I will be creating a new electrophysiology setup and am intrigued by Sutter's new IPA integrated amplifier. I have previously used only Axon hardware (MultiClamp 200B, Axopatch 1-D, and Axopatch 200B) and wanted to see if anyone has tried this new instrument. If so, what were your impressions of the integrated amplifier?
Hi Brandon,
I saw the amplifier on the biophysical meeting 2016 product demo. The guys who make the instrument are former experts from HEKA and also from Axon, you can expect a high end state-of-the-art amplifier and software.
btw, if you are interested in BLMs for your new setup, we make these....
www.ionovation.com
best regards
Roland
Hi Brandon,
I second what Roland brings up. Sutter's IPA development was driven by a former Axon Instruments employee. His devotion to the the patch-clamp field reminds me of the ePhys spirit that shines through in the good old "Axon Guide", when Axon Instruments was still a bunch of "in-the-trenches" guys, all clampers themselves, wishing to help others doing the same kind of work. Sutter is only a 30 min drive from Axon Instruments here in California, so it was easy for them to recruit more excellent ePhys hands. The team that assembled at Sutter is hence made up of experienced experts, who I have been relying on for close to 20 years, so I fully trust them.
As for the IPA itself: I haven't tested it, yet, so I can't make any statement on its performance. The small footprint, certainly, is nice (no more separate digitizer; it's integrated, as the name implies). The software appears to be a highly customizable mix of pClamp and HEKA. To me, it looks like an attractive package, but there will certainly some wrinkles that have to be ironed out (bugs, etc.), so it might not be a trouble-free start for you. However, the service you will get from Sutter, I am certain, will be very good, as they wish to get stronger in the market.
One other thought: you will also have to get used to a new software/hardware environment, which may take time to adjust. I'm not sure if there is an option in Sutter's software to import HEKA and Clampex protocols, which might save you some time.
Best,
Chris.
Hi Brandon,
I am looking for amplifiers to set up a patch clamp rig. Did you try the Sutter IPA? How is it ?
Best,
Poornima
Hi Poornima, I did order one but am just now assembling it. It is too early to give my opinion. Once I finish assembling the rig and give it a try I will provide an update.
All the best
Sorry I never responded to most of these messages. I have been responding to personal emails so feel free to contact me at [email protected].
I've now had the IPA running for slightly over 2 years and now I definitely enjoy it and recommend it. This is especially true considering the price. I like it so much I'm currently considering upgrading to the double IPA. However, since the d-Patch (also by Sutter) has been out for a while I am considering that if I don't upgrade to a double IPA. Regardless, when it comes time for a second rig (if that happens) it will definitely include a Sutter integrated patch system.
The reasons why I prefer the Sutter systems now over my previous systems (Multiclamp 700A/B, Axopatch 1-D, 200B, all during my postdoc period) is: 1) the integrated system seems to have lower inherent noise; 2) the software interface is simpler (not incredibly important but cuts down on training time for those new to patching); 3) Sutter's technical support is better than Axon (after all many of the Axon experts left for Sutter [I believe....].
If you have specific questions, feel free to email me.
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