Multichannel Systems MEA-VMT User Manual

Video Microscope Table

MEA-VMT Manual

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted without the express written
permission of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher
and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting
from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and
source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher and the author be liable
for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused
directly or indirectly by this document.

© 2013 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.

Printed: Dezember 11, 2013

Multi Channel Systems

MCS GmbH

Aspenhaustraße 21

72770 Reutlingen

Germany

Fon [phone] - 0

Fax [phone]

[e-mail]

www.multichannelsystems.com

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Products that are referred to in this document may be either trademarks and/or
registered trademarks of their respective holders and should be noted as such.
The publisher and the author make no claim to these trademark.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction 5

1.1 About this Manual 5

1.2 Welcome to the Video Microscope Table MEA-VMT 5

2 Important Information and Instructions 6

2.1 Important Safety Advice 6

2.2 Guarantee and Liability 7

2.3 Operator's Obligations 7

3 Hardware 8

3.1 Hardware Setup 9

3.2 Video Microscope Operation 10

4 Software 11

4.1 System Requirements 11

4.2 Software Installation 11

4.3 Software Operation 12

5 Troubleshooting 15

6 Appendix 16

6.1 Technical Specifications 16

6.2 Scope of Delivery 16

6.3 Contact Information 17

iii

1 Introduction

1.1 About this Manual

This manual comprises all important information about the first installation of the hardware
and software, and about the daily work with the instrument. It is assumed that you have already
a basic understanding of technical and software terms. No special skills are required to read this
manual.

If you are using the device for the first time, please read the important safety advice before
installing the hardware and software, where you will find important information about the
installation and first steps.

There is a separate manual in on-line form available for the camera. The cameras and the
respective software and manual are not products of MCS, but are provided by IDS Imaging
Development GmbH.

1.2 Welcome to the Video Microscope Table MEA-VMT

The MEA-VMT is a solid table with a video microscope underneath. It is intended to image
the electrode field of a microelectrode array (MEA) in an amplifier placed on top of the table.
The image is captured by a USB 3.0 camera and transferred to a computer via USB interface.
The microscope lens is equipped with a focus, zoom, and iris shutter. Illumination is provided
by flexible LED lights, which are connected to an USB 3.0 hub (MEA-VMT-2) or to a USB 2.0
hub (MEA-VMT-1) together with the camera/s.

The Video Microscope Table MEA-VMT exists in two versions, MEA-VMT-1 with one video
microscope, and the MEA-VMT-2 with two video microscopes. For the MEA-VMT-2 an USB 3.0
interface is recommended, for MEA-VMT-1 an USB 2.0 interface is sufficient. The size of the
table has been designed to accommodate all MEA-Systems. The MEA-VMT-1 is compatible with
all integrated MEA-Systems (MEA2100-60, MEA2100-120, MEA2100-32, USB-MEA256) and all
MEA1060 amplifiers. The MEA-VMT-2 is intended to be used with the MEA2100-2x60 or the
MEA2100-2x32 headstages, to be able to image both MEAs simultaneously on the connected
computer.

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MEA-VMT Manual

2 Important Information and Instructions

2.1 Important Safety Advice

Warning: Make
software. If you do not fulfill all requirements stated below, this may lead to malfunctions or
breakage of connected hardware, or even fatal injuries.

Warning: Obey always
be allowed to perform laboratory work. Work according to good laboratory practice to obtain
best results and to minimize risks.

The product has been built to the state of the art and in accordance with recognized safety
engineering rules. The device may only

 be used for its intended purpose;

 be used when in a perfect condition.

 Improper use could lead to serious, even fatal injuries to the user or third parties and damage

to the device itself or other material damage.

Warning: The device and the software are not intended for medical uses and must not
be used on humans.

Malfunctions which could impair safety should be rectified immediately.

High Voltage

sure to read the following advice prior to install or to use the device and the

the rules of local regulations and laws. Only qualified personnel should

Electrical cords must be properly laid and installed. The length and quality of the cords must
be in accordance with local provisions.

