The Cole-Parmer Alpha Cycler Series PCR-300-S, PCR-300-D, and PCR-300-Q are standalone thermal cyclers designed for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) applications. These devices offer flexible block options, including 96-well and 384-well formats, to accommodate various consumables such as 0.2ml x 96 well plates, 0.2ml tubes, 0.2ml strip tubes, and 384-well plates. The range includes single-block (PCR-300-S), dual-block (PCR-300-D), and quad-block (PCR-300-Q) variants.
Function Description:
The Alpha Cyclers are equipped with a gradient feature, allowing for optimization of annealing conditions by setting a temperature gradient across the block. They feature a manually adjustable heated lid, programmable ramp rates, touchdown PCR capabilities, active sample cooling, advanced reporting, and health check options. The system's Android-based software provides a user-friendly 10" or 7" HD touchscreen interface for quick and easy program creation and management. Users can create individual profiles to simplify file management and control program access. The software allows for manual program entry or automatic protocol generation using a Program Wizard based on primer sequences/Tm's, amplicon length, and template source.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Temperature Range: 4°C (10°C during cycling) to 100°C.
- Block Uniformity (at 55°C): ≤±0.3°C.
- Temperature Accuracy (at 55°C): ≤±0.25°C.
- Gradient Availability: Between 10°C and 100°C.
- Maximum Gradient: 29°C on a 96-well block, 19°C on a 384-well block.
- Minimum Gradient: 1°C.
- Column Uniformity (with 10°C gradient): ≤±0.3°C.
- Final Store Temperature: 4°C to 100°C.
- Temperature Set Point Adjustment: 0.1°C.
- Maximum Heating Rate: 3.4°C/s.
- Minimum Heating Rate: 0.1°C/s.
- Maximum Cooling Rate: 1.0°C/s.
- Minimum Cooling Rate: 0.1°C/s.
- Heated Lid Temperature: Selectable from 35 to 115°C or off.
- Lid Uniformity: ±5°C.
- Heated Lid Warm-up Time (from ambient): <2 min.
- Maximum Programs Stored: 1000.
- Maximum Stages per Program: 25.
- Maximum Steps per Stage: 10.
- Maximum Cycles per Stage: 99.
- Programmable Ramp Rate: Yes, in 0.1°C/s steps.
- Maximum Hold Time: 4h 59m 59s.
- Minimum Hold Time: 1s.
- Dimensions (Height x Width x Length):
- PCR-300-S: 330 x 260 x 430 mm.
- PCR-300-D: 330 x 535 x 470 mm.
- PCR-300-Q: 330 x 535 x 700 mm.
- Weight:
- PCR-300-S: 10 kg.
- PCR-300-D: 30 kg.
- PCR-300-Q: 47 kg.
- Power (Voltage, Frequency): 100-230V, 50/60Hz for all models.
- Power Consumption:
- PCR-300-S: 425W.
- PCR-300-D: 900W.
- PCR-300-Q: 1,600W.
- Fuse Ratings:
- PCR-300-D: 220V: 5 Amp x 2; 120V: 12.5 Amp x 2.
- PCR-300-Q: 220V: 8 Amp x 2; 120V: 15 Amp x 2.
- Communication Ports: USB port on front (PCR-300-S) or side (PCR-300-D/Q) for memory stick connection; Type B USB port on rear for internal use only.
Usage Features:
- Program Creation: Programs can be created manually or using the Program Wizard. The wizard guides users through defining parameters like primer sequences/Tm's, amplicon length, template source, and special considerations (e.g., hot start polymerase, touchdown PCR, AT/GC content bias).
- Stage and Step Management: Protocols are built with steps and stages. Stages can include multiple temperature steps and be cycled up to 99 times. Users can add, edit, and delete steps and stages, including special steps like Polymerase Activation, Touchdown, Final Extension, and Final Store.
- Gradient Programming: A gradient can be set around a specific temperature in any step, with a range from 1°C to 29°C (depending on block type).
- Temperature/Time Increments/Decrements: Users can add increments or decrements to temperature (±10°C/cycle) and time (±30 seconds/cycle) within cycling stages for applications like touchdown PCR or long-range PCR.
- Program Execution: Programs can be run directly from a "Recent Programs" shortcut list or by searching through the File Manager. For multi-block systems (PCR-300-D/Q), users can select which blocks to run the program on, or run different programs simultaneously on individual blocks.
- Monitoring Runs: The Home Screen displays information about running programs, including remaining time. For PCR-300-S, a full-screen countdown clock is available. For multi-block systems, the status of each block is shown separately. Detailed block temperature profiles can be viewed in real-time.
- Pausing/Stopping Programs: Programs can be paused and resumed. They can also be stopped, with a confirmation prompt. For multi-block systems, all active blocks can be stopped simultaneously from the block status screen.
- User Profiles and Security: Individual user profiles can be created, and programs can be saved as "Everyone" (accessible to all) or "Just me" (accessible only to the logged-in user). Programs can be password-protected to prevent unauthorized interruption or modification. USB drives can be authorized for login, carrying user defaults.
- File Management: The File Manager allows users to search, view, copy, and delete programs and reports stored in the system memory or on a USB stick.
- Reports: Summary Reports are generated upon program completion, detailing program parameters, start/end times, and status. Temperature logs are recorded and saved as .csv files for viewing on a PC.
- Instrument Settings: Users can configure preferences such as language, auto-restart behavior after power failure, date and time, and program defaults (e.g., heated lid temperature, polymerase activation, final extension).
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: The outer case can be cleaned with a cloth dipped in water or ethanol (hexane or 50% methanol also acceptable). The block can be wiped with water, ethanol, or propan-2-ol, and decontaminated with 2% Neutracon® or 1% bleach solution. Aggressive solvents or abrasive cleaners should be avoided.
- Fuse Replacement: If the display is not lit, fuses may need replacement. Fuse holders are located beside the power switch (rear for PCR-300-S, side for PCR-300-D/Q). Users should replace faulty fuses with new ones of the correct value, using a flat-bladed screwdriver to open the fuse drawer.
- Software Updates: Software can be updated by downloading the latest version from the Cole-Parmer website or a local distributor, saving it to a USB stick, and then installing it via the "Update" option in the Home Screen.
- Technical Support: Contact information for local distributors and Antylia Scientific Ltd. is provided for technical, sales, servicing, and application assistance.
- Block Replacement: Thermal blocks are not interchangeable and must be replaced by a qualified Cole-Parmer trained service engineer, potentially requiring the unit to be returned to the factory.
- Fault Finding: The manual advises that the equipment should only be dismantled by properly trained personnel due to potentially lethal mains voltages. There are no user-serviceable parts within the equipment. For problems not easily remedied, users should contact their supplier.
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