PatchStar Micromanipulator Setup and Operation Manual

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PatchStar

Micromanipulator

Setup and Operation Manual

Revision 7.0

Revision Date: 06/08/2018

Manual Part No.:

S-MAN-1011

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© Scientifica Ltd

1A Kingfisher Court, Brambleside, Bellbrook Industrial Estate, Uckfield, TN22 1QQ, United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1825 749 933 Fax +44 (0) 1825 749 934 [email protected]

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1.0 Product Introduction

1.1 Handling Scientifica equipment – precautions

This section contains important safety information related to general use of the PatchStar micromanipulator. The Scientifica PatchStar is a piece of scientific equipment and as such requires care when handling.

• Before use, carefully read the instructions, including all warnings and cautions. • Inspect the product, any cables, and connectors before each use. Do not use any equipment that appears damaged.

• Do not apply excessive tension to any cables connected to the PatchStar • There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit.

• Always disconnect the instrument from the power supply prior to cleaning the system or performing maintenance work.

Other important safety information appears throughout the manual. Other important safety information appears throughout the manual.

If the PatchStar is not handled and operated correctly according the information included in this manual this can adversely affect the performance and operation of your PatchStar and may invalidate your warranty. Scientifica will

not be held responsible for any damages incurred by improper use of the equipment.

1.2 The Scientifica PatchStar micromanipulator

1.2.1 Product overview

The PatchStar is a motorised micromanipulator, with three axis of mechanical movement and a further virtual ‘approach’ axis. The PatchStar can be applied to a wide range of life science applications, but is typically used for the placement of electrodes during

electrophysiology research.

The PatchStar features 20 mm of high resolution (20 nm) travel and drift of less than 1 micron over two hours. This movement can be controlled via the Scientifica range of user interfaces or the LinLab software for Windows. This software is free of charge, including all future upgrades and can also be used to customise the PatchStar’s features and control. 1.2.2 Modular design

Shipped as a single unit, the PatchStar’s modular design means that it consists of three identical motorised stages, configured to correspond to the three axis of motorised movement. These are popularly known as X, Y and Z axis:

X axis: left to right movement (blue adjusters and cable) Y axis: front to back movement (green adjusters and cable) Z axis: vertical up and down movement (red adjusters and cable)

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3 1.2.3 Product Walkthrough

Figure A: PatchStar micromanipulator, with key components indicated

1.2.4 Left and right handed configurations

Due to its modular design, the PatchStar can be quickly exchanged between left and right handed configurations. PatchStars can therefore be mounted on both sides of a sample, with control options and software remaining intuitive and the adjusters accessible.

PatchStars are ordinarily shipped in right handed configuration. Instructions on how to re-configure this can be found in section 3.1.1 of this manual.

1 Rotary Base

2 Y Axis (green adjuster) 3 X Axis (blue adjuster) 4 Z Axis L-bracket 5 Z Axis (red adjuster) 6a Dovetail strip (Y Axis) 6b Dovetail strip (X Axis) 6c Dovetail strip (Z Axis) 7 Rotary stage

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2.0 Packing List

If the outside of the shipping packaging is damaged, notify your shipping department immediately. The shipping department may wish to notify the carrier at this point.

If the shipping carton is not damaged, carefully remove and identify all of the components as listed below. If any of items are missing, contact Scientifica Ltd. Please retain the packaging for storage or future transportation of the system.

2.1 Standard items

Quantity

1 Manipulator assembly

1 Head Stage assembly

Standard – may be exchanged for optional probe holder (PS-7750)

1 Break out box

1 User interface cable (15-way D-type to RJ45)

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5 1 Breakout box lead (25-way D-type)

1 Screw kit (contents as per label inside lid)

1 Hex key set

1 Power Cable (cable provided will depend on your country)

1 1U rack mounted controller

1 per 1U rack Mains lead, locale specific 1 per 1U rack USB lead (A-type to B-type)

1 Software CD

1 Setup and Operation Manual

2.2 Optional items

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6 Control Cube PatchPad PatchPad Display PatchPad Touch Joystick

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7 Adaptive accessories

Steep bracket (PS-7550) Shallow bracket (PS-7500)

Flip-up bracket (PS-7700) Low profile bracket (PS-7800)

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8 Fixed Sliding Probe Carriage

(PS-7750)

Universal Rod holder (PS-7600)

Electrode Holding Bar (EHB-500)

3.0 Initial Setup

3.1 Mechanical configuration of the PatchStar

Please remember: adjustment or removal of any screws or components other than those noted in this manual can adversely affect the performance and operation of your micromanipulator and may invalidate your warranty.

