Basic information Basic information Notes on this operating manual These operating instructions describe the following thermal cycler models: Contents qTOWER auto qTOWER 84 auto Note: In the text below, these devices are collectively called qTOWER auto. If differ- ences between the models exist, they are explained in the corresponding sections.
– proof of several target sequences in a single PCR reaction. Analytik Jena offers a number of color or FRET modules here, up to six of which can be installed simultaneously in the device.
Improper use of the qTOWER³ auto. Improper commissioning, operation and maintenance of the device. Modifications of the equipment without prior consultation with Analytik Jena. Operation of the device with defective or faulty safety equipment. Use of parts other than the original spare parts, wearing parts, or consumables.
Safety and warning instructions Safety and warning instructions General notes For your own safety and to ensure error-free and safe operation, please read this section carefully before commissioning. Observe all safety instructions in these operating instructions. References to potential dangers do not replace the work protection regulations which must be observed.
Safety and warning instructions The device contains substances subject to regulation (accord- ing to regulation SJ/T 11363-2011). Analytik Jena guarantees that the substances will not leak within the next 25 years and, therefore, will not cause any environmental danger or health risk within this period of time if the device is used as intended.
Always ensure that the device is empty and no sample vessels are in the sample block. Further information can be found in separate packing instructions. The qTOWER³ auto can be installed by the Analytik Jena Customer Service or specialist personnel trained and authorized by Analytik Jena.
Safety and warning instructions Since the device does not have handles, grip the device firmly with both hands at the lower end, lifting it simultaneously. Safety instructions: during operation 2.5.1 Summary of safety instructions The operator of the qTOWER³ auto must make sure before each commissioning that the condition of the device including the safety equipment is sound.
Work on the electrical components of the qTOWER auto may only be performed by Analytik Jena Customer Service employees and specially authorized technicians ac- cording to the valid electrotechnical regulations. Life-threatening voltages may be applied within the device! There is a risk of electric shock if contact is made with live components, which may lead to serious injury or death.
Safety instructions – maintenance and repair On principle, maintenance of the qTOWER³ auto is performed by the customer service department of Analytik Jena or by specialist personnel that has been authorized and trained by Analytik Jena. Unauthorized maintenance can damage the device.
Layout and function Layout and function Layout The qTOWER auto boasts a modular design concept, comprising a block cycler unit with fluorescence spectrometer and a power module unit (controller). Depending on the block system used, 96 or 384 samples may be processed per run. The qTOWER auto is suitable for use in a robotic system, whereby up to 4 devices can be controlled simulta- neously using a PC.
Layout and function 3.1.1 qTOWER³ auto The qTOWER³ auto combines a PCR thermal cycler with a patented fluorescence pho- tometer. The status LED on the front of the qTOWER³ auto informs the user about the current status of the device (active/inactive). Furthermore, the device has a movable drawer which can be moved in and out, depending on the operating state of the device.
Layout and function Fig. 3 qTOWER auto with extended drawer Drawer Guide tracks of the drawer The connections described in Fig. 4 are attached to the rear side of the qTOWER³ auto, beside the fans. Fig. 4 qTOWER³ auto (rear view) USB port for PC connection Type plate Fan grating...
Layout and function 3.1.2 qTOWER auto power module The qTOWER auto power module is used to provide the automated real-time PCR qTOWER³ auto thermal cycler with power. The external solution allows for flexibility with regards to installation or integration in automation systems. The operating status (on/off) is indicated by the status LED on the front of the device.
Layout and function Function 3.2.1 Fluorescence spectrometer The detector unit is a patented 8-channel epi-fluorescence photometer with fiber multi- qTOWER auto plexer and mechanical scanning device. The detector unit is a patented 16-channel epi-fluorescence photometer with fiber mul- qTOWER 84 auto tiplexer and mechanical scanning device.
5 filter modules specially optimized for FRET applications and 1 protein module for melting curve analysis). A retrofitting or replace- ment of the installed modules may be carried out by the Analytik Jena Service team at any time.
Layout and function 3.2.2 PCR thermal cycler The real-time PCR qTOWER³ auto thermal cycler is available in 2 different block formats, which are characterized by the following features: The qTOWER³ auto is equipped with a thermal block with 96 wells. To ensure the best qTOWER³...
Layout and function Type plate Fig. 9 qTOWER auto type plate Fig. 10 qTOWER auto power module type plate The type plate is located on the rear of the respective device unit and includes the fol- lowing information: Manufacturer, address (incl. logo) ...
Installation and commissioning Installation and commissioning The specific requirements regarding the ambient conditions of the installation site and Environmental conditions the space requirements for the real-time PCR thermal cycler, as well as for the power module, can be found in “Technical data” on page 39 ff. Consideration must be given to the following when installing the qTOWER auto: Requirements with regard...
