qTOWER - VWR

qTOWER Real-Time PCR Thermal Cycler

Operating manual

Service: Analytik Jena AG Customer Services Konrad-Zuse-Str. 1 07745 Jena

Germany

Phone: Hotline: + 49 (0) 3641 / 77-7407 Fax: + 49 (0) 3641 / 77-7449 Email: [email protected]

General information about Analytik Jena AG on the internet: http://www.analytik-jena.de

Copyrights and Trademarks Microsoft, Windows XP/VISTA/7, MS Excel are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp The identification with ® or TM is omitted in this manual.

Documentation number: 340:502.23 Edition – January 2011 Implementation of the Technical Documentation: Analytik Jena AG This publication describes the state of this product at the time of publishing. It need not necessarily agree with future versions of the product. Modifications reserved! © Copyright 2011 Analytik Jena AG

Contents

qTOWER Edition 01/2011 1

Table of Contents

1 Introduction .......................................................................................... 31.1 Intended Use ................................................................................................... 3

1.2 Notes on the use of this manual ...................................................................... 4

2 Safety instructions ............................................................................... 52.1 Safety notices at the qTOWER ....................................................................... 5

2.2 General safety instructions for the qTOWER .................................................. 5

2.3 Standards and directives ................................................................................. 6

3 Technical data ...................................................................................... 84 Device description and principle of operation ................................... 9

4.1 Device layout / components ............................................................................ 9

4.2 Functionality .................................................................................................. 10

4.2.1 Preparing and starting the PCR run .............................................................. 10

4.2.2 Temperature control ...................................................................................... 10

4.2.3 Low profile rapid block and micro plate by Analytik Jena ............................. 11

5 Transport and installation conditions .............................................. 125.1 Transport and storage ................................................................................... 12

5.2 Installation conditions .................................................................................... 12

6 Commissioning and operation of the qTOWERs ............................. 136.1 Connections at the qTOWER ........................................................................ 13

6.2 Installation and commissioning ..................................................................... 13

6.3 Switching the qTOWER on and off ............................................................... 14

7 Inserting samples / Starting the PCR run ......................................... 168 Maintenance, care .............................................................................. 17

8.1 Cleaning the housing ..................................................................................... 17

8.2 Cleaning the sample block ............................................................................ 17

8.3 Replacing the sample block .......................................................................... 17

8.4 Cleaning the lens array ................................................................................. 19

8.5 Installing color modules ................................................................................. 19

8.6 Replacing the fuses ....................................................................................... 23

9 Fault removal ...................................................................................... 2410 Disposal .............................................................................................. 25

Figures

2 Edition 01/2011 qTOWER

Index of Figures

Fig. 1 Layout of the qTOWER .............................................................................................. 9

Fig. 2 Diagram of reaching the final sample temperature using the different temperature controls ...................................................................................................................10

Fig. 3 Adaptation of the micro plate to the sample block ...................................................11

Fig. 4 Rear connections of the qTOWER ..........................................................................13

Fig. 5 Inserting the sample block into the qTOWER .........................................................14

Fig. 6 qTOWER with open cover .......................................................................................16

Introduction


1 Introduction 1.1 Intended Use

qTOWER is a thermal cycler for amplifying DNA by way of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) licensed for Real-Time PCR experiments. The license is limited to applications outside of vitro diagnostics (research use only). The integrated detector enables the measurement of the sample fluorescence in up to four spectral channels during the PCR, with the filters used in the color modules being exactly matched to the properties of the most frequently used fluorescence dyes, thereby permitting a sensitive and selective detection of fluorescent PCR products.

Analytik Jena offers a number of color modules of which up to four can be installed simultaneously in the device. Replacement and retrofit of color modules can be easily accomplished.

qTOWER is an open platform for Real-Time PCR and supports both intercalating dyes as well as individual samples and kits of various manufacturers. qTOWER can be used in different applications, such as expression analyses, genotyping and the detection of pathogens.