If you are unsure of the components discussed here, please review the schematic in section 1.2.3.

3.1.1 Configuring the PatchStar between right and left handed

The PatchStar can be set up for use in either a left handed or right handed configuration. This allows the user to mount the manipulator on either side of the experiment and maintain the operation of the virtual approach axis, as well as providing easy access to the manual adjusters.

Note: The factory default configuration is right handed.

In the right handed set up the dovetail headstage slide projects to the left and the manual adjusters are conveniently positioned away from the microscope. For the left handed setup, the X axis (blue) must be removed and rotated through 180°, to position its manual adjuster away from the microscope.

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Figure B: The PatchStar, shown in left and right handed configurations

1. Loosen the dovetail screws on the lower part of the Z-axis L-bracket using a 3mm allen key. Do not remove these screws completely.

Figure C: Left hand view, L-bracket dovetail screws indicated

2. Slide the upper part of the manipulator off the X axis (blue adjuster).

Figure D: Left hand view, Sliding the top section of the PatchStar

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10 3. Loosen the dovetail screws on the X axis (blue)

Figure E: Rear view, indicating X axis (blue) dovetail screws

4. Remove the X axis (blue) from the Y axis (green) (1), turn the X axis through 180º and slide it back onto the Y axis (2) so that the manual adjustment knob and cable are positioned on the left side of the assembly when seen from the front.

Figure F: Rear view, removing, rotating and replacing the X axis (blue)

5. Retighten the X axis (blue) dovetail screws indicated in step 3

6. Position the lower half so that the green manual adjuster on the Y axis is furthest away from you and the blue X axis adjuster is on the left hand side.

With the rotary stage facing you, slide the upper part of the PatchStar that was removed in step 2 back onto the X axis (blue). Retighten the dovetail screws indicated in step 1 on the lower part of the Z Axis L-bracket.

Slide Rot ate andRepla ce

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11 Figure G: Left hand view, replacing top half of PatchStar

7. The head stage slide can now be set to project on the right side of the manipulator. Refer to section 3.2.3 for details.

Note: You may need to reset the magnetic stops on the rotary base and vertical rotary stage, as described in section 3.2

To return a PatchStar from a left handed configuration back to right handed, follow the same steps outlined above. In step 4, the X axis (blue) should be rotated through 180° to position the manual adjuster on the right hand side of the PatchStar.

3.1.2 Arranging the PatchStar in ‘low-profile’ configuration

An optional low profile bracket allows the position of Z axis (red) to be changed, lowering the height of the PatchStar for rigs with height restrictions.

Fitting this bracket involves removing the Z axis (red), removing the standard Z axis L-bracket, and refitting the low profile bracket in its place.

Figure H: Low profile bracket (left), and PatchStar in the low profile configuration

1. Loosen the dovetail screws on the lower part of the Z axis L-bracket using a 3mm allen key.

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12 Figure I: Left hand view, L-bracket dovetail screws indicated

2. Slide the upper part of the manipulator off the X axis (blue).

Figure J: Left hand view, Sliding the top section of the PatchStar 3. Loosen the dovetail screws on the upper part of the Z axis

Bracket (1) and remove from the Z axis L-bracket (2).

Figure K: Left hand view, removing the Z axis (red) from the L-bracket

4. Slide the Z axis (red) onto the shorter surface of the low profile bracket (1) and tighten the dovetail screws (2)

S lid e

Slide

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13 Figure L: Left hand view, fitting the Z axis (red) to the L-bracket

5. Slide the low profile bracket (1) onto the X axis (blue) and tighten the dovetail screws on the long edge of the low profile bracket (2)

.

Figure M: Fitting the Z-axis onto the lower half of the PatchStar

3.2 Mechanical mounting and positioning of the PatchStar

3.2.1 Mounting the PatchStar using the rotary base

The PatchStar is designed to mount to either a metric or inch spaced location using M6 or ¼”-20 socket head cap screws (supplied). The rotary base is used to secure the manipulator to the user’s table or platform.

