Sutter Instrument MP-285A Assembly instructions

One Digital Drive
Novato, CA 94949
Voice: 415-883-0128 Web: www.sutter.com
Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
MP-285
Micromanipulator System
(Including Model MP-285A Controller)
ROE
Basic Operations
Rev. 4.04 (20210122)

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04(20210122)
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Copyright © 2021 Sutter Instrument Company. All Rights Reserved.

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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DISCLAIMER
The MP-285-system consists of one controller (MP-285 or MP-285A), a user control device
(ROE (MP-285 and MP-285A) or Joystick (MP-285 only)), and one electromechanical
micromanipulator device (MP-285/M). The purpose of the system is for the manipulation at
the micro level of micropipettes and probes used in conjunction with a microscope. No other
use is recommended.
This instrument is designed for use in a laboratory environment. It is not intended, nor
should it be used in human experimentation or applied to humans in any way. This is not a
medical device.
Do not open or attempt to repair the instrument. High voltages are present and inadvertent
movement of the micromanipulator electromechanical could cause injury.
Do not allow unauthorized and/or untrained operative to use this device.
Any misuse will be the sole responsibility of the user/owner and Sutter Instrument Company
assumes no implied or inferred liability for direct or consequential damages from this
instrument if it is operated or used in any way other than for which it is designed.
SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Electrical
Operate the MP-285 using 110-- 240 V AC., 50-60 Hz line voltage. This instrument is
designed for use in a laboratory environment that has low electrical noise and mechanical
vibration. Surge suppression is always recommended. The MP-285 controller has a
manual voltage select switch as part of the power input connector on the rear panel. The
MP-285A has automatic voltage switching and therefore does not have a voltage-select
switch.
Fuse Replacement: Replace only with the same type and rating:
Table 1. MP-285 Mains fuse type and rating
Mains Voltage
Setting
Fuse: (Type: Time Delay, 5 x 20 mm, glass tube)
Rating
Manufacturer Examples
“110” (100 –
120 VAC)
2A, 250V
(Time Delay)
Bussmann: GMC-2A/GDC-2A or GMC-2-R/S506-2A (RoHS)
Littelfuse: 239 002 or 239.002.P (RoHS)
“220” (200 –
240 VAC)
T1.0A, 250V
Bussmann: GDC-1A or S506-1A (RoHS)
Littelfuse: 218 001 or 218 001.P (RoHS)
Table 2. MP-285A Mains fuse type and rating
Mains Voltage
Fuse: (Type: Time Delay, 5 x 20 mm, glass tube)
Rating
Manufacturer Examples
100 - 240
VAC
2A, 250V
(Time Delay)
Bussmann: GMC-2A/GDC-2A, or GMC-2-R/S506-2A (RoHS)
Littelfuse: 239 002 or 239.002.P (RoHS)
A spare fuse is in the power input module. Please refer to the fuse-replacement appendix
for more details on fuse ratings and for instructions on how to change the fuse.

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury
Always use the grounded power supply cord set provided to connect the system to a
grounded outlet (3-prong). This is required to protect you from injury in the event that
an electrical hazard occurs.
Do not disassemble the system. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
To prevent fire or shock hazard do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
Electromagnetic Interference
To comply with FDA and CE electromagnetic immunity and interference standards; and to
reduce the electromagnetic coupling between this and other equipment in your lab always
use the type and length of interconnect cables provided with the unit for the interconnection
of the ROE, MP-285/M electromechanical device, and host computer via serial RS-232
interface, (see the Technical Specifications appendix for more details).
Operational
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device.
This instrument is designed for operation in a laboratory environment (Pollution Degree
I) that is free from mechanical vibrations, electrical noise and transients.
This unit is not designed for operation at altitudes above 2000 meters nor was it tested
for safety above 2000 meters.
DO NOT CONNECT OR DISCONNECT THE CABLES BETWEEN THE
CONTROLLER AND THE MECHANICAL UNITS WHILE POWER IS ON.
Please allow at least 20 seconds after turning the unit off before disconnecting the
mechanical units. Failure to do this may result in damage to the electronics.
Operate this instrument only according to the instructions included in this manual.
Do not operate if there is any obvious damage to any part of the instrument.
Operate only in a location where there is a free flow of fresh air on all sides.
NEVER ALLOW THE FREE FLOW OF AIR TO BE RESTRICTED.
Do not operate this instrument near flammable materials. The use of any hazardous
materials with this instrument is not recommended and if undertaken is done so at the
users’ own risk.
Do not attempt to operate the instrument with the manipulator shipping screws in
place - severe motor damage may result.
Do not operate if there is any obvious damage to any part of the instrument. Do not
attempt to operate the instrument with the manipulator shipping screws in place - severe
motor damage may result. When transporting the mechanical manipulator, be sure to
install the shipping screws supplied in their correct locations. Failure to do this may
result in damage to the motors.

