VWR XT96 User manual

Instruction manual
VWR®PCR Thermal Cycler XT96 / XTender96
EU cat. no US cat. no
XT96 732-1359 76452-151
XT96 Gradient 732-3428 76452-153
XTender96 732-3657 76452-155
XTender96 Gradient 732-3658 76452-157
___
Version 2 Issue 17 October 2021

2vwr.com I Instruction manual VWR®PCR Cycler XT96
Legal address of Manufacturer
Europe
VWR International bv,
Researchpark Haasrode 2020
Geldenaaksebaa
n 464 B-3001
Leuven
[phone]
be.vwr.com
UK Importer:
VWR International Ltd
Hunter Boulevard, Magna Park
Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 4XN
uk.vwr.com
United States
VWR International LLC
100 Matsonford Rd
Radnor, PA 19087
[phone]
www.vwr.com
Country of Origin : GERMANY

3vwr.com I Instruction manual VWR®PCR Cycler XT96
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 4
GENERAL WARNING 4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 4
LICENCE NOTICE 5
DELIVERY CONTENTS 6
UNPACKING 6
SPECIFICATIONS 7
CONNECTIONS 8
INSTALLATION OF THE PCR CYCLER XTENDER96 9
OPERATING THE PCR CYCLER XT96 10
Main Menu 12
Change User 13
Incubation Mode 14
Run dialogue 15
Run dialogue: Overview – “Simple Mode” 15
Run dialogue: Overview – “Expert Mode” 16
Program Dialogue 22
Deleting a command from the program 25
Available commands (program steps) 26
GLPs dialogue 28
Explorer dialogue 30
Diagnose dialogue32
System dialogue 33
MAINTENANCE 41
Cleaning, maintenance and repair of the thermal cycler 41
Returns only in original packaging 41
Temperature check-up 41
Calibration 41
ORDERING INFORMATION 42
TECHNICAL SERVICE 42
WARRANTY 42
COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS 42
DISPOSAL INSTRUCTION 43
LOCAL VWR OFFICES IN EUROPE AND ASIA PACIFIC 44

4vwr.com I Instruction manual VWR®PCR Cycler XT96
INTRODUCTION
The VWR thermal cyclers are the ideal PCR devices for all molecular biological and biochemical
laboratories working in the field of basic research or routine diagnostics. The 250°C HTR (High
Temperature Range) Peltier technology allows quick changes in temperature up to 4 °C/sec (max). The
individual monitoring and controlling of each of the eight Peltier elements per block equipped with
'Long Life Technology' ensure the tightest correlation of target and actual temperature across the
entire thermal plate leading to highest reproducibility of the results. To avoid condensation each block
is equipped with a heated lid.
The VWR thermal cyclers are equipped with a touch-sensitive, graphic coloured TFT display of the
newest generation, allowing operation of the device by simply touching symbols and graphic elements
on the screen. This leads to easy and intuitive handling and programming of the device. Additionally,
a mouse can be connected via USB.
Furthermore, an Ethernet port is available to connect the devices with Microsoft Windows®or Linux
networks. It is therefore possible to use an external server for archiving programs and GLP reports
which will be available globally in the network (e.g. for other thermal cyclers).
Transfer of data can be done by using commercially available USB memory sticks enabling a nearly
unlimited saving space for programs and GLP reports, which can be printed using a printer connected
to the thermal cycler via the network.
Notice: The USB ports support only standard cable mice and standard USB sticks.
The maximum acceptable length of the connecting cable of the port is 3 m!
GENERAL WARNING
The PCR Cycler XT96 has been designed for laboratory use and it should not be used at temperature
below 15 °C. If the instrument is at a temperature below 10 °C place it in a warmer room and wait at
least two hours before using it. Before plugging the instrument into a power supply, check that the
voltage and frequency on the label matches the power supply specifications. Before any operation
ensure that the ventilation grids are not obstructed.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The PCR Cycler XT96 is designed with function, reliability, and safety in mind.
Before using the PCR Cycler XT96 please read this entire manual and strictly follow the safety
instructions!
Intended use of the PCR Cycler XT96: Working environment for DNA amplification during a Polymerase
Chain reaction (PCR).
Safety and protection of the user cannot be ensured if the PCR Cycler XT96 is used in any manner that
is not specified in these instructions. Special notice must be taken of the following:
Returns only in original packaging
Please use the manufacturer's original package to ensure a safe return.