1. Remove the manipulator assembly from the rotary base by loosening the two dovetail locking screws on the Y axis (green) using the 3mm allen key supplied (1) and sliding the complete assembly off the base (2)

1.

2. Slide

1.

2.

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14 Figure N: PatchStar (left hand view), indicating rotary stage dovetail screws and removing

the rotary base.

2. Ensure that the 2 set screws that fix the rotary stop ring are loose by turning them anti-clockwise, thus enabling the upper plate to rotate 360º.

Figure O: Rotary base, with set screws indicated

3. There are 4 mounting holes in the lower plate of the base that are accessed by rotating the upper plate relative to the lower plate. Insert two M6 or ¼”-20 socket head cap screws in two of the mounting holes. Now position the rotation plate in the desired location and tighten the two screws.

Figure P: Lower surface, rotary base

4. Rotate the upper plate to reveal the other two mounting holes. Insert and tighten two more screws.

1. 2.

Slide

Loosen Tighten

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15 5. In the reverse of step 1, slide the PatchStar assembly back onto the rotary base and tighten the 2 dovetail locking screws on the Y axis (green).

3.2.2 Setting the rotational stops on the rotary base

The rotary base allows the PatchStar to be rotated between two magnetic stops 100° apart. The magnetic stops provide enough force to hold the PatchStar in place for the application but can be easily moved by hand between stops without having to undo any locking mechanism or use any tools. The magnetic stops are moved together to set up the positioning of the PatchStar.

Figure Q: View from above, showing fixed degree of movement between the adjustable magnetic stops

The following steps should be undertaken with the PatchStar fitted onto a rotary base, which in turn has been fixed to the mounting surface. Please unplug all

cables from the breakout box before undertaking this process to prevent twisting the cables – remember to power off the 1U rack controller before removing these cables.

Right PatchStar

1. Ensure at least one of the grub screws in the rotary base is tight and then move the PatchStar clockwise until it hits the stop.

2. Loosen the grub screw and move the base into the required position for the experiment. 3. Tighten the grub screw and check you can rotate the Patchstar anti-clockwise away from

the experiment to the other stop. Left PatchStar

1. Ensure at least one of the grub screws in the rotary base is tight and then move the PatchStar anti-clockwise until it hits the stop.

2. Loosen the grub screw and move the base into the required position for the experiment.

Fixed at 100° Magnetic Stop at Patching Position Magnetic Stop at Exchange Position

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16 3. Tighten the grub screw and check you can rotate the Patchstar clockwise away from the

experiment to the other stop.

Note: The magnetic stops in the base are designed to be held in place by one of the two grub screws – for this reason, just the most accessible grub screw, usually the one facing the front of the rig, can be set in the above steps with no effect on performance.

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17 3.2.3 Setting the rotational stops on the rotary stage

The rotary stage ensures that an ideal sample approach angle can be achieved. The stage is rotated manually between two magnetic stops. The position of these stops can be adjusted to suit the application.

1. On each edge of the rotary stage, there is a set screw for clamping and releasing the rotary ring.

Please note: throughout this process, these set screws need only be loosened one full turn. Take care not to remove them completely.

Figure R: Left and right hand views, rotary stage set screws indicated

2a.For a right handed setup: Ensure that the rotary stage is positioned midway between the two stops and then loosen both of set screws using a 1.5 mm allen key. Rotate the front plate anti-clockwise until the magnet which determines the approach angle is engaged with the stop. You should hear a small click as this happens.

Figure S: Front view, PatchStar in right hand configuration. Rotating the vertical stage and engaging the internal rotary ring

2b. Now rotate the stage to the required angle and re-tighten the 2 set screws to lock the setting. Once tightened, ensure that the vertical rotary stage can be freely rotated clockwise, away from the experiment.

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18 3a.For a left handed setup: Ensure that the rotary stage is positioned midway between the two stops and then loosen both of set screws using a 1.5 mm allen key. Rotate the front plate clockwise until the magnet which determines the approach angle is engaged with the stop. You should hear a small click as this happens.

