Motorised Micromanipulator – MP225A SUTTER INSTRUMENT
Stand-alone – a cost-effective alternative to the MP-285 micromanipulator
The MP-225 is a cost-effective alternative to the MP-285 and MPC-365 micromanipulators, while complying with the MP-285 industry standard.
Although the MP-225’s features are less comprehensive than those of the MP-285, it includes the essential capabilities with an efficient user interface
Features of the Motorised Micromanipulator – MP225A
- Highly stable with particularly low drift (0.5 µm/20 hours)
- Sub-micrometer resolution (62.5 nm for fine movements)
- 3-axis manipulator with 25 mm travel
- Displacements possible in 6 steps (µm/step: 0.0625; 0.025; 0.25; 1.0 and 2.0 µm)
- 4th coaxial axis (pipette/microelectrode angle)
- Return to initial position selectable on control box, for pipette/microelectrode change
- Return to “working” position close to recording area
- 3-axis position display (in µm)
- Preamplifier/pipette/microelectrode attachment system
- Adapters included with the micromanipulator
- Desktop format controller
Applications
- In vivo and in vitro electrophysiology
- Patch and intracellular recording techniques
Description of the MP225A Micromanipulator
The mechanical design of the MP-225 micromanipulator uses a miniature stepper motor and an integrated backlash-free gear head. Pre-loaded ball bearing slides ensure smooth movement throughout the 25 mm stroke.
The controller uses the same low-noise linear drive output circuits as the MP-285.
The method of mounting pipette holders and preamplifiers used with the MP-285 has been retained in the MP-225.
This device is primarily designed for positioning pipettes/microelectrodes for recording in patch and intracellular techniques.
An extended version of the Rotary Optical Encoder (ROE) is the only input device available for the MP-225.
Like the MP-285, the manipulator has a virtual 4th axis for diagonal advancement of the pipette; sixteen different angles are selectable via DIP switches.
Movement speed and resolution are easily selected with a multi-position thumbwheel, allowing the user to switch from fast to ultra-fine movement in 10 increments.
Two commonly used robotic movements have been integrated for ease of use. A single press of a button can command movement to a home position for, for example, pipette/microelectrode exchange, or to a user-defined work position (WORK) for rapid pipette/microelectrode relocation close to the recording site. A display on the ROE shows the location of the position.
With all controls located on the ROE, the controller can be moved to a less accessible area of the workspace (protection) to free up space.
Technical specifications of the MP225A Micromanipulator
| Caractéristique | Valeur |
|---|---|
| Low drift | 0.5 µm/20 hours |
| Maximum speed | 2.0 mm/sec |
| Dimensions / Weight of manipulator | 10 cm x 15 cm x 15.5 cm / 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions / Weight controller | 40.6 cm x 28 cm x 9.6 cm / 1.3 kg |