Using the Utilities
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• Constant: Keeps the inner lid at a specified temperature (°C).
The DNA Engine cycler is set for the tracking mode at the factory, using an offset of
5°C, which should be adequate for most reactions. The constant mode is provided for
unusual reactions requiring the inner lid to be hot at all times. When using the constant
mode, specify a lid temperature at least 10°C higher than any temperature used in the
protocol; we suggest 105°C.
To choose a control mode, select Lid from the Setup Menu, then press «Proceed».
The following screen will appear:
Select «Mode», then press «Proceed» (to select a minimum block temperature, see
“Choosing a Minimum Block Temperature for the Hot Bonnet Lid” above).
The mode currently in use will be selected in the screen; select a different control
mode if desired, then press «Proceed» to enter the mode and return to the main menu.
If the tracking mode is chosen, a lid offset (up to 45°C above the block, but not to
exceed 110°C) must be specified. A line for this will appear at the bottom of the
screen: “Lid offset °C: 15.” If the constant mode is chosen, a lid target temperature
(up to 110°C) must be specified. A line for this will appear at the bottom of the screen:
“Lid target °C: _.” In either case, enter a number, then press «Proceed». The
tracking control mode will be implemented, and the Main Menu will be displayed.
Determining the Software Version Number
At times it is necessary to determine the version number of the software installed in the
DNA Engine cycler (e.g., to report a problem to Bio-Rad). To do this, select Version from
the Setup Menu, then press «Proceed». The current version number will be displayed:
The top line reports the software version number (1.1L in the example). The other
two lines refer to the four “pages” that the software has been broken into and their
associated versions (L in the example).
Bio-Rad periodically updates the DNA Engine cyler software to incorporate new fea-
tures or allow new Alpha
™
units to be used. Most upgrades are available free of
charge for units under warranty and may be installed into a DNA Engine cycler elec-
tronically from a desktop computer. Contact your Bio-Rad sales representative or an
authorized distributor for details. Occasionally upgrades may require a hardware
change. These upgrades require return of the DNA Engine base to Bio-Rad or an
authorized distributor.
Lid:
_MODE Minimum
V ersion: 1.1L
CTRL L EXEC L
USER L COMM L
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