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 Frequently Asked Questions
Back to the FAQ list
| Q: |
What is Easy Engine? |
| A: |
Easy Engine is a Windows based software program which enables users to easily manage MJ Research DNA cyclers (PTC200/225) in a graphical environment. |
| Q: |
Which thermal cyclers does Easy Engine support? |
| A: |
Easy Engine supports thermal cyclers manufactured by MJ Research Inc. USA. Supported instruments are the PTC-200 and PTC-225, respectively known as "DNA Engine" and "Tetrad"
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| Q: |
Where can I download an Easy Engine Demo version? |
| A: |
Right here! First you have to register here. Once you have registered, you can log in and will have access to our downloads.
To download an Easy Engine DEMO version, you must know your engine's serial number. |
| Q: |
How can I connect the PTC-200/225 Thermal Cycler to my computer? |
| A: |
The easiest way to connect the PTC-200/225 to your computer is by means of a serial (RS-232 Null Modem) cable. Connect the RS-232 port of the PTC-200/225 to the Comport of your computer with Easy Engine installed.
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| Q: |
About Easy Engine and Instrument Licenses... |
| A: |
Easy Engine works with LICENSES. For each instrument you want to control/operate with the Easy Engine software a License Code is needed! You can purchase a License Code from your Easy Engine distributor.
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| Q: |
What is the maximum length of the RS-232 cable? |
| A: |
The maximum length for the RS-232 cable is approx. 30 meters (100ft).
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| Q: |
Easy Engine and Windows 2000 and XP |
| A: |
Easy Engine v1.4 is designed for optimal performance with OS Windows 95, 98, 98SE, ME, NT4.0, 2000 and XP. |
| Q: |
Easy Engine and PTC- 200/225 software versions lower than 3.0B |
| A: |
Easy Engine is designed for optimum performance with DNA Engine and Tetrad software version 3.0B or higher. Using Easy Engine with other software versions (lower than 3.0B) restricts Easy Engine from some operations and features. These restrictions and limitations are applicable to "Explorer" and "Incubate" functions. "Monitor" functions operate normally.
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| Q: |
Does Easy Engine run on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0? |
| A: |
Yes, Easy Engine runs under Microsoft NT 4.0. Please make sure Service Pack 3 or higher installed for this OS.
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| Q: |
<<< How to print the User Manual/Help File >>> |
| A: |
The Help File of Easy Engine is designed as a User Manual. It is easy to print this Help File.
Every chapter is displayed as a book in the Help contents. If you select a specific book and then press the "Print" button, the topics of this chapter will be send to the printer.
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| Q: |
I can not run multiple Gradient protocols... |
| A: |
Please make sure you have PTC-200/225 software version 3.0B or higher installed! |
| Q: |
Installing Easy Engine on the DNA Engine Opticon computer... |
| A: |
When Easy Engine is installed on the DNA Engine Opticon™ computer to control a PTC200/225 which is connected to COM1 (not the Opticon System), it can happen that Easy Engine also detects the Opticon system at the hardware detection cycle. This is normally performed at every startup of Easy Engine. To avoid this the hardware detection at start-up should be disabled. This can be done selecting in Easy Engine the menu Options and the sub menu Settings. In this Settings window disable the Hardware Detection At Start-up. |
| Q: |
Can I connect more than 2 PTC-200/225 using RS232? |
| A: |
Yes. Normally a standard PC is equipped with 1 or 2 serial ports. You can install a serial extesion card in your computer to add more com ports. GENO-tronics BV recommend to use serial extension cards of National Instruments.
Note: Easy Engine version 1.1. does not support more than 2 com ports. You need to upgrade to version 1.2.1. Please ask your local supplier for an upgrade. |
| Q: |
What serial extension cards are recommended? |
| A: |
Easy Engine has be tested succesfully with serial extension cards of National Instruments, although cards of other suplliers may work properly. |
| Q: |
Easy Engine does not detect more than 2 serial ports? |
| A: |
Easy Engine version 1.1 does not support more than 2 serial ports. You need to upgrade to version 1.2.1. Please ask your local supplier for an update. |
| Q: |
PTC-200/225 software version 3.0A incompatibility |
| A: |
Unfortunately Easy Engine in combination with PTC-200/225 software version 3.0A can give some unpredictable performance. We recommend NOT TO USE Easy Engine with this software version |
| Q: |
PTC-221 Dyad Disciple and Easy Engine |
| A: |
The PTC-221 Dyad Disciple is requires version 1.3 or higher of Easy Engine. A special serial y-cable is provide with the software package. A Disciple occupies 2 serial ports on the PC
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