Labnet MultiGene OptiMax TC9610 User manual

MultiGene OptiMax Thermal Cycler
TC9610 /TC9610-230
Operation Manual
Ver.2.1
Midwest Scientific, Inc.

Notice
This instrument is licensed for research and development and for uses
other than human in vitro diagnostics. Notwithstanding explicitly
licensed patents, no right is conveyed expressly, by implication or by
estoppel under any patent owned or controlled by Life Technologies
Corporation, including, but not limited to, patents that cover thermal
cyclers capable of real-time detection.Further information on the
license may be obtained by contacting the Director of Licensing, Applied
Biosystems, 850 Lincoln Centre Drive, Foster City, California, USA.

Table of Contents
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................................................................................................1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................2
2.1 FEATURES........................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 PRODUCT OVERVIEW....................................................................................................... 2
GETTING STARTED........................................................................................................6
3.1 U NPACKING .....................................................................................................................6
3.2 INITIAL O PERATION .........................................................................................................6
3.3 HEATED LID ....................................................................................................................6
3.4 LID OPENING/CLOSING ...................................................................................................7
3.5 FUNCTION M AP .............................................................................................................10
3.6 KEY ENTRY SYSTEM .....................................................................................................11
3.7 LOADING THE REACTION VESSEL.................................................................................. 11
USER FOLDER MANAGEMENT ................................................................................12
4.1 VIEWINGA USER FOLDER.............................................................................................. 12
4.2 CREATINGA NEW USER FOLDER ...................................................................................13
4.3 EDITING AUSER FOLDER............................................................................................... 13
4.4 DELETINGA USER FOLDER............................................................................................ 13
PROTOCOL MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................15
5.1 RUNNINGA P ROTOCOL ..................................................................................................15
5.2 PAUSE A P ROTOCOL .......................................................................................................16
5.3 VIEWING RUNNING PROTOCOLINFORMATION............................................................... 16
5.4 T ERMINATING A P ROTOCOL ...........................................................................................17
CREATING A NEW PROTOCOL.................................................................................18
6.1 CHANGING TEMPERATURE/TIMEVALUES...................................................................... 18
6.2 INSERTING/DELETINGTEMPERATURE SEGMENT ........................................................... 19
6.3 CHANGING TEMPERATURE SEGMENT COUNT (TEMP)AND CYCLE COUNT (C YC )..........19
6.4ADVANCED S ETTINGS ....................................................................................................19
6.5 SAVINGA PROTOCOL.....................................................................................................23
EDITING(VIEWING) A PROTOCOL..........................................................................24
DELETING A PROTOCOL ...........................................................................................24
SYSTEM SETUP .............................................................................................................25

9.1 DATALOG .....................................................................................................................26
9.2 DATE & TIME ................................................................................................................27
9.3 LID T EMPERATURE ........................................................................................................27
9.4 BEEPER .........................................................................................................................28
9.5ADMINISTRATOR ...........................................................................................................28
9.6 SERVICE MODE .............................................................................................................28
9.7 RAMPING SPEED............................................................................................................ 28
9.8 TMCALCULATOR ..........................................................................................................29
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................... 30
10.1 CLEANING THE UNIT ....................................................................................................30
10.2 CLEANING THE HEATED LID .........................................................................................30
10.3 REPLACINGA FUSE...................................................................................................... 30
10.4 CHANGING THE THERMALBLOCK ...............................................................................30
TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................................31
1. OPERATINGTEMPERATUREENVIRONMENTMAY BE UNSUITABLE ................................. 31
2. ELECTRONIC COOLING ELEMENT MAY BE DAMAGED OR AGED..................................... 31
11.1 ERROR M ESSAGES .......................................................................................................32
APPENDIX A: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................... 33
APPENDIX B: PROTOCOLS IN DEFAULT FOLDER ............................................. 34
APPENDIX C: CE DECLARATION ............................................................................36
APPENDIX D: HYPER TERMINAL AND USB DRIVER SETUP ........................... 37
APPENDIX E: MULTIGENE RECOMMENDED CONSUMABLES ......................38

