Low-Cost GFP/ RFP Fluorescence Stereo-Microscope System
Quantity Pricing
$7,345.95
† - Regular price.
$7,075.68
† - 2 or more.
$6,805.41
† - 3 or more.
For several years, our customers, impressed by the excellent optics and great price of our SMT1 Dissecting Stereomicroscopes, have been asking for a Fluorescence Dissecting Scope in the same vein of quality and economy. After lots of research and development, recently presented at the International C. elegans Meeting, the result is the SMT1-FL. Note: for our new ultra-high performance multi-fluorophore dissecting scope, check out the SMT1-FL-QC!
The microscope is available with a few different options for the base/stand and illumination. Fluorescence illumination is always from the top, and we have options that allow for different types of standard white-light illumination of your specimens. For top lighting, select our standard "ergonomic" base and add our dual goose-neck LED illuminator. For transillumination (through the sample), you can use our standard "ergonomic" base with frosted glass plate and built-in fixed LED illumination of ∼30mm in diameter. For an upgraded transillumination option, select our taller, narrower, triangular transillumination base with a large rotatable and translatable mirror. This upgraded base employs a larger frosted mirror and clear glass plate. Moving the diffusion farther from the specimen increases contrast and resolution. The larger mirror can illuminate a sample ∼50mm in diameter, and changing its angle and position allows for optimal contrast to visualize internal structures (for example structures within the C. elegans pharynx and embryos, or within internal organs of Zebrafish, Xenopus, chick and mammalian embryos). Click here to see the triangular base on our non-fluorescence scope with an old-school halogen fiber-optic illuminator. An optional foot pedal allows for the white illumination to be flashed on as needed to orient samples without moving your hands or losing your dark-adapted vision.
The Tritech Research Fluorescence Dissecting Stereo-microscope replaces the old cumbersome mercury arc lamp with a state-of-the-art Light Emitting Diode (LED) illuminator. This dramatically lowers power consumption, heat, and the cost of accessory optics and power supplies.
For example:
Fluorescence Illumination
Mercury Arc Lamp
Tritech LED System
Watts consumed
200
4
Lifespan (hours)
250
10000
Cost per bulb (US$)
$250
$25
Bulb Cost / 10000 hrs
$10,000
$25
Power cost @ $.2 / kW-hr
$500
$1
Total Cost of disposables
$10,500
$26
Cost of Scope + Acces.
$18,000
$6,795
Total Cost
$28,500
$7,021
Advantages
1 lamp for fluorophores
low heat output
energy efficient
40x lifespan
dichroic mirror optional
1/400 bulb cost
1/500 power usage
no UV danger
no high-voltage danger
no toxic Hg concerns
less expensive housing
Our system uses ultra-high-quality multi-coated filters to isolate the excitation and emission wavelenghts from each other by up to 4 orders of magnitude, keeping bleed-through background at a minimum.
The nematode C. elegans expressing the [Punc-25::GFP] transgene (juIs76). unc-25 encodes glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). UNC-25 is expressed specifically in GABAergic neurons and localizes to cell bodies, axonal branches, and synaptic regions in the 19 type D motor-neurons, most notably shown here in the 13 ventral nerve cord neurons.
C. elegans expressing a [Pmyo-2::dsRed] transgene. myo-2 encodes a tissue-specific myosin class II heavy chain. MYO-2 is expressed specifically in the muscles of the pharynx, as shown here by the expression of the Red Fluorescent Protein dsRed.
Larvae of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster expressing GFP in their salivary glands.
"Tritech Research is the first and only company to offer LED-based complete GFP Dissecting Stereo-microscope Systems, saving customers thousands of dollars. Traditional Mercury arc lamp based fluorescent systems cost up to $35000. They have perfected the LED-based GFP microscopy and completely eliminated the mercury arc lamp and associated optics, bringing the price of the microscope to one third of its previous cost!." FAQ's
Q: What is the wavelength of the LED and the filter type for GFP and for RFP?
A: We use an excitation spectrum of 450-490nm. We have two options for the emission filter. We have a green bandpass filter that is 500-550nm or a long pass filter than is 510nm+ that allows one to see green, yellow, orange, and red fluorescence.
For RFP, we have two choices of modules. One is optimized for TRITC / dsRed / tdTomato (orange fluorescence) and the other is optimized for Texas Red / mCherry (deep red fluorescence). Contact us for more details!
Q: What are the recommendations for choosing between GFP and RFP fluorophores?
A: Regarding whether to get a GFP set vs one of the RFP sets with the SMT1-FL scope, the answer mostly depends on what fluorophore you think that you will wish to look at most. Since GFP was the first single-protein fluorophore widely available, it is the most commonly used in strains and vectors. It is also generally brighter and easier to see than the red fluorophores. Unless you know that you will need to look at primarily mCherry, we would recommend the GFP set. There are actually two GFP sets available. They both use the same excitation lamp, but one uses a green-specific band-pass emission filter and the other uses a blue-blocking long-pass emission filter (this one lets you see different colors of fluorescence but shows more background fluorescence as a result of that).
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
Low-Cost Fluorescence Stereo-Microscope Multi-Fluorophore System
Quantity Pricing
$11,886.49
† - Regular price.
$11,616.22
† - 2 or more.
$11,454.05
† - 3 or more.
