Blue-Ray Biotech MiniTurbo User manual

MiniTurbo
Thermal Cycler
TCMI-0810
Operation Manual
Ver 1.0
Copyright © 2021 Blue-Ray Biotech Corp.
All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents
1. Safety Precautions......................................................................................................1
2. General Description ....................................................................................................2
2.1 Features.............................................................................................................................2
2.2 Product Overview...............................................................................................................3
3. Unpacking....................................................................................................................6
3.1 Unpacking List....................................................................................................................6
4. Operation .....................................................................................................................7
4.1 Initial Operation..................................................................................................................7
4.2 Lid Opening/Closing...........................................................................................................7
4.3 Protocol Chip......................................................................................................................8
4.4 Heated Lid..........................................................................................................................9
4.5 Loading the Reaction Vessel..............................................................................................9
4.6 Main Screen.....................................................................................................................10
4.7 Start Running...................................................................................................................10
5. Preventative Maintenance ........................................................................................11
5.1 Cleaning the Unit.............................................................................................................. 11
5.2 Cleaning the Heated Lid................................................................................................... 11
6. Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................12
6.1 General Problem..............................................................................................................12
6.2 Error Messages................................................................................................................12
Appendix A: Technical Specifications ...........................................................................14
Appendix B: CE Declaration...........................................................................................15

1. Safety Precautions
1
1. Safety Precautions
Before using the MiniTurbo, please read this operation manual carefully and pay attention to the
safety information. To guarantee problem free operation, please follow the instructions and safety
precautions to ensure safe operation of the MiniTurbo. It is essential to observe the following:
1. Do not use the device in a potentially explosive environment or with potentially explosive
chemicals.
2. Avoid the device in direct sunlight.
3. Choose a flat, stable surface capable of supporting the weight of the device.
4. Make sure the power source conforms to the required power supply specifications.
5. To avoid electric shock, make sure the device is plugged into a grounded electrical outlet.
6. Do not allow water or any foreign objects to enter the various openings of the device.
7. Switch off the device and unplug the mains cable before cleaning or performing service on the
device, for instance when replacing the fuses.
8. Repairs should be carried out by authorized service personnel only.
9. Safety label
High Temperature Label: Please be aware of the heated components.

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2. General Description
The MiniTurbo is a simple, portable and affordable thermal cycler. It is easy to move around the
laboratory and allows a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to be run immediately. This portable
instrument provides the same precise test results as a normal sized instrument. It is a
well-designed, reliable and convenient thermal cycler that can be used anywhere.
2.1 Features
The instrument is compact in size and portable
Light, handy and modern design
8 x 0.2ml PCR tube capacity
One button operation makes it easy to operate
The heated lid prevents the formation of condensation
Precise temperature control
Fast ramping rate
Open system
Fully programmable

2. General Description
3
2.2 Product Overview
Figure 1. Front view.
Table 1. Detailed description for front view
Name Function
Main Screen The main screen displays the temperature before the protocol is run and the
count-down time while the protocol is being run.
Start Button Starts the protocol running or switches a routine.
Lid
The heated lid is designed to prevent condensation inside the reaction
vessels during PCR temperature cycling.
Lid Open Button Press the button and the lid will open easily.
Air Vents For air output. Do not block the vents during operations.
Note
Please do not touch or press the main screen when moving or lifting the device which may
damage it.
Main Screen
Start Button
Lid
Lid Open Button

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Figure 2. Front view with lid open.
Table 2. Detailed description for front view with lid open
Name Function
High Temperature
Warning Label
During and after PCR operation, the lid heater platen and the sample block
may become very hot (up to 105
°C). Please be aware of the high
temperature.
Lid Heater Platen
The heater platen is designed to prevent condensation inside the reaction
vessels and apply consistent pressure to the top of the reaction vessels.
This ensures appropriate contact between the reaction vessels and the
sample block for better heat conductio
n. It will also help prevent the
leakage of sample vapor caused by weak vessel caps or poor sealing.
Sample Block The sample block holds the reaction vessels.
Protocol Chip Port The programmable chip port recognizes
and loads the setting protocol
automatically when the programmable chip is inserted.
Lock Sensor
The lock sensor will detect the condition of the lid. The function of the lock
sensor can be changed in the protocol. There are two possible conditions if
the lid is opened while a protocol is running:
Lock sensor function is on: When lid opens, the running protocol will pause.
Lock sensor function is off: When lid opens, the running protocol will
continue.
Lid Heater Platen High Temperature
Warning Label
Lock Sensor
Sample Block
Programmable Chip
Port

