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Chromatogram Viewing

Here is a list of software that are available as free downloads that can help you visualize the chromatogram and analyze the DNA files.

For printing, we recommend the HP color laser jet 4650n printer. Small desktop printers will be unable to handle the amount of data that is associated with the chromatogram files.

For a PC:

• Option 1: Download FinchTV from Geospiza, www.geospiza.com/finchtv/download. The download will be a zip file. You will need WinZip or PowerArchiver to open it. FinchTV reads chomatograms in ABI (.AB1) or Standard (.scf) format and can print chromatograms.
  • If WinZip isn't installed on your computer, you can download the software from www.winzip.com/index.htm. The software can be evaluated for a limited time before a license is bought.
  
  
• Option 2: Download Chromas Lite from www.technelysium.com.au/chromas_lite.html. This reads chromatograms in ABI(.AB1) or Standard (.scf) format.


• Option 3: Download ABI Sequence Scanner Software v1.0 from http://marketing.appliedbiosystems.com/mk/get/sss_login. This is a free sequence viewer and editor that can also print chromatograms. This is not able to re-analyze or align chromatograms.

For a Mac with OS9 or less:

• Download the 3100 Conversion Utility from ABI, www.appliedbiosystems.com/support/software/3100/conversion.cfm. This utility allows you to convert the chromatograms from the format created by the ABI 3130 xl Genetic Analyzer to a format that can be read with EditView. EditView is available from ABI, www.appliedbiosystems.com/support/software. This is located on the right side of the page under 'Software Utilities'.

For a Mac with OS10.2.8 or above:

• Option 1: Download FinchTV from Geospiza, www.geospiza.com/finchtv/download. FinchTV reads chomatograms in ABI (.AB1) or Standard (.scf) format; no conversion is needed. This software can print chromatograms.


• Option 2: Download 4Peaks from mekentosj.com, www.mekentosj.com/4peaks. The download is a .dmg file. When you open it, a volume is created. 4Peaks will read ABI, SCF and ZTR files without conversion. This software automatically translates nucleic acid sequence to amino acid sequence. Editing cpabilities include vertical and horizontal zooming. This software also reads sequence out loud, can print chromatograms and has editing capabilities including vertical and horizontal zooming.


• Option 3: MacVector 7.2.3. You can open chromatogram files (.AB1) directly with MacVector. Go to File, Open, then double-click on your chromatogram. This software can zoom in vertically and horizontally, translate nucleic acid sequence to amino acid sequence, add features and print.

Web sites with lots of good information:

Laragen, Inc, www.laragen.com/support.html

Sequencing Core at the University of Michigan, http://seqcore.brcf.med.umich.edu/doc/dnaseq