Figure T: Front view, PatchStar in left hand configuration. Rotating the vertical stages and engaging the internal rotary ring

3b. Now rotate the stage to the required angle and re-tighten the 2 set screws to lock the setting. Once tightened, ensure that the vertical rotary stage can be freely rotated clockwise, away from the experiment.

Note: If the rotary stage cannot be freely rotated away from the experiment then it is likely that the wrong magnetic stop was engaged at the start of the process. In this case, move the rotary stage away from the current magnet, engage it with the other magnet and proceed as above.

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19 3.2.4 Attaching the head stage assembly

The headstage assembly is mounted to the front of the rotary stage. It can be mounted using either of the pairs of channels on the rotary stage (marked ‘a’ and ‘b’ below). Each channel contains four tapped holes, two of which should be used to secure the dovetail slide.

Figure U: PatchStar, with standard headstage carriage assembly being fitted

The sliding carriage is locked in the required position on the dovetail slide using the thumb screw. The sliding carriage is designed to accommodate a range of dovetail based

headstages including Axon headstages. The dovetail headstages are secured by tightening the dovetail clamp using a 3 mm allen key.

In addition there are two M3 mounting holes on the underside of the sliding carriage that can be used to attach a sub-mounting plate to attach a wider range of headstages. The PS-7650 head stage plate can be fitted using these tapped holes.

Figure V: Sliding carriage and dovetail slide, with operation indicated

a b

Dovetail clamp

M3 mou nting holes for other headstage mou nting b rackets Fixing for rota ry stage

Tighten to secu re dovetail clamp

Slide be tween “hom e” and “out”

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20 3.2.5 Exchanging magnetic base to thumb screw lock

The PatchStar manipulator will be provided with a magnetic locking base as standard. This can be exchanged for a thumbscrew locking base if preferred. This can be ordered as a standard alone part from Scientifica (code PS-LBASE). If this part is ordered a new rotational base will be shipped with the thumbscrew lock preinstalled. In order to fit this onto the

PatchStar remove the magnetic base form the manipulator by loosening the screws on the bottom most dovetail rail and sliding the manipulator off the base, as indicated in figure N. The new base can be attached in the same manager, and the dovetail screws securely fastened.

Alternatively, the thumbscrew lock (S-PS-7000-LBASE-LOCK) can be retrofitted onto the magnetic base.

First remove the rotational base form the PatchStar as described above.

Remove the top of the PatchStar rotational base by removing and retaining the screw located on the top centre of the base using a 3mm allen key (as indicated in figure W). It may be necessary to hold the bottom of the base using a pair of pinch pliers, inserted into the grip holes located in the central brass section in order to loosen the crew.

Figure W: location of screw to remove top of PatchStar rotational base

Once the top of the base has been removed locate the screw on the top of the base securing the magnetic stop in place. Remove and retain the crew using a 2.5mm allen key. The T-shaped stop can then be removed and replaced with the rubber alternative provided (if ordered).

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Figure X: loosen screw using 2.5mm allen key to remove and replace brass magnetic ‘stop’ for rubber variant.

Once exchanged, the top of the rotational base can be replaced and securely tightened in place.

Locate the brass ‘cup’ and insert it into the clamp block so that the flat edge fits flush against the inside edge of the block as indicated in figure Y.

Figure Y: correct orientation of brass cup within locking clamp

Attach the clamp block, with brass cup inserted, onto the PatchStar base using the screws provided and a 3mm allen key. Ensure that the clamp block is placed against the solid and full height section of PatchStar base as indicated in figure Z and that the counter sunk section of the clamp block is facing away from the base, in order that the screws will tighten flush into the block.

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22 Figure Z. Attach the clamp block onto the side of the PatchStar base using the screws provided onto the full height section of the base.

Finally insert the thumb screw locking screw into the hole provided and tighten to clamp the base in the desired position. The rotational base can then be reattached onto he PatchStar manipulator as described in section 3.2.1.

Rotational stops can be set (optional) as described in section 3.2.2 to aid easy repositioning during pipette exchange. The base can then be clamped in place at the end of the stop or at any stage during its travel be rotating the white thumb screw lock, until securely held in place. Rotate the screw counter clockwise to release the base and reposition.

