Sutter Instrument TRIO MPC-145 Series User manual

One Digital Drive
Novato, CA 94949
Voice: 415-883-0128 Web: www.sutter.com
Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
TRIO™MPC-145
Series
Dual 3-Axis Motorized
Micromanipulator System
With Synthetic Fourth Diagonal Axis
Operation Manual
Rev. 2.62c (20191001) (FW v2.62)

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
2
(The picture on the cover page shows a TRIO MPC-100 ROE/controller and two TRIO MP-845M
micromanipulators (one right-handed and the other left-handed). The Sutter Instrument dPatch Headstage
shown mounted on each micromanipulator are not included in the TRIO MPC-145 Series system.)
Copyright © 2019 Sutter Instrument Company. All Rights Reserved.
TRIO™ is a trademark of Sutter Instrument Company.

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
3
DISCLAIMER
The TRIO MPC-145 series system consists of one or two electromechanical
micromanipulator devices and one TRIO MPC-100 ROE (Rotary Optical Encoder) with
integrated controller. 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.
Unless otherwise indicated in this manual or by Sutter Instrument Technical Support for
reconfiguration, do not open or attempt to repair the instrument.
Do not allow an 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 TRIO MPC-100 using 110 – 240 VAC., 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
NOTE: There are no user-replaceable fuses in the TRIO MPC-100 system.
The TRIO MPC-100 system’s power supply consists of an external AC to DC
switching power adapter. If the external power adapter is damaged due to a mains over or
under voltage, it must be replaced.
GROUNDING/EARTHING: Proper grounding protects the ROE/controller
electronics, reduces/eliminates electromagnetic interference, and improves the safety of the
system operator. The ROE/controller provides a socket (labeled GROUND) that accepts a
banana plug attached to a suitably gauged insulated wire, the other end of which (alligator
clip) connects to a solid, proper ground.
Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury
Always use the grounded power cord provided to connect the system’s power adapter to a
grounded/earthed mains 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/EU 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 for interconnecting the electro-
mechanical devices and ROE/controller (refer to Technical Specifications for more details).

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
4
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.
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 so 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.
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 operate if there is any obvious damage to any part of the instrument. Do not
attempt to operate the instrument with the MP-845 electromechanical manipulator
shipping tape in place or severe motor damage may result. When transporting the
mechanical manipulator, be sure to reinstall the shipping tape (using masking tape or
equivalent only) to the original locations. Failure to do this may result in damage to the
motors.
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).
If the TRIO MPC-100 system is used in a microinjection environment, please observe
the following. As with most micromanipulation 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 tubing.
Take care to ensure no cables pass close to the MP-845 electromechanical
micromanipulator within the spherical movement limits of all its axes combined.
Other
Retain the original packaging for future transport of the instrument.
Sutter Instrument reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice.
Use of this instrument is for research purposes only.
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. Avoid
contact with micropipette tips to prevent accidentally impaling oneself.
Always dispose of micropipettes by placing them into a well-marked, spill-proof “sharps”
container.