Only qualified technicians may work on the electrical system. It is essential that the accident
prevention regulations and those of the employers' liability associations are observed.

 Each time before starting up, make sure that the mains supply agrees with the specifications

of the connected computer.

 Check the USB cord for damage each time the site is changed. Damaged cords should be replaced

immediately and may never be reused.

 Check the leads for damage. Damaged leads should be replaced immediately and may never

be reused.

 Do not try to insert anything sharp or metallic into the vents or the case.

 Liquids may cause short circuits or other damage. Keep the device and the power cords always

dry. Do not handle it with wet hands.

Requirements for the installation

Make sure that the device is placed on a stable and even surface and is not exposed to direct
sunlight. Do not place the device on top of a heat producing device.

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2.2 Guarantee and Liability

The General conditions of sale and delivery of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH always apply.
The operator will receive these no later than on conclusion of the contract.

Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of any and all tests
and data generated by the use of the device or the software. It is up to the user to use good
laboratory practice to establish the validity of his findings.

Guarantee and liability claims in the event of injury or material damage are excluded when
they are the result of one of the following.

 Improper use of the device.

 Improper installation, commissioning, operation or maintenance of the device.

 Operating the device when the safety and protective devices are defective and/or inoperable.

 Non-observance of the instructions in the manual with regard to transport, storage, installation,

commissioning, operation or maintenance of the device.

 Unauthorized structural alterations to the device.

 Unauthorized modifications to the system settings.

 Inadequate monitoring of device components subject to wear.

 Improperly executed and unauthorized repairs.

 Unauthorized opening of the device or its components.

 Catastrophic events due to the effect of foreign bodies or acts of God.

2.3 Operator's Obligations

The operator is obliged to allow only persons to work on the device, who

 are familiar with the safety at work and accident prevention regulations and have been

instructed how to use the device;

 are professionally qualified or have specialist knowledge and training and have received

instruction in the use of the device;

 have read and understood the chapter on safety and the warning instructions in this manual

and confirmed this with their signature.

It must be monitored at regular intervals that the operating personnel are working safely.

Personnel still undergoing training may only work on the device under the supervision
of an experienced person.

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MEA-VMT Manual

3 Hardware

The MEA-VMT is a solid table with a video microscope underneath. The image is captured by
a USB 3.0 camera and transferred to a computer via USB interface. Illumination is provided by
flexible LED lights, which are also connected to a hub together with the camera/s. There are
M6 screw holes around the edge of the table, which can be used to screw down additional
equipment, like a manipulator, for example. The USB Hub is also connected to the underside of
the table. For the MEA-VMT-2 with two cameras an USB 3.0 hub is provided. For the MEA-VMT-1
with one camera an USB 2.0 hub is provided. Power for the camera/s and LED light/s is provided
via the USB 3.0 / 2.0 port. It is recommended to use the appropriate power supply for the hub.
A ground connector is located at the backside of the table, which can be used to connect it
to the system ground of the MEA-System placed on the table.

MEA-VMT-2

MEA-VMT-1

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3.1 Hardware Setup

Important: Please install the software before connecting the cameras to the computer.

Place the MEA-VMT on a stable and even surface. The camera/s are already connected with

0.5 m USB cable/s to the respective USB 3.0 or 2.0 hub. It does not matter which port of the USB
hub is used. Connect the flexible LED light/s to the USB hub. Install the software and drivers for
the camera/s (please see chapter 4.1).

Connect the USB 3.0 or 2.0 hub to a USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 port of your computer with the provided
USB cable. It is recommended to use the power supply belonging to the USB hub included in the
delivery, for operating both cameras and two LED lights.

After connecting to the computer, the control LEDs on the USB cameras light up red, then orange,
then green. The cameras are now ready for operation.

