Creating And Editing Protocols; Specifying Time Values; Specifying Temperature Values; Specifying Cycle Repeats - BIO RAD MyCycler Instruction Manual

Section 5
Creating and Editing Protocols
To create a new protocol press F2 from the Home screen. You will be asked to
select whether you wish to:
• Create a Custom Protocol: This is a completely new protocol you will define. If
you choose Custom, a simple three-step, one cycle protocol is displayed. All
editing options are available through the softkeys.
• Use one of the Bio-Rad protocols as a template. Section 4.2.2 contains a list of
these protocols. You will be able to select from the individual protocols in the
Bio-Rad folder. Some protocol names end with a 2 and others end with a 3; the
number indicates the number of steps in the amplification cycle of that protocol.
For either option you choose, you will need to enter values for time, tempera
ture, and repeats, as described in the following sections.
To edit an existing protocol, press F1 from the Home screen. You may then
select the desired protocol from the Protocol Library, and then select the "Edit
Protocol" option.
5.1 Specifying Time Values
Time values may fall between 1 second and 99 minutes-59 seconds. You must
use the mm:ss format (e.g., 00:01 to 99:59.) When you input a value, the numbers
will be entered from right to left with implied zeros in the front. For example, to
enter 1 minute 15 seconds, press 1,1,5 followed by the Enter or an arrow key.
Note: entering a fifth digit will cause the left-most digit to be lost.
All protocols will have default values in each time field. If you want to accept
the default value, press Enter or an arrow key. The Clear key may be used to
remove all numbers in the time field.
5.2 Specifying Temperature Values
Temperature values must be in the range of 4.0°C to 100.0°C. Numbers are
displayed on the screen as the keys are touched, beginning with the position
immediately to the left of the decimal point, and then they move to the left with
each subsequent entry. No decimal point will be displayed until you press the deci
mal point key, Enter, or one of the arrow keys. If the decimal point key is not
pressed before the Enter key or an arrow key, then a decimal point and 0 are
appended to the temperature automatically. For example, to enter 95.0°C, press 9,
then 5 and an arrow or Enter key. The display will show 95.0 after the last
keystroke. To enter 95.5°C, press 9, 5, decimal key (.), 5. Note: Entering a fourth
digit will cause the left-most digit to be lost. Entering two digits after the decimal (.)
will clear the entire field.
The Clear key may be used to remove all numbers in the temperature field.
5.3 Specifying Cycle Repeats
The number of cycle repeats may be between 1 and 99. The number of
repeats is entered from right to left, similar to time and temperature values. For
example, to specify 35 cycle repeats, enter 3, 5. Note: Entering a third digit will
cause the left-most digit to be lost.
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