Labnet MultiGene OptiMax Thermal Cycler User manual

Labnet MultiGene™ OptiMax Thermal Cycler
Instruction Manual
Catalog Numbers:
TC9610
TC9610-230V

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction .........................................1
1.1 Features..........................................1
2.0 Symbols and Conventions.............................1
3.0 Safety Information ...................................1
4.0 Specifications ........................................2
5.0 Controls .............................................2
6.0 Getting Started ......................................4
6.1 Unpacking........................................4
6.2 Initial Operation ..................................4
6.3 Heated Lid........................................4
6.4 Lid Opening/Closing ..............................5
6.5 Function Map.....................................6
6.6 Key Entry System .................................7
6.7 Loading the Reaction Vessel .......................7
7.0 User Folder Management .............................7
7.1 Viewing a User Folder .............................8
7.2 Creating a New User Folder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
7.3 Editing a User Folder ..............................8
7.4 Deleting a User Folder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
8.0 Protocol Management ...............................9
8.1 Running a Protocol................................9
8.2 Pause a Protocol ................................ 10
8.3 Viewing Running Protocol Information........... 10
8.4 Terminating a Protocol .......................... 10
9.0 Creating a New Protocol ............................ 11
9.1 Changing Temperature/Time Values ............. 11
9.2 Inserting/Deleting Temperature Segment ........ 11
9.3 Changing Temperature Segment Count (Temp)
and Cycle Count (Cyc) ........................... 11
9.4 Advanced Settings ............................. 12
9.5 Saving a Protocol ............................... 15
10.0 Editing (Viewing) a Protocol ........................ 16
11.0 Deleting a Protocol ................................. 16
12.0 System Setup ...................................... 17
12.1 Date & Time................................... 17
12.2 Lid Temperature ............................... 18
12.3 Beeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
12.4 Administrator ................................. 19
12.5 Service Mode ................................. 19
12.6 Ramping Speed ............................... 19
12.7 Tm Calculator ................................. 19
13.0 Maintenance and Troubleshooting .................. 20
13.1 Cleaning the Unit ............................. 20
13.2 Cleaning the Heated Lid ....................... 20
13.3 Replacing a Fuse .............................. 20
13.4 Changing the Thermal Block ................... 20
14.0 Troubleshooting.................................... 21
14.1 Error Messages ................................ 21
15.0 Limited Warranty................................... 22
16.0 Equipment Disposal ................................ 22
Appendix: Protocols in Default Folder .................... 23

Instruction Manual | 1
1.0 Introduction
The Labnet MultiGene™ OptiMax is a powerful, reliable, and affordable thermal 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).
NOTE: This instrument is licensed for research and development and for uses other than human in vitro diagnostics.
1.1 Features
Easy-to-operate slide and lever type lid which prevents accidental skin burn.
Large LCD panel enhances visibility and ease-of-operation.
Graphic display makes programming quick and simple.
Simple and easy to use graphical interface.
Extended Temperature return function that makes touch down 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 logs.
Heated lid to prevent condensation.
Robust and attractive design.
Auto restart after power failure.
2.0 Symbols and Conventions
Electrical warning symbol indicates the presence of a potential hazard which could result in electrical shock.
Indicates a potential risk and alerts you to proceed with caution.
CAUTION: To avoid accidental bodily harming or burning be very careful touching the heated block. It can be very hot
after it is used at high temperatures. Allow the metal parts to cool down before handling.
3.0 Safety Information
Before using the Labnet MultiGene OptiMax thermal cycler for the first time, please read this entire instruction manual carefully.
To guarantee problem-free, safe operation of the thermal cycler, it is essential to observe the following points.
Do not use the machine in a potentially explosive environment or with potentially explosive chemicals.
Install the machine in a location free of excessive dust.
Avoid placing the machine in direct sunlight.
Choose a flat, stable surface capable of withstanding the weight of the machine.
Install the machine in room temperature 15°C to 30°C, relative humidity 20% to 80%.
DO NOT block the air vents.
Keep the side and rear of the machine at least 30cm from the wall or other machines.
Make sure the power source conforms to the required power supply specifications.
To avoid electric shock, make sure the machine is plugged into a grounded electrical outlet.
Do not allow water or any foreign objects to enter the various openings of the machine.
Switch off the machine before cleaning or performing service on the machine, such as replacing the fuses.
Repairs should be carried out by authorized service personnel only.