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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Never touch any part of the micromanipulator electromechanical device while it is in
operation and moving. Doing so can result in physical injury (e.g., fingers can be caught
and pinched between the moving parts of the micromanipulator).
As with all microinjection devices, sharp micropipettes can fly out of their holder
unexpectedly. Always take precautions to prevent this from happening. Never loosen the
micropipette holder chuck when the tubing is pressurized, and never point micropipette
holders at yourself or others. Always wear safety glasses when using sharp glass
micropipettes with pressure microinjectors.
Do not handle the manipulator mechanical while the power is on, and take care to
ensure no cables pass close to the mechanical manipulator.
Other
Use this instrument only for microinjection purposes in conjunction with the procedures
and guidelines in this manual.
Retain the original packaging for future transport of the instrument.
Some applications, such as piezo-impact microinjection call for the use of mercury in the
micropipette tip. The use of any hazardous materials with any Sutter Instrument’s
instrument is not recommended and if undertaken is done so at the users’ own risk.
When transporting the mechanical manipulator, be sure to install the shipping screws
supplied in their correct locations. Failure to do this may result in damage to the motors.
This instrument contains no user-serviceable components — do not open the instrument
casing. This instrument should be serviced and repaired only by Sutter Instrument or an
authorized Sutter Instrument servicing agent.
Sutter Instrument reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice.
This device is intended only for research purposes.
Handling Micropipettes
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may result in injury to the users
of this device as well as those working in the general area near the device.
The micropipettes used with this instrument are very sharp and relatively fragile.
Contact with the pulled micropipette tips, therefore, should be avoided to prevent
accidentally impaling yourself.
Always dispose of micropipettes by placing them into a well-marked, spill-proof “sharps”
container.

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCLAIMER ......................................................................................................................................iii
SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS...................................................................................iii
Electrical .................................................................................................................................................iii
Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury.............................................................................iv
Electromagnetic Interference ...............................................................................................................iv
Operational .............................................................................................................................................iv
Other......................................................................................................................................................... v
Handling Micropipettes.......................................................................................................................... v
1. GENERAL INFORMATION ...........................................................................................................1
1.1 Structure of the MP-285 Documentation Package ...............................................................................1
1.2 Technical Support.............................................................................................................................1
2. SETUP...............................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Unpacking..........................................................................................................................................3
2.2 Initial Setup and Gross Movement.................................................................................................4
2.3 Installation of the MP-285/M Micromanipulator on your Microscope .......................................6
2.3.1 General Considerations .............................................................................................................6
2.3.2 Specifics .......................................................................................................................................6
2.4 Mounting Headstages.......................................................................................................................7
2.5 Adjusting the Rotating Dovetail Base.............................................................................................8
2.6 Minimizing Electrical Noise ............................................................................................................9
3. MICROSCOPIC MANIPULATION ..............................................................................................11
3.1 Some Basic Information.................................................................................................................11
3.2 SETUP Selection ............................................................................................................................11
3.3 Changing Minimal Resolution.......................................................................................................12
4. PULSE MOVEMENT.....................................................................................................................15
5. HOME FUNCTION........................................................................................................................17
5.1 How to Define a New Home ..........................................................................................................17
5.2 Moving to the New Home: .............................................................................................................17
5.3 Practical Use of the Home Function.............................................................................................17
6. GENERALIZED ROBOTIC MOVEMENTS.................................................................................19
6.1 Setting Absolute Zero .....................................................................................................................19
6.2 Redefining Home ............................................................................................................................19
6.3 Clearing Program Location #1 for Recording a New Robotic Series .......................................19
6.4 Teaching the MP-285 Controller a New Robotic Series.............................................................20
6.5 Executing the Newly Entered Program!......................................................................................21
6.6 Loading a Saved Program..............................................................................................................22
7. DIAGONAL OR 4TH AXIS MOVEMENTS .................................................................................23
8. ROE RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS ......................................................................................25
8.1 Controlling ROE Knob to Manipulator Stepper Motor Axis Assignment................................25
8.2 Controlling Movement Amount per ROE Turn..........................................................................25

