EP21 Current Amplifier

Operator’s Manual
Version 1.01
 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
EP21 CURRENT AMPLIFIER

(ACCESSORY FOR TSS20 OVODYNE ELECTROPORATOR)

IMPORTANT: Please read this manual carefully before operating the EP21

ABBOTSBURY ENGINEERING LTD

Unit 11 Stephenson Road
St Ives, Cambs, PE27 3WJ. England.
Tel: +44 (0)1480 468810
E-Mail:​[email protected]
VISIT OUR WEB SITE www.intracel.co.uk

Version 1.01

1
 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
EP21 CURRENT AMPLIFIER

This manual should be read in conjunction with the TSS20 operating instructions

​SAFETY WARNING

● The EP21 Current Amplifier is designed for use in conjunction with the Intracel TSS20 Ovodyne
Electroporator. The input ​must not​ be connected to any other device.

● The EP21 is capable of delivering voltages up to 100v at current levels of up to 1000mA. This can
produce a violent electric shock and could damage or destroy some biological preparations. Care
must be taken when handling equipment connected to the EP21 output.

● Always switch off the EP21​ ​before leaving it unattended.

● DO NOT HANDLE BARE ELECTRODES OR UNINSULATED CONNECTORS ATTACHED TO THE

EP21 WHILST IT IS SWITCHED ON.

● The EP21​ ​is intended for research purposes only. It is not intended for clinical use and its output
should not be connected to humans.

INTRODUCTION

The EP21 Current Amplifier has been designed as an accessory for the Intracel TSS20 Ovodyne Electroporator.
It must not be used with any other source of input.

Although the TSS20 Ovodyne functions very adequately as a stand-alone ​in ovo​ electroporator, particularly for
much work involving chick embryo gene transfer, some protocols require voltages, buffer conductivity or
electrode configuration which result in a higher current requirement than can be delivered by the TSS20 on its
own.

The EP21 extends the range of possible applications for the TSS20 Ovodyne.

2
EP21 shown connected to TSS20 Ovodyne

DESCRIPTION

Depending on the voltage setting the TSS20 Ovodyne on its own has a peak current output of 100mA, reducing
to about 2mA as the voltage limit of 100v is approached. The EP21 Current Amplifier increases the current
capability to 1000mA over the voltage range 20-100v allowing the electroporator to be used for a far wider range
of work.

The EP21 Current Amplifier within certain limits will mimic the square wave output set on the TSS20. Its output is
powered via a capacitor charged from the TSS20, thereby imposing a safety limitation on the duration of the
output when a current at the higher end of its range is being drawn.

The capacitor which takes approximately 2 seconds to charge fully, can power a delivery of up to 100 volts at
1000mA for 75ms maximum from one charge.

Although not designed nor intended for use in continuous mode it would be capable of delivering approximately
250mA continuously.

UNPACKING THE EP21 CURRENT AMPLIFIER

The EP21 is supplied packed into a foam insert within a cardboard box.

Contained in the box are:

● 1 Current Amplifier
● 1 Mains lead
● 1 Black 4mm shrouded male connector
● 1 Red 4mm shrouded male connector
● 1 Instruction manual (this document)
● 1 pk/2 lamp fast blow type F fuse

In the unlikely event of any deficiencies please immediately notify your supplier through whom the equipment was
obtained.

Should any damage have occurred in transit you should immediately contact the carrier and your supplier with
details.

Check that the power supply details shown on the back of the instrument correspond to your local
electricity supply.

3
OPERATION

Avoid running the EP21 into a short circuit. This may blow the output
(1A type F) fuse. The amplifier is designed to be run into loads of 50
ohms or above.

Whilst the circuit will be tolerant to short slight current overload you
should always ensure that the numerical value in ohms of the electrode
circuit is greater than the electroporation voltage.

1. The EP21 has the same footprint size as the TSS20 and should be located beneath the TSS20.

2. Connect the 3-pin DIN / 4mm banana plug cable from the EP21 to the TSS20 Ovodyne (red to
red, black to black). front panel

3. Check that your mains voltage supply matches that shown on the back of the TSS20 and EP21

4. Connect the mains supply and switch on both units

5. Set your parameters on the TSS20 taking account of the recommended usage values shown in
table 1 below

6. Connect your electroporation electrodes to the EP21 output (red and black sockets) using 4mm
connectors (shrouded connectors are recommended).

7. Adjust your electrodes as necessary around the electroporation target

8. Start the TSS20 in the normal manner

Table 1

Recommended TSS20 setting values when using the EP21 Current Amplifier.

Voltage 20 - 100v
No. of pulses 1 - 10
Pulse width 10 - 100ms
Space 50 - 2500ms

Note:

Long duration pulses at the upper end of the voltage range or into low resistance
(e.g. 50 - 100 ohms) may result in pulse degradation if the capacitor is not give
sufficient time to re-charge.

● Do not use the resistance measurement facility on the TSS20 when using the EP21 Current Amplifier.
Any resistance value shown will be meaningless.

● Do not use the ‘Boost’ facility on the TSS20, when using the EP21 Current Amplifier.

● Do not run the EP21 with an input of less than 15 volts.

4
SPECIFICATION

EP21 Current Amplifier:

Input: 15 - 100v @ 2mA (from TSS20 Ovodyne)

Peak Output: 15 - 100v @ 1000mA max.

Output Fuse: 1 amp fast blow, type F.

Isolation: Output stage is floating and isolated to >3kV from mains and control
circuit

Power Requirements: 230v 50/60Hz

115v 50/60Hz

Weight: 2.35kg

Dimensions: 55 x 235 x 225mm (H x W x D)

Please note: Abbotsbury Engineering reserve the right to change the specifications without notice.

MAINTENANCE

No user serviceable parts are contained within the ​EP21 Current Amplifier​ and no routine maintenance is
required.

​SAFETY WARNING
At no time should the cover of the EP21 be removed other than by a suitably qualified technician. Before
removing the cover disconnect from the mains power supply.

Should the POWER switch fail to illuminate on switching on, check that the mains plug is properly located in
the socket at the rear of the instrument. The EP21 is protected from power surges by a 250mA quick blow
fuse (500mA for 115v. versions) contained in a sliding compartment immediately below the main input socket.
The compartment also contains a spare fuse. ​CAUTION: REPLACE A BLOWN FUSE ONLY WITH ONE
OF THE SAME TYPE AND RATING.

Should the EP21 fail to function despite