PCRmax® Alpha Cycler Thermal Cycler FAQs

Alpha Cycler PCR Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are the Alpha Cycler blocks interchangeable?

A. No, the Alpha Cycler 1, 2 and 4 have fixed blocks although at point of ordering the customer can choose what format and how many (in the case of the Alpha Cycler 2 and 4) blocks they wish. For simplified maintenance service engineers can remove and replace blocks to facilitate repairs.

Q. Are all block formats gradient?

A. Yes, every block format is gradient on the Alpha Cyclers, be that 96 or 384. The gradient range can cover up to 29°C across any of the block formats.

Q. What plates/tubes can I run on the Alpha Cyclers?

A. The blocks in the Alpha Cyclers 1, 2, and 4 have been developed to ensure a fit with most plate/tubes available on the market. Some manufacturers will make custom plates and tubes which only operate in specific instrumentation; it is unlikely that these will be compatible with the Alpha Cyclers.

Q. For Alpha Cycler 2 and 4, is there a way to prevent users stopping the protocol from other users?

A. Yes, when user accounts are created, a protocol that is running for a specific user can’t be stopped by other users. Only the user that started the protocol can access it.

Q. For Alpha Cycler 2 and 4, are blocks independent?

A. Yes, blocks on Alpha Cycler 2 and 4 are fully independent. They can run different protocols at different times from different users.

Q. Can I generate specific user accounts?

A. Yes, the Alpha Cycler software will allow you to generate specific user profiles and limit access to that users’ protocols to only that user or open them up to all users

Q. What is the reporting feature and how does it work?

A. The Alpha Cycler software will communicate out, via a QR code displayed on the screen, to a mobile device (which can read a QR code) information on block status, when runs on the system will finish and also some service information will be communicated back to PCRmax to allow us and end users to monitor the systems performance and possibly allow us to identify ahead of time when a unit is going to have a service issue.