For decades, we have specialized in thermal cyclers with proven performance and unmatched combination of features, just right for PCR procedures (Polymerase Chain Reaction) carried out in every laboratory, whether you run only a few samples per week or perform high-throughput processes.
Unicorn’s conventional and real-time thermal cyclers are designed to meet critical requirements for various PCR applications. Hundreds and thousands of our product are in daily use around the globe, helping scientists, health professionals and laboratory managers achieve high level of accuracy and consistency in their work.
Its Peltier-based temperature heating and cooling technology guarantees precise control and extremely fast ramp rates compared with other suppliers. Unicorn thermal cyclers have different block configurations and equipped with additional functions like conventional gradient, dynamic gradient and 2-D gradient etc. The newest and compact industrial design ensures low footprint, suitable for small laboratories.
We believe in giving our customers a choice in how they use our thermal cyclers supported by excellent service and support. Our dedication to PCR is a guarantee that we will continue to provide better solutions with better services for many years to come.
This guide will help you select the most suitable thermal cycler for your application needs. Our team of technical/application specialists are available to answer questions, as well as provide friendly, expert advice.
Model | WATSON D | WATSON | HELIX EXPLORER | HELIX-S | HELIX-3/HELIX-3G | HELIX-4T | HELIX-96PLUS | LARK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apperance | ||||||||
Quantity of blocks | 2 | 1 | 1 or 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Types of blocks | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Block description | 64*0.2ml (Block A)+32*0.2ml (Block B) | 96*0.2ml;384well;6*16*0.2ml | 96*0.2ml;96*0.2ml+77*0.5ml; (48*0.2ml)*2; 48*0.2ml+30*0.5ml; 384well | 96*0.2ml;96*0.2ml+77*0.5ml; 60*0.5ml; 384well | 3*32*0.2ml | IN-SITU | 96×0.2ml(6 independent 16 well block) | 16*0.2ml(4×4); 32*0.2ml(4*8) |
Conventional gradient | WATSON D(B) | WATSON-A WATSON-A(F) WATSON-384 | All models | All models | HELIX-3G | n/a | n/a | LARK-32 |
Dynamic gradient | n/a | WATSON-B | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 6 temperature zones in total | n/a |
2-Dimensional gradient | WATSON D(P) WATSON D | WATSON-C | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Control panel | 10.1 inches | 10.1 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches 800*600TFT | 8 inches 800*600TFT | 8 inches 800*600TFT | 5inches 800*480 65K |
Ramp rate | WATSON D(P) 8℃/s | WATSON -C 8℃/s, WATSON-A(F) 6℃/s, WATSON-A 5℃/s | 5℃/s | 4.5℃/s | 5℃/s | 4℃/s | 6℃/s | 5℃/s |
Consumable compatibility | 0.2ml tubes, 8-strip tubes | 0.2ml tubes, 8-strip tubes,semi-skirted/non-skirted PCR plate,384 PCR plate | 0.1/0.2/0.5ml tubes, 8-strip tubes,semi-skirted/non-skirted PCR plate,384 PCR plate | 0.1/0.2/0.5ml tubes, 8-strip tubes, semi-skirted/non-skirted PCR plate,384 PCR plate | 0.2ml tubes, 8-strip tubes | IN-SITU | 0.2ml tubes, 8-strip tubes | 0.2ml PCR tube, 8-strip tubes |
Reaction volume | 5-120ul | 5-80ul 5-30ul(384well) | 10-200ul(0.5) 10-120ul(0.2) 10-80ul 10-30ul(384well) | 10-200ul(0.5) 10-120ul(0.2) 10-80ul 10-30ul(384well) | 5-120ul | IN-SITU | 10-120ul | 5-80ul |
Program storage | 20000 | 20000 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 |
Get access to more | WATSON D Series Themal Cycler | WATSON Series Themal Cycler | HELIX EXPLORER Themal Cycler | HELIX-S Themal Cycler | HELIX-3/HELIX-3G Themal Cycler | HELIX-4T IN-SITU Thermal Cycler | HELIX-96PLUS Themal Cycler | LARK Series Themal Cycler |