ultra sonic Handling & Control Unit Manual

Handling

Sample preparation

Trim the sample with a trim 45 or a trim 20 diamond blade. The sample width should be a maximum of 0.5 mm.

Measuring the sample height

With the use of an eyepiece graticule in one of the stereomicroscope oculars (graticule 10450336 for the Leica M80). Sample block (fixed in the sample holder), is mounted in the trimming plate. Measure the height with the graticule.

Ultramicrotome Settings

• Set the clearance angle to 6° as shown on the guarantee card.
• Set the desired section thickness.
• Set the sectioning speed (0.4 – 0.6 mm/sec)
• Tighten all set screws.

Installing the knife

• Mount the knife in the knifestage of the ultramicrotome and tighten the set screw.
• Connect the control unit to the power supply.
• Connect the control unit OUTPUT and the knife with the blue cable.
• Switch on the control unit (switch ON the back side).
• Set the resonance frequency (Toggle switch on AUTO). After a few seconds the display will show «Peak locked».
• Adjust the amplitude to approx. 2 V.
• Approach the sample with the knife (settings as shown in our diamond knife handling manual.
• Start sectioning as usual.

Measuring the section length

• Measure the section length with the graticule and compare it with the sample height.
• If sections are too short, increase the the amplitude (turn the button clockwise).
• If sections are too long, decrease the amplitude (turn the button counterclock wise).
• Too high an amplitude may lead to drifting of the sections.

Drifting of the sections

When working in resonance, the sections may drift slightly to the right or to the left. If this is the case, the following procedure helps: Switching from AUTO to MAN. Now increase or decrease the the frequency a few hundred Hertz, until the sections float straight on the water surface.

If sections drift to the right: decrease the frequency. If sections drift to the left: increase the frequency.

Control Unit

Frontside:

Output: Connection with the knife (blue cable)
Amplitude: 0 – 25.5 V
Frequency: Toggle switch MAN: Manual setting of frequency, range 15 – 35kHz, Toggle switch AUTO: Automatic setting of the resonance frequency.

Backside:

ON/OFF Switch: Connection for the power supply adapter.

Specifications