TC-4000 OPERATOR'S MANUAL Issue 1 2/09
CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION 1 SAFETY AND INSTALLATION 2 SÉCURITÉ ET CONSIGNES D'INSTALLATION 5 SICHERHEITS- UND INSTALLATIONSINFORMATIONEN 8 INFORMACIÓN DE SEGURIDAD E INSTALACIÓN 11 INFORMAZIONI SULLA SICUREZZA E L'INSTALLAZIONE 14 BEFORE SWITCHING ON 17 CONTACT INFORMATION 18 TC-4000 SPECIFICATION 19 USER OPERATION AND CONSUMABLES Heated lid Tubes or reaction vessels Switching on 21 21 22 22 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS The LCD display Indicators The keys 23 23 23 24 PROGRAMMING THE TC-4000 P
INTRODUCTION The TC-4000 provides the researcher with the means of accurately controlling the temperature profile of samples. It has many scientific applications, including PCR1 and sequencing. The TC-4000 can cycle samples between 4°C and 99°C. The TC-4000 is programmed by means of an integral keypad and LCD display.
SAFETY AND INSTALLATION OPERATOR SAFETY Please read this manual carefully before using the thermal cycler. If the equipment is not used in the manner described in this manual the protection provided by the equipment might be impaired. All Bibby Scientific Ltd instruments are designed to conform to international safety requirements and are fitted with an over-temperature cut-out.
rating plate (located on the back of the unit). Ensure that the voltage selector switch (located above the On/Off switch) is set to the appropriate voltage for the local supply. 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 Live Neutral Earth 220V-240V, 50/60Hz Supply brown blue green/yellow 110V-120V, 50/60Hz Supply black white green 3.
GUARANTEE The instrument is guaranteed against any defect in material or workmanship for the period specified on the enclosed guarantee card. This period is effective from the date of purchase; within this period all defective parts will be replaced free of charge provided that the defect is not the result of an accident, misuse or negligence. The screen of the thermal cycler can be damaged by sharp objects such as pens, pencils and fingernails.
SÉCURITÉ ET CONSIGNES D'INSTALLATION SÉCURITÉ DE L’OPÉRATEUR Lire attentivement le présent manuel avant d'utiliser le cycleur thermique. Si ce matériel n'est pas utilisé de la manière décrite dans le présent manuel, la protection fournie risque d'être compromise. Tous les appareils Bibby Scientific Ltd sont conçus pour être conformes aux exigences internationales de sécurité et sont dotés d'une coupure en cas de surchauffe.
1. Tous les appareils Bibby Scientific Ltd sont livrés avec un câble d'alimentation, qui peut être intégré à l'appareil ou muni d'une fiche. 2. Avant de raccorder l'appareil à l'alimentation électrique sur secteur, vérifier la tension par rapport à la plaque signalétique (située au dos de l'appareil). Vérifier que le sélecteur de tension (situé au-dessus de l'interrupteur Marche/Arrêt) est réglé sur la tension correspondant au réseau local.
Remarque: Les caractéristiques de régulation sont indiquées à une température ambiante de 20°C. Ces caractéristiques peuvent se détériorer en dehors d'une température ambiante de 10°C à 30°C. L'appareil a été testé en matière de perturbations radioélectriques et est certifié selon la norme EN61326. GARANTIE L'appareil est garanti contre tout défaut de matériaux ou vice de fabrication pendant la période précisée sur la carte de garantie jointe.
SICHERHEITS - UND INSTALLATIONSINFORMATIONEN SICHERHEIT DES BEDIENPERSONALS Lesen Sie diese Anleitung vor Verwendung des Thermocyclers bitte sorgfältig durch. Wenn das Gerät nicht entsprechend der Bedienungsanleitung eingesetzt wird, können die Schutzfunktionen des Gerätes beeinträchtigt werden. Alle Geräte von Bibby Scientific Ltd entsprechen den internationalen Sicherheitsanforderungen und sind mit einer Übertemperatur-Schutzvorrichtung ausgestattet.
1. Alle Geräte von Bibby Scientific Ltd 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. Darauf achten, dass der Spannungswähler (über dem Ein/Aus-Schalter) auf die entsprechende örtliche Spannung eingestellt ist. Um die elektrische Sicherheit zu gewährleisten, muss dieses Gerät geerdet werden.