For a scientist like you, we've included lots of details about our new fluorescence dissecting scope so that you can understand it and compare it with others, but feel free to pick up the phone and call our tech support staff, 24/7 with any questions! The SMT1-FL-QC (Pats. issued and more pending) is the culmination of years of research to bring a research-grade, full-featured, low-cost fluorescence dissecting stereomicroscope to the scientific community that's affordable to the education community as well. It allows for rapid switching between different fluorophores like eGFP, mCherry, tdTomato, CFP, misc RFPs and even DAPI in under 1 second and is reconfigurable between multiple fluorophores in just seconds with no tools! With our technology, excitation sources are incredibly bright and background fluorescence is minimized, so dim signals are often visible and many phenotypes can be seen even in a brightly lit room. This is not a mediocre add-on kit. This is a complete fluorescence microscope system for less than the price of other high quality plain dissecting stereomicroscopes!
If you are considering the Zeiss Axio Zoom.V16, the Leica MZ10 F, M205 FA, M165 FC, the Nikon SMZ25, SMZ18, or the Olympus SZX16, MVX10, or SZX10, you really need to take a look at our SMT1-FL-QC to see how much money you can save - not only on purchase price, but on lower maintenance cost and increased equipment life span (no Hg arc lamps or expensive polychromatic sources). Before getting into the great features of our low-cost fluorescence dissecting scope: our better prices do not equate to lower quality… they derive from superior engineering and a different company philosophy. When someone buys a microscope from the "Big 4", they are not just paying for the microscope… they are paying for tons of advertising, marketing, sales commissions and other hidden costs. At Tritech Research, we forgo all of those expenses and rely on great word-of-mouth recommendations within the scientific community. Your precious grant budget or start up funds can be stretched further since they only pay for the microscope itself! Tritech Research isn't a start up; we've been selling dissecting stereomicroscopes for over 30 years, since our inception in 1991. We operate on a lean budget and put money from your purchase back into Research and Development of new products to save even more money for the scientific community while delivering new enabling technologies like this microscope!
How does it work?
First, we replaced the expensive mercury arc lamp, power supply, and bulbs that cost > $200 yet last only 200 hours with super-bright, energy-efficient LEDs that last > 40,000 hours. We've sourced the brightest LEDs in the world, and designed optics to harvest almost every photon relevant to exciting your fluorescent samples.
Our modules employ two excitation beams that intersect in the focal plane of your specimen. This doubles the signal without doubling the background fluorescence (Patent No. 11,885,951 and Pats. Pending). Each compact, interchangeable module uses the finest dichroic filters to refine the excitation and emission wavelengths for bright, clean imaging and a powerful magnetic system for easy, tool-free installation and changing of configuration to suit any single, double, or triple labeled experiment.
We also invented a slider system uses magnetic detents (Patent No.10,705,324 and Pats. Pending) for robust, wear-free operation. A single sliding operation precisely positions the excitation and emission filters, and energizes the module.
The microscope is available with a few different options for the base/stand and illumination. Fluorescence illumination is always from the top, and we have options that allow for different types of standard white-light illumination of your specimens. For top lighting, select our standard "ergonomic" base and add our dual goose-neck LED illuminator. For transillumination (through the sample), you can use our standard "ergonomic" base with frosted glass plate and built-in fixed LED illumination of an area of ∼30mm in diameter. For an upgraded transillumination option, select our taller, narrower, triangular transillumination base with a large rotatable and translatable mirror. This upgraded base employs a larger frosted mirror and clear glass plate. Moving the diffusion farther from the specimen increases contrast and resolution. The larger mirror can illuminate a sample ∼50mm in diameter, and changing its angle and position allows for optimal contrast to visualize internal structures (for example structures within the C. elegans pharynx and embryos, or within internal organs of Zebrafish, Xenopus, chick and mammalian embryos). Click here to see the scope on the triangular base (this photo also shows the optional trinocular c-mount adapter and one of our USB cameras attached). An optional foot pedal allows for the white illumination to be flashed on as needed to orient samples without moving your hands or losing your dark-adapted vision.
As this is a Tritech brand product, it is covered by our money-back guarantee and limited warranty. Order it with confidence and try it in your own lab or classroom. If you have concerns about being able to visualize a particular sample, you can even mail us a sample, and we will e-mail you a photo of what we can see with the scope!
If the videos seem unavailable, try refreshing the web page Here is a video that shows C. elegans worms expressing eGFP in their bodies and dsRed in their pharynges. You can see both simultaneously if you choose our eGFP longpass emission filter, as below (or for separate channels, choose the bandpass filters and use eGFP with mCherry):
Here is a video that shows how easy it is to assemble the scope and use the scope. This is a video of the original version, and it's even easier now. You'll receive the scope with the bracket pre-installed and the anti-glare shield slides right in:
Here are some images of samples examined with the scope:
The nematode C. elegans expressing 3 eGFP transgenes in the mitochondria of cells in the 4-cell embryo, and the pharyngeal muscle and gut cells at later stages.
The same stain as above, in brightfield trans-illumination. Great optics!
C. elegans expressing the [Punc-25::GFP] transgene (juIs76). unc-25 encodes glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). UNC-25 is expressed specifically in GABAergic neurons and localizes to cell bodies, axonal branches, and synaptic regions in the 19 type D motor-neurons, most notably shown here in the 13 ventral nerve cord neurons.
