Thermal cycler / Thermocycler
0612E+D
Creating the future together.
Short Manual peqSTAR Thermocylcer
CONTENTS
1 Safety instructions
2 License Notice
3 System Overview
4 Installation
4.1
Content of delivery
4.2
Installing the thermal cycler
4.3
Operation of the thermal cycler
5 Cycler Operation
5.1
Start screen = 'Run'
5.2
Running stored programs ('Run'):
5.3
Incubation mode ('Run')
5.4
Create or edit PCR programs ('Programs')
5.5
Further dialogues: GLPs, Diagnostics, System
5.6
Further questions…?
6 Technical Service and Ordering Information
7 Technical data
8 Maintenance and repair of the Thermal cycler
8.1
Cleaning, maintenance and repair of the thermal cycler
8.2
Temperature check-up
8.3
Calibration
9 Warranty
10 Disposal Instruction
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3
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4
4
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5
5
8
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A more detailed instruction manual in English or German is available
for download on our website www.peqlab.com.
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Before the first use of the thermal cycler please read this instruction manual entirely.
Special notice should be taken of the following
Caution of dangerous voltage
Please ensure the voltage indicated on the device exactly matches your local electrical supply
Caution of dangerous explosive material
Explosive or reactive material mustn’t be heated in the thermal cycler.
Caution - liquids
Ensure that no liquids can enter the device.
Caution - hot surfaces
The thermal plate and the heated lid quickly reach temperatures above 50 °C. There is danger
of burning! Keep the lid closed until the temperatures reaches 30 °C or less.
Only use materials (tubes, tube caps, plates and sealing films) which are heat resistant to
120 °C
Caution – environment
The ventilation of the device must not be covered.
2
LICENSE NOTICE
This instrument is licensed for research and development and for uses other than human in vitro diagnostics under
one or more of the following patens of Applera Corporation: U.S. Patent Nos. 5,656,493, 5,038,852,
5,333,675, 5,475,610 (claims 1-159 and 164-166), 6,703,236 (claims 7-10) and 7,238,517 or corresponding
claims in their non-U.S. counterparts. No right is conveyed expressly, by implication or by estoppels under any
other patent of Applera, including but not limited to U.S. Patent No. 6,814,934 and its non-U.S. counterparts,
which describe and claim thermal cyclers capable or real-time detection.
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The peqSTAR thermal cycler is the ideal PCR device for all molecular biological and biochemical laboratories
working in the field of basic research or routine diagnostic. Six 250 °C HTR (High Temperature Range) Peltier
elements allow quick changes in temperature up to 5 °C/sec (max). The individual monitoring and controlling of
each of the six Peltier elements equipped with 'Long Life Technology' ensure the tightest correlation of target and
actual temperature across the entire thermal plate leading to highest reproducibility of the results. The peqSTAR
thermal cycler is equipped with a touch-sensitive, graphic colored TFT display of the newest generation, allowing
operation of the device by simply touching symbols and graphic elements on the screen. This leads to easy and
intuitive handling and programming of the device. Additionally a mouse can be connected via USB. Further-more
an Ethernet port is available to connect the device with the Microsoft Windows® network. It is therefore possible to
use an external server for archiving programs and GLP reports which will be available globally in the network
(e.g. for other thermal cyclers). Transfer of data can be done by using commercially available USB memory sticks
enabling a nearly unlimited saving space for programs and GLP reports, which can be printed using a printer
connected to the thermal cycler via the network.
Notice:
4
4.1
The USB ports support only standard cable mice and standard USB sticks.
The maximum acceptable length of the connecting cable of the port is 3 m!
INSTALLATION
Content of delivery
1 Thermal cycler
1 Power cord
1 Short manual
(A detailed instruction manual in English or German is available for download on our website www.peqlab.com.)
1 CD including PC-software 'peqSTAR Protocol Editor'
Please check delivery for completeness and transport damage upon arrival. If any transport damage is noticed,
contact your distributor or manufacturer immediately.
NOTICE: IF ANY DAMAGE OF THE DEVICE SHOULD BE FOUND DO NOT USE THE DEVICE!
