MP-225A

In 2002, Sutter Instrument created the MP-225 controller and motorized manipulator as a cost effective option for those who didn’t need all the features of the industry standard MP-285. While the MP-225 feature set is less comprehensive than the MP-285's, it includes the most popular features with an efficient user interface. The MP-225 was designed primarily for positioning patch and intracellular recording pipettes. We have retained and refined the features most desired for this type of work.

In 2021, Sutter Instrument has updated the MP-225 controller design, now called the MP-225A, by integrating the ROE and rack mounted controller box into a single unit to save you valuable space. This extended version of the popular rotary optical encoder (ROE) is the sole input device available with the MP-225A. The MP-225A mechanical continues to use a cable driven mechanical design that utilizes a miniature stepper motor and integral anti backlash gear head. Pre-loaded ball bearing slides provide smooth movement throughout the 25 mm of travel. The methodology for mounting pipette holders and headstages used with the MP-285 has been maintained in the MP-225A to allow for cross compatibility.

A newly added RELATIVE mode allows the user to zero the display at any point, showing travel distance from that point onward.

In addition to the fixed speeds, the MP-225A now has an option to use a logarithmic acceleration algorithm, which allows speed control proportional to the input speed. As the knobs on the ROE are turned faster, acceleration ramps up. This allows for smooth and intuitive motion control of electrode position without the need to stop and change speeds or lift your hand from the controller. When not moving, the motors will power down, reducing electrical noise in the system to unmeasurable levels while also keeping the motors cool to eliminate thermal drift.

The display on the ROE gives position location and, like the MP-285, the MP-225A manipulator has a synthetic 4th axis for diagonal advancement of the pipette; any angle from 0-90 degrees may be selected on the controller. Speed and resolution of movements are easily selected with a multiple position thumbwheel, allowing fast/coarse movement and slow/ultra-fine movement in 10 increments. Two commonly used robotic movements have been incorporated for user convenience: a single button press can initiate a move to a Home position for pipette exchange or to a user defined Work position to quickly relocate the pipette near the recording location.

As always, our technical support team is available to address your particular needs and answer all questions before and after your purchase.

Features

• Highly stable for experiments intolerant of pipette drift
• Submicron (125 nm) minimal resolution for fine movement
• Convenient toggle switch selects resolution/speed of movement
• New logarithmic mode automatically adjusts speed
• 25 mm of motorized travel on all three axes
• 4th axis for coaxial movement of pipette, any angle from 0-90 can be selected on ROE
• Programmable Home position for pipette exchange
• Programmable Work position near recording location
• Absolute or Relative position display in microns
• DIP switches on ROE to customize direction of movement produced by turn of ROE knob
• Modularized, compact design easily adaptable to your setup
• Universal mounting system for headstage or pipette holder
• Mounting adapters included with manipulator

Technical Specifications

Travel
    2,5 cm on all three axis

Resolution
    125 nm / microstep

Maximum speed
    2.0 mm/s

Long term stability
    < 0.5  µm/h

Drive mechanism
    Integral miniature stepper motor with anti-backlash gearhead

Dimensions
    Mechanical    10 cm × 15 cm × 15.5 cm
    Controller    23.5 cm × 11.4 cm × 7,6 cm

Weight
    Manipulator    1.3 kg
    RDE Controller    1.7 kg

Electrical
    115/230 V, 50/60 Hz

Each Motorized Micromanipulator MP-225A is delivered complete with:

Manipulator, extended ROE, cables, rod holder, 4 in dovetail extension, mounting adapter plate, screws, hex wrench, power cord and of course a manual

Accessories available separately

285204     4 in dovetail extension
285210     Mounting adapter plate
285RBI     Rotating base
285300     Right angle adapter
285305     Z-axis vertical extension
285310     Z-axis horizontal extension
BR-AW     Rod holding clamp for XenoWorks® injectors (for rod OD 2-4 mm)
BR-AW-L     Long Rod holding clamp for XenoWorks® injectors (for rod OD 2-4 mm)
MP-CLIP     Rod holder (for rod OD 1 mm to 4 mm) - For use with MT and MD series stands and platforms, or any surface with 1 inch centered holes.
MP-ROD     Rod holder (for rod OD 6.25 mm or larger)
285HEA     Hinged headstage mount
M100106     Flat side panel for controller (single)

Please contact us for information on specific microscope mounting adapters.