26
MPC-325 SERIES OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 3.20F (20200303)
3.4 Modular Construction
The three axes of the MP-225/M are identical. They are connected to each other with tapered
pegs and hex locking screws, four between each axis. The peg and locking screw attachment
is identical to the attachment of the mounting adapter plate to the bottom of the
manipulator. The manipulators are shipped pre-assembled in either the right or the left-
handed configuration. Because of the modular construction, handedness can be easily
switched. If you wish to change one of your mechanicals from right-handed to left-handed or
vice versa see “Instructions for Changing Handedness” included later in this section.
The modular construction of the MP-225/M mechanical allows for some flexibility in the
connections between axes. In the standard configuration, the axes are stacked X, Y, and Z
from bottom to top (see figure on Page 23). However, the 3 axes can be used separately or
assembled in non-standard configurations.
If you assemble the manipulator in other
configurations, make sure that the axes do not interfere with one another! For example, if
the Z-axis is mounted in a lower location on the right angle that connects it to the Y-axis, it
may interfere with the full travel of the Y-axis.
You may have also received one or more accessories for mounting your MP-225/M and/or
modifying the headstage mount to the manipulator (i.e. rotating base, microscope stage
mount, gantry stand, dovetail extension). Setup of these accessories is normally covered in
documentation accompanying the accessory.
If you intend to use the right-angle adapter (285300) with your MP-225/M in order to rotate
the manipulator 90 degrees, please see “Instructions used in Special Installations Only” near
the end of this manual.
3.5 Minimizing Electrical Noise
We are aware of one potential noise source that users coupling their MP-325 with high-gain,
high-input impedance, electrophysiological recording amplifiers may experience. Under
certain circumstances, the manipulator and/or the drive cable coming from the controller
may act as an antenna picking up electric field noise from nearby electrical equipment and
bringing it into your setup. Grounding the manipulator will largely eliminate this noise
source. Try to attach to one of the silver Phillips-head screws on the side of one or more of
the axes. It should be noted that the manipulator produces negligible electrical noise when it
is not moving because it is powered by a linear power supply with no AC current present.
3.6 Instructions for Changing Handedness
To switch from Right-handed to Left-handed:
1. Loosen four hex set screws, two on each side of the Y axis, that lock four tapered pins on
the top of the X-axis in the holes in the bottom of the Y-axis (the four screws are indicated
in the left and right panels below).
2. Pull the X-axis straight down (left panel).
3. Rotate the X-axis 180 degrees in the X-Y plane so that the motor and wire of the X axis
are on the left side of the manipulator (middle panel).
4. Reinsert the pins into the holes in the bottom of the Y axis (right panel).
5. Retighten the hex set screws in the sides of the Y-axis.
To Next Page
Loading...
