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BIO RAD MyCycler User Manual

BIO RAD MyCycler
44 pages
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BE IS
MyCycler
Thermal
Cycler
Instruction
Manual
Catalog
Number
170-9703
BIO-RAD
For
Technical
Service
Call
Your
Local
Bio-Rad
Office
or
in
the
U.S.
Call
1-800-4BIORAD
(1-800-424-6723)

Table of Contents

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BIO RAD MyCycler Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeThermal Cycler
Sample Capacity96 x 0.2 ml tubes
Block Format96-well
Temperature Range0°C to 100°C
Gradient Range30°C to 100°C
Maximum Sample Capacity96 samples
InterfaceUSB
PowerUniversal voltage
Voltage100–240 VAC

Summary

Safety Information

Notice to Purchaser

Legal notice regarding product use and patent information for the instrument.

General Safety Precautions

Covers avoiding casing removal, ensuring ventilation, and operating in dry conditions.

Electrical and Installation Safety

Covers power connection, fuse types, grounding requirements, and adapter usage.

Safety Symbols

Indicates a hot surface warning symbol and its meaning.

Product Liability and Intended Use

Product Liability and Intended Use

Bio-Rad's liability for injury/damage and the instrument's intended research application.

Electromagnetic Emissions Compliance

Conformance to Class A standards and potential interference with other appliances.

Section 1 Introduction

1.1 Overview

Overview of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and the MyCycler instrument's capabilities.

1.2 Features

Lists key features of the MyCycler, including lid design, graphical representation, and software.

1.3 System Setup

Details steps for setting up the instrument, starting with unpacking.

1.3.1 Unpacking

Lists the contents of the MyCycler shipping box.

Fuse Installation and Power Cable Connection

1.3.2 Fuse Installation and Power Cable Connection

Step-by-step guide for installing fuses and connecting the power cord correctly.

Powering Up and Standby Mode

1.3.3 USB Cable Connection

Explains the purpose and connection of the USB port for data transfer.

1.3.4 Powering Up and Shutting Down

Instructions on how to turn the instrument on and off completely.

1.3.5 Standby Mode

Describes how to enter and exit standby mode to conserve power.

Recommended Accessories and Keypad

1.4 Recommended Accessories

Lists recommended tubes, plates, and accessories for optimal performance.

1.5 MyCycler Keypad

Details the function of each key on the MyCycler's front panel keypad.

Keypad Functions

Explains specific keys like Clear, Shift, Directional Arrows, Enter, and Standby.

1.6 What's in this Manual

Outlines the organization of the manual by sections.

Section 2 Quick Guide for Running the MyCycler

Section 3 The Home Screen

3.1 Soft Key Functions for the Home Screen

Explains the functions of the soft keys (F1-F5) available on the Home screen.

Section 4 Thermal Cycling Protocols

4.1 Overview

Details what thermal cycling protocols are and their components.

4.2 The Protocol Library Screen

Describes the screen where all saved protocols are listed and accessed.

4.2.1 My Protocols

Information on user-defined protocols stored in the MyCycler's memory.

Protocol Options and Soft Keys

4.2.2 Bio-Rad Protocols

Describes the pre-programmed Bio-Rad template protocols available.

4.2.3 Protocol Options

Lists the options available after selecting a protocol (Run, View, Edit, Delete, Rename).

4.2.4 Soft Key Functions for the Protocol Library

Explains the soft key functions specific to the Protocol Library screen.

Protocol Parameters

4.3 Protocol Parameters

Details the parameters used in programming protocols, like temperature and time.

4.3.1 Basic Programming Options

Covers set point temperature and dwell time entry, including finite and infinite dwell times.

4.3.2 Advanced Programming Options

Introduces advanced features like temperature and time increments/decrements.

4.3.2.1 Increment/Decrement Temperature

How to program automatic temperature changes per cycle repeat.

Increment/Decrement Time and Graphical Representation

4.3.2.2 Increment/Decrement Time

How to program automatic dwell time changes per cycle repeat.

4.3.2.3 Temperature Gradient

How to set up temperature gradients for assay optimization.

4.4 Graphical Representation

Explains how thermal protocols are displayed graphically.

Graphical Protocol Display Details

Graphical Protocol Display

Details how cycles, steps, repeats, and arrows are represented visually.

Viewing Protocols

4.5 Viewing Protocols

How to view protocols using the View screen and its graphical representation.

4.5.1 Soft Key Functions for the View Screen

Explains the soft key functions available when viewing a protocol.

Section 5 Creating and Editing Protocols

5.1 Specifying Time Values

How to enter and format dwell time values for protocol steps.

5.2 Specifying Temperature Values

Instructions for entering temperature values within the specified range.

5.3 Specifying Cycle Repeats

How to set the number of times a cycle will repeat.

Advanced Protocol Options

5.4 Creating and Editing Protocols: Advanced Options

Introduces advanced features for protocol creation and editing.

5.4.1 Temperature and Dwell Time Options (F3-Option)

How to use the F3-Option to add increments/decrements to temperature/time.