Hinweis: Die Gerätespezifikationen beziehen sich auf eine Umgebungstemperatur von 20°C und können sich außerhalb des Bereichs 10°C bis 30°C verschlechtern. Das Gerät wurde auf HF-Störeinflüsse geprüft und entspricht den EMV-Bedingungen nach EN61326. GARANTIE Bibby Scientific Ltd gewährleistet, dass dieses Gerät für den auf der Garantiekarte angegebenen Zeitraum keine Herstellungs- und Materialmängel aufweist. Dieser Zeitraum tritt ab dem Verkaufsdatum in Kraft.
INFORMACIÓN DE SEGURIDAD E INSTALACIÓN SEGURIDAD DEL OPERARIO Lea atentamente este manual antes de utilizar el ciclador térmico. Si el equipo no se utiliza de la forma descrita en este manual, se reducirá la protección ofrecida por el equipo. Todos los instrumentos Bibby Scientific Ltd están diseñados para cumplir los requisitos internacionales de seguridad, e incluyen un dispositivo de corte de sobretemperatura.
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). Asegúrese de que el interruptor de selección de voltaje (situado encima del interruptor de encendido/apagado) está ajustado al voltaje correcto del suministro eléctrico. El instrumento debe disponer de una toma de tierra para garantizar la seguridad eléctrica adecuada.
especificaciones pueden empeorar si se utiliza el instrumento fuera del intervalo de temperatura comprendido entre 10°C y 30°C. Se han realizado pruebas para comprobar la interferencia de radiofrecuencia del instrumento, el cual cumple la normativa EN61326. GARANTÍA El instrumento está garantizado contra cualquier defecto en el material o la fabricación durante el período especificado en la tarjeta de garantía que se adjunta. Este período entra en vigor a partir de la fecha de compra.
INFORMAZIONI SULLA SICUREZZA E L'INSTALLAZIONE SICUREZZA DELL'OPERATORE Leggere attentamente il presente manuale prima di usare il ciclatore termico. Se non si usa l'apparecchiatura nel modo descritto nel presente manuale, la protezione fornita dall'unità potrebbe risultarne diminuita. Tutti gli strumenti Bibby Scientific Ltd sono progettati per rispettare i requisiti di sicurezza internazionali e sono montati con un sezionatore di sovratemperatura.
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). Assicurarsi che il selettore di tensione (posto sopra l'interruttore On/Off) sia impostato sulla tensione corretta per l'alimentazione locale. Notare che al fine di garantire la corretta sicurezza elettrica, occorre che l'unità sia messa a terra.
Lo strumento è stato collaudato per interferenze da radiofrequenze ed è certificato secondo la norma EN61326. GARANZIA Lo strumento è garantito da qualsiasi difetto nei materiali o nella lavorazione per il periodo specificato nella scheda di garanzia allegata. Questo periodo è valido dalla data di acquisto; entro tale periodo, tutte le parti difettose saranno sostituite gratuitamente, a condizione che il difetto non sia la conseguenza di un incidente, un uso improprio o negligenza.
BEFORE SWITCHING ON Serial port Ensure that the voltage selector switch is set to the appropriate voltage for your supply; On/Off switch Ensure that the appropriate fuses are fitted for your supply: • For 230V set the voltage selector switch to 230V and fit T6.3A fuses. • For 115V set the switch to 115V and fit T8A fuses. • For 100V the switch will be set to 115V; T10A fuses will be fitted.
CONTACT INFORMATION For technical, sales or servicing information, contact your local Bibby Scientific Ltd dealer or: North and South America Techne Inc. 3 Terri Lane, Suite 10, Burlington, NJ, 08016, USA Toll free: 800-225-9243 Tel: +1 609-589-3560 Fax: +1 609-589-2571 e-mail: labproducts@techneusa.com www.techneusa.com UK and Rest of World Bibby Scientific Ltd Beacon Road, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0SA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1785 812121 Fax: +44 (0)1785 813748 e-mail: techne@bibby-scientific.com www.
