Bio-Rad PROTEAN® IEF Cell Accessories - Manual (Page 9)

Rehydration/Equilibration Tray
The disposable rehydration/equilibration tray is used to rehydrate IPG strips prior to
isoelectric focusing and to equilibrate them prior to running the 2nd dimension. The use of a
rehydration/equilibration tray simplifies IPG strip handling when employing electrode wicks.
The rehydration/equilibration tray can also be used to equilibrate the IPG strips in buffer prior
to running the 2nd dimension.
Focusing Tray
The focusing tray holds up to 12 IPG strips. It contains the electrodes for isoelectric focusing
and wells for sample application. The focusing tray can be used for both the rehydration step
and the isoelectric focusing run. The isoelectric focusing tray is used when a method includes
an integral rehydration step as with active rehydration. Also, an isoelectric focusing tray must
be used in all methods with an integral rehydration step that do not include a pause after
rehydration.
Serial Port Functions for Printer or Computer Connection
The PROTEAN IEF cell has the ability to communicate with an external printer or
computer via the RS232 serial port located at the back of the instrument. The PROTEAN IEF
cell sends the data to these peripheral devices as ASCII text. The Thermal Printer can be directly
connected to the PROTEAN IEF cell. A straight, serial cable is included with the printer and
the DIP switches are pre-set.
Note: If a device other than the Bio-Rad Thermal Printer is used, a different type of cable
may be required. Check the configuration of the printer or computer to determine if a
straight serial cable or null modem cable is required and purchase the cable separately.
RS232 Printout of Running Conditions:
The PROTEAN IEF cell records the running conditions every 5 minutes during the
isoelectric focusing portion of a method. The printout lists the details of the programmed
method and values for all the parameters of each step.
Bio-Rad Laboratories
PROTEAN IEF Cell
Firmware Version: 1.40
Method "Name"
Rehydration: Inactive (Passive or Active @ 50 V)
Rehyde time: 00:00
Temp: 20 °C
Run Temp: 20 °C
Number of Gels: #
Max µA/Gel: 50
Step 01 250 V Ramp:R Time: 00:15
Step 02 10000 V Ramp:S Time: 01:00
etc.
End of Method list.
Start of run data.
00:00 1 xxxxV / 50 10 µA 0000 V hrs
Total time Step # Voltage and Total Current Total
elapsed Ramp type Current per gel Volthours
The printout will also indicate interruptions of the run, such as pause mode and interruption
of power when the cell cover is opened. If there is poor contact between one of the IPG strips
and the electrode, large fluctuations in resistance will hold the voltage constant at 500 volts
until the user intervenes, preventing the IPG strips from burning. If the method is edited dur-
ing the run the printout will display edited values with an asterisk.
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