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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APPENDIX A. LIMITED WARRANTY............................................................................................27
INDEX .................................................................................................................................................29
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1. MP-285 Controller (front panel) ........................................................................................... 3
Figure 2-2. Manipulator............................................................................................................................. 3
Figure 2-3. Rotary Optical Encoder (ROE).............................................................................................. 3
Figure 2-4. MP-285 controller rear connections ..................................................................................... 4
Figure 2-5. Manipulator base dimensions................................................................................................ 6
Figure 2-6. Headstage mounting plate..................................................................................................... 7
Figure 2-7. Mounting the headstage on the manipulator's Z-axis......................................................... 8
Figure 2-8. Adjusting the headstage angle............................................................................................... 8
TABLE OF TABLES
Table 1. MP-285 Mains fuse type and rating..........................................................................................iii
Table 2. MP-285A Mains fuse type and rating.......................................................................................iii
Table 3-1. Microsteps per ROE turn settings........................................................................................ 12
Table 3-2. Microns per ROE turn settings............................................................................................. 13
Table 4-1. Microsteps and microns per Pulse settings ......................................................................... 16

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Structure of the MP-285 Documentation Package
The MP-285 is a highly versatile stepper motor driven micromanipulator. Because of this
versatility, the documentation necessary to cover various functions has rapidly grown to a
size best described as unwieldy and thus has generally not been useful to most operators.
In order to produce a more useful set of instructions, we have split the manual into two
parts. The first part, “Basic Operations”, has been kept short and covers major functions
with the aim of quickly guiding the first-time user through the setup and use of the MP-285
for micromanipulation with emphasis on using the ROE (Rotary Optical Encoder) for user
control. These steps are, in many ways, identical to the steps performed any time one sets up
an MP-285 for use at a microscope. Many users will find that no other manual is necessary.
The second part, “Reference Manual”, provides in-depth coverage of the MP-285. It
documents the precise keystrokes (menu navigation) necessary to access each MP-285
function. The Reference Manual also describes, in detail, how to alter MP-285 performance
via add-on accessories, perform microcontroller robotic programming, and how to use the
serial computer interface.
1.2 Technical Support
Unlimited technical support is provided by Sutter Instrument Company at no charge to our
customers. Our technical support staff is available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00
PM (Pacific Time) at [phone]. You may also E-mail your queries to [e-mail].

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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2. SETUP
2.1 Unpacking
Carefully remove all components from the shipping container. One of each of the following
should be included:
MP-285 or MP-285A controller
MP-285 micromanipulator and D25 cable for connection to controller
Rotary Optical Encoder (ROE) and D15 cable for connection to controller
Controller power cord
Serial port cable (DB9 connectors)
Metal dovetail headstage mounting plate with plastic isolation plate
Metal dovetail rod clamp
2.5mm hex wrench for removing the shipping screws
7/64 hex wrench for adjusting the rotating dovetail base
MP-285 documentation
POWER
SUTTER INSTRUMENT CO.
MADE IN U.S.A.
MP-285
RESET
Figure 2-1. MP-285 Controller (front panel)
You may have also received one or more accessories for mounting your MP-285 and/or
modifying the headstage mount to the manipulator (i.e., rotating base, microscope stage
0
4
1
3
3
1
4
1
3
3
1
0
4
1
3
3
1
4
1
3
3
1
Figure 2-2. Manipulator
HO M
NOR
COAR
CON
DIA
FIN
PULS
Figure 2-3. Rotary Optical Encoder (ROE)

