DLAB SK-R330-Pro LCD Digital Rocking Shaker

Overview

The DLAB SK-R330-Pro LCD Digital Rocking Shaker is an engineered platform for low-shear, gentle oscillatory motion in life science laboratories. Designed around a precision-controlled rocking mechanism—rather than orbital or reciprocating agitation—the instrument delivers consistent 9° angular displacement at speeds ranging from 10 to 70 rpm. This motion profile minimizes sample disruption while ensuring uniform reagent exchange across gels, membranes, microplates, and culture vessels. Unlike incubated shakers, the SK-R330-Pro operates at ambient temperature, making it ideal for applications where thermal stability is not required but mechanical reproducibility and timing fidelity are critical. Its robust DC motor architecture provides high torque at low speeds, enabling reliable operation under variable load conditions up to 10 kg. The unit complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission standards) and IEC 61010-1 (safety requirements for laboratory equipment), and its IP21-rated enclosure ensures basic protection against vertically falling solids and limited ingress of moisture—suitable for standard lab environments.

Key Features

• High-precision DC motor drive system delivering quiet, vibration-damped operation with extended service life and minimal maintenance;
• LCD interface with independent digital displays for real-time speed (rpm) and timer (hh:mm:ss), supporting resolution down to 1 minute;
• Dual operating modes: programmable timed operation (1 min – 19 h 59 min) and continuous run mode;
• Adjustable rocking angle fixed at 9°—optimized for electrophoretic gel staining, blot washing, hybridization, and immunoprecipitation workflows;
• RS232 serial interface compliant with EIA/TIA-232-F standards, enabling bidirectional communication with host PCs;
• Free Windows-compatible Shaker PC software for remote parameter configuration, real-time motion curve visualization, and session logging;
• Modular platform design compatible with optional universal clamps, microplate holders, gel trays, and custom fixtures (sold separately);
• Universal power input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) with internal switching-mode power supply for stable performance across global laboratory power grids.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SK-R330-Pro accommodates a wide range of sample containers—including polyacrylamide and agarose gels (up to standard 20 × 20 cm formats), nitrocellulose/PVDF membranes, 6–96-well microplates, conical tubes (15–50 mL), and glass staining dishes—without requiring adapters in most configurations. Its 360 × 410 mm platform supports standardized labware layouts and permits simultaneous processing of multiple assays. From a regulatory standpoint, the device meets essential requirements for GLP-compliant laboratories when used in non-clinical study protocols involving sample preparation steps. While not certified for ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its RS232 data export capability and deterministic timer logic support audit-trail-ready documentation when integrated into validated workflows. Users deploying the shaker in pharmaceutical QC labs should perform IQ/OQ validation per internal SOPs referencing ASTM E2500-13 (Guide for Specification, Design, and Verification of Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Systems).

Software & Data Management

The included Shaker PC software provides a lightweight, installer-free interface (no admin rights required) for configuring speed, duration, and start delay parameters prior to instrument initiation. During operation, the software plots real-time rpm vs. time curves using timestamped serial packets, enabling post-hoc verification of motion consistency. Logged sessions are saved in CSV format with ISO 8601 timestamps, facilitating integration into LIMS or ELN systems. All firmware updates are delivered via signed binary packages distributed through DLAB’s official support portal. No cloud connectivity or telemetry is embedded—data remains local unless explicitly exported by the user, aligning with institutional data sovereignty policies.

Applications

• Electrophoresis: Gel staining (Coomassie, silver) and destaining with uniform buffer penetration;
• Western & Southern blotting: Membrane blocking, primary/secondary antibody incubation, and stringency washes;
• Molecular biology: DNA/RNA hybridization (e.g., Northern blots, colony lifts), probe annealing;
• Immunology: Antigen-antibody binding kinetics studies, co-immunoprecipitation wash steps;
• Cell biology: Gentle suspension of adherent cells during detachment protocols or low-shear media exchange;
• Quality control: Routine reagent mixing and dilution homogenization in analytical prep workflows.

FAQ

Is the SK-R330-Pro suitable for use inside a cold room?

Yes—the unit is rated for operation between 5°C and 40°C; however, condensation may affect electronics if moved rapidly between temperature zones. Allow thermal equilibration before powering on.
Can the rocking angle be adjusted?

No—the mechanical linkage is factory-set to 9° to ensure optimal fluid dynamics for common life science protocols. Custom-angle variants are not available.
Does the RS232 interface support USB-to-serial adapters?

Yes—standard FTDI- or CP210x-based adapters are fully compatible; drivers must be installed prior to software launch.
Is the Shaker PC software validated for GxP environments?

The software is provided “as-is” for instrument control only. Validation documentation (IQ/OQ templates) is available upon request from DLAB Technical Support for qualified customers.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?

No scheduled lubrication or calibration is needed. Wipe exterior surfaces with isopropyl alcohol; inspect motor mount screws annually for torque retention.