TC-4000 SPECIFICATION Temperature Temperature range Temperature set point precision Block uniformity (over full range) Temperature accuracy End of program cooling below ambient 4°C to 99°C 0.1°C ± 0.6°C ± 1.0°C Yes Heating/Cooling Rate Heating rate, between 55°C and 90°C on a 50°C to 95°C step: 96 x 0.2 ml micro tubes 2.6°C/sec 60 x 0.5 ml micro tubes 2.5°C/sec Cooling rate, between 90°C and 55°C on a 95°C to 50°C step: 96 x 0.2 ml micro tubes 1.3°C/sec 60 x 0.5 ml micro tubes 1.
Running Programs Pause button Stop button End of program alarm Auto restart on power fail Yes Yes Yes Yes Interconnectivity Connection to PC control program Software updates from Techne web-site Yes Yes Dimensions Height Width Length 260mm 220mm 420mm Serial Port This socket is provided for RS232 PC link to run "Gensoft" the PC control software. Power Power consumption 620W The units are voltage selectable by a slide switch.
USER OPERATION AND CONSUMABLES HEATED LID To release the heated lid, lift the back of the handle as shown and use it to lift the lid. To close the lid, lower the lid onto the block containing the samples and press the handle down to shut. The silicone rubber mat supplied with the unit (Part No. 6104978) is for use with microplates when sealing using a plastic adhesive film. The mat should be placed on top of the sealing film to ensure good thermal contact with the heated lid.
TUBES OR REACTION VESSELS Techne does not recommend any specific tube or reaction vessel other than those described in this manual. We recommend using reaction volumes between 20 and 200µl. The tubes must withstand a pressure of 1 atmosphere at 100°C. Any vessel must be able to withstand the temperatures you are using without any danger of them deforming to the point where they fracture. To test your tubes, put 25µl of water into each of 5 tubes and subject them to a typical thermal cycling protocol.
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS Operation or Program lines Prompt line Programs Information Configuration [ , to select Up [0] Decimal Point & Insert ] End Delete Down 1 Power 4 Alpha/Numeric keys ghi 7 pqrs 2 abc 5 jkl 8 tuv Pause 3 def i Status 6 mno 9 wxyz 0 Enter TC-4000 THE LCD DISPLAY Programs [0] Information Configuration [ , to select ] The TC-4000 has a four line LCD display. The top three lines are information or program lines, while the bottom line is a prompt line.
THE KEYS The End, Finish or Exit key The "End" or "Finish" key is used to finish editing programs or to exit a program. It is also used to exit a sequence of key operations. The Up Arrow key The "Up Arrow" key is used for scrolling up through the lines on the screen. It is also used to increase certain fields when editing. The Down Arrow key The "Down Arrow" key is used for scrolling down through the lines on the screen. It is also used to decrease certain fields when editing.
PROGRAMMING THE TC-4000 The table below illustrates the symbols which appear on the LCD display and the relevant keypad button to which they refer. In the prompt line is equivalent to the "End" key. On a program line means the program is locked; it can be copied and then edited but not edited directly.
PROGRAMMING OPTIONS There are two options available for creating programs on the TC-4000: 1. Copy and edit one of the pre-written templates. 2. Create a new program from the defaults. OPTION 1: CREATING PROGRAMS USING TEMPLATES There are two pre-written basic PCR templates: a two-step and a three-step template. These can be copied and modified as required.
A new name can now be given to the copied program (see below). UNNAMED # Heated Lid 105°C Preheat Lid on [ , to edit ] To give a program a name To type in a name for the program, press "Enter" and a cursor will appear in the position shown. UNNAMED # Heated Lid 105°C Preheat Lid on [ , to edit ] 1 4 ghi 7 pqrs 2 abc jkl 5 8 tuv Using the keypad, type in the name you wish to give the program.
To edit a field or step in an existing program Programs Information Configuration [ , to select DAVID DONNA [ When the unit is switched on the display will show this screen. [0] If known, type in the 'Speed dial' number for the required program and press "Enter" This will take you directly to the required program. ] If you do not know the 'Speed dial' number, press "Enter" to access the list of stored programs. 8 [D] 7 , to select Either: ] 1.
To edit a temperature, type in the required temperature. In the example here, the heated lid temperature is being edited. DONNA Heated Lid 105°C Preheat Lid on [ edit temperature ] [ to disable Press "Enter" to accept. Use the "Down Arrow" and/or the "Up Arrow" keys to select the next field or step you wish to edit.