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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mount, gantry stand, dovetail extension). Setup of these accessories is covered either in
documentation accompanying the accessory or in the
MP-285 Reference Manual .
Remove all six shipping screws from the MP-285. Save the screws, warning tags, and hex
wrench in the event you need to transport your manipulator in the future. Once these screws
have been removed, handle the micromanipulator with care. The drive cables can be
damaged
2.2 Initial Setup and Gross Movement
Initially, you may want to simply connect your manipulator, controller, and ROE together and
try some gross movements in order to get a feel for the controls and how to make simple
movements. It is perfectly acceptable to set the manipulator in the middle of a bench top,
make all electrical connections and then observe the unit’s movement by eye. Even if you
wish to directly install your manipulator in your rig, it is useful to follow the initial setup
procedure in order to learn how to move the unit and allow easy access to the mounting
screws if subjected to unnecessary strain.
1. Connect the power cord to the MP-285 controller. Make certain that the voltage selector
next to the power cord socket on the back of the MP-285 controller has been set to the
appropriate voltage (110 or 220).
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
110
220
SERIAL PORT
CABLE (9 pin)
INPUT DEVICE
CABLE (15 pin)
LINE POWER
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
FUSE
FUSE
LABEL
MANIPULATOR
CABLE (25 pin)
SU TTE R
INSTRUMENT
51 Dig ita l Drive
NOVATO, CA 94949 USA
(415) 88 3 -01 28
DISC O N NEC TPO WER
BEFORE O PENING
U N I T!
MO DEL
Hz
FUSE
VO L TS
HIGH VOLTAGE
DANGER
SERIA L PO RT
MANIPULATOR
COMMAND INPUT
Figure 2-4. MP-285 controller rear connections
NOTE: The MP-285A controller adds a USB port for external computer control and two
BNC connectors for TTL input/output.
2. With the power OFF (front panel switch in the down position), use the D15 cable and
connect the ROE to the connection labeled “COMMAND INPUT” on the back of the MP-
285 controller.
CAUTION: Never connect or disconnect the ROE while the power is on!
3. With the power OFF, use the D25 cable and connect the MP-285/M micromanipulator to
the DB 25 connector labeled “MANIPULATOR” on the back of the controller.
CAUTION: Never connect or disconnect the micromanipulator while the power is on!

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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CAUTION: Important! Check to make sure that you have removed all six shipping screws.
The unit can be severely damaged if you try to move one of the axes with the shipping screws
in place.
To observe movement of the manipulator, do the following:
1. Turn the power ON (front panel switch up). Observe the startup screen:
2. Press the <MOVE> key on the MP-285 controller keypad. Observe the movement screen:
Assuming this was the initial power on from the unit after unpacking, you should have
coordinates like those above (-10,000µm to -12,000µm). These coordinates correspond to the
locations of the shipping screws.
Turn a knob on the ROE. You should see one of the axes on the manipulator move and the
coordinates on the screen of the controller change. The coordinates indicate how far you have
moved in micrometers along each of the three axes.
Before the unit was shipped from Sutter, its absolute origin (location 0,0,0) was set at the
center of travel of each axis. This same location was also defined as “Home”. This means that
you can make the manipulator move to the center of travel by a simple move to “Home”, as
follows:
1. Make sure you are still in the movement screen (coordinates displayed).
2. Press the button on the ROE marked <HOME>.
Observe the “rapid” movement of the manipulator to the center of travel of each axis. The
controller display will read, “Going home” during the move, and will display coordinates
close to 0,0,0 after the move is complete.
The MP-285 controller front panel is configured with three colored LEDs. When lit, these
LEDs indicate that a signal is being received from the input device. Each LED (yellow, red,
and green) indicates input originating from one of the three knobs on the ROE (top, left, and
right, respectively).
S1 *** MP-285 Controller *** P1
Press MOVE, PRGM or select mag. with *
- 10789.20 um X - 10778.24 um Y
- 10750.40 um Z 0.20 um Res.

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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2.3 Installation of the MP-285/M Micromanipulator on your Microscope
2.3.1 General Considerations
In most applications, it is best to try to mount the MP-285/M in a location that allows for the
widest range of movement. Usually, this means mounting so that the device is in the center
of travel when it is in its normal operating position. To facilitate this procedure, move the
manipulator to its center of travel before determining where it should be mounted.
The base of the MP 285 manipulator is also the mounting surface for the bearing ways of the
X-axis. When the base plate is pressed firmly against most mounting surfaces, torsional
stress can be transmitted to the base and thus misaligns the bearing ways. A supply of four
precision-thickness washers is included with your MP-285 manipulator. To limit
misalignment, you should use one on each of the four mounting screws between the MP-285
manipulator base and your mounting surface.
When mounting the MP-285 there should be no physical impediments to the full excursion of
the three axes. Pay attention to the screws or clamps used to secure the base of the
micromanipulator to make certain that the X-axis slide can move to the end of its travel
without obstruction.
Additional mounting considerations, as well as instructions pertaining to specific mounting
accessories can be found in the Reference Manual.
2.3.2 Specifics
The base of the MP-285 manipulator has four mounting holes on 2.5” centers. A template,
drawn to scale and based on the footprint shown below, can be used to drill holes in a suitable
mounting surface.
3.8125”
2.75”
2.75”
2.5”
2.5”
2.25”
Figure 2-5. Manipulator base dimensions

