Sutter Instrument MP-225A User manual

One Digital Drive
Novato, CA 94949
Voice: 415-883-0128 Web: www.sutter.com
Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
MP-225A
Motorized Micromanipulator
System
Operation Manual
Rev. 2.04( 20211111)

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MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
Copyright © 2021 Sutter Instrument Company. All Rights Reserved

MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
iii
DISLAIMER
The MP-225A system consists of one electromechanical micromanipulator device (MP-225/M)
and one ROE (Rotary Optical Encoder) with integrated controller (MP-225A1). 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 MP-225A system ROE/controller 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 MP-225A system.
The MP-225A 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 if 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).
1The MP-225A ROE/controller replaces the discontinued “MP-225” controller and ROE.

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MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
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 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 MP-225A 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 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.

MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISLAIMER.........................................................................................................................................iii
SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS...................................................................................iii
Electrical .................................................................................................................................................iii
Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury.............................................................................iii
Electromagnetic Interference ...........................................................................................................iii
Operational .............................................................................................................................................iv
Other........................................................................................................................................................iv
Handling Micropipettes.........................................................................................................................iv
1. INSTRODCTION .............................................................................................................................1
1.1 Structure of the MP-225A Documentation Package ....................................................................1
1.2 Components of the MP-225 System................................................................................................1
1.3 Technical Support.............................................................................................................................2
2. INSTALLATION ..............................................................................................................................3
2.1 Unpacking and Mountings Instructions ........................................................................................3
2.1.1 Mounting the MP-225 Series to the Stand or Platform.........................................................3
2.2 Headstage Mounting ........................................................................................................................6
2.3 Other Accessories..............................................................................................................................7
2.4 Electrical Connections and Initial Power Up ................................................................................8
2.5 ROE/Controller Rear Panel Controls and Configuration.............................................................9
2.5.1 Power Switch..............................................................................................................................9
2.5.2 Configuration Switches .............................................................................................................9
2.5.2.1 Switches 1, 2, 3, and 4.........................................................................................................9
2.5.2.2 Switch 5: Y-Axis Lockout during HOME and WORK moves.......................................10
2.5.2.3 Switch 6: Calibration Homing on Power On..................................................................10
3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS....................................................................................................11
3.1 Front Panel Controls and Quick Start Operation.......................................................................11
3.2 Detailed Display Instructions ........................................................................................................12
3.2.1 Initial Startup...........................................................................................................................12
3.3 Operation of MP-255A Integrated ROE/Controller....................................................................12
3.3.1 Maximum Positive Position Value .........................................................................................12
3.3.2 Speed Control (SPEED) ..........................................................................................................13
3.3.3 Setting the Angle of the Pipette/Headstage Holder .............................................................13
3.3.4 Using SET-NORMAL/DIAG to Create the Virtual D Axis .................................................13
3.3.5 Moving to the Home Position .................................................................................................14
3.3.6 Moving to the Work Position ..................................................................................................14
3.3.7 Setting Position for HOME or WORK...................................................................................15
3.3.8 Setting Absolute/Relative Coordinates Mode........................................................................15
3.3.9 Display Coordinates (Absolute/Relative) Modes Indications...............................................15
3.3.10 Movement Knobs Disabling and Lock Mode ([SPEED]/LOCK) ......................................16
3.3.11 Pausing Home Movements (HOME (while moving to Home)) ........................................16
3.3.12 Pausing Work Movements (WORK (while moving to Work)) ..........................................16
APPENDIX A. LIMITED WARRANTY............................................................................................17

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MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
APPENDIX B. ACCESSORIES .........................................................................................................19
APPENDIX C. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................................21
APPENDIX D. QUICK REFERENCE..............................................................................................23
D.1. Manual Operation.........................................................................................................................23
D.2. Configuration.................................................................................................................................24
Rear-Panel DIP Switches...............................................................................................................24

MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
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TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1. MP-225A Components. .......................................................................................................... 2
Figure 2-1. Side view of MP-225 showing mounting adapter plate and lock screws. ......................... 4
Figure 2-2. Mounting the MP-225 on the Adapter Plate. ...................................................................... 5
Figure 2-3. MP-225A accessories. ............................................................................................................. 6
Figure 2-4. Setting the angle of the headstage/rotary dovetail.............................................................. 7
Figure 2-5. Rear of MP-225A ROE/Controller cabinet........................................................................... 8
Figure 2-6. Configuration switches on the of MP-225A ROE/Controller units (switch positions
shown are factory defaults). .................................................................................................... 9
Figure 3-1. MP-225A controls. ................................................................................................................ 11
Figure 3-2. LCD Display showing startup screen. ................................................................................12
Figure 3-3. Startup screen .......................................................................................................................12
Figure 3-4. Factory default startup (Home) position with calibration enabled................................. 12
Figure 3-5. Maximum positive values.....................................................................................................13
Figure 3-5. Entering angle prompt......................................................................................................... 13
Figure 3-8. Moving to Home position (screen is blue moving). ........................................................... 14
Figure 3-9. Factory default Home position............................................................................................ 14
Figure 3-10. Example Home position defined and saved. .................................................................... 14
Figure 3-11. Example Work position......................................................................................................14
Figure 3-12. Relative mode......................................................................................................................15
Figure 3-13. Relative mode......................................................................................................................15
Figure 3-14. Absolute mode..................................................................................................................... 15

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MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
TABLE OF TABLES
Table 2-1. Configuration Switches 1 – 4: Configuration the direction of each axis. ........................... 9
Table 2-2. Configuration Switch 5: Configuring Y-Movement Lock Out........................................... 10
Table 2-3. Configuration Switch 6: Configuring Sensor Test..............................................................10
Table 3-1. Maximum positive position value of each axis ....................................................................12
Table 3-2. Screen colors and modes........................................................................................................ 16
Table C-1. MP-225A Controller cables and receptacles/connectors....................................................22
Table D-1. MP-225A configuration switches (rear). ............................................................................. 24

MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
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1. INSTRODCTION
1.1 Structure of the MP-225A Documentation Package
The MP-225A is a 3-axis motorized micromanipulator system comprised of the MP-225A
integrated ROE/controller, a power adapter, and one MP-225 stepper-motor-based
eletromechanical micromanipulator. This manual consists of tree parts: Chapter 1,
Introduction, which provides an overview and general description of the MP-225 system;
Chapter 2, Installation, which describes how to install, set up, and configure all components
of the system; and Chapter 3, Operations, which describes tow to operate the MP-225A
integrated REO/controller.
1.2 Components of the MP-225 System
Carefully remove all items from the box. In addition to his manual, the following should be
included:
A. MP-225A Integrated ROE/controller
B. MP-225 eletromechanical micromanipulator
C. MP-225 cable adapter (converts the three short modulator cables permanently
attached to the mechanical to a 25-pin connector).
D. 25-pin DSUB cable (connects the ROE/controller to the micromanipulator via the
cable adapter)
E. Power adapter
F. AC mains cable appropriates for your location
G. Ground/Earth cable

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MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
Figure 1-1. MP-225A Components.
1.3 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-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
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2. INSTALLATION
2.1 Unpacking and Mountings Instructions
When installing the MP-225 system for the first time, it is recommended that the
components of the system be installed in the following order: MP-225 electromechanicals
micromanipulator first followed by the MP-225A integrated ROE/Controller.
IMPORTANT
Once the MP-225 system has been unpacked, remove two shipping screws from each axis of
the micromanipulator. These screws must be removed before operating the MP-225 system or
damage may occur. If you need to transport the MP-225 series in the future, reinstall the
shipping screws or apply 2 to 3-inch pieces of making taped to side of each axis. Once the
shipping screws have been removed, handle the MP-225 with care. The mechanism can be
damaged if any if the axes are inadvertently moved by hand or if the manipulator is dropped
or put down forcefully.
The following sections describe how to mount the MP-225 manipulator to an stand using the
mounting adapter plate, how to adjust the pipette angle and how to mount different
headstages.
2.1.1 Mounting the MP-225 Series to the Stand or Platform
The MP-225 attaches to the mounting adapter plate using four M3.5x6 hex head locking
screws.

