IKA Hula Dancer basic Orbital Shaker
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | Hula Dancer basic |
| Instrument Type | Orbital Shaker |
| Oscillation Mode | Circular |
| Orbit Diameter | 4.5 mm |
| Speed Range | Fixed at 2800 rpm |
| Max Load Capacity (including clamps) | 0.1 kg |
| Operating Temperature Range | 5–40 °C |
| Ambient Temperature Range | 5–40 °C |
| Relative Humidity Limit | ≤80 % |
| Protection Rating | IP42 (per DIN EN 60529) |
| Input Voltage | 100–240 V AC |
| Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Motor Input Power | 9.5 W |
| Motor Output Power | 5 W |
| Standby Power Consumption | 0.7 W |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 123 × 42 × 123 mm |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Continuous Operation | 100 % duty cycle |
| Momentary Start Function | Yes |
| Timer Display | None |
Overview
The IKA Hula Dancer basic is a compact, high-stability orbital shaker engineered for consistent, low-profile mixing of small-volume samples in life science and bioengineering laboratories. It operates on the principle of circular orbital motion—generating uniform agitation through a fixed 4.5 mm orbit diameter—ensuring gentle yet effective suspension of cells, reagents, or microbial cultures without vortexing or splashing. Designed for benchtop use in incubators, cold rooms, or standard lab environments, its robust polypropylene housing and precision-balanced drive mechanism deliver exceptional mechanical stability even at its nominal operating speed of 2800 rpm. The device complies with international safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards (IEC 61000-6-3, IEC 61000-6-2), and its IP42-rated enclosure provides protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm and vertically falling water droplets—making it suitable for non-condensing, low-humidity controlled environments.
Key Features
- Fixed-speed operation at 2800 rpm ensures repeatable agitation intensity across experiments—ideal for standardized protocols requiring minimal parameter variation.
- Compact footprint (123 × 42 × 123 mm) and ultra-low mass (0.7 kg) enable seamless integration into confined spaces, including CO₂ incubators and refrigerated cabinets.
- Energy-efficient brushless DC motor delivers 5 W mechanical output from 9.5 W electrical input, with standby power consumption limited to 0.7 W—supporting sustainable lab operations.
- Momentary start function allows precise, hands-on control for short-duration mixing tasks without reliance on electronic timers.
- Wide universal input voltage range (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) eliminates need for external transformers in global laboratory deployments.
- Full 100 % duty cycle rating permits uninterrupted operation during extended assays, such as overnight bacterial culture resuspension or enzyme reaction homogenization.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Hula Dancer basic accommodates microtiter plates (96-well), PCR tubes, Eppendorf-style tubes (up to 2 mL), and small conical vials when secured with compatible universal clamps (sold separately). Its 0.1 kg maximum load capacity—including fixture weight—is optimized for low-mass sample configurations typical in molecular biology workflows. The device meets DIN EN 60529 for ingress protection (IP42), conforms to IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical safety, and adheres to RoHS 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances. While not certified for sterile or cleanroom use (ISO 14644-1 Class 5+), its smooth, non-porous housing supports routine disinfection with 70 % ethanol or isopropanol.
Software & Data Management
As a manually operated, timer-free shaker, the Hula Dancer basic does not incorporate digital controls, firmware, or data logging capabilities. This design prioritizes operational simplicity, mechanical reliability, and regulatory transparency—eliminating software validation requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11. Its absence of embedded electronics renders it inherently compliant with GLP and GMP environments where audit trails for mechanical equipment are not mandated. Users maintain full procedural traceability via manual logbook entries referencing batch numbers, sample IDs, and duration of agitation—consistent with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7 on equipment usage records.
Applications
- Resuspension of lyophilized reagents and cell pellets prior to downstream analysis.
- Homogenization of low-viscosity solutions in qPCR and ELISA assay preparation.
- Agitation of bacterial cultures in microtiter plates during growth-phase monitoring.
- Supporting hybridization steps in nucleic acid blotting protocols (e.g., Southern/Northern transfers).
- Facilitating antigen-antibody binding kinetics in immunoassay development workflows.
- Enabling consistent mixing in environmental microbiology studies involving soil or water extracts.
FAQ
Is the Hula Dancer basic compatible with incubators?
Yes—it operates continuously within 5–40 °C ambient temperature ranges and features a low thermal signature due to its 5 W motor output, making it suitable for placement inside standard CO₂ or refrigerated incubators.
Does it support variable speed control?
No—the Hula Dancer basic operates exclusively at a fixed speed of 2800 rpm; for adjustable speed functionality, consider the IKA Hula Dancer pro or VIBRAX series.
Can it be used with deep-well plates or 15 mL tubes?
No—its 0.1 kg load limit and compact platform are designed for microtiter plates and tubes up to 2 mL; larger vessels require higher-capacity shakers with reinforced platforms.
Is calibration required or supported?
Not applicable—this is a fixed-speed mechanical device without speed sensors or feedback circuitry; no periodic calibration is specified by IKA or required under ISO/IEC 17025 for non-measuring equipment.
What safety certifications does it hold?
It complies with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and carries CE marking for the European Economic Area.
