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 the Device Manager, keeping all other settings at their defaults.
If the Device Manager has identified more than one COM port on your PC, we recommend you try each to determine which is connected to the IH Impactor.
In the case where no serial ports were identified, you may need to install or re-install USB drivers for your serial device.
If you have further questions, please email us at tech@presysin.com
What are your Warranty and Return Policies?
You can find them listed here: Warranty and Return Policies
What maintenance is required, and how often should it be performed?
We recommend annual factory maintenance and re-calibration 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 important 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). It is essential to confirm that the IH’s 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. Any hardware and firmware will also be updated 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 U.S. 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 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 unit, 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 the 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?
Our impactor tips are made from 303 stainless steel, and should be cleaned with alcohol between animals. To sterilize tips at the 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 not 303 stainless steel, email us and we will do our best to help.
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.
assemble ball joints too tightly, as it wears the threads.
attempt to move the ball joints if the adjustment screw is tight.
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 to keep the joints clean, and then discard it.
How do I align the position sensor/fix position plot issues for the IH Impactor?
The position sensor sits at the top of the impact rack and must stay aligned throughout the impact stroke to plot the graph correctly. The photograph below shows the proper starting point for the rack.
It’s important to confirm that the sensor is correctly aligned before each impact. If the rack is too high or too low, you can hold the impact tip and gently move the rack up or down until it aligns as shown in the figure.
What stereotaxic frames can you use 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 on how to order stereotaxic frames and other equipment for use with our TBI.
PSI does not sell stereotaxic frames.
If you already have a frame, please make sure the frame 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-0415/417 impactor?
The estimated delivery time is 3-5 weeks from when we receive the purchase order.
What is the estimated delivery of the TBI-0310 impactor?
The estimated delivery time is 8-10 weeks from when we receive the purchase order.
Does the IH-0400/415/417 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 complete the installation.
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.