ASTEC GeneAtlas E02 User manual

Thermal Cycler
GeneAtlas
E02/E05
Operation Manual

Thermal Cycler GeneAtlas Type-E Operation Manual, ASTEC CO., LTD.
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ABOUT THIS INTRUCTION MANUAL ---------------------------------- 2
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – TO BE STRICTLY OBSERVED ----- 2
BIOHAZARD PRECAUTIONS--------------------------------------------- 4
WARNING LABEL ON THIS INSTRUMENT--------------------------- 4
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION --------------------------------------------- 4
WARRANTY POLICY--------------------------------------------------------- 5
OPERATING ELEMENTS AND CONNECTIONS --------------------- 6
CONTROL PANEL------------------------------------------------------------- 7
ENTERING CHARACTERS (ALPHABETS/NUMBERS)------------- 8
CONSTANT TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODE --------------------- 9
HOW TO OPERATE CONSTANT TEMP FILES ----------------------10
PROGRAMMED TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODE --------------11
BASIC OPERATION FLOW------------------------------------------------13
CREATING AND EDITING A PROGRAM: FLOW CHART ---------14
CREATING A PROGRAM---------------------------------------------------15
RUNNINGA PROGRAM (FILE)-------------------------------------------18
EDITING A PROGRAM------------------------------------------------------19
COVER HEATER TEMPERATURE SETTINGS ----------------------22
ERROR CODE TABLE ------------------------------------------------------23
SPECIFICATIONS------------------------------------------------------------24
DEFAULT VALUES-----------------------------------------------------------25
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Thermal Cycler GeneAtlas Type-E Operation Manual, ASTEC CO., LTD.
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Thank you very much for purchasing ASTEC Thermal Cycler GeneAtlas Type-E. In order for you to
use this instrument properly and safely, please read this instructions manual thoroughly prior to the use
and retain it for your future reference. The specifications and design of this instrument, as well as the
contents of this instruction manual, are subject to change for improvement without prior notification to
the customers.
Symbols used in this manual and their respective meanings are as follows:
DANGER There is an imminent likelihood that failure to follow instructions
could result in death or serious personal injury.
WARNING Failure to follow instructions could result in death or serious
personal injury.
CAUTION Failure to follow instructions could result in personal injury and/or
property damage.
Prohibited
Instruction
This section covers important safety issues. These warnings below are provided to prevent any
injuries or damages to you and other people that may be caused by unsafe and improper handling of
this instrument. Please be sure to read them carefully and follow them strictly.
DANGER There is an imminent likelihood that failure to follow
instructions could result in death or serious personal injury.
Do not use this instrument outside. Exposure to rainwater could cause a short circuit and/or
electric shock.
Do not install this instrument in a humid or wet place, as it could cause short circuit and/or
electric shock.
Do not insert volatile or flammable materials inside the mechanical section of this instrument or
place them near this instrument, as it could cause explosion and/or fire.
Do not attempt to disassemble, modify, or repair this instrument yourself, as it could cause
electric shock and/or fire. Refer to a trained technician for maintenance service.
If you observe this instrument operating abnormally, switch off and unplug the unit, or shut off
the power supply immediately. Continuing to use the instrument in such condition could
cause electric shock and/or fire.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – TO BE STRICTLY OBSERVED
ABOUT THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Please keep this instruction manual for future reference
and have it ready whenever you use this instrument.

