DNA Engine Tetrad 2 Thermal Cycler Operations Manual
10-2
Tech Support: 1-800-4BIORAD • 1-800-424-6723 • www.bio-rad.com
Sources of Problems
The DNA Engine Tetrad 2 cycler is designed to handle even the most stringent thermal-
cycling requirements. A major strength of the DNA Engine Tetrad 2 cycler is its flexibility,
which allows multifaceted and demanding cycling protocols to be implemented with
the greatest of experimental and programming ease. However, occasional problems
may still be encountered.
Problems can result in a number of ways. We group them as follows:
•
System problems
•
Problems in power up
•
Problems in system performance
•
Problems with Alpha units
•
Problems related to protocols
•
Problems due to environmental conditions, setup, and maintenance
When troubleshooting a difficulty, it is advisable to have the following pieces of information
available, should it become necessary to contact Bio-Rad Laboratories for assistance:
•
Serial and catalog numbers for the base as well as Alpha
™
units
•
Exact nature of the problem
•
Frequency of the problem (i.e., is the problem repeatable?)
•
Steps already taken to troubleshoot the problem (i.e., controls performed)
System Problems
The Status window was reviewed in Chapters 5, 6, and 7, covering the creation, editing,
and running of programs. For a review of the basic menus of this window, please review
these chapters.
In the Status window, the <View> submenu allows the user to view the <Error Log>.
Entries will be made to this log if a user terminates a program before its end, if the
cycler terminates a program before end, or if the cycler encounters a serviceable issue
before the termination of the program, but was able to complete the program.
Problems and error messages can either be cycler or Alpha unit specific. In each case,
a recommended action is listed and should be followed. Under no circumstances
should a customer attempt service of a DNA Engine Tetrad 2 cycler or an Alpha unit,
as this will result in a voided warranty and may not result in complete problem resolu-
tion. The only exception would be minor maintenance of the units, such as, removal
of vent blockage or routine cleaning, as outlined in Chapter 9.