The thermal cycler used in qTOWER is a further development of the SpeedCyclers by Analytik Jena which is known for its extreme heating and cooling rates. Together with a special microtiter plate and the fast fluorescence detector, qTOWER enables rapid Real-Time PCR experiments which deliver results after only approx. 30 min.

qTOWER is fully controlled from the PC using the software qPCRsoft. The qPCRsoft software provides the following functions

Device control and monitoring

User Management

Context-sensitive help functions

Design of Real-Time PCR experiments incl. evaluation

Storage of methods (templates) and measuring results (projects)

Planning and evaluation of

− Absolute quantifications

− Relative quantifications

− ΔΔCt analyses

− DNA melting curves

− Genotyping

Results printout

Results export to MS EXCEL or as CSV file

Results export to extended programs for the analysis of Real-Time PCR data (e.g. qBASE, REST etc.)

A detailed description of qPCRsoft is available in the software manual.

Introduction


1.2 Notes on the use of this manual The following symbols for warnings and system messages are used in this manual:

Danger! This symbol must be strictly observed to protect against personal injury.

Caution! This symbol must be observed to prevent damage to the device or the environment.

Warning against contact with dangerous electrical voltage!

Note This symbol must be observed to obtain correct measurement results.

Risk of crushing!

Risk of burning!

The manual uses the following system:

The numbering of the chapters and figures is consecutive.

Each figure has its own caption.

Working steps are numbered.

Cross references to other sections are marked with an arrow (e.g., → "Introduction" P.3).

Safety instructions


2 Safety instructions 2.1 Safety notices at the qTOWER

The following warn and safety symbols are attached to the qTOWER:

Danger! Hot surface! Touching the surface can cause burns. This symbol is found on the thermal block.

Risk of crushing! There is a risk of injury due to your fingers getting jammed! Do not touch the sample block when the cover of the qTOWERs is being closed. This symbol is found at the lower portion of the qTOWERs.

2.2 General safety instructions for the qTOWER For your own safety and for a trouble-free operation carefully read this chapter before commissioning the qTOWER.

Comply with all safety instructions in the manual and pay careful attention to all messages and notes which are displayed on the screen by the control software.

Also observe the safety instructions for system components by other manufacturers supplied with this device (e.g. PC, printer).

Proper use! The device must only be used for the applications described in this operating manual. The manufacturer does not accept liability for any other use, including that of any individual modules or components. This also applies to all service or repair work not carried out by authorized service personnel. All warranty claims are also forfeited in this case.

Local regulations! Observe the local safety regulations that apply to the use of this device (e.g., work protection regulations, accident prevention regulations, safety regulations).

References to potential dangers in the handbook do not replace the work protection regulations which must be observed.

Personnel! The device must only be operated by trained and qualified personnel.

Knowledge of this manual is an essential requirement and assumed.

Shut-down during emergencies In the case of an emergency the device and its components must be disconnected from the mains by removing the mains plug from the mains socket.

Warning!

For the PC there is a risk of data loss and damage to the operating system!

Safety instructions


Electric shock! The mains plug must only be inserted into a shock-proof socket to guarantee protection class I (protective conductor connection) for the device. The protective effect must not be invalidated by the use of an extension line which does not have a protective conductor.

Switch off the device and disconnect the mains plug before opening the device or removing the covers!

Only fuses of the type specified must be used.

Do not operate in explosive environments!

Hot sample block! When canceling a running temperature program during the heating phase the sample block may still be hot when opening the cover. There is a risk of burning!

Risk of injury at the motorized cover Do not touch the sample block when the cover of the device is being closed. There is a risk of injury due to your fingers getting jammed!

Heat build-up Heat build-up can cause overheating and device faults. Ensure that the ventilation slots of the qTOWER are always kept clear! Make also sure that the slots for the air intake at the bottom of the device are clear and not covered by objects, e.g. a loose piece of paper.

Water Ensure that no liquid can enter the device. The device could be damaged.

Corrosion risk Do not place the device immediately in the vicinity of aggressive vapor, e.g. strongly corrosive acid or lye vapor! The vapor can corrode the terminals, mechanical and optical components of the device.