Thermal Cycler GeneAtlas Type-E Operation Manual, ASTEC CO., LTD.
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WARNING Failure to follow instructions could result in death or serious
personal injury.
Install this instrument on a level and stable place that supports its weight adequately. Failure
to do so could cause the instrument to topple over and/or fall, resulting in personal injury.
Use an isolated, rated power supply for this instrument. Sharing power supply with other
instruments could cause the electrical outlet to heat up abnormally and start a fire.
Ensure that there is no dust on the plug prongs, and that the plug is completely inserted in the
receptacle. Dusty or incompletely inserted plug could cause a fire.
Use an earthed outlet to prevent electric shock. If you do not have an earthed outlet, refer to
professional help.
The power supply for this instrument must be commercial power supply in accordance with the
specifications. Using another power supply could damage the instrument and cause
personal injury and/or fire.
If this instrument is to be used with toxic, pathogenic, radioactive, and/or other harmful
specimens, be sure to conduct such procedures in an isolated facility in compliance with the
safety regulations. Failure to do so will harmfully affect human body and surrounding
environment. Also, in order to protect the service technician, please issue a Safety
Assurance Letter.
Switch off and unplug, or shut off the power supply when servicing this instrument. Failure to
do so could cause an electric shock and/or personal injury.
When cleaning or servicing this instrument, be careful not to inhale chemicals, fumes, and/or
dust that might have accumulated on the instrument, as it could be harmful to your health.
CAUTION Failure to follow instructions could result in personal injury
and/or property damage.
When discontinuing the use of this instrument for a certain period, store it in a place where
small children would not find it. Also, take measures so that the lid would not easily open.
Install this instrument in such a place with following conditions:
•Level and stable place
•Well-ventilated place
•Ambient temperature 10 – 30 degrees Celsius, humidity 20 – 80%
This instrument is composed of precision mechanical components and electric parts. Never
install this instrument in places listed below, as it will cause malfunction and/or damage.
•Place where the instrument could easily get wet
•Place where direct sunlight hits
•Place with drastic temperature/humidity changes
•Place near air conditioning machine

Thermal Cycler GeneAtlas Type-E Operation Manual, ASTEC CO., LTD.
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•Dirty or dusty place
•Place with flammable and/or volatile materials
•Shaky place
When using this instrument in a place where static electricity could easily be generated, use
items like an antistatic mat to protect the instrument.
This instrument may be used in an experimental setting where radioactive materials or pathogenic
organisms are tested. If so used, you are responsible for protecting yourself and others against
contamination and/or infection. Also, please disinfect and clean this instrument thoroughly and clearly
indicate such use when relocating it or returning it to us or to our distributors for servicing.
Found on: Power cable inlet
Danger: If not earthed, electric leakage and ensuing electric shock
could result.
Found on: Sample holder, heat cover
Danger: If touched when the above-mentioned components are
heated to high temperature, burn injury could result.
Found on: Heat cover casing
Danger: When closing the lid, fingers and hands could get caught
in.
No part of this instruction manual may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent from ASTEC
Co., Ltd. If you wish to reproduce this instruction manual or cite any part of it, contact us for
authorization.
BIOHAZARD PRECAUTIONS
WARNING LABELS ON THIS INSTRUMENT
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

Thermal Cycler GeneAtlas Type-E Operation Manual, ASTEC CO., LTD.
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We warrant the instrument you have purchased for one calendar year after the date of delivery. If any
defect or malfunction should arise out of material or workmanship within the warranty period, we will
repair the unit or replace the defective parts for free of charge. However, this warranty shall not apply
in the following conditions:
Damage caused by fire, natural disasters, power surge, and other catastrophic events
Damage due to incorrect or unauthorized repair, adjust, or modification
Damage due to improper use or mishandling
Replacement or repair of expendable parts
Warranty card not presented
Warranty card not fully filled out
For service, or if you have any questions regarding the warranty policy or contents of this instruction
manual, please contact our representative agent in your area from whom you purchased this
instrument.
WARRANTY POLICY

Thermal Cycler GeneAtlas Type-E Operation Manual, ASTEC CO., LTD.
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To open the lid, lift up the handle and slide it
toward the back of the unit.
To close the lid, hold the handle to slide the lid
forward and push the handle down.
Write log files to a USB flash memory (text), save
files
OPERATING ELEMENTS AND CONNECTIONS
Handle
LCD panel
USB port
FRONT
BACK
Power switch
Power cable socket
USB port
Printer port
SIDE
Handle Lid
To ope
nthe lid, lift up the handle and
slide it toward the back of the unit.