To copy a selected program If you select 'Copy program' a screen similar to this will appear and the software will automatically give the program the next number until it is named. UNNAMED # Heated Lid 105°C Preheat Lid on [ , to edit ] [ to save Press "Enter" and type in a new name. You will then be able to edit the program as previously described. ] To delete a selected program If you select 'Delete program' a screen similar to this will appear.
EXAMPLE PROGRAMS A couple of example thermal cycling programs are shown below. Typical 3-Step PCR 3-Step PCR with multiple 'Stages' Heated Lid 105°C Preheat Lid on Pause off ------------------------In denat 94°C 5min Hot Start off -------- Stage 1 -------Number cycles 10 Step 94.0°C 0m30 max Step 60.0°C 0m30 max Step 72.0°C 0m30 max -------- Stage 2 -------Number cycles 20 Step 94.0°C 0m30 max Step 55.0°C 0m30 max Step 72.0°C 0m30 max ------------------------Final Extn 72.
A new stage will be inserted which consists of a 'Number cycles' field and one step. -------- Stage 1 -------Number cycles Step 94.0° C 00m30 max [ edit no.cycles ] Edit the number of cycles by typing the number required then press "Enter" Use the "Down Arrow" step. -------- Stage 1 -------Number cycles 10 Step 94.0° C 00m30 max [ '.' to insert step ] [ [ , to edit to delete step ] ] key to move to the Press "Enter" above. to edit the step as described Press "Enter" again to accept.
To add a new stage before an existing one Use the "Up Arrow" or "Down Arrow" keys to highlight the stage number. -------- Stage 1 -------Number cycles 10 Step 94.0° C 00m30 max [ to insert stage ] [ to delete stage Press "Enter" A new stage will be added before the existing stage. The other stage numbers will be adjusted as appropriate. The new stage can now be edited as described above.
To insert a ‘pause’ into a program To insert a pause after an existing stage, follow the steps for inserting a stage as above. Step 94.0° C 00m30 max -------- Stage 2 -------Number cycles Step 94.0° C 00m30 max [ [ ‘.’ to insert step , to edit Highlight the 'Number cycles' line then press "Pause" ] ] The prompt line will flash between 'CHANGE TO PAUSE?' and 'YES or NO'. Step 94.0° C 00m30 max -------- Stage 2 -------Number cycles 0 Step 94.
The Hold Temperature of the incremented/decremented step is the defined Hold Temperature plus the summation of the increments/decrements. The first cycle is never incremented/decremented, only subsequent cycles. If you select a decrement, the Hold Temperature is prevented from falling below 4°C. If you select an increment, the Hold Temperature is prevented from rising above 99°C. Similarly, under normal circumstances, the Hold Time of all steps is constant.
The step will change to 'fst', meaning "first", and the software will insert another line after it entitled 'lst', meaning "last". Number cycles 30 Step 94.0° C 00m30 max fst 58.0° C 00m30 max [ , to edit ] [ to save Press "Enter" twice to go into edit mode. ] Use the "Alpha/numeric" keys to change the values of the 'fst' line to the first temperatures and/or times you require. Number cycles 30 Step 94.0° C 00m30 max fst 65 °C 00m30 max [ edit temperature ] Press "Enter" after each field you change.
To save the program A program can only be run once it has been saved. Press the "End" key. -------- Stage 1 -------Number cycles 10 Step 94.0° C 00m30 max [ SAVE? ] [ Yes or No The prompt line will flash between 'SAVE?' and 'YES or NO'. Press "Enter" for 'Yes' to save the changes you have made. ] If you press "End" for 'No' then all the changes you have made will be lost.
TO RUN A PROGRAM When the unit is switched on the display will show this screen. Programs [0] Information Configuration [ , to select ] If known, type in the 'Speed dial' number for the required program and press "Enter" This will take you directly to the required program. Programs [7] Information Configuration [ , to select ] If you do not know the 'Speed dial' number, press "Enter" to access the list of stored programs.
Cycle 4/30 Sample 58.0°C Hold @ 58.0°C [ to STOP [ [ During the run the LCD screen will report: 56m08 1. The cycle number 00m17 ] to PAUSE for info 2. The time remaining (counting down in seconds) 3. The sample temperature (whether holding or ramping) ] ] 4. The current step of the run 5. A count down of the hold time. An example is shown here. Manual pause Cycle 24/30 Sample 72.0°C Hold @ 72.
