Bio-Rad Laboratories, 2000 Alfred Nobel Drive, Hercules, CA 94547 * Phone (510) 74 l-7000
Page 2
Important
Read these instructions before operating your Mini-Transilluminator to familiarize yourself with
its operation.
Warranty
The Mini-Transilluminator is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year.
If any defects occur in the instrument during this warranty period, Bio-Rad Laboratories will repair
or replace the defective parts at its discretion without charge. The following defects, however, are
specifically excluded:
l
Defects caused by improper operation.
l
Repair or modification done by anyone other than Bio-Rad Laboratories or an authorized
agent.
l
Use of spare parts supplied by anyone other than Bio-Rad Laboratories
l
Damaged caused by accident or misuse.
l
Damaged caused by disaster.
l
Corrosion caused by improper solvent or sample.
This warranty does not apply to parts listed below:
l
Fuses
l
Replacement bulbs
For any inquiry or request for repair service, contact Bio-Rad Laboratories. Inform Bio-Rad of
Bio-Rad’s Mini-Transilluminator provides a uniform and intense source of ultraviolet
light (radiation) in a compact package. Its special design emits a high intensity excitation W
wavelength for back-illumination of transparent fluorescent materials.
The 302 run W back-illumination emitted by the Mini-Transilluminator provides a high-
ly sensitive method to detect double-strand nucleic acids that have been labeled with fluo-
rescent dyes such as ethidium bromide or acridine orange. Single strand nucleic acids may be
detected, but with lower sensitivity. The 302 nm wavelength (see Note) provides an excitation wavelength more sensitive for nucleic acid visualization than other 365 nm models.
NOTE: Though Bio-Rad refers to the mid-range W wavelength as 302 nm, others refer
to this region as 300 nm or 3 12 nm. The spectral output of all these regions is the same.
Section 2
Safety Information
Caution
The ultraviolet Mini-Transilluminator is a powerful source of W radiation that will cause
damage to unprotected eyes and skin. Before operating the unit, be sure all personnel in the
area are properly protected.
It is preferable that the Mini-Transilluminator be installed and operated in a darkroom
where access and exposure is limited while the unit is in operation.
Each Mini-Transilluminator is shipped with a UV blocking protective cover (except
17-7530, 170-753 1, and 170-7532). Even though this cover blocks the ultraviolet radiation
emitted by the unit, UV protective eye wear should be worn as well.
Section 3
Product Specifications
Physical Dimensions
Width
Depth
Height
.Part
Number
170-3737 302 nm
170-3738
170-3745
13.25
9.50
4.75
33.7
24.1
i2.1 cm
Wavelength VoltlHzlAmp
302 nm
302 nm
cm
cm
Nominal
Number
of Lamps Intensity
120/60/0.72 20x20 cm
220/240/50/0.62 20 x 20 cm 6X8W
1 O/50-60/0.85
2Ox20cm 6X8W
6X8W
Anal/Prep
Anal/Prep
Anal/Prep
Page 5
Section 4
Ultraviolet Spectral Output
“0 _
3,
z
sf
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fj “0 I
r
5
5
E
2
f-
f z2
I I
loo
200 300 400 500
Wavelength In Nanometers
Section 5
Operation
302 nm
1. Place the Mini-Transilluminator on a level work surface. Be sure that an air space exists
between the bottom of the unit and the work surface. This space allows proper air circulation through the unit.
2. Plug the female end of the power cord into the Mini-Transilluminator. For 2201240 volt
models, insure that the proper configuration of male connector or plug has been properly connected to the power cord.
3. Plug the male end of the power cord into a properly grounded electrical outlet. The prop
er voltage of the Mini-Transilluminator is found on the product information label.
4. The Mini-Transilluminator comes equipped with a UV blocking protective cover unless
associated with Bio-Rad’s CCD UV Gel Documentation System with hood. If this cover
is not in place or has been removed, do not operate the unit without replacing the cover.
If the cover is missing, a W blocking protective face shield must be worn to avoid injury.
UV blocking eye wear be should worn even with the cover in place to avoid accidental
W
exposure.
5. Place the gel/sample on the filter area. Wear gloves to avoid contact with the gel and
staining agent.
6. Press the on/off (YO) switch to on (I).
7. The l/O switch should glow and the UV lamps within the unit should be glowing beneath
the filter after a momentary flickering during the start period.
8. The Mini-Transilluminator is uniquely designed with an intensity control device offering
both analytical and preparative mode settings. In the analytical mode, the MiniTransilluminator provides nanogram level sensitivity. In the preparative mode, it is possible to spend 10 minutes or longer cutting out a band with minimal photo nicking of the
DNA fragment.
Page 6
9. After viewing/photographing the sample, turn the unit off (0).
10. Clean the unit surface with a damp soft cloth or sponge. Never use abrasive cleaners, as
this will damage the UV filter surface.
Section 6
Maintenance, Repair, and Technical Assistance
Bio-Rad offers technical support for all of its products. If you have any questions about
the product’s use, operation, or repair, call your local Bio-Rad office. In the U.S. call
1. Disconnect the Mini-Transilluminator from the electrical supply.
2. Remove the filter cover.
3. Carefully twist the W lamps from their sockets.
4. Fit with the proper replacement tubes. Refer to Section 9 for ordering information.
Section 8
Cleaning the Mini=l’kansilluminator
The painted surfaces and filter areas of the Mini-Transilluminator should be cleaned with
water, soap, and a sponge or cloth towel. Never use abrasive cleaners, solvent based cleaners,
or scouring pads.
Always disconnect the Mini-Transilluminator from electrical power prior to cleaning.
3
Page 7
Section 9
Systems, Accessories, and Replacement Parts