3-Axis / 0-90 Diagonal Micro-Manipulation System TRIO™-235

Illustration: TRIO-235 equipped with Sutter IPA® probe (not included)

TRIO™-235
3-Axis / 0-90 Diagonal Micromanipulator System

• Product Description
• Specifications
• Pricing
• Technical Information

The TRIO™-235 is ideal for in vivo experiments, replacing the Z-axis with an adjustable diagonal axis. This configuration pairs the traditional X and Y axes with a diagonal axis whose angle can be adjusted via set screws. The diagonal axis has a travel range of 50 mm, while the X and Y axes each have a travel of 25 mm. In this model, we have added software that combines the diagonal and X axes to create a synthetic "Z-axis," which is the reverse of how we create synthetic diagonal axes on other manipulators. The TRIO-235 is designed with precision bearings and lead screws.

The TRIO-235 controller features advanced software and mechanical design, eliminating the need to keep motors powered during recording. This removes the heating effects of the motors and results in the manipulator with the lowest electrical noise in the industry. This stability ensures that Sutter manipulators do not drift during experiments.

The integrated Rotary Optical Encoder (ROE) controller is compact, taking up minimal bench space; it operates quietly with no fan; and is easy to use. No rack-mounted controller is required. Position coordinates (relative or absolute) are displayed directly on the ROE. The TRIO manipulator uses a logarithmic acceleration algorithm, eliminating the need to select speeds. As the ROE knob is turned faster, acceleration increases. This allows for smoother and more intuitive control of electrode positioning without having to stop, change speeds, or remove hands from the knob. Additionally, a Y-axis lock (accessible via DIP switch) allows for axial movement only in the X/diagonal directions during repositioning from home to work points.

Five conveniently placed buttons control all the functions needed for normal operation. Hold the [WORK] button to quickly store a work position; pressing the [WORK] button later returns the manipulator to that position. The [HOME] button moves the manipulator to a second position, typically set to the point farthest from the microscope for quick pipette changes. Pressing the [SPEED] button selects from 4 speed ranges. With practice, you may not need to change speeds, but we provide three low-speed ranges for users requiring very high magnification operation. Holding the [SPEED] button for three seconds locks the knob to prevent accidental movement. Pressing the [RELATIVE] button toggles between relative and absolute coordinates; holding it zeros the relative coordinates. Finally, the [PULSE] button activates pulse motion mode, producing small, rapid bursts of movement that are beneficial for cell penetration with sharp electrodes. Holding [PULSE] for three seconds sets or modifies the position angle of the diagonal axis. This allows the controller to calculate the synthetic "Z-axis."

Designed with flexibility in mind, DIP switches on the controller allow the user to change the direction of movement generated by turning the ROE knob according to their preference. The TRIO-235 comes standard with a universal mounting system compatible with the most common probe or pipette holders.

Features
• Three independent axes - X, Y, and diagonal with 25 mm orthogonal travel
• Software-based "Z-axis"
• Sub-micron (less than 100 nm) resolution
• Fast movement, up to 3 mm/s (when homing)
• Mechanically robust construction with high stability
• Compact, fanless, user-friendly ROE controller saves bench and rack space
• Capable of carrying one kilogram
• Button controls for multiple functions - Work, Home, Speed, Pulse, and Relative
• Suitable for in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological recording
• Universal mounting system for probe or pipette holders
• DIP switch on ROE selects direction of movement from turning the ROE knob
• USB interface for computer control