MultiGene Thermal Cycler
1
Safety Precautions
Before using the MultiGene OptiMax thermal cycler for the first time, please read this
entire operating manual carefully. To guarantee problem free, safe operation of the
MultiGene OptiMax thermal cycler, it is essential to observe the following points.
1. Do not use the machine in a potentially explosive environment or with poten t ial l y
explosive chem i cals.
2. Install the machine in location free of excessive dust.
3. Avoid placing the machine in direct sunligh t .
4. Choose a flat, stable surface capable of withstanding the weight of the machine.
5. Install the machine in the room temperature 15 ~ 30°C, relative humidity 20
~80%.
6. DO NOT block the air vents.
7. Keep the side and rear of the machine at least 30cm from the wall or other
machine.
8. Make sure the power source conforms to the required power supply specifications.
9. To avoid electric shock, make sure the machine is plugged into a grounded
electrical outlet.
10. Do not allow water or any foreign objects to enter the various openings of the
machine.
11. Switch off the machine before cleaning or performing service on the machine,
such as replacing the fuses.
12. Repairs should be carried out by authorized service personnel on l y.
High Temperature Label: Please be aware of the heated b l ock.
Warning Label: Please be aware of the danger of electric shock or other dangers.

2
General Description
The MultiGene OptiMax thermal cycler is a powerful, reliable and affordable therma l
cycler. It is equipped with a gradient function that enables the user to set a maximum 24
°C temperature gradient between the BLOCK＃1 to BLOCK＃6 (16 well/block).
2.1 Features
Easy-to-operate slide and lever type lid which prevents accidental skin burn
Large LCD panel enhances visibility and ease-of-operat i on.
Graphic display makes programming quick and simple.
Simple and easy to use graphical interface.
Extended Temperature return function that makes touchdown possible
Gradient function enables optimization of annealing temperatures.
Preset protocols that make starting amplification easier.
Air intake vents on the front and sides and exhaust vents on the rear that reduce
heat-based interference with other equipment.
Interchangeable blocks.
Automatically creates operating history and error l ogs.
Heated lid to prevent the formation of condensation.
Robust and attractive design.
Auto restart after power failure.
2.2 Product Overview
The front panel of MultiGene OptiMax thermal cycler includes a display panel and
22-key keypad which consists of function keys (F1-F5), alphanumeric keys, directional
arrow keys and the ENTER key.

MultiGene Thermal Cycler
3
Figure 1. Front Panel Overview
Name
Function
Function Keys
(F1 to F5)
Use the function keys (F1 to F5) to activate the “button”displayed on
the screen above the key; for example, F1 for RUN.
Directional
Arrow Keys
The four Directional Arrow keys can move the cursor into differen t
directions.
ENTER key
The current selection is activated or accepted when the ENTER key is
pressed.
Alphanumeric
Keys (0~9)
The alphanumeric keys are usually used as number keys for the entry
of time, temperature, password and cycle numbers. When entering a
user name or protocol name, a small screen will pop out to display the
letters after pressing the Alphanumeric keys. Press the selected key
until the desired letter is highlighted. Press the ENTER key to select
the letter or wait 5 seconds.
CLEAR key
(CE)
Press CLEAR key will erase the entry in an input fie l d.
STOP key
By pressing STOP, the Protocol current running will be term i nated.

4
Figure 2. Front View
Name
Function
Lid
The lid with heating pad is designed to protect against evapora ti on
resulting from heating of the reaction tube and reaction plate.
Lid Knob
Rotate Lid Knob in clockwise will lower the heating plate to place
pressure on the cap of tubes. This forces the tubes to sit firmly in the
block for better contact. Rotate Lid Knob in counter-clockw i se
direction until the Lid pops up. Only after the Lid pops, can users
slide the Lid to the rear.
Sample Block
Section of the unit in which sample tubes and plates are placed.
Key-Pad
Used to enter the various Protocols and settings.
Control Panel
which includes Display and Key-Pad
Display
Displays current status of the various system features and functions.
Air Vents (Front)
for air output
Air Vents (Left and
Right Sides)
for air output
Air Vents (Bottom)
for air intake

5
MultiGene Thermal Cycler
Figure 3. Rear View
Name
Function
Power Cable
Connector
Power cable socket and fuse.
Power Switch
Power On/Off switch
Brightness
Adjustment
Potentiometer
Control the brightness of LCD panel. Please use Philip-head screw
driver to adjust it.
USB Port
For run summary download to computer
RS-232 Port
For run summary download to computer
Air Vents(Rear)
For air output
Product Label
Indicate the model name, serial number, power specification, and
other important information

