The MT-2000/MT-2078 is a motorized microscope translator system including multiple platforms for manipulators and specimen. Two general styles are available. In the classic design (MT-2000), an independent stand, the MT-75 is used for each manipulator and a similar stand, the MT-150 holds the tissue chamber. A new style (MT-2078) uses a single large, fixed stage, the MT-78-FS, to support multiple manipulators and the sample. The classic MT-2000 features free-standing columns that provide rock solid mounting for the tissue recording chamber and multiple micromanipulators. Many prefer this methodology as it maximizes working room for adjusting the microscope and changing pipettes. Furthermore, the independent stand design minimizes movement-related cross talk between manipulators. The MT-2078 single stage has the advantage that it is easy to add additional manipulators and other devices into the design as the manipulator/chamber support is one large platform.

The core of the MT-2000/MT-2078 system is the MT-800 stepper-motor driven X-Y translation table. The motors can be driven by two-axis versions of either the popular MP-285 manipulator controller or the dual manipulator controller MPC-200-ROE. A two-axis rotary optical encoder (ROE) accepts user input to the motorized translator and can be placed in any convenient location in your setup. Either controller gives the user smooth, high-resolution manual control of motion. The MP-285 controller offers extensive on-board robotic functionality and a serial computer interface for PC control. The MPC-200-ROE controller offers a USB computer interface for PC control. Systems using the MP-285 controller are called MT-2000 or MT-2078 while systems using the MPC-200-ROE controller are designated MT-2200 or MT-2278.

Our controller design has allowed Sutter to easily add a focus drive to the MT-2000/MT-2200/MT-2078/MT-2278 systems. The Sutter focus drive employs a direct-coupled stepper motor for lock-step focus movement and adjustable end of travel sensors to limit the travel of the microscope objective to a safe range for the setup. In the focus drive version, MT2000/FD, the ROE input device has inputs for X, Y and Z focus.

MT-800 motorized translators are currently available for the Olympus BX-51WI, Nikon FN-1, Zeiss Axioskop 2 FS and the Leica DMLFS. Focus drives are available for the Olympus BX51WI. Other microscopes can be supported. MT-75, MT-150 and MT-78 stands and stages are compatible with all scopes.