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCLAIMER .......................................................................................................................................3
SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS....................................................................................3
Electrical ..................................................................................................................................................3
Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury..............................................................................3
Electromagnetic Interference ............................................................................................................3
Operational ..............................................................................................................................................4
Other.........................................................................................................................................................4
Handling Micropipettes..........................................................................................................................4
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................9
1.1 Structure of the TRIO MPC-145 Series Documentation Package..............................................9
1.2 Components of the TRIO MPC-145 System..................................................................................9
1.3 Components of the TRIO MPC-145-2 System...............................................................................9
1.4 Components of the TRIO MPC-145S System................................................................................9
1.5 Components of the TRIO MPC-145S-2 System ............................................................................9
1.6 Overview ..........................................................................................................................................10
1.6.1 Features: TRIO MPC-100 Controller ....................................................................................11
1.6.2 Features: TRIO MP-845 3-Axis Micromanipulator Electromechanical ............................11
1.6.3 Description................................................................................................................................11
1.6.3.1 Stainless-Steel MP-845 (MP-845S)..................................................................................13
2. INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................15
2.1 Mounting Instructions ...................................................................................................................15
2.1.1 Mounting the MP-845 Series to the Stand or Platform.......................................................15
2.2 Headstage Mounting ......................................................................................................................16
2.3 Other Accessories............................................................................................................................16
2.4 Electrical Connections and Initial Operating Instructions........................................................17
2.5 ROE/Controller Rear Panel Controls and Configuration...........................................................18
2.5.1 Power Switch............................................................................................................................18
2.5.2 Configuration Switches ...........................................................................................................18
2.5.2.1 Switches 1, 2, 3 and 4 ........................................................................................................18
2.5.2.2 Switch 5: Y-Axis Lockout during Homing ......................................................................19
2.5.2.3 Switch 6: Calibration Homing on Power On..................................................................19
2.5.2.4 Switches 7 & 8 Reserved...................................................................................................19
2.5.2.5 Switch 9 Electromechanical Device Compatibility ........................................................19
2.5.2.6 Switch 10 Linear/nonlinear manual movement ............................................................20
3. OPERATIONS ................................................................................................................................21
3.1 Main Controls and Indicators on the ROE/Controller ...............................................................21
3.2 Display..............................................................................................................................................21
3.2.1 Initial Startup...........................................................................................................................21
3.3 Control Operations .........................................................................................................................22
3.3.1 Manipulator Select...................................................................................................................22
3.3.2 Maximum Positive Position Values: ......................................................................................22
3.3.3 Setting Position for HOME or WORK...................................................................................22
3.3.4 Setting the Angle of the Pipette/Headstage Holder .............................................................22

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
6
3.3.5 Operating the Virtual D Axis..................................................................................................23
3.3.6 Moving to the Home Position .................................................................................................23
3.3.7 Moving to the Work Position ..................................................................................................24
3.3.8 Setting Absolute/Relative Coordinates Mode........................................................................24
3.3.9 Mode Indications ......................................................................................................................25
3.3.10 Speed Control and ROE Knob Movements (SPEED)........................................................25
3.3.11 Movement Knobs Disabling and Lock Mode ([SPEED]/LOCK) ......................................25
3.3.12 Pausing Home Movements (HOME (while moving to Home)) ........................................25
3.3.13 Pausing Work Movements (WORK (while moving to Work)) ..........................................25
3.3.14 Pulse Mode and Virtual D-Axis Movement (PULSE)........................................................25
3.4 Micropipette/Headstage Exchange ...............................................................................................25
4. EXTERNAL CONTROL ................................................................................................................27
4.1 General.............................................................................................................................................27
4.2 Protocol and Handshaking ............................................................................................................27
4.3 Command Sequence Formatting ..................................................................................................27
4.4 Axis Position Command Parameters............................................................................................28
4.5 Microsteps and Microns (Micrometers)........................................................................................28
4.6 Commands .......................................................................................................................................29
4.6.1 Get Active Device & Firmware Version (‘K’) Command.....................................................29
4.6.2 Change Active Device (‘I’) Command ....................................................................................30
4.6.3 Get Current Position and Angle (‘c’ or ‘C’) Command........................................................30
4.6.4 Move to Controller-Defined HOME Position (‘h’) Command.............................................31
4.6.5 Move to Controller-Defined WORK Position (‘w’) Command ............................................31
4.6.6 Move to Specified “Home” Position (‘H’) Command...........................................................31
4.6.7 Move to Specified “Work” Position (‘W’) Command............................................................32
4.6.8 Move in Straight Line to Specified Position at Specified Speed (‘S’) Command ..............32
4.6.9 Interrupt Straight-Line Move (‘^C’) Command .................................................................33
4.6.10 Move to Specified X-Axis Position (‘x’ or ‘X’) Command...................................................34
4.6.11 Move to Specified Y-Axis Position (‘y’ or ‘Y’) Command...................................................34
4.6.12 Move to Specified Z-Axis Position (‘z’ or ‘Z’) Command ...................................................34
4.6.13 Setting the Angle (‘A’) Command ........................................................................................35
4.6.14 Recalibrate (‘R’) Command...................................................................................................35
4.6.15 Notes........................................................................................................................................35
5. MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................................39
6. RECONFIGURATION...................................................................................................................39
6.1 Changing the Rotary Knob Functions on the ROE/Controller .................................................39
APPENDIX A. LIMITED WARRANTY............................................................................................41
APPENDIX B. ACCESSORIES .........................................................................................................41
APPENDIX C. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................................43
APPENDIX D. QUICK REFERENCE..............................................................................................45
D.1. Manual Operation.........................................................................................................................45
D.2. Configuration.................................................................................................................................45
D.3. External Control ...........................................................................................................................46
INDEX.................................................................................................................................................53

