MP-285A Electric Micromanipulator

The MP-285 is one of the first products in our series of precision electric micromanipulators, offering affordability while featuring advanced capabilities typically found in manipulators costing thousands more. Custom-designed stepper motors, precision cross-roller bearing slides, and proprietary worm gear drives form the foundation of this watch-like mechanical system. The controller utilizes a silent linear power supply to power the stage motors, minimizing electrical noise radiation within the device. Pipette holders and probes can be securely mounted to the MP-285 using one of our unique, robust mounting systems.
The MP-285 is designed to meet various positioning needs in the scientific research community, making it suitable for patch-clamp experiments, extracellular recordings, microinjections, intracellular recordings, and precision robotic positioning applications. A standout feature of this system is its unique definable fourth axis for diagonal advancement of pipettes. Select an angle, then activate the fourth axis. Like the other three axes, you can move with adjustable coarse or ultra-fine resolution, choose movement speed, and move continuously or in single-step increments. To quickly reposition the pipette, simply select the "Home" function. Axis positions are continuously displayed in both relative and absolute scales, clearly readable on the vacuum fluorescent display.
The extremely low backlash of the MP-285 eliminates the traditional drawbacks of "open-loop" techniques and prevents drift. This enables a resolution of 0.2 microns in the coarse range and 40 nanometers in the fine range. All three axes of the MP-285 offer over 1 inch of motorized travel, and users can specify a fourth axis, maximizing resolution while achieving excellent range of motion.
In all our manipulators, the fourth axis can be set and modified without connecting to an external computer or downloading and configuring software. Unlike other designs, the virtual fourth axis in the MP-285 can incorporate any two axes—traditional XZ axes for approaching along the pipette axis, YZ axes when the manipulator is rotated 90 degrees, or even a virtual diagonal in the XY plane: this feature is particularly useful when the manipulator is set up as a 3DMS (3D movable stage) and rapid movement along a diagonal between two points on a horizontal specimen is desired.
Our manipulators are available with benchtop or rack-mount controllers, seamlessly integrating with your other components. The compact design and assignable axes of the MP-285 allow for easy integration into your experimental setup in any orientation. Additionally, the rotary optical encoder (ROE) enhances its utility by customizing a comfortable experimental environment to meet scientists' needs.
For users requiring repeatable motion sequences, the MP-285 can be easily programmed for robotic control via the keyboard or a remote computer. The system can store up to 10 programs, each containing 50 position commands (including pauses), and can execute command sets once, continuously, or in reverse.
As always, our technical support team is ready to address your questions and assist with all pre- and post-purchase inquiries.
Features The quietest electronics in the industry, optimized for single-channel recording
Highly stable for experiments intolerant of pipette drift
Sub-micron resolution with integrated coarse positioning
1 inch of motorized travel on all three axes
Virtual fourth axis with user-selectable axial drive angle
Adjustable speed and resolution to optimize your experimental setup
Programmable robotics for complex motion sequences
Continuous display of axis positions in microns
Switch between continuous or single-step movement
Absolute and relative origin settings
Convenient Home function for quick pipette repositioning
Assignable axes allow the manipulator to move in any orientation
Easy-to-read vacuum fluorescent display
Remote computer control via serial interface
Compact design for easy adaptation to your setup
Universal mounting system for probes or pipette holders
Optional mounting adapters (see price list)