2.3 Standards and directives Safety class and safety type The qTOWER features protection class A. The casing features protection type IP 20.

Device safety The qTOWER conforms to the safety standards

DIN EN 61010-1:2002

DIN EN 60204-1:2007

Safety instructions


EMC compatibility The qTOWER has been tested for radio interference suppression and interference resistance and meets the requirements of

DIN EN 61326-1 (2006-10)

DIN EN 61326-2-6 (2006-10)

Environmental compatibility The qTOWER has been tested for environmental compatibility and meets the requirements of

DIN ISO 9022-2:2003-01

DIN ISO 9022-3:2000-09

DIN EN 60068-2-64:2009-04

DIN EN 60068-2-29:1995-03

DIN EN 60068-2-31:2009-04

EC directives The qTOWER is built and tested according to standards that meet the requirements of EC directives 2006/95/EC and 2004/108/EC. Each device leaves the manufacturer in a pristine and technically safe state. To maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation, the operator must strictly observe the safety and operating instructions contained in this manual. For accessories which have also been supplied, and system components from other manufacturers, their operating instructions should be referred to.

Technical data


3 Technical data Thermal cycler

Heat source High power, long-life Peltier elements Cover Automatic contact pressure on the plate up to 60kg/plate

heated up to 120°C with lens array for the fluorescence measurement

Sample volumes 2 µL – 20 µL Sample block temperature 4°C – 105 °C Control accuracy ± 0,2 °C block homogeneity ± 0,2 °C Heating rate 12 °C/s max. (0,1 – 10 °C/s controlled) Cooling rate 8 °C/s max (0.1 – 6 °C/s controlled)

Fluorescence photometer

Principle Patented 8 channel Epi fluorescence photometer with fiber with fiber multiplexer and mechanical scanning device

Light source Power LEDs Detector Channel Photomultiplier Excitation wavelengths 470nm, 530nm, 565nm, 630nm, 660nm Detection wavelengths 520nm, 550nm, 580nm, 605nm, 675nm, 710nm Limit of detection 1 nM FAM in PCR buffer Dynamic detector range 17 bit (0 – 131072) Reproducibility < 5 % CV in the well (single measurement) Measuring speed 4 s for the whole plate (96 wells) for 4 colors Plate formats 96 well micro plate LP

Other technical data

Energy supply Mains voltage Line frequency

110 – 230 V ± 15 % 50 – 60 Hz

Power consumption 420 W (max.) Device fuse 2 x 4.0 A/H 250 V time-lag Dimensions (WxDxH) 240 mm x 260 mm x 450 mm Weight approx. 17.64 lb Data connection USB PC software requirements Minimum Pentium IV, > 1 GHz Operating system Windows XP (SP2) / VISTA / 7

Device description and principle of operation


4 Device description and principle of operation 4.1 Device layout / components

The qTOWER combines a rapidPCR thermal cycler with a patented fluorescence photometer.

1 Upper part with fluorescence photometer

2 Touch sensor

3 Lower part with thermal cycler

Fig. 1 Layout of the qTOWER

rapidPCR thermal cycler A rapidPCR thermal cycler is used in the qTOWER. It has been optimized with a special micro plate for small sample volumes and rapid temperature changes.

High Power Peltier controls the temperature of a sample block from gold plated massive silver. This achieves very high heating and cooling rates.

The sample block cover is heated. The cover temperature can be adjusted. The sample block cover contains the lens array for the fluorescence measurement.

Fluorescence photometer An 8 channel Epi fluorescence photometer with fiber multiplexer and mechanical scanning device is used as detector.

Touch sensor In addition to the mains switch on the equipment backplate the qTOWER features a touch-sensitive sensor (touch sensor) on the equipment front for switching the qTOWER into sleep mode and switching it back on again. To trigger a switching operation touch the sensor for at least 3 seconds. A green illuminated touch sensor indicates the operational readiness of the qTOWER, a red illuminated one indicates the sleep mode.

