Getting the best thermal cycling from OpenPCR

This page covers 4 topics:

  1. Adding a new experiment
  2. Adjusting the Heated Lid
  3. Auto-Start
  4. Other Questions?

Adding a new experiment

Ready to start your own PCR runs? You’ll want to add your own protocols to OpenPCR. On the Home screen, click “Add a new experiment”. You’ll see a simple template set up for simple 3-step cycling with a final hold temperature of 4 C.

Enter your protocol by clicking in the grey boxes and entering Number of Cylces, Denaturing, Annealing, and Extending information. After modifying your protocol, click “Save” to permanently store the protocol. If your protocol is one-time-use, you can simply click “Start”.

Your own protocols are probably more advanced than 3-step cycling. To pull up additional options, click “More Options” at the bottom of the protocol.

  • “Plus” signs mean indicate an area where you can add a step. There are 3 types of steps, Initial Steps, Cycle Steps, and Final Steps
  • “Minus” sign deletes the associated step.
  • The “Heated Lid” box controls the temperature of the heated lid (default is 110 C). “0″ (zero) means the heated lid should stay OFF.
  • Final Hold Step?  Say you have added a final extension for 30 seconds, but you want OpenPCR to hold continually at a given temperature after that. Simply enter your desired temperature in the “Temp” box and “0″ (zero) in the “Time” box. For instance, a lot of protocols end by cooling the sample to 4 C after thermal cycling.

Adjusting the Heated Lid

The black lid knob raises and lowers OpenPCR’s heated lid. To adjust your heated lid, unscrew the knob *counter-clockwise* all the way. Open the lid and put several empty PCR tubes into OpenPCR’s tube block. Now close the lid and screw the lid knob *clockwise* to lower the heated lid. Keep an eye on the heated lid as you screw down the knob. The front of the lid will start to lift up when the heated lid is at the proper height. The first time you run PCR you can add a drop of water to a few PCR tubes and run the “A simple experiment” test. Once you set the height of the heated lid for the brand of PCR tubes you use, you shouldn’t need to adjust it next time!

Auto-Start

Running workshops, demos, or repeating the same PCR protocol over and over again?

With OpenPCR plugged into your computer, start the experiment you would like to have repeated. While OpenPCR is running (such as heating the lid), simply unplug OpenPCR from your computer (without hitting Stop). Switch OFF OpenPCR, count to 10 seconds, and then switch ON OpenPCR. Your experiment will begin running without being connected to a computer! Put OpenPCR in the back of your car and head to your workshop!

When you want to program OpenPCR with a new experiment, simply connect OpenPCR to your computer with a USB cable. Switch ON OpenPCR and start up the OpenPCR App. OpenPCR will be in “Ready” mode for you to send over a new experiment.

Questions?

Hop on the OpenPCR Google Group for more discussion!