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23 Figure A1: fully assembled thumbscrew locking base

3.3 Electrical setup of the PatchStar

To operate as a system the PatchStar will require connecting to a control rack and user interface. There is also an optional connection via USB for PC control using Linlab software. Ensure mains disconnect for external mains power supply outlet for the Scientifica Control Rack is accessible. There is no integrated mains disconnect located within the PatchStar unit.

The PatchStar on its own is not functional. It must always be connected to Scientifica Control Rack, which must be connected to an earthed mains socket to perform its normal function. When using multiple Control Racks each unit must

be connected to individual mains power outlet on a separate circuit. Each power cable must be connected to an earthed mains power supply.

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24 3.3.1 Control Racks

For connecting the PatchStar to the Control Rack and user interface please see the relevant Control Rack User Manual.

4.0 Powering up the system

Once all positioning and cable connections are complete you are ready to switch on your PatchStar system.

Power on the system using the on/off switch on the front of the 1U rack controller.

4.1 Operating the PatchStars

For operation of the PatchStar manipulators using a User Interface Controller, such as the Control Cube or PatchPad Display, please see the relevant user manual.

For operation of the PatchStar manipulator using the LinLab software, as well as configuration options available please see the LinLab user manual.

5.0 Maintenance

WARNING: Do not tamper with any fixings other than those indicated in the manual for mounting purposes.

There are no user serviceable parts within the PatchStar.

Do not use an inadequately rated mains power cable for the PatchStar Control Rack other than those specified in this manual.

If the detachable mains cable is replaced care must be taken to ensure that a replacement cable of adequate rating is used to ensure damage to the user or system does not occur. Replacement cable provided must meet local electrical regulations and be sufficient for:

• 100-240volts

• 50-60Hz

• 5 amps

• Fused- T1.6A L 250v

5.1 Cleaning

WARNING: Switch off and disconnect the mains supply before cleaning the unit. There is no integrated mains disconnect located within the PatchStar. Mains power must be disconnected by switching off the mains power supply outlet and disconnecting the mains power supply cable.

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25 Compressed air can be used to remove dust from the top of the PatchStar. Care must be taken to prevent dust entering the vents during the process.

• Never use fluid to clean the unit or allow fluid to enter the unit to prevent danger of electrocution.

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6.0 Frequently Asked Questions

6.1 No Movement

• Check Scientifica Control rack is properly connected according to the Control rack User Manual and that the rack is turned on.

• Ensure all cables and devices are correctly and securely connected as per the relevant Control Rack User Manual and the rack is turned on.

• Ensure that the correct device is selected using the device selection toggle switch on the side of the Control Cube.

• Ensure that the speed toggle switch is set to fast mode (and that a suitable speed has been set in the LinLab software) and that the approach toggle switch is set to the O position

• Check all cables and connectors for damage or loose connections

6.2 Drift

Allow the system to warm up

• With most electrical components on the rig needing a warm-up period, it is good practice to allow a certain warming-up time after switching on the power of the set-up (up to one hour).

Check all bolts are tightened including the following

• The screws/bolts fixing the rotary base of the PatchStar down onto mounting

platform. At least 3 of the fixing holes on the rotatable base should be used. If using a Post and Platform, then make sure the mounting platform is securely fastened with the locking screw.

• The 2 screws used for clamping the silver dovetail clamps on each stage are fixed properly. Make sure the dovetails overlap on all stages before tightening the screws.

• The 2 screws fixing the sliding bracket onto the vertical rotation plate should be firmly tightened.

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27 Are the stops on the rotary stage set correctly?

• Magnetic Lock: When setting the approach angle, ensure the lower lock stop position of the vertical rotation lock is used. The magnetic lock should ensure that the sliding bracket doesn’t rotate downwards whilst freely standing.

• Screw Lock: Make sure that the clamping screw is tightened when in the recording position.

For more information on setting the rotary stage stops, see section 3.2.3 Are the stops on the rotary base set correctly?

• Magnetic Lock: Make sure that the manipulator stops on the magnetic lock position when swung into the recording position, you will hear the magnet catch indicating the micromanipulator is in the correct position.

• If there is a small amount of tension on a cable, the PatchStar can move away from the lock during the experiment.

