The ezPatch 200A micromanipulator is a versatile and high-precision tool suitable for a variety of applications, including patch clamping, intracellular recordings, and microinjection. The manipulator uses a high-precision stepper motor with micro-stepping to achieve high resolution, and it is tested and fine-tuned with an interferometer for quality assurance. When the manipulator is not moving, there is no current going through the motor, and the stage is held in place by the high friction of the leadscrew. This means that the manipulator does not add any electrical noise during recording, and the drift is very low.

One of the unique features of the ezPatch 200A is the adjustable angle of the headstage, which can be precisely adjusted from 15 to 45 degrees in 5-degree increments. This allows users to construct a 4th axis movement along the direction of the headstage by entering the angle into the software.

The movement of the ezPatch 200A manipulator is controlled by an iPod Touch, which offers several advantages over other control methods. First, software control is flexible, allowing for updates and improvements based on user feedback. Second, users can move the manipulator without touching the setup, which is particularly useful for fine-tuning the position of the manipulator after making a seal or impaling a cell. Finally, users can use the same iPod Touch to control both the ezPatch 200A manipulator and the ez-gSEAL pressure controller, allowing for quick switching between the controls of the two devices.

Overall, the ezPatch 200A micromanipulator is a powerful and user-friendly tool for a wide range of applications, and its high precision and low noise make it an excellent choice for researchers in neuroscience and other fields.

Software Control

Currently, the software has two manipulator control modes, Joystick Control and Button Control. The Joystick Control mode allows users to control any two axes simultaneously, and the direction of movement can be changed on the fly. The Button Control mode allows users to control the X-, Y-, Z-, and Diagonal axes individually.

In Button Mode, holding Forward or Backward button moves manipulator in constant speed. Clicking a button once will move the manipulator a pre-defined distance. This function is very useful since when the electrode is very close to a cell, user may use small steps such as 1 µm to approach the cell. The Diagonal button moves electrode in the direction of the headstage.

The software allows users to preset 8 speeds and distances. Users can easily change the speed by clicking a button. Speed selection sliding bar is also on both Button control mode and Joystick mode for quick speed change.

Users can store two sets of Home, Middle, and Cell positions that allow them to move the electrode to a cell or change an electrode quickly.

Switching between Button Control, Joystick Control, and Pressure Control is easy. Suction can be applied through a shortcut.

Voice prompt for each command is available so users know which button they pressed without looking.


System Specifications

Major Components 1 micromanipulator 1 controller/driver 1 router 1 iPod Touch Micromanipulator Stepper motor Travel: X: 24 mm, Y and Z, 25 mm Resolution: 47 nm Maximum speed: 2.6 mm/s Lowest speed: 0.1 µm/s Drift: <1 µm in an hour Serial/USB interface Dimensions Controller: Rack mount, 1U, 8 in deep, 17 in wide. Micromanipulator: 5 in x 6 in x 7 in

Weight Controller: 3.0 lb Micromanipulator: 3.7 lb Controller/Driver Communication: RS232, baud rate: 115,200 Electrical: 100V to 240 V, 50-60 Hz power line No current goes through motor when the motor does not move iPod Touch Control Software Communicate with server control software through WiFi 8 user pre-defined speeds 8 user pre-defined distances Two control options: 1) A button view that can be used to control X, Y, Z and diagonal (along the direction of electrode) individually. 2) A Joystick view that allow controlling any two axes simultaneously. Voice prompt

Computer Requirements

Windows 7, 8 and 10 with 2.0 GHz CPU

1 USB port

US Price

$6,950.00

Contact us for international pricing.