4.2
Installing the thermal cycler
Check the packaging for any transport damage. Remove the packaging and place the thermal cycler onto a solid
surface. The device should not be exposed to direct sunlight. There should be enough space to make sure that the
ventilator grill on the front and back are not covered and sufficient ventilation is provided. There should be a
distance of at least 25 cm to the wall or the next device. Two thermal cyclers should not be placed back-to-back.
Room temperature between 4 °C und 25 °C is advised.
All original packaging should be stored in case a need arises to return the instrument to the supplier.
4.3
Operation of the thermal cycler
Before starting up the thermal cycler for the first time make sure that the voltage range of the device is suitable to
the electricity supply. Plug in the mains plug of the thermal cycler to the electricity supply. The outlet and the power
switch are located at the back of the device. The serial number is written onto a typed label at the bottom of the
device.
The device should only be used by authorized staff. To ensure this, a user administration with appointing rights for
single users is available in the device.
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CYCLER OPERATION
The operation of the thermal cycler can be run by the internal touch screen, either using the touch sensitive surface
of the display or by using a mouse connected to a free USB port.
If the user has to enter numbers or text the corresponding field has to be touched on the touch screen or clicked
with the mouse. An appropriate keyboard will appear on the screen according to the expected entry.
5.1
Start screen = 'Run'
The last ran PCR program is displayed in the 'Run' dialogue and can directly be restarted with the button 'Start
PCR'.
5.2
Running stored programs ('Run'):
1. Open the selection dialogue in the 'Run' dialogue with the button 'Select Program'.
2. Select the desired program in the selection dialogue and load to the 'Run' dialogue with the button
'Open'.
3. The loaded program is started by using the 'Start' button.
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5.3
Incubation mode ('Run')
Use the button 'Run Incubation' in the 'Run' dialogue to set the device into the incubation mode. The temperature
for the thermal plate and lid can be set manually. The clock shows the time passed by in the incubation mode.
5.4
Create or edit PCR programs ('Programs')
1. To create or edit PCR programs go to the 'Programs' dialogue.
2. By touching the 'Programs' dialogue the first time during the session the selection dialogue shows up
where a new program can be set over 'New' or an existing program can be opened over 'Open' to edit.
3. On the left side of the program editor all available commands are displayed, on the right side of the
editor the list of commands (Steps) the program is composed of is shown. After selecting a program
command out of the list in the left window it can be inserted into the desired place via the '+' arrow.
4. Via double click or the button 'Edit' parameters of single steps could be changed later.
5. Use the 'Save' button to save the program.
6. For even faster programming the peqSTAR thermocycler comes with a selection of template programs,
which could easily be edited and saved under a new program name.
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List of available commands
Program name
Adding and removing
program steps
Program window
Short Manual peqSTAR Thermocycler
Available commands:
Close Lid
Loop
Locks the lid avoid accidental opening.
Combines Open Loop, Close Loop,
Temperature, Ramp and Gradient.
Open Lid
Pause
Unlocks the lid in case that the lid has been
locked in a previous program step.
Interrupts the program temporarily at the
definable temperature.
Heat Lid
Store
Turns the lid heating on/off.
Holds the definable temperature, turns off
the heated lid automatically.
Temperature
Open Loop
Temperature step for definable time,
Temperature and Time Incr./Decr. function.
Manual loop beginning.
Ramp
Close Loop
Target temperature is reached with
definable ramp rate.
Manual loop ending.
Gradient
Realizes different temperatures at the same
time for protocol optimization.
Sample program
Create a new program with 'New'. Enter a program name and confirm with OK to access the programming
functions.
01
Heated Lid on, temperature 110 °C
Heat Lid
A 'Heat Lid' step is inserted in each program by default as first step. This step can be edited
or deleted later. The standard settings could be changed under 'System' => 'Firmware' =>
'Settings'.
To enter another program step select the desired command out of the list of the available command and add it to
the program window with the '+' arrow. Thereupon the corresponding parameters will be asked.
02
Denaturation at 95 °C for 2 minutes
Temp
03
07
Loop
04
Open the 'Loop' function
→ Enter number of cycles – 30 cycles
→ 3 x Continue with 'Temp'
→ Terminate 'Loop' function with 'Exit Loop'
Denaturation at 95 °C for 30 seconds
Temp
05
Annealing at 65°C in the 1st cycle for 30 seconds
'Touchdown'-PCR via Temperature-'Decrement'. The annealing temperature of 65 °C in the
1st cycle is reduced by 0.4 °C each cycle. This leads to high specifity in the first cycles and
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Temp
high amplification efficiency in the later cycles.