C. elegans expressing a [Pmyo-2::dsRed] transgene. myo-2 encodes a tissue-specific myosin class II heavy chain. MYO-2 is expressed specifically in the muscles of the pharynx, as shown here by the expression of the Red Fluorescent Protein dsRed.
Larvae of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster expressing GFP in their salivary glands.
"Tritech Research is the first and only company to offer LED-based complete GFP Dissecting Stereo-microscope Systems, saving customers thousands of dollars. Traditional Mercury arc lamp based fluorescent systems cost up to $35000. They have perfected the LED-based GFP microscopy and completely eliminated the mercury arc lamp and associated optics, bringing the price of the microscope to one third of its previous cost!."
FAQ's
Q: On the SMT1-FL-QC I noticed that there is a partial field of view when looking at fluorescence but this only is visible at 6x magnification - I can see the whole field clearly at higher magnifications. Why is this?
A: To get the brightest fluorescence of what you are looking at, and minimal photobleaching of the remainder of your sample, the illuminated spot is purposely smaller than the 6x field of view. At 12x, the edges are a little dimmer, and at 25x + the field should be fully illuminated. The best, brightest images will be seen at 12x and 25x. Hopefully the modules were still aimed perfectly when they arrived. If you're careful when you install and remove them, you won't have to re-aim anything; however, see the question below about centering the modules. Sometimes the "slider holder" (the black part under the objective that the slider slides through) can shift in angle if someone pulls down on one side of the slider. In that case both modules will still illuminate the same spot, but it will be off-center.... in that case, please fix the slider-holder (by loosening and remounting it) instead of re-aligning the modules. Perhaps your question is not referring to the portion of the 6x field of view that is illuminated by the converging beams, but instead you are referring to the entire field of view (for example what you see when the sample is illuminated from the bottom. If that is the case, it sounds like the slider is just not exactly stopped in the center of its magnetic detent. Try manually sliding the slider left and right while looking through the scope and see if you can get rid of the non-illuminated gibbous.
Q: How can I prevent the slider from getting loose?
A: Make sure that the slider-holder is all the way up as far as it can go on the objective lens, and orthogonal to it, before tightening the set screw. It is permissible to give the set screw a little bit (let's say 30 degrees) of extra tightening, using pliers, past what a normal person can do with their fingers. The idea is that you don't want it to get loose or charge angles when using the slider.
Q: How can I ensure that the modules are centered?
A: You can periodically check that the modules are still centered by putting a dot on a piece of white paper and centering it on the stage plate. At 6x, make sure that the scope head is centered left-right and move it on the pole as needed to get it centered. Next, make sure that the slider-holder is on perfectly. Focus on the dot at 25x so it is in perfect focus, then go back to 6x. With each module, when it is the active position, there should be a single spot centered on your dot. If there are two spots that don't overlap, call us for tech support. They should only overlap in the plane of focus. If they overlap but are not hitting the dot in the center of the stage, you can adjust the left-right position by rotating the main metal part of the module relative to the colored plastic part. You can adjust the up-down position by turning the little jack-screw with needle nose pliers or forceps.
Q: What if the red anti-glare shield is in the way?
A: If someone with large hands finds that the red anti-glare shield is in the way, it can be installed upside-down and still be somewhat effective. Normally the curved part should be inserted into the slot on the front of the slider-holder. In the alternate arrangement, insert the straight part in the slider holder so that it comes toward you before curving down at the very end.
Q: Can the SMT1-FL-QC scope detect weak tdTomato signals in mouse brain cells through the skull?
A: Maybe... The dsRed/tdTomato/TRITC module will emit a pair of intersecting beams of extremely bright green light (525-550nm) that will excite an area of a bit less than 1 square cm. This light will have to shine through the skull to excite tdTomato in the brain below. The module then blocks all of the green light that it emits and allows orange+red fluorescence that escapes through the skull to enter the microscope. The other issue will be the signal-to-noise ratio - for example if the skull or some other tissue auto-fluoresces orange-red to the same magnitude as your signal, it will obscure the signal.
Q: What is the purpose of the Foot-pedal trigger listed under Trans-llumination options?
A: When screening samples with a dark background, it is sometimes nice to add some context with a low level of regular light. If it's something that you like to do often, then, instead of manually adjusting the transillumination brightness each time, you can preset a suitable low level and use the foot pedal with your foot or hand to add the context with a simple click.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
DigiTherm Incubators
DigiTherm® CircKinetics™: Ideal Drosophila Activity Monitoring Incubator For Circadian Research!
DT2-CIRC-TK:
$2,753.51
†
Tritech Research brings you the DigiTherm® CircKinetics™ incubator—ideal for Drosophila research. Convenient, quiet, energy-efficient heating/cooling temperature control is great for maintaining fly stocks, or growing S2 cells. With our custom-made Circadian light source add-on, even Circadian entrainment and Activity Monitoring is a breeze!
Key Features:
A complete integrated system for Drosophila Research and Activity Monitoring
HDPE-Lined corrosion-proof interior
Switches between heating and cooling automatically
Extremely energy efficient for near-ambient temperature incubation without use of a compressor or Freon-type gases
White highly-reflective interior for more even lighting
Recirculates internal atmosphere, to maintain proper elevated humidity
General Activity Monitoring provides an important control for any study of behavioral genetics. Therefore, the system has:
Built-in interior jacks to accommodate 5 to 20 TriKinetics Activity Monitors (TriKinetics has been providing the industry standard equipment for Drosophila activity monitoring since 1987, and now it is possible to get a completely integrated activity monitoring system that incorporates their equipment so that you don't have to design your own.)
