Lidstrom:Thermocyclers: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 09:05, 13 June 2013

Thermocycler location	Appearance	Brand	Capabilities	Manual	Use restrictions
Janet's bench	black	DNA Engine: DYAD	small block doesn't do gradient; large block does	n/a	none
Amanda's window	white & new	Eppendorf: Mastercycler gradient	gradient, but see manual b/c it is weird	Mastercycler Gradient	none
Frances' window	black & old	DNA engine	no gradient	n/a	none
Nate's Bench	##	##	##	##	none?
Alexey's Bench	old beige	BioRad: S1000	2 gradient blocks	##	none
Ceci's window	white, small	Eppendorf: ??	??	??	none?

Folders are possible.
To save a protocol, scroll to the bottom and press cancel. It will ask you whether or not you want to save.
Using a gradient:
- You set two numbers for the boundary temperatures.
- Setup the gradient inside a protocol. You can't view the position temperatures from this interface.
- To view a gradient:
  - Start the protocol with the gradient you entered, and promptly quit the protocol. Then press the "Screen" button on the left.
Closing the lid:
- - The door action is very unusual. Press back, then lower the arm. Twist the cap until a tiny amount of resistance is felt, then tighten about a quarter turn. It is easy to crush your tubes.

gradient block(s)
multiple blocks on one machine
- reduces the need to enter programs into many machines
allow for saving of protocols in folders
- different researchers can have different folders, preventing the accumulation of a huge list of protocols, and others accidentally writing over other peoples' protocols

intuitive menu
- NOT true of eppendorf systems!
- BioRad system is fantastic
Show what happens to each well for a given gradient setting *while* the protocol is being edited
- Not true of white eppendorf Mastercycler gradient

ability to recall past thermocycling programs used
- occasionally useful for troubleshooting failed reactions
Optional window that shows how long until a protocol is compete
- Marina's BioRad system's screen goes black with big light up numbers indicating how long until it is complete. It can be seen from several benches away. (This machine is no longer here.)

@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 == Specific Tips for Individual Machines ==
-===
+=== Biorad S1000 ===
+* Folders are possible.
+* To save a protocol, scroll to the bottom and press cancel.  It will ask you whether or not you want to save.
+* Using a gradient:
+** You set two numbers for the boundary temperatures.
+** Setup the gradient inside a protocol.  You can't view the position temperatures from this interface.
+** To view a gradient:
+*** Start the protocol with the gradient you entered, and promptly quit the protocol.  Then press the "Screen" button on the left.
+* Closing the lid:
+*** The door action is very unusual.  Press back, then lower the arm.  Twist the cap until a tiny amount of resistance is felt, then tighten about a quarter turn.  It is easy to crush your tubes.
 == What makes for a good thermocycler? ==