Compressor

Adapted from the Panther Air Compressor manual (attached below).

1. Turn the knob on the automatic ON/OFF pressure switch to the ON position. The compressor will automatically start and stop to maintain the preset pressure level, but it should remain ON until you are finished using it.

   

   Pressure switch

2. After the compressor has run a complete cycle to pressurize the tank and then shut off — you will hear the motor stop, and tank pressure should be ~120 psi — set the desired pressure on the filter/regulator. Lift the knob until it clicks and unlocks, then adjust by turning clockwise to increase pressure or counter-clockwise to decrease. Ensure the read valve is flipped to ON to allow air to travel from the tank to the filter/regulator. Once the desired pressure is reached, push the knob back down to lock it.

   <aside> ⚠️

   Never completely open the filter/regulator by turning it all the way clockwise. The FemtoJet can only handle pressures from 60–120 psi, so do not allow the pressure to exceed 120 psi.

   </aside>

   

   Filter/regulator

3. When injections are complete, turn the compressor off and release the pressure by adjusting the filter/regulator to 0 psi and depressurizing through the drain valve. See Maintenance below.

FemtoJet 4X

Adapted from the FemtoJet 4X manual (attached below).

1. Ensure the compressor is properly set up and connected.

2. Remove the injection tube.

3. Switch on the microinjector with the main power switch on the back of the machine.

4. Allow the machine to execute the self-test.

5. Perform a test injection:

   • Fill the microloader with fluorescent liquid.
   • Equip the capillary with the microloader.
   • Insert the capillary into the universal capillary holder.
   • Connect the injection tube.
   • Define the lower safety limit on the micromanipulator.
   • Position the capillary above the cell, worm, or egg.
   • Press the prog 1 key.
   • Press the inject key, or press the foot pedal.
   • Check the injection visually.
   • Troubleshoot until the injection parameters are optimized.

6. After troubleshooting and optimizing:

   • Set the compensation pressure pᴄ with Rotary Knob 3.
   • Set the injection pressure pᵢ with Rotary Knob 1.
   • Set the injection time tᵢ with Rotary Knob 2.

7. Perform the injections.

8. Turn off the microinjector. For short intermissions, it can be put in standby mode by pressing the top-left power button on the front. To turn it off completely, use the main power switch at the back.

   

   FemtoJet interface

Maintenance

Air intake filter

1. Unplug the power cord.
2. Pull the air intake filter out of the suction tube.
3. If the insert is dirty, wash with soapy water or replace it.