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Ascent Release Notes
Version: 1.40
Release Date: 6/1/2026
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Thank you for using Ascent by Everest Biolabs, Inc. Below are the details of this release:

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1. Introduction
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This is an updated release of the Ascent software, designed to control the Ascent Instrument—an automated, high-throughput fraction collector for isolating extracellular vesicles (EVs) using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) columns. The software enables users to operate up to 8 columns simultaneously, customize fraction collection sequences, and optimize EV isolation workflows. 

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2. Features and Highlights
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version 1.41
- Updated wash and collection timeouts for mini and Apex
version 1.40
- New Features
-- Support for the Apex mini column (MM)
-- Support for the Apex mini (MM) column, with tuned discard and fraction-collection
   parameters (fraction resolution down to 10 µL).
- Workflow & Usability Enhancements
-- Finer dispense control in the Service menu (minimum dispense reduced to 10 µL).
-- Higher-precision fraction volume display for qEVsingle (2 decimal places) on the status screen.
-- Extended wash timeout for Apex MM columns to accommodate longer regeneration wash cycles.
-- Updated qEVsingle discard volume to 170 µL.
- Fixes & Stability Improvements
-- Fixed UI truncation/shortening of wash volumes greater than 20 mL.
-- Fixed screensaver animations with falling EVs (e.g., Everest Marbles).
version 1.22
- New Features
-- Added separate timeout for qEVsingle and increased to 45 seconds.
-- Made column saver notification adjustable (1-30 minutes).
- Fixes & Stability Improvements
-- Stage homes less frequently at the end of a run.
version 1.20
- New Features
-- Added support for Apex MM columns.
-- Direct buffer flush and optional water rinse are now available directly from the Service menu—no initialization required
- Workflow & Usability Enhancements
-- The system checks that tubes are loaded properly at the beginning of the run or during tube change.
-- Stage carriage rehomes whenever the tube rack can be placed by a user
-- Pump home and prime are moved to the beginning of the run, previously performed during initialization.
-- Door automatically locks when dispensing from one or all channels in the Service menu.
-- Removed the post-run column wash option for clearer workflows and consistency.
-- User interface improvements
- Fixes & Stability Improvements
-- Fixed bug with extra beeps
-- Service screen values and valves reset when coming back from Home screen

version 1.14
- added Flush System and Dispense All functions to service mode

version 1.13
- improved priming workflow
- bugfix for aborting during Column Saver

version 1.12
- improvements to Service mode user interface

version 1.11
- Resolved an issue affecting the ability to proceed with certain column types during a wash run.

version 1.1
- Resolved an issue affecting the processing of certain fraction volume ranges.

version 1.0
- **Automated Instrument Control**: Seamlessly manage the Ascent Instrument's operations, including column washing, sample loading, and fraction collection.
- **Customizable Fraction Collection**: Program fraction collection sequences to suit various applications, adjusting parameters such as discard volume and fraction volume.
- **Multi-Column Operation**: Support for simultaneous operation of up to 8 SEC columns
- **Compatibility**: Compatible with Apex columns and other brands, providing flexibility in column selection.
- **User-Friendly Interface**: Intuitive interface for easy setup and monitoring of the EV isolation process.

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3. Upgrade System Requirements
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- Operating System: Windows 10+

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4. Update Instructions
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1. Download the installation file from https://everestbiolabs.com/support/.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

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5. Known Issues
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- none at this time

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6. Support
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For support or to report issues, please contact:  
Email: support@everestbiolabs.com
Website: https://everestbiolabs.com/support/ 

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End of Release Notes
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