Temperature Gradient and Ramp Rates

Constant Temp/Time

How to cancel increment/decrement options and revert to constant values.

Textual Display of Increments and Decrements

Explains the textual feedback provided for increment/decrement settings.

5.4.2 Temperature Gradient

Detailed explanation of setting up temperature gradients.

Max Ramp Rate and Step Changes

5.4.3 Max Ramp Rate/Set Ramp Rate

How to adjust ramp rates for heating and cooling between steps.

Editing Protocols: Cycles, Steps, and Options

5.4.4 Changing the Number of Cycles or Steps (F4-Add/Del)

How to add or delete cycles and steps within a protocol.

5.5 Soft Key Functions for the Edit Screen

Explains the soft key functions available on the Edit screen.

5.6 Completing Protocols

Options available after finishing protocol editing (Run, Save, Abandon, Resume).

Naming and Saving Protocols

Save Protocol as...

How to name and save a new protocol.

5.7 Naming a Protocol

Rules and methods for naming protocols.

Section 6 Running Protocols

6.1 How to Run a Protocol

Steps to select and start a stored protocol.

6.1.1 Run Setup Screen

Details the settings available before starting a run (hot start, measurement mode).

Run Screen and Gradient Protocols

6.1.2 Run Screen

Describes the screen displayed during protocol execution, showing progress.

6.1.3 Running Gradient Protocols

How gradient protocols are displayed and run.

6.1.4 Converting a Gradient Protocol

Process for converting a gradient protocol to a non-gradient one.

Protocol Options During Run

6.2 Options While a Protocol is Running

Options available during an active protocol run.

6.2.1 Displaying the Home Screen While a Protocol is Running

How to access the Home screen without interrupting the current protocol.

6.2.2 A Power Failure while a Protocol is Running

How the instrument handles power interruptions during a run.

Pausing, Terminating, and End of Run

6.2.3 Pausing a Running Protocol

How to pause and resume or terminate an ongoing protocol.

6.2.4 Terminating a Running Protocol

How to stop a protocol before its completion.

6.2.5 End of Run Screen

Information about the screen displayed after a protocol finishes.

Section 7 Reports

7.1 The Run Report

Details the information included in the Run Report.

7.2 The Validation Report

Details the information included in the Validation Report, including exceptions.

7.3 Soft Key Functions for Reports

Explains the soft key functions for navigating and viewing reports.

Uploading Reports

7.4 Uploading Reports

Instructions for installing and using the utility to upload reports to a PC.

Section 8 Utilities

8.1 The Utilities Menu

Overview of options available in the main Utilities menu.

8.1.1 View Reports

How to browse and view past run reports.

8.1.2 Instrument Information

Displays instrument name, serial number, and firmware version.

Instrument Settings and Preferences

8.1.3 Set Date and Time

How to set the instrument's current date and time.

8.1.4 Set Display Contrast

How to adjust the LCD screen contrast.

8.1.5 Service Options

Options intended for Bio-Rad internal use only.

8.2 Set Preferences Menu

Access to instrument preferences and default settings.

Default Settings and Standby Options

8.2.1 Default Hot Start Options

Setting default hot start and temperature preferences for the Run Setup screen.

8.2.2 Default Temperature Measurement Mode

Setting default temperature measurement modes.

8.2.3 Default Sample Volume

Setting default sample volume for algorithmic measurement.

Idle Mode, Lid Control, and Auto-Standby

8.2.4 Idle Temperature Mode

Configuring temperature control when the instrument is idle.

8.2.5 Lid Temperature Control

Options for controlling the heated lid temperature.

8.2.6 Auto-Standby Options

Enabling and configuring the auto-standby feature.

Instrument Name and Beeper Options

8.2.7 Instrument Name

How to set a custom name for the instrument.

8.2.8 Beeper Options

Customizing beep alerts for events like errors or end of run.

Section 9 The Help Screen

9.1 Soft Key Options for the Help Screen

Explains the soft key functions for navigating help topics.

Section 10 Care and Maintenance

10.1 Cleaning the Unit

Guidelines for cleaning the MyCycler unit.

10.2 Replacing a Fuse or Battery

Procedures for replacing fuses and the internal battery.

Troubleshooting and Error Messages

10.3 Troubleshooting Procedure

A table of common problems, their causes, and solutions.

10.4 Error Messages

Lists common error messages, their causes, and how to resolve them.

Appendix A Specifications

Input Power

Electrical input power requirements and fuse ratings.

Power

Power consumption details.

Environmental

Operating and storage environmental conditions.

Block Temperatures

Temperature range and cycling speed specifications.

Specifications Details

Accuracy

Temperature accuracy and uniformity specifications.

Temperature Gradient

Specifications related to temperature gradient functionality.

Descriptive Specifications

Physical dimensions, weight, and sample capacity.

Programming Specifications

Limits and capabilities of protocol programming.

Regulatory Information

Regulatory

Information on PCR licenses, safety, and approvals.

Appendix B Product Information

Related product manuals