Rev B
,
January 10, 2020
Page 21
6.5.
Operational Hints
6.5.1. Joystick Control
Moving the joystick from its rest position to the left causes motion to the left.
Motion to the right causes motion to the right. The farther the joystick from the
rest position the faster the motion. There is an intentional "dead zone" around
the neutral position of the joystick. This helps prevent slight accidental bumps
from causing unwanted movements. Use the High Speed/Low Speed selector to
toggle between the speed ranges.
6.5.2. Piezo Control
The knobs on the ACU determine the piezo position. When a knob is turned, the
pipette follows the motion. Stage position depends on where the knob is left.
6.5.3. Single Stepping
The motors are stepping motors with a base step size of better than 5
µm
. With a
little practice, an operator will learn that it is easy to get a single step. Use the
High Speed/Low Speed selector until only one beep is heard upon release. A
quick movement of the joystick from its rest position and back triggers just a
single step. It is helpful to practice by watching the
Move
indicator come on
when the joystick is displaced enough for the motor to be given motion com-
mands.
6.5.4. Drift Problems
Stability
PCS-6000 series micromanipulators have the ability to hold the position of their
stages to high precision. The performance specification is less than 1
µm
per
hour per axis. When the observed stability is not at this level many times there
are a number of causes. Occasionally, a single item contributes to most of the
problem.
Cable Stress
Tension from the cables that operate the manipulator and/or cables to the head-
stage can cause drift problems. Many times this type of problem can be greatly
reduced, if not eliminated, by providing a defined loop in the cable between the
manipulator and the vibration table.
Loose mechanical components can also cause problems.
For more information refer to the
Burleigh Application Note: Pipette Drift Sources
and Solutions for Patch Clamp Recording Experiments
.
Warm Up
If it is required to maintain stability of 1
µm
per hour, be sure that the manipulator
has been turned on for 60 minutes. No harm will be caused if the manipulator is
left on overnight.
PCS-6000 Series Motorized Patch-Clamp Micromanipulator
Chapter 6: Operation
