Custom parts
See the section on custom parts for details and links to companies that can make custom parts.
Where provided, companies and links to websites indicate sources that we have used before. They do not neccessarily represent the best sources, especially outside the U.S.
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Electrode interface board (EIB) (Neuralynx, or custom PCB)
Headpost (https://github.com/open-ephys/headposts_etc)
Shielding / Enclosure
see section on shielding for details
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32x Gold pins (Neuralynx)
Connectors
2x Amplifier connectors (Omnetics or Molex) or any other custom connector, depending on the choice of EIB
Polyimide tubing
We usually buy from Smallparts. Smallparts, now part of amazon, discontinued the 37/38ga sizes that we use for the shuttle tubes.
We recently bought some from http://www.rivertechmed.com, at somewhat higher prices.
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Additional polyimide tubing for holding drive bottom assembly
(for example 22 and 21ga)
or stainless steel cannula depending on drive bottom layout
(for example 22 and 21ga)
or stainless steel cannula depending on drive bottom layout
Optical fibers
Optical fiber, 125, 200 or 300μ core diameter (Thorlabs)
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Electrodes
Follow existing protocols for tetrode or stereotrode fabrication
(Nguyen et al. 2009)
Glue
Cyanoacrylate super glue (medium viscosity)
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Conductive epoxy for connecting ground wire to drive cone (for example from MG Chemicals @Amazon)
Tools
Ceramic tipped forceps (Dumont A275B, FST)
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Alligator clip stand for holding drive during assembly
Custom screwdriver for M0.6 drive screws (see here for building instructions)
Razorblades
Fine sandpaper (~400 grit)
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Tapping tool made from drive screw soldered to a metal cannula to act as handle (See build protocol for details).
Keyless chuck (MCM Part #: 22-16500, Dremel Part #: 4486) to drill out holes of drive bodies (This part fits on a dremel rotary tool, and holds even the finest drill bits).
For holding the drive during electroplating&implantation: Implant holder