6
Getting Started
3.1 Unpacking
Open the MultiGene OptiMax thermal cycler package and confirm that all items below
are included:
MultiGene OptiMax thermal cycler
unit
Operation manual
Electric fuses (7A & 3.15A)

AC power cord
Warranty card

0.2 ml Labnet tubes
If there are any items missing, damaged, or incorrect items, please contact your
distributor or sales representatives immediately.
Note: Please use 7A fuse in power source 100~120/50~60Hz countries, while 3.15A f use
is for power source 200~220V/50~60Hz countries.
3.2 Initial Operation
Place the machine on a steady, flat table. Please keep the machine at least 30cm from the
wall or other machine. Connect the power cord to the power socket in the rear of the
machine. Check the power source is compatible with your machine’s fuse rating input.
Press Power On/Off Button to switch on the machine. The screen will show the software
version for 10 seconds and then enter User Folder screen. Pressing any key will go to
User Folder screen immediately.
3.3 Heated Lid
The Heated Lid heats the air in the upper part of the sample vessels at higher temperature
than the reaction mixture. This prevents condensation of the evaporated water vapor on
the vessel walls, keeping the concentration unchanged during the heating and cooling
cycles. The top also places pressure on the caps of tubes and film on titer plates to prevent
vapor loss and cross contamination of samples.
When using plates it is highly recommended to use a Silicone Compression Mat (Labnet
TC96-CM-10, for 96-well models), to assist in placing even pressure on the plates.
Note:
1. If MultiGene is started cold, approximately two to three minutes will be required
before heated lid is at operating temperature.

7
MultiGene Thermal Cycler
2. To avoid heat dissipation, the Heated Lid should be closed and tighten during a
protocol run. Keeping the heated lid open during a protocol run might cause
“HEATER ERROR”, because the heated lid fails to reach the set temperature.
3. To evaporate the condensation water inside sample block, and to avoid “HEATER
ERROR”, users should turn off the Lid Temperature under SYSTEM mode before
heating the sample block and keeping the lid open.
3.4 Lid Opening/Closing
There are two ways to open the lid: 1) Slide the lid to the rear, 2) lift up the lid. The first
method is recommended for common operations and to prevent the skin burn from the
heated lid. The second method is used to clean up the heating plate of the lid.
Rotate Lid Knob in a clockwise direction to lower down the heating plate and press down
on the cap of tubes, tighten until you feel resistance. This adjustment will provide better
contact between the tube or plates and the block for better performance. Rotate the Lid
Knob in counter-clockwise direction as shown in Figure 4 until the Lid pops out. Only
when the Lid pops out, users can slide the Lid to the rear as shown in Figure 5.
To lift up the lid for heating plate cleaning, please refer Figure 6 ~ 8.
Figure 4. Rotate Lid Knob to open the lid

8
Figure 5. Slide the lid backward to access the block
Figure 6. Slide the lid to align the lid hinge with notches of top case
Figure 7. Lift the lid

9
MultiGene Thermal Cycler
Figure 8. Rest the lid in vertical position

10
3.5 Function Map
The User Screen includes 5 function options; 1) VIEW folders under selected User folder,
2) NEW(Create) a User, 3)EDIT a User, 4)DELETE a User, 5)SYSTEM. Once a user
folder is selected and the password is approved, users can; 1) RUN a Protocol,
2)NEW(Create) a protocol, 3) EDIT(VIEW) a Protocol, and 4) DELETE a Protocol.
The function map is shown in Figure 9. Various functions, including Gradient, can be
added to the selected/created Protocol.
Main Menu
User Folder
OPEN
User
NEW
User
EDIT
User
DELETE
User
SYSTEM
RUN
Protocol
NEW
Protocol
EDIT
(VIEW)
Protocol
DELETE
Protocol
Data Log
Date &Time
Insert
Delete
Advanced
Optimization
Increment
Pause
Lid Temp.
Beeper
Administrator
Service Mode
Ramping Speed
Tm Calculator
Save
Figure 9. Operation Flowchart

