[DIYbio] Re: PCR Heat Blocks

In more in tune with a response to your third question though i will add that John Griessen i think is working on an air-pcr system that requires no heat block at all. Actually several years ago i was working on my own DIY hot air PCR system that i never finished. In my case though i designed a simple PCB that had holes to hold the PCR tubes. Since it was a PCB it has a small layer of copper (i think in both sides) that may help with thermal conductivity, but it's really an air PCR system partially inspired by the original Light Bulb PCR project. Here are some photos of it still in it's unfinished state. I probably could get it working if i put rubber flaps on the front to help keep in heat until the exhaust fan kicked on, removed or bypassed the thermal cuttoff switch to allow it to reach 95degrees, and finish programming the Arduino that controls it.

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af224/keen101/electronics/DSCF8042_zpsgtuhalox.jpg

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af224/keen101/electronics/DSCF8045_zpsrvljicmv.jpg

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af224/keen101/electronics/DSCF8046_zpsoeuyw0r8.jpg

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af224/keen101/electronics/DSCF8047_zpsrht3xqq0.jpg

On Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 9:35:00 PM UTC-7, Trenton Adams wrote:

I'm looking at putting together a thermal cycler all cheap like. The problem I've run into is finding a heat block for the tubes. I've found them online for $100+ for a professionally made one, or making a substandard one out of scrap aluminum and best effort drilling. I'm not really happy with either of these solutions. And started doing some online searching. I found the link to the GaudiLabs Drill bit diagram from these forums, but no way to directly purchase one.  So this leads me to a few questions.

1.) Am I missing something? In other words is there a cheaper place to purchase heat blocks, the drill-bit, or another method that would work well?

2.) If the answer to #1 is nope. Is this a problem that others are running into? If so how are other's solving it?

3.) If there just aren't any good solutions or alternatives, is this something that the community would be interested in if I spent the time to come up with a solution?  

Thanks!