2| 4.0 Operation Guide
• 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.
• If 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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