2. General Description
5
Figure 3. Rear view.
Table 3. Detailed description for rear view
Name Function
Power Cable Socket Power cable socket compartment.
Power Switch Power On/Off switch.
Power Cable
Socket
Power Switch

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3. Unpacking
3.1 Unpacking List
Open the MiniTurbo package and confirm that all the listed items are included:
MiniTurbo unit x 1
Programmable Chip x 1
MiniTurbo Writer x 1
MiniTurbo Writer USB connector x 1
USB Flash Drive x 1
AC power adapter x 1
AC power cord x 1
If there are any items missing, damaged, or there are incorrect items in the package, please contact
your distributor or sales representative immediately.

4. Operation
7
4. Operation
4.1 Initial Operation
Place the device on a steady and flat table. Check the power source is compatible then connect the
DC-in plug to the DC-in jack at the rear of the device.
Turn on the device by using the power switch at the rear of the unit. The main screen will light up for
2 seconds and there will be a “beep”. This indicates that the power is on. Switch off the device
when not in use.
4.2 Lid Opening/Closing
To open the lid, push the lid open button inwards and lift the lid to the upright position, as shown in
Figure 4.
Figure 4. Opening the lid.

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To close the lid, push the lid downwards to the lock position. Make sure the lid is right down as show
in Figure 5.
Figure 5. Closing the lid.
4.3 Protocol Chip
The protocol chip has stored protocols and there is no need to enter any protocols by hand. This
prevents setting errors and makes sure that the target nucleic acid will be amplified properly. When

4. Operation
9
the protocol chip is placed into the port, the MiniTurbo will recognize it automatically.
Figure 6. Protocol Chip.
4.4 Heated Lid
The heated lid heats the air in the upper part of the sample vessels to a temperature higher than the
reaction mixture. This prevents condensation of the evaporated water vapor on the vessel walls
and keeps the concentration of the reaction mixture unchanged during the heating and cooling
cycles. The heater platen also applies pressure to the caps or sealing film on the vessels to prevent
vapor loss and cross contamination between samples.
4.5 Loading the Reaction Vessel
For optimal performance of the MiniTurbo, the recommended sample volume for 0.2 ml tubes is
20-50 μl. Please make sure the tube caps are sealed tightly to prevent evaporation and overflow of
liquid. Make sure the tubes are pushed straight down into the well so that they are all at the same
level when the lid is closed.
Figure 7. Loading the reaction vessels.

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4.6 Main Screen
The information displayed on the main screen will include the protocol number, the temperature of
the heater, and the protocol remaining time as in the figure below.
Figure 8. Main screen overview.
4.7 Start Running
After the MiniTurbo has recognized the protocol in the Protocol Chip, please push the start button
to run the protocol. While the protocol is running, the start button acts as a change-over switch that
toggles the main screen display between remaining time and heater temperature. If necessary, the
start button can be pressed for 3 seconds to stop the protocol.
Figure 9. Main screen shows remaining time during running.
Figure 10. Main screen shows heater temperature during running.
No Card Heater: OFF 60℃105℃
HR MIN SEC
Protocol Number
Protocol Remaining Time
Temperature
of Heater
Heater 105℃
Heater Temp.
Heater: OFF
HR MIN SEC
Protocol Remaining Time
Heater Setting
Temp.

5. Preventative Maintenance
11
5. Preventative Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning the Unit
Please ensure that no liquid is spilled onto or into the unit. In addition, periodically apply soft
lint-free cloth and deionized water on the unit, which is to remove dust and other residue that
comes with normal operation of the unit. A vacuum cleaner can be used to remove dust from the air
vents.
5.2 Cleaning the Heated Lid
Make sure the MiniTurbo is turned off, unplugged and cooled down. Use mild detergents to clean
material from the lid. A Kimwipe™ dipped in 70% ethanol will help remove residue from the sealing
tape. Make sure the lid is dry prior to plugging in the power cable.