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
7
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1. The TRIO MPC-145 system ................................................................................................ 10
Figure 1-2. The TRIO MPC-145-2 system............................................................................................. 10
Figure 2-1. Side view of MP-845 showing mounting adapter plate and lock screws. .......................15
Figure 2-2. Mounting the MP-845 on the Adapter Plate .....................................................................16
Figure 2-3. Rear of TRIO MPC-100 ROE/Controller cabinet.............................................................. 17
Figure 2-4. Configuration switches on rear of TRIO MPC-100 ROE/Controller unit (switch
positions shown are factory defaults). ..................................................................................18
Figure 3-1. LCD Display showing startup screen. ................................................................................21
Figure 3-2. Startup screen .......................................................................................................................21
Figure 3-3. Device A factory default startup (Home) position after calibration................................ 21
Figure 3-4. Device B factory default startup (Home) position after calibration................................ 22
Figure 3-5. Maximum positive values.....................................................................................................22
Figure 3-6. Moving to Home position (screen is amber while moving) .............................................. 23
Figure 3-7. Factory default Home position............................................................................................ 23
Figure 3-8. Example Home position defined and saved ....................................................................... 23
Figure 3-9. Example Work position ........................................................................................................ 24
Figure 3-10. Relative mode......................................................................................................................24
Figure 3-11. Relative mode......................................................................................................................24
Figure 3-12. Absolute mode..................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 3-13. Angled side view of MP-845 to change headstage mount .............................................. 26
Figure 6-1. Locations of the axis connectors inside the ROE/Controller ...........................................39
TABLE OF TABLES
Table 2-1. Configuration Switches 1 - 4: Configuring the direction of each axis...............................18
Table 2-2. Configuration Switch 5: Configuring the Homing Y-Movement Lock Out. ....................19
Table 2-3. Configuration Switch 6: Configuring the Sensor Test. ......................................................19
Table 2-4. Configuration Switches 7 & 8: Reserved.............................................................................. 19
Table 2-5. Configuration Switch 9: Electromechanical device compatibility..................................... 19
Table 2-6. Configuration Switch 10: Linear/nonlinear manual movement. ...................................... 20
Table 3-1. Maximum positive position value of each axis .................................................................... 22

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
8
Table 3-2. Screen colors and modes........................................................................................................ 25
Table 4-1. USB-VCP interface serial port settings. ..............................................................................27
Table 4-2. Microns/microsteps conversion.............................................................................................29
Table 4-3. Ranges (travel distances and bounds of each axis for compatible devices)...................... 29
Table 4-4. Get Active Device & Firmware Version (‘K’) command. ...................................................30
Table 4-5. Change active device (‘I’) command.....................................................................................30
Table 4-6. Get Current Position and Angle (‘c’ or ‘C’) command. ...................................................... 31
Table 4-7. Move to controller-defined HOME position (‘h’) command. .............................................31
Table 4-8. Move to controller -defined WORK position (‘w’) command............................................. 31
Table 4-9. Move to specified “Home” position (‘H’) command. ..........................................................32
Table 4-10. Move to specified “Work” position (‘W’) command..........................................................32
Table 4-11. Straight-line move to specified position (‘S’) command...................................................32
Table 4-12. Straight-Line Move ‘S’ Command Speeds.........................................................................33
Table 4-13. Interrupt a straight-line move in progress (‘^C’) command.......................................... 33
Table 4-14. Move to specified X-axis position (‘x’ or ‘X’) command.................................................... 34
Table 4-15. Move to specified Y-axis position (‘y’ or ‘Y’) command. ................................................... 34
Table 4-16. Move to specified Z-axis position (‘z’) command............................................................... 34
Table 4-17. Set the angle (‘A’) command. ..............................................................................................35
Table 4-18. Recalibrate (‘R’) command..................................................................................................35
Table 4-19. Straight-Line Move ‘S’ Command Speeds.........................................................................37
Table C-1. TRIO MPC-100 cables and receptacles/connectors............................................................ 44
Table D-1. Configuration Switches 1 – 10.............................................................................................. 45
Table D-2. USB-VCP interface serial port settings............................................................................... 46
Table D-3. Microns/microsteps conversion. ...........................................................................................
47
Table D-4. Ranges and bounds................................................................................................................47
Table D-5. TRIO MPC-100 external control commands...................................................................... 48
Table D-6. Straight-Line Move ‘S’ Command Speeds. .........................................................................51

