How do I determine my COM port for the IH Impactor (COM/Serial Port not responding)?
To determine which COM port number Windows has assigned to your impactor (or to your USB to serial converter), you can use the Windows Control Panel utility Device Manager. Under Device Manager select and expand the menu Ports (COM & LPT). This shows the serial ports currently assigned on your PC (e.g., COM3). In the IH PC Software and under View->Serial Port Settings enter the COM port number from Device Manager keeping all the other settings at their defaults.
If the Device Manager identified more than one COM port on your PC, you may have to try each to determine which one is connected to the IH Impactor.
If the Device Manager did not identify any serial ports you may need to install or re-install USB drivers for your serial device.
If you have further questions email tech@presysin.com
What are the warranty and return policies?
Check our Warranty and Return Policies
What maintenance is required and how often should it be performed?
Annual factory maintenance and re-calibration is recommended for both the TBI and IH impactors. Contact us for a price quote for TBI or IH maintenance and re-calibration. The annual service includes a 90 day warranty from the date the serviced unit ships from our facility.
There are no user serviceable parts inside either the TBI or IH control box.
Secure impact tips are critical for each instrument. Before each impact it is critical to confirm that the tip if firmly (finger tight) in the node (for the TBI) or firmly (finger tight) in the force sensor (for the IH). For the IH it is also critical to confirm that the force sensor is firmly (finger tight) fastened to the rack. Be sure to let the force sensor on the IH settle for at lease one minute after any intentional or unintentional contact with the force sensor or the tip.
See below for additional discussion on the the ball joints and forceps on the IH fixation plate.
What is included in the IH and TBI factory maintenance?
Factory maintenance includes inspection, cleaning, calibration and, as necessary, repair of all components. Hardware and firmware will be brought up to the latest version. For the IH, the force sensors are recalibrated by a third-party NIST certified laboratory, reinstalled on the instruments, and then retested by us. Maintenance overhauls are extensive and take time including shipping to and from the factory in the US. TBI maintenance requires about two weeks and, with the third-party sensor calibration, IH maintenance typically takes three weeks.
The overhaul maintenance includes evaluating every mechanical and electronic aspect of the the instrument. This includes tightening and replacing bushings if necessary, adjusting and lubricating the x, y, z mechanical adjustment screws. Updating firmware revisions as necessary. Replacing any electronic components or circuit boards that are not up to specifications. For the IH the force sensors go through NIST standardized re-certification. Force sensors that are unable to be recertified will recur an additional expense. Please contact us for a price quote for either TBI or IH maintenance and re-calibration.
How should the forceps be sterilized?
To sterilize forceps, rinse in hot water, dry, and place in hot bead sterilizer for 10 seconds or place in an iodine solution for 30 seconds. DO NOT AUTOCLAVE THE FORCEPS.
How should impactor tips be cleaned?
Impactor tips are made of 303 stainless steel and should be cleaned with alcohol between animals. To sterilize tips at end of surgery place in autoclave or hot bead sterilizer for a couple minutes. The hot bead sterilizer will do the same job as autoclave and take less time. If you are using a custom tip that is no 303 stainless email us and we will help you.
How should ball joints (arms on IH surgery fixation plate) be treated?
The ball joints in the arms on the IH fixation plate are quite precise allowing limitless precise positioning. Despite their appearance, they are also quite delicate and expensive to replace. If you have any questions please contact us and we will talk you through it, but here are a few points to remember:
Do not disassemble the ball joints
Do not assemble ball joints too tightly as it wears the threads.
Do not attempt to move the ball joints if the adjustment screw is tight.
Do not autoclave the ball joints.
Do loosen the screws on the ball joints slightly before moving the arms.
Because the animal never touches the ball joints, there is no need to sterilize them. Wipe the ball joints with soap and warm water as needed.
You can place a plastic bag over each arm during surgeries that can be discarded to keep the joints clean.
How do I align the position sensor/fix fix position plot issues for the IH Impactor?
The position sensor is at the top of the impact rack and must remain aligned throughout the impact stroke for the graph to be plotted correctly. The photograph below shows the proper starting point for the rack.
You should confirm that the sensor is correctly aligned before each impact. If the rack it too high or too low you can hold the impact tip and gently move the rack up or down until it is aligned as shown in the figure.
What stereotaxic frames can be used with the TBI-0310?
The TBI comes with everything except a user-supplied stereotaxic frame. If you do not have a frame, Precision Systems and Instrumentation, LLC, can provide information about ordering stereotaxic frames and other equipment that can be used with our TBI. PSI does not sell stereotaxic frames. If you already have a frame, please make sure the fame meets the following requirements: (1) It must be able to detach from its base and attach to a stand post; (2) It needs to be able to rotate in the horizontal plane by as much as 45°.
Once you have identified an appropriate stereotaxic frame, please send PSI the diameter of the post your frame fits on, and we will install that diameter post on the base plate.
What is the estimated delivery of the IH-0400 impactor?
Estimated delivery is 6-8 weeks from when the purchase order is received.
What is the estimated delivery of the TBI-0310 impactor?
Estimated delivery is 8-10 weeks from when the purchase order is received.
Does the IH-0400 software work with Windows /Mac/Linux?
The software is compatible with all versions of Microsoft Windows 10. The software is not compatible with MacOS, Linux, IOS, or Android.
1) If you receive an error message The operating system is not adequate for running the PSI software, open the download folder again. A second message, Would you like to try to load the program using the compatibility assistant? appears. Select yes and the software will load.
2) When installing PSI software using a Dell computer, right click the PSI IH Spinal Cord Impactor icon then select Troubleshoot Compatibility. Follow the instructions and installation is done.
What are the computer specifications to run the IH-0400 software?
Any Windows 10 PC is sufficient. The computer requires about 4M of memory and 2.5M of disc space. We provide a serial to USB adaptor for computers without a 9 pin serial connector. Our software is not compatible with the Mac or Linux.