Scientifica IVM Manual instruction

Triple Axes In Vivo
Micromanipulator
Setup and Operation Manual
Revision 2.0
Manual Part No.: S-IVM-3000-Manual

© Scientifica Ltd
1A Kingfisher Court, Brambleside, Bellbrook Industrial Estate,
Uckfield, TN22 1QQ, United Kingdom
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Fax [phone]
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Contents
Note: This manual describes the features, functions and operation of
the IVM. Before use, please carefully read this manual, directions for all
accessories, all precautionary information and specifications.
Contents...............................................................................................1
1.0 Product Introduction .....................................................................1
1.1 Handling Scientifica equipment – precautions..............................1
1.2 The Scientifica IVM......................................................................1
1.2.1 Product overview ..................................................................1
1.2.2 Product walkthrough .............................................................2
2.0 Packing List ...................................................................................4
2.1 Standard items.............................................................................4
2.2 Brackets.......................................................................................4
2.3 Control options.............................................................................4
3.0 Initial Setup....................................................................................5
3.1 Mechanical configuration of IVM..................................................5
3.2 Building the IVM...........................................................................5
3.2.1 Attaching the IVM to your stereotaxic frame..........................5
3.2.2 Alternative IVM static base....................................................6
3.2.2 Attaching the dove tail probe holder accessory.....................6
3.2.3 Attaching the extended probe holder accessory....................7
3.2.4 Axon Dovetail Adapter Plate .................................................7
3.3 Electrical setup of the IVM...........................................................7
3.3.1 Control racks.........................................................................7
3.3.2 Connecting the IVM to the control rack and user interface....8
3.3.3. IVM electrical setup diagram................................................9
4.0 Operation Guide ..........................................................................10
4.1 Powering up the system.............................................................10
4.2 Operating the IVM......................................................................10
4.2.1 Using a Control Cube..........................................................10
4.2.2 Using a PatchPad...............................................................12
5.0 Maintenance..............................................................................14
5.1 Troubleshooting...........................................................................1
5.1.1 No movement........................................................................1
5.1.2 Drift.......................................................................................1
6.0 Specifications................................................................................3
7.0 Dimensional Drawings ..................................................................4
8.0 LinLab - Motorized Device Configuration and Control Software 5
8.1 Installing the software..................................................................5
8.1.1 Connecting the system..........................................................5
8.1.2 Installing the USB Drivers.....................................................6
8.1.3 USB port assignment............................................................8
8.2 Running the software...................................................................9
8.2.1 Zero Current Position..........................................................10
8.2.2 Step Control........................................................................10
8.2.3 Virtual Joystick....................................................................10
8.2.4 Home Out, Home In and Step In.........................................11
8.3 LinLab Menus............................................................................11
8.3.1 Configure / Communications Port........................................11
8.3.2 Configure / System Configuration........................................12

2| 1.0 Product Introduction
8.3.3 Manipulator / Set Home Out Position...................................13
8.3.4 Manipulator / Set Home In Offset.........................................13
8.3.5 Manipulator / Step Size After Home In.................................14
8.3.6 Manipulator / Reverse X (Y or Z) Direction Units.................14
8.3.7 Manipulator / Reverse X (Y or Z) Rotary Motion..................15
8.3.8 Manipulators/ Follow Control...............................................15
8.3.9 Manipulators/ Creeper.........................................................16
8.3.10 Manipulators/ PPL Wheel ReMap......................................16
8.3.11 View ..................................................................................16
8.3.12 View / Show Stored Points ................................................17
8.3.13 Approach...........................................................................19
8.3.14 Speed................................................................................19
8.3.15 The Joystick / Rotary Speed scaling..................................19
8.3.16 Acceleration / Deceleration................................................19
8.3.17 Z Speed Scaling................................................................20
8.4 Programming linear motion and Heater Cards............................20
9.0 Warranty, Technical Queries and Returns .................................24
10.0 About Scientifica........................................................................25

