Scientifica MMBP Manual instruction

Motorised Moveable
Base Plate (MMBP)
Setup and Operation Manual
Revision 2.0
Manual Part No.: S-MMBP-MANUAL

© Scientifica Ltd
1A Kingfisher Court, Brambleside, Bellbrook Industrial Estate,
Uckfield, TN22 1QQ, United Kingdom
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
[email protected]m

Contents
Note: This manual describes the features, functions and operation of
the MMBP mounting system. Before use, please carefully read this
manual, directions for all accessories, all precautionary information and
specifications.
1.0 Product Introduction .....................................................................1
1.1 Handling Scientifica equipment – precautions..............................1
1.2 The Scientifica Motorised Moveable Base Plate (MMBP) ............1
1.2.1 Product overview ..................................................................1
1.2.2 Product Walkthrough.............................................................2
2.0 Packing List ...................................................................................3
2.1 Standard items.............................................................................3
2.2 Optional items..............................................................................5
3.0 Initial Setup....................................................................................6
3.1 Mechanical configuration of the MMBP........................................6
3.1.1 Building the MMBP around your microscope.........................6
3.2 Fitting the post and platform sample plate to the top plate ...........6
3.2.1 Fitting the post to the base....................................................6
3.2.2 Securing the post onto the MMBP.........................................7
3.2.3 Fitting the locking collar and platform....................................7
3.2.4 Using the sample plate platform............................................8
3.2.5 Operating the Post and Platform...........................................9
3.2.6 Adjusting the rotation end stops (home position)...................9
3.3 Building the MMBP around your microscope ............................. 11
3.3.1 Positioning the MMBP.........................................................11
3.4 Using the Sliding Carriages........................................................14
3.5 Electrical setup of the MMBP.....................................................15
3.3.1 Control Racks ..................................................................... 15
3.3.2 Basic MMBP electrical setup diagram.................................16
3.3.3 Example system diagram....................................................17
4.0 Operation Guide ..........................................................................18
4.1 Powering up the system.............................................................18
4.2 Operating the MMBP .................................................................18
4.2.1 Using a Control cube...........................................................18
4.2.2 Using a PatchPad...............................................................20
4.2.3 Using a Joystick..................................................................22
5.0 Maintenance.................................................................................23
5.1 Cleaning ....................................................................................23
6.0 Frequently Asked Questions ......................................................24
6.1 No Movement ............................................................................24
6.2 Drift............................................................................................24
7.0 Specifications..............................................................................26
7.1 Top plate schematics.................................................................26
7.2 Sample mounting options ..........................................................28
8.0 Warranty, Technical Queries and Returns.................................29
9.0 Table of Figures........................................................................... 49
10.0 About Scientifica .......................................................................50

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 Motorised Moveable Base Plate (MMBP). The Scientifica MMBP
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 appear 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 stage and
may invalidate your warranty.
1.2 The Scientifica Motorised Moveable Base Plate
(MMBP)
1.2.1 Product overview
The MMBP is a low-level, moving platform for mounting manipulators
and a sample around a microscope. It has been developed to form a
flexible, solid foundation for an electrophysiology and imaging rig.
The MMBP allows the user to move micromanipulators, the sample and
any other equipment mounted on the surface as one, in relation to a
fixed microscope. This is in contrast to setups where a microscope is
translated via a moving stage. The MMBP therefore enables the user to
translate a sample in combination with imaging techniques that restrict
the movement of the microscope frame.
Additionally, the versatility of the sample holder and manipulator
positioning ensure that the same rig can be used for both in vitro and in
vivo applications.

2| 1.0 Product Introduction
1.2.2 Product Walkthrough
Figure A: Motorised Moveable Base Plate, with key components
indicated
1 Slave stage
2 Motorised stage (indicated by flying leads)
3 Top plate
Multiple versions available for compatibility with different upright microscope.
See section 7 for dimensions.
These may be supplied with either metric or imperial tapped holes.
4 Post and Platform Sample Chamber mount
4b Sample chamber platform.
In vivo platform also available.
5 Carriage mounting plates (three supplied)
Either metric or imperial tapped holes, to match the top plate supplied