Light-Tight Build to prevent accidental entrainment
Super User-Friendly DeviceCom3™ software with advanced features allows you to:
Log temperature and lighting data
Check and change temperature and lighting parameters from any computer or cell phone with an internet connection
Be notified immediately by email, IM or cell phone text message if someone opens your dark incubator and lets in light, the bulb begins failing, or there is a temperature alarm—saving you days, weeks, or even months of repeated work due to bad data
Easily run lighting and temperature regimens with non-24 hour days
Establish detailed, complex temperature and lighting regimens such as replicating the lighting and temperature of New York City for 1988 vs. 2008.
The DigiTherm® CircKinetics™ incubator includes all of the features above with a discounted price compared to getting them separately.
Enjoy the convenience of getting your TriKinetics products, together with your DigiTherm® CircKinetics™ incubator, all with a single Purchase Order. Simply select the appropriate Activity Monitoring option and we will include 2 TriKinetics DAM2 Drosophila Activity Monitors (monitor 64 flies simultaneously), the TriKinetics USB Control box (Power Supply Interface Unit), with a power supply unit, 100 glass and 100 plastic behavior monitoring tubes, and all the cables to plug things in and start an experiment, right out of the box. See TriKinetics' brochures for further details on their products HERE.
We offer the option of receiving a brand new LAPTOP as part of your Circadian Activity Monitoring System. The laptop will arrive preloaded with DeviceCom3 software and TriKinetics software so that you don't have to spend time loading it! Just choose your favorite laptop option or call us for a quote if you want a different laptop.
Note: The DigiTherm® CircKinetics™ incubator can connect to a PC via the RS-232 serial port or USB port (with our USB->Serial interface). Both Macs and PCs with wired Ethernet ports (RJ-45) can connect via your network or directly via a Cat5 cable. Please specify which of these connections you will be using. Please note that some newer computers will need a USB or Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter for wired network connectivity.
Note: For internet-based and cell phone-based alarms and remote-control functions, the computer talking to your DigiTherm® CircKinetics™ incubator using DeviceCom3™ software must have a continuous internet connection available.
In order to help you optimize space in your research lab, Tritech Research's stacking Rack (DT2-STACK) for its 38L Incubator allows to stack incubators on top of each other. The maximum recommended amount of incubators to stack on top of each other is three. (requires 2 racks).
A: There are three connectivity options available:
The Serial connectivity option is only supported for Windows computers that come with a RS-232 port or support a USB-to-RS-232 adapter. This requires connecting a DB9 RS-232 printer cable from the incubator directly to the PC, usually with the PC right next to the incubator.
The Ethernet connectivity option is more universal and works with any Mac, Linux, or Windows computer that has a wired Ethernet (RJ45) network port. The incubator can be plugged directly into the computer with a single RJ45 Cat5 cable, or, more usefully, the incubator can be plugged into your local network (via a hub, data switch, or switch/router) and the computer can be anywhere that can reach that network (in the incubator room, on your desk, or anywhere on the planet with an internet connection). Please note that a known, accessible, external IP address, or "port forwarding," is required for connection from outside the incubator's local area network. The USB connectivity option connects to a PC via a USB port (with our USB->Serial interface).
Q: What computers can run the DeviceCom3 incubator control software?
A: Any Windows, Mac, or Linux-based computer that can run Java! DeviceCom3 is written in Java, so it runs on a wide variety of platforms.
Q: Why would I want to order an optional laptop or other computer from Tritech Research?
A: Ordering a Mac or PC from Tritech Research provides a way to purchase a computer, even with grants that do not allow computer purchases, since it is part of an integrated incubation system. We will also install our software, all important OS updates, the latest Trikinetics software, and OpenOffice on the computer and set is to disable automatic updates and power-saver options that could cause an interrupted connection.
One advantage of a laptop vs. a desktop computer is that laptops have built-in batteries, so they will continue to function during a power failure / fluctuation.
Q: How fast can the incubator change temperature with the standard vs. Rapid Heating vs. Rapid Cooling options?
A: It is not possible to answer how long a temperature transition will take without knowing the ambient temperature, the desired From and To temperatures, and the thermal mass of what will be placed inside the incubator. However, we can give some rough numbers for specific examples. A standard incubator that is empty in a room with 25°C ambient temperature can go from 27°C to 37°C in about 15 minutes and back down from 37°C to 27°C in about 25 minutes. Note that you need to use the software to get those times. When the incubator is running independently of the computer software, circadian temperature transitions are slower - 1 to 2 hours to coast down from 37°C to 27°C. Using the same conditions as above, but adding the Rapid Heating option, cuts the transition time from 27°C to 37°C down to about 2 minutes. Feel free to contact us for more specific or up-to-date information.
Q: If I've purchased an incubator and want to purchase another, will I be able to hook up the new incubator to the same computer as my previous incubator?
A: Yes, each instance of DeviceCom3 software has it's own name. For example, one incubator might be labName_tritech1 and if you get more they will be labName_tritech2, etc. These can run on the same computer at the same time. Trikinetics monitors are also serialized, so incubator #1 can have 1-4 and incubator 2 can have 5-8, etc. The Trikinetics USB interface box has plugs for 4 incubators, as long as they can be close enough to each other.
