Sutter Instrument MPC-325 Series - Manipulator Modular Construction; Minimizing Electrical Noise; Changing Manipulator Handedness

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MPC-325 SERIES OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 3.20F (20200303)
one-inch centers (such as a Sutter MT-stand or MD series platform) using the supplied
hardware. After mounting the adapter plate on your stand or platform, align the pegs on top
of the plate with the holes in the manipulator, push the X-axis firmly onto the plate, and
retighten the locking hex set screws.
3.2 Setting Headstage/Pipette Angle and Pipette Exchange
Mounted on the front of the Z-axis of the manipulator is the “swing-out gate”. The swing-
out gate is the mounting surface for the rotary dovetail that holds various
electrophysiological headstages and/or micro tools at defined angles. The swing-out gate also
provides for easy exchange of pipettes during an experiment.
The angle of the rotary dovetail is adjusted by loosening the hex set screw located on the
hinge side of the swing-out gate (see figure below). You can set an angle using the knife-edge
on the dovetail and the scale on the faceplate. After choosing an angle, press the rotary
dovetail firmly into the pocket in the swing gate and retighten the screw to fix the angle.
HEX SET SC REW:
LOOSEN TO CHANGE
PIPETTE ANGLE
THUMB SC REW:
LOOSEN TO OPEN
SWING GATE
Figure 3-2. Locations of screws used to open swing gate and changing pipette angle.
To change pipettes, loosen the thumbscrew on the swing-out gate (above left). The gate will
open allowing the headstage and holder to rotate almost 90 degrees. After replacing your
pipette, make sure to close the gate tightly and tighten the thumbscrew securely while
holding the gate closed. The thumbscrew is designed to pull the gate closed with tightening.
Tightening with thumb and finger is enough.
The height of the swing-out gate on the front of the Z-axis is adjustable. To change the
position, open the gate and loosen the 4 Phillips-head screws that mount the swing gate. As
shipped from the factory, the gate is positioned to allow access to the Z-axis shipping screw
holes. You may find it beneficial to move the gate up before you start using your MP-225/M.