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6. Troubleshooting
6.1 General Problems
6.2 Error Messages
The instrument will show an error message on the main screen and stop working until the problem
has been solved. Please see the table below.
Message Cause Action
Er01- Heater overheat Heater over 120
°
C Reboot the unit.
Er02- Heater cannot reach
the setting temperature.
Faulty heater. Reboot the unit.
Er03- Heater has lost
temperature accuracy
The heater temperature has
been over ±3°C for 30 seconds. Reboot the unit.
Er04- Heater temperature
sensor error.
Heater temperature sensor
problem. Reboot the unit.
Er05- Block temperature
sensor error.
Block temperature sensor
problem. Reboot the unit.
Problem Cause Action
The display remains
off even when power is
switched on.
Power is not reaching the system. Check power source voltage.
The power cord is not properly
plugged into the socket. Reconnect the power cord.
Faulty power switch. Return the unit for service.
Lid will not open or
close.
Foreign object between lid heater
and sample block. Remove the foreign object or matter.
Faulty lid lock mechanism. Return the unit for service.
The display goes off. Faulty backlight. Return the unit for service.
Faulty LCD panel Return the unit for service.
Cycle time is too long.
Operating environment
temperature may be unsuitable. Make sure the temperature of the operating environment is between
15 and 30°C.
The electronic cooling element
may be damaged or aged. Return the unit for service.
Faulty temperature sensor. Return the unit for service.
Lid heater does not
work.
Lid heater is set to off. Check Lid Temperature setting in
protocol.
Lid sensor problem. Return the unit for service.

6. Troubleshooting
13
Er06- Block temperature
abnormal
Cannot reach set temperature
in 1 minute. Reboot the unit.
Er07- Block overheating. The block temperature is over
the set temperature by 20°C. Reboot the unit.
Er08- Block has lost
temperature accuracy.
The block temperature has
gone over ±3.0°C for 10
seconds.
Reboot the unit.
Er09- Cannot read the
protocol even when
Protocol Chip is correctly
inserted.
Faulty Protocol Chip. Return the Protocol Chip for
service.
Faulty protocol running port Return the unit for service.
Protocol Chip is not properly
plugged into the port. Check the unit and reconnect the Protocol Chip.
Er10- Abnormal
interruption of power
supply.
Instrument shut down while a
protocol was running. Push the start button to reset and start a new protocol.
Power supply was interrupted
while a protocol was running.
If the same error message appears after rebooting, please return the unit for service.

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Appendix A: Technical Specifications
Sample Block
2*4 well Block 0.2 ml PCR tube /w flat or dome cap
Block Temperature
Block Temperature Range 4 to 99°C
Max Heating Rate 5.5 °C/sec
Max Cooling Rate 3.4 °C/sec
Temperature Accuracy +/- 0.4°C
Temperature Uniformity Across Block +/- 0.4°C
General
Display A group of 6-digits display
Heated Lid Yes, fixed 105°C (pre-heat to 60°C)
Footprint Dimensions (H x W x D) 104 mm x 136 mm x 102 mm
Weight 1 kg
Adapter VAC 100-240, 50/60 Hz, 120 W
Standard CE, RoHS
Operating Temperature 15 ~ 30°C
Operating Humidity 65% or less RH

Appendix B: CE Declaration
15
Appendix B: CE Declaration
BLUE-RAY BIOTECH CORP.
4F., No. 31, Sec. 2, Chang-An E. Rd.,
Zhong-Shan Dist., Taipei City 10456,
Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Declaration of Conformity
Product Name: Thermal Cycler
Model Names: MiniTurbo
All models comply with the following European standards:
EMC: EN 61326 (Group 1, Class A)
Safety: EN 61010-1 and EN 61010-2-101
To the best of my knowledge and belief, these units conform to these
standards.
Name: Jimmy Kuo
Position: Quality Assurance Manager
Issue Date: 2018.08.03