Techne PrimeG User Manual

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Prime and PrimeG

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Version 1.4 01/13

CONTENTS

PAGE INTRODUCTION BEFORE USE

Unpacking 4

SAFETY INFORMATION

English 5 Français 7 Deutsch 9 Italiano 11 Español 13

CONTACT INFORMATION PRIME SPECIFICATION INSTALLATION GENERAL SOFTWARE FEATURES

Introduction 20 Template programs 20 Incremented/decremented time and temperature 21 Gradient (PrimeG only) 21 Oligonucleotide Tm calculator 22

PROGRAMMING TEXT, TEMPERATURE AND TIME

Text entry 23 Temperature entry 23 Time entry 27

INSTRUMENT SETTINGS AND DEFAULTS

User preferences 30 Instrument settings 31 Program defaults 33 Service settings 34 Gradient calculator 35 Oligonucleotide Tm calculator 35

CREATE A NEW PROGRAM

Name the program 37 Insert/delete a stage 38 Insert/delete a step 39 Insert/delete a pause 39 Program options 39 Settings 43 View 43 Delete 44 Up and down arrows 44 Save 44 Cancel 44

RUN A PROGRAM

Running a program from the shortcut list 45 The pre-run screen 45

3 4

15 16 18 20

The run screen 46 Searching for a program not in the shortcut list 47 Running a program not on the shortcut list 49

EDITING A PROGRAM

Editing saved programs 50 Editing templates 50 Editing password-protected programs 51

CURRENT STATUS VIEW FILES

File searching 53 Viewing a program file 55 Viewing a temperature log file 55 Copying files 56 Deleting files 58

UPDATING THE PRIME SOFTWARE UPGRADING FROM PRIME TO PRIMEG REPLACING BLOCKS FAQs TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND SERVICING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

User Maintenance 64 Fault Finding 64 Fuses 64 Insulation Testing 64

ACCESSORIES REPLACEMENT PARTS DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

52 53

59 60 61 62 63 64

65 65 66

INTRODUCTION

The Prime is a stand-alone, flexible and versatile thermal cycler designed to accurately control the temperatures of samples between 4ºC and 100°C. It has many scientific applications including PCR1, reverse transcription, ligation and sequencing. It has a flexible range of block options to allow for most commonly used consumables including 0.2ml x 96 well plates, 0.2ml tubes, 0.5ml tubes and 384 well plates. A Combi-Block version is also available which can accept either 33 x 0.2ml or 33 x

0.5ml tubes. The heated lid is fully adjustable to accommodate a wide range of different consumables.

BEFORE USE

Before using the Prime please ensure you have read this manual carefully. If there is any doubt relating to the proper use of this equipment, the staff at Bibby Scientific Ltd. or your supplier will be happy to assist you.

UNPACKING

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

• Prime with block

• Mains cables (UK, EU and US)

• Operator’s manual

• Warranty card

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

SAFETY INFORMATION

Please read all the information in this manual before using the Prime.

WARNING

HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE DANGEROUS: 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.

OPERATOR SAFETY

All operators of Techne equipment must have available the relevant literature needed to ensure their safety. It is important that only suitably trained personnel operate this equipment, in accordance with the instructions contained in this manual and with general safety standards and procedures. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by Bibby Scientific Ltd. the protection provided by the equipment to the operator may be impaired.

All Techne 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, switch off the unit at the mains socket and remove the plug from the electricity supply.

INSTALLATION

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

1. All Techne instruments are supplied with a power cable; this may be integral or plug-in.

2. Before connecting the instrument to the mains electricity supply, check the voltage

against the rating plate (located on the back of the unit). Please note that the unit must be earthed to ensure proper electrical safety. Connect the mains cable to a suitable plug according to the table below.

Connections 220/240V, 50/60Hz 110V/120V, 50/60Hz

Live Brown Black Neutral Blue White Earth Green/yellow Green

3. UK ONLY: The fused plug supplied with the mains cable is fitted with a 5 amp fuse to protect the

instrument and the operator.

4. The units are rated to operate at 100-240V, 50/60Hz.

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.

6. Plug the mains cable into the socket on the back of the instrument.

7. Switch on the instrument using the switch located on the back of the unit.

Replacement cable

Should the mains lead need replacement, a cable of 1mm2 of harmonized code H05VV-F connected to an IEC320 plug should be used. IF IN DOUBT CONSULT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The Prime is designed operate under the following conditions:

• Indoor use

• Ambient temperature range +5ºC to +40ºC

• Altitude to 2000m

• Relative humidity not exceeding 80%

• Mains supply fluctuations not exceeding 10%

• Over voltage category II IEC 60364-4-443

• Pollution degree 2

Note: The control specifications are quoted at an ambient temperature of 20ºC. The specification may deteriorate outside an ambient temperature of between 10ºC and 30ºC.

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

WARRANTY

Bibby Scientific Ltd warrants this instrument to be free from defects in material and workmanship, when used under normal laboratory conditions for four (4) years. In the event of a justified claim, Bibby Scientific Ltd will replace any defective component or replace the unit free of charge. This warranty does not apply if damage is caused by fire, accident, misuse, neglect, incorrect adjustment or repair, damage by incorrect installation, adaption, modification, fitting of non-approved parts or repair by unauthorised personnel. Bibby Scientific Ltd liability is limited to the cost of repair or replacement of the product and excludes in particular, indirect and consequential loss, damage, costs or expenses, including but not limited to wasted time, materials and expenditure or loss of use, profit, production, revenue, expected savings or goodwill. To make a claim please contact the supplier of the instrument. This warranty is in addition to, and does not affect any statutory rights.

This manual has been prepared for the convenience of Techne’s customers and nothing in this manual shall be taken as a warranty, condition or representation concerning the description, merchantability, fitness for purpose or otherwise of the unit or components.

Notwithstanding the description and specification(s) of the instruments contained in the operator’s manual, Techne reserves the right to make such changes as it sees fit to the instruments or to any of the components.

L'INFORMATION DE SÛRETÉ

Veuillez lire attentivement toutes les instructions de ce document avant d’utiliser le Prime.

AVERTISSEMENT

Les TEMPÉRATURES ÉLEVÉES SONT DANGEREUSES car elles peuvent provoquer de graves brûlures chez l’opérateur et enflammer les matériaux combustibles. Les utilisateurs doivent porter une attention toute particulière aux points suivants :

• PROCEDER AVEC PRUDENCE ET PORTER DES GANTS POUR SE PROTEGER LES MAINS

• NE PAS utiliser de matériaux combustibles auprès d’objets chauds.

• NE PAS utiliser l’appareil à proximité de liquides ou de gaz inflammables

• NE PAS verser de liquides directement dans l’appareil.

SECURITE DE L’OPERATEUR

Tous les utilisateurs de produits Techne doivent avoir pris connaissance des consignes et instructions nécessaires à la garantie de leur sécurité. Important: cet appareil doit impérativement être manipulé par un personnel qualifié et être utilisé selon les instructions données dans ce document, en accord avec les normes et procédures de sécurité générales. Dans le cas où cet appareil ne serait pas utilisé selon les consignes précisées par Bibby Scientific Ltd., la protection pour l’utilisateur ne serait alors plus garantie.

Tous les appareils Techne sont conçus pour répondre aux normes de sécurité internationales et sont dotés d’un coupe-circuit en cas de surchauffe. En cas de problème de sécurité, couper l’alimentation électrique au niveau de la prise murale et enlevez la prise connectée à l’appareil.

INSTALLATION

Porter l'appareil à deux mains. Ne jamais déplacer ou transporter l’appareil lorsqu’il est en fonctionnement ou branché à l’alimentation électrique.

1. Tous les appareils Techne sont livrés avec un câble d'alimentation, qui peut être intégré à l'appareil ou à raccorder.

2. Avant de raccorder l’appareil à l’alimentation électrique sur secteur, vérifier la tension

requise indiquée sur la plaque d’identification (située au dos de l’appareil). Il est

important que l’appareil soit relié à la terre pour assurer la protection électrique requise. Brancher le câble secteur sur une prise appropriée, voir tableau ci-après.

Connexions 220/240 V, 50/60 Hz 110/120 V, 50/60 Hz

Phase Marron Noir Neutre Bleu Blanc Terre Vert/jaune Vert

3. ROYAUME-UNI SEULEMENT: La prise avec fusible intégré fournie avec le câble secteur est munie d’un fusible 5A destiné à protéger l’appareil et l’utilisateur.

4. Les unités sont évaluées pour fonctionner à 100-240V, 50/60Hz.

5. Placer l’appareil sur une surface plane ou si nécessaire sous une hotte d’aspiration, veiller à ce que les trous d’aération situés sous l’appareil ne soient pas obstrués.

6. Raccorder le câble d’alimentation à la prise située à l’arrière de l’appareil.

7. Allumer l'appareil utilisant le commutateur situé à l'arrière de l'unité.

Câble de rechange

S’il s’avère nécessaire de remplacer le cordon d’alimentation, utiliser un câble de 1 mm² conforme à la norme H05VV-F relié à une prise IEC320. EN CAS DE DOUTE, CONSULTER UN ELECTRICIEN

QUALIFIE.

CONDITIONS ENVIRONNEMENTALES

Le Prime est conçu pour fonctionner dans les conditions suivantes:

• Pour un usage intérieur seulement

• Température ambiante +5°C à +40°C

• Altitude inférieure à 2000m

• Humidité relative ne dépassant pas 80%

• Fluctuations de l’alimentation n’excédant pas 10% de la valeur nominale

• Catégorie II IEC 60364-4-443 de surtension

• Degré de pollution 2

Remarque: Les paramètres sont indiqués pour une température ambiante de 20°C. Ces caractéristiques peuvent se détériorer en dehors d’une température ambiante de 10 à 30°C.

L’appareil a été testé en matière de radiofréquences et est certifié selon la norme EN61326.

