MPC-78 / MP-78 Large Moving Stage Platform

The MPC-78 / MP-78 Large Moving Stage is available for patch slice or in vivo experiments where the microscope body cannot be moved to view different fields of view. This is most common in two-photon experiments where the excitation beam path must enter a fixed microscope. In order to visit wide-spaced fields of view, and potentially position pipettes at wide-spaced locations, the preparation and any associated manipulators must move together on a large stage.

The MPC-78/MP-78 was introduced at the 2007 Imaging Structure and Function in the Nervous System course at Cold Spring Harbor labs. The stage was very well received. The MPC-78/MP-78 is also appropriate for use with inverted microscopes or other scopes that are larger and not easily translated.

The MPC-78 version uses our MPC-200 multi-manipulator controller. Connecting the stage to one port leaves the second port open for a Sutter MP-285, MP-265, or MP-225 manipulator. A simple switch on the ROE200 allows you to easily control the stage or manipulator. A second MPC-200 controller can be daisy-chained to allow operation of a more complex system from one ROE200.

The MP-78 version is operated by the MP-285 controller, providing onboard programming capability along with control via a serial interface.

The cast aluminium top plate has an attractive shape with an extensive 1/4-20 threaded hole pattern on 1-inch centres. This hole pattern is appropriate for mounting Sutter MP-285 or MP-225 manipulator mechanicals using the mounting adapter plates that come with these devices. Optional rotating bases (285RBI) are also compatible and add flexibility. Finally, the MP-265/M mechanical can be mounted on its narrow linear slide.

The large-stage platforms provide solid, stable support and ample space to attach manipulators and other instruments as needed. The rigid aluminium top plate sits firmly on two of our well-known MT-75 gantry-style stands. These stands provide height adjustment and sturdy attachment to the user’s vibration table. Multiple degrees of freedom accommodate a variety of microscope and instrument arrangements.

In the centre of the top plate is a 4 X 6 inch milled pocket that will accommodate a variety of aluminium stage inserts, designed to secure various commercial tissue chambers or slide holders. Custom aluminium inserts can also be provided. An available magnetic stainless steel insert carries commercial chambers or can be provided with a simple large, through hole for mounting a custom chamber. The magnetic insert allows small magnetic devices (perfusion lines, ground electrodes, small manipulators) to be mounted easily near the dish.

Features

• Stable support and solid design
• 25 mm motorized travel in X & Y
• 40 nm or 62.5 nm resolution (depending on controller)
• Convenient HOME function allows stage to be quickly repositioned
• Can be operated with MPC-200 or MP-285 controllers
• Easy to read vacuum fluorescent display
• Accomodates a variety of stage inserts
• Compatible with Nikon, Olympus, Zeiss and Leica upright and inverted microscopes

Suitable For:

• Multi-site, two-photon, electrophysiology
• Multi-site, inverted (or other large microscope) electrophysiology

Ordering Information

¹ Please specify chamber type when ordering
² Please contact Sutter for availability on other microscope makes and models

Accessories

Stage Inserts At-A-Glance

³ no charge when ordered with MP-78 or MPC-78