Amplyus miniPCR mini16 User manual

(c)2013-2019 Amplyus LLC.
miniPCR bio and the miniPCR bio logo
are trademarks of Amplyus LLC mini16 user’s guide [e-mail]
mini16 thermal cycler
User’s guide

02. [email protected]
mini16 user’s guide
INDEX
Quick start guide
Warranty
Specifications
Features
Components
Software Overview
Contents
Optional accessories
Getting started
Download
Connect
Software operation
Protocol types
Create and save
Editing protocols
Running and monitoring protocols
Operation without software
Hardware operation
Loading your samples
Quickguide to LED interface
Troubleshooting and maintenance
Troubleshooting
Care & maintenance
Operating conditions
INDEX

03. [email protected]
mini16 user’s guide
Download software from minipcr.com/downloads
Connect mini16 to your device using USB or Bluetooth > Devices tab
Create a PCR, heat block, linear ramp or Flex program > Library tab
Run by clicking the play symbol to upload the program and start the run
Monitor progress > Monitor (mobile) or Now running (desktop) tab
QUICK START GUIDE
1 --
2 --
3 --
4 --
5 --
QUICK START GUIDE

04. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
WARRANTY
This Limited Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 24 months
from the date of purchase under the following conditions:
Amplyus will repair or replace any defective items upon factory inspection of the item claimed.
Amplyus will cover shipping charges if the claim is initiated within 30 days from purchase.
After 30 days from the date of purchase, end users of the Product will be responsible for
shipping charges to and from the Amplyus facility for assessment and repair under the terms
of this Limited Warranty.
This Limited Warranty does not cover wear and tear to components resulting from normal
use of the Product, nor does it cover failures caused by incorrect use, negligence, alterations,
or damage caused by intentional or accidental misuse of equipment. This Limited Warranty
also excludes damage caused during any shipment/transport/movement of the product
following its initial receipt by the customer.
Amplyus’ sole liability, under this Limited Warranty, for failure to repair or replace miniPCR
thermal cyclers after a reasonable number of attempts, is limited to the replacement of
the Product or, at Amplyus’ sole discretion, the refund of the original purchase price of the
Product.
This 24-month warranty is valid from the date of purchase of miniPCR thermal cyclers
(the “Product”).
This Limited Warranty covers the original purchaser of the Product and shall not
extend in its validity to third parties without the written agreement of Amplyus LLC
(“Amplyus”).
This Limited Warranty covers only the Product and any original accessories provided
with it. It excludes software, documentation, consumables, or related items.
This Limited Warranty will maintain its validity only as long as the Product is operated
in the manner, conditions, and with the care described in its User’s Guide or Manual.
This Limited Warranty will be voided by improper or unauthorized maintenance of
the Product, or by improper attachment of electrical adapters and power supplies not
supplied by Amplyus or its authorized representatives.
This Limited Warranty will be voided by any failure to meet requirements for the
operation of a thermal cycler in laboratory conditions as described in the User’s Guide.
WARRANTY

05. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
Dual Bluetooth® and USB conectivity
Programmable via Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android and Kindle Fire
PCR, touchdown PCR, heat block, linear ramp and FLEX programming modes
FLEX mode allows for arbitrary combinations of up to 15 programming steps
Portable and durable construction
16 x 0.2 ml PCR tube capacity (strip compatible)
On-device microprocessor runs autonomously
Universal voltage power adaptor 100-240V
Battery/solar power operation for full autonomy (not included)
SPECIFICATIONS
FEATURES
COMPONENTS
Lid adjustment knob
Sample-holding
block for 2 x 8 x 0.2 ml
microtubes
Lid safety latch (pinch
both sides to open)
LED status indicators
Heated Lid
SPECIFICATIONS

06. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
miniPCRTM mini16 thermal cycler
Universal voltage power adapter (2AA73)
US-style AC cord (QP-1000-07)
6 ft USB Cable (QP-1000-09)
Drawstring travel pouch (QP-1000-12)
miniPCR™ Power Pack, 20,000 mAh Li-Ion Battery (QP-1000-13)
Portable solar panel (contact [e-mail])
CONTENTS
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
SPECIFICATIONS

07. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
GETTING STARTED
miniPCR App v2.0 or higher is needed to run mini16.
Visit www.minipcr.com/downloads and select your platform of choice (Windows, Mac,
iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle Fire). Minimum system requirements are listed on the
website.
iOS users: visit Apple App Store.
Windows 10 users: unzip the file and run the miniPCR installer.
Mac OS users: Double click and move App to the folder of your choice. If the operating
system will not let you open the software (“miniPCR” can’t be opened because it was
not downloaded from the Mac App Store.), you will need to change your permission
settings in
System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Allow Apps
downloaded from > select “Anywhere”
Note: dialog may vary depending on operating system version.
Android users: visit the Android Play Store.
Kindle Fire users: click on ‘Get app’ from the Amazon web store.
Open the App by double-clicking or tapping on the miniPCR icon
DOWNLOAD THE miniPCRTM APP
(FREE DOWNLOAD)
GETTING STARTED
1 --
2 --

08. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
CONNECT
GETTING STARTED
Establishing a Bluetooth (BLE) connection (iOS, Windows, Mac, Android
and Kindle Fire)
Note: make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your device.
Turn on the mini16 using the on/off switch on the back of the unit. A flashing blue LED
on the front of the mini16 indicates that it is ready to connect to your device.
Click the Devices tab (Win/Mac) or the icon (mobile, top center of the screen). mini16
units within BLE range will be listed. Click on the BLE symbol of the mini16 unit
you would like to connect to.
Successful pairing is indicated by green text “Connected” and by the blue LED staying
always on.
You are ready to use your miniPCRTM thermal cycler.
1 --
2 --
3 --
Win/Mac
Device is connected
Bluetooth symbol
Devices tab
Android / iOS / Amazon Fire
Need to add Windows first time connection.

09. [email protected]
mini16 user’s guide
Establishing a USB connection (Windows, Mac, Android and Kindle Fire)
Win/Mac
Connect the mini16 to your computer, using a USB-C to USB-A adapter and the origi-
nal USB cable provided with t he miniPCR. The mini16 will connect automatically and
is ready to use.
microUSB OTG (‘On the go’) adapter required.
1- First connect the OTG into your device and only then connect the miniPCR USB
cable into OTG adapter and the mini16 unit.
2. The mini16 will connect automatically.
USB-A
Connect the miniPCR supplied USB cable to the computer and the back of the mini16.
The three LEDs on the front of your miniPCRTM machine will blink several times during
two seconds.
The mini16 will be listed under the Devices or tab of your software.
You are ready to use your miniPCRTM thermal cycler.
1 --
2 --
3 --
2nd. Connect OTG
to miniPCR
USB Cable
1st. Connect
OTG to Android
device
USB-C USB-C to USB-A adapter required.
Android and Kindle Fire
1. With software closed, connect the mini16 to your Android or Kindle Fire
using a USB-C to USB-A adapter and the original USB cable provided with the
miniPCR.
2. The App will open and the mini16 will connect automatically. If the software
fails to recognize the mini16, close the App and open it again.
GETTING STARTED
CONNECT (continued)

10. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
Changing device name (optional)
The default name of your miniPCR is its serial number located on the back of the device.
Navigate to the Devices tab or screen and click on the icon of the device’s
name to edit. Press Save.
1 --
GETTING STARTED
OPTIONAL CONFIGURATIONS
Establishing connections to multiple miniPCR units
Go to Devices to see the list of available mini16 units. Note: it is possible to connect
mini8 and mini16 units simultaneously.
All units connected through USB will automatically appear as ‘Connected’ and are
ready to program.
To connect units over BLE follow the steps in the Establishing a Bluetooth (BLE)
connection.
1 --
2 --
2 --
3 --
This procedure works for connecting units through BLE and/or USB.

11. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
SOFTWARE OPERATION
CREATING AND SAVING PROTOCOLS
SOFTWARE OPERATION
miniPCR App v2.0 or higher is needed to run mini16.
Open the miniPCR™ App in your device and remain on the “Library” tab
Click on the button on the top right corner.
Select the “Protocol Type” from the menu on the top of the right pane (Win/Mac) or
screen (Android / iOS / Amazon Fire)
• PCR: for thermal cycling reactions
• Heat Block: for incubations
• Linear Ramp: for heating or cooling reactions at a steady rate
• Flex: touchdown PCR and any combination of the above
1 --
3 --
2 --
You can program mini16 in four different modes: PCR, heat block, linear ramp and FLEX
(includes touchdown PCR)
Enter a protocol name; for example “GeneX PCR”.
Enter protocol parameters as shown below.
4 --
5 --
Protocol selection dialog

12. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
SOFTWARE OPERATION
PCR mode
Input temperatures up to 99 °C, step times up to 9999 seconds minutes and cycles up to 99.
Heated lid is turned on by default. This setting mantains the lid at approx 105 °C to prevent
condensation on the caps of the tubes.
CREATING AND SAVING PROTOCOLS (cont.)
Heat block mode
Input temperatures up to 99 °C and time up to 165 hours.
Select from preset temperatures (37 °C, 42 °C, 55° C, 65° C, 72° C, 95° C) or use the dialog
box to enter any temperature between 25° C and 99° C.
Use the slider to select times between 1 and 180 minutes or the dialog box to input any
number between 1 and 9999 minutes (mobile), or 99 h 59 m.
Heated lid is turned on by default. This setting mantains the lid at approx 10 degrees above
the target temperature.

13. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
SOFTWARE OPERATION
Linear ramp mode
Select the initial and final temperatures and the ramp time from the first to the second
temperature. A heating or cooling ramp can be selected. Heated lid is turned on by default.
This setting mantains the lid at approx 10 degrees above the current temperature.
CREATING AND SAVING PROTOCOLS (cont.)
Flex Mode
In FLEX mode, you can create a program containing a combination of PCR, heat block, linear
ramp and touchdown PCR steps. Heated lid is turned on by default.
Click “Save” or “Save and Run” to store your new protocol
• Your protocol is now ready to use and available in the Library.
• Tip: clicking “Save and Run” instead of “Save” will bring up a dialog in which you
can select the miniPCR machines that you would like to upload the program to.
Run will start immediately.
6 --
Note: PCR, heat block and linear ramp protocols have a cool down step that brings the block to 37 °C. When creating
a FLEX program, the final cooling step can be toggled on and off.

14. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
PROTOCOL OPTIONS
Click on the desired protocol from your Library to show available options: Run, View/
Edit, Copy, Delete. Click View/Edit.
Editing protocols
Update protocol parameters (e.g. change the number of cycles, temperature, etc.)
Click “Save Only” to store the updated protocol parameters or “Save and Run” to store
changes and start the protocol.
You can also create a copy of an existing protocol by clicking “Copy”. A new protocol
will be created (“Protocol Name (2)”). The original protocol will be preserved.
Press the icon to delete the protocol.
Copying protocols
Deleting protocols
1 --
2 --
3 --
SOFTWARE OPERATION
Win/Mac Mobile / iOS / Amazon Fire

15. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
RUNNING AND MONITORING
Move the power switch on the back of the mini16 to the ON position.
Connect your miniPCRTM thermal cycler via USB cable or Bluetooth.
Tip: You can simultaneously monitor multiple miniPCR machines with one device. Each
miniPCRTM will appear as a separate tab in the “Now running” (Mac/Win) or “MONITOR”
(mobile) tab.
Tip: If using a USB connection, external power is not needed at this step; the power
switch may remain in the OFF position.
In Windows and Mac each miniPCR will appear as a separate tab in the “Now running”
tab. In Android, iOS, or Kindle Fire each miniPCR will appear as a bar at the bottom of
the “Monitor” tab.
1 --
2 --
SOFTWARE OPERATION
Win/Mac Mobile / iOS / Amazon Fire
Select the desired protocol from your Library.
Click the “Run” button. The run will automatically begin, signaled by the green LED
turning on.
3 --
Starting the run

16. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
Autonomous run feature
• It is not necessary to maintain a USB or Bluetooth connection during a run. The
miniPCR will keep running the protocol while the power switch remains in the ON
position.
• Toggling the power switch OFF and ON will restart the last protocol programmed
(with Auto Start ON, see below).
Tip: The end of a run will be signaled by the green, yellow and red LEDs staying ON.
1 --
Monitoring the run
Click on “[miniPCR name]” tab to monitor run status. The following information will be
displayed
• Protocol name
• Status: Running, Stopped, Paused, Cool down, Finished.
• Current step, cycle, and time in step
• Elapsed time (left), remaining time (right)
• You can Pause or Stop your reaction at any time
SOFTWARE OPERATION
Auto Start feature
The Auto Start feature controls whether the last program that was loaded on the mini16 will
start automatically or not upon turning the power switch to the ON position. The Auto Start
feature can be set for each unit in the Devices tab. The Auto Start selection remains in the
mini16 memory until it is changed from the software.
Auto Start OFF
• The run will only start until RUN is selected in the Library tab. Connection to a device
is required with Auto Start mode OFF.
Auto Start ON
• From power OFF position: Connect to AC power, turn the power switch ON. Your last
protocol will automatically begin. Connection to software is not required.
• From power ON position: Cycle the power switch OFF, then ON. Your last protocol
will begin automatically.

17. [e-mail]
mini16 user’s guide
LOADING YOUR SAMPLES
HARDWARE OPERATION
Open the lid by pinching the side tabs on the front plate of your miniPCRTM machine
(indicated by arrows). Use your thumb and index fingers to pinch, and lift the lid with
your other hand. Load the PCR tubes in the metal block.
Fully untwist (counterclockwise) the adjustment knob and press the lid down until the
lid clicks shut. Tighten the adjustment knob (clockwise) until you feel light resistance
from the tube caps. Be careful not to over-tighten.
1 --
2 --
Turn knob to adjust
lid height
Pinch both tabs to release lid
HARDWARE OPERATION

18. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
QUICK GUIDE TO LED INTERFACE
All LEDs flashing: protocol
uploaded or device initializing
All LEDs on: protocol complete
Green LED: intermittent, lid heating;
solid on, sample block cooling
Red LED on: sample block heating
Blue LED on: mini16 paired via Bluetooth
HARDWARE OPERATION
Blue LED flashing: mini16 available for Bluetooth
pairing
Green, Yellow, and Red LEDs cycling:
mini16 ready for protocol run. Press “Run”
to start
Yellow LED flashing: error,
reinitialize device or contact support

19. [email protected]
mini16 user’s guide
TROUBLESHOOTING
AND MAINTENANCE
TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE
Lid won’t latch: ensure tubes are properly inserted into block and lid is at maximum
height (turn knob counterclockwise).
Run won’t start: ensure power supply is plugged into AC outlet and the power supply
LED is on. Check miniPCR power switch is in the ON position. Ensure protocol uploads
and LEDs blink.
miniPCR started too soon: miniPCR run will begin as soon as a protocol is uploaded or
power is switched ON. Maintain power in the OFF position during protocol upload if
you do not wish to start immediately.
I left my samples in the miniPCR overnight after a run: PCR product is stable in PCR
buffer at room temperature for >72h. There’s no need to refrigerate samples immediately
after a run.
I cannot find my mini16 on the Devices tab: ensure miniPCR power is on and Bluetooth
LED is flashing. A solid blue LED indicates active pairing via Bluetooth; make sure your
miniPCR is not already paired to another computer or smart device. Powering mini16
off and on will reset the connection. If this fails, connect via USB.
If you need to contact miniPCR:
Phone: [phone]PCR
Email: [e-mail]
Mail: 1770 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 167
Cambridge, MA 02140

20. [email protected]om
mini16 user’s guide
TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE
CARE & MAINTENANCE
miniPCRTM thermal cyclers do not require regular maintenance. They can be cleaned
using water or an acrylic cleaning agent. They should not come into contact with
organic solvents or corrosive solutions. Ensure that no liquid enters the device. For
safety reasons, the device must be switched off and disconnected from the power
supply before cleaning.
The device may only be opened by qualified service personnel. The miniPCR Limited
Warranty will be voided in the event of damage caused by unauthorized servicing.