Here are answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the TG40 System.
How do I know the TG40 reaches the set temperature?
The TG40 has internal temperature sensors that are factory calibrated. The temperature of each row is controlled by an independent digital PID (proportional, integral, derivative) controller and measures the temperature of each block.
These sensors also report the temperature which is displayed by the software when the TG40 is in the docking station. Deviations from the set temperature are logged and reported as error conditions during the operation of an experiment.
How does the TG40 measure the temperature of the wells?
Each row has a thermal sensor that measures the temperature of the heat exchanger for that row. The TG40 Control Software is calibrated to provide the desired (programmed) temperature in each row’s insert when it contains reagents.
How long does it take the TG40 to attain the programmed temperatures?
Normally the programmed temperatures are attained in 5-10 minutes from the start of the experiment. Once the programmed temperatures are reached, they will be maintained as long as the experiment continues, unless a temperature ramp is programmed.
Why won’t Row 1 (the coldest row) reach 4ºC?
The ambient lab temperature may be too high. If the ambient temperature goes above 20ºC the TG40 may not be able to attain 4ºC. Move the TG40 to a lower ambient temperature location or modify the experimental conditions.
How do I reduce condensation on the 4ºC rows?
Some condensation is normal when operating below ambient temperatures. Use the clear plate cover supplied with the TG40 System to minimize condensation on cold rows.
How do I turn on power to the TG40 Microplate?
The TG40 Microplate is automatically powered on when it is in the Docking Station and the Docking Station is powered on.
Why do the fans in the TG40 keep running when the Docking Station is turned off?
The fans run continuously while the TG40 is powered on. They will continue to run even when the Docking Station is powered off until the battery charge is depleted. Turning off the TG40 using the Power/Reset switch will turn off the fans. (Caution: This will terminate any experiments currently running.)
What are the volumes of the wells in the inserts?
The reagent (large) well holds 60µL and the protein (small) well holds 3µL.
Can the TG40 Microplate sit in a standard microplate holder?
Yes. The TG40 Microplate conforms to the footprint of an SBS standard microplate. It is 85mm W X 128mm L X 35mm H.
Can I operate the TG40 in a cold room?
Yes. The TG40 can be safely operated in a non-condensing environment at temperatures down to 4ºC. Operated in a sub-ambient temperature environment, the minimum temperature of the TG40 will be 1ºC.
Do I have to seal the TG40 Inserts?
Yes, they must be sealed to prevent evaporation, as in other vapour diffusion crystallization experiments. Use standard crystallization sealing tape.
How do I decide when to end an experiment?
TG40 experiments are open-ended, with no pre-set end time. They continue until the operator decides that the experiment successfully produced crystals or until the operator decides that no useful crystals will be obtained. At either point, the operator must manually terminate the experiment.