GARANTIE

Bibby Scientific Ltd garantit cet instrument contre tout vice de matière et de fabrication, quand il est utilisé dans des conditions normales de laboratoire pendant quatre (4) ans. En cas de réclamation justifiée, Bibby Scientific Ltd procèdera gratuitement au remplacement de tout élément défectueux ou au remplacement de l'appareil. Cette garantie ne s'applique pas aux dommages provoqués par les incendies, accidents, mésusages, négligences, réglages ou réparations incorrects, aux dommages dus à une installation incorrecte, adaption, modification, au montage de pièces non homologuées ou réparation par un personnel non autorisé. La responsabilité de Bibby Scientific Ltd se limite aux coûts de réparation ou de remplacement du produit et exclut, en particulier, les pertes, dommages, coûts ou dépenses indirects et conécutifs, parmi lesquels, mais sans s'y limiter, les pertes de temps, de matériaux et les dépenses ou perte d'utilisation, de profit, de production, de chiffre d'affaires, d'économies escomptées ou écarts d'acquisition. En cas de réclamation, veuillez prendre contact avec le fournisseur de cet appareil. Cette garantie s'ajoute à vos droits légaux et n'affecte en rien ces derniers.

Le présent manuel a été exclusivement rédigé à l’attention des clients de la marque Techne et rien dans son contenu ne doit être pris comme une garantie, une condition ou une affirmation concernant la description, la commercialisation, l’adéquation à un usage particulier de l'appareil ou de ses composants.

Malgré la description et les caractéristiques techniques des appareils données dans le manuel de l’utilisateur, la société Techne se réserve le droit d’apporter les changements nécessaires à l’appareil ou à tout élément qui entre dans sa composition.

SICHERHEITS- INFORMATIONEN

Lesen Sie diese Anleitung vor Verwendung des Prime bitte sorgfältig durch.

ACHTUNG

HOHE TEMPERATUREN STELLEN EINE GEFAHRENQUELLE DAR. Sie können schwere Brandverletzung verursachen und brennbare Stoffe entzünden. Der Benutzer sollt sich mit den möglichen Gefahren vertraut machen:

• UMSICHTIG VORGEHEN UND SCHUTZHANDSCHUHE TRAGEN

• KEINE brennbaren Stoffe in der Nähe heißer Gegenstände verwenden

• Das Gerät NICHT in der Nähe entzündlicher Flüssigkeiten oder Gase betreiben

• Flüssigkeiten NICHT direkt auf das Gerät auftragen.

SICHERHEIT DES BEDIENPERSONALS

Alle Benutzer von Techne Geräten müssen Zugang zu der entsprechenden Literatur haben, um ihre Sicherheit zu gewähren. Es ist wichtig, daß diese Geräte nur von entsprechend geschultem Personal betrieben werden, das die in dieser Gebrauchsanweisung enthaltenen Maßnahmen und allgemeine Sicherheitsbestimmungen und - vorkehrungen beachtet. Wenn das Gerät anders eingesetzt wird als vom Hersteller empfohlen, kann dies die persönliche Sicherheit des Anwenders beeinträchtigen.

Die Geräte von Techne entsprechen den internationalen Sicherheitsbestimmungen und sind mit einem automatischen Übertemperaturabschalter ausgestattet. Wenn ein Sicherheitsproblem auftreten sollte, muß das Gerät ausgeschaltet und vom Stromnetz getrennt werden.

INBETRIEBNAHME

Das Gerät mit beiden Händen tragen. Das Gerät unter keinen Umständen transportieren, wenn es in Betrieb ist, oder während das Gerät noch am Netz angeschlossen ist.

1. Alle Geräte von Techne werden mit einem Netzkabel geliefert, das entweder eingesteckt wird

oder fest mit dem Gerät verbunden ist.

2. Vor dem Anschluss bitte kontrollieren, ob die Stromversorgung den Angaben auf dem

Typenschild (auf der Geräterückseite) entspricht. Um die elektrische Sicherheit zu gewährleisten, muss dieses Gerät geerdet werden. Schließen Sie das Netzkabel entsprechend der folgenden Tabelle an einen geeigneten Stecker an.

Anschluss 220/240V, 50/60Hz 110V/120V, 50/60Hz

Phase Braun Schwarz Neutral Blau Weiß Erde Grün/Gelb Grün

3. NUR FÜR GROSSBRITANNIEN: der mit dem Netzkabel gelieferte Sicherungsstecker enthält

eine 5 Amp. Sicherung zum Schutz des Geräts und des Anwenders.

4. Die Maßeinheiten werden veranschlagen, um an 100-240V, 50/60Hz zu funktionieren.

5. Stellen Sie das Gerät auf einen geeigneten ebenen Tisch oder in einem Abzugsschrank auf und

sorgen Sie dafür, dass die Lufteinlassschlitze auf der Geräteunterseite nicht blockiert sind.

6. Stecken Sie das Netzkabel in die Buchse auf der Geräterückseite ein.

7. Schalten Sie das Instrument unter Verwendung des Schalters an, der auf der Rückseite der

Maßeinheit gelegen ist.

Ersatzkabel

Bei einem eventuellen Austausch des Netzkabels wird ein Kabel vom Typ H05VV-F mit 1 mm2 Adernquerschnitt und Europastecker (IEC 320) benötigt. IM ZWEIFELSFALL EINEN ELEKTRO-

FACHMANN HINZUZIEHEN.

UMWELTBEDINGUNGEN

Der Prime ist für den Einsatz unter folgenden Bedingungen ausgelegt:

• Gebrauch in Innenräumen

• Umgebungstemperatur zwischen +5ºC to +40ºC

• Höhe: bis zu 2000 m

• Relative Feuchte nicht über 80%

• Netzspannungsschwankungen nicht über 10%

• Überspannungsklasse 2 IEC 60364-4-443

• Verschmutzungsgrad 2

Hinweis: Die Gerätespezifikationen beziehen sich auf eine Umgebungstemperatur von 20ºC und können sich außerhalb des Bereichs 10ºC bis 30ºC verschlechtern.

Das Gerät wurde auf HF-Störeinflüsse geprüft und entspricht den EMV-Bedingungen nach EN61326.

GARANTIE

Bibby Scientific Ltd gewährleistet, dass dieses Gerät vier (4) Jahre lang keine Material- oder Herstellungsfehler aufweist, wenn es unter normalen Laborbedingungen verwendet wird. In einem berechtigten Garantiefall wird Bibby Scientific Ltd alle defekten Komponenten oder das Gerät kostenlos austauschen. Diese Garantie gilt nicht, wenn der Schaden durch ein Feuer, einen Unfall, Missbrauch, Nachlässigkeit, falsche Einstellungen oder Reparaturen, falsche Installation, Adaptierung, Veränderung, den Einbau nicht zugelassener Teile oder die Reparatur durch nicht autorisiertes Personal verursacht wurde. Die Garantie von Bibby Scientific Ltd ist beschränkt auf die Kosten der Reparatur oder den Austausch des Produkts und schließt ausdrücklich indirekte und nachfolgende Verluste, Schäden, Kosten oder Ausgaben aus, einschließlich aber nicht beschränkt auf Zeit-, Material- und Geldverlust oder den Verlust des Gebrauchs, von Gewinn, Produktion, Einkommen, erwarteten Einsparungen und des Firmenwerts. Um einen Garantiefall zu melden, wenden Sie sich bitte an den Vertriebspartner des Geräts. Diese Garantie gilt zusätzlich zu und nicht anstelle von geltendem Recht.

Diese Anleitung wurde zur Information der Kunden von Techne erstellt und stellt in keinster Weise eine Gewährleistung, Bedingung oder Darstellung bezüglich der Beschreibung, Marktgängigkeit oder Zweckdienlichkeit dieser Geräte oder Bauteile dar.

Unabhängig von Beschreibung und Spezifikation(en) des hier beschriebenen Geräts behält sich Techne das Recht vor, Änderungen an diesem Gerät oder dessen Bauteilen vorzunehmen.

INFORMAZIONI DI SICUREZZA

Leggere attentamente il presente manuale prima di usare il Prime.

AVVERTENZA

Le ALTE TEMPERATURE SONO PERICOLOSE in quanto possono provocare serie ustioni agli operatori e dare fuoco al materiale combustibile. Gli utenti devono conoscere i seguenti pericoli potenziali:

• PRESTARE ATTENZIONE ED INDOSSARE GUANTI PROTETTIVI PER LE MANI

• NON usare sostanze combustibili vicino ad oggetti caldi

• NON mettere in funzione lo strumento nei pressi di liquidi o gas infiammabili

• NON collocare alcun tipo di liquido direttamente nello strumento.

SICUREZZA DELL'OPERATORE

Il personale che utilizza l’apparecchiatura Techne deve avere a disposizione la documentazione necessaria al fine di assicurare la loro incolumità. È importante che solo personale adeguatamente addestrato utilizzi questo apparecchio, in conformità alle istruzioni contenute in questo manuale e nel rispetto delle normative e procedure generali di sicurezza. Se l’apparecchio è utilizzato in modo non specificato da Bibby Scientific Ltd., la protezione fornita dall’apparecchiatura all’utilizzatore potrebbe essere a rischio.

Tutte le unità Techne sono state progettate in conformità ai requisiti internazionali di sicurezza e sono equipaggiate con un interruttore anti surriscaldamento. Se si dovesse verificare qualche problema di sicurezza, disconnettere l’apparecchio dalla rete.

INSTALLAZIONE

Occorre trasportare lo strumento usando entrambe le mani. Non spostare né trasportare lo strumento quando è in funzione o collegato all’alimentazione elettrica di rete.

1. Tutti gli strumenti Techne sono forniti con un cavo di alimentazione; può essere integrale o plugin.

2. Prima di collegare lo strumento all'alimentazione elettrica di rete, controllare la

tensione confrontandola con la targhetta riportante i valori nominali (si trova sul retro dell'unità). Notare che al fine di garantire la corretta sicurezza elettrica, occorre che l'unità sia messa a terra. Collegare il cavo di rete ad una presa idonea secondo la tabella riportata alla pagina successiva.