Place your MEA amplifier on the table so that the center of the MEA/s in the amplifier is
aligned with the center of the camera hole/s on the MEA-VMT. Adjust the LED lights so
they shine on your sample.

The MEA-VMT is equipped with a ground connector on the backside. If necessary, connect
the table to the ground connector of your MEA-System.

MEA-VMT-2

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MEA-VMT Manual

MEA-VMT-1

3.2 Video Microscope Operation

The MEA-VMT is equipped with one or two video microscopes underneath the table.
They consist each of a prism, an objective with zoom, iris, and focus, and a USB 3.0 camera.
You can control focus, iris, and zoom with the three adjusting rings along the objective.
Use the respective set screws of each ring to fix an appropriate adjustment.

To optimize the sharpness of the picture via focus, please adjust the iris on a mean level,
level 8 for example, and take care for adequate illumination.

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4 Software

4.1 System Requirements

Operating system: One of the following Windows operating systems is required: XP (Service

Pack SP 3), Vista or Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit). Different installation files for the uEye software
must be used for 32 and 64 bit operating systems.

Hardware: For MEA-VMT-2 a computer with an USB 3.0 port is recommended. It is also possible
to use an USB 2.0 port, but may be it is not possible to operate both cameras simultaneously due
to bandwidth restrictions. For the MEA-VMT-1 you have to use an USB 2.0 port.

Important: Please make sure that you have full control over your computer as an administrator
for installation the uEye software. Otherwise, it is possible that the installed software does
not work properly. For operating the software it is not necessary to have administrator rights.

4.2 Software Installation

Installing the uEye Camera Driver and Software

From the included CD, select the installation file for 32 or 64 bit operating systems, depending
on the operating system you use. Start the uEye-32bit.exe or uEye-64bit.exe and follow the
instructions of the installation wizard. Select the “Install Driver” option, and then option 3 “USB".

If a windows warning comes up, select “Continue Anyway”. This will install all necessary drivers
and the uEye software on your PC.

Important: Installation of the uEye software is necessary, and has to be done before installing
MEA-Monitor.

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MEA-VMT Manual
MEA Monitor

MEA-Monitor is a much reduced version of the uEye software with a few functions that help
operating the MEA-VMT. After installing uEye, start the MEA-Monitor.exe from the included CD
and follow the instructions of the installation wizard.

USB 3.0 Driver Update

USB 3.0 drivers are currently under permanent development. Older versions might cause problems
in operating the USB 3.0 cameras. If problems occur, please check in the Windows Device Manager
which kind of USB 3.0 chips are installed on your PC. Usually it is ASMedia, Intel or Renesas.

Recent updates for some drivers are on your installation CD. Select the appropriate driver for
your manufacturer and start the setup.exe in the respective folder. If your have a different
manufacturer or if you are looking for the latest version, please check the manufacturers web site.

4.3 Software Operation

uEye Cockpit

The uEye Cockpit is provided by the camera manufacturer and offers extensive control functions
for the USB 3.0 cameras. Open the software and select “Live Video”. Please refer to the online
manual of the software for detailed information (Help/uEye Manual). For the designated purpose
of the MEA-VMT, the complexity of uEye is usually not necessary, and you can use the easier to
use control software MEA-Monitor instead.

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MEA-Monitor

MEA-Monitor is a much reduced version of uEye Cockpit, which has only the necessary
functions to operate the MEA-VMT. Open the software once or twice, depending on whether
you want to operate one camera (MEA-VMT-1) or two cameras in parallel (MEA-VMT-2). Please
see below an image of two MEAs imaged in parallel with two instances of MEA-Monitor.

After opening the software, select “Open Camera” from the camera drop-down menu or press

the respective icon

A dialog will appear with all available cameras. Assign each instance of the software to one
camera. The cameras can be identified by their serial numbers.

.

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MEA-VMT Manual

Use the “Stop Camera” command to assign a software instance to a different camera. Already
assigned cameras will not be available.

