Perkin Elmer Cetus 480 DNA Thermal Cycler

Perkin Elmer Cetus 480 DNA Thermal Cycler

The Perkin Elmer Cetus 480 is a foundational, legacy DNA thermal cycler engineered for the reliable amplification of nucleic acids via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Recognized as one of the original workhorses of molecular biology, this robust standalone system features a heavy-duty, compressor-free thermoelectric block configuration. While it represents older generation technology, its structural durability, exceptional block temperature stability, and straightforward manual programming make it highly valued for education, basic research, and industrial testing environments requiring straightforward thermal profiles.

Technical Performance & Design

• High-Mass Aluminum Block: Equipped with an integrated, high-mass sample block that provides exceptional thermal inertia and cross-well temperature uniformity, minimizing edge-effect variance during amplification runs.
• Microprocessor-Controlled Profiles: Features a built-in control board that allows users to program, store, and execute multi-step thermal profiles, including precise denaturation, annealing, and extension temperature plateaus.
• Forced-Air Cooling Network: Utilizes a robust internal fan and heat-sink assembly for reliable cooling intervals without the maintenance overhead, leaks, or condensation issues associated with external liquid-chiller loops.
• Tactile Control Interface: Designed with a clear digital display vacuum tube panel and a durable tactile keypad, allowing lab operators to quickly modify hold times, cycle counts, and ramp rates without requiring an external PC connection.

Product Specifications

• Model Series: Cetus 480 (N8010100 / N801-0100)
• Sample Block Capacity: 48-Well Matrix (Optimized for standard 0.5 mL thin-wall PCR tubes)
• Temperature Range: 4°C to 99.9°C
• Calculated Accuracy: ±0.5°C at steady-state plateaus
• User Program Storage: Internal non-volatile memory accommodates up to 99 multi-step programs or linked file methodologies
• Electrical Architecture: 120V AC, 50/60 Hz, Single Phase

Key Benefits & Applications

• Academic & Educational Instruction: An ideal, cost-effective platform for teaching the core fundamentals of **endpoint PCR, restriction enzyme digestions, and basic ligation assays** in university teaching labs.
• Routine Genomic Amplification: Well-suited for straightforward **genotyping, plasmid screening, and DNA template preparation** where ultra-fast ramp rates are not strictly required.
• Robust Mechanical Reliability: Built with industrial-grade electronic relays and a thick chassis housing designed to withstand decades of continuous daily use without component degradation.
• No Complex Software Dependencies: Operates completely independently of modern operating systems, removing the risk of firmware obsolescence or network security conflicts within the facility.

Used, tested to be in great working condition. See working video here.

PerkinElmer® is a registered trademark of PerkinElmer, Inc. Because this legacy instrument lacks a modern heated lid configuration, the use of a sterile mineral oil overlay or specialized cap seals is required on top of sample fluids to prevent evaporation during thermal cycling.