Severe damage to the cardboard box and/or the packaging material may indicate that damage has occurred to the real-time thermal cycler or the power module and must be immediately reported to Analytik Jena. 1. Unpack the device by removing all protective film, fastenings, such as adhesive tape, etc.
Installation and commissioning Installing and connecting the device WARNING Risk of electric shock! Do not touch! NEVER connect or separate the power cable from the power connector when the green status LED is lighting on the power module and the qTOWER auto.
Installation and commissioning 2. Connect the PC and the qTOWER³ auto using the USB cable included in the scope of delivery. Alternatively, the qTOWER auto can be controlled via Ethernet. Establish the LAN con- nection to the power module for this purpose. Fig.
Operation Operation Switching on the qTOWER³ auto 1. Switch the qTOWER³ auto on using the power module power switch. The status LED at the power module lights up green and the qTOWER auto starts with the auto- matic initialization, whereby the control electronics and all motorized components are checked.
Operation Real-time PCR analysis 5.3.1 Safety instructions WARNING Biological hazard! Take great care when working with potentially infectious material. Wear suitable protective equipment, e.g. protective gloves. WARNING Risk of eye injury! The rapid heating of the thermal block can cause liquids to evaporate explosively. Al- ways wear safety goggles during operation.
Jena Service personnel or authorized and trained persons. Any unauthorized interven- tion limits warranty entitlements. If the device exhibits any faults or defects, please con- tact the Analytik Jena Customer Service immediately. Contamination and natural wear of assemblies lead to higher stress on the device and thus to a higher probability of device failure.
Maintenance and repair Cleaning the housing WARNING Danger of short circuit! Prior to commencing any maintenance or cleaning work, switch off the qTOWER³ auto power module and pull the power plug. Do not use any dripping wet cloths for cleaning. No liquids are allowed to ingress the device interior.
Disinfectants other than those specified may only be used following prior consulta- tion with Analytik Jena. If the qTOWER auto and/or the qTOWER power module has to be sent to Analytik...
Maintenance and repair Replacing the fuse WARNING Risk of electric shock! Do not touch! Only replace the fuse if the device has been disconnected from the grid and the power cable has been unplugged! 1. Switch off the device at the mains switch and unplug the power cable. 2.
Error messages Error messages General The following section describes possible errors of the qTOWER auto. ATTENTION If you cannot eliminate errors yourself, please contact customer service. If an error occurs, the qPCRsoft auto program outputs error codes that can be allocated to the following malfunctions: Error code Description/Causes...
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Error messages Sample carrier Position error If the sample carrier is already in the jammed device, contact service! Drawer does not Mechanical or electrical Contact service. move failure Drawer makes Contact service. strange noises when moving...
Transport and storage Transport and storage Transport ATTENTION Only transport the qTOWER auto in its original packaging and with the transport lock in place! Unsuitable packaging material may cause damage to the device! Observe the safety instructions in the “Safety instructions - Transport” section on page Transport the qTOWER auto and its components very carefully to prevent damage from impact or vibration.
Complete the form and attach the signed decontamination declaration to the outside of the shipment. Only use the original packaging for the shipment and insert the transport lock. If the original packaging is no longer available, please contact Analytik Jena or your local distributor. Please attach the warning note “CAUTION! SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC DEVICE!”...
Transport and storage Storage ATTENTION The device must be stored in an air-conditioned room in order to prevent any damage to the device from environmental conditions and condensed water! The atmosphere must be low in dust and free from aggressive vapors. If the device is not installed immediately after delivery or not required for prolonged pe- riods, it should be stored in its original packaging.
Disposal Disposal The operator of the qTOWER auto must dispose of the waste materials that occur dur- ³ ing measurements (sample materials) in accordance with the statutory and local regula- tions. At the end of their service life, the qTOWER auto and the qTOWER auto power mod- ule with their electronic components must be disposed of as electronic waste in accord-...
Specification Specification 10.1 Technical data 10.1.1 qTOWER auto General Designation/type qTOWER auto qTOWER 84 auto data Dimensions 310 x 479 x 365 mm (drawer moved in) (width x height x depth) 310 x 479 x 477 mm (drawer moved out) Traveling distance of the 112 mm drawer...
Specification * Set to fixed values (as specified in the order) by the manufacturer; can only be changed by service if necessary. 10.2 Environmental conditions Operation Transport, storage Temperature range +15 °C to +35 °C -10 °C to +55 °C Max.
Specification 10.3 Standards and directives The qTOWER³ auto meets the requirements of the following safety standards: Device safety EN 61010-1:2010 EN 61010-2-010:2014 For the safety class and protection type of the device, see “Technical data” on page 17ff. The qTOWER³...
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Specification Information regarding safety corresponds to the currently valid regulations of the Euro- pean Union. In other countries the applicable laws and country specific regulations have to be complied with. Besides the safety instructions in this operating manual and the local safety regulations that apply to the operation of the qTOWER³...
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