Connessione 220/240V, 50/60Hz 110V/120V, 50/60Hz

Sotto tensione Marrone Nero Neutro Blu Bianco Terra Verde/giallo Verde

3. SOLO REGNO UNITO: la spina con fusibile fornita con il cavo di rete è dotata di un fusibile da 5 Amp per proteggere lo strumento e l'utente.

4. Le unità sono stimate funzionare a 100-240V, 50/60Hz.

5. Collocare l'unità su un banco piano idoneo o in una cappa aspirante se necessario, assicurandosi che gli sfiati delle prese d'aria nella parte inferiore non siano ostruiti.

6. Inserire il cavo di rete nella presa che si trova sul retro dello strumento.

7. Accendere lo strumento per mezzo dell'interruttore situato sulla parte retro dell'unità.

Cavo di ricambio

Qualora occorra sostituire il cavo di rete, si dovrà utilizzare un cavo di 1mm2 codice armonizzato H05VV-F collegato ad una spina IEC 320. IN CASO DI DUBBIO, RIVOLGERSI A UN

ELETTRICISTA QUALIFICATO.

CONDIZIONI AMBIENTALI

Il Prime è stato progettato per funzionare nelle seguenti condizioni:

• uso interno

• range di temperatura ambiente da +5ºC a +40ºC

• altitudine massima 2000 m.

• umidità relativa non superiore all’80%

• oscillazione dell’alimentazione di rete non superiore al 10%

• categoria di sovratensione II IEC 60364-4-443

• grado di inquinamento 2

Nota: le specifiche di controllo sono indicate ad una temperatura ambiente di 20ºC. Le specifiche potrebbero peggiorare fuori da una temperatura ambiente compresa tra 10ºC e 30ºC.

Lo strumento è stato collaudato per interferenze da radiofrequenze ed è certificato secondo la norma EN61326.

GARANZIA

Bibby Scientific Ltd garantisce che, per un periodo di quattro (4) anni e se utilizzato nelle normali condizioni di laboratorio, questo strumento non presenterà alcun difetto dei materiali o di fabbricazione. In caso di reclamo giustificato, Bibby Scientific Ltd sostituirà qualsiasi componente difettoso o rimpiazzerà l'unità in modo gratuito. Questa garanzia non si applica ai danni causati da incendio, incidenti, utilizzo improprio, negligenza, regolazioni o riparazioni scorrette, danni dovuti a installazione non corretta, adattamenti, modifiche o installazione di parti non approvate oppure riparazioni eseguite da personale non autorizzato. La responsabilità di Bibby Scientific Ltd è limitata al costo della riparazione o della sostituzione del prodotto ed esclude in particolare qualsiasi perdita indiretta o secondaria, danno, costo o spesa, ivi inclusi, a titolo di esempio e in modo non esaustivo, perdite di tempo, materiali e spese oppure perdite di utilizzo, profitto, produzione, ricavo, risparmio atteso o avviamento. Per esporre un reclamo, contattare il fornitore dello strumento. Questa garanzia è in aggiunta ai diritti di legge e non ha alcun effetto su di essi.

Il presente manuale è stato preparato ad uso dei clienti di Techne e niente di quanto in esso contenuto costituisce garanzia, condizione o rappresentanza riguardo la descrizione, la commerciabilità, l'idoneità allo scopo o altrimenti dell'unità o dei componenti.

Nonostante la descrizione e le specifiche dello strumento contenuti nel manuale dell'operatore, Techne si riserva il diritto di apportare le modifiche ritenute opportune agli strumenti o a qualsiasi loro componente.

INFORMACIÓN DE SEGURIDAD

Lea atentamente este manual antes de utilizar el Prime.

ADVERTENCIA

LAS ALTAS TEMPERATURAS SON PELIGROSAS, ya que pueden ocasionar quemaduras graves a los operarios y prender el material combustible. Los usuarios deben conocer los posibles riesgos:

• TENGA CUIDADO Y LLEVE GUANTES DE PROTECCIÓN PARA PROTEGERSE LAS MANOS

• NO utilice sustancias combustibles cerca de objetos calientes

• NO utilice el instrumento cerca de líquidos o gases inflamables

• NO coloque un líquido directamente en el instrumento.

SEGURIDAD DEL OPERARIO

Todos los usuarios de equipos Techne deben disponer de la información necesaria para asegurar su seguridad. De acuerdo con las instrucciones contenidas en este manual y con las normas y procedimientos generales de seguridad, es muy importante que sólo personal debidamente capacitado opere estos aparatos. De no ser así, la protección que el equipo le proporciona al usuario puede verse reducida.

Todos los equipos Techne han sido diseñados para cumplir con los requisitos internacionales de seguridad y traen incorporados un sistema de desconexión en caso de sobre temperatura. En caso de que surgiera un problema de seguridad, desconecte el equipo de la red.

INSTALACIÓN

El instrumento se debe transportar con las dos manos. No mueva ni lleve el instrumento cuando se utilice o esté conectado al suministro eléctrico principal.

1. Todos los instrumentos Techne se suministran con un cable de alimentación, que puede ser integrado o ‘enchufable’.

2. Antes de conectar el instrumento al suministro eléctrico, compruebe que el voltaje

coincida con el indicado en la placa de régimen (situada en la parte trasera de la unidad). El instrumento debe disponer de una toma de tierra para garantizar la seguridad eléctrica adecuada. Conecte el cable de alimentación a un enchufe adecuado según la siguiente tabla.

Conexión 220/240V, 50/60Hz 110V/120V, 50/60Hz

Con corriente Marrón Negro Neutro Azul Blanco Toma de tierra Verde/amarillo Verde

3. SÓLO PARA EL REINO UNIDO: El enchufe suministrado con el cable de alimentación incluye un fusible de 5 amperios para ofrecer protección al instrumento y al usuario.

4. Las unidades se clasifican para funcionar en 100-240V, 50/60Hz.

5. Sitúe la unidad sobre una mesa plana o en una campana de laboratorio si es necesario, y asegúrese de que los orificios de ventilación situados en la parte inferior no tienen ninguna obstrucción.

6. Conecte el cable de alimentación en el enchufe situado en la parte trasera del instrumento.

7. Encienda el instrumento usando el interruptor situado en la parte posterior de la unidad.

Cable de repuesto

Si es necesario sustituir el cable de alimentación, se debe utilizar un cable de 1mm2 de código armonizado H05VV, conectado a un enchufe IEC320. EN CASO DE DUDA, PÓNGASE EN

CONTACTO CON UN ELECTRICISTA.

CONDICIONES AMBIENTALES

El Prime está diseñado para utilizarse en las condiciones siguientes:

• Uso en interior

• Intervalo de temperatura ambiente +5ºC a +40ºC

• Altitud: hasta 2000 m

• Humedad relativa no superior al 80%

• Fluctuaciones del suministro eléctrico no superiores al 10%

• Categoría de sobrevoltaje II IEC 60364-4-443

• Nivel de contaminación 2

Nota: Las especificaciones de control corresponden a una temperatura ambiental de 20ºC. Las especificaciones pueden empeorar si se utiliza el instrumento fuera del intervalo de temperatura comprendido entre 10ºC y 30ºC.

Se han realizado pruebas para comprobar la interferencia de radiofrecuencia del instrumento, el cual cumple la normativa EN61326.

GARANTÍA

Bibby Scientific Ltd garantiza que este equipo estará libre de defectos de materiales y mano de obra, si se utiliza en condiciones normales de laboratorio, durante un período de cuatro (4) años. En caso de reclamación justificada, Bibby Scientific Ltd sustituirá cualquier componente defectuoso o cambiará la unidad gratuitamente. Esta garantía no es aplicable si los daños han sido ocasionados por incendios, accidentes, usos inapropiados, negligencias, ajustes o reparaciones incorrectas, así como si se trata de daños ocasionados por la instalación, adaptación, modificación o incorporación en el instrumento de piezas no aprobadas o su reparación por personal no autorizado. La responsabilidad de Bibby Scientific Ltd se limita al coste de la reparación o sustitución del producto, y excluye específicamente pérdidas, daños, costes o gastos indirectos o accidentales, incluyendo pero sin estar limitado a ello, pérdidas de tiempo, materiales y gastos o pérdida de uso, beneficios, producción, ingresos, ahorros previstos u oportunidades comerciales. Si desea realizar una reclamación, póngase en contacto con el suministrador del equipo. Esta garantía complementa y no afecta a sus derechos legales.

Este manual se ha preparado con una finalidad informativa para los clientes de Techne y ninguna parte del manual se deberá considerar como una garantía, condición o reflejo con respecto a la descripción, comerciabilidad, idoneidad para un fin determinado o de otro tipo de la unidad o sus componentes.

Con independencia de la descripción y las especificaciones del instrumento que se indican en el manual del operario, Techne se reserva el derecho de realizar cambios en el instrumento o en cualquiera de sus componentes cuando lo estime oportuno.