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LCD Screen Wide LCD screen that shows protocols and processes at a glace
POWER Indicator Indicates that power is on.
HOT Indicator Lights up when the temperature of the sample block is at 50°C or above.
Refer to the warning below.
HEAT Indicator Lights up when the heating operation is in progress.
COOL Indicator Lights up when the cooling operation is in progress.
Number/Alphabet Keys Used for entering parameters, files names, etc.
Function Keys Used for selecting commands to run from the Menu Bar.
Arrow Keys Moves the cursor on the display in the direction that each arrow points.
NUM Key Used for entering numbers.
+Key Can be used only as a character when naming files and/or programs.
-Key Can be used as a minus sign when setting parameters and as a character
when naming files and/or programs.
A-Z Key Used for entering alphabetic characters.
CONTROL PANEL
Power Indicator
HOT Indicator
HEAT Indicator
Arrow Keys
COOL Indicator
Number/Alphabet
Keys
LCD Panel
Function Keys
Space Key
Back Space Key
Enter Key
+/- Keys
AZ Key
NUM Key
Menu Bar
Function Keys

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ENTER Key Used for registering selected parameters.
Space Key Used for entering a space (when naming a file)
Back Space Key Used for deleting a character immediately left to the cursor.
Menu Bar Displays commands available.
CAUTION
When the HOT indicator is on, DO NOT TOUCH the sample block and cover heater.
Burn injury could result.
Entering Alphabets
When entering a file name, the character input mode is set at numbers by default. Press the
“A-Z” key to switch the input mode to alphabets.
Alphabets are assigned to the numeric keys in groups. Press the key showing the character
you wish to enter until the said character is displayed at the cursor.
If you wish to enter the same alphabet (or symbol) consecutively or another alphabet assigned
to the same key, press the right arrow key to move the cursor to the right.
Entering Numbers
To switch the input mode to numbers, press the “NUM” key.
Use the “+” and “–“ keys to enter plus or minus symbol.
ENTERING CHARACTERS (ALPHABETS/NUMBERS)

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After switching on the unit, the user can select the Constant Temp Control Mode or Programmed Temp
Control Mode. To select the Constant Temp Control Mode, press the “F1” key (F1: CONSTANT
TEMP). The Constant Temp File Index, which contains a list of pre-programmed protocols, will be
displayed as below.
Constant Temp Control Menu
RUN Display
CONSTANT TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODE
When the reaction
protocol is over, the unit
maintains the sample
block unit at 4
°
C.
User-defined temperature and
reaction time can be entered.
Press the F1 key to run
the reaction protocol.
“W” is displayed when
the cover temperature
has not reached the
target temperature.
The status of the program is displayed here.
Once the target
temperature has been
reached, the remaining
time of the step will be
displayed.
Current sample
temperature
Lid temperature

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1. Selecting a File
1) Using the Arrow keys, move the cursor to the desired file.
2) Using the Right Arrow key, move the cursor to the Time setting (in the Time setting field, the
value that was used in the last program run is displayed). With the “USER SETTING” file, the
user can set both the temperature and time.
Setting Range Temperature: 3.0°C – 99.9°C
Time: 1 min. – 99 hrs. 59 min.
F1: RUN – To run the protocol, press the “F1” key.
F5: MAIN – To return to the Main Menu, press the “F5” key.
2. Running a File
1) To run a file, press the “F1” key (F1: RUN). The LCD will show the RUN display as below:
2) When the reaction protocol is over, the sample block is maintained at 4°C until the “STOP”
command is selected. Press the “F3” key (F3: STOP) to stop the protocol and return to the
Constant Temp File Index.
HOW TO OPERATE CONSTANT TEMP FILES

