Sutter Instrument
MP-225A Motorized Micromanipulator
Code MP-225A
The MP-225A is Sutter Instrument's updated, cost-effective motorized micromanipulator — primarily designed for patch and intracellular recording pipette positioning. The 2021 redesign integrates the ROE and controller into a single compact unit. Features cable-driven mechanics with anti-backlash gear head, 25 mm travel, 125 nm minimal resolution, logarithmic acceleration, synthetic 4th diagonal axis and motor power-down during recording.
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Features
MP-225A — Motorized Micromanipulator
The MP-225A from Sutter Instrument is the latest evolution of the popular MP-225 — an economical, feature-rich alternative to the industry standard MP-285, designed primarily for positioning patch and intracellular recording pipettes. In 2021, Sutter updated the MP-225 design by integrating the ROE (Rotary Optical Encoder) and rack-mounted controller box into a single compact unit, saving valuable bench space while retaining all the features researchers rely on.
Key Features
- 3 motorized axes: 25 mm of travel throughout; pre-loaded ball bearing slides for smooth movement
- Integrated ROE + controller: Single compact unit — no separate rack-mounted controller required
- Cable-driven mechanical design: Miniature stepper motor with integral anti-backlash gear head for smooth, reproducible motion
- Submicron resolution: 125 nm minimal step size for ultra-fine positioning
- Synthetic 4th diagonal axis: Approach angle selectable (0–90°, up to 16 angles); activated from the controller
- Logarithmic acceleration: Speed proportional to ROE knob rotation rate — smooth, intuitive control without manual speed switching
- Motor powers down during recording: Eliminates heat and electrical noise to unmeasurable levels while keeping motors cool and preventing thermal drift
- 10-position thumbwheel: Selects speed/resolution in 10 increments from fast/coarse to slow/ultra-fine
- HOME and WORK positions: Two robotic positioning modes for rapid, reproducible pipette exchange
- Position display: Shows location on integrated ROE display
- Cross-compatible headstage mounting: Same mounting methodology as MP-285 for easy headstage/holder interchange
- Dual voltage: 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz; CE certified
Applications
- Patch clamp electrophysiology
- Intracellular sharp electrode recording
- Applications requiring affordable, reliable motorized micromanipulation with low noise
Specifications
- Axes: 3 (X, Y, Z) + synthetic diagonal 4th axis (0–90°, up to 16 angles)
- Travel: 25 mm per axis
- Resolution (minimal): 125 nm
- Speed / resolution selection: 10-position thumbwheel
- Mechanical design: Cable-driven; miniature stepper motor + anti-backlash gear head; pre-loaded ball bearing slides
- Manipulator dimensions: 10 cm × 15 cm × 15.5 cm (4 in × 5.5 in × 6 in)
- ROE controller dimensions: 23.5 cm × 11.43 cm × 7.62 cm (9.25 in × 4.5 in × 3 in)
- Manipulator weight: 1.3 kg (2.95 lb)
- ROE controller weight: 1.7 kg (3 lb 12 oz)
- Electrical: 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz
- Certification: CE
Components
Standard system components
- MP-225A-L MP-225A Motorized Micromanipulator — left-handed (includes manipulator, integrated ROE controller, rod holder, headstage adapter, cables, power supply, manual)
- MP-225A-R MP-225A Motorized Micromanipulator — right-handed (includes manipulator, integrated ROE controller, rod holder, headstage adapter, cables, power supply, manual)