CONTACT INFORMATION

North and South America

France

Asia

Middle East

For technical, sales or servicing information, contact your local Techne dealer or:

Bibby Scientific Ltd. Beacon Road Stone Staffordshire ST15 0SA UK Tel: +44 (0)1785 812121 Fax: +44 (0)1785 810405 E-mail: sales@bibby-scientific.com

www.techne.com

Bibby Scientific Limited Bâtiment Le Deltaparc Parc Silic PN2 7 rue du Canal BP 55437 VILLEPINTE 95944 ROISSY Charles de Gaulle France Tel: +33(0)148 63 78 03 Fax: +33(0)148 63 78 01 E-mail: ventes@bibby-scientific.com

www.bibby-scientific.com

Bibby Scientific Middle East Ltd. PO Box 27887, Engomi 2433 Nicosia Cyprus Tel: +357 22 660 423 Fax: +357 22 660 424 e-mail: sales@bibby-scientificme.com

Bibby Scientific US Inc. t/a Techne Inc. 3 Terri Lane, Suite 10 Burlington, N.J. 08016 USA Toll Free (in NA): 800-225-9243 Tel: +1 609 589 2560 Fax: +1 609 589 2571 E-mail: labproducts@techneusa.com

www.techneusa.com

Bibby Scientific - Singapore Prudential Tower, Level 26 30 Cecil Street Singapore 049712 Tel: +65 6631 2976 Fax: +44 (0) 1785 810405 e-mail: info@bibby-scientific.com

www.bibby-scientific.com

PRIME SPECIFICATION

TEMPERATURE

Block temperature range 4ºC (10°C during cycling) to 100ºC Block uniformity (at 55ºC) <±0.3ºC Temperature accuracy (at 55ºC) <±0.25ºC Gradient availability (PrimeG only) Between 30ºC and 80ºC Maximum gradient (PrimeG only) 29ºC (25°C Combi-Block; 19ºC 384-well block) Minimum gradient (PrimeG only) 1ºC Column uniformity with a 10ºC gradient

(PrimeG only) Pre-run sample cooling Yes, 4ºC Temperature set point adjustment 0.1ºC

HEATING/COOLING RATE

Maximum heating rate 3.4ºC/s Minimum heating rate 0.1ºC/s Maximum cooling rate 1.0ºC/s Minimum cooling rate 0.1ºC/s

HEATED LID

Selectable heated lid temperature 35 to 115ºC or off Lid uniformity ±5ºC Pre-heat lid Yes Warm up time from ambient <2 min Over-temperature cut-out Yes Regulated heated lid pressure Manually adjustable

The heated lid is only operational if the block temperature is set above 35ºC

<±0.3ºC

PROGRAMMING

Program interface 5.7” colour VGA LCD touch screen Maximum number of programs stored 1000 Maximum number of stages per program 10 Maximum number of steps 10 Maximum number of cycles per stage 99 Programmable ramp rate Yes, 0.1ºC/s steps Maximum hold time 4h 59m 59s Minimum hold time 1s Gradient calculator (PrimeG only) Yes Incremented/decremented temperature Yes Incremented/decremented time Yes Pause facility Yes Program naming Alpha numeric plus symbols Password protection Yes Keyword selection Yes Run completion time Yes End of program alarm Yes Auto resume on power failure Yes, always or never Oligonucleotide Tm calculator Yes, based on the Nearest-Neighbour method1 Software updates Free of charge from www.techne.com

Breslauer, K.J.; Frank, R.; Blocker, H. and Marky, L.A. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83, pp

3746-3750.

COMMUNICATION PORTS

USB port on front of unit Connection for USB memory stick USB port on rear of unit Connection for servicing and calibration only

DIMENSIONS

Height (mm) 240 Width (mm) 240 Length (mm) 420 Weight (kg) 9.4

POWER

Voltage 100-240V, 50/60Hz Power 425W

INSTALLATION

See also the Safety Information sections on pages 5 to 14.

Front view

1. Lid adjustment knob.

2. Lid release latch.

3. 5.7” colour VGA LCD touch screen display.

4. USB port for memory stick.

Rear view

1. Mains cable inlet.

2. On/Off rocker switch

3. USB port for service and calibration only.

Installation

1. Place the unit on a suitable flat bench, ensuring that the air inlet vents on the sides are free from

obstruction.

2. Note that block removal can only be performed by a qualified service engineer.

3. Note that when using the Combi-Block, only tubes of one type should be used, either 0.2ml or

0.5ml.

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

5. Connect to the mains electricity supply with the plug provided or one wired correctly for the

supply. Switch the power ON using the switch located on the rear of the unit. The front display will then light up.

6. Release the heated lid by lifting the latch forward

and use it to lift the lid. To close the lid, lower the lid onto the block and press the latch to secure in place.

7. Place the samples in the block. If individual tubes or

strip tubes are being used, space these out evenly across the block to equalise the pressure from the heated lid.

8. The heated lid has a rotating knob to adjust the lid

pressure on the samples, allowing for a variety of consumables to be used. To adjust the pressure:

a. Place the samples in the block and place the lid

in the down position.

b. Adjust the orange rotating knob anticlockwise to

give the least pressure then close the lid fully.

c. Gently rotate the knob clockwise until you can

feel pressure beginning to be applied.

d. Rotate the knob a further quarter of a turn and

this will give the correct pressure. Do not overtighten.

9. Once the pressure has been set it does not need to be adjusted unless a different consumable is

used.

GENERAL SOFTWARE FEATURES

Parameter

2 Step

Template

3 Step

Template

RT-

PCR

Template

2 Step

Template

3 Step

Template

RT-

PCR

Template

Stage

INTRODUCTION

The Prime software allows the user to quickly and easily create thermal cycling programs using a simple and clear touch screen format. The software is structured into five modules which are accessed from the Home Screen. These allow the user to:

• Run an existing program, selecting from templates or programs saved on the unit.

• Create a new program.

• Set instrument and program defaults and

preferences. Includes calculator tools.

• View the current status of the unit.

• View and search for files stored on the unit.

TEMPLATE PROGRAMS

To help with programming, a number of program templates are installed on the unit which are available to copy and edit or can be run directly without changes. Details of the installed program templates are given below.

Instrument and program defaults

Heated Lid 105ºC 105ºC 105ºC Heated lid before program On On On Sample cooling On On On Pause before program Off Off Off Initial denaturation 94ºC, 05m00s 94ºC, 05m00s 94ºC, 05m00s Hot start Off Off Off Final extension 72ºC, 05m00s 72ºC, 05m00s 72ºC, 07m00s Final hold 10ºC 10ºC 10ºC

Thermal cycling conditions

Number of cycles 30 30 1 Step 1 94.0ºC, 00m30s 94.0ºC, 00m30s 45.0ºC, 40m00s Step 2 60.0ºC, 01m00s 55.0ºC, 00m30s 94.0ºC, 05m00s Step 3 72.0ºC, 00m30s

Number of cycles 40 Step 1 94.0ºC, 01m00s Step 2 55.0ºC, 00m50s Step 3 72.0ºC, 01m00s

The Ice Bucket and Ligation programs are simple temperature holds, with the former having an infinite

Lowest temperature

Set temperature

Highest temperature

Gradient

hold at 10ºC and the latter at 15ºC. In both of these programs the heated lid is switched off and the initial denaturation, hot start and final extension functions disabled.

INCREMENTED/DECREMENTED TIME AND TEMPERATURE

The software allows the user to either increment or decrement the time and/or temperature of a step within a cycling stage. These features are used with applications such as touchdown PCR where the annealing temperature is gradually decreased during the cycling process and long PCR, where due to the size of the product, long annealing/extension times are required and the extension time is increased by 15 to 20s per cycle during the final stages of the reaction.

GRADIENT (PRIMEG ONLY)

The gradient feature of the PrimeG can be useful in optimising the annealing conditions for primers. A gradient can be set around a temperature in any step of a program. The set temperature is the temperature in the middle columns of the block and the gradient is the variation at the two extremes of the block; the left hand columns being the coolest and the right hand columns the hottest.

The maximum temperature gradient range which can be set is 29ºC (depending on block type) and the minimum is 1ºC; the lowest temperature is 30ºC and the hottest temperature is 80ºC. Examples are given in the table below:

A B

B C

C D

D E

E F

F G

G H

temperature

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Lowest

Set

temperature

Gradient

Highest

temperature

A gradient calculator is included in the Settings module so the user can obtain an accurate estimation of the temperature of each column during the gradient stage. The temperatures for any particular gradient are calculated from an algorithm stored in the block firmware.

(ºC)

50 55 60 10

40.5 55 69.5 29

50.5 65 79.5 29

(ºC)

OLIGONUCLEOTIDE TM CALCULATOR

One of the most important parameters in a PCR is the annealing temperature of the reaction. This can be determined theoretically using various software programmes to calculate the melting temperature (Tm) of the primers.

The Tm is defined as the temperature at which half the DNA strands are single stranded and half are double stranded when base paired to a complimentary strand. Using annealing temperatures that are well below the Tm of the primers can result in mismatching, false priming and may lead to primer-dimer artefacts. Annealing temperatures that are significantly higher than the primer Tm may result in reduced priming or prevent priming altogether.

The Prime uses the Nearest-Neighbour method for calculating the Tm of an oligonucleotide1.

The Tm is calculated using the following equation:

Tm =

{(∆Hº x 1000)/(A + ∆Sº + R ln(C/4))} - 273.15 + 16.6 x log[Na+]

Where:

∆H

= The sum of the Nearest-Neighbour enthalpy changes (Kcal/mol)

A = Helix initiation correction constant

∆S

= The sum of the Nearest-Neighbour entropy changes (cal K

R = The Gas Constant (1.99 cal K

mol

)

mol

)

C = Concentration of the oligo (M) [Na+] = Concentration of monovalent ions (M)

Breslauer, K.J.; Frank, R.; Blocker, H. and Marky, L.A. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83, pp

3746-3750.

The Oligonucleotide Tm calculator can be found in the

Settings

module where the user can input the oligonucleotide sequence, its concentration in the reaction and the salt concentration of the reaction mix.

PROGRAMMING TEXT, TEMPERATURE AND TIME

This section gives instructions for the basic programming of text, temperature and time which are required in later sections.

TEXT ENTRY

When giving a name to a program or stage, or when entering a keyword or a password, a text entry screen will be opened.

Touch individual characters to create the name.

•

For words with all upper case letters touch

•

Touch

upper case.

•

For numbers touch

•

For commonly used symbols touch

•

Touch the

between characters.

•

To clear the typed name, touch

•

To delete the last character touch

Once the name is complete, touch OK.

TEMPERATURE ENTRY

When touching a temperature parameter a temperature entry screen will open. There are two forms of temperature entry screen:

•

simple

and program parameters such as initial denaturation and final extension.

•

advanced

options for introducing an incremented/decremented step temperature, for example in touchdown PCR, or a temperature gradient.