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After switching on the unit, the user can select the Constant Temp Control Mode or Programmed Temp
Control Mode. To select the Programmed Temp Control Mode, press the “F3” key (F3:
PROGRAMMED TEMP). The Programmed Temp File Index will be displayed as below.
Programmed Temp File Index
Pressing and holding the “A-Z” key will show the following display (releasing the “A-Z” key will
bring up the Programmed Temp File Index):
To return to the Main Menu (the menu that is displayed right after the unit is switched on), press
the “F2” key (F2: MAIN) while pressing and holding the “A-Z” key.
PROGRAMMED TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODE
Box number (Box 1 – 3)
Program File Name
(up to 10 characters long)
Run a program
Edit a program
Delete a program
Create a new program
Select a File Box
(Box 1 – 3)

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Run Display
Edit Display
NAME File name (can be up to 10 characters long)
SEG Program pattern (up to 5 patterns can be programmed)
REP Number of repeats (setting range: 1 – 99 repeats)
STEP Up to 5 steps can be programmed in one program pattern (SEG).
TEMP Target temperature (setting range: 3°C – 99.9°C)
TIME Reaction time (setting range: 1 sec. – 99 min. 59 sec.; enter 99:99 for continuous
operation)
EXT Extension time. Reaction time can be extended at the finish of each reaction cycle
(setting range: 1 sec. – 99 min. 59 sec.)
PAUSE Enter the cycle number at the step at which you wish to pause the program.
SLOPE The heating/cooling speed between steps can be sloped (max. setting: 9 hrs. 59 min. 59
sec. When the JTsetting is made, “F4” will be changed to SLOPE.)
=TTarget temperature can be increased/decreased by the JTtemp at the finish of each
reaction cycle.
PROGRAMMED TEMP CONTROL MODE (CONT.)
“W” is displayed when
the cover temperature
has not reached the
target temperature.
The status of the program is
displayed ([RUN], [PAUSE],
[OVER], [STOP]).
Once the target
temperature has been
reached
,the remaining time
of the step will be displayed.
Calculated sample
temperature is displayed
(approaching the target
temperature).
Lid temperature
J
Ttemperature
(displayed only at steps with
the JTsetting)
Reaction pattern Nos. and number of repeats are displayed.
(In this case, Pattern #1 will be repeated 1 time, Pattern #2 will
be repeated 35 times, and Pattern #3 will be repeated 1 time.)
“S”
is displayed at a step
with the Slope setting.
“T”
is displayed at a step
with the
JTsetting.

Thermal Cycler GeneAtlas Type-E Operation Manual, ASTEC CO., LTD.
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BASIC OPERATION FLOW
F2: EDIT
F4: NEW
Power On
Select Constant
Temp or
Programmed Temp
Select a program
file
F1: RUN
Program file
completed
EDIT menu
Display during Run
Using the power cable included
with the system, plug the unit into
the earthed electric outlet and
switch the unit on.
Using the arrow keys, select a
program and press the “F1” key to
run it.
To edit an existing program, or to
create a new program, press the
“F2” key (EDIT) or “F4” key (NEW).
F1: CONSTANT
Alist of pre-
programmed files
is available. Using the
arrow keys, select a file and
press the “F1” key to run it.
F3: PROGRAMMED
Program Temp Control menu
will be displayed.
When the unit is switched on, the
Main Menu, shown on the right, will
bedisplayed.
F2: EDIT
Press F2 to edit an existing
program. When editing is
done, press F1 to run the
problem.
F4: NEW
Press F4 to create a new
program. When completed,
press F1 to run the program.
Display when program is completed.
When the program starts, a cursor
is positioned at the step currently
being run. Also, while the
program is running, you can skip a
step or a pattern to a next one,
and pause or stop the program.
When the program is finished, “F3: STOP” will be
displayed on the LCD, and also beeps will sound five
times. Press the F3 key (STOP) to return to the Main
menu.