Elongation at 72 °C for 1 minute in the 1st cycle
06
Temp
07
Via Time -'Increment' the elongation time is prolonged by 5 s each cycle. The incremental
prolongation of the elongation time is useful with high numbers of cycles (>30), when the
Polymerase activity declines.
Terminate 'Loop' function with 'Exit Loop'.
Alternative programming of steps 03 – 07:
03
Open program loop – 30 cycles.
Loop Open
04
Denaturation at 95 °C for 30 seconds
Temp
Annealing at 65°C in the 1st cycle for 30 seconds
05
Temp
'Touchdown'-PCR via Temperature-'Decrement'. The annealing temperature of 65 °C in the
1st cycle is reduced by 0.4 °C each cycle. This leads to high specifity in the first cycles and
high amplification efficiency in the later cycles.
Elongation at 72 °C for 1 minute in the 1st cycle
06
Temp
07
Via Time -'Increment' the elongation time is prolonged by 5 s each cycle. The incremental
prolongation of the elongation time is useful with high numbers of cycles (>30), when the
Polymerase activity declines.
Terminate program loop with 'Close Loop'.
Close Loop
08
Final elongation at 72 °C for 5 minutes
The final elongation assures the complete synthesis of all amplificats.
Temp
The ramp starts from the last programmed temperature (here 72 °C) and decreases temperature to the set
temperature (here 8°C) at a constant rate.
09
Cools down to 8 °C with a ramp rate of 1.0 °C/s
Ramp
10
The reduction of the cooling rate at this step of the program is not necessary, but should
only be an example. It might make sense e.g. for quantitative annealing of complementary
oligo nucleotide or at annealing steps in the first cycles, when primer annealing should be
very efficient because of low template amount (e.g. after cDNA synthesis).
8 °C forever, lid heat is turned off
Store
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In the 'Store' step the lid heat is turned off automatically. This avoids that lid heat and Peltier
elements of the block work against each other. Especially at longer incubation times at low
temperature this increases the life time of the Peltier elements and reduces the power
consumption.
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Short Manual peqSTAR Thermocycler
5.5
Further dialogues: GLPs, Diagnostics, System
GLPs: Displaying and organizing GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) reports created by the thermal cycler. This
option is mainly for labs who need to save GLP reports for documentation purpose.
Diagnostics: Monitoring the actual temperatures of each of the six Peltier elements during a run. In suspicion case
of an instrument malfunction have a look at the Peltiers’ temperature profile.
System: Configuration of the system and changing of the general settings of the device.
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Elements of the system dialogue:
Change User
Clock
Change from one user to another.
Setting up date and time.
User Accounts
Hide/Show Curser
Define user and user groups (and their
access rights).
Hide or show the cursor on the screen.
Sounds
Set up a printer path for an existing network
printer.
Setting of the user call sounds (Pause/Store,
Program End, Open Lid Call)
Protocol (OFF/ON)
Network
Activate/deactivate the protocol function
(Internal communication for failure
diagnosis)
Network settings for network integration of
the peqSTAR.
Firmware
Display Settings
Display, administrate and update software
(Control/Power Unit, Thermo block)
Change settings of the screen display.
Hardware
Display hardware versions of Control Unit,
Power Unit and Thermo block
5.6
Further questions…?
Direct help
:
Use this button to activate (deactivate) the direct help mode. If the mouse pointer is visible a question mark appears
alongside. By touching a function button or other dialogue element the corresponding help window will appear.
A more detailed instruction manual in English or German is available for download on our website
www.peqlab.com.
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TECHNICAL SERVICE AND ORDERING INFORMATION
Should you have any questions about the peqSTAR thermocycler, please visit www.peqlab.com to find the
respective contact person.