• If the strength of the Magnetic lock is not strong enough contact Scientific. For more information on setting the rotary stage stops, see section 3.2.3 Is the Headstage or probe holder attached correctly?

• Make sure that the headstage is firmly attached

• Be careful that you don’t over tighten the clamp, because this may cause expansion and may also be a source of drift.

• Check that the headstage-mounted sliding bracket is clamped at the end of its travel.

Is the Headstage grounding wire supported ?

• Make sure that the headstage is firmly attached. Be careful that you don’t over tighten the clamp as this may cause expansion and may also be a source of drift. Is the pipette holder attached firmly and the O-ring new and of appropriate size?

• With pipettes being exchanged very often, there is a lot of wear on the O-ring inside the pipette holder which may lead to it not holding the pipette firmly.

• Also make sure that there is no tension on the pipette suction tube

• Ensure that the AgCl wire inside the pipette is not touching the front end of the electrode.

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• There should be a soft loop on all wires from the manipulator, ideally fixed to a point close to the manipulator mount.

• The cables can also be fixed to the Faraday cage above the manipulator, but only if the Faraday cage is isolated from the floor.

• Make sure that all the cables are loose throughout the range of motion and stages.

Is the drift detected with the perfusion running? (test for longer than 10 minutes)

• Perfusion solution with a temperature different to the room can lead to thermal expansion of the pipette – leave some time for the pipette to adjust to new temperatures.

• Fast perfusion may cause drift of the pipette.

• Ensure the vacuum source is strong enough to break the surface tension of the fluid in the bath

Is the microscope firmly mounted to the table top?

• Many microscopes have rubber feet underneath. These may degenerate with time and cause the microscope to be unstable. Ideally the microscope should be bolted down onto the table top.

Is the cooling headstage switched off?

• Some amplifiers have a cooling facility on the headstage (which is normally located on the amplifier front or back panel). This may lead to expansion of the headstage and subsequent drift.

• You should allow half an hour after switching off before re-testing stability • Recording chamber: are there any cables, wires or tubing connected to the

chamber?

• Such cables could implement an external force causing movement of the chamber.

• When using brain slices, ensure that the harp use to hold down the slice does so efficiently.

Check for air currents around the system ?

•

Open windows or air conditioning can give rise to air currents.

•

Cover the system with a sheet or plastic bag to eliminate any air currents then test for drift.

If you are still experiencing drift difficulties after following these steps, please contact us for further assistance.

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7.0 Specifications

Supply voltage range NA*

Supply frequency NA*

Power/current rating NA*

* indicates that this unit on its own is not functional and needs to be connected to a Control Rack for normal operation

Number of axis 3 with virtual 4th axis

Travel 20 mm

Step size 0.1μm

Speed (minimum) 1μm per second

(maximum) 4 mm per second

Resolution 20nm

Memory Positions Up to 50 (unlimited via Linlab)

Bearings Crossed roller

7.1 Environmental Conditions

The PatchStar is designed to be operated and stored within the following environmental conditions.

• For indoor use only

• Up to altitudes of 2000metres

• Between a temperature range 15°-40°

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8.0 Warranty, Technical Queries and Returns

Scientifica Warranty:

1. Scientifica warrants that Scientifica manufactured Goods will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from the date of delivery. 2. All other third party supplied goods come with a one year warranty unless otherwise

stipulated.

3. The Scientifica Warranty only covers defective products and not user related damage or neglect. In the event of a product being returned, Scientifica will test the product and if the fault is found to be caused by neglect or misuse then the buyer shall be charged for the repair/replacement part, and the shipping.

Scientifica Extended Warranty:

1. Customers can buy an Extended Warranty on any Scientifica equipment at the time of purchase. The price is set at 10% of the value of the equipment for each year that the extended Warranty is required (ie 10% for an additional one year, 20% for two years etc).

2. Scientifica’s Multiphoton Imaging System includes components from other

companies which offer a twelve month warranty. For an extended warranty on a full system customers should contact their Scientifica representative.