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EDIT Menu (NEW)
CREATING AND EDITING A PROGRAM: FLOW CHART
Program File Name Pattern No. and number of repeats
Patterns 1 – 5
Number of repeats
Up to 5 reaction patterns can be
programmed.
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
F2: NEXT
F2: EDIT
F5: FILE
SAVE?
F2: YES F3: NO
RENAME?
F2: YES F3: NO
F5: FILE
Enter file name
Save
changes
Select a file
Edit a file
MAIN
MENU
MAIN
MENU
F4: NEW
Enter file name
REP: Enter number
of repeats
TEMP: Enter
temperature
TIME: Enter time
Enter other
parameters
STEP
1–5
SEG
1 – 5
For details on how to create/edit programs, refer to
the next page.
F1 – F5
:Press the function keys on the menu bar.
:Press ENTER after inputting parameters.

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Creating a New Program
1. Choosing a Box
After switching on the unit, the menu shown below will be displayed.
Note: There are 3 Boxes for file storage, and each Box can store up to 15 files.
Press the “F5” key (F5: BOX) to display FILE BOX INDEX.
Choose a Box in which you wish to save the program that you are going to create with F1 – F3
function keys.
Note: When switching on the unit, the File Box that was last used will be opened.
2. Entering a File Name (NAME)
Press the “F4” key (F4: NEW) to create a new program.
Enter a file name and press the “ENTER” key. The cursor will move to the next parameter
field.
Note 1: Afile name can be up to 10-characters long consisting of alphabets, numbers and
symbols. When creating a new file, the character input mode is set at numbers by default. If
you wish to enter alphabets, press the “A-Z” key to switch the input mode.
Note 2: Anew file cannot be created with the same name as that of the existing file. Neither
can one be created in a Box that already contains 15 files. In that case, choose another Box,
delete unnecessary files, or edit an existing file.
CREATING A PROGRAM

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3. Entering a Number of Repeats (REP)
Using the numeric keys, enter the number of how many times you wish to repeat a given
reaction pattern (SEG) and press the “ENTER” key (Setting range: 1 – 99 repeats).
When you enter some value in the REP field and then delete it with the “BS” key, the cursor
would not move to the next field unless you enter a new value in the REP field or hit the
“ENTER” key.
4. Entering Temperature and Time for Each Reaction Step
Using the numeric keys, enter the reaction temperature (TEMP) and press the “ENTER” key to
move the cursor to the time field (TIME). Enter the reaction time and hit the “ENTER” key.
Note 1: The reaction temperature (TEMP) can be set between 3°C and 99.9°C in 0.1°C
increment.
Note 2: The reaction time (TIME) can be set between 00:01 (1 sec.) and 99:59 (99 min. 59
sec.) in 1 second increment. If you enter 99:99, the unit operates the said step continuously
and maintains the temperature of that step until the “STOP” key is pressed. In that case, the
program after that step will be canceled. If you enter 00:00, that step and the program after
the step will be canceled.
5. Entering Other Parameters (EXT, PAUSE, =T)
Using the numeric keys, set the Extension Time (EXT), Pause (PAUSE), Slope (SLOPE) and
Delta T (JT) as needed and press the “ENTER” key.
Note: If you set Slope or Delta T, “S” or “T,” respectively, will appear next to the appropriate
Step number.
6. Entering the Next Pattern (SEG)
Press the “F2” key (F2: NEXT) to create a next reaction pattern.
Note 1: Up to 5 reaction pattern (SEG) can be created.
Note 2: To finalize the entered parameters, press the “ENTER” key. To move the cursor to
the next parameter field, use the “ENTER” key or the Arrow keys.

