Page 2
PCR Disclaimer: MultiGene Thermal Cyclers can be used for a variety of molecular biology applications and techniques, including the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR and other molecular biology processes and techniques may be protected by patents. Purchase of this product does not convey a license or right to perform patented PCR processes. Applied Biosystems holds some of the basic PCR patents that may or may not be currently valid.
Table of Contents SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..................1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION ..................2 2.1 F ........................2 EATURES 2.2 P ....................2 RODUCT VERVIEW GETTING STARTED....................6 3.1 U .........................6 NPACKING 3.2 I .....................6 NITIAL PERATION 3.3 H ........................6 EATED 3.4 L ....................7 PENING LOSING 3.5 F ......................10 UNCTION 3.6 K ....................
Page 4
9.1 D .........................26 9.2 D & T ......................26 9.3 L ....................27 EMPERATURE 9.4 B ........................28 EEPER 9.5 A .......................28 DMINISTRATOR 9.6 S ......................28 ERVICE MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING ..........29 10.1 C ....................29 LEANING THE UNIT 10.2 C ..................29 LEANING THE HEATED LID 10.3 R ....................29 EPLACING A...
MultiGene Thermal Cycler 1. Safety Precautions Before using the MultiGene Gradient thermal cycler for the first time, please read this entire operating manual carefully. To guarantee problem free, safe operation of the MultiGene thermal cycler, it is essential to observe the following points. Do not use the machine in a potentially explosive environment or with potentially explosive chemicals.
2. General Description The MultiGene Gradient thermal cycler is a powerful, reliable and affordable thermal cycler. It is equipped with a gradient function that enables the user to set a maximum 24 °C temperature gradient between the left and right rows in the sample block at each temperature.
Page 7
MultiGene Thermal Cycler Figure 1. Front Panel Overview Name Function Function Keys Use the function keys (F1 to F5) to activate the “button” displayed on (F1 to F5) the screen above the key; for example, F1 for RUN. Directional The four Directional Arrow keys can move the cursor into different Arrow Keys directions.
Page 8
Figure 2. Front View Name Function The lid with heating pad is designed to protect against evaporation resulting from heating of the reaction tube and reaction plate. Lid Knob Rotate Lid Knob in clockwise will lower the heating plate to place pressure on the cap of tubes.
Page 9
MultiGene Thermal Cycler Figure 3. Rear View Name Function Power Cable Power cable socket and fuse. Connector Power Switch Power On/Off switch Brightness Control the brightness of LCD panel. Please use Philip-head screw Adjustment driver to adjust it. Potentiometer USB Port For protocol or logs transfer to the computer RS-232 Port For protocol or logs transfer to the computer...
The top also places pressure on the caps of tubes and film on titer plates to prevent vapor loss and cross contamination of samples. When using plates it is highly recommended using a Silicone Compression Mat (Labnet TC96-CM-10) to assist in placing even pressure on the plates.
MultiGene Thermal Cycler before heated lid is at operating temperature. 2. To avoid heat dissipation, the Heated Lid should be closed and tighten during a protocol run. Keeping the heated lid open during a protocol run might cause “HEATER ERROR”, because the heated lid fails to reach the set temperature. 3.
Page 12
Figure 5. Slide the lid backward to access the block Figure 6. Slide the lid to align the lid hinge with notches of top case Figure 7. Lift the lid...
Page 13
MultiGene Thermal Cycler Figure 8. Rest the lid in vertical position...
3.5 Function Map The User Screen includes 5 function options; 1) VIEW folders under selected User folder, 2) NEW(Create) a User, 3)EDIT a User, 4)DELETE a User, 5)SYSTEM. Once a user folder is selected and the password is approved, users can; 1) RUN a Protocol, 2)NEW(Create) a protocol, 3) EDIT(VIEW) a Protocol, and 4) DELETE a Protocol.