Scientifica Exchange:

1. Scientifica Exchange is designed to keep costs down and minimise disruption in the laboratory.

2. In the event that a Scientifica product needs repairing then the faulty equipment may be exchanged for the same type of equipment from Scientifica’s Service Stock. 3. As soon as Scientifica receives the equipment it will be assessed to establish if any

repairs are necessary. If these repairs are outside the warranty then Scientifica will need an order to complete the repairs; once this is received then exchange

equipment will be dispatched for the customer to keep and the original will be repaired and will then form part of Scientifica Service Stock.

4. If the repairs are within the warranty then there will be no charge for the repair. The warranty period will not be extended, but will continue to run from the original date as if the original piece of equipment had not been exchanged.

5. All repairs and Service Stock exchange equipment carry a six month warranty from the date of repair or exchange.

6. Scientifica requests that when customers receive Service Stock exchange equipment that the original equipment is returned in the packaging using the paperwork

provided. It is important that this is done immediately so that Scientifica can continue to offer this valuable service to all customers.

Technical Support:

1. Scientifica offers unlimited telephone and remote support for the lifetime of all its products.

2. Technical support is available Monday through to Friday, with the exception of Bank Holidays and the days between Christmas and New Year, during Scientifica’s normal business hours (UK time 9am to 5pm), with a targeted response time of one working day.

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31 3. Remote support, which is often a Skype video conference call, is available during

Scientifica’s normal business hours. A remote support session can be scheduled within one working day after identifying the need for such a session. The customer is responsible for ensuring that the technical requirements are met, e.g. broadband internet access, access to administrator rights of the operating system, firewall settings etc.

4. While most technical issues can be dealt with either by telephone support or by product exchange, Scientifica understands that there may be occasions when a Sales Engineer will need to visit the customer’s site to undertake corrective

maintenance work. During the warranty period there is no charge for this service, but outside of warranty the work will be charged at our standard hourly/daily rate plus travelling expenses. Parts will be charged at Scientifica standard list price.

For any warranty queries please contact your local distributor or Scientifica Ltd directly. Tel: +44 (0) 1825 749933

E-mail: [email protected]

9.0 About Scientifica

Scientifica manufactures and distributes equipment for electrophysiology and imaging. Founded in 1997, the company operates from two sites, having its headquarters in Uckfield, East Sussex, and its manufacturing facility in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Scientifica collaborates with researchers in leading worldwide universities to develop its products.

Exports account for more than 70% of sales. The US is its biggest market, followed by France, Germany and the rest of Europe, and the company is now trading in the Far East, India, and South America.

The company’s success has been recognised by the winning of many awards, including the Queen's Award for Enterprise: International Trade in April 2012, and for Innovation in 2014. Scientifica: Kingfisher Court, Bellbrook Industrial Estate, Uckfield TN22 1QQ

1, King’s Grove Industrial Estate, Grenfell Road, Maidenhead SL6 4DP Scientifica Ltd: reg no 3286415

Registered address: Unit 19, Charlwoods Road, East Grinstead, RH19 2HL

10.0 Assembly Location

The Scientifica PatchStar is assembled in Scientifica’s manufacturing facility which is located at:

Scientifica Ltd

1 Kings Grove Industrial Estate Maidenhead

Berkshire SL6 4DP

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1A Kingfisher Court, Brambleside, Bellbrook Industrial Estate, Uckfield, TN22 1QQ, United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1825 749 933 Fax +44 (0) 1825 749 934

PatchStar Micromanipulator Setup and Operation Manual

PatchStar

Micromanipulator

Setup and Operation Manual

Revision 7.0

Revision Date: 06/08/2018

Manual Part No.:

S-MAN-1011

© Scientifica Ltd

Contents

1.0 Product Introduction

1.1 Handling Scientifica equipment – precautions

1.2 The Scientifica PatchStar micromanipulator

2.0 Packing List

2.1 Standard items

2.2 Optional items

3.0 Initial Setup

3.1 Mechanical configuration of the PatchStar

Slide

3.2 Mechanical mounting and positioning of the PatchStar

1.

2.

Slide

1.

2.

3.3 Electrical setup of the PatchStar

4.0 Powering up the system

4.1 Operating the PatchStars

5.0 Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning

6.0 Frequently Asked Questions

6.1 No Movement

6.2 Drift

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7.0 Specifications

7.1 Environmental Conditions

8.0 Warranty, Technical Queries and Returns

9.0 About Scientifica

10.0 Assembly Location

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