The Tetrad™ 2 thermal cycler is a completely redesigned and updated version of the original Tetrad chassis, and it accepts the full line of well-proven Alpha™ heat-pump assemblies. It delivers the same precision in thermal performance as the DNA Engine Dyad®, and original Tetrad thermal cyclers, allowing easy transport of protocols among platforms.

The Tetrad 2 contains an onboard Pentium®-class computer that delivers an advanced graphical interface—ideal for managing production-grade thermal cycling. For those labs that value quick training, the creation and editing of protocols can be accomplished rapidly and easily via the mouse-directed “point-and-click” navigation. Real-time displays of block, sample and lid temperatures provide quality assurance that the thermal cycler is performing as directed. Superior software features, such as error tracking logs, run tracking files, problem resolution trees and file management tools, offer invaluable information for troubleshooting during high throughput runs.

Up to 8 individual sample blocks, which can be controlled independently or as a group

Up to 1536 samples can be processed simultaneously

Internal power supply—no separate “boxes” to accommodate

High-density color display and on-board mousepad, with point-and-click navigation of software

Swappable Alpha unit sample blocks are designed for frequent change; they can be swapped in seconds; they seat many types of reaction vessels.
 
Independently controlled dual blocks are available for running two different protocols simultaneously.
 
Gradient capability is standard on all DNA Engine systems when fitted with 96-well Alpha units.
 
Unique Peltier heat pumps are built by MJ Research specifically for cycling.   Years of experience and proprietary technologies make MJ modules last longer than any other.
 
Multi-zone feedback control utilizes multiple sensors combined with four “zones” for heating and/or cooling to optimize thermal profiles every 50 milliseconds.
 

Performance

Extraordinary temperature uniformity of ±0.4°C within 30 seconds of arrival at 90°C (well-to-well) average, all Alphas.
 
Superb thermal accuracy of blocks within ±0.3°C of NIST standard at 90°C (average across block, all Alphas).
 
Thermal range of -5° to 105°C
 
Rapid ramp rates of up to 3.0°C/sec

Operation

Two thermal control options block control or calculated control.
 
Choice of two heated-lid designs accommodate many vessel types and various sealing options, allowing maximum flexibility in experimental designs.   Heated lid temperatures can be set with any DNA Engine instrument.
 

Manual Hot Bonnet^® heated lid with a unique thumbwheel for adjusting height and pressure
Moto Alpha™ units can be remotely commanded to open, close, and adjust height and pressure.   Alternatively it may be opened and closed with the touch of a button.