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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This four-hole pattern is also compatible with the MP-285 rotary base, part #285RBI and the
mounting adapter plate, # 285210 (see the Reference Manual for further instructions).
While it is possible to insert and tighten all four mounting screws with the MP-285 in one
position, you may find it convenient to connect and power up the manipulator and position
the X-axis for the best access to the screw holes.
2.4 Mounting Headstages
The most stable way to mount a headstage is to fasten it directly to the Z-axis slide. The
mounting hardware included with the MP-285 is designed to eliminate the need for custom
machining of headstage and pipette holders. For example, Axon Instruments’ new 203B
headstage mounts directly to the rotating dovetail on the MP-285 Z-axis. Other headstages
require use of the dovetail mounting plate:
dovetail mounting plate:
2 m id dle (D) holes
EPC : 1 -1/16" x 2-7/32"
(2 holes, A & B)
CV-4: 1-1/8" x 1-15/16"
(4 holes, B & C)
A
B
C
C
C
D
D
Figure 2-6. Headstage mounting plate
The plastic portion of the plate provides electrical isolation while allowing for a direct mount
of Axon Instruments’ CV-4 headstage or Heka Electronics’ EPC-7, 8, or 9 headstages. The
user can drill additional holes to allow the plate-mount installation of other headstages.
Headstage mounting instructions can be found in the Reference Manual.
Whether using the Axon 203B Headstage or another headstage mounted on the dovetail
mounting plate, the respective male dovetail is inserted into the female dovetail on the MP-
285 Z-axis. Slide the dovetail mounting plate/headstage assembly into the rotating-dovetail
base and secure it by tightening the dovetail clamp set screw with a Phillips-head
screwdriver.

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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Rotating dovetail
Headstag
Dovetail m ounting
Dovetail c la m p set
Pla stic isolation
Figure 2-7. Mounting the headstage on the manipulator's Z-axis
2.5 Adjusting the Rotating Dovetail Base
The rotating dovetail base allows the pipette holder or headstage to be rotated and firmly
fixed at any angle desired by the experimenter as required for access to a microscope.
0
15
15
0
45
30
30
15
45
15
30
30
15
45
15
30
30
15
45
15
30
30
Headstage
Loosen then
retighten
Rotate
Figure 2-8. Adjusting the headstage angle
To adjust the rotary dovetail to your desired angle:
1. Loosen the brake set screw to rotate the headstage or pipette holder. Failure to loosen the
screw may lead to rapid deterioration of the brake and rotating disk thereby reducing the
ability to firmly secure the rotating dovetail.
2. Once you have determined the proper angle, firmly tighten the brake set screw to assure
stable positioning of the rotating dovetail.
It is not recommended that you use this rotational joint as a means of pipette replacement.
Repeated repositioning of the rotary disk and brake will lead to rapid deterioration of the
joint which may then not tighten properly to allow stable positioning of a pipette.

MP-285 SYSTEM ROE BASIC OPERATIONS – REV. 4.04 (20210122)
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2.6 Minimizing Electrical Noise
We are aware of two potential noise sources for users coupling their MP-285 with high-gain,
high input impedance, electrophysiological recording amplifiers. The first is associated with
the manipulator and its connecting cable from the controller. Under certain circumstances
these may act as an antenna concentrating electric field noise that originates from nearby
electrical equipment (computer monitors, and fluorescent lights are the most notorious
offenders) and bringing it into close proximity with recording apparatus. Grounding the
manipulator will largely eliminate this noise source. Ground tabs are located on each motor
housing for this purpose. It should be noted that the manipulator produces negligible
electrical noise when it is not moving because it is powered by a linear power supply with no
AC current present.
The second potential source of noise is associated with the magnetic field radiated from the
power supply transformer in the controller. Certain electrophysiological amplifiers are more
susceptible to generating noise when exposed to this magnetic field. This noise can be
minimized or eliminated by allowing a maximal distance between your MP-285 controller and
your amplifier. It may be possible to decrease this noise source further by placing a soft steel
plate or a piece of high permeability metal between the controller and the amplifier.

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