Omega Slow Cooker 48, Slow Cooker 20, Slow Cooker 30, Slow Cooker 25 User Manual

User’s Guide

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TCY 20, 25, 30 & 48

Thermal Cyclers

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Servicing North America:

U.S.A.: Omega Engineering, Inc., One Omega Drive, P.O. Box 4047

ISO 9001 Certified Stamford, CT 06907-0047 USA

Toll Free: 1-800-826-6342 TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

Canada: 976 Bergar

Laval (Quebec), Canada H7L 5A1
Toll-Free: 1-800-826-6342 TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

For immediate technical or application assistance:

U.S.A. and Canada: Sales Service: 1-800-826-6342/1-800-TC-OMEGA

Customer Service: 1-800-622-2378/1-800-622-BEST
Engineering Service: 1-800-872-9436/1-800-USA-WHEN

Mexico: En Español: 001 [phone] FAX: [phone]

[e-mail] e-mail: [e-mail]

®

®

®

Servicing Europe:

Benelux: Managed by the United Kingdom Office

Toll-Free: 0800 099 3344 TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

Czech Republic: Frystatska 184

733 01 Karviná, Czech Republic
Toll-Free: 0800-1-66342 TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

France: Managed by the United Kingdom Office

Toll-Free: 0800 466 342 TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

Germany/Austria: Daimlerstrasse 26

D-75392 Deckenpfronn, Germany
Toll-Free: 0 800 6397678 TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

United Kingdom: OMEGA Engineering Ltd.

ISO 9001 Certified One Omega Drive, River Bend Technology Centre, Northbank

Irlam, Manchester M44 5BD England
Toll-Free: 0800-488-488 TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

It is the policy of OMEGA Engineering, Inc. to comply with all worldwide safety and EMC/EMI
regulations that apply. OMEGA is constantly pursuing certification of its products to the European New
Approa

The information contained in this document is believed to be correct, but OMEGA accepts no liability for any
errors it contains, and reserves the right to alter specifications without notice.
WARNING: These products are not designed for use in, and should not be used for, human applications.

ch Directives. OMEGA will add the CE mark to every appropriate device upon certification.

Contents

1. Introduction .............................................................................................................4

2. Safety and installation............................................................................................ 4

3. Cycler TCY specification........................................................................................7

4. User operation and consumables .........................................................................8

Heated lid ......................................................................................................................................... 8

Tubes or reaction vessels................................................................................................................. 8

0.5ml Tubes...................................................................................................................................... 9

Switching on................................................................................................................................... 10

5. Front panel controls .............................................................................................11

The LCD Display ............................................................................................................................ 11

Indicators........................................................................................................................................ 11

The keys......................................................................................................................................... 12

6. Programming the Cycler TCY.............................................................................. 13

Programming Options..................................................................................................................... 15

Option 1: Creating programs using templates................................................................................. 19

Option 2: Creating a new program.................................................................................................. 20

Example programs ......................................................................................................................... 20

Programming.................................................................................................................................. 20

To program increment or decrement temperature or time. ............................................................. 24

To run a program............................................................................................................................ 27

7. Information ............................................................................................................29

8. Configuration ........................................................................................................29

9. Notes on transferring protocols from other thermal cyclers........................... 32

10. User maintenance ............................................................................................... 33

Cleaning your Cycler TCY.............................................................................................................. 33

Heater Block removal ..................................................................................................................... 33

11. Some frequently asked questions .................................................................... 34

12. Additional information ....................................................................................... 35

Fault Finding................................................................................................................................... 35

Fuses ............................................................................................................................................. 35

The heated lid over-temperature cut-out.........................................................................................35

Insulation testing ............................................................................................................................ 35

Interchangeable blocks................................................................................................................... 35

3

1. Introduction

The Cycler TCY provides the researcher with the means of accurately controlling the temperature
profile of samples. It has many scientific applications, including DNA amplification and sequencing.
The Cycler TCY can cycle samples between 4°C and 99°C.

The Cycler TCY is programmed by means of an integral keypad and LCD display. A program,
which can be recalled from memory, consists of:

 a series of specified temperatures in °C
 the times for which each specified temperature will be held (Hold Times)
 the desired heating or cooling rates, in °C/sec, between each specified temperature
 optional instructions as to whether the times and/or the temperatures are to increase or

decrease when a cycle is repeated.

The memory can store up to 80 programs.

Cycler TCY is the most economic personal thermal cycler. There are four types of blocks can be
chosen for this model: 0.2ml X 25 and 0.5ml X 20 wells blocks which have less sample
compartment but with higher ramping rate; 0.2 ml X 48 and 0.5ml X 60 wells blocks which have
more wells but less ramping rate.

Before using the TCY units, make sure you have read this manual carefully. If there is any doubt
relating to the proper use of this equipment contact Omega Flow Engineering for assistance.