Q: If I want to use my own computer to connect to the incubator, what are the required specifications?
A: The computer needs to have a wired Ethernet network port, also called a RJ45 jack. With the MacBook air, you can get a Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter. On some computers, it may be possible to get a USB to Ethernet adapter. This is a requirement for direct connection with the incubator via a cable and preferable to wifi even for a true network connection since a wired connection is more reliable. The computer needs to have a static IP address (this is something that can be set manually). If it doesn't come pre-installed, the computer needs to have Java installed on it (this is something that can be downloaded and installed). It needs to be set not to "sleep". It is referable if it has a solid state hard drive so there are no moving parts to wear out during long term normal operation. Pretty much any processor speed and amount of memory and storage capacity is enough. All recent versions of Mac OS work fine. Windows 7 is preferable to Windows 10 because automatic updates cannot be disabled on Windows 10 (which could interrupt interaction with the incubator), but either will work. If the same computer is meant to be used with Trikinetics activity monitors, it needs at least one USB port. We currently distribute your personalized version of DeviceCom3 on a CD, so a CD/DVD drive or temporary access to one is convenient. If no CD/DVD drive is available, we can upload your software to an online storage drive, if needed, upon request, for you to download.
Q: How can I change the IP address of the incubator so that it can be accessed remotely via network?
A: You can change the static IP of the incubator to what ever you'd like and then make sure the computer shares the same first 3 numbers of that IP and differs in the last number (as per the 255.255.255.0 mask). There are 3 ways to change the incubator's IP: - via a the devicemanager software that came on the disk and runs via windows - with the arp and telnet commands as described in the DeviceCom3 manual. - via a web browser interface, this is best, but you will have to directly connect with a computer that has its IP manually set to something like 192.16.1.100 to get to the web page at 192.168.1.200 (or 201 for the other incubator). Then make the change, and then set the computer back to its normal IP or DHCP. To log in to the web page, the user id is Admin and the password is to be left blank. If you choose devicemanager or arp/telnet, the change may be temporarily forced and, after the change, and before powering down the incubator, you still need to log in via the web interface and save the new IP and "Apply Settings" to make the new static IP permanent. Finally, the new incubator IP can be pointed to by setting it in the DeviceCom3 File--->Preferences--->IP Address submenu.
Q: How can I program the incubator to switch temperature at a chosen time on a specific day only?
A: You can use the DeviceCom3 software that came with your incubator to write a user program to do anything that you could do manually. If you have the CD that came with the incubator, it will have PDFs of both the incubator's manual and the DeviceCom3 software manual. The manual goes through the commands, and the program itself has a quick command guide under its Help menu. As an example, here are directions on how to switch the temperature once from 18C to 29C: In its simplest form, you could set T1time and T2time to the same time as each other (but not midnight) and this will force the incubator to use Temp1 only. The you can set Temp1 to 18.0C and then the program to change it to 29.0C would be: WAIT [the number of seconds from now until the specific day, for example it would be 259200 for 3 days] SETMENU 0001 0290 And that will wait the designated number of seconds and then set menu number 1 (Temp1) to 29.0C. So if you were starting the program on Wednesday at noon and you wanted the shift to happen on Saturday at 1:00pm here are two choices: WAIT 86400 REPEAT 2 GOTO 1 WAIT 3600 SETMENU 0001 0290 or WAIT 86400 REPEAT 2 GOTO 1 TIME 13:00:00 SETMENU 0001 0290 In the two examples above, we are waiting 1 full 24 hour day and then using the REPEAT command with a parameter of 2 to execute the GOTO 1 twice before proceeding the WAIT 3600 or TIME 13:00:00 command for a total of 3 days. Doing a simple setmenu command to change the temperature will erase any "learning" that the incubator has done and probably cause the incubator to overshoot 29C (it will work it's way down after overshooting). It you would like a better, more controlled temperature transition, then you can use the T1time and T2time menus to switch between temperatures after learning has been completed, and without erasing that learning. When both T1time and T2time are set to midnight (0:00) then the incubator is forced to Temp2 only. So, here is a better program, which is more complete, starting from an incubator that has just been turned on: SYNC SETMENU 0001 0290 SETMENU 0007 0180 SETMENU 0008 0000 SETMENU 0009 0000 'This is a comment and doesn't count as a line number 'We have now sync'ed the incubator's clock with the computer's clock, Set Temp1 to 29.0C, Temp2 to 18.0C, and set T1time and T2 time to midnight, so the incubator will to to and stay at 18.0C 'The next line number will be line 6 because there were 5 real command lines above WAIT 3600 REPEAT 3 GOTO 6 'The above will cause the program to wait an hour, then 3 more house (4 hours total) which should be enough time for the incubator to get to 18.0C and stabilize SETMENU 0008 0001 SETMENU 0009 0001 'The above will force the incubator to go to Temp1 and stay at 29.0C. We will wait 4 hours again so that it can overshoot and learn the correct power level. 'The next line number is 11 WAIT 3600 REPEAT 3 GOTO 11 'Now the incubator has learned how much power to use for both temperatures so we'll go back to 18.0C and wait until the weekend. Next line is 14 SETMENU 0008 0000 SETMENU 0009 0000 WAIT 86400 REPEAT 2 GOTO 16 TIME 13:00:00 SETMENU 0008 0001 SETMENU 0009 0001 'If this is the end of the program, the incubator will go to 29.0C and stay there indefinitely because the program will end.