2.0 Packing List |3
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
1x MMBP top plate (See Figure A for image)
2 x Protective rubber membranes
1 x Screw kit
1 x Hex key set
1 x Mains lead
1 x LinLab software CD
And:
Quantity
1 x Motorised Stage
(identified by flying leads)
1 x ‘Slave’ Stage
3 x Mounting Carriages
(Either metric or imperial tapped holes, to match
the top plate supplied)
1 x Break out box
Continued…

4| 2.0 Packing List
1 x User interface cable
(15-way D-type to RJ45)
to
1 x Breakout box lead
(25-way D-type)
1 x 1U rack mounted
controller
1 x USB lead
(A-type to B-type)
Post and Platform Bath Platform mount components:
1 x Stainless Steel Post
(350, 140 and 90 mm variants
available)
1 x Screw Down mounting base
1 x Bath platform
1 x Locking Collar,
with integrated lever and silver
end stop ring
1 x Slice Recording Chamber kit (Includes 2 bath plate tools, cover slips, plastic
bath chamber, ferromagnetic ring and RTV sealant)

2.0 Packing List |5
2.2 Optional items
User Interfaces
–
one of the following supplied:
Control Cube
Joystick
Patch Pad
Post and Platform manipulator mounts
(typically used to mount MicroStar manipulators on
the MMBP)
PP-3400-00
Alternative mounting options
In-vivo sample plate
S-PP-3065-00

6| 3.0 Initial Setup
3.0 Initial Setup
3.1 Mechanical configuration of the MMBP
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 device and may invalidate your warranty.
If you are unsure of the components discussed here, please review the
schematic in section 1.2.2.
3.1.1 Building the MMBP around your microscope
The main MMBP structure consists of three components:
•the top plate
•a motorised moveable stage (two cables)
•a freely moving ‘slave’ stage.(no cables)
The motorised stage is directly driven by the control system. The ‘slave’
stage simply supports the top plate and follows the movement dictated
by the motorised stage.
3.2 Fitting the post and platform sample plate to the
top plate
In order to mount your sample on the MMBP, a Post and Platform
system is supplied. For ease of platform positioning you may prefer to fit
the post and platform sample plate holder to the MMBP top plate first.
The height of the sample can be adjusted to suit the focal height of your
microscope. For convenient access to the sample, the post and platform
can be swung in and out of a fixed home position.
3.2.1 Fitting the post to the base
To guarantee complete stability, ensure that the screws
used in this step are fully tightened.
The stainless steel post is attached from the underside of the base,
using the three M8x 35 mm screws supplied. Ensure that the screw
head pre-fitted into the top surface of the base is located in the vertical
groove of the post.
Note: Some alternate versions of the base use a single M14
screw through a single central tapped hole in the stainless steel
post. A 14 mm hex key will be supplied in this event.

3.0 Initial Setup |7
3.2.2 Securing the post onto the MMBP
Note: It is recommended that the Post and Platform system is
mounted with the vertical groove of the post away from the
microscope. This ensures that the locking lever is easy to
access.
Place the post into the required position on the top surface of the
MMBP.
Dependent on the tapped surface of the MMBP, use M6 or ¼-20 screws
through the four mounting holes in the post base to attach it onto the
surface of the MMBP. It is highly recommended that all four screws are
used to guarantee maximum stability.
Alternative post configurations
•Offset: The post is usually placed at the front centre of the top
plate of the MMBP but you may wish to configure your setup
differently. For example, positioning the post at a front corner of
the MMBP may prove more convenient dependent on the other
equipment in the rig and length of sample plate “arm”.
•Carriage mounted: The Post and Platform can also be
positioned on the third mounting carriage if the coarse movement
of the sample position is likely to be frequent. Be sure to fully
lock the carriage in position to ensure sample stability. See
section 3.2 for instructions on using mounting carriages.
3.2.3 Fitting the locking collar and platform
Regardless of the platform type, all Post and Platform mounting systems
operate via a double collar locking and rotating system.
To fit the collar and platform for the first time:
1. With the locking lever loosened, slide on the locking collar from
the top of the post, locating the locking screw into the vertical
groove. The silver end-stop ring should be at the top. Turn the
locking lever clockwise to lock the collar in an appropriate
position. Be sure not to over-tighten this locking lever.
2. Without inserting the brass locking mechanisms, slide the
platform down onto the post to rest on the locking collar. The M4
screw fitted to the underside of the platform should be located in
the end-stop groove of the locking collar.
3. Remove the first of the two brass locking blocks from the locking
lever and place it in the large hole on the side of the post furthest
from you. Ensure that the indentation is located towards the rear
of the platform to enable the brass component to fully sit flush
with the outside edge of the platform