W, X, Y, Z, w, x, y, z, 9 3.7 Loading the Reaction Vessel For the optimal performance of the MultiGene, we recommend Labnet tubes and plates. The recommended sample volume for 0.2 ml tubes or 96-well plates is 5-100ul, while the 0.5 ml tubes is 50-200ul.
4. User Folder Management After the unit is turned on, the initial screen which contains software version and manufacturer’s name will show up for 10 seconds and then enter User Folder screen. Pressing any key will go to User Folder screen immediately. A sample screen is shown below.
MultiGene Thermal Cycler To view the contents of the User, will require you to enter the 4-digit Personal Identification Number(PIN) as shown in the screen below. After the PIN is entered, press F1:ACCEPT or ENTER key to confirm the PIN. To run a Protocol, please refer Section 5.1.
4.4 Deleting a User Folder Use directional arrow keys to select a User folder. Press F4:DELETE to delete the selected User folder. You are required to enter the PIN and press F1:ACCEPT or ENTER . The screen will prompt “Do you want to delete”. Press F1:ACCEPT to confirm the deletion.
MultiGene Thermal Cycler 5. Protocol Management After entering the selected User Folder, users can press F1~F4 keys to Run, New(Create), Edit(View) and Delete a selected Protocol as shown below. > > 5.1 Running a Protocol 1. Press F1:RUN to run the selected Protocol under the User folder screen. The screen will show as below.
2. Users are required to select a Temperature Control Mode before running the Protocol. Mode 1(Tube Control): Enable system operation with simulated temperature control. If Mode 1 is selected, users are required to input the sample volume (5-100ul). In this mode, temperature control is based on Block temperature and an algorithm which estimates sample temperature based on the block temperature and the sample volume.
MultiGene Thermal Cycler > > > > ∞ ∞ 5.4 Terminating a Protocol 1. Press F5:EXIT or STOP key in the bottom-left side of the Alphanumeric keypad to terminate a running protocol. 2. The display will show message “Do you want to abort?” as below. 3.
6. Creating a New Protocol A new Protocol can be created by going to the User Folder and selecting and editing a basic Protocol format, and then assigning it a new name. 1. Select User name on User screen. Press F1:OPEN or ENTER button to enter User Folder.
MultiGene Thermal Cycler The temperature and time ranges are shown below. ◦ ◦ Temperature range: 4.0 to 99.9 Time range (minute: second): 00:01 to 99:59 ( 99:99 = ∞ ) 6.2 Inserting/Deleting Temperature Segment Temperature Segment can be inserted or deleted by selecting F2:INSERT or F3:DELETE key.
Page 24
> > > > > > ∞ ∞ 6.4.1 Gradient Temperature Setting 1. To enter a Gradient Temperature setting, place your cursor on the desired Temperature Segment. Select F2:GRAD. to enter the screen below. 2. If “Gradient is off” Enter the Low-temperature setting and the High-temperature setting, then press ENTER to confirm the values.
Page 25
MultiGene Thermal Cycler Note: The temperature values between 2 and 11 rows are calculated values and represent an algorithmic based on the heat distribution though out the block. > > > > > > 6.4.2 Incremental/Decremental Temperature and Time Settings To increase or decrease the dwell time or temperature after each repeat you must have more than one cycle repeat.
Page 26
Temperature Increment > > > > > > ∞ ∞ ◦ Max. Temperature incremental value: +/- 9.9 Max. Time incremental value (minute:second): +/- 9:59 Note: Temperature limits 4.0ºC to 99.0ºC. DO NOT exceed. Only Multi-cycle segments will have incremental/ decremental time or temperature function.
MultiGene Thermal Cycler 6.4.3 Pause Setting Position your cursor on desired temperature segment. Press F4:PAUSE to add a pause action during operation. The “Pause” will appear on the Temperature Segment graph. The pause will last for 10 minutes, then the Protocol will resume the operation. To remove the Pause setting, place the cursor under “P.”...