11
MultiGene Thermal Cycler
3.6 Key Entry System
Note that the alphanumeric keys are assigned multiple characters, selectable by repeatedly
pressing the key to cycle through the available characters. The highlighted character or
number will automatically be entered into the name of a newly created or edited Protocol
(or User) after a very short period of time, if users don’t continue to press the key.
Key No.
Key Representation
0
0, space, +, =, <, >, &, (, ), %
1
1, . , , ,-, ?, ‘, #, : , ; ,/
2
A, B, C, a, b, c, 2
3
D, E, F, d, e, f, 3
4
G, H, I, g, h, i, 4
5
J, K, L, j, k, l, 5
6
M, N, O, m, n, o, 6
7
P, Q, R, S, p, q, r, s, 7
8
T, U, V, t, u, v, 8
9
W, X, Y, Z, w, x, y, z, 9
3.7 Loading the Reaction Vessel
For the optimal performance of the MultiGene, we recommend Labnet tubes and plates.
The recommended sample volume for 0.2 ml tubes or 96-well plates is 5-100ul. If using
the heated lid with 96 well plates it is highly recommended to use a Silicone Compression
Mat ( Labnet TC96-CM-10, Axygen CM-96-RD ) to assist in placing even pressure on the
plates.
Note: To avoid deformation of the sample tubes or Strips, it’s important to load at least
one tube in each of the four corners and at least four tubes in the center of the block, this
will distribute the pressure evenly throughout the surface.

12
User Folder Management
After the unit is turned on, the initial screen which contains software version and
manufacturer’s name will show up for 10 seconds and then enter User Folder screen.
Pressing any key will go to User Folder screen immediately.
A sample screen is shown below.
Directory User Folder Name Status Bar Date & Time
U
US SE ER RF FO OL LD DE ER RS S8 8/ /2 21 1/ /2 20 01 11 1
1
11 1: :0 00 0
[
[ P PR RE ES SE ET T
]
]
[
[P PU UB BL LI IC C
]
]
L
La ab b
M
Mi ik ke e
S
Su us sa an n
J
Je ef ff f
S
Se el le ec ct ta au us se er r
f
fo ol ld de er r
O
OP PE EN NN NE EW W
E
ED DI IT TD DE EL LE ET TE ES SY YS ST TE EM M
F 1 F 2 F 3 F 4 F 5
Users can use the function keys(F1~F4) above to view, create, edit and delete the User
folders. F5:SYSTEM is used for system settings.
Note:
1. The [ PRESET ] and [ PUBLIC ] folders are pre-registered folders which require no
Personal Identification Number(PIN) to enter.
2. The [ PRESET ] folder includes some frequently-used Protocols defined by vendor,
while the [ PUBLIC ] folder is open to all users.
4.1 Viewing a User Folder
All Protocols are stored inside the User folders. Use directional arrow keys to select a
User folder. Press F1:OPEN to view the names of all Protocols inside the selected folder.
To view the contents of the User, will require you to enter the 4-digit Personal

13
MultiGene Thermal Cycler
Identification Number(PIN) as shown in the screen below. After the PIN is entered,
press F1:ACCEPT or ENTER key to confirm the PIN. To run a Protocol, please refer
Section 5.1.
U
US SE ER RF FO OL LD DE ER RS S> >M Mi ik ke e8 8/ /2 21 1/ /2 20 01 11 1
1
11 1: :0 00 0
P
Pl le ea as se ee en nt te er r
P
PI IN N: :
E
En nt te er rP PI IN Na an nd dp pr re es ss sA AC CC CE EP PT T, ,P Pr re es ss sA AC CC CE EP PT Ti if f
n
no ot t
P
PI IN N
p
pr ro ot te ec ct te ed d. .
A
AC CC CE EP PT TE EX XI IT T
F 1 F 2 F 3 F 4 F 5
4.2 Creating a New User Folder
Under User Folder screen, press F2:NEW can create a new User folder. After entering the
new User name, press F1:ACCEPT to accept the new User folder name. The MultiGene
will prompt you to enter a 4 digit PIN. Pressing F1:ACCEPT will save the new folder
name and PIN.
Max. User folder name: 12 characters
Max. User folder no.: 50
4.3 Editing a User Folder
Under the User Folder screen, use directional arrow keys to select a User folder. Press
F3:EDIT to edit the User name. A PIN is required to edit the User folder name. After
editing the User folder name, press F1:ACCEPT to save the edited User name.
4.4 Deleting a User Folder
Use directional arrow keys to select a User folder. Press F4:DELETE to delete the

14
selected User folder. You are required to enter the PIN and press F1:ACCEPT or
ENTER . The screen will prompt “Do you want to delete”. Press F1:ACCEPT to
confirm the deletion. Press F5:EXIT to abort the deletion.
Note: User folders which contain any protocols can’t be deleted except by administra t or.