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
9
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Structure of the TRIO MPC-145 Series Documentation Package
The TRIO MPC-145 series is a single or dual 3-axis motorized micromanipulator system
comprised of the TRIO MPC-100 ROE/controller, a power adapter, and one or two MP-845
(aluminum) or MP-845S/M (stainless steel) stepper-motor-based electromechanical
micromanipulators. This manual consists of five parts: This chapter, Introduction, which
provides an overview and general description of the TRIO MPC-145 series system; Chapter 2,
Installation, which describes how to install, set up, and configure all components of the
system; Chapter 3, Operations, which describes how to operate the TRIO MPC-100
ROE/controller; Chapter 4, External Control, describes how to control the system by
computer; Chapter 5, Maintenance, describes how to perform routine and other
maintenance; and Chapter 6, Reconfiguration, describes the reconfiguration possibilities of
the TRIO MPC-100 ROE/controller.
1.2 Components of the TRIO MPC-145 System
Carefully remove all components from the shipping container. In addition to this manual, the
following should be included:
TRIO MPC-100 ROE Rotary Optical Encoder input device with built-in controller and
external power adapter.
MP-845 electromechanical micromanipulator
25-pin DSUB cable (connects the ROE/controller to the micromanipulator).
Power adapter
Power adapter AC mains cable appropriate for your location
Ground/Earth cable
USB Cable
1.3 Components of the TRIO MPC-145-2 System
Same components as the TRIO MPC-145 system, with an additional MP-845
electromechanical manipulator and 25-pin DSUB cable.
1.4 Components of the TRIO MPC-145S System
Same components as the TRIO MPC-145 system, with a stainless-steel MP-845S
electromechanical manipulator.
1.5 Components of the TRIO MPC-145S-2 System
Same components as the TRIO MPC-145S system, with an additional MP-845S
electromechanical manipulator and 25-pin DSUB cable.

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
10
1.6 Overview
Figure 1-1. The TRIO MPC-145 system
Figure 1-2. The TRIO MPC-145-2 system
TRIO MPC-100 ROE/CONTROLLER
MP-845 SERIES ELECTROMECHANICAL
MICROMANIPULATOR (E.G., A, RIGHT-HANDED)
MP-845 SERIES ELECTROMECHANICAL
MICROMANIPULATOR (E.G., B, LEFT-
HANDED)
TRIO MPC-100
ROE/CONTROLLER
MP-845 SERIES ELECTROMECHANICAL
MICROMANIPULATOR (E.G., A, RIGHT-
HANDED)