Q: What are the differences between the computer connectivity options and what are some recommendations?
A: Generally speaking, we recommend using the Ethernet interface for controlling the incubator with our DeviceCom3 software that comes with the DT2-CIRC-TK incubator. That way it is completely separated from Trikinetics activity monitors that always use USB via DAMSystem Software. The Ethernet interface also gives you the possibility of connecting to the incubator remotely over a network in addition to a direct connection. But, if you want to use direct wired connections for both functions and you don't mind keeping the port numbers straight, you can use USB for both. Internally, our incubator control box communicates using the RS-232 serial protocol. Since most modern computers don't support this, most labs prefer either the very flexible Ethernet interface or the USB interface, so we offer a built-in RS-232 adapter for the desired interface as part of the control box.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
Complete Injection Scope Systems
microINJECTOR™ System Complete w/ Inverted Microscope, manipulator
MINJ-1000:
$11,891.89
†
- Special Order
Tritech Research sells complete microinjection systems that integrate our famous microINJECTOR™, Pulse Length Control Module (PCM), and needle holder with top name brand inverted microscopes and micromanipulation equipment. We take advantage of our status as a fully authorized Narishige dealer and manufacturer of custom OEM solutions for Olympus and other microscope systems to get you great prices and the added convenience of receiving a fully integrated microinjection system from a single source.
Other features include our custom GlideStage®, which provides a fine level of manual stage manipulation at a fraction of the cost of motorized stage manipulators. When the stage is in use, you can employ a low-cost mechanical joystick-type micromanipulator, to save thousands of dollars over other systems.
Microscope Features:
Small Foot Print.
Excellent Quality Optics.
Includes our custom-made Hoffman Modulation Contrast (HMC) optics for DIC-like images at a significantly reduced price.
Trinocular head for photo and video documentation.
Available with a fluorescent system for detection of GFP, DAPI, Rhodamine, etc.
Some researchers are curious whether a low-cost dedicated injection station like the MINJ-1000 is going to be a compromise in terms of quality, ease-of-use, or optics. The answer is - no. Great optics are as important to us as they are to you. Just as there can be a "good" DIC image, when the right Wallaston prism is combined with the right numerical aperture objective and the correct polarization, and a poor DIC image when these items are not optimized, we design and choose our HMC optics to work together to get you great images. Don't let a bad experience with a local microscope rep who doesn't know what he is doing, or understand how to optimize a system for your microinjection needs prejudice you.
Here are links to some QuickTime movies showing oocytes and the syncitial gonads of some C. elegans worms under our MINJ-1000 scope. We think you will be impressed with how clear and easy to inject these structures are. Click on these links to watch the QuickTime Movies (it will take a while for them to load completely, and then they will play.) To watch one again, click "Reload" or hit the play button if it is visible:
And, here are a few still images... Click them to see an enlarged view:
COMPARISON OF HOFFMAN AND DIC VIEWS OF THE SAME C. ELEGANS WORM
HMCDIC
FAQ's
Q: What are the dimensions of this system, in terms of being compact and fitting on my injection table?
A: The microscope itself is 21" (54cm) deep from the eyepieces to the back x 9" (23cm) wide; it is 21" (54cm) tall. Our standard joystick-type micromanipulator mounts on the side of stage and adds about 4" (10cm) of width there.
Q: Which exact components are included in the standard MINJ-1000?
A: The MINJ-1000 includes the inverted microscope, the Narishige MN-151 joystick micromanipulator, our Analog foot-pedal controlled microINJECTOR MINJ-1, pulse-length control module MINJ-2, brass straight-arm quick-change needle holder MINJ-4, and custom-made microinjection GlideStage MINJ-GS. The standard optics for the worm version of the MINJ-1000 includes 2 Olympus objectives: a 4x for finding the worms and a customized 40x short working distance HMC objective for optically sectioning the worm to find the z-plane with the gonad of interest. Some people choose to upgrade to our digital microINJECTOR, a hydraulic micromanipulator, or to add our low-cost anti-vibration bench plate or a camera, or fluorescence capabilities. These are all extra options for additional cost.
Q: What are some other items needed to start injecting procedures immediately using the MINJ-1000 system?
A: 1) 50mm x 24mm cover slips 2) agar for agar pads 3) something like an oven to bake the agar pads 4) halocarbon oil, or at least mineral oil, to cover the agar pads and protect the worms from total desiccation 5) a good non-vibrating table, or our MINJ-AVP 6) a nearby electric outlet for the scope and the MINJ-2 7) a nearby dissecting scope to quickly mount and recover the worms, such as our SMT1 stereo microscope.
Q: How can I adjust the camera/eye piece so that camera and eye piece are both in focus?
A: Since the camera should be parfocal with the eyepieces on the MINJ-1000 by the nature of c-mount optics, perhaps one too many (or possibly one too few) of the threaded adapter rings got moved along with the camera. Please try removing or adding a ring in between the camera and the c-mount for the MINJ-1000 and see if that makes it parfocal. One way that you can tell the needed distance is to remove all of the rings and hold the camera above the c-mount adapter by hand to see how high it needs to be for the image to be in focus. Also, please note the the eyepieces have a diopter adjustment, and parfocality should be near the "0" point on the eyepieces.
Q: Is the inverted scope included in the MINJ-1000 system compatible with all micro manipulators and objectives?
