The Spectroline Spectrolinker XL-1000 and XL-1500 are microprocessor-controlled UV crosslinkers designed for various laboratory applications requiring precise UV irradiation. These units are factory calibrated at 254nm, but can be recalibrated for 312nm or 365nm wavelengths if specified by the customer.
Function Description:
The Spectrolinker is primarily used for covalently binding nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) to membranes after Northern, Southern, slot or dot blotting, and colony or plaque lifts. Studies indicate that 120 mJ/cm² is an optimal dosage for these procedures. Other applications include nicking ethidium-bromide-stained DNA in agarose gels, creating thymine dimers for gene mapping, testing and screening RecA mutation, UV sterilization, and eliminating PCR contaminants. The device offers four operating modes: Energy, Optimal Crosslink, Time, and Intensity.
Important Technical Specifications:
XL-1000 Model:
- UV Tubes: (5) 8-watt 254nm tubes.
- Overall Housing Dimensions (W x H x D): 19.5 x 10.5 x 9 inches (49.5 x 26.7 x 22.9 cm).
- Effective Inner Chamber Dimensions (W x H x D): 13.5 x 7 x 7.5 inches (34.3 x 17.8 x 19.1 cm).
- Net Weight: 17.5 lb (7.9 kg).
- Fuse: 2.0A F.
XL-1500 Model:
- UV Tubes: (6) 15-watt 254nm tubes.
- Overall Housing Dimensions (W x H x D): 24 x 10.5 x 14 inches (61.0 x 26.7 x 35.6 cm).
- Effective Inner Chamber Dimensions (W x H x D): 18.25 x 6.25 x 12.5 inches (46.4 x 15.9 x 31.8 cm).
- Net Weight: 26 lb (11.8 kg).
- Fuse: 5.0A F.
General Specifications for Both Models:
- Voltage: Available in 120V/60Hz, 230V/50Hz, or 100V/50-60Hz.
- Irradiance Display Resolution: ± 5μW/cm² over the entire range.
- Wavelengths: Standard 254nm (UV-C); optional 365nm (UV-A) for 'A' series models and 312nm (UV-B) for 'B' series models.
Environmental Conditions for Safe Operation:
- Indoor use only.
- Altitude: Up to 2,000 m (6,562 ft).
- Temperature: 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F).
- Maximum Relative Humidity: 80% for temperatures up to 31°C (88°F), decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40°C (104°F).
- Mains Supply Voltage Fluctuations: Not to exceed ±10% of the nominal voltage.
- Installation Category: II.
- Pollution Degree: 2.
Usage Features:
The Spectrolinker features a user-friendly control panel with a digital display and numeral pads for setting values. An audible beep confirms each key entry.
- Power: ON/OFF switch.
- Optimal Crosslink: Pre-programmed to deliver 120 mJ/cm² (120,000µJ/cm²), considered optimal for most membranes. In this mode, number keys are deactivated.
- Time Mode: Allows setting exposure time up to 9,999 seconds (2 hours, 46 minutes, 39 seconds), with a minimum interval of 1 second.
- Energy Mode: Allows setting energy dose up to 0.9999 J/cm² (999900 µJ/cm²), with a minimum interval of 100 μJ/cm² (0.1 mJ/cm²). A built-in UV integrator automatically compensates for UV intensity decline as tubes age.
- Intensity Mode: Measures UV irradiance inside the chamber. The unit remains on until "RESET" is pressed. If intensity falls below 1,500 μW/cm², "BULB" is displayed, indicating tube replacement is needed.
- Start: Initiates the selected operation.
- Reset: Clears all previous instructions and returns the unit to the WAKE state.
- Display Prompts: Shows selected values, "DOOR" for an open door, "BULB" for low intensity, and "END" for completed operation.
- Safety Interlock: The chamber door is made of a special transparent UV-blocking material for safe observation and has a built-in safety interlock that automatically shuts off UV tubes if the door is not securely closed.
- Repetitive Operations: The unit is designed for easy repetition of previous operations by simply closing the door and pressing "START."
- Warm-up Period: A five-minute warm-up period from a cold start is recommended for UV tubes to stabilize for accurate operation. An intensity check is recommended daily.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: Spilled materials should be cleaned immediately with a cloth moistened with soap and water. Harsh chemical cleaners should not be used, and the unit should be unplugged during cleaning.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides guidance for common issues such as the display not lighting (check power cord, fuse) or the countdown being slower than normal (check UV sensor, tube illumination, and intensity level).
- Tube Replacement: If tubes fail or intensity drops below 1,500 μW/cm², replacement is necessary. Users should unplug the unit, allow tubes to cool, gently rotate tubes a quarter turn by their metal bases, remove, and install new tubes by reversing the procedure. Replacement tubes (254nm, 312nm, or 365nm) can be purchased from Spectro-UV.
- Recalibration: The Spectrolinker is factory calibrated. If problems with intensity measurements occur, the unit should be returned to Spectro-UV for recalibration. If the user wishes to change the tubes to a different wavelength (312nm or 365nm), the unit must be sent back to Spectro-UV for recalibration at the selected wavelength.
- Service: Users are advised not to attempt to service the unit themselves. For assistance, including warranty claims, contact Spectro-UV Customer Service.
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