5vwr.com I Instruction manual VWR®PCR Cycler XT96
Caution: Dangerous voltage
Ensure that the voltage requirements of the PCR Cycler XT96 exactly match your local
AC power supply.
Only use the original AC cable supplied with the PCR Cycler XT96.
Caution: Liquids
Ensure that no liquids can enter the device. Reaction tubes must be filled outside of the
thermal cycler.
Caution: Dangerous explosive material
Do not use reactive or explosive substances in the PCR Cycler.
Caution: Damage
Check for transport damage and completeness of the accessories upon arrival. If any
damage is noticed, contact your distributor or manufacturer immediately. If you detect
any damage of the PCR Cycler XT96 or one of its accessories, do not connect the PCR
Cycler to the AC wall outlet and do not use the device in any manner!
Caution: Hot surfaces
The thermal plate, the heated lid and the reaction tubes quickly reach temperatures
above 50 ºC / 122 ºF. There is danger of burning! Keep the lid closed until the temperature
reaches 30 °C / 86 ºF or less. Only use materials (tubes, tube caps, plates and sealing
films) which are heat resistant to 120 ºC / 248 ºF.
Caution: Environment
The ventilation of the device must not be covered.
Danger: Line voltage
Incorrectly grounded products can be extremely hazardous in the event of a fault.
Use only a 3-conductor power cable (3x 0.75 mm2) with protective ground. The power
connector may only be plugged into a socket with a protective ground. The protection
must not be nullified by an extension cable without protective ground.
LICENCE NOTICE
This instrument is licensed for research and development and for uses other than human in vitro
diagnostics under one or more of the following patens of Applera Corporation: U.S. Patent Nos.
5,656,493, 5,038,852, 5,333,675, 5,475,610 (claims 1-159 and 164-166), 6,703,236 (claims 7-10) and
7,238,517 or corresponding claims in their non-U.S. counterparts. No right is conveyed expressly, by
implication or by estoppels under any other patent of Applera, including but not limited to U.S. Patent
No. 6,814,934 and its non-U.S. counterparts, which describe and claim thermal cyclers capable or real-
time detection.

6vwr.com I Instruction manual VWR®PCR Cycler XT96
DELIVERY CONTENTS
After receipt of the system, please check if the following items are included in the shipment. If any
transport damage is noticed, contact your distributor or manufacturer immediately.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: IF YOU FIND ANY DAMAGE OF THE DEVICE, DO NOT USE THE DEVICE!
1 Thermal cycler
1 Power cord
1 Instruction manual
1 Link PC-software VWR 'PCR Cycler XT Software'
UNPACKING
Remove the instrument from its packaging and inspect it for signs of damage. If any are
discovered, inform your supplier immediately
The instrument must be placed on a stable, level surface and positioned such that air can
circulate freely around the casing
Ensure your proposed installation site conforms to the environmental conditions for safe
operation
There should be enough space to make sure that the ventilation grills on the front and back
are not covered and sufficient ventilation is provided. The accessibility of the power switch
must not be hindered. There should be a distance of at least 25 cm (10 inch) to the wall or the
next device. Two thermal cyclers should not be placed back-to-back or back to front.
The instrument is designed for indoor use only, temperature range of 10 to 35 °C and
humidity of 35 to 70% are recommended
If the instrument has just been unpacked or has been stored in a cold environment, it should
be allowed to come to room temperature for 2 – 3 hours in the laboratory before switching
on. This will prevent calibration failure because of internal condensation
The instrument must be connected to the power supply with the power cord supplied.
It is recommended that users should thoroughly read this manual prior to use
Contact your supplier if you experience any difficulties with this instrument

7vwr.com I Instruction manual VWR®PCR Cycler XT96
SPECIFICATIONS
VWR PCR Cycler XT96
•8 Peltier elements with Long-Life-technology and 8 control circuits with Pt 1000 temperature
sensors
•Maximal heating and cooling rate: 4 °C/s
•Block uniformity (at 72 °C): ± 0.35 °C
•Temperature range thermoblock: 4 to 105 °C
•Control accuracy thermoblock: ± 0.2 °C
•Variable ramping: 0.1 to 3.0 °C/s
•Increment/Decrement time: 0:00:01 to 0:59:59
•Increment/Decrement temperature: 0.1 to 3 °C
•Lid heating temperature range: 40 to 110 °C
•2 x USB, 1 x Ethernet interfaces (MS Windows®or Linux)
Note: USB interfaces only support standard USB sticks, cord mouse and keyboards!
•Dimensions (B x H x D) : 22 x 30 x 33 cm (XTender: 22 x 20 x 33 cm)
•Weight incl. block: 8.9 kg (XTender:8.3 kg)
•Pollution rate: 2
•Environmental temperature range: +10 °C to +35 °C
•Max. relative humidity: 70 %
•Maximum height above sea level: 2000 m
•Noise level: < 37 dB (A)
Gradient feature (optional)
•Maximal gradient range over 8 columns, respectively: 30 °C (± 15 °C)
•Temperature range Gradient: 30 to 100 °C
•Gradient accuracy: ± 0.2 °C
User interface/functions
•Touch sensitive (capacitive) TFT-Display (800 x 480) (not included in the XTender)
•Direct help function
•Internal flash memory for 500.000 typical PCR programs in free configurable
folders/subfolders. Unlimited number of programs via network PC or USB stick
•Free PC software for the generation of PCR programs on the computer
•Unlimited number of steps per program
•Password protected user accounts with variable access rights
•GLP reports for complete recording of all runs
•QuickStart function of the last used program
•Automatic restart after power failure, Power-Fail-Denaturation, Instant Incubation
•Remote control and monitoring of instruments via PC-software
•MP3 sounds free of choice
•Master-/Slave-control
Block capacity
•96 well Universal block with lid heating and automatic height adaption for 96 x 0.2 ml tubes
and 96 well PCR plates (non-skirted and half-skirted)
Power supply
100 - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, max. 860 VA
For indoor use, only!