A: Yes, the inverted microscope is made for our company and it is compatible with all of our micromanipulators (we adapt it as needed). Our microscope fits all Olympus brand infinity-corrected objectives.
Q: What is the main difference between microinjection setups for worm labs versus zebrafish labs?
A: The typical setups for worm and zebrafish injections are quite different. C. elegans should certainly be microinjected on a coverslip under an inverted scope like our MINJ-1000. On the other hand, zebrafish are typically microinjected in a petri dish of water or agar under a dissecting stereomicroscope, although it can be done on the inverted scope using long working distance objectives that are able to see up through the dish or a chamber slide. In any case, the same micromanipulators and microinjection pressure controllers apply to both and could be moved from one scope to the other if you decide to get both types of scopes.
Q: What is the main advantage of the MMO-4 hydraulic micromanipulator over the MN-151 mechanical micro manipulator?
A: With a mechanical micromanipulator like the MN-151, the user touches the actual micromanipulator to move the joystick. This can introduce some vibration and some torque during movement. With a hydraulic micromanipulator like the MMO-4, the joystick is separated from the micromanipulator by the hydraulic tubes, so the user doesn't touch it, and so the movement is smooth and well isolated.
Q: What are the magnifications for the inverted scope?
A: The MINJ-1000 can be configured many different ways, but the standard configuration for C. elegans includes 10x wide-field eyepieces along with a 4x and 40x objective. Multiplying eyepiece x objective, you will have 40x for finding and lining up the worms and 400x for performing the injection.
Q: The image does not focus sharply. What are some ways to fix this?
A: The first thing you can check is the camera port selector. It is a black knob on either side of the scope just below the eyepiece head. If it is not all the way in the camera position or the eyepiece position, it could cause problems. Next you can try putting the scope condenser in the bright-field position (open circle, no Hoffman slit). Look at something with high contrast like a piece of paper with small text on it. See if it is really true that the two images are vertically aligned with both the 4x and with the 40x objective. If so, slightly unscrew the objective so as to rotate it while looking at the image. Does the alignment rotate as well, or does it stay the same? You could also remove the objective and shake it. Make sure there is no rattling. Lastly, clean the objective to ensure there is no collected dirt or dust.
Q: If we have an existing MINJ-1000 set up, can it be converted to a tetrad dissection scope?
A: The main and most expensive item that you need to convert your MINJ-1000 into a MINJ-YTD is a 40x or possibly a 20x objective lens that has ultra-long working distance. It will need to focus through the dish and through the agar to the asci on the surface. If it uses phase-contrast, then you will need a phase contrast condenser with a matching phase ring. Another option would be to use a 10x objective and higher magnification eyepieces. Some people also like a mechanical XY stage attachment so that they can move to particular coordinates on the dish, but you can draw a grid on the dishes instead.
Q: What are some important factors to achieve successful injections?
A: An important thing to getting good injections is to insert the microinjection needle into the correct part of the embryo. In order to line up the needle so that it penetrates in the correct Z-axis plane, it is important to have a microscope with appropriate contrast optics such as DIC, our customized HMC, or at least phase contrast. Using microscope objectives and a matching condenser to support one of these contrast methods will allow you to optically section through the embryo. When the plane of interest in the embryo is in focus, then you can bring the tip of the microinjection needle into the same focal plane by adjusting the Z-axis of the micromanipulator that is holding the needle holder. Then, when you advance the needle in the X-axis, you will know that the tip will end up in the desired part of the embryo.
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Drosophila Bottles
Available in either square or round bottom design. Both styles feature a uniform pliable top for easy removal of paper lids.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
Drosophila Equipment
Drosophila Anesthesia CO2 station
MINJ-DROS-1:
$459.46
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- In Stock
The Drosophila CO2 Work Station allows flies to be anaesthetized with unparalleled precision, convenience, and safety. An electronic foot pedal allows the user to deliver just the right amount of CO2 to keep flies asleep. This saves a lot of CO2, compared with continuous-flow systems, is much less likely to inadvertently kill important specimens due to over-anaesthetizing, is much more convenient than systems that require users to reach around and hand-operate valves in the middle of genetics, and is safer, for all concerned, than using organic solvents as anaesthetics.
The MINJ-DROS-EXP is an expansion station for either the MINJ-DROS-1 or the MINJ-DROS-2. Any number of stations can share the same compressed gas source; just contact us via phone to easily and quickly design or upgrade a system to suit your specific lab or classroom space and number of users.
We also recommend ordering each of these with a MINJ-DROS-FP for the most convenient use.
Q: There appears to be a leak in the CO2 regulator, it becomes very cold and the CO2 tubing becomes foggy.
A: When there is a leak, the expanding CO2 absorbs calories and causes the temperature to plummet. It is important that in your normal use, the CO2 flowing out through the regulator is kept to a low flow rate, or, if higher, that the flow is sporadic and not continuous. Since the electronic valves have a small aperture, the flow will be limited there (and at the blow guns). 10 psi is fine and 30 psi might be better to get decent flow when the valve is activated by the foot pedal. As long as all the valves are closed and there is no flow (and nothing is leaking), nothing will get cold. On the other hand, even at 5-10 PSI, if the blow gun or the valves are on for minutes at a time, things will start to freeze up. Typically, the way you set things up works well and it is reasonable to have up to 3-4 stations on a single regulator as long as the people use the foot pedal and blow gun sparingly.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
Drosophila Anesthesia CO2 station
MINJ-DROS-2:
$643.24
†
- In Stock
The Drosophila CO2 Work Station allows flies to be anaesthetized with unparalleled precision, convenience, and safety. An electronic foot pedal allows the user to deliver just the right amount of CO2 to keep flies asleep. This saves a lot of CO2, compared with continuous-flow systems, is much less likely to inadvertently kill important specimens due to over-anaesthetizing, is much more convenient than systems that require users to reach around and hand-operate valves in the middle of genetics, and is safer, for all concerned, than using organic solvents as anaesthetics.
