Well Plate Pre-Stretch, Device Reset Movement, And Offset Distance - CellScale MechanoCulture TM User Manual

MechanoCulture TM User Manual
Well Plate Pre-Stretch, Device Reset Movement, and Offset
Distance
On power-up, the system's actuator will go through a series of moves in order to achieve the
correct starting position. These moves involve fully extending the actuator and then retracting to
the correct load position. This series of moves is necessary to ensure that the actuator is in the
correct global position at the start of the test as all the movements in the test protocol will be
relative to this position.
During the reset movements, the distance that the actuator retracts back from its fully extended
position is called the offset.
The offset value can be changed by selecting "Hardware", then "Advanced", and then "Settings"
from the software menu. Within the dialogue, the offset parameter can be specified and
programmed to the device controller. This offset will be applied globally to all test protocols once
the "Program" button is clicked.
As a reminder, the offset will be reapplied on every power up of the controller and every time that
the controller button is pressed and held for 5 seconds to trigger a reset. The only exception to
this is the situation where the device is paused while running a protocol (by pressing but not
holding the button). In this case the actuator will not reset on power up so that the protocol can be
continued by a second button press.
If it is desired to unplug the controller after the cells have been seeded but before the protocol
has been started, it is recommended to take steps to ensure that the reset protocol does not
disturb the cells. This can be accomplished by unplugging the actuator cable (TRRS, not the USB
cable) from the control box during power up.
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