# About ## Purpose The min-eVOLVER was originally conceived of as a minimal apparatus to conduct [phage-assisted continuous evolution (PACE)](/evolver/extensions/custom-experiments/epace.md). Thus it has two bioreactors (eVOLVER [Smart Sleeves](/evolver/hardware/smart-sleeve.md)): one for a "host cell reservoir" and one for a "lagoon". It also has six pumps: four for bulk media in and out of the two Smart Sleeves and two for fine control over inducers into the lagoon. However, base min-eVOLVER can be used for most continuous culture scenarios, such as turbidostat and chemostat. It can also be readily adapted to new experiments. ## Differences from Main eVOLVER ### Software-Hardware Architecture The software architecture of the min-eVOLVER is similar to the [original eVOLVER](/evolver/software/overview-of-software-architecture.md), with the exceptions that: * The Raspberry Pi server has been replaced with a server run on the connected laptop * A single Arduino SAMD21 actuates all functions and collects vial data through the min-eVOLVER board ## Maximum Power Draw * Maximum current draw\* = 2 Amps * Power supply voltage = 12V * Maximum power draw = 24W \*Maximum current draw was measured from a bench-top power supply with the heaters fully on, all pumps running, and stirring on. Instantaneous spikes in current could be higher when pumps and stirring start up {% hint style="warning" %} Especially if you plan to run multiple (>4) min-eVOLVERs off of one power strip, make sure you have a power strip that is rated for more than enough current. Most power strips are rated for 15A, but you should check. {% endhint %} --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://khalil-lab.gitbook.io/evolver/extensions/min-evolver/about.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.