Labnet TC9600-G User manual

MultiGene Thermal Cycler
TC9600-G/ TC9600/TC6000-G/TC6000
Operation Manual
Ver.1.4
Labnet International, Inc.

PCR Disclaimer:
MultiGene Thermal Cyclers can be used for a variety of molecular biology applications
and techniques, including the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR and other
molecular biology processes and techniques may be protected by patents. Purchase of
this product does not convey a license or right to perform patented PCR processes.
Applied Biosystems holds some of the basic PCR patents that may or may not be
currently valid. For additional information on PCR patents held by Apllied Biosystems
and information about acquiring any required licensing for using PCR techniques, please
contact Applied Biosystems at 800-327-3002 or 650-638-5800 or their website:
www.appliedbiosystems.com .

Table of Contents
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS........................................................................................1
2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION .....................................................................................2
2.1 FEATURES ...................................................................................................................2
2.2 PRODUCT OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................2
3. GETTING STARTED................................................................................................6
3.1 UNPACKING.................................................................................................................6
3.2 INITIAL OPERATION.....................................................................................................6
3.3 HEATED LID................................................................................................................6
3.4 LID OPENING/CLOSING ...............................................................................................7
3.5 FUNCTION MAP.........................................................................................................10
3.6 KEY ENTRY SYSTEM .................................................................................................11
3.7 LOADING THE REACTION VESSEL .............................................................................11
4. USER FOLDER MANAGEMENT ........................................................................12
4.1 VIEWING A USER FOLDER .........................................................................................12
4.2 CREATING A NEW USER FOLDER...............................................................................13
4.3 EDITING A USER FOLDER ..........................................................................................13
4.4 DELETING A USER FOLDER........................................................................................14
5. PROTOCOL MANAGEMENT..............................................................................15
5.1 RUNNING A PROTOCOL..............................................................................................15
5.2 PAUSE A PROTOCOL...................................................................................................16
5.3 VIEWING RUNNING PROTOCOL INFORMATION...........................................................16
5.4 TERMINATING A PROTOCOL.......................................................................................17
6. CREATING A NEW PROTOCOL.........................................................................18
6.1 CHANGING TEMPERATURE/TIME VALUES..................................................................18
6.2 INSERTING/DELETING TEMPERATURE SEGMENT .......................................................19
6.3 CHANGING TEMPERATURE SEGMENT COUNT (TEMP) AND CYCLE COUNT (CYC) .....19
6.4 ADVANCED SETTINGS................................................................................................19
6.5 SAVING A PROTOCOL.................................................................................................23
7. EDITING(VIEWING) A PROTOCOL..................................................................23
8. DELETING A PROTOCOL ...................................................................................24
9. SYSTEM SETUP .....................................................................................................25

9.1 DATA LOG.................................................................................................................26
9.2 DATE & TIME............................................................................................................26
9.3 LID TEMPERATURE....................................................................................................27
9.4 BEEPER .....................................................................................................................28
9.5 ADMINISTRATOR .......................................................................................................28
9.6 SERVICE MODE .........................................................................................................28
10. MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................29
10.1 CLEANING THE UNIT................................................................................................29
10.2 CLEANING THE HEATED LID.....................................................................................29
10.3 REPLACING A FUSE .................................................................................................29
10.4 CHANGING THE HEATER BLOCK...............................................................................29
11. TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................30
11.1 ERROR MESSAGES...................................................................................................31
APPENDIX A: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................32
APPENDIX B: PROTOCOLS IN DEFAULT FOLDER .............................................33
APPENDIX C: CE DECLARATION ............................................................................35
APPENDIX D: HYPER TERMINAL AND USB DRIVER SETUP ...........................36
APPENDIX E: MULTIGENE RECOMMENDED CONSUMABLES ......................37

MultiGene Thermal Cycler
1
1. Safety Precautions
Before using the MultiGene Gradient thermal cycler for the first time, please read this
entire operating manual carefully. To guarantee problem free, safe operation of the
MultiGene thermal cycler, it is essential to observe the following points.
1. Do not use the machine in a potentially explosive environment or with potentially
explosive chemicals.
2. Install the machine in location free of excessive dust.
3. Avoid placing the machine in direct sunlight.
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 only.
High Temperature Label: Please be aware of the heated block.
Warning Label: Please be aware of the danger of electric shock or other dangers.

2
2. General Description
The MultiGene Gradient thermal cycler 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 left and right rows in the sample block at each
temperature.
2.1 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 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 logs.
 Heated lid to prevent the formation of condensation.
 Robust and attractive design.
2.2 Product Overview
The front panel of MultiGene 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 Ke
y
s
(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 different
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 ke
y
(CE)
Press CLEAR key will erase the entry in an input field.
STOP key By pressing STOP, the Protocol current running will be terminated.