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MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
Figure 2-1. Side view of MP-225 showing mounting adapter plate and lock screws.
The MP-225 is shipped with the mounting adapter plate in place. It is attached using four
tapered pegs, along with four locking screws.
To remove it, first loosen the four hex crews that secure the manipulator to the pegs on the
adapter plate. The rear pair of locking screws is in a similar location in the back of the
manipulator. Once the locking screws are sufficiently loosened, lift the MP-225 upwards off
the adapter plate,
Before reattaching the MP-225 to the adapter plate, you need to decide where to position the
manipulator and adapter plate on your stand/platform. The stand can be any flat surface
carrying ¼-20, 10-32, or M6 holes on one-inch or 25mm centers (such as a Sutter Instrument
MT-series stand or MD series platform).
Examine the space on the platform onto which installation is to take place. Move the entire
unit (including the adapter plate) around on the platform until the desired position is
determined. Once you have determined the correct location, lift the manipulator off the
adapter plate and connect the adapter plate to the stand/stage in that location. A small bag
containing the necessary hardware to attach the MP-225 to the stand is included.

MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
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Figure 2-2. Mounting the MP-225 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 on the plate, and retighten the locking hex set screws.
Finally, attach the DB-25 cable to the cable adapter and the adapter to the three cables on of
MP-225 micromanipulator. You may want to be sure that the cables are positioned on a way
that the adapter box and DB-25 cable are not pulling on the manipulator. Sometimes it is
appropriate to give the adapter box “support” such that the three cables running to the
micromanipulator have some slack or “service loops” so none of the cables are puling on the
manipulator.

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MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
2.2 Headstage Mounting
Sutter IPA or dPatch headstages, Axon 203B or CV-7 headstages, and the Heka EPC-10
headstage all have an integral dovetail that fits directly into the rotary dovetail clamp on the
MP-225. The dovetail clamp on the MP-225 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 tat fits
into the dovetail (not sown). The following mounting accessories are included with the
manipulator and are shipped in several plastic bags.
A. Rod holder
B. Dovetail extension (4 inches (10.16 cm))
C. Ground Cable
D. Hardware for mountain plate
E. Hex wrenches
Figure 2-3. MP-225A accessories.

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The angle of the headstage/rotary dovetail is adjusted by loosening the hex set screw located
on the side of the swing-out gate. You can set a particular angle using the knife-edge on the
dovetail and the scale on the faceplate. Tighten the screw securely to fix the angle,
Figure 2-4. Setting the angle of the headstage/rotary dovetail.
To change pipettes, loosen the thumbscrew. The swing-out gate will open allowing the
headstage and holder to rotate almost 90 degrees. Make sure to swing gate tightly closed and
tighten the thumbscrew securely while holding the gate closed. The thumbscrew is designed
to pull the gate closed with tightening. Thumb and finger tightening is sufficient,
The height of the swing-out gate on front of the Z-axis is adjustable. To change the position,
open the gate and loosen the 4 Philips-head screws that mount the swing gate. As shipped
from the factory, the gate is positioned to allow to shipping screw holes. You may find it
beneficial to move the gate up before you start using your MP-225.
2.3 Other Accessories
One or more accessories may be have been ordered and received for mountings the MP-225
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 the documentation accompanying the accessory,