2| LABNET MULTIGENE OPTIMAX THERMAL CYCLER
4.0 Specications
Sample capacity 0.2 mL x 96 tubes
Temperature ranges 4°C to 99.9°C
Temperature accuracy ±0.5°C (at 30°C to 99.9°C)
Temperature uniformity ±0.5°C
Max. temp. increment/decrement rate 5°C/3°C
Gradient temperature 30°C to 99°C (max. temp. difference: 24°C)
Max. lid temperature 60°C to 65°C/100°C to 115°C
Protocol capacity 200 sets
Environmental conditions 15°C to 30°C, 20% to 80% RH
Power supply 100 to 240V AC, 50/60 Hz, 750VA
Dimensions (W x D x H) 9.5 x 9.8 x 16.5 in. (24 x 25 x 42 cm)
Weight 19.8 lbs. (9 kg)
The Labnet MultiGene™ OptiMax thermal cycler is designed to be safe at least when operated under the following conditions:
Indoor use
Altitude up to 2,000 meters
Pollution Degree 2
5.0 Controls
The front panel of the Labnet MultiGene OptiMax thermal cycler includes a display panel and keypad which consists of function keys
(F1 to F5), alphanumeric keys, directional arrow keys and the ENTER key.
STOP
Function keys (F1 to F5)
Directional
arrows
ENTER
CE (Clear)
Alphanumeric
keys (0-9)
Figure 1. Front panel overview.
Function keys (F1 to F5) To make selections in screen display. Use the function keys (F1 to F5) to activate the “button” displayed
on the screen above the key; for example, F1 for RUN.
Alphanumeric keys (0-9) 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 display the letters after pressing the
Alphanumeric keys. Press the selected key until the desired letter is highlighted. Press ENTER to select the
letter or wait 5 seconds.
STOP To stop running methods. By pressing STOP, the Protocol currently running will be terminated.
CE (Clear) To clear any entered information. Pressing the CLEAR key will erase the entry in an input field.
ENTER For confirming entered information and selecting functions.
Directional arrows To move cursor and move between pages.

Instruction Manual | 3
Lid knob
Keypad
Lid
Sample block
Control panel
Air vents (front)
Air vents
(left and right sides)
Figure 2. Front view.
Brightness
adjustment knob
USB port
RS-232 port
Power cable
connector
Power switch
Product label
Air vents (rear)
Figure 3. Rear view.

4| LABNET MULTIGENE OPTIMAX THERMAL CYCLER
Lid The lid has a heating pad that is designed to protect against evaporation resulting from the
heating of the reaction tube and reaction plate.
Sample block Section of the unit in which sample tubes and plates are placed.
Control panel Includes Display and Keypad.
Lid knob Rotate the lid knob clockwise to lower the heating plate to place pressure on the cap of the
tubes. This forces the tubes to sit firmly in the block for better contact. Rotate the lid knob
counterclockwise until the lid opens. Only after the lid opens, can users slide the lid to the rear.
Keypad To enter the various protocols and settings.
Air vents (front) For air output.
Air vents (left and right sides) For air output.
Air vents (bottom) For air intake.
Power cable connector Power cable socket and fuse.
Power switch Power On/Off switch.
Product label Indicates the model name, serial number, power specification, and other important information.
Air vents (rear) For air output.
USB port For run summary download to computer.
Brightness adjustment
potentiometer
Controls the brightness of the LCD panel. Use Phillips head screwdriver to adjust it.
RS-232 port For run summary download to computer.
6.0 Getting Started
6.1 Unpacking
Open the Labnet MultiGene™ OptiMax thermal cycler package, and confirm that all items listed below are included:
Labnet MultiGene OptiMax thermal cycler unit
Electric fuses (7A and 3.15A)
AC power cord
Instruction manual
If there are any items missing, damaged, or incorrect items, please contact your distributor or sales representative immediately.
NOTE: Use 7A fuse in power source 100-120, 50/60Hz countries, while 3.15A fuse is for power source 200-220V, 50/60Hz countries.
6.2 Initial Operation
Place the machine on a steady, flat table. Please keep the machine at least 30cm from the wall or other machine. Check the power
source is compatible with your machine’s fuse rating input. Connect the power cord to the power socket in the rear of the machine.
Press the Power On/Off switch to turn on the machine. The screen will show the software version for 10 seconds, and then will enter
the User Folder screen. Pressing any key will go to the User Folder screen immediately.
6.3 Heated Lid
The heated lid heats the air in the upper part of the sample vessels at a 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.
NOTES:
If the thermal cycler is started cold, approximately 2 to 3 minutes will be required before the heated lid is at operating temperature.
To avoid heat dissipation, the heated lid should be closed and tightened 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.
To evaporate the condensation water inside the sample block, and to avoid HEATER ERROR, users should turn off the Lid
Temperature under the SYSTEM mode before heating the sample block and keeping the lid open.