Simple temperature entry

•

Enter the temperature, type in the required value.

The decimal point can be used for 0.1ºC resolution.

•

To clear the entry press

•

If an entered temperature is invalid, a prompt will

indicate the acceptable range.

•

Once the temperature is correct, touch OK to return

to the previous screen.

•

Touch

changes are required.

CAPS

SHIFT

if only the first letter is required in

123

SYM

space bar

(not labelled) for spaces

CLR

DEL

form for adjusting the temperature of the instrument parameters such as the heated lid

form when programming step temperatures within a cycling stage that includes the

DEL

Cancel

to return to the previous screen if no

increase the

step

temperature

per cycle

Advanced temperature entry

•

First ensure the number of cycles for the stage has been set then enter the required hold

temperature as described above.

Note

: Increase/Decrease Per Cycle will be inactive unless the number of cycles set is greater than 1.

•

For an

the button below function on. Next touch the temperature entry button below this.

A new screen will open which is similar to the simple temperature entry screen. The maximum increase in temperature per cycle (based on the number of cycles and the temperature limits of the unit) will be shown.

•

Enter the required value.

•

Touch

•

If an entered incremented temperature is invalid, a

prompt will indicate the acceptable range.

•

Touch OK to accept and return to the previous

screen.

The increase in temperature per cycle will now be displayed.

•

Touch OK again to return to the programming

screen.

•

Touch

if no changes are required.

increase

DEL

Cancel

in temperature per cycle, touch

Increase Per Cycle

to clear the entry.

to return to the programming screen

to turn this

The temperature value will now appear orange in the

decrease the

step

temperature

per cycle

programming screen indicating that it contains a modified function.

•

For a

A new screen will open which is similar to the simple temperature entry screen. The maximum decrease in temperature per cycle (based on the number of cycles and the temperature limits of the unit) will be shown.

•

Enter the required value.

•

Touch

•

If an entered decremented temperature is invalid, a

•

Touch OK to return to the previous screen.

The decrease in temperature per cycle will now be displayed.

•

Touch OK again to return to the programming

•

Touch

decrease

button below function on. Next touch the temperature entry button below this.

DEL

prompt will indicate the acceptable range.

screen.

Cancel

if no changes are required.

in temperature per cycle, touch the

Decrease Per Cycle

to clear the entry.

to return to the programming screen

to turn this

The temperature value will now appear orange in the

To enter a temperature gradient

on a step (

Prime

programming screen indicating that it contains a modified function.

Note:

It is not possible to both increase and decrease

the temperature of the same step.

only):

On the PrimeG an additional button is available.

•

Touch the button below

turn this function on. Next touch the temperature entry button below this.

A new screen will open which is similar to the simple temperature entry screen. The maximum temperature gradient (based on the set hold temperature and the temperature limits of the unit) will be shown.

•

Enter the required value.

•

Touch

•

If an entered gradient temperature is invalid, a

prompt will indicate the acceptable range.

•

Touch OK to return to the previous screen. The

temperature gradient for the step will now be displayed.

•

Touch OK again to return to the programming

screen.

•

Touch

if no changes are required.

DEL

to clear the entry.

Cancel

to return to the programming screen

Temperature Gradient

The temperature value will now appear orange in the

•

programming screen indicating that it contains a modified function.

TIME ENTRY

When touching a time parameter a time entry screen will open. There are two forms of time entry screen:

•

simple

final extension.

•

advanced

options for introducing incremented/decremented time, for example in long PCR.

form for adjusting the time of the program parameters such as initial denaturation and

form when programming step hold times within a cycling stage that includes the

Simple time entry

Enter the time using the + or – buttons to increase

or decrease the number of hours, minutes or seconds.

•

Using the – button with the value set at 0 will scroll

to the maximum permitted value.

•

Touching

selector and just display selectors for minutes and seconds.

•

Once the time is correct, touch OK to return to the

previous screen.

•

Touch

changes are required.

Hide Hours

Cancel

to return to the previous screen if no

will remove the hour time

Advanced time entry

•

First ensure the number of cycles for the stage has been set then enter the required hold time as

described above.

Note: Increase/Decrease Per Cycle

will be inactive unless the number of cycles set is greater than

increase the

step hold time per cycle

•

For an

button below function on. Next touch the time entry button below this.

A new screen will open which is similar to the simple time entry screen. The maximum increase in hold time per cycle (based on the number of cycles and the time limits of the unit) will be shown.

•

Enter the required value using the + and - buttons.

•

If an entered incremented time is invalid, a prompt

will indicate the acceptable range.

•

Touch OK to return to the previous screen.

The increase in hold time per cycle will now be displayed.

•

Touch OK again to return to the programming

screen.

•

Touch

if no changes are required.

The time value will now appear orange in the programming screen indicating that it contains a modified function.

increase

Cancel

in hold time per cycle, touch the

Increase Per Cycle

to return to the programming screen

to turn this

decrease the

step hold time per cycle

•

For a

A new screen will open which is similar to the simple time entry screen. The maximum decrease in hold time per cycle (based on the number of cycles and the time limits of the unit) will be shown.

•

Enter the required value.

•

If an entered decremented time is invalid, a prompt

•

Touch OK to return to the previous screen.

The decrease in hold time per cycle will now be displayed.

•

Touch OK again to return to the programming

•

Touch

The time value will now appear orange in the programming screen indicating that it contains a modified function.

Note:

the time of the same step.

decrease

button below function on. Next touch the time entry button below this.

will indicate the acceptable range.

screen.

Cancel

if no changes are required.

It is not possible to both increase and decrease

in hold time per cycle, touch the

Decrease Per Cycle

to return to the programming screen

to turn this

INSTRUMENT SETTINGS AND DEFAULTS

Settings

Touch the

•

Touch any of the buttons to view and edit the

settings.

•

Touch

•

Once all the settings and defaults have been set as

required, touch return to the Home Screen.

•

If you do not wish to change any settings, touch

Cancel

More Settings

to return to the Home Screen.

USER PREFERENCES

Language

•

Touch the language button to set the required

language. The options are English, French, Spanish, Italian and German.

Temperature Display

•

Touch the temperature button to set the required

temperature units. The options are ºC and ºF.

Home Screen File List Sort

This sets the user preference for listing the program shortcuts on the Home Screen.

•

Touch the button to set the required sorting

preference. The options are recently used first or most used first.

•

Touch

Select Multiple Items in File Manager

This allows either multiple files or only single files to be selected for copying and deleting when using the File Manager in the View files module.

•

Touch to select On or

•

Touch

More Settings

Back

button to access the instrument Settings menu.

to access further options.

Save

to save the changes and

for further user preferences.

Off

to return to the Settings menu.

INSTRUMENT SETTINGS

Temperature Log Recording

To record the temperature logs (block temperature profile) of each run, touch the button to set this to Always. If temperature logs are not required, set to Never.

Auto Resume On Power Loss

This determines whether the unit will restart after a power failure. Setting Auto Resume to Always will always allow the unit to re-start irrespective of the length of the power failure.

Date and Time Settings

Use these settings to set the current date, time and date format on the unit.

•

When set, touch

menu.

Date

•

Touch

•

Use the + and – keys to set the date values.

•

When the correct date has been set, touch OK to

return to the previous screen.

•

Touch

changes are required.

Time

•

Touch

the 24 hour clock.

•

Use the + and – keys to set the time values.

•

When the correct time has been set, touch OK to

return to the previous screen.

•

Touch

changes are required.

Set Date

Cancel

Time

Cancel

Back

in order to enter the current date.

to return to the previous screen if no

in order to enter the current time using

to return to the previous screen if no

to return to the Settings

Date Format

Touch the date button to set the required date format.

Administrator Settings

The options are dd/mm/yy or mm/dd/yy.

•

Touch

settings or

This allows an administrator to remove passwords from password-protected programs, change the Administrator password and restore the unit to its factory settings.

•

Touch

The default password is 1234.

•

Touch OK to enter the Administrator Settings

menu.

•

Touch

any changes.

Remove Passwords

•

From the Administrator menu touch

Passwords

•

Touch the file with the password to be removed.

•

Touch

The password will now be removed and the program can be deleted if required.

•

Touch

Change Administrator Password

This allows the administrator to change the default password (1234).

•

From the Administrator menu touch

Administrator Password

•

Touch

•

Touch the second

password.

Note

a record of the new password.

•

Touch OK to return to the menu or

without making any changes.

More Settings

Back

None

and enter the administrator password.

Cancel

Remove Password

None

: It is recommended that the administrator keeps

to return to the menu without making

to return to the menu.

entered and enter the new password.

for further date and time

to return to the Settings menu.

Remove

Change

None

entered to confirm the new

Cancel

to return

Restore Factory

Settings

All changes to the instrument defaults and settings can

Heated Lid

Pause

be removed and the unit returned to its factory settings.

•

From the Administrator menu touch

Factory Settings

•

Touch the

password.

•

Touch

to factory defaults.

•

Touch

without making any changes.

None

Restore Settings

Cancel

PROGRAM DEFAULTS

The program default settings will apply to every new program created on the Prime. However individual programs can be edited as required.

Use this to set the heated lid temperature to approximately 10ºC higher than the hottest block temperature in the program.

•

Touch

•

Touch the temperature button to set the required lid

temperature (35ºC to 115ºC).

Preheat lid

Set to On to pre-heat the lid to the set temperature before the thermal cycling program begins.

•

Touch

Sample Cooling

Set to On to cool the block to 4ºC while the lid preheats.

•

Touch

•

Touch

This will cause the unit to pause before the program starts at the ambient temperature of the block unless Sample Cooling has been set to On. In this case the unit will pause with the block held at 4ºC and the program will not commence until the unit is manually un-paused.

•

Touch

On/Off

More Settings

Back

to return to the Settings menu.

On/Off

button and enter the administrator

and the unit will be reset

to return to the Settings menu

to toggle between settings.

for further program defaults

to toggle between settings.

