Tripod Update

I made quite a few modifications to the tripod for Ian.  The most important change was taking apart the micromanipulator to reduce its mass.  I kept only two adjustments: a coarse adjustment and a fine adjustment, both parallel to the axis of the micromanipulator.


Then I bought some nice Ikelite ball joints that are designed for underwater lighting systems.  I mounted one of them on the slider that moves up and down one of the tripod legs and one on the mini-micromanipulator.  They can be clamped directly to each other or a 6 inch bar can be clamped between them.


The manipulator is significantly less stable with the 6 inch bar, but it can reach almost anywhere within the tripod.  Without the bar, the microelectrodes can still reach a wide range of angles and mats.  In addition, I added disks (plastic electrical covers) for feet to help the tripod settle nicely on the mat.


If we want spikes as well, I can put long screws through them.  It will be exciting to see how well the tripod works!


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