8. Deleting a Protocol 1. An existing Protocol can be deleted under a User’s Folder. 2. Under the User’s Folder screen, choose a Protocol. Select F4:DELETE to delete the selected Protocol. 3. If F4:DELETE is selected the screen will prompt you “Are you sure you want to delete?”...
MultiGene Thermal Cycler 9. System Setup System Setup contains 7 functions: Data Log: contains the history of the latest-run Protocol. Date&Time: Users can change the Date and Time settings. Lid Temperature: Users can choose the preferred lid temperature as default setting during running a Protocol.
9.1 Data Log The Data Log records a log of activity for the most recently run Protocol. Executing a new Protocol updates the history log by overwriting previous log. To export log to a PC a Hyper Terminal communication protocol must be installed. Hyper Terminal communication protocol comes free with Windows.
MultiGene Thermal Cycler > & > & 9.3 Lid Temperature Users can change the temperature of lid of this unit by selecting Lid Temperature screen as shown below under SYSTEM screen. Please remember to press F1:ACCEPT to store ◦ ◦ C and 100~115 C are available.
9.4 Beeper Users can turn ON or OFF the sound of this unit by selecting the Beeper screen as shown below under SYSTEM screen. Please remember to press F1:ACCEPT to store your settings. > > 9.5 Administrator The password of Administrator is “9600”. The Administrator of this unit has rights to delete any User Folder and any Protocols inside a User’s Folder.
MultiGene Thermal Cycler 10. Maintenance and Troubleshooting 10.1 Cleaning the unit Please ensure that no liquid is spilled onto or into the unit. In addition, periodically wipe it clean of dust and other residue that comes with normal operation of the unit. Use a soft, lint-free cloth and deionized water.
Gently slide the heating block until the plug is exposed then disconnect. Slide the new block into place and connect the plug. Gently slide the block until the two screw holes are lined up. Replace the two screws and plugs. Shut the face panel and secure it with two screws.
MultiGene Thermal Cycler 2. Faulty LCD panel 2. Return unit service. Display is too dark or light Backlight brightness is not Adjust Display Brightness adjusted properly. Potentiometer. Lid will not close. 1. Foreign matter, between Remove the foreign object or lid heater and sample matter.
Appendix A: Technical specifications Model Name TC9600-G TC9600 TC6000-G TC6000 Sample Capacity 0.2ml x 96 tubes 0.5ml x 60 tubes 4 ~ 99.9 °C 4 ~ 99.9 °C Temperature Ranges +/- 0.5 °C ( 30 to 99.9 °C) +/- 0.5 °C ( 30 to 99.9 °C) Temperature Accuracy +/- 2 °C ( 4 to 15 °C)
Edison, NJ 08837, U.S.A. Declaration of Conformity Product Name: MultiGene Gradient/Non-Gradient Thermal Cycler Model Names: TC9600-G/ TC-9600 / TC6000-G / TC6000 All models comply with the following European standards: EMC: EN 61326 (Group 1, Class B) Safety: EN 61010-1 and EN 61010-2-010 To the best of my knowledge and belief, these units conform to these standards.
Appendix D: Hyper Terminal and USB Driver Setup Users are required to purchase the USB or RS-232 cable to connect the MultiGene and the PC. For USB connection, users are required to install the USB driver. Hyper Terminal Setup: Click on the start tab of Windows and go to accessories. Click the accessory tab.
Clear sealing tape will seal 96 and 384 well Plates when used with Labnets compression mat this polypropylene film eliminates well to well contamination and cross-over in PCR applications Functional Temperature range -40ºC to +104ºC Cat# TC96-TT Sealing Tape Aluminum sealing tape will seal 96 and 384 well Plates when used with Labnet’s...
Page 42
compression mat this polypropylene film eliminates well to well contamination and cross-over in amplification applications. Ideal for light sensitive samples and its uniformly applied adhesive provides optimum well sealing Functional Temperature range -80ºC to +104ºC Cat# TC-AS-100. Silicone Compression Mat is used to seal 96 well plates when using the MultiGene Thermal Cycler heated lid function.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the TC9600-G and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers