longer while the app downloads the Projects, Protocols, and other information available to the account. See Mobile Application and Desktop Application.

Turn the Instrument On or Off

Turn On the Instrument

Turn on the MultispeQ by pressing and holding the center power/reset button on the rear panel for at least 5 seconds. Release the button when the top Action Indicator flashes, confirming that the instrument has started and is ready to connect. While the instrument is on, the indicator flashes periodically and uses color to show the battery level: green for full, yellow for medium, and red for low.

Location of the MultispeQ v2.5 power/reset button

Turn Off the Instrument

The MultispeQ automatically turns off after its configured inactivity period. Power-management settings are available in the desktop application. A USB-connected instrument can remain powered while the USB cable is connected.

To turn the instrument off manually in the Android app, select the MultispeQ icon, open the connected-device screen, and use the power slider.

In the desktop app, open Settings, select Instrument Settings, and use the power control under Power Management.

Connect the Instrument

The Android app connects by Bluetooth. The desktop app supports USB serial and operating-system Bluetooth serial connections when available.

Make sure the instrument is charged and turned on before you continue to connect your instrument.

The Android connection flow pairs the phone and MultispeQ, then opens the instrument connection in the app.

1. Select the instrument icon in the upper-right corner.
2. Select Scan Devices to refresh nearby Bluetooth instruments.
3. Match the displayed device ID with the identifier on the MultispeQ.
4. For a previously paired instrument, expand Known Devices and select it there.
5. If this is your first time connecting this MultispeQ, enter the PIN 1234 when requested.
6. Wait for the paired-device screen before starting a measurement.

Find the MultispeQ	Confirm the Connection

The desktop application supports micro-USB and Bluetooth serial connections, depending on the computer. USB is recommended for firmware, calibration, long Protocols, and troubleshooting because it avoids Bluetooth serial interruptions.

1. Select Settings from the left menu bar.
2. Choose the Connection tab from the settings menu.
3. Select the instrument port:
   • Windows: COM followed by a number
   • macOS USB: /dev/cu.usbmodem...
   • macOS Bluetooth: the outgoing /dev/cu.multispeq... port
   • Linux USB: /dev/ttyACM...
4. Select Connect and wait for the app to verify the MultispeQ response.

Current Desktop connection settings

Run MultispeQ QC

Run Device QC and Field QC before a collection session and after changing or reconnecting the instrument.

1. Run Device QC with a clean, empty, fully closed clamp in a normally lit area.
2. Review battery, sensor, calibration-memory, and LED/detector checks.
3. Run Field QC on three representative healthy leaves.
4. Review PAM fluorescence, P700 DIRK, PSI absorbance, and ECS traces.
5. Begin Project collection only after resolving blocking findings.

Device QC	Field QC

See Android MultispeQ QC.

Current Desktop MultispeQ QC workspace

Current Desktop Device QC details

See Desktop MultispeQ QC.

Taking a Measurement

After the instrument is connected, use a Protocol appropriate to the intended measurement. The PAR Only 2.0 example measures ambient PPFD and does not require a leaf. A photosynthesis Protocol can then measure chlorophyll fluorescence and related parameters from a correctly positioned leaf.

Light Intensity Measurement (PAR)

1. Select Quick Measurement from the menu.
2. Select PAR Only 2.0 from the Protocol list.
3. When the measurement finishes, the result details open automatically. The result example below shows the longer Photosynthesis RIDES 2.1 Protocol.

Quick Measurement Protocols	Example Measurement Result

Light Intensity Measurement (PAR)

1. Select Protocols from the left sidebar.
2. Select the PAR Only 2.0 Protocol.
3. Select Run in the Protocol information panel. A double-click on the Protocol can also start it.
4. When the Protocol finishes, review the PAR/PPFD output.
5. Select Repeat for another reading or Discard to return to the Protocol list.

After returning to the Protocol list, use an appropriate leaf Protocol to measure photosynthetic parameters.

Photosystem II Quantum Efficiency

1. Select Protocols from the left sidebar.
2. Select a compatible photosynthesis Protocol available to the account.
3. Select Run.
4. Position the leaf as instructed and keep the instrument steady until completion.
5. Review Phi2 and other Protocol outputs, warnings, and traces.
6. Select Repeat, Discard, or save the result to the Notebook.

Storing Measurement Results

Use Projects for structured, synchronized research collection. The desktop Notebook stores local bench, development, or long-running measurements that are not being contributed to a Project.

Project	Notebook
Projects store measurements and metadata in the PhotosynQ service for authorized team access, review, analysis, and export.	The Notebook stores local desktop measurements for bench work, long Protocols, troubleshooting, and Protocol or Macro development.