8| 3.0 Initial Setup
4. Similarly, insert the second brass component into the side
nearest you. Screw the locking lever through this brass
component and tighten to lock the platform in place.
Locking
lever
Brass locking
mechanismB(tapped hole)
Brass locking
mechanismA(through-hole)
Platform
Figure B: Platform locking mechanism.
3.2.4 Using the sample plate platform
The sample plate platform is designed to accept chambers from a wide
range of manufacturers with a diameter of 108 mm or 110 mm.
A
Platform assembly bolts – M5
(Do not adjust)
B
M4 tapped holes, into side of platform
C
M3 tapped holes (accepts eccentric
washer for magnetic outer ring)
D
M3 tapped holes
For users wishing to use the Scientifica Slice Recording Chamber kit,
the ferro-magnetic outer ring is held in place with eccentric washers
using the holes marked C in the above diagram. The sample chamber is
then fitted via magnets inside this ring.
Brass locking
mechanism A
(through-hole)
Brass locking
mechanism B
(tapped hole)
Locking
lever
Platform

3.0 Initial Setup |9
3.2.5 Operating the Post and Platform
Caution: take care when adjusting the height of the Post
and Platform. Only release one of the two clamps at any
one time to ensure safety and protect your equipment.
Adjusting the platform height
Raising the height of the platform
1. Loosen the locking lever on the platform and raise to the desired
height. Re-tighten the screw clamp.
2. Loosen the locking lever on the locking collar, raise to the
underside of the platform and re-tighten. Ensure that the screw
on the underside of the platform locates in the end stop groove
on the collar.
Lowering the height of the platform
1. Loosen the locking lever on the locking collar, lower to the
desired height and re-tighten.
2. Loosen the screw clamp on the platform and lower onto the
locking collar, locating the screw on the underside of the platform
into the end stop groove. Re-tighten the screw clamp.
3.2.6 Adjusting the rotation end stops (home position)
The Post and Platform system features an adjustable end stop
mechanism, enabling the user to establish a 'home' position to swing out
from and return to.
When mounted on the MMBP, an ideal 'home' position would centre the
chamber in the light path of the microscope. The user can then swing
the sample away from the experiment area for convenient access.
To set the end stops:
1. Ensure that the locking lever on the collar is tightened. Loosen,
but do not remove, the grub screw on the rear of the locking
collar (indicated in Figure C). This will allow the silver upper ring
to rotate freely with the platform.

10| 3.0 Initial Setup
Figure C: Post and Platform locking collar
2. Loosen the platform clamp and rotate it to your ideal 'home
position, keeping the screw on the underside of the platform
located in the end stop groove of the silver upper ring.
3. Keeping the platform stationary, rotate the silver collar until one
end of the groove is in contact with the end stop screw.
4. Retighten the grub screw on the silver collar to set its position.
Note: the end stops can be configured to enable rotation
in either clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. In step 3
of the above, locate the end stop at different ends of
groove to alternate between the two.

3.0 Initial Setup |11
3.3 Building the MMBP around your microscope
The main MMBP structure consists of three components:
•The top plate
•A motorised moveable stage (with two cables attached)
•A freely moving ‘slave’ stage
The motorised stage is directly driven by the control system. The ‘slave’
stage simple supports the top plate and follows the movement dictated
by the motorised stage.
3.3.1 Positioning the MMBP
Note: the MMBP has a total travel of 50 mm in both the X
and the Y axis – the top plate will therefore need to be
positioned carefully to allow full movement and access
around the microscope.
Figure C: Orientation of stages
1. Position and attach the post and platform sample plate holder as
directed in section 3.2.
2. Remove both of the red shipping brackets from the motorised
stage using the hex key set provided. Place the stage on your
anti-vibration table on the side nearest to the control rack.
3. Connect up the motorised stage using instructions in section 3.5.
Be sure not to connect or disconnect any cables while the 1U
rack controller is powered on (indicated by the illuminated purple
badge).
Slave Stage
Front
Back
Motorised
Stage