The MEA-Monitor software offers only the most basic functions which are needed in routine
work with slices or cells on MEAs. It is possible to save the actual image. You can fit the image
automatically to the window or set the screen size to full or half the actual size. The actual
picture size in pixels can be selected from a drop-down menu. The image can be rotated in
both directions, the current rotation is shown. The image can also be flipped along a vertical axis.

The serial number, picture size and frame rate of the life image are displayed at the bottom of
the MEA-Monitor window.

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5 Troubleshooting

Most problems occur seldom and only under specific circumstances. In most cases, it is only a minor
problem that can be easily avoided or solved.

If the problem persists, please contact your local retailer. The highly qualified staff will be glad to
help you. Please inform your local retailer as well, if other problems that are not mentioned in this
documentation occur, even if you have solved the problem on your own. This helps other users,
and it helps MCS to optimize the instrument and the documentation.

Please pay attention to the safety and service information in chapter "Important Safety Advice".
Multi Channel Systems has put all effort into making the product fully stable and reliable, but l
ike all high-performance products, it has to be handled with care.

If you have any question or if any problem occurs that is not mentioned in this documentation,
please contact your local retailer. The highly qualified stuff will be glad to help you.

Observed Problems:

 Camera not detected: Check status LED of the camera. If it is red, shortly disconnect

USB cable from computer to reboot the camera.

 Device not recognized: Check your USB driver (please see chapter 4.2) and upgrade,

if necessary.

 Live image frame rate very low: check whether device is connected to a USB 3.0

or USB 2.0 port. USB 2.0 supports only slow frame rates with two cameras.

Please keep information on the following at hand

 Description of the error (the error message text or any other useful information) and of the

context in which the error occurred. The more information on the actual situation you can
provide, the easier it is to track the problem.

 The serial number of the device. You will find it on the bottom side of the main unit.

 The software version you are currently using. Click on the "Help" button in the header of the

main window of MEA-Monitor software. The displayed "About" dialog box shows the software
version number.

 The operating system and service pack number on the connected computer.

 The hardware configuration (microprocessor, frequency, main memory, hard disk) of the

connected computer. This information is especially important if you have modified the
computer or installed new hard- or software recently.

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MEA-VMT Manual

6 Appendix

6.1 Technical Specifications

The MEA-VMT is a device to image MEAs inside MCS amplifiers.

General characteristics

Operating temperature 10 °C to 50 °C

Storage temperature

Relative humidity 10 % to 85 %, non-condensing

Dimensions (W x D x H) 580 mm x 280 mm x 132

Weight of the MEA-VMT 5800 g (MEA-VMT-1) and 6200 g (MEA-VMT-2)

Weight of the accessories

Camera/s UI348xCP-M from IDS (http://en.ids-imaging.com)

Power supply USB powered

PC interface USB 3.0 (MEA-VMT-2) or USB 2.0 (MEA-VMT-1)

Software

Operating system Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit), XP or Vista,

MEA-Monitor

0 °C to 50 °C

mm (MEA-VMT-1 and -2)

250 g (MEA-VMT-1) and 560 g (MEA-VMT-2)

English and German version supported

Version 1.0.4 and higher

uEye

6.2 Scope of Delivery

1 MEA-VMT with integrated camera(s) and USB hub

1 Power supply for USB hub

1 USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 cable

1 (2) Flexible LED lights

1 Grounding cable

1 CD with software and drivers

1 Manual

Version 4.21.00

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6.3 Contact Information

Local retailer

Please see the list of official MCS distributors on the MCS web site.

User forum

The Multi Channel Systems User Forum provides the opportunity for you to exchange
your experience or thoughts with other users worldwide. You can access the forum via
the Multi Channel Systems web site ("Service" tab).

Mailing list

If you have subscribed to the Mailing List, you will be automatically informed about
new software releases, upcoming events, and other news on the product line.
You can subscribe to the list on the contact form of the MCS web site.

www.multichannelsystems.com

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