2. Safety and installation

Operator Safety

Please read this manual carefully before using the thermal cycler. If the equipment is not used in the
manner described in this manual the protection provided by the equipment might be impaired.

All Omega Engineering, Inc. instruments are designed to conform to international safety
requirements and are fitted with an over-temperature cut-out. If a safety problem should be
encountered then switch off the unit at the power source and remove the plug from the electricity
supply.

Warning

HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE DANGEROUS as they can cause serious burns to operators and
ignite combustible material. Users should be aware of the following potential hazards:

 USE CARE AND WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES TO PROTECT HANDS

 DO NOT use combustible substances near hot objects

 DO NOT operate the instrument in the vicinity of inflammable liquids or gases

 DO NOT place any liquid directly into the instrument, always use the appropriate

plastic consumables

After heating samples, remember that parts of the instrument, namely the lid and block and any
associated accessories may be very hot.

4

Unpacking

When unpacking please ensure that the following have been removed from the packaging:

 Thermal cycler

 Power cable

The user is advised to keep the original packaging in case the instrument ever needs to be returned
for service or repair. Omega Engineering, Inc. accepts no responsibility for damage incurred unless
the unit is correctly packed and transported in its original packaging.

Please note that the screen of the thermal cycler is easily damaged by sharp objects such as pens,
pencils and fingernails. This type of damage will be considered as misuse and invalidate the
guarantee for this component.

Installation

The instrument should be carried using both hands. Never move or carry the instrument when in use
or connected to the power electricity supply.

1. All Omega Engineering, Inc. instruments are supplied with a power cable; this may be
integral or plug-in.

2. Before connecting the instrument to the power electricity supply, check the voltage against
the rating plate (located on the back of the unit). Ensure that the voltage selector switch
(located above the On/Off switch) is set to the appropriate voltage for the local supply.
Please note that the unit must be grounded to ensure proper electrical safety. Connect the
power cable to a suitable plug according to the table below.

Connection 220/240V, 50/60Hz Supply 110V/120V Supply, 50/60Hz

Live Brown Black

Neutral Blue White

Earth Green/yellow Green

3. Units showing 230V, 50/60Hz on the rating plate also operate between 210 and 260V;
units with 120V, 50/60Hz also operate between 100 and 130V and units marked with
100V will operate between 90 and 110V. In all cases the heating rate will degrade by
approximately 8% at the extremes of the voltage range.

4. Plug the power cable into the socket on the back of the instrument.

5. Place the unit on a suitable flat bench or in a fume cupboard if required, ensuring that the
air inlet vents on the underside are free from obstruction. Position the instrument with a
minimum distance all round of 200mm from walls or other items and between each unit if
multiple units are being used to permit efficient air flow for each instrument.

6. Switch on the instrument:

I Power Switch On

O Power Switch Off

Replacement cable

Should the power lead need replacement, a cable of 1mm
connected to an IEC320 plug should be used. IF IN DOUBT CONSULT A QUALIFIED

ELECTRICIAN.

2

of harmonized code H05VV-F

5

Working Conditions

The thermal cycler is designed operate under the following conditions:

 Indoor use
 Ambient temperature range +5

o

C to +40oC

 Altitude to 2000m
 Relative humidity not exceeding 95%
 Power supply fluctuations not exceeding 10%
 Over voltage category II IEC 60364-4-443
 Pollution degree 2

o

Note: The control specifications are quoted at an ambient temperature of 20
may deteriorate outside an ambient temperature of 10

o

C to 30oC.

C. The specification

The instrument has been tested for radio frequency interference and is certified under EN61326.

6

3. Cycler TCY Specification

Temperature

Temperature range 4°C to 99°C
Temperature set point precision 0.1°C
Block uniformity (over full range) ± 0.5°C
Temperature accuracy ± 0.5°C
End of program cooling below ambient Yes

Heating/Cooling Rate

Maximum heating rate 4.5ºC/s
Minimum heating rate 0.1ºC/s
Maximum cooling rate 3.0ºC/s
Minimum cooling rate 0.1ºC/s

Heated Lid

Heated lid enable/disable Yes
Selectable heated lid temperature 100°C to 115°C
Over-temperature cut-out Fixed at 145°C
Temperature sensor Thermistor
Heater type Etched foil
Heater power 33W
Warm up time 4 min approximately

(ambient to 105°C)

The heated lid will only come on if the set temperature is above 35°C

Programming

Program naming using alpha keys Yes
Program password protection Yes
Number of programs (3 step) 37
Maximum number of steps per stage 35
Maximum number of stages per program 25
Minimum hold time 1 sec
Maximum hold time 18 hrs
Incremental/decremental temperature Yes
Incremental/decremental step hold time Yes
Programmable ramp rate (heat or cool) Variable in 0.1°C/sec steps
Programmable ramp rate resolution 0.1°C

Running Programs

Pause button Yes
Stop button Yes
End of program alarm Yes
Auto restart on power fail Yes

Interconnectivity

Connection to PC control program Yes
Software updates from web-site Yes

7

Dimensions

Power

Height 185mm
Width 185mm
Length 330mm

Power consumption 230W

Units marked 100V will work at any voltage between 90 and 110V.
The performance will vary and will not necessarily meet the above typical

specification at the extremes of voltage.