15
MultiGene Thermal Cycler
Protocol Management
After entering the selected User Folder, users can press F1~F4 keys to Run,
New(Create),Edit(View) and Delete a selected Protocol as shown below.
M
Mi ik ke e> >P PR RO OT TO OC CO OL L8 8/ /2 21 1/ /2 20 01 11 1
1
11 1: :0 00 0
P
PR RO OT TO OC CO OL LD DA AT TE E
T
TI IM ME E
T
To ou uc ch hd do ow wn n
0
07 7/ /2 25 5/ /1 11 1
0
09 9: :1 10 0: :2 20 0
L
La ab b
0
07 7/ /2 28 8/ /1 11 1
0
03 3: :2 25 5: :3 30 0
P
Pl le ea as se es se el le ec ct ta ap pr ro ot to oc co ol la an nd dp pr re es ss s
E
EN NT TE ER R
R
RU UN NN NE EW W
E
ED DI IT TD DE EL LE ET TE EE EX XI IT T
F 1 F 2 F 3 F 4 F 5
5.1 Running a Protocol
1. Press F1:RUN to run the selected Protocol under the User folder screen. The screen
will show as below.
M
Mi ik ke e> >L La ab b> >R RU UN N8 8/ /2 21 1/ /2 20 01 11 1
1
11 1: :0 00 0
1
1T Tm mp p3 3T Tm mp p2 25 5C Cy yc c2 2T Tm mp p1 1C Cy yc c
T
Te em mp p
T
Ti im me e
9
94 4. .0 09 94 4. .0 05 55 5. .0 07 72 2. .0 07 72 2. .0 00 0
4
4. .0 00 0
5
5: :0 00 00 0: :3 30 00 0: :3 30 00 0: :3 30 01 10 0: :0 00 0
∞
∞
M
Mo od de e: :1 1( (1 1- -2 2) )V Vo ol lu um me e: :
5
50 0u ul l( (5 5- -1 10 00 0u ul l) )
1
1: :T Tu ub be eC Co on nt tr ro ol l2 2: :B Bl lo oc ck k
C
Co on nt tr ro ol l
S
ST TA AR RT TE
EX XI IT T
F 1 F 2 F 3 F 4 F 5

16
2. Users are required to select a Temperature Control Mode before running the Protocol.
Mode 1(Tube Control): Enable system operation with simulated temperature
control. If Mode 1 is selected, users are required to input the sample volume :
5-100ul. In this mode, temperature control is based on Block temperature and
an algorithm which estimates sample temperature based on the block
temperature and the sample volume. Recommended for more accurate
temperature control.
Mode 2(Block Control): Enable system operation with maximum temperature
control based on the actual block temperature. Recommended for normal
operation.
3. Press F1:START to run the Protocol.
Note:
1. The highlighted temperature (Temp) value represents the current block tempera t ure
during Protocol running. The highlighted time (Time) value below represents t he
remaining running time in the temperature segment. Once the countdown is comp l eted,
the highlighted section will continue to move to the next temperature or cycle segment
and start counting down the ti me.
2. The Lid temperature will flash on the status bar when the Protocol starts and remain
on until it reaches 50ºC. When the lid reaches 50°C “HOT!” will appear in the r i gh t
hand corner and remain until the temperature falls below 40°C The sample block will
start to heat up when the lid temperature reaches its set t emperature .
5.2 Pause a Protocol
During running of the Protocol, press F1:PAUSE will pause the running Protocol for 10
minutes. The Protocol will continue after the Pause stops. The Protocol won’t be paused
until set temperature is achieved. To resume running the Protocol, press F1:RESUME.
5.3 Viewing Running Protocol Information
Press F2:INFO to view the Protocol information screen as shown below during operation.
Press F5:RETURN to return the running Protocol screen. The Protocol information
screen will return to the running Protocol screen in 3 minutes, if F5:RETURN is not
pressed.