1.0 Product Introduction |1
1.0 Product Introduction
1.1 Handling Scientifica equipment – precautions
This section contains important safety information related to general use
of the IVM. The Scientifica IVM is a piece of scientific equipment and as
such requires care when handling.
• Before use, carefully read the instructions, including all warnings and
cautions.
• Inspect the product, any cables, and connectors before each use. Do
not use any equipment that appears damaged.
• Do not apply excessive tension to any cable.
• There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit.
• Always disconnect the instrument from the power supply prior to
cleaning the system or performing maintenance work.
Other important safety information appears throughout the manual.
Adjustment or removal of any screws or components
other than those noted in this manual can adversely
affect the performance and operation of your
micromanipulator and may invalidate your warranty.
1.2 The Scientifica IVM
1.2.1 Product overview
The Scientifica In Vivo Micromanipulator (IVM) is a highly stable
micromanipulator system designed for ultra-precise positioning of
stimulating and recording electrodes during in vivo experiments. The
micromanipulator uses high precision stepper motors and anti-backlash
lead screw to achieve extremely fine control of movement. Each axis
stage provides 70 mm travel with 20 nm electronic resolution and 0.1
micron minimum step sizes. Complete with ultra-low electrical noise
control rack and user interface, the IVM incorporates a dovetail clamp to
attach pre-amplifier headstages or other user defined tools.

2| 1.0 Product Introduction
1.2.2 Product walkthrough
1. Single IVM motorised body
2. Probe holding rod
3. Dovetail rod/probe holding assembly (PH-1000)
4. Aluminium fastening strip
5. Stereotaxic frame
6. Z axis motorised body
7. Y axis motorised body
8. X axis motorised body
9. Stoelting bracket (IVM-545-00)
10. IVM Column Assembly - Attaches Y to X (IVM-525-00)
11. IVM Angle Block Assembly - Attaches X to Z (IVM-535-00)
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1.0 Product Introduction |3
Optional brackets:
Stoelting Bracket
(IVM-545-00)
IVM Column Assembly - Attaches
Yto X (IVM-535-00)
3 Axis IVM Kopf Mount
(IVM-575-00)
IVM Angle Block Assembly
Attaches X to Z (IVM-525-00)
Extended probe holder accessory
(IVM-530-00)
Dove tail probe holder accessory
(PH-1000)
IVM Static Base with
Circumferential Mounting Slots
IVM(IVM-590-00)
Axon Dovetail Adapter Plate (IVM-
560-00)

4| 2.0 Packing List
2.0 Packing List
If the outside of the shipping packaging is damaged, notify your shipping
department immediately. The shipping department may wish to notify
the carrier at this point.
If the shipping carton is not damaged, carefully remove and identify all of
the components as listed below. If any of items are missing, contact
Scientifica Ltd. Please retain the packaging for storage or future
transportation of the system.
2.1 Standard items
•Three axes in vivo micromanipulators (IVM) X, Y and Z
•1U controller rack
•“PatchPad-One” user interface and connecting cable
•25 Way to 25 Way Parallel Cable
•User interface cable (15-way D-type to RJ45)
•Breakout box
•Mains power cable
•LinLab Configuration software CD
•USB Cable
2.2 Brackets
Standard brackets:
•IVM Column Assembly - Attaches Y to X (IVM-525-00)
•IVM Angle Block Assembly Attaches X to Z (IVM-535-00)
•Dove tail probe holder accessory (PH-1000)
Optional brackets:
•Axon Dovetail Adapter Plate (IVM-560-00)
•Extended probe holder accessory (IVM-530-00)
•IVM Static Base with Circumferential Mounting Slots (IVM-590-
00)
(See Product walkthrough section 1.2.2 for images)
2.3 Control options
•Patchpad
•Control Cube

3.0 Initial Setup |5
3.0 Initial Setup
3.1 Mechanical configuration of IVM
Please remember: adjustment or removal of any screws
or components other than those noted in this manual
can adversely affect the performance and operation of
your micromanipulator and may invalidate your
warranty.
If you are unsure of the components discussed here, please review the
schematic in section 1.2.2.
3.2 Building the IVM
The IVM 3000 is comprised of three separate single axis manipulators
connected by brackets (shown in the figure below). The IVM comes with
a range of brackets for mounting, alternative configuration and
accessory attachment.
3.2.1 Attaching the IVM to your stereotaxic frame
The 3-axis in vivo manipulator is designed to attach to the frame bar of a
standard Kopf or Stoelting type stereotaxic frame by means of the
Stoelting bracket or a 3 Axis IVM Kopf Mount.
Figure A: IVM 3000 construction
Stereotaxic
Frame
Stoelting
Bracket
IVM Column
Assembly
IVM Angle
Block Assembly

