Surge Scientific · Model T1604 · Portable Real-Time PCR (qPCR) System · 16 Wells · 4 Channels
Real-Time PCR · T1604
Portable · 4 Fluorescence Channels · Twin 8-Well · 7-inch Touchscreen
2×8-Well Twin Block · Two Independent Programs Simultaneously · 4 Detection Channels · Custom Marlow Peltier · Side-Scan Optics · Win-PC Software · Optional Thermal Printer
The T1604 is the portable qPCR system that brings real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR to mobile labs, on-site testing, and small clinical setups — without compromising the optics or thermal control that make qPCR data trustworthy. Twin 8-well block design (2×8) lets you run two completely independent programs simultaneously — different protocols, different cycle counts, different annealing temperatures, on one footprint. Four detection channels, highly sensitive photoelectric detectors with side-scan optics, custom Marlow Peltier elements for fast and uniform thermal control, and a 7-inch capacitive color touchscreen with built-in software for stand-alone operation or PC-based analysis via included Windows software.
Why a Portable qPCR Has to Get the Optics Right
Real-time PCR is a fluorescence-based quantification — every cycle, the instrument measures fluorescence intensity in each well to track amplification curves. The threshold cycle (Ct) where fluorescence crosses a baseline is what gets converted into copy number. Get the optics wrong, and the Ct is wrong. Get the Ct wrong, and your absolute quantification is wrong by orders of magnitude.
Most portable qPCR systems compromise on optical sensitivity to keep size down — they use top-down LED excitation and CCD detection that picks up scattered light from neighboring wells, producing crosstalk that smears the signal. The T1604 takes a different approach: side-scan optics with bundled optical fibers collect fluorescence from the side of each well (not the top), maximizing signal collection while eliminating crosstalk between wells. Combined with a black reaction block to suppress background noise and LED excitation sources for energy efficiency and long life, the T1604 delivers research-grade qPCR data quality in a portable package.
4 Channels · 16 Wells
4 fluorescence detection channels for multiplex assays — up to 4 targets per well. Twin 8-well blocks = 16 sample capacity with 2 independent programs.
Twin Block — Two Programs
Two 8-well blocks run two different programs simultaneously — different cycle counts, different annealing temperatures, different protocols. One instrument, two parallel experiments.
Side-Scan Optics
Bundled fiber-optic side-scan collects fluorescence from the side of each well — eliminates well-to-well crosstalk. Black reaction block reduces background noise.
Portable + PC Software
7-inch touchscreen for stand-alone operation. Or connect to included Windows PC software for full data analysis. Optional thermal printer for instant results in field settings.
"Portable enough to take into the field. Optical sensitivity precise enough to trust the data when you get there."
Key Features
- Portable real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR
- Twin 8-well block design (2×8 = 16 wells total)
- Two independent programs run simultaneously
- 4 fluorescence detection channels
- Multiplex up to 4 targets per well
- Highly sensitive photoelectric detectors
- Side-scan optical collection
- Bundled fiber-optic light collection
- Black reaction block — reduces background noise
- LED excitation sources — energy efficient
- Custom Marlow Peltier elements
- Rapid uniform temperature control
- 7-inch capacitive color touchscreen
- Built-in stand-alone software
- Windows PC software included
- Quantitative analysis (absolute and relative)
- Melting curve analysis
- SNP genotyping
- Multiple connectivity options
- USB data export
- Optional thermal printer for stand-alone reports
- Compact and lightweight portable design
- Suitable for mobile labs and on-site testing
- 2-year all-inclusive warranty
Ideal Applications
Field & On-Site Testing
Mobile diagnostic units, agricultural testing, pasture/farm/water source pathogen screening, food safety inspection, outbreak response — qPCR where the lab can't go.
Small Clinical & Vet Labs
Small clinical diagnostic labs, veterinary practices, and reference labs running 8–16 sample panels — clinical-grade qPCR without the bench footprint of a full 96-well system.
Research Labs & Teaching
Research labs running smaller-scale qPCR experiments, method development with twin-protocol parallelism, and teaching labs introducing students to real-time PCR.
What's in the Box
T1604 ships ready for portable use — touchscreen interface, twin block, Windows PC software all included.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model / SKU | T1604 |
| Block Design | Twin 8-well (2×8) = 16 sample capacity |
| Independent Programs | 2 — one per block, simultaneously |
| Fluorescence Channels | 4 (multiplex up to 4 targets/well) |
| Optics | Side-scan with bundled fiber-optic collection |
| Detector | Highly sensitive photoelectric |
| Light Source | LED — energy efficient, long life |
| Reaction Block | Black — reduces background noise |
| Peltier Module | Custom Marlow Peltier elements |
| Display | 7-inch capacitive color touchscreen |
| Built-in Software | Stand-alone experiment setup & analysis |
| PC Software | Windows — included |
| Analysis Modes | Absolute / Relative quantification · Melting curve · SNP / Genotyping |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Optional Accessories | Thermal printer for stand-alone reports |
| Form Factor | Compact, lightweight, portable |
| Warranty | 2-year all-inclusive |
Surge Scientific Warranty & Support
This instrument is sold through Surge Scientific, your trusted laboratory equipment partner. Our product specialists are available Monday–Friday for assistance. The T1604 is backed by a 2-year all-inclusive manufacturer's warranty. Contact us at info@surgescientific.com or reach out directly to our support team at 855.943.3344 for pre-sales questions, qPCR protocol setup, multiplex assay design, mobile-lab deployment, and technical assistance.