WIGGENS WHI-202R Hybridization Incubator with Orbital Shaking
| Brand | WIGGENS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | WHI-202R |
| Temperature Range | Ambient +5°C to 80°C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.3°C at 37°C |
| Rotation Speed | 2–35 rpm |
| Chamber Dimensions (W×D×H) | 320 × 350 × 370 mm |
| External Dimensions | 415 × 465 × 540 mm |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50/60 Hz, 400 W |
| Safety Features | Over-temperature protection, door safety interlock |
| Control System | PID-based microprocessor control with LED display |
| Sample Holder Options | Eight 40 × 200 mm or eight 40 × 120 mm tubes |
| Optional Accessory | 300 × 250 mm rocking platform (compatible with WNB-202P) |
Overview
The WIGGENS WHI-202R Hybridization Incubator is an integrated laboratory instrument engineered for precise temperature-controlled hybridization, gentle orbital mixing, and static incubation of nucleic acid or protein samples. Designed in accordance with ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing practices and CE-marked for use in EU-regulated life science environments, the WHI-202R employs a dual-mode thermal and mechanical architecture: a forced-air convection system ensures rapid, uniform heating across the chamber, while a low-inertia DC motor drives smooth, programmable orbital rotation—enabling simultaneous thermal stabilization and sample homogenization without vortexing-induced shear stress. Its operational envelope spans ambient +5°C to 80°C, with certified uniformity of ±0.3°C at the critical 37°C setpoint—meeting the thermal stability requirements specified in ISO 15190:2020 for clinical laboratory equipment and supporting reproducible hybridization kinetics per standard protocols such as those outlined in Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (Sambrook & Russell, 4th ed.).
Key Features
- PID-controlled microprocessor system with real-time LED display for accurate, drift-compensated temperature regulation
- Orbital shaking mechanism (2–35 rpm) optimized for low-noise, low-vibration operation—minimizing condensation displacement and tube slippage during extended hybridizations
- Reinforced double-glazed observation window with anti-fog coating, enabling non-invasive visual monitoring without thermal perturbation
- Independent over-temperature safety cutoff with hardware-level thermal fuse (resettable), compliant with IEC 61010-1:2010 Class II insulation requirements
- Modular rack system: interchangeable tube holders accommodate either eight 40 × 200 mm or eight 40 × 120 mm vessels; optional rocking platform (WNB-202P) supports 300 × 250 mm flat-bottom plates
- Energy-efficient design: 400 W nominal power draw with insulated chamber walls (polyurethane foam, 45 mm thickness) and automatic fan modulation based on load and setpoint
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The WHI-202R accommodates standard molecular biology consumables including polypropylene or glass hybridization tubes, microcentrifuge tubes (up to 15 mL), and custom-format sample carriers. Its chamber geometry (320 × 350 × 370 mm internal volume) permits full-height vertical orientation of tall-format tubes without lid interference. The unit complies with EN 61326-1:2013 for electromagnetic compatibility in laboratory settings and meets essential safety criteria under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. While not validated for GMP production environments, its traceable calibration path, audit-ready temperature logging capability (via optional RS-232 interface), and adherence to GLP-relevant operational controls make it suitable for regulated research workflows—including those requiring documentation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated third-party data acquisition software.
Software & Data Management
The WHI-202R operates via embedded firmware with no external PC dependency. All parameters—including setpoint, actual temperature, rotation speed, and elapsed time—are continuously displayed and stored in non-volatile memory for up to 99 cycles. Optional serial output (RS-232) enables integration with LabVIEW, Python-based logging scripts, or enterprise LIMS platforms for automated record generation. Temperature profiles can be exported as CSV files for post-hoc statistical analysis (e.g., ANOVA of thermal variance across zones). Firmware updates are performed via USB-to-serial adapter using WIGGENS’ publicly available service utility—maintaining version traceability for internal QA audits.
Applications
- Nucleic acid hybridization (Southern/Northern blotting, FISH probe incubation)
- Antibody-antigen binding assays requiring controlled thermal agitation
- Enzymatic digestion and ligation reactions sensitive to thermal gradients
- Cell-based assay preconditioning where gentle mixing prevents pellet disruption
- Controlled denaturation/renaturation studies of recombinant proteins
- Pre-analytical sample equilibration prior to qPCR, ELISA, or mass spectrometry workflows
FAQ
Is the WHI-202R suitable for overnight hybridization protocols?
Yes—the device supports continuous operation for ≥72 hours with stable thermal performance and low-power standby mode between cycles.
Can the rotation speed be programmed independently from temperature?
Yes—speed and temperature are fully decoupled parameters; users may ramp temperature while holding constant rpm, or vice versa.
Does the unit include factory calibration documentation?
Each WHI-202R ships with a DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration certificate (traceable to PTB standards) covering three points: 25°C, 37°C, and 60°C.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Annual verification of thermal uniformity and rotational accuracy is recommended; no routine lubrication or filter replacement is necessary due to brushless motor and sealed chamber design.
Is remote monitoring supported out-of-the-box?
No native Ethernet or Wi-Fi interface is included, but RS-232 output allows connection to network-enabled serial servers for IP-based access in lab-wide infrastructure deployments.