Restore

nitial Denaturation

Use this to denature the sample and/or activate the

Final Extension

enzyme before the thermal cycling program begins.

•

Touch

•

Touch the time button to set the required hold time.

•

Touch the temperature button to set the required

temperature.

Hot Start

This will cause the unit to pause at the set temperature. The program will not continue until the unit is manually un-paused.

•

Touch

•

Touch the temperature button to set the required

temperature.

•

Touch

Use this to add a final extension step to the program to ensure complete amplification of the products.

•

Touch

•

Touch the time button to set the required hold time.

•

Touch the temperature button to set the required

temperature.

Final Hold

This will hold the block at the set temperature at the end of a program until the user manually stops the unit.

•

Touch

•

Touch the temperature button to set the required

temperature.

•

Touch

Program Defaults menu or Settings menu.

SERVICE SETTINGS

The service settings are for the use of authorised service engineers only. A service engineer’s password is required to access these settings.

On/Off

More Settings

Back

On/Off

More Settings

to toggle between settings.

for further program defaults

to return to the Settings menu.

to toggle between settings.

to return to the top of the

Back

to return to the

GRADIENT CALCULATOR (PRIMEG ONLY)

•

The Gradient Calculator can be used to calculate the temperature for each column of the block for a user-specified temperature and gradient range.

Touch the

the required temperature.

•

Touch OK.

•

Touch the

the required gradient range followed by OK.

•

Touch OK.

The calculated temperatures for each of the columns of the block will now be displayed.

Note

: With the 384-well block, the columns are paired as it is not possible to individually control 24 columns. Therefore only 12 column temperatures are available across this block.

Target Temperature

Temperature Gradient

button and enter

OLIGO TM CALCULATOR

The oligo Tm calculator can be used to estimate the Tm of the PCR primers and help in selecting an appropriate annealing temperature for the thermal cycling program.

Touch

the sequence of the primer.

•

Touch the

sequence.

•

Touch

•

Touch

•

Use the arrow keys to scroll through the sequence.

•

Touch OK to return to the calculator screen.

Enter The Oligo Sequence

A C G T

DEL

to delete the last character.

CLR

to delete the whole sequence.

buttons to enter the primer

in order to input

•

Enter the primer concentration in the PCR mix.

•

Enter the monovalent salt concentration of the PCR

mix.

•

Touch

•

To check the Tm of another primer with the same

primer and salt concentrations, touch enter the new primer sequence.

•

Touch

•

Touch

Once all the settings and defaults have been set as required, touch

return to the Home Screen.

•

If you do not wish to change any settings, touch

Calculate

Reset

Back

to calculate the Tm of the primer.

to clear the entries.

to return to the Settings menu.

Back

and

Cancel

to return to the Home Screen.

Save

to save the changes and

CREATE A NEW PROGRAM

Create A New Program

From the Home Screen, touch the can build a program by adding stages and steps and define the temperatures and hold times.

The function of each of the buttons on this screen is described below.

NAME THE PROGRAM

•

Touch this button to give the program a name.

•

Type in the required name using the text entry

screen.

•

Once the name is complete, touch

the programming screen.

•

Touch

if no changes are required.

When saving the program, if the chosen name has already been used for another program, the message box shown opposite will appear.

•

Touch OK to return to the Programming screen.

•

Touch the program name and enter a different

name.

•

Once the name is complete, touch OK to return to

the programming screen.

•

Touch

Cancel

Save

to return to the programming screen

to save the program.

to return to

button. This will open a screen where you

INSERT/DELETE A STAGE

stage

is a section of a program that consists of a number of individual steps that can be cycled

(repeated) a defined number of times.

Insert a new stage

•

To insert a stage in a program, touch

stage

. A stage with one step will be inserted.

Stage 1

•

Touch this to give the stage a name (optional).

Enter the name using the text entry screen.

1 cycle

•

Touch this to edit the number of cycles (repeats) for

the stage. Enter the required number of cycles then touch OK.

Temperature

•

Touch the temperature button to edit the

temperature of the step and add any increment/decrement or gradient features.

Note

: The minimum step temperature that can be programmed during cycling stages is 10°C. If the step temperature is above or below the valid gradient range (PrimeG only) then the gradient function is disabled.

Time

•

Touch the time button to edit the hold time of the

step and to add any increment/decrement time features.

Ramp rate

•

Touch the ramp rate setting to adjust the ramp rate.

The range is 0.1ºC/s (minimum) to 3.4ºC/s maximum for heating and 1.0ºC/s for cooling. The value can be entered to 1 decimal place. Ramp rate will affect the heating or cooling rate from the previous step to the current step.

•

Once set, touch OK to return to the Programming

Screen.

Delete a stage

•

delete

a stage, touch the stage area to highlight

it and then touch

Delete

Insert a new

INSERT/DELETE A STEP

Insert a new step

•

Touch

the current stage.

•

Edit the new step temperature, hold time and ramp

rate as required.

Delete a step

•

To delete a step, touch the step area to highlight it

and then touch

Insert a new step

Delete

INSERT/DELETE A PAUSE

Insert a pause

•

To insert a pause between stages, touch

pause

The hold temperature will be that of the previous step. The unit will not continue with the remainder of the program until it is manually un-paused by the user.

Delete a pause

•

To delete a pause, touch the pause button to

highlight it and then touch

Note

: To insert a pause between two previously programmed stages, it is necessary to first delete the later stages to where the pause is required.

PROGRAM OPTIONS

•

Touch this to view the program defaults as set up in

the Settings module.

Any of these parameters can be edited by touching the appropriate button and will be saved for the current program only.

•

Touch

screen.

Program

to return to the programming

to insert the next step in

Insert a

Delete

User

User names can be entered and linked to the program to help in searching and identifying programs.

•

To enter a user name, touch the

button next to User.

•

User names that have already been created will

then be listed.

•

To create a new user name, touch the

new user

•

Type in the user name and touch OK.

The new user name will be added to the list.

•

To select a user name, touch the button to highlight

it. Touch it again to de-select it.

•

To delete a user name from the list, select the user

name and touch

•

Touch

The user name will now appear in the Program Options screen.

•

Touch the

programming screen.

button.

Delete

Done

to return to Program Options.

Program

button to return the

None selected

Create a

Keywords

Keywords can be entered and linked to the program to help in searching for related programs.

•

To enter a keyword, touch the

button next to Keywords.

•

Other keywords that have already been created will

then be listed.

•

To create a new keyword, touch the

keyword

•

Type in the keyword and touch OK.

The new key word will be added to the list.

•

To select a keyword, touch the button to highlight it.

Touch it again to de-select it. More than one keyword can be selected

•

To delete a keyword from the list, select the

keyword(s) and touch

•

Touch

The keyword(s) will now appear on the Program Options screen.

•

Touch the

programming screen.

button.

Delete

Done

to return to Program Options.

Program

button to return the

None selected

Create a new

Passwords

A password can be created to protect the program from being edited and deleted by other users. The password will be requested if a user attempts to edit or delete the program.

•

To create a password, touch the

to Password.

•

Enter the required password then touch OK. The

password is case-sensitive.

•

Touch

entering a password.

•

Touch the

Programming screen.

•

To change or remove the password, from the

Program Options screen, touch the button next to

Password

•

On the Password Editing screen, touch the

button and enter the password.

•

To remove the password, touch

Password

•

To change the password, touch

Password

by OK.

•

Touch

screen if no change is required.

Cancel

to return to Program Options without

Program

and type in the new password, followed

button to return to the

to return to the Program Options

None

button next

Remove

Change

None

SETTINGS

•

Touch the

Settings

button to view the instrument defaults as set up in the instrument Settings module.

Any of these parameters can be edited by touching the appropriate button and will be saved for the current program only.

•

Touch

Program

to return to the programming

screen.

VIEW

•

Touch

View

to see a graphical representation of

the program.

•

If the program has more stages and steps than are

displayed on the screen, scroll through the program by dragging a finger across the touch screen.

The centre of the screen shows each temperature step and hold time (not to scale). Stages are indicated by a white bar spanning the steps within the stage.

The bottom of the screen shows the name of the program and the expected end time if it was started immediately.

Note

: The program is not saved at this point.

•

Touch

Start

to start the program.

•

Touch

Edit

to edit the program.

•

Touch

Back

to return to the Programming Screen.

Note:

The temperature log will remain blank until the

program has been started.

If a step has a gradient programmed into it, the bar will be shown thicker and indicate the upper and lower temperatures of the gradient range.

If a step has an incremented or decremented temperature, this will be indicated by a white spot next to the temperature.

If a step has an incremented or decremented time, this will be indicated by a white spot next to the time.

Gradient

Inc/dec

temperature

Inc/dec time

DELETE

This is used to delete an entry. First touch the required segment followed by

UP AND DOWN ARROWS

Use these buttons to scroll through a program.

SAVE

Touch this button to save the program.

CANCEL

Touch this button to cancel changes to the program and return to the Home Screen.

Delete

RUN A PROGRAM

n a

From the Home Screen, touch one of the shortcuts to run one of the listed programs, or touch

program

programs can be run directly or edited before running.

to search and select from other programs and templates saved on the unit. Selected

RUNNING A PROGRAM FROM THE SHORTCUT LIST

On the Home Screen, the Run a program area displays shortcuts to four programs. User Preferences in the Settings module can be used to select whether this displays the four most programs or the four most

•

To run one of the programs in the shortcut list,

touch the button to open the Pre-run Screen.

frequently

used programs.

recently

used

THE PRE-RUN SCREEN

The Pre-run Screen shows a graphical representation of the program allowing for a rapid check of the temperature parameters.

The centre of the screen shows each temperature step and hold time (not to scale). Stages are indicated by a white bar spanning the steps within the stage.

The bottom of the screen shows the program name, the date and the expected end time if it was started immediately.

•

Touch

•

Touch

•

Touch

Note:

program has been started.

Start

to start the program.

Edit

to edit the program.

Back

to return to the previous screen.