The MINJ-DROS-2 system is a dual user set up which can be ordered with two of the MINJ-DROS-FP for the most convenient use. For additional user configurations please contact us via phone to easily and quickly design a system to suit your specific lab or classroom space and number of users.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
Drosophila CO2 Fly Pads
MINJ-DROS-FP:
$145.95
†
- In Stock
Tritech Research offers the most elegant fly pad design available. With completely solid construction, these fly pads are sturdy and will provide quite an even flow of CO2 to keep your flies aenesthetised during microscopic examination. With a large surface area of 8.9 x 12.7 cm (3.5 x 5.0 in.), the pads are less than 1 cm thick, making them the most convenient to work with under the microscope.
The Drosophila anesthesia pad attached to a CO2 source via its input barb that fits securely into tubing with a 1/8 inch (3mm) Inside Diameter (ID).
For the best control, we recommend a CO2 source that is foot-pedal-controlled, such as our Drosophila Anesthesia CO2 station, for one CO2 pad, or our Dual Station for two. Alternatively, the pads can be attached directly to a CO2 regulator via a flow control for continuous flow.
FAQ's
Q: What is the recommended CO2 flow rate for the fly pad?
A: We recommend a flow rate of between 5 - 15 liters per minute, depending on the needs of the end user. The lower end would be for a more continuous flow, and the higher end would be for shorter pulses that knock out the insects and then stay off until they begin to wake up, for example, as delivered by our Drosophila Anesthesia CO2 station, MINJ-DROS-1.
Q: What are the recommended cleaning procedures for the flypad?
A: The fly pad surface is quite inert. The frame is acrylic, so it is less inert than the pad. Here is how we recommend cleaning the fly pad: 1) Attach the fly pad to a CO2 source so that gas is flowing out of the pad and water cannot flow in easily. 2) Submerge the fly pad in a big bowl or tray of water (you will see bubbles rushing out of it). 3) Use a toothbrush to brush debris off the fly pad 4) Remove the fly pad from the water. 5) Turn off the CO2 You are free to use any kind of detergent with the toothbrush, for example, dish soap, anti-microbial soap, toothpaste (a mild abrasive), de-greasers like "409" or "Fantastik", etc. However, it is important to keep the gas flowing so that the cleaning agents don't penetrate deeply into the gas permeable pad, or they will be difficult to remove. If you use any detergents, submerge the fly pad in clean water and brush it clean as a last step, then turn off the gas.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
Drosophila Anesthesia CO2 Blow gun
MINJ-DROS-GUN:
$70.27
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- In Stock
The Tritech Research Drosophila Anesthesia CO2 Blowgun allows any researcher to easily pre-anaesthetize flies prior to placing them on the microscope stage or the MINJ-DROS-FP fly pad. Sorting flies under your dissecting stereomicroscope for genetics work has never been easier, more convenient or more cost-effective!
The pistol grip blowgun offers variable flow control and is lightweight, ergonomic and very intuitive to use. The simple trigger allows the user to deliver just the right amount of carbon dioxide to keep flies asleep. The convenient needle tip is designed to be slid into fly vials past cotton plugs (cotton, rayon, or Flugs) or caps for easy anesthetization. The blowgun will save your lab on CO2 costs compared with continuous-flow systems, and is much less likely to inadvertently kill important specimens due to over-anaesthetizing. It is safer than using organic solvents as anaesthetics.
The blowgun can easily be used in conjunction with the MINJ-DROS-1 or the MINJ-DROS-2. Any number of guns, stations, and flypads can share the same compressed gas source; just contact us to easily and quickly design or upgrade a system to suit your specific lab or classroom space and desired number of users.
The output is an 18 gauge stainless steel needle tip with a nickel plated brass base. The input is an easy to use quick connect fitting which will allow you to easily attach or detach 1/4" outer diameter tubing.
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These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
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to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
Drosophila Vial Trays
Cardboard trays with cell dividers. 10 x 10 row configuration for narrow or wide diameter shell vials.
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These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
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Drosophila Vials
Shell Vials are available in three different sizes, featuring straight wall design. Our shell vial design minimizes dislodging of food and provides for more efficient racking, filling and plugging. Packed bulk or in convenient tray packs. Available in K-Resin, Polystyrene, or Polypropylene.
†
These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional
Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click
here
to change your payment method and see the lower prices.
![Image for Drosophila CO[2] Workstation (Single Station) coming soon!](/items/MINJ-DROS-1.JPG)
![Image for Drosophila CO[2] Workstation (Dual Station) coming soon!](/items/MINJ-DROS-2.JPG)
![Image for Drosophila CO[2] Fly Pads coming soon!](/items/MINJ-DROS-FP.JPG)
![Image for Drosophila CO[2] Blowgun coming soon!](/items/MINJ-DROS-GUN.JPG)