This short manual is delivered with the following products:
Product
peqSTAR 96 Universal
peqSTAR 96 Universal
Gradient
peqSTAR 96 HPL
peqSTAR 96 HPL
Gradient
peqSTAR 384 HPL
peqSTAR in situ
PEQLAB_v0612E
Cat. No.
with 96 well Universal block and standard lid
for 96 x 0.2 ml tubes, 96 well PCR plates or
48 x 0.5 ml tubes with flat caps
with 96 well Universal Gradient block and standard lid
for 96 x 0.2 ml tubes, 96 well PCR plates or
48 x 0.5 ml tubes with flat caps
with 96 well block and High Pressure Lid
for 96 x 0.2 ml tubes or 96 well PCR plates
with 96 well Gradient block and High Pressure Lid
for 96 x 0.2 ml tubes or 96 well PCR plates
with 384 well block and High Pressure Lid
for 384 well PCR plates
with in situ block for up to four microscope slides
and integrated buffer reservoir
10
95-95002
95-96002
95-95002-HPL
95-96002-HPL
95-950384-HPL
95-950FLAT
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TECHNICAL DATA
General characteristics
6 Peltier elements with Long-Life-technology and 6 control circuits with Pt 1000 temperature sensors
Maximal heating and cooling rate: 5 °C/s
Block uniformity (at 72 °C): ± 0.25 °C
Temperature range thermoblock: 4 to 105 °C
Control accuracy thermoblock: ± 0.1 °C
Variable ramping: 0.1 to 2.0 °C/s
Increment/Decrement time: 0:01 to 9:59 minutes
Increment/Decrement temperature: 0.1 to 9.9 °C
Lid heating temperature range: 70 to 120 °C
Programmable Lid locking mechanism
4 x USB, 1 x Ethernet interfaces (MS Windows®), maximal length of power cord 3 m!
Note: USB interfaces only support standard USB sticks, cord mouse and keyboards!
Dimensions (B x H x D): 29 x 31 x 36 cm
Weight incl. block: 13 kg
Electrical power supply: 90 – 264 V AC, 50 – 60 Hz, 850 VA
Fuse: 10 A time lag
Gradient feature (optional)
Maximal gradient range over 12 columns: 39.8 °C (± 19.9 °C)
Temperature range Gradient: 35 to 105 °C
Gradient accuracy: ± 0.1 °C
User interface/functions
Touch sensitive TFT-Display (1/4 VGA, Graphic, 16 colours), operation via USB mouse possible
Direct help function, Tm- and elongation time calculator
Internal flash memory for 1000 typical PCR programs in free configurable folders/subfolders
Unlimited number of programs via network PC or USB memory stick
Free computer Software for the generation of PCR programs on the computer
Up to 99 steps per program
Password protected user accounts with variable access rights
GLP reports for complete recording of all runs
Quickstart function of the last used program
Automatic restart after power failure, Power-Fail-Denaturation, Instant Incubation
Interchangeable block options
96 Well universal block and lid heating with automatic height adaptation for 96 x 0.2 ml tubes, 96 Well PCR
plates or 48 x 0.5 ml tubes with flat cap
96 Well block and high pressure lid (HPL, 100 – 250 N) for the leak-proof closure of 96 Well plates
384 Well block and high pressure lid (HPL, 100 – 250 N) for the leak-proof closure of 384 Well plates
In situ block with integrated buffer reservoir for up to 4 microscope slides
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8.1
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF THE THERMAL CYCLER
Cleaning, maintenance and repair of the thermal cycler
For safety reasons the device must be switched off and the mains plug pulled before cleaning is carried out!
The surface of the thermal cycler can be wiped off with a damp cloth or ethanol. Do not use aggressive or scouring
cleaners or organic solvents for cleaning. The device should be protected from aggressive chemicals. Make sure
that no liquid penetrates into the interior of the device.
If sample liquids penetrates into the drill holes of the thermal cycler clean them immediately with mild soap
followed by distilled water. You can use mild disinfectants for decontamination.
Maintenance (temperature check-up see 13.2) should be carried out regularly to detect possible technical failures.
The electric fuses are placed at the back of the device between the power switch and the mains plug.
After pulling off the main plugs and pushing upwards a safety catch the fuses can be changed. Use only fuses with
correct values (indications about the fuse type are placed at the back of the device).
The device may only be opened by a qualified specialist. Unauthorized work on the device voids the warranty. All
kinds of repairs may only be carried out by authorized persons using original replacement parts. The replacement
of single components of the device should not be done by the user but exclusively by authorized specialists.