During sleep mode the communication with the PC and the software is interrupted. During a PCR run the touch sensor is disabled.



4.2 Functionality

4.2.1 Preparing and starting the PCR run

To execute a Real-Time PCR experiment a suitable PCR plate must be placed into the sample block with its sample cups sealed by a transparent sealing film. The optical quality of the sealing film has a decisive influence on the measured fluorescence data. Only sealing films suitable for Real-Time PCR must be used.

The qTOWERs is programmed exclusively via the qPCRsoft software which also provides the data analysis. The procedure for preparing and executing PCR experiments has been described in the software manual.

4.2.2 Temperature control

The temperature control can take place in the following modes

Block Control (Block_CTRL)

Simulated Tube Control (Tube_CTRL)

Manual Control (Man_CTRL)

Block Control

The temperature measured at the sample block is used to control the temperature.

This option can be used as the basis for adapting long standard protocols. Compared to the Simulated Tube Control a longer control time is required until the temperature is reached inside the sample.

Simulated Tube Control

This temperature control utilizes a calibration that calculates the temperature inside the sample. This enables a rapid control of the temperature inside the sample and the control time until the temperature inside the sample is reached will be shortened.

Manual Control

By entering a factor the Simulated Tube Control temperature control can be approximated to the Block Control mode. The factor 0 corresponds to the Block Control, the factor 10 corresponds to the Simulated Tube Control (fastest temperature control).

Fig. 2 Diagram of reaching the final sample temperature using the different temperature controls

Block ControlSimulated Tube ControlBlock Control mit Faktor

T [°C]

t [s]



4.2.3 Low profile rapid block and micro plate by Analytik Jena

With the low profile rapid block (LPR block) Analytik Jena offers a special system of high performance thermal block combined with a 96 well micro plate.

The micro plate has been specifically adapted to the shape of the sample block and optimized for low reagent consumption. It is made from polypropylene. The use of this plastic in the PCR offers a number of advantages:

Polypropylene is chemically inert.

No non-specific bonding takes place at the surface of the reaction cavities as is the case in glass capillaries.

The use of blocking reagents, such as BSA, is not necessary.

The thermo-elastic properties of polypropylene are utilized in the SAC (Self- Adapting Container) technology. The wells of the micro plate expand during the running PCR due to heat and pressure and adhere like a skin tightly to the cavities of the sample block. This enables a perfect contact with the block during the process and thus ensures a very high energy transfer from the block to the sample.

Fig. 3 Adaptation of the micro plate to the sample block

Seeling-Folie

Mikroplatte

Probenblock

Deckel

Probe

Mikroplatte vor Beginn desTemperaturprogramms

Angepasste Mikroplatte währenddes laufenden Temperaturprogramms

Transport and installation conditions


5 Transport and installation conditions 5.1 Transport and storage

During transport and storage the following ambient conditions must be maintained:

Temperature range -40 °C – +70 °C Rel. humidity 10 % to 30 %

Use desiccant!

5.2 Installation conditions The installation location must meet the following conditions:

Do not operate in explosive environments!

The location where the device is operated must be free from drafts, dust, corroding vapors (e.g. strongly corroding acid or lye vapors) and vibration.

Do not position the device near electromagnetic fields (e.g. motors).

Avoid dripping water, water accumulations and splashing water near the device.

Do not expose the device to direct sunlight or heater radiation.

Keep the ventilation slots clear!

Do not deposit any objects on the device!

Temperature range +10 °C - +40 °C

Rel. humidity Max. 93 % at +40 °C

Space requirement Given its dimensions and a clearance of approx. 100 mm on all sides the device requires a minimum footprint of 250 mm x 400 mm (W x D).

Commissioning and operation of the qTOWERs


6 Commissioning and operation of the qTOWERs 6.1 Connections at the qTOWER

1 fan for measuring head ventilation

2 screws to fasten the hood

3 ventilation slots

4 Mains switch

5 fuse holder

6 Mains connection

7 USB port

8 cover cap on the screw for the manual opening of the qTOWERs

Fig. 4 Rear connections of the qTOWER

6.2 Installation and commissioning The following steps are required during the installation of the qTOWER:

Assemble the color modules (unless installed)

Connect the mains power and PC

Install the qPCRsoft on the PC

Insert the sample block

1. Remove the qTOWER, connection cable, sample block and the operating manual with the installation CD from the transport packaging and wait until the device has reached room temperature.

