DNA Engine Tetrad 2 Thermal Cycler Operations Manual
4-4
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Block Status Lights
•
When illuminated, these blue lights indicate whether the left and/or right Alpha
units are in use.
Using the Data Ports
The DNA Engine Tetrad 2 cycler has two data ports located at the rear of the machine —
an RS-232 port and an Ethernet port. See Chapter 8 for information on using these ports.
Operating Alpha Units
Note:
Operation of the Slide Chambers
™
Alpha unit will not be discussed, owing to the
many differences between this type of Alpha unit and the others. Please see the
Slide Chambers Alpha Unit Operations Manual for operating instructions.
Note:
Moto Alpha units are installed and removed as described below. See the Moto Alpha
™
Unit User’s Manual and "The Moto Alpha Unit" section in Chapter 5 for information on
opening and closing Moto Alpha units.
Installing an Alpha Unit
Caution:
Do not insert or remove an Alpha unit with the DNA Engine Tetrad 2
cycler turned on; electrical arcing can result. Read the safety warning at
the beginning of this manual on page iv regarding electrical safety when
inserting or removing an Alpha unit.
1.
Turn off the DNA Engine Tetrad 2 cycler (see the Caution above).
2. Hold the Alpha unit at its front and back edges.
3. Lower the Alpha unit into the DNA Engine Tetrad 2 base, leaving at least 3 cm
between the front edge of the Alpha unit and the center of the DNA Engine Tetrad
2 cycler base.
4. Raise the handle at the back of the Alpha unit, and slide the block toward the
center of the base as far as it will go (see figure 4-1A).
5. Push the handle down until it is completely vertical (see figure 4-1B); firm pres-
sure may be required, but do not force the handle into position. A definite click
signals that the Alpha unit’s connectors have mated with the DNA Engine Tetrad 2
cycler’s connectors.
When the handle is in the down position, the Alpha unit is locked into place.