6| 3.0 Initial Setup
Connector brackets are attached to the manipulators by means of a
simple dove-tail mechanism which is locked into position by tightening
the screws on the aluminium fastening strips of the
manipulators/brackets.
3.2.2 Alternative IVM static base
The IVM static base with Circumferential Mounting Slots (IVM-590-00),
provides an alternative mounting solution for the IVM 3000. This bracket
allows the IVM to be mounted directly onto a tapped-hole table or stage.
Figure B: IVM static base with
Circumferential Mounting Slots (IVM-590-00)
Use the screws provided with the bracket to secure the bracket to the
table/stage in the desired position. Insert the x-axis IVM (blue
micrometres) into the dovetailed clamp and lock into position by
tightening the screws on the aluminium fastening strip.
3.2.2 Attaching the dove tail probe holder accessory
Dove tail mounted head-stages and other devices can be attached
directly to the dove tail slide on the IVM.
The dove tail probe holder accessory (PH-1000) is used to attach rod-
mounted devices to the IVM via the dove tail clamp.
The dove tail probe holder should be inserted into the dove tail clamp of
the IVM and then secured by tightening the four screws on the
aluminium fastening strip.
The rod-mounted device is then placed between the jaws of the probe
holder accessory and held firmly in place by tightening the thumb screw
that clamps the probe holder down onto the rod as shown in the
photograph below.
Figure C: Rod held in place using the dove tail probe holder accessory

3.0 Initial Setup |7
3.2.3 Attaching the extended probe holder accessory
The extended probe holder accessory (IVM-530-00) attaches directly to
the end of the IVM as show in the photograph below.
Figure D: Extended probe holder accessory (IVM-530-00)
attached directly to the IVM
3.2.4 Axon Dovetail Adapter Plate
This fits into the IVM’s dovetail to allow mounting of a blue axon
headstage.
Figure E: Axon dovetail adapter plate
The dove tail adapter plate should be inserted into the dove tail clamp of
the IVM and then secured by tightening the four screws on the
aluminium fastening strip.
3.3 Electrical setup of the IVM
To operate as a system the IVM will require connecting to a control rack
and user interface. There is also an optional connection via USB for PC
control using LinLab software.
3.3.1 Control racks
The control rack will be factory configured with either one or two control
cards. One card is required for each device attached, with a maximum
of two being controlled by each control rack. If the IVM is being used

8| 3.0 Initial Setup
with another Scientifica motorised device, it may have been configured
to operate both devices from one rack. When a rack is configured with
two control cards it can either be connected with one user interface
switchable between either card or two user interfaces, one for each
card.
Note: Control racks are pre-configured for use with the supplied
device and controller. Changing the connected devices will
require reconfiguration of the control rack. If you need to alter
your setup, please contact Scientifica.
3.3.2 Connecting the IVM to the control rack and user interface
Caution: Never plug or unplug any connections with the
controller rack power switched on.
1. Connect the IVM manipulator RJ45 connector (red) to the
breakout box provided ensuring that the colour of the connector
corresponds with the colour of the reference dot on the breakout
box.
2. Connect the breakout box to the 1U controller rack using the 25
way D-type parallel cable provided.
3. Connect the PatchPad user interface to the 1U controller rack
using the 15 way cable provided.
4. Connect the mains power cord to the rack and mains power
outlet.
5. Turn the controller rack on using the power switch located on the
front of the rack. The Scientifica logo should now be illuminated
to indicate ‘power on’ status.
By setting up the manipulator as described in steps 1-5 above, it is
possible to operate the manipulator directly using the supplied user
interface. Should your instrument fail to operate following setup please
contact Scientifica Ltd. for further advice.