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
11
1.6.1 Features: TRIO MPC-100 Controller
•Controls one or two micromanipulators
•Three independent axes (X, Y, and Z) each with a virtual fourth axis (D) for coaxial
pipette movement utilizing a tangent function factoring the holder’s angle and the X and
Z axes.
•Sub-micron 100nm resolution
•Digital display indicates coordinates in relative or absolute of active manipulator
•User-friendly, fanless compact controller with ROE preserves bench space
•Push button control of multiple functions – work, home, lock, pulse, relative mode, and
angle set
•Robotic home- and work-position moves for easy automated pipette exchange
•Configuration DIP switches to select each axis’ control knob rotation directionality
•USB interface for external computer control
1.6.2 Features: TRIO MP-845 3-Axis Micromanipulator Electromechanical
•Available in aluminum or thermally stable stainless steel (TRIO MP-845S)
•Mechanically robust construction for high stability
•Precision cross-roller bearings
•Three independent axes - 25 mm orthogonal travel in X, Y and Z
•Carries up to a kilogram
•Suited for
in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological recording
•Universal mounting system for headstage or pipette holder
1.6.3 Description
Based on the original Sutter Instrument TRIO™ motorized 3-axis micromanipulat or, the
TRIO MPC-100 expands the TRIO’s capabilities by supporting up to two micromanipulators
connected to a single ROE (Rotary Optical Encoder) and controller. A switch is provided on
the front part of the controller for selecting which of the two manipulators is active for
manual control. The X, Y, and Z axes provide 25mm range of motion (MP-845 or MP-845S).
D-axis movement virtually uses a tangent function of the chosen angle of the holder and
simultaneously moving X and Z. The ROE controller has a digital display and keys for Home,
Work, Pulse, Angle Set, Speed, Lock (Quiet) Mode, and Relative positioning. The compact,
intuitive controller takes up minimal bench space, is fan-free, and easy to use.
While the axes provide X, Y, and Z orthogonal motion typical of most motorized
manipulators, a synthetic diagonal axis is available with the TRIO MPC-100 allowing one to
move the electrode coaxially using X and Z at the exact desired angle of approach using a
separate “D” control knob.
The TRIO MPC-100’s ROE provides fine control of electrode position and the rate of rotation
of ROE dials for each axis determines the speed of travel. The finest step size is less than
100nm. Five conveniently located buttons on the ROE provide control of all the basic

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
12
functions you will need in normal operation (Work, Home, Speed/Lock, Relative, and
Pulse/Angle).
Press and hold WORK (for 3 seconds) to quickly store a work position, tap HOME to move all
axes to an initial location that is useful for changing electrodes, or press and hold the HOME
button (for 3 seconds) to memorize a new HOME position.
When ready to record data, suppress the motor drive electronics by pressing and holding for
3 seconds the SPEED/LOCK button. In the LOCK mode, the display turns red and ROE
input is locked out to avoid any accidental motion.
Pressing and holding the RELATIVE button for three seconds at any location causes the
display coordinates to change to all zeroes. When activating relative mode, the display turns
blue.
To return to viewing the absolute coordinates, tap the RELATIVE button to toggle back to
absolute positioning mode.
Finally, tapping the PULSE button causes a 3μm advance in the diagonal. This rapid burst of
forward motion can assist in sharp electrode cell penetration. Pressing and holding the
PULSE button for 3 seconds allows for entering the angle to which the electrode/headstage is
physically set so that X & Z coaxial (diagonal) movement is made at the correct angle.
All the electronics, except for a small power supply, are housed within the TRIO MPC-100
ROE and no separate controller or computer is required.
External computer control of the TRIO MPC-100 is possible via the USB connector mounted
on the controller/ROE’s rear panel. The controller’s internal software is programmed with a
defined set of commands allowing for a wide range of micromanipulator/stage movements as
programmed in software residing in an external computer connected via USB.
Designed with maximum flexibility in mind, a DIP switch on the controller changes the
directional movement of the ROE knobs to accommodate the preference of the user. A Y-axis
lockout function (accessible by DIP switch) is also available, allowing X/Z-only axial
movement during HOME and WORK repositioning. The TRIO comes standard with a
universal mounting system suitable for the most popular headstages or pipette holders.
The new MP-845 micromanipulator features construction based on the TRIO-245, but with
the addition of precision cross-roller bearings for even tighter tolerances, and a 25pin
connector for future compatibility with our other controllers. The MP-845 is a highly stable
3-axis manipulator with 25 mm of travel on each axis. The TRIO MPC-100 controller gives
the MP-845 a synthetic fourth axis that can be set in software to any angle between 0 and 90
degrees for diagonal movement. Based on a lead-screw design with a smaller overall size and
footprint than most manipulators, the MP-845 is ideal for applications that require 2 pipettes
in one setup or for setups where space is limited.