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MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
2.4 Electrical Connections and Initial Power Up
Initially, you may want to simply connect the MP-225 manipulator and the integrated
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 manipulator in the
middle of a bench top, make all electrical connections and then obverse each unit’s
movement by eye, but see the following caution.
CAUTION: Unless the MP-225 micromanipulator electromechanical baseplate is firmly
bolted down to a breadboard or solidly to a firm surface, the manipulators is likely to tip over
when fully extending all three axes, especially if it is loaded with a headstage that extends
beyond the manipulators current center of gravity,
Upon deciding to directly install the MP-225 manipulator in your rig, it is useful to follow the
initial setup procedure to learn how to move the unit and to understand how to configure the
integrated ROE/controller.
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 2-5. Rear of MP-225A ROE/Controller cabinet.
2. With the power OFF (rear panel switch in the “0” positioned), 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 the
MANIPULATOR connector on the ROE, the other end is connected to the DB-25
pin cable adapter box.
4. The three RJ-45 connectors on the adapter box, in turn, are connected the three
flat cables on the micromanipulator mechanical, one ore axis.
5. Verify that the six switches on the rear of the ROE are set as desired (see Section
2.5.2 below),
6. Power up the system by moving the power switch on the rear of the REO to the
“1” position.
* CAUITION: NEVER CONNECT OR DISCONNECT TO THE REO/CONTROLLER
FROM THE ELECTROMECHANICLE MANIPULATOR WHILE THE POWER IS ON!

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2.5 ROE/Controller Rear Panel Controls and Configuration
2.5.1 Power Switch
The power switch for the MP-225 manipulator is located on the rear of the ROE/controller. At
power up, the microprocessor in the ROE/controller scans the attached equipment and
switches and configures that system accordingly.
CAUTION: When changing the configuration switched describes in the following
paragraphs, make sure that controller’s power switched is turned off.
2.5.2 Configuration Switches
A set of 6 DIP switches on the back of integrated ROE/controller configure various functions
of the MP-225.
Figure 2-6. Configuration switches on the of MP-225A ROE/Controller units (switch positions shown are factory
defaults).
2.5.2.1 Switches 1, 2, 3, and 4
These switches set the directionality for each of four axes.
Table 2-1. Configuration Switches 1 – 4: Configuration the direction of each axis.
Switch #
Definition
State
Setting
Position
1 X-Axis Knob Rotation for Forward
(+) Movement
Clockwise*
OFF*
DOWN*
Counterclockwise ON UP
2 Y-Axis Knob Rotation for Forward
(+) Movement
Clockwise*
OFF*
DOWN*
Counterclockwise ON UP
3 Z-Axis Knob Rotation for Forward
(+) Movement (Normal Mode)
Clockwise*
OFF*
DOWN*
Counterclockwise ON UP
4 Z-Axis Knob Rotation for Forward
(+) Movement (Diagonal Mode)
Clockwise*
OFF*
DOWN*
Counterclockwise ON UP
* Factory default (recommended normal operation settings)

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MP-225A MOTORIZED MICROMANIPULATOR SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 2.04 (20211111)
2.5.2.2 Switch 5: Y-Axis Lockout during HOME and WORK moves
Table 2-2. Configuration Switch 5: Configuring Y-Movement Lock Out.
Switch #
Definition
State
Setting
Position
5
Y-Axis lock
out during
HOME and
WORK moves
Disabled: Not locked (Y moves along with X & Z
during HOME and WORKD moves)*
ON*
UP*
Enabled: Locked (Y does not move along the X
& Z during HOME and WORK move) OFF DOWN
* Factory default (recommended normal operation settings)
2.5.2.3 Switch 6: Calibration Homing on Power On
Table 2-3. Configuration Switch 6: Configuring Sensor Test.
Switch #
Definition
State
Setting
Position
6
Calibration
Homing on
Power On
Enabled: Automatically calibrates to 1000µm
on all axes at power on. Power-off position is
forgotten*
ON*
UP*
Disabled: Automatic calibration does not occur
at power on. Power-off position is retained in
memory until next power on.
OFF DOWN
* Factory default (recommended normal operation settings)