Software FAQ

Q: How do I setup an acceptable temperature range?

A: The acceptable temperature range is 408C to 988C while the Temperature Accuracy is ± 0.58C from 608C to 958C. However, the instrument will not be able to reach temperatures below the internal temperature of the processing block because it is ambient air-cooled. It will be more difficult for the instrument to reach low temperatures if the air temperature is higher than normal or if the instrument has been running for a long period of time. If a site does not reach the programmed temperature within 5 minutes, that site will automatically stop.

Q: When I try to analyze previous runs while the instrument is in use the software seems slower.

A: If the software is collecting data (temperature or optical) other functions may be slightly slower. Data collection is always the first priority to prevent loss of data.

Q: The software freezes while the SmartCycler® is in use.

A: This is often caused by the Power Scheme settings. All of the computer Power Scheme settings must be set to Never. To verify the power scheme settings go to the Start Menu>Settings>Control Panel>Power Management. Set System standby, turn off monitor and turn off hard disks to Never.

Q: Can I work on my Power Point presentation while a run is in progress?

A: It is not recommended to use other applications such as Power Point while the SmartCycler® processing block is in use.

Q: Can I backup my data?

A: Yes, individual runs can be archived and retrieved or the entire database can be backed up. The user must have administrator rights to backup the database.

Q: What is the capacity of the database?

A: 1.9GB

Q: If I delete a run or copy over the database is there anyway to recover the data?

A: No, unless the run was archived or the database was backed up.

Q: If I forget to turn the optics on in the protocol is there anyway to recover the optical data after the run is complete?

A: No, the software will give a warning message if a protocol is saved without an optical read. If this message is ignored no optical data will be collected.

Q: Software is very slow switching between screens.

A: Check that the Norton Anti-Virus Auto-Protect feature is disabled.

Q: Can I load the SmartCycler® software onto another computer?

A: Cepheid grants the customer a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use one copy of the Cepheid SmartCycler System Software program on the computer provided with the SmartCycler® System and connected to the SmartCycler® processing block and one copy on a second computer that is identical to the computer provided with the SmartCycler® system to be used only for SmartCycler® data analysis, and to make one copy for back-up purposes.