4. User operation and consumables

Heated lid

To release the heated lid, lift the lid catch and the lid will open. To close the lid, push down gently
until the catch clicks in place.

Do not close the lid without tubes being fitted in the block.

Tubes or reaction vessels

Omega Engineering, Inc. does not recommend any specific tube or reaction vessel other than
those described in this manual. We recommend using reaction volumes between 20 and 200µl.
The tubes must withstand a pressure of 1 atmosphere at 100°C. Any vessel must be able to
withstand the temperatures you are using without any danger of them deforming to the point where
they fracture.

To test your tubes, put 25µl of water into each of 5 tubes and subject them to a typical thermal
cycling protocol. At the end of the program, measure the volume remaining using a micropipette. A
loss of more than 1 or 2µl indicates a vapour leak.

8

The amount of volume loss you observe and the change in reactant concentrations you can
tolerate determine the minimum volume that can be used. Typical volume losses of 1µl in 30
cycles allow the use of samples of 20µl or less.

During the final cool-down, a ring of condensation may form above the liquid level but below the
top of the sample block. This is normal and does not effect the reaction.

0.5ml Tubes

The heated lid mechanism of the Cycler TCY with the 0.5ml block is optimised for flat top tubes. In
order to fit the maximum number of tubes in the block, they need to be placed so that all the
hinges are in the same relative orientation. An example is illustrated below.

Place the tubes in the block in the same
orientation in order to achieve the maximum
capacity.

Always make sure the pressure on the
heated lid is balanced by spreading the tubes
across the block or inserting some dummy
tubes if necessary.

9

]

Switching on

Omega Engineering

Version X.XX

Version X.XX
Block 25x0.2ml

Block Type 48x0.2ml

Programs [0]

Methods [0]

Information

Information
Configuration

Configuration
[ , to select ]

[ , to select

TCY

TC

3000

or 30x0.5ml

When you switch on the unit a screen
similar to the one shown here will appear
briefly. This indicates the software version
and block type installed in the unit.

When the initial screen has disappeared
the screen shown here will automatically
appear. There are three options:

1. ‘Programs’ for creating and running
programs;

2. ‘Information’ for obtaining information
about the unit e.g. serial number;

3. ‘Configuration’ for setting up program
defaults and settings.

Each of these is explained in detail in
section 6.

10

5. Front panel controls

M

The LCD Display

The CYCLER TCY has a four line LCD

Programs [0]

ethods [0]

Information

Information
Configuration

Configuration
[ , to select ]

[ , to select ]

display. The top three lines are
information or program lines, while the
bottom line is a prompt line. The active
line flashes on screen and is shown in
bold in this manual.

The bottom line may change or flash
between two or three different prompts
depending upon which program line is
active. An example of a prompt line which
flashes between three different prompts is
shown here.

Indicators

Power: This indicator is lit when there is power to the CYCLER TCY.

Status: This indicator is lit when the CYCLER TCY is running a program. It is
off when the unit is stopped. It will flash and beep slowly when the unit is
paused. It will flash after a five second quick sequence of beeps when the unit
reaches its final hold temperature.

11

The keys

The End, Finish or Exit key

The Up arrow key

The Down arrow key

The Decimal Point and Insert key

The Delete key

The Pause key

The Enter or Accept key

The “End” or “Finish” key is used to finish
editing programs or to exit a program. It is
also used to exit a sequence of key
operations.

The “Up arrow” key is used for scrolling up
through the lines on the screen. It is also
used to increase certain fields when editing.

The “Down arrow” key is used for scrolling
down through the lines on the screen. It is
also used to decrease certain fields when
editing.

The “Decimal Point” key is used when
editing numeric fields. It is also used as an
Insert key during program editing to insert
additional steps and other field sets.

The “Delete” key is used during program
editing to delete steps and stages.

The “Pause” key is used during program
editing to insert a pause after a stage or to
insert increment and decrement times and
temperatures. It is also used to pause a
program when it is running.

The “Enter” key is used to enter an
operation or the edit mode. It is also used to
‘Accept’ a field or program change.

The End, Finish or Exit key

The Up arrow key

The “End” or “Finish” key is used to finish
editing programs or to exit a program. It is
also used to exit a sequence of key
operations.

The “Up arrow” key is used for scrolling up
through the lines on the screen. It is also
used to increase certain fields when editing.

12