12| 3.0 Initial Setup
4. Place the slave stage on the opposite side of your microscope to
the motorised stage. Remove the shipping bracket from the
inside edge of the slave stage – nearest the microscope. Leave
the outside edge shipping bracket in place.
5. Place the top plate across the two stages, aligning the larger,
untapped holes in the surface with those on the two stages.
Insert two M6x12 screws into mounting holes in opposite
corners of each stage to temporarily hold the structure.
6. Adjust the position of the assembly into the optimum mounting
position on the anti-vibration table. Ensure the sample plate is
always within the optical axis of the microscope and there is
room for 25 mm travel in every direction.
7. Remove the final shipping bracket from the slave stage,
accessing it under the side of the top plate. Keep this to hand as
it will be required again in later stages of this process.
FRONT REAR
B
A
Figure: Stage mounting holes
(A)Shown driven to the rear to reveal the front mounting holes,
and (B)driven to the front to reveal the rear mounting holes.
8. Using the control device, drive the assembly backwards to reveal
the front mounting holes on the lower front edge of both stages.
Using M6x12 screws, loosely bolt down the stages at front – the
mounting holes should be accessible under the front of the top
plate. You may need to adjust the assembly to align with the
tapped holes on the anti-vibration table.
9. Using the control device, zero the axes of both stages. Re-fit the
outer shipping bracket on the slave stage and then remove the
top plate.
10. Using the control device, drive the motorised stage forwards to
reveal the additional mounting holes at the rear of the stage.
Using M6x12 screws, firmly secure the stage. Drive the stage to
the back again and fully tighten the front screws. Once mounted,
return the motorised stage to its zero position.

3.0 Initial Setup |13
11. Being careful to retain the position of the slave stage on the
table, remove the shipping bracket. Manually move top half of
the stage to access firstly the rear and then the front mounting
holes. Bolt down the slave stage firmly onto the anti-vibration
surface using M6x12 screws. Return the stage to its zero
position and replace the outer shipping bracket.
12. Two rubber membranes are supplied with the MMBP in order to
prevent the ingress of solution into the stages. Place one of
these over each of the stages, aligning the holes in the
membranes with those on the top surface of the stages.
13. Replace the top plate over the two stages and firmly bolt in
place using 12 M6x12 screws.
14. Finally, remove the shipping bracket from the slave stage.
Important: Retain the all shipping brackets for future
transit or return of the equipment. Component
damage is highly likely if these are not fitted during
shipping.

14| 3.0 Initial Setup
3.4 Using the Sliding Carriages
As an alternative to mounting devices directly on the tapped surface of
the top plate, three carriages are supplied for when finer positioning
control is required.
These are usually used for mounting micromanipulators, which can be
attached directly to the carriage using the bolts supplied.
Ensure that the bolts used to mount devices do not
extend beyond the lower surface of the carriage to
prevent damage to the top plate surface.
The T-bar can be mounted to the lower surface of the carriage in any of
the five hole positions for additional lateral positioning versatility.
Figure D: Mounting carriages.
The right hand carriage is inverted to reveal a T-bar
mounted in the central lateral position.
To fit the mounting carriages to the top plate, loosen but do not remove
the bolts holding the T-bar in place using the supplied hex key. Slide the
carriage onto the top plate from the outer edge.
When in position, retighten the T-bar bolts to secure the carriage in
place. It is important to complete this step to ensure complete stability.

3.0 Initial Setup |15
3.5 Electrical setup of the MMBP
To operate, the MMBP 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 MMBP if being used
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.
The MMBP is connected to the control rack by a 25 way cable and
breakout box. The user interface connects by a 15 way to D-type to
RJ45 cable.
TTL
25wayD-type
connector for
first motion
card
15wayD-type
connector for
first user
interface
ACMainsInput
and Fuse
25wayD-type
connectorfor
second
motion card
TTL in/out
(optional)
15wayD-type
connectorfor
second user
interface
USBconnection
foroptional PC
interface
Figure E: Rear panel of the 1U Rack mounted controller
Note: Optional TTL input/output. When fitted, the option is
factory configured to accept either a 5V input or output signal as
follows.
TTL In – Inputting a 5V pulse will cause the MMBP to move in the same
way as pressing the MR key on the control cube.
TTL Out – Pressing the MR key on the control cube will output a 5V
pulse.

16| 3.0 Initial Setup
3.3.2 Basic MMBP electrical setup diagram
Caution: Never connect or disconnect any cables with the
1U Control rack switched on.
Figure F: Basic electrical connections schematic