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7. Completing a Program
When all the parameters have been entered, press the “F5” key (F5: FILE). The Main Menu
will be displayed, showing the file you have just been created.
Summary of Parameters
NAME Afile name can be up to 10-characters long, consisting of alphabets, numbers and
symbols.
SEG Asegment (SEG), or a program pattern, is a set of reaction steps. Up to 5 patterns can
be created.
REP Number of repeats (Setting range: 1 – 99)
STEP Up to 5 Steps can be created in a pattern.
TEMP Reaction temperature (Setting range: 3°C – 99.9°C, in 0.1°C increment)
TIME Reaction time (Setting range: 1 sec. – 99 min. 59 sec., 1 sec. increment, 99:99 for
continuous operation)
EXT Extension Time: extends the reaction time of each programmed step by the EXT value
every time the program repeats that step.
PAUSE Holds the unit’s sample block temperature while waiting for a manual restart. Enter the
repeat number at the step at which you wish to halt the program.
SLOPE Slopes the heating/cooling speed between steps (Max. 9 hrs. 59 min. 59 sec.)
Note: Ramp speed is limited by the maximum heating/cooling rates of the unit. When
SLOPE is set, the display “F4: SLOPE” changes to “F4: JT.”
=TDelta T: Increases or decreases the reaction temperature by the J
Tvalue at each repeat.
Afinal temperature range of 3°C – 99.9°C is recommended.
F2: NEXT Press this key to move to the next pattern (SEG).
F3: CLR Press this key to delete all the parameters in a pattern currently on display.
F5: FILE Press this key to return to the Main Menu.

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Managing Files
When the unit is switched on, the Main Menu, shown below, will be displayed.
Note: When switching on the unit, the File Box that was last used will be opened.
There are 3 File Boxes and each Box can store up to 15 programs.
Function keys accessible from the Main Menu:
F1: RUN Runs the selected program
F2: EDIT Edits the selected program
F3: DEL Deletes the selected program
F4: NEW Creates a new program
F5: BOX Displays the FILE BOX INDEX, which allows the user to access other Boxes.
Running a Program
In the Main Menu, use the arrow keys to move the cursor to the program that you wish to run.
Upon selecting the program, press the “F1” key (F1: RUN) to run it.
Function keys accessible from the RUN display:
F1: HOLD Halts the program (time count)
F3: STOP Stops the program
F4: JMP Skips the step currently being run and moves to the next step.
Note 1: The number of repeats will not change.
Note 2: If you wish to skip the program pattern (SEG) currently being run and
move to the next pattern, press the “F4” key (F4: JMP) while pressing and
holding the “A-Z” key.
RUNNING A PROGRAM (FILE)

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Editing a File
In the Main Menu (File Index), use the arrow keys to move the cursor to the file you wish to edit.
With the cursor at the file name, press the “F2” key (F2: EDIT) to edit the file.
Using the arrow keys, move the cursor to the field you would like to edit, and enter the new parameter
with the numeric keys and hit Enter.
Note 1: If you enter a new value in a field and then deleted it with the “BS” key, you will need to
enter a new value; otherwise the cursor would not move to the next field.
Note 2: If the values in the REP field or the TIME field is set at 00:00, the program cannot be
edited. Also, if the TIME field is set at 00:00, that step and the steps following it will be canceled.
F1: RUN If any of the parameters are unchanged, the program can be started by pressing the “F1”
key. However, if any of the parameters are changed, “F1: RUN” will not be displayed. In
that case, you will need to go back to Main Menu to run the edited program.
F2: NEXT Press the “F2” key to move to the next reaction pattern (segment).
F4: NEW Press the “F3” key to delete all the parameters currently displayed.
F5: FILE Press the “F5” key to return to the Main Menu (File Index).
After editing the parameters, press the “F5” key (F5: FILE). You will be prompted to select either to
save the changes you made or return to the Main Menu without saving them.
If you press the “F5” key (F5: NO) here, the edits will NOT be saved. If you press the “F4” key (F4:
YES), the following display will be shown in the screen:
EDITING A PROGRAM