The temperature log will remain blank until the

THE RUN SCREEN

The Run Screen will be displayed after a program has been started. It shows the instrument status and the progress of a run.

Once the program has been started, the timers in the top right hand corner of the screen will indicate how long the program has been running and the total run time. The progress bar at the top of the screen also indicates how far the run has progressed.

Adaptive ramp rate

The first time a program is run, the unit estimates the total run time based on the ramp rates set in the program. After the first cycle has completed the actual time taken to complete the cycle is then used to recalculate the total run time. Subsequent runs of the same program will therefore have a more accurate estimate of total run time. The estimate also takes into account the ambient room temperature; therefore run times will also depend on ambient temperature.

The status of the block is indicated by the step bars which display the activity of the block (i.e. ramping to temperature), paused or the count down time of the step.

Progress through the program is indicated by the stage bar(s) which show at which cycle of the program the unit is currently at.

•

Touch

you to confirm the stop.

•

Touch

temperatures. The previous two minutes of temperature readings can be viewed by scrolling across the screen using a finger.

Note

unit only if Temperature Log Recording is selected as Always in the Instrument Settings.

Note

status.

•

Touch

•

If paused, touch

program.

•

Touch

Note

software while the unit is running a program. Once the run has finished, Program Finished will be displayed instead of End time.

Stop

to stop the program. A prompt will ask

Temperature log

: The complete log is written and saved on the

: Touch

: It is possible to access all modules of the

Program View

Pause

to pause the program.

Continue

Back

to return to the Home Screen.

to view the block

to return to the program

to un-pause the

Viewing a running program

From the Home Screen:

Search from a list

Search the programs by k

eyword

•

Touch

•

Touch the area for the instrument.

•

Touch

Current status

View

SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM NOT IN THE SHORTCUT LIST

There are four ways to search for a program if it is not in the shortcut list:

•

Search from the complete list of saved programs.

•

Search by keyword.

•

Search by user.

•

Search by both keyword and user.

•

To search for a program saved on the unit, touch

Run a Program

Screen.

•

Use the + and – buttons to scroll up and down the

list of stored programs.

•

Touch

in order. The options are:

•

Sort By Program Name

Program Name (ABC)/(ZYX) Recently Used (123)/(321) Most Used (123)/(321) User (ABC)/(ZYX)

to open the Program Selection

to list the programs

•

Touch

list of keywords stored on the unit.

•

Select one or more keywords by touching the

buttons to highlight them. Touch again to de-select.

•

When all keywords have been selected, touch

Done

Only the programs with the selected keyword(s) saved with them will be listed.

•

To clear the keyword search, touch

Search by Keyword

to return to the Program selection screen.

and this will open the

Clear Keyword

Search the programs by u

ser

•

Search the programs by

keyword and u

ser

Touch

user names stored on the unit.

•

Select the required user name by touching the

appropriate button to highlight it. Touch again to de-select.

•

When the user name has been selected, touch

Done

Only the programs with the selected user name saved with them will be listed.

•

To clear the user name search, touch

•

Touch

list of keywords stored on the unit.

•

Select one or more keywords by touching the

buttons to highlight them. Touch again to de-select.

•

When all keywords have been selected, touch

Done

Only the programs with the selected keyword(s) saved with them will be listed.

•

Touch

user names saved with previously keywordsearched programs.

•

Select the required user name by touching the

appropriate button to highlight it. Touch again to de-select.

•

When the user name has been selected, touch

Done

Only the programs with both the selected user name and key word(s) saved with them will be listed.

Search by User

to return to the Program selection screen.

Search by Keyword

to return to the Program selection screen.

Search by User

to return to the Program selection screen.

and this will open the list of

Clear User

and this will open the

and this will open the list of

RUNNING A PROGRAM NOT ON THE SHORTCUT LIST

•

Once the required program has been identified,

touch it to highlight it.

The Program Selector Screen will show a summary of the program, the instrument settings and a graphical representation of the thermal cycling program.

•

Touch

•

Touch

•

Touch

•

From the Pre-run Screen, touch

program.

See information on instrument status and progress during a run.

Edit

to edit the program if required.

Back

to return to the Home Screen.

Start

to proceed to the Pre-run Screen.

THE RUN SCREEN

Start

to run the

on page 46 for further

EDITING A PROGRAM

•

EDITING SAVED PROGRAMS

First select the required program by searching the

To edit a selected program, touch the

Any of the Program Options, Settings or thermal cycling parameters can be edited.

•

Once all the required changes have been made,

touch

Save

Note: this will overwrite the existing program.

To copy a program for editing, please see section

VIEW FILES

EDITING TEMPLATES

Editing templates can be a quick method of creating a program by just changing a few key parameters. However it is not possible to save changes to the templates installed on the thermal cycler.

If the edited program is a template, touching open the message box shown opposite.

•

Touch the

Name and enter a name for the edited program.

•

Touch

changes.

The re-named program will now be listed in the program list.

None

button next to New Program

Save As New Program

Edit

Save

to save the

Run a program

button.

will

module.

EDITING PASSWORD PROTECTED PROGRAMS

If the edited program is password protected, touching

Save

will open the message box shown opposite. To

save the changes either:

•

Touch the

enter the correct password followed by

Note: this will overwrite the existing program.

•

Touch the

Name and enter a new name for the edited program, followed by

The re-named program will now be listed as a separate program in the program list.

None

button next to Password and

None

button next to New Program

Save as a New Program

Save

CURRENT STATUS

Current Status

The access the Run Screen.

On the Home Screen, the Current status area shows the versions of software and firmware loaded on the unit.

•

Touch the

status of the Prime.

The Prime status will be shown.

If a unit is running a program, as shown by the status, the Run Screen can be viewed. Runs can then be paused or stopped as required.

•

Touch the area to select the unit.

•

Touch

•

Touch

View

Cancel

area of the Home Screen provides status information on the Prime and is used to

Current status

to return to the Home Screen.

button to view the

VIEW FILES

View files

File Manager

Search from a list

Search the

files

by keyword

The log files. From here it is possible to copy program files to the unit for editing. Files can also be deleted or copied to a USB memory stick for transfer to a PC or storage.

FILE SEARCHING

There are four ways to search for a file:

•

Search program files or temperature logs from the

complete list of saved files.

•

Search by keyword.

•

Search by user.

•

Search by keyword and user.

•

To search for a file saved on the unit, touch

Files

•

Touch

programs only, temperature logs only or both.

•

Use the up and down arrow buttons to scroll

through the list of saved files.

•

Touch

in order. The options are:

•

Program Name (ABC)/(ZYX)

•

Recently Used (ABC)/(ZYX)

•

Most Used (ABC)/(ZYX)

•

User (ABC)/(ZYX)

•

Touch

list of keywords stored on the unit.

•

Select one or more keywords by touching the

buttons to highlight them. Touch again to de-select.

•

When all keywords have been selected, touch

Done

Only the files with the selected keyword(s) saved with them will be listed.

•

To clear the keyword search, touch

module opens the

to open the File Manager screen.

Programs And Logs

Sort By Program Name

Search By Keyword

to return to the File Manager screen.

to display either

to list the programs

and this will open the

Clear Keyword

and allows access to all the program and temperature

View

Search the

files by u

ser

•

Search the

files by keyword and u

ser

Touch

user names stored on the unit.

•

Select the required user name by touching the

appropriate button to highlight it. Touch again to de-select.

•

When the user name has been selected, touch

Done

Only the programs with the selected user name saved with them will be listed.

•

To clear the user name search, touch

•

Touch

list of keywords stored on the unit.

•

Select one or more keywords by touching the

buttons to highlight them. Touch again to de-select.

•

When all keywords have been selected, touch

Done

Only the programs with the selected keyword(s) saved with them will be listed.

•

Touch

user names saved with previously keywordsearched files.

•

Select the required user name by touching the

appropriate button to highlight it. Touch again to de-select.

•

When the user name has been selected, touch

Done

Only the files with both the selected user name and key words saved with them will be listed.

Search By User

to return to the File Manager screen.

Search By Keyword

to return to the Program selection screen.

Search By User

to return to the File Manager screen.

and this will open the list of

Clear User

and this will open the

and this will open the list of

VIEWING A PROGRAM FILE

•

Touch

Programs.

•

Search for the required program file and touch it to

highlight it.

•

Touch

run Screen) of the program.

•

Touch

•

Touch

•

Touch

Note

program has been started.

Programs And Logs

View

to open the temperature profile (Pre-

Start

to start the program.

Edit

to edit the program.

Back

to return to the previous screen.

: The temperature log will remain blank until the

VIEWING A TEMPERATURE LOG FILE

It is not possible to view a temperature log file on the Prime. It must first be copied to a USB memory stick then viewed on a PC using the Techne Workbench software, which can be downloaded free of charge from www.techne.com

•

See the directions given in the next section for

copying files to a USB memory stick.

•

Copy the files to a PC and open the Workbench

software.

•

Use

Settings

or click on

•

Select the required temperature log and click

Open

Note

: Since the .temperaturelogdata file is a text file, it can also be opened in applications such as Excel for further analysis.

to select the path for the saved files

Open

to browse for the saved files.

to display Only

When opening a temperature log file, the Temperature Log Monitor screen will be displayed. To view the complete temperature log, drag the mouse across the screen to scroll through the data points.

The view will show a graphical representation of the actual temperature changes, second by second, throughout thermal cycling program.

Clicking on the will display the program that generated the temperature log.

For further information on using the Techne Workbench software, see the separate user manual which can be downloaded from www.techne.com

COPYING FILES

Files can either be copied onto the unit for editing, or to and from a USB memory stick.

To copy files to the unit:

•

Select one or more files for copying by touching the

appropriate file button.

Note

: Multiple file selection is optional and can be set up in the User Preferences section of the Settings Module.

•

Touch

•

Touch

A message box will confirm that the files have been copied.

The copied file(s) will now be highlighted and listed as Copy of… and can be edited as required.

Program View

Select All

Copy

button of this screen

to select all files.