3.0 Initial Setup |9
3.3.3. IVM electrical setup diagram

10| 4.0 Operation Guide
4.0 Operation Guide
4.1 Powering up the system
Once all positioning and cable connections are complete you are ready
to switch on your system.
Power on the system using the switch on the front of the 1U rack
controllers. The purple Scientifica logos will illuminate, indicating the
system is powered up.
4.2 Operating the IVM
Movement of the IVM is achieved using the user interface supplied.
Functionality of each user interface type is described as follows:
4.2.1 Using a Control Cube
Figure A: Control Cube user interface
Device selection – Located on the side of the cube. Selects which
device to control when two devices and one user interface are
connected to a controller rack. Where only one device is connected,
position II will disable the connected device, preventing unintentional
movement.
Blue wheel – Moves the IVM X axis.
Green wheel – Moves the IVM Y axis.
Red wheel – Moves the IVM Z axis.
Speed +/- – Sets responsiveness to control wheel movement. Fast for
rapid positioning. Slow for fine movement.

4.0 Operation Guide |11
Approach 0/1 – Redundant when using the IVM.
Step – Pressing the Step button causes the IVM to move a set distance.
The factory default setting for the step size is 0.01 mm. This value can
be changed using Linlab control software.
M+ - Pressing the M+ button stores the current position of the IVM in
memory. Moving the IVM and pressing M+ again will store another
position. Up to 50 memory positions can be stored.
MR - Pressing the MR button will recall the first stored memory position.
If more than one position is stored subsequent presses of the MR button
will recall each position stored in the same sequence they were saved.
Note: To clear stored memory positions, simultaneously press
the M+ and the MR buttons. This will remove all stored positions
from memory.
H in & H out – These buttons allow two positions to be stored in
memory, the Home In position and the Home Out position. The Home
Out position must be set first before Home In can be used.
To set Home Out move the IVM to the desired position then press H out
for 3 seconds to store the current position. Subsequent pressing of
Home Out will cause the IVM to move out to the stored Home Out
position until an alternative Home Out position is stored.
The Home In position can be set in two modes:
Mode 1 – This is the default mode. The Home In position can only be
set once a Home Out position is set. From the Home Out
position, pressing the Home In button will cause the IVM to return its
original position prior to Home Out, minus a safety offset. This value can
be configured using the LinLab control software.
Mode 2 - This allows the user to set a specific position as the Home In
point. Move the IVM to the desired Home In position then hold down the
Home In button for 3 seconds. The current position is stored to memory
as the Home In position. No Home in offsets will be applied in Mode 2.
Note: If the Home Out and Home In buttons are held down
simultaneously, the Home Out and Home In positions will be
cleared and the Home In will be set back to Mode 1.

12| 4.0 Operation Guide
4.2.2 Using a PatchPad
Figure BA: PatchPad control device
Left wheel (X)– Moves the IVM X axis(blue). The push buttons above
the wheel to the left and right will move the IVM in fast mode when
pressed.
Middle wheel (Y) – Moves the IVM Y axis (green). The push buttons
above the wheel to the left and right will move the IVM in fast mode
when pressed.
Right wheel (Z)– Moves the IVM Z axis (red). The push buttons above
the wheel to the left and right will move the Manipulator in fast mode
when pressed.
Note: Wheels can be remapped in Linlab to control a different
axis if required. Review the Linlab operation manual for more
information.
Device selection switch I/II – Selects which device to control when
two devices and one user interface are connected to a controller rack.
Where only one device is connected, position II will disable the
connected device, preventing unintentional movement.
Approach 0/1 – Redundant when using the IVM
Speed +/- – Sets responsiveness to control wheel movement. Fast for
rapid positioning. Slow for fine movement.
Step – Only works in Z-axis unless re-programed in LinLab. Pressing
the Step button causes the IVM to move a set distance. The factory
default setting for the step size is 0.01 mm. This value can be changed
using LinLab control software.

