Q: What is Caddy ?
A: Caddy is trademark for aproduct line of robots used for automation of runs on MegaBACE 500, 1000 and 4000 instruments.
Q: Does Caddy 1000 robot support sequencing and genotyping application ?
A: Yes, Cadddy automation systems support all current MegaBACE applications including sequencing, microsatellite genotyping and SNP genotyping.
Q: What is the difference among the Caddy and Caddy Plus models ?
A: Caddy 1000 is a cathode automation only. It was originally developed for multiple injections SNP genotyping application. Later, some experiments showed that it can be also used for running several sequencing or microsatellite genotyping runs by refilling LPA in between runs from a single set of anode tubes filled with 2 mL of LPA (sold by Amersham Biosciences as MegaBACE 4000 LPA tubes). Using this setup, up to 6 unattended runs can be performed. Due to the depletion of buffer ions, this option can only be used with MegaBACE 500 or 1000 and not MegaBACE 4000
For standard MegaBACE automation functionality using new set of tubes for each new run, Caddy Plus, a combined cathode + anode automation robot, was designed. For MegaBACE 4000, Caddy Plus is the only automation option.
Depending on the MegaBACE model, Caddy 1000 (Plus) or Caddy 4000 (Plus) must be used. For more information check the overview of Caddy models.
Q: How many plates or tanks can be loaded into the cathode plate hotel of Caddy 1000/4000 ?
A: A total of 18 plates + two tanks. This usually means 9 sample plates + 9 buffer plates + 2 water tanks for sequencing or microsatellite genotyping applications or 18 sample plates + 1 water tank + 1 buffer tank for SNP genotyping.
Q: What is the space that the robot occupies in front of the MegaBACE ?
A: Caddy 1000 (cathode automation only): Covering left part of MegaBACE instrument - approximately 18 inches (45 cm) wide and 20 inches (50 cm) deep.
Caddy 1000/4000 Plus (complete automation): Covering most of the front of MegaBACE instrument - approximately 32 inches (90 cm) wide and 20 inches (50 cm) deep.
Q: How is the robot attached to the MegaBACE ?
A: Both, MegaBACE instrument and the Caddy are together fixed to the MegaBACE table.
Q: What is the hardware requirement ?
A: MegaBACE 500/1000 with skirted cathode positioned on a table that has a flat front,
i.e. the top desk does not extend beyond the metal frame. Most MegaBACE tables fit
this description and others can be simply modified during the installation
(the position of the top desk can be aligned with the metal frame). No special
requirement for MegaBACE 4000. For more information check the schematic of Caddy installation table
Q: What is the software requirement ?
A: Caddy works with ICM version 2.4 and later.
Q: How long does Caddy 1000 installation take ?
A: Usually not more than half a day. It depends on level of necessary modifications of the MegaBACE table
Q: Does Caddy 1000 communicate with the MegaBACE software ?
A: Yes, Caddy reacts to commands sent from ICM.
Q: Does Caddy 1000 have a barcode scanner option ?
A: Yes, barcode scanner is supplied as an option. Please, contact us for more detils.
Q: How does Caddy 1000 and 4000 handle evaporation ?
A: Each plate in the hotel has its own solid plastic cover. Our experiments show that at laboratory temperature of 20 C the evaporation from corner wells of the microtiter plate starting at 20 microliters is approximately 30 % in 12 hours and 50% in 24 hours.
Q: When will Caddy be available to customers ?
A: Right now ! Contact Watrex Praha for a quote today !
Q: Where can Caddy 1000/4000 (Plus) be ordered ?
A: Caddy can be ordered euther directly at Watrex Praha, or at any branch of Amersham Biosciencs.
Q: Who is performing the installation and service of the Caddy instruments ?
A: For Europe, Asia/Pacific and Australia, Amersham Biosciences is installing and servicing Caddy systems. Please, contact us with details about installations and service in North America and the rest of the world.
Q: Will I lose my current MegaBACE warranty or service contract when purchasing Caddy ?
A: No, installation and service is done in accordance with Amersham Biosciences. If you have any questions, please, contact us.
Q: What is the listprice for Caddy systems ?
A: For pricing and quotes, go to sales, or contact Watrex Praha for .