Therefore the device must be sent to the manufacturer. The surface of the device should be decontaminated with a
lint free cloth soaked with 70 % ethanol before sending. The drill holes of the thermoblock shall be cleaned with a
1.5 % hypochlorite solution with the help of a cotton bud. Please fill in and sign the decontamination certificate
and send it to the manufacturer together with the device.
8.2
Temperature check-up
Maintenance of the temperature at regular intervals (e.g. annually) is recommended. The thermometer for use
should be equipped with wired sensing devices (e.g. Pt1000) and should have an accuracy of measurements of
1/10 class B (∆T = ±0.03 °C) in the range of 0 to 100 °C. While processing the temperature control the room
temperature should be 25 °C at maximum.
8.3
Calibration
If there is a reasonable suspicion that the device has deviated from the calibration range, because the variations of
the temperature check-up are considerably out of the acceptable tolerance, a new calibration must be carried out
by the manufacturer. Please contact your local distributor.
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WARRANTY
The period of warranty for the product at hand is 24 month from date of purchase. The warranty does not apply
for defects caused by incorrect, improper or inappropriate use. The customer has to check up on obvious defects
promptly upon receipt of the device and send a written report. Otherwise the claim for warranty expires. The
manufacturer reserves the right to carry out changes to the thermal cycler or to the technical documentation of the
thermal cycler on the basis of product development or improvement without prior notice.
10 DISPOSAL INSTRUCTION
This product is subject to the WEEE disposal regulations and cannot be disposed of with regular
waste.
Please contact PEQLAB Biotechnologie GmbH or your local distributor for disposal of peqSTAR
thermal cyclers. Waste electronic equipment is not useless waste. Environmentally friendly
disposal can help to retrieve valuable resources. Thereby you contribute to the protection of the
environment and human health.
NOTES
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INHALTSVERZEICHNIS
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1
2
LIZENZHINWEIS
This instrument is licensed for research and development and for uses other than human in vitro diagnostics under
one or more of the following patens of Applera Corporation: U.S. Patent Nos. 5,656,493, 5,038,852,
5,333,675, 5,475,610 (claims 1-159 and 164-166), 6,703,236 (claims 7-10) and 7,238,517 or corresponding
claims in their non-U.S. counterparts. No right is conveyed expressly, by implication or by estoppels under any
other patent of Applera, including but not limited to U.S. Patent No. 6,814,934 and its non-U.S. counterparts,
which describe and claim thermal cyclers capable or real-time detection.
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3
4
4.1
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5.2
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5.3
Inkubationsmodus ('Run')
5.4
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Programmname
Programm-Fenster
18
Loop
Kombiniert Open Loop, Close Loop,
Temperature, Ramp und Gradient.
Open Lid
Pause
Heat Lid
Store
Temperature
Open Loop
Ramp
Close Loop
Heat Lid
03
07
Loop
04
Temp
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06
Temp
07
Loop-Funktion beenden mit 'Exit Loop'.
Loop Open
04
05
06
07
Close Loop
08
Ramp
10
Store
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5.5
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Clock
User Accounts
Hide/Show Curser
Sounds
Protocol (OFF/ON)
Firmware
Display Settings
5.6
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TECHNISCHER SERVICE UND BESTELLINFORMATIONEN
Produkt
peqSTAR 96 Universal
peqSTAR 96 Universal
Gradient
peqSTAR 96 HPL
peqSTAR 96 HPL
Gradient
peqSTAR 384 HPL
peqSTAR in situ
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95-95002
95-96002
95-95002-HPL
95-96002-HPL
95-950384-HPL
95-950FLAT
7
TECHNISCHE DATEN
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8.1
Kalibrierung
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NOTIZEN
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D
AT
UK
USA
PEQLAB Biotechnologie GmbH, 91052 Erlangen, Freecall (D): 0800 100 20 16, [email protected], www.peqlab.de
PEQLAB Biotechnologie GmbH, 6404 Polling, Tel: +43 (0) 5238 84 169, [email protected], www.peqlab.at
PEQLAB Ltd., Southampton SO31 7ZN, Freecall (UK): 0808 20 21 302, [email protected], www.peqlab.co.uk
PEQLAB LLC, Wilmington, DE 19810, Toll-Free (US): 877 737 5220, [email protected], www.peqlab.us
Creating the future together.
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