4.0 Operation Guide |13
M+ - Pressing the M+ button stores the current position of the IVM in
memory. Moving the IVM and pressing M+ again will store another
position. Up to 25 memory positions can be stored.
MR - Pressing the MR button will recall the first stored memory position.
If more than one position is stored subsequent presses of the MR button
will recall each position stored in the same sequence they were saved.
Note: To clear stored memory positions, simultaneously press
the M+ and the MR buttons. This will remove all stored positions
from memory.
H in & H out – These buttons allow two positions to be stored in
memory, the Home In position and the Home Out position. The Home
Out position must be set first before Home In can be used.
To set Home Out move the IVM to the desired position then press H out
for 3 seconds to store the current position. Subsequent pressing of
Home Out will cause the IVM to move out to the stored Home Out
position until an alternative Home Out position is stored.
The Home In position can be set in two modes:
Mode 1 – This is the default mode. The Home In position can only be
set once a Home Out position is set. From the Home Out
position, pressing the Home In button will cause the IVM to return its
original position prior to Home Out, minus a safety minus a safety offset.
This value can be configured using the LinLab control software.
Mode 2 - This allows the user to set a specific position as the Home In
point. Move the IVM to the desired Home In position then hold down the
Home In button for 3 seconds. The current position is stored to memory
as the Home In position. No Home in offsets will be applied in Mode 2.
Note: If the Home Out and Home In buttons are held down
simultaneously, the Home Out and Home In positions will be
cleared and the Home In will be set back to Mode 1.

14| 4.0 Operation Guide
5.0 Maintenance
WARNING: Do not tamper with any fixings other than
those indicated in the manual for mounting purposes.
There are no user serviceable parts within the IVM-3000.

4.0 Operation Guide |1
5.1 Troubleshooting
5.1.1 No movement
•Check Scientifica logo is illuminated on the front of the rack
•Check all cables and connectors for damage or loose
connections
5.1.2 Drift
• Allow the system to warm up
•With most electrical components on the rig needing a warm-up
period, it is good practice to allow a certain warming-up time
after switching on the power of the set-up (up to one hour).
•Check all bolts are tightened
•Is the Headstage or probe holder attached correctly?
•Make sure that the headstage is firmly attached
•Be careful that you don’t over tighten the clamp, because this
may cause expansion and may also be a source of drift.
•Check that the headstage-mounted sliding bracket is
clamped at the end of its travel.
•Is the pipette holder attached firmly and the O-ring new and of
appropriate size?
•With pipettes being exchanged very often, there is a lot of
wear on the O-ring inside the pipette holder which may lead
to it not holding the pipette firmly.
•Also make sure that there is no tension on the pipette suction
tube
•Ensure that the AgCl wire inside the pipette is not touching
the front end of the electrode.
•Are the 3 linear stage wires and the rotation sensor wires
supported?
•There should be a soft loop on all wires from the manipulator,
ideally fixed to a point close to the manipulator mount.
•The cables can also be fixed to the Faraday cage above the
manipulator, but only if the Faraday cage is isolated from the
floor.

2| 4.0 Operation Guide
•Make sure that all the cables are loose throughout the range
of motion and stages.
•Is the drift detected with the perfusion running?
(test for longer than 10 minutes)
•Perfusion solution with a temperature different to the room
can lead to thermal expansion of the pipette – leave some
time for the pipette to adjust to new temperatures.
•Fast perfusion may cause drift of the pipette.
•Ensure the vacuum source is strong enough to break the
surface tension of the fluid in the bath
•Is the microscope firmly mounted to the table top?
•Many microscopes have rubber feet underneath. These may
degenerate with time and cause the microscope to be
unstable. Ideally the microscope should be bolted down onto
the table top.
•Is the cooling headstage switched off?
•Some amplifiers have a cooling facility on the headstage
(which is normally located on the amplifier front or back
panel). This may lead to expansion of the headstage and
subsequent drift.
•You should allow half an hour after switching off before
re-testing stability
•Recording chamber: are there any cables, wires or tubing
connected to the chamber?
•Such cables could implement an external force causing
movement of the chamber.
•If using brain slices, ensure that the harp use to hold
down the slice does so efficiently.
• Check for air currents around the system
• Open windows or air conditioning can give rise to air
currents.
• Cover the system with a sheet or plastic bag to eliminate
any air currents then test for drift.
If you are still experiencing drift difficulties after following these
steps, please contact us for further assistance.