Instruction Manual | 5
6.4 Lid Opening/Closing
There are two ways to open the lid: 1) Slide the lid to the rear. This method is recommended for common operations and to prevent
the skin burning from the heated lid. 2) Lift up the lid. This method is used to clean up the heating plate of the lid.
Rotate the lid knob clockwise to lower down the heating plate and press down on the cap of the 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
counterclockwise (Figure 4) until the lid opens. Only when the lid opens, the users can slide the lid to the rear (Figure 5). To lift up the
lid for the heating plate cleaning (Figures 6-8).
Figure 4. Rotate the lid knob to open the lid. Figure 5. Slide the lid backward to access the block.
Figure 6. Slide the lid to align the lid hinge with
the notches of the top case.
Figure 7. Lift the lid.
Figure 8. Rest the lid in a vertical position.

6| LABNET MULTIGENE OPTIMAX THERMAL CYCLER
6.5 Function Map
The User Screen includes 5 function options:
1. OPEN 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:
RUN a Protocol
NEW (Create) a protocol
EDIT (VIEW) a Protocol
DELETE a Protocol
The function map is shown in Figure 9. Various functions, including Gradient, can be added to the selected/created Protocol.
Data Log
Date & Time
Lid Temp
Beeper
Administrator
Service Mode
Optimization
Ramping Speed
Increment
Tm Calculator
Pause
Main Menu
User Folder
OPEN
User
NEW
User
EDIT
User
DELETE
User
SYSTEM
RUN
Protocol
NEW
Protocol
EDIT
(VIEW)
Protocol
DELETE
Protocol
Insert
Delete
Advanced
Save
Figure 9. Operation flowchart.

Instruction Manual | 7
6.6 Key Entry System
The alphanumeric keys are assigned multiple characters, selectable by repeatedly pressing the key to cycle through the available
characters. After a very short period of time, if users don’t continue to press the key, the highlighted character or number will
automatically be entered into the name of a newly created or edited Protocol (or User).
Key Representation Key No.
0, space, +, =, <, >, &, (, ), % 0
1, . , , ,-, ?, ‘, #, : , ; ,/ 1
A, B, C, a, b, c, 2 2
D, E, F, d, e, f, 3 3
G, H, I, g, h, i, 4 4
J, K, L, j, k, l, 5 5
M, N, O, m, n, o, 6 6
P, Q, R, S, p, q, r, s, 7 7
T, U, V, t, u, v, 8 8
W, X, Y, Z, w, x, y, z, 9 9
6.7 Loading the Reaction Vessel
For the optimal performance of the MultiGene thermal cycler, we recommend Labnet tubes and plates. The recommended sample
volume for 0.2 mL tubes or 96-well microplates is 5-100 µL. If using the heated lid with full skirted 96-well microplates it is highly
recommended to use a silicone compression mat.
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, as this will distribute the pressure evenly throughout the surface.
7.0 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 will enter User Folder screen. Pressing any key will go to User Folder screen immediately.
USER FOLDERS 8/21/2022 11:00
PRESET
PUBLIC
Lab
Mike
Susan
Jeff
Select a user folder
F 1
F 2
F 3
F 4
F 5
EDIT
DELETE
SYSTEM
OPEN
Directory
User folder name
Status bar
Date and time
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.
NOTES:
The [ PRESET ] and [ PUBLIC ] folders are pre-registered folders which require no Personal Identification Number (PIN) to enter.
The [ PRESET ] folder includes some frequently-used Protocols defined by the vendor, while the [ PUBLIC ] folder is open to all users.

8| LABNET MULTIGENE OPTIMAX THERMAL CYCLER
7.1 Viewing a User Folder
All Protocols are stored inside the User folders. Use the 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, you will need to enter the 4-digit Personal Identification
Number (PIN) as shown in the screen below. After the PIN is entered, press F1:ACCEPT or the ENTER key to confirm the PIN. To run a
Protocol, see Section 8.1.
U
S
E
R
F
O
L
D
E
R
S
>
M
i
k
e
8
/
2
1
/
2
0
2
2
1
1
:
0
0
Please enter PIN:
Enter PIN and press ACCEPT, Press ACCEPT if
not PIN protected.
ACCEPT EXIT
F 1
F 2
F 3
F 4
F 5
7.2 Creating a New User Folder
Under User Folder screen, press F2:NEW to create a new User folder. After entering the new User name, press F1:ACCEPT to accept the
new User folder name. The MultiGene thermal cycler will prompt you to enter a 4 digit PIN. Press F1:ACCEPT to save the new folder
name and PIN.
User folder name: 12 characters max.
User folder no.: 50
7.3 Editing a User Folder
Under the User Folder screen, use the 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.
7.4 Deleting a User Folder
Use the directional arrow keys to select a User folder. Press F4:DELETE to delete the 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 the administrator.