Operating Millifluidics

Always use less than 10 psi inputs into the millifluidics and pressure regulator to avoid breaking them

Never use ethanol to sterilize millifluidics as it breaks them. Use bleach to sterilize and flush it with sterile water.

Plug in 5V power supply and 5V fan

Changing Pressure Settings

Option 1: Manually change via Arduino code (hard coded)

  • Follow the Arduino Software Installation guide

  • Unplug the SAMD21 from the pressure regulator before uploading code (otherwise there might not be enough power to the SAMD21 from the USB)

  • Upload modified pressure code to SAMD21

Option 2: Add a 'pres' command to the evolver conf.yml and modify conf.yml

Fluidic Lines

Connect a 8-10 psi air input into the input port (only port on its own in 1.0 design)

Connect regulated line to both sensor (below) and controlled output (white, above) as shown below:

Set Up Solenoid Control

Solenoid Bank Diagram (facing holes)

  • The solenoids should be normally open and connected to the 8 psi air source. ie Vacuum when closed

  • Left = 8 psi

  • Right = Vacuum

  • Middle = 8 different solenoids, groups of 3 are IPP controls

Connect solenoid ribbon cable to slot 5 on the fluidics box

Turn on eVOLVER server and fluidics box

Check that the solenoid bank is correctly set

Run ipp_cal.py on the server:

  • Use command:

    • python3 ipp_cal.py <frequency (hz)> <seconds to run>

    • For example: python3 ipp_cal.py 1 100

Set Up IPPs

IPPs need to be constructed and calibrated before use.

It is recommended to calibrate using a pressurized input line (ie a 1.5 psi bottle). Always use that same pressure on the fluidic input.

  • Hook IPPs up to a pressurized input bottle for consistency

  • Make sure that IPPs are operating as expected and producing the expected flow rate

If running a trial experiment with just water, you can put food dye in to the inducer to visualize how much is injected into vials

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