To copy files to a USB memory stick:

•

Insert a USB memory stick into the port on the front

of the unit.

A message screen will appear confirming that the USB memory stick has been inserted.

•

Touch

Screen.

•

Select one or more files for copying by touching the

appropriate file button.

•

Touch

•

Touch

A message screen will appear giving the option of saving the files to the unit or to the USB memory stick.

•

Touch the upper button to save the file(s) to the

USB memory stick.

•

Touch

The file(s) will be saved on the USB memory stick in a folder called FileSystem as a .cyclerprogram file.

To copy files from a USB memory stick:

•

Insert a USB memory stick into the port on the front

of the unit.

A message screen will appear confirming that the USB memory stick has been inserted.

•

Touch

memory stick in the File Manager.

A USB button will be visible in the top right corner indicating that the files are being read from the USB memory stick.

•

Select one or more files for copying by touching the

appropriate file button.

•

Touch

•

Touch

A message screen will appear giving the option of saving the files to the unit or to the USB memory stick.

•

Touch the upper button to save the file(s) to the

Prime unit.

•

Touch

Cancel

Select All

Copy

Cancel

Yes

Select All

Copy

Cancel

to return to the File Manager

to select all files.

to return to the File Manager screen.

to view the programs on the USB

to select all files.

to return to the File Manager screen.

DELETING FILES

Unused or old files can be permanently deleted from the unit or a USB memory stick.

•

Select one or more files for deleting by touching the

appropriate file button.

Note

: Multiple file selection is optional and can be set up in the User Preferences section of the Settings Module.

•

Touch

•

Touch

for confirmation of delete.

•

Touch

•

Touch

If the delete is confirmed, a message box will confirm that the files have been deleted.

•

Touch OK.

Select All

Delete

Yes

Cancel

to select all files.

. A message box will appear asking

to confirm the delete.

to abort the delete.

UPDATING THE PRIME SOFTWARE

•

The Prime software can be updated by downloading the latest version from the Techne website

www.techne.com. You will need a USB memory stick on which to save the update.

Note that the update tool requires at least Windows XP SP2 and the Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 SP1, which, if needed, can be downloaded from:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=AB99342F-5D1A-413D-831981DA479AB0D7&displaylang=en

From the website, click on

Software Downloads

•

Select the

option to run the file.

•

Insert a USB memory stick into the PC and

click to select.

•

Click on

This will copy the update to the USB memory stick.

•

Turn the Prime off and insert the USB stick into

the front USB port.

•

Turn the Prime on and follow the instructions

on the screen.

The update will take several minutes. When finished, the home screen will be displayed.

•

Remove the USB memory stick from the

Prime.

Prime Update

Prepare the USB memory stick

Support

and choose the

followed by

UPGRADING FROM P

The standard Prime thermal cycler can be easily and quickly upgraded to the gradient PrimeG version by purchasing the PrimeX/USB upgrade. The upgrade consists of a license certificate printed with a unique upgrade code which allows gradient functionality to be installed on any non-gradient Techne Prime thermal cycler.

Purchase of this license certificate authorises the owner of any non-gradient Techne Prime thermal cycler to lawfully utilise the gradient capability of that thermal cycler in all European and American geographies. The license is machine-specific and non-transferable.

Gradient upgrade procedure:

•

Turn on the Prime unit.

•

On the home screen, touch

More Settings Feature

•

Go to the address www.techne.com. Click on

Support Further Information Gradient Upgrade

•

Insert the serial number from the Prime into the

website

•

Insert the upgrade code printed on the certificate

into the website.

•

Click

•

Insert the upgrade code and confirmation

number into the Prime and touch

•

The Prime is now upgraded.

Show confirmation number

, followed by

then

Technical Support

twice

as instructed.

click on

Settings Add Gradient

Thermal Cycler

and then

. Under

Validate

RIME

TO P

RIME

REPLACING BLOCKS

Please note that thermal blocks in Prime and PrimeG thermal cyclers are not interchangeable.

Thermal blocks can be replaced under warranty in case of product breakdown and mechanical or electrical failure, but this must be performed by a Qualified Bibby Scientific Service Engineer and may require the unit to be returned to the factory.

FAQs

How do I adjust the pressure of the heated lid for my tubes or plates? For thermal cyclers with lid adjustment knobs, rotate the knob anticlockwise until there is

no pressure on the consumable, then close the lid and latch it. To obtain the correct pressure gently rotate the knob clockwise until it is possible to just feel the pressure being applied. Finally, rotate the knob a further quarter of a turn; the lid is now at the correct pressure for use with the consumable. Ensure that all consumables used in the block are of the same height and are spread evenly across the block. Insert empty “dummy” tubes if necessary to spread the pressure of the heated lid evenly.

What is the '”Pause” function at the start of the program used for? Some users prefer to preheat the heated lid before placing the samples into the unit. The

pause feature is used to pause the unit after the 2 minute heated lid preheat step.

What is “Sample Cooling”? Sample cooling can be applied during the lid pre-heat phase. This maintains the block at

4ºC while the lid is heating to temperature and avoids any increase in sample temperature due to the heated lid before the thermal cycling program begins.

What is "Hot start"? The Hot Start step is used to pause the machine at a specific temperature, typically

around 70°C, after the initial template denaturation. The reason is to allow the manual addition of unmodified initial denaturation step. Heat-activated

What is the incremented time and temperature function for? Incremented/decremented time and temperature are used to increase or decrease either

the time or temperature incrementally over the number of cycles in a stage. Incrementation of extension time is used with 'Long PCR' which is when large template fragments are to be amplified (e.g. 27kb lambda DNA, 40kb genomic DNA). Decremented temperature is used for protocols such as 'Touchdown PCR' where the first cycle starts with a high annealing temperature and over the number of cycles in the stage there is a gradual decrease in the temperature. This ensures that only the specific product is amplified.

What is a gradient thermal cycler? Gradient blocks enable a particular temperature step in a protocol to be programmed so

that the temperature varies across the block. By specifying a temperature and the gradient to be applied, each column will achieve a different temperature. The set temperature is in the middle of the block, the lowest on the left and the highest on the right. The gradient is the total difference across the block, for example if the set temperature was 60°C and the gradient 10°C then the temperatures would range from approximately 55°C to 65°C from left to right.

Why is a temperature gradient required? The annealing temperature of the specific primers used in DNA amplification often

requires optimisation. Instead of running multiple experiments with different annealing temperatures the gradient thermal cycler (PrimeG) allows the testing of up to 12 different annealing temperatures simultaneously.

Taq

DNA polymerase which may lose activity if added during the

Taq

or Hot Start enzymes do not require this step.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND SERVICING

If you require further technical or application assistance please contact Techne at:

E-mail: technehelp@bibby-scientific.com. Phone: +44 (0)1785 810433 Fax: +44 (0)1785 810405

For servicing information please contact:

Service Department Bibby Scientific Ltd. Beacon Road Stone Staffordshire ST15 0SA E-mail: service@bibby-scientific.com.

Phone: +44 (0)1785 810475 Fax: +44 (0)1785 810405

In the USA please contact service@techneusa.com or call +1 609 589 2560.

We are continually striving to improve our products and software. If you have any comments and suggestions on how we can do things better please send them to us at: techne@bibby-scientific.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

USER MAINTENANCE

Before cleaning your unit, disconnect it from the power supply. The outer case of the Prime may be cleaned with a cloth dipped in water or ethanol (hexane or 50% methanol can also be used). No part of the case or cover should be immersed in the solvents. Do not use aggressive solvents such as acetone or abrasive cleaners. The block may be wiped with water, ethanol or propan-2-ol and may be decontaminated by wiping with 2% Neutracon or 1% bleach solution.

Before using any cleaning or decontamination method except those recommended here, the responsible person should check with Techne that the proposed method will not damage the equipment.

FAULT FINDING

Note that this equipment should only be dismantled by properly trained personnel. Removing the outer cover exposes potentially lethal mains voltages. There are no user serviceable parts within this equipment.

Should you have any problems with your Prime which cannot be easily remedied, you should contact your supplier and return the unit if necessary. Please include details of the fault observed and remember to return the unit in its original packing. Bibby Scientific Ltd. accepts no responsibility for damage to units which are not properly packed for shipping: if in doubt, contact your supplier, giving the full serial number of the unit.

FUSES

If the display on the front panel is not lit, one of the two fuses may have blown. Check that there is no external cause, such as a faulty plug or lead. Check both fuses and replace the faulty fuse with a new one of the correct value (fuse values are given on the label next to the power inlet). Note that fuses should only be replaced by a qualified electrician.

The holder for the two fuses is built into the mains input socket. First remove the power cable and then gently prise the fuse drawer open with a flat-bladed screwdriver or similar tool. Each fuse can be removed by using the screwdriver as a lever.

Exchange the faulty fuse in the fuse holder for a working fuse of the correct value. Finally, replace the fuse drawer in the fuse compartment and push the drawer shut. Fuses which blow repeatedly indicate a serious fault and you should return the unit to your supplier for repair.

INSULATION TESTING

This equipment is fitted with RFI suppression circuitry. Any check of the electrical insulation by means of high voltage dielectric testing (for example as in BS EN 61010-1) must be carried out using only a DC voltage.

This unit contains semiconductor components which may be damaged by electric field effects.

ACCESSORIES

Product code

Description

Product code

Description

The following accessories can be obtained from Bibby Scientific Ltd. or your Techne distributor:

PrimeX/USB Prime base gradient upgrade

REPLACEMENT PARTS

The following replacement parts can be obtained from Bibby Scientific Ltd. or your Techne distributor: Note that block removal can only be performed by a qualified service engineer.

HH179(S) UK 230V mains lead with plug HH180(S) European mains lead with plug FCABLEUS US mains lead with plug Prime/02/B Prime block, 96 x 0.2ml Prime/05/B Prime block, 60 x 0.5ml Prime/384/B Prime block, 384 well plates Prime/C/B Prime Combi-Block

Techne PrimeG User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual