Sequencing apparatus

[bjvv at scinet2.up.ac.za]

The wire in the bottom buffer tray of our BRL sequencing apparatus recently 
broke.  The wire is a platinum wire, and a replacement will be nearly 
impossible to get within a short period of time (not to mention costs).
Any ideas on what can be used instead of platinum, eg. would gold be a 
suitable alternative?
We did try "normal" wire, and although the gel heated up to the correct 
temperature and the volts were correct, the reactions smeared badly.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Bettine J. van Vuuren
Department of Zoology and Entomology
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, RSA
pmail: bjvv at scinet2.up.ac.za