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
13
1.6.3.1 Stainless-Steel MP-845 (MP-845S)
The MP-845 manipulator is also available in
stainless steel. The standard version of the
MP-845 has virtually no drift in its motor and
bearing assemblies. The last remaining
hurdle is that of thermal drift caused by the
expansion and contraction of the aluminum
body of the manipulator. By utilizing a
stainless steel with very low coefficient of
expansion, the MP-845S is simply the lowest
drift manipulator available on the market.
The added mass of the stainless-steel body
has the additional benefit of dampening out
vibration, giving the stainless MP-845S the
silkiest movement of any manipulator.
Because low expansion stainless steels do
have some ferric content, the stainless MP-
845S is PVD coated in titanium nitride,
giving it its distinctive gold color. This
coating will ensure that the stainless trio will
resist corrosion caused by exposure to salt
solutions in a lab environment.

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
14
(This page intentionally left blank.)

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
15
2. INSTALLATION
When installing the TRIO MPC-100 system for the first time, it is recommended that the
components of the system be installed in the following order: MP-845 electromechanical
micromanipulator first, followed by the TRIO MPC-100/E ROE/Controller.
IMPORTANT
Once the TRIO MPC-145 series system has been unpacked, remove the shipping tape from
the various locations on each MP-845 series electromechanical micromanipulator. The
shipping tape must be removed before operating the TRIO MPC-100 system. If you need to
transport the MP-845 series in the future, reapply 2 to 3-inch pieces of masking tape to the
same locations. Once the tape has been removed, handle the MP-845 with care. The
mechanisms can be damaged if any of the axes are inadvertently moved without the tape in
place.
2.1 Mounting Instructions
The following sections describe how to mount the MP-845 manipulator to a stand using the
mounting adapter plate, how to adjust the pipette angle and how to mount different
headstages.
2.1.1 Mounting the MP-845 Series to the Stand or Platform
The MP-845 attaches to the mounting adapter plate using four M3.5x6 hex head locking
screws.
Figure 2-1. Side view of MP-845 showing mounting adapter plate and lock screws.
The MP-845 series is shipped with the adapter plate in place. It is attached using four
tapered pegs, along with four locking screws.
Rear Locking Screws
Front Locking Screws
Adapter Plate

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
16
To remove it, first loosen the four hex screws that secure the manipulator to the pegs in the
adapter plate. The rear pair is in a similar location in the back of the manipulator. Once the
locking screws are sufficiently loosened, lift the MP-845 upwards from the adapter plate.
Before attaching the adapter plate to the MP-845, you need to decide where to position the
manipulator on your stand/platform. The stand can be any flat surface carrying ¼-20, 10-32,
or M6 holes on one-inch centers (such as a Sutter Instrument MT-series stand or MD series
platform).
Examine the space of the platform onto which installation is to take place. Attach the control
cable to MP-845 and move the entire unit around on the platform until the precise desired
position is determined. A small bag containing the necessary hardware to attach the MP-
845 to the stand is included.
Figure 2-2. Mounting the MP-845 on the Adapter Plate
Once the plate is mounted, align the pegs on top of the plate with the holes in the
manipulator, push the X-axis firmly onto the plate, and re-tighten the locking hex set
screws.
2.2 Headstage Mounting
Sutter IPA headstage, Axon headstages 203B or CV-7, and the Heka EPC-10 headstage have
an integral dovetail that fits directly into the rotary dovetail slide bracket on the MP-845.
The dovetail slide bracket on the MP-845 also supports older Axon and Heka headstages
when using the 4’’ dovetail extension.
Rod-mounted headstages and micro tools are accommodated by the use of a rod clamp that
fits into the dovetail (not shown). All the headstage adapters and mounting hardware are
included with the manipulator and are shipped in a zip lock plastic bag.
2.3 Other Accessories
One or more accessories may have been ordered and received for mounting the MP-845
and/or modifying the headstage mount to the manipulator (i.e., rotating base, microscope
stage mount, gantry, dovetail extension, etc.). Setup of these accessories is normally covered
in documentation accompanying the accessory.