8vwr.com I Instruction manual VWR®PCR Cycler XT96
CONNECTIONS
1x USB interface
1x USB interface
Ethernet interface
AC Power inlet
Status LED
Main power switch

9vwr.com I Instruction manual VWR®PCR Cycler XT96
Before first use, ensure that the voltage requirements of the PCR Cycler exactly match your local AC
power supply. Connect the PCR Cycler to the AC power supply only by the AC power cord delivered
with your PCR Cycler XT. Only connect the PCR Cycler XT to electric power systems with an earth
conductor. The AC power inlet is located at the rear of the Cycler. To disconnect the cycler
from the AC power supply, remove the AC power cord from the AC power inlet. The
accessibility of the AC power inlet must be not hindered or obscured in any way.
If a service is required, contact your local distributor or the manufacturer (see "TECHNICAL SERVICE
AND ORDER INFORMATION", page 36).
The serial number of the PCR Cycler is located underneath the instrument. Unauthorised work on the
device voids the warranty.
The surface of the device should be decontaminated with a lint-free cloth soaked with 70% ethanol
before sending. Please fill in and sign the decontamination certificate and send it to the
manufacturer together with the device.
For safety reasons the device must be switched off and the mains plug pulled before cleaning is
performed!
INSTALLATION OF THE PCR CYCLER XTENDER96
The VWR thermal cycler XTender96 is a fully equipped PCR Thermal cycler without a Touch screen, the
ideal device controlled by a PC or from another XT96 Thermal cycler.
To connect multiple XTender96 Thermal Cyclers, you need:
- An Ethernet cable for each XTender96 Thermal Cycler
- A network or an external network router (DHCP server is required)
Please ask your network administrator for the required settings.
Set up the Connections
1. Connect the Ethernet cable to the back of the thermal cycler and connect the other end of the
cable to the network.
2. Repeat step 1 for each thermal cycler.
3. Power on the XTender96 thermal cycler.
4. Plug the “Network Configuration USB-Stick” into an USB port of the XTender96 thermal cycler.
Note: For each XTender96 thermal cycler, a new “XT96ConfigFile” file must be created.
5. The XTender96 Thermal Cycler will recognize the USB stick and set up the network configuration
automatically. After finalization, the instrument will switch of.
6. Remove the “Network Configuration USB-Stick” from the USB port of the XTender96.
7. Power on the XTender96 thermal cycler
8. Follow the instructions in “Remote Control” on page 33 and 34 of the manual to enable a
remote control from a XT96 Thermal cycler or from a PC.

10 vwr.com I Instruction manual VWR®PCR Cycler XT96
Generate a “Network Configuration USB-Stick”
1. Power on a XT96 Thermal Cycler (Master unit)
or start the XT96 PC Software on your PC.
2. Use the “System” dialogue in the Software and
click on “Thermal Block” and “Configure USB
Stick”
3. Insert an USB Stick into the Cycler or PC.
4. Configure the network settings for the
XTender96 thermal cycler, as shown in the
picture.
5. Make sure each instrument name is unique and press OK.
6. A “XT96ConfigFile” file will be generated and stored on the USB stick.
7. Use this “Network Configuration USB Stick” to set up the Network configurations on your
XTender96 Thermal Cycler.
Note: Every XTender96 Thermal Cycler needs a separate “XT96ConfigFile” file where the
instrument name is unique.
OPERATING THE PCR CYCLER XT96
General operation
The operation of the thermal cycler can be run by the internal touch screen, by using the touch sensitive
surface of the display or by using a mouse connected to an available USB port. Furthermore, the
thermal cycler can also be controlled by computer integrated to a network. The supplied application
software offers the same functions as the internal thermal cycler software, except for some system
settings.
If the user has to enter numbers or text the corresponding field has to be touched on the touch screen
or clicked with the mouse. An appropriate keyboard will appear on the screen according to the
expected entry.