4
Figure 2. Front View
Name Function
Lid The lid with heating pad is designed to protect against evaporation
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-clockwise
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

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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 protocol or logs transfer to the computer
RS-232 Port For protocol or logs transfer to the computer
Air Vents(Rear) For air output
Product Label Indicate the model name, serial number, power specification, and
other important information

6
3. Getting Started
3.1 Unpacking
Open the MultiGene Gradient/non-Gradient thermal cycler package and confirm that all
items below are included:
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 fuse
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 using a Silicone Compression Mat (Labnet
TC96-CM-10) to assist in placing even pressure on the plates.
Note:
1. If MultiGene is started cold, approximately two to three minutes will be required
 MultiGene Gradient/non-Gradient
thermal cycler unit
 Operation manual
 Electric fuses (7A & 3.15A)  AC power cord
 Warranty card  0.5/0.2 ml Labnettubes

MultiGene Thermal Cycler
7
before heated lid is at operating temperature.
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

MultiGene Thermal Cycler
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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 can is shown in Figure 6. Various functions, including Gradient, can be
added to the selected/created Protocol.
Main Menu
EDIT
User
DELETE
User
RUN
Protocol
NEW
Protocol
SYSTEMOPEN
User
User Folder
NEW
User
EDIT
(VIEW)
Protocol
DELETE
Protocol
Save
Data Log
Date&Time
Lid Temp.
Beeper
Administrator
Service Mode
Insert
Delete
Advanced
Gradient
Increment
Pause
Figure 9. Operation Flowchart

MultiGene Thermal Cycler
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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, while the
0.5 ml tubes is 50-200ul. If using the heated lid with 96 well plates it is highly
recommended to use a Silicone Compression Mat ( Labnet TC96-CM-10, Axygen
521-01-601) 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
4. 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.
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.
O
OP PE EN N N
NE EW W E ED DI IT T
U
US SE ER R F FO OL LD DE ER RS S 8 8/ /2 21 1/ /2 20 00 06 6 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 t a a u us se er r f fo ol ld de er r
F 1 F 2 F 3 F 4 F 5
S
SY YS ST TE EM M
D
DE EL LE ET TE E
Directory User Folder Name Status Bar Date & Time

MultiGene Thermal Cycler
13
To view the contents of the User, will require you to enter the 4-digit Personal
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.
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.: 20
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.
A
AC CC CE EP PT T
U
US SE ER R F FO OL LD DE ER RS S> >M Mi ik ke e 8 8/ /2 21 1/ /2 20 00 06 6 1 11 1: :0 00 0
E
En nt te er r P PI IN N a an nd d p pr re es ss s A AC CC CE EP PT T, , P Pr re es ss s A AC CC CE EP PT T i if f n no ot t
P
PI IN
N p pr ro ot te ec ct te ed d. .
F 1 F 2 F 3 F 4 F 5
E
EX XI IT T
P
Pl le ea as se e e en nt te er r P PI IN N: :

14
4.4 Deleting a User Folder
Use 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 administerator.

MultiGene Thermal Cycler
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5. 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.
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> >P PR RO OT TO OC CO OL L 8 8/ /2 21 1/ /2 20 00 06 6 1 11 1: :0 00 0
P
Pl le ea as se e s se el le ec ct t a a p pr ro ot to oc co ol l a an nd d p pr re es ss s E EN NT TE ER R
F 1 F 2 F 3 F 4 F 5
T
To ou uc ch hd do ow wn n 0 07 7/ /2 25 5/ /0 06 6 0 09 9: :1 10 0: :2 20 0
P PR RO OT TO OC CO OL L D DA AT TE E T TI IM ME E
L
La ab b 0 07 7/ /2 28 8/ /0 06 6 0 03 3: :2 25 5: :3 30 0
R
RU UN N N
NE EW W E ED DI IT TE EX XI IT T
D
DE EL LE ET TE E
S
ST TA AR RT T
M
Mi ik ke e> >L La ab b> >R RU UN N 8 8/ /2 21 1/ /2 20 00 06 6
1 11 1: :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 e C Co on nt tr ro ol l 2 2: :B Bl lo oc ck k C Co on nt tr ro ol l
F 1 F 2 F 3 F 4 F 5
E
EX XI IT T
9
94 4. .0 0 9 94 4. .0 0 5 55 5. .0 0 7 72 2. .0 0 7 72 2. .0 00 0 4 4. .0 00 0
5
5: :0 00 0 0 0: :3 30 0 0 0: :3 30 0 0 0: :3 30 0 1 10 0: :0 00 0 ∞ ∞
T
Te em mp p
T
Ti im me e
1
1 T Te em mp p 3 3 T Te em mp p 2 25 5 C Cy yc c 2 2 T Te em mp p 1 1 C Cy yc c

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 temperature
during Protocol running. The highlighted time (Time) value below represents the
remaining running time in the temperature segment. Once the countdown is completed,
the highlighted section will continue to move to the next temperature or cycle segment
and start counting down the time.
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 right
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 temperature.
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.