Program Information Pressing "Enter" while a program is running will give information about the current run including which program is actually running and the unit status e.g. holding or ramping. DONNA Heated Lid on Status ramping [ to exit ] An example is shown here. INFORMATION The Information field on the front screen contains all the unit-specific information such as serial number and software version.
There are a number of options which can be changed; these are listed here. Program defaults Settings Passwords Controller reset Use the "Up Arrow" and "Down Arrow" keys to select then press "Enter" to access any of the options. Each option is discussed in detail below. Program defaults Highlight 'Program defaults' then press "Enter" Program defaults Settings Passwords Controller reset The complete list of program defaults is given here.
Set date xx/xx/xx Set time xx:xx Date format dmy Auto restart on Beeper on Coms address 1 Coms speed 4800 [ , to select ] The complete list of settings is given here. Auto restart "on" will allow the unit to restart from where it left off should there be a power failure and the power returns. The "Comms address" refers to the location of a unit in a daisy chain and must be unique if there are several units linked to each other. The optimum "Coms speed" is set at 4800.
Controller reset The 'Controller reset' will delete all saved programs from the unit. Program defaults Settings Passwords Controller reset Highlight 'Controller reset' then press "Enter" CONTROLLER RESET This will delete all programs [ SURE ? ] [ ] Yes or No To delete all the programs, press "Enter" RUNNING THE TC-4000 FROM A PC The TC-4000 can be run from a PC using Techne’s Gensoft software. This is available to download from the Techne web-site at www.techne.com.
CONNECTING SEVERAL UNITS TO THE COMPUTER USING THE DAISY CHAIN CABLES If you are driving two or more units then you will need part number FGEN485D, a 230V UK power pack set, or FGEN485E, a 230V European power pack set, or FGEN485P, a 120/100V USA power pack set. A power pack set includes: the connection to a computer (which also converts to RS485), a power pack, the necessary cables, a termination box and the software on disk with an instruction sheet.
USER MAINTENANCE CLEANING YOUR TC-4000 Before cleaning your unit, disconnect from the power supply and allow to cool to below 50ºC. The heating/cooling block, including wells and flat surfaces, should be cleaned regularly to ensure optimum heat transfer to the samples. Always clean the block if there has been a spillage. Use a cloth or cotton buds dipped in a fresh, 50:50 water/isopropanol solution and make sure that no deposits are left in the wells.
BLOCK REMOVAL Before removing the block, disconnect from the power supply and allow it to cool to below 50°C. ● Slide the quick release handles in the direction of the arrows indicated and lift the block assembly out of the unit. ● Never lift or carry the block by one quick release handle, always use both handles or support the block from underneath. ● When re-fitting the block, or fitting a new one, slide the quick release handles in the opposite direction to lock the assembly into the unit.
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). Decremental temperature is used for protocols such as 'Touchdown PCR' where one starts with a high annealing temperature in the first cycle and gradually decreases the temperature over the number of cycles in the stage. This ensures that only the specific product is amplified.
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. THE HEATED LID OVER-TEMPERATURE CUT-OUT The heated lid is fitted with an independent circuit to protect it from overheating.
ACCESSORIES The following accessories can be obtained from Techne or your Techne distributor: Item No FTC41B5D FTC41BHD FTC41BFD FTC4B384 FTC41BID FTUB02TW FTUB05TW FMIP384 Description 60 x 0.5ml micro tubes 96 x 0.2ml micro tubes or 96 well plate 96 x 0.2ml micro tubes or 96 well fully skirted plate 384 well block Flat plate (in situ) block 0.2ml micro tubes 0.
Bibby Scientific France SAS Bibby Scientific Italia Srl ZI du Rocher Vert - BP 79, 77793 Nemours Cedex, France Tel: +33 1 64 45 13 13 Fax: +33 1 64 45 13 00 e-mail: bsf@bibby-scientific.fr www.bibby-scientific.com Via Alcide de Gasperi 56, 20077 Riozzo di Cerro al Lambro, Milano, Italia Tel: +39 (0)2 98230679 Fax: +39 (0)2 98230211 e-mail: marketing@bibby-scientific.it www.bibby-scientific.it Bibby Scientific Ltd Techne Inc.