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
17
2.4 Electrical Connections and Initial Operating Instructions
Initially, you may want to simply connect the MP-845 micromanipulator and the
ROE/Controller 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 manipulators in the
middle of a bench top, make all electrical connections and then observe each unit’s
movement by eye.
CAUTION: Unless the MP-845 micromanipulator electromechanical baseplate is firmly
bolted down to a breadboard or solidly to a firm surface, the manipulator is likely to tip over
when fully extending all of its axes, especially if it is loaded with a headstage that extends
beyond the manipulator’s current center of gravity.
Upon deciding to directly install the TRIO MPC-100 system in your rig, it is useful to follow
the initial setup procedure to learn how to move the units to allow easy access to the
mounting screws.
1. With the power switch on the back of the ROE in the OFF (0) position, connect the power
adapter’s 24VDC cable to the POWER receptacle.
Figure 2-3. Rear of TRIO MPC-100 ROE/Controller cabinet
2. With the power OFF (rear panel switch in the “0” position), connect a well-
grounded/earthed wire to the GROUND banana plug receptacle.
3. With the power OFF, connect the male end of the DB -25 cable to either MANIPULATOR
connector on the ROE, the other end of which is connected to the MP-845, MP-845S, or
MP-285M micromanipulator electromechanical or based stage.(See cautionary note
b e l o w. )
4. Verify that the ten switches associated with the appropriate MANIPULATOR (A or B) on
the rear of the ROE are set as desired.
5. Power up the system by moving the power switch on the rear of the ROE to the “1”
position.
*CAUTION: NEVER CONNECT OR DISCONNECT THE ROE/CONTROLLER
FROM EITHER ELECTROMECHANICAL MANIPULATOR/STAGE WHILE THE POWER
IS ON!
Power
Switch
USB
Device
Receptacle
Ground/Earth
Post
Manipulator A
cable connector
1
0
Power
Input
Socket
Manipulator B
configuration
switches
Manipulator B
cable connector
Manipulator A
configuration
switches

TRIO MPC-145 SERIES MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.62C (20191001) (FW V2.62)
18
2.5 ROE/Controller Rear Panel Controls and Configuration
2.5.1 Power Switch
The power switch for the TRIO MPC-100 system is located on the rear panel of the
ROE/controller. At power up, the microprocessor in the ROE/controller scans the attached
equipment and configures the system accordingly.
CAUTION: When changing the configuration switches described in the following paragraphs,
make sure that controller’s power switch is turned off.
2.5.2 Configuration Switches
Each manipulator channel (A and B) has its own bank of configuration switches. Switch bank
A affects only MANIPULATOR A, and switch bank B likewise for MANIPULATOR B.
Figure 2-4. Configuration switches on rear of TRIO MPC-100 ROE/Controller unit (switch positions shown are
factory defaults).
2.5.2.1 Switches 1, 2, 3 and 4
These switches set the directionality for each of the four axes.
Table 2-1. Configuration Switches 1 - 4: Configuring the direction of each axis.
Switch #
Definition
State
Setting
Position
1
X-Axis Knob Directionality for
Forward (+) Movement
Clockwise
OFF*
UP*
Counterclockwise
ON
DOWN
2
Y-Axis Knob Directionality for
Forward (+) Movement
Clockwise
OFF*
UP*
Counterclockwise
ON
DOWN
3
Z-Axis Knob Directionality for
Forward (+) Movement
Clockwise
OFF*
UP*
Counterclockwise
ON
DOWN
4
D-Axis Knob Directionality for
Forward (+) Movement
Clockwise
OFF*
UP*
Counterclockwise
ON
DOWN
* Factory default (typical setting for right-hand-mounted manipulator).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10