2. If the color modules has not yet been installed, assemble the color modules in accordance with section "Installing color modules p. 19".

3. Connect the USB cable to the qTOWER and the PC (7 in Fig. 4).

4. Connect the mains cable (4 in Fig. 4).

5. Switch on the PC and install the qPCRsoft software on your PC. Observe the notices in the software manual.

6. Switch on the qTOWER from the mains switch (4 in Fig. 4).

During first startup the qTOWER is detected as a USB device. After successful automatic driver installation you can work with the qTOWER. If the drivers are not installed automatically, you can complete the installation via the Windows routine. The drivers are on the installation CD.



7. Start the qPCRsoft software.

8. Insert the sample block:

− Initialize the qTOWER with the menu command Extras / Initialization.

− Open the menu command Extras / Change block. The cover of the qTOWERs moves to the back and opens the compartment for the sample block.

− Lift the sample block into the compartment. The slanted edges must point to the front. Due to its own weight the thermal block slides into the plug-in connections of the interfaces. Press lightly on the thermal block.

− Confirm the message in the qPCRsoft software "Please remove block and insert new block" with [OK].

Fig. 5 Inserting the sample block into the qTOWER

9. Close the cover of the qTOWERs by clicking on in the toolbar of the qPCRsoft software.

10. If you have installed the color modules specify them in the qPCRsoft software (→ see section "Installing color modules" p. 19).

11. Retain the transport packaging for subsequent transports.

The qTOWER is now ready for use. Its operation is software-controlled using qPCRsoft. Additional configurations for the measuring or temperature program can be found in the software component of the operating manual.

6.3 Switching the qTOWER on and off Switching the qTOWER on Observe the following sequence when switching on the qTOWER:



The qTOWER is ready for use.

If you have started the qPCRsoft software before switching on the qTOWER, e.g. to first prepare a Real-Time PCR project, you must link the qTOWER to the PC.



3. Open the menu command Extras / Update device.




If the qTOWER is in sleep mode, switch it on as follows:

1. Touch the touch sensor at the front of the device until it illuminates green (after approx. 3 seconds).

2. Start the qPCRsoft software. If the software has already been started, open the menu command Extras / Update device.


Switching the qTOWER off

Caution! Do not switch off the qTOWER during a PCR run!

1. Close the cover of the qTOWER by clicking on .

Caution:

Cleaning the

Keep the qTOWER closed even if switched off, to prevent the sample block from being contaminated. Dust or other contamination reaching the wells can distort the fluorescence measurements (→ section " " p. 17).

2. Switch the qTOWER off from the mains switch at the equipment backplate.

3. Exit the qPCRsoft software.

The qTOWER is completely switched off.

Alternatively to completely switching off the qTOWER from the mains switch, it can also be put into sleep mode. This interrupts the communication with the PC and the software.

Touch the touch sensor at the front of the device until it illuminates red. This interrupts the communication to the PC.

Caution:

In sleep mode the qTOWER is not switched off completely and continues to draw current.

Inserting samples / Starting the PCR run


7 Inserting samples / Starting the PCR run The qTOWER is adapted for the PCR plates of the SpeedCycler with 96 wells. 8 well strips from this plate material can also be used. After pipetting the PCR samples into the plates these must be sealed with a transparent adhesive film (sealing film). The optical transparency of the films affects the fluorescence signal directly. Therefore, only use clear adhesive film as offered for Real-Time PCR.

1. Prepare a Real-Time PCR project with complete details about the PCR run, fluorescence measurements and the sample layout of the PCR plate (see qPCRsoft manual).

2. Open the cover by clicking on the icon in the toolbar of qPCRsoft.

3. Place the PCR plates onto the thermal block in such a way that well A1 is on the left-hand side (arrow in Fig. 6). In this position the wells can immerse evenly into the sample block.

Press the PCR plate down from the four holding clamps until the plate edge engages below the clamps.

The cover can only be closed if the sample plate is inserted correctly and not curved too much!

4. Close the cover by clicking on the icon .

5. Start the PCR run.

Caution! The motorized cover cannot be opened or closed by sliding the device top. Opening and closing is only possible software-controlled using the qPCRsoft program!

Fig. 6 qTOWER with open cover

Maintenance, care


8 Maintenance, care The qTOWER is largely maintenance-free.

Your service and maintenance tasks are limited to:

Cleaning the housing

Cleaning the sample block, if necessary

Installation or replacement of color modules

We offer you a maintenance agreement to protect your lab certification with device -validation.

In case of faults or defects in the device please contact our customer service.

8.1 Cleaning the housing Only wipe the housing of the qTOWER with a soft clean cloth which may be wetted with a commercial neutral detergent, if necessary.

Warning! The use of solvents can damage the paintwork.

8.2 Cleaning the sample block After prolonged use or standstill of the qTOWER with an open cover dirt (dust or reagent residue) entering the cavities can cause an increased background signal.

Blast the cavities of the sample block with compressed air.

To remove reagent residue fill the affected wells with max. 20 µL distilled water or ethanol. Aspire the volume again after a dwell time of approx. 1 min. Repeat the procedure until the background signal is within the normal range.

8.3 Replacing the sample block

Danger! Hot surface! Allow the sample block to cool down sufficiently before replacing it. Touching the hot sample block can cause burns.

The sample block must be replaced if it is faulty. With its Peltier element for heating and cooling the sample block is a wear part and subject to an ageing process dependent on its use. Extended tempering of the block to 4°C reduces the service life. If the block no longer cools down or heats up sufficiently, it must be replaced.

You need the red handle supplied with the replacement block to replace the sample block.

Maintenance, care


1. Open the menu command Extras / Change block. The cover of the qTOWERs moves to the back and the thermal block moves up.

2. Insert the red bow-type handle into the clips on the left and right of the sample block.

3. Lift the sample block out of its compartment and deposit it securely on the table.

4. Lift the new block into the compartment of the thermal cycler.

Lift the sample block into the compartment. The slanted edges must point to the front. Due to its own weight the thermal block slides into the plug-in connections of the interfaces. Press lightly on the thermal block.

Confirm the message in the qPCRsoft software "Please remove current block and insert new block" with [OK].

Close the cover of the qTOWER by clicking on .

The qTOWER is ready for use again.

Maintenance, care


8.4 Cleaning the lens array

Caution! Cleaning the lens array must only be carried out by the customer service of Analytik Jena AG. Incorrect cleaning can damage the optics and the rest of the device!

Cleaning the lens array can be necessary if:

After cleaning the sample blocks a strong background signal is still measured in some wells

Sample fluid has escaped from a damaged sealing film.

In this case inform the customer service.

8.5 Installing color modules Dependent on the delivery state of the qTOWER or when purchasing additional color modules, it might be necessary to install the color modules in the device.

The top device hood must be removed for this purpose.

Warning! Sensitive optical components! The optical components of the qTOWER are located below the top device hood. Pay particular attention not to kink or strongly bend the optic fibers. They can break and are then no longer usable!

Proceed as follows:

1. Switch off the qTOWER.

2. Release the two screws attaching the top hood to the equipment backplate.

Maintenance, care


3. Pull the hood approx. 3 cm upwards along the backplate.

4. Now slide the hood approx. 1 to 2 cm forward to free it off the front anchorage and lift it approx. 3 cm at the front.

5. Pull the hood vertically upwards and carefully deposit the hood on the frame above the optical bank.

Maintenance, care


6. Disconnect the plug-in connection for the power supply of the fan.

7. Deposit the hood on the table.

8. Note the module code found on the color module and the position where you want to install the color module.

9. Place the color module onto the free position with the pin pointing down. The silver pin points to the motor axis and must engage in the centering hole next to the large hole for the pin of the color module. The correct position of the color module is found quicker if you rotate the color module slightly around its own axis during insertion. Press the color module down until it rests flat on the rotor.

10. Screw on the color module with the M2 screws supplied.

11. Repeat this procedure for all color modules.

12. Close the remaining openings of the rotor with the color module dummy elements supplied.

Note:

Reinstall the hood as described above in reverse order.

The dummy elements seal the openings light-proof. If you want to install additional color modules at a later time, unscrew a dummy element from the rotor and install the color module in its place.

13. Switch on the qTOWER and start the qPCRsoft software.

14. Open the menu command Extras / Edit color modules.

The window with the same name opens.

Maintenance, care


On the left-hand side all color modules available for your device are displayed.

15. From the list select the module you have installed in the device, enable the checkbox Properties and select the position on which you have installed the module in the device. If necessary, add dye names, if these have not yet been included in the list. Click on [Accept].

16. Proceed in accordance with the instructions in item (16) for each color module you have installed.

17. If you want to define a new color module which is not included in the list of available color modules, click on [Add]. A new color module with the name COLOR.000.000.00.0 is created whose properties you can define on the right-hand side of the dialog.

18. You can remove a color module from the list by highlighting it with the cursor and then clicking on [Delete].

19. You can modify the properties of a color module as follows:

− Enable the Properties checkbox.

− In the list Position select the position of the color module on the carrier in the fluorescence measuring head.

− In the input field Code of module enter the code noted on the color module.

− Enter the dye to be detected by the color module. Click on [+]. The dye is added to the list below. You can remove a dye by highlighting it in the list and clicking on [-].

20. With [Accept] the properties are allocated to the highlighted color module.

Maintenance, care


8.6 Replacing the fuses The power supply is protected with a safety fuse on the device side.

1. Remove the electrical connection cable.

2. Pull the fuse holder out of the mains connection (4 in Fig. 4 p.13).

3. Replace the fuses. Use fuses of the following type:

− 2 x 4.0 AH 250 V, time-lag

4. Reinsert the fuse holder.

5. Reconnect the mains cable.

6. Switch the qTOWER back on.

Fault removal


9 Fault removal Manual opening of the cover If the motorized opening of the cover fails, the cover can be opened manually.

Required tool: screwdriver (blade width approx. 5 mm)

1. Remove the black cover cap at the top left of the equipment backplate (7 in Fig. 4 p.13).

2. Place the screwdriver into the groove of the screw behind it.

3. Slowly turn the screw to the left.

The cover opens slowly.

Manual lowering of the sample block If the sample block gets stuck in the top position, first try to move the sample block into the correct position by carrying out a device initialization (menu command Extras / Initialization). If this fails, you can lower the sample block mechanically.

Required tool: screwdriver (blade width approx 5 mm, shaft length at least 100 mm)

1. Carefully place the device onto its side.

2. Remove the cover cap on the equipment backplate and insert the screwdriver up to the stop.

3. Turn the screwdriver to the left.

The block is moved down.

Removal of a jammed micro plate The cover cannot be opened due to jamming of the micro plate, if:

The micro plate has not been inserted with precision into the block

adhesive residue is present at the edge of the sealing film

1. Try to place the micro plate back into the block through the slots at the front of the device.

2. Open the cover manually as described in section "Manual opening of the cover".

If this fails, the measuring head has to be removed by customer service.

Reinstallation of the device software Sometimes it may happen that Windows asks for the driver software for communication with the qTOWER.

Insert the installation CD and follow the Windows instructions. If the installation CD is not available, the required drivers can also be found in the directory C:\Program Files\qPCRsoft\Driver USB.

Disposal


10 Disposal The operator of the qTOWER must dispose the waste materials arising during measurements (sample materials) in accordance with the statutory and local regulations.

Dispose of the device and its electronic components in accordance with the applicable regulations as electronic waste after its service life has expired.

qTOWER - VWR

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