MJ Research PTC-0200, Operation Manual

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DNA Engine & DNA Engine Tetrad Operations Manual
Adding the Oil
Viscous oils are the best choice for the probe tube’s representative
sample. They closely mimic the thermal characteristics of buffer solu-
tion, which changes temperature sluggishly due to the high specific
heat of water. MJ R
ESEARCH
recommends using heavy mineral oil, for
the following reasons:
• The calculations required to determine the correct volume of oil are easy.
• It is widely available and inexpensive.
Add mineral oil to the probe tube in the following proportions: 1 x the
volume of the buffer in an individual tube, plus 1 x the volume of oil
overlay if one is used.
It is important to use the correct amount of oil, so
that the representative sample changes temperature at the same rate as
the actual samples.
To add the oil, open the sample tube and pipette in
the appropriate amount. The oil must completely cover the thermistor.
Light and heavy silicone oil may also be used but necessitate more com-
plex calculations to determine the amount to add to the probe tube. See
chapter appendix 4-C for information on using these oils.
Note: Note:
Note: Note:
Note: Use only mineral oil or silicone oil as the representative sample.
Figure 4-4
Correctly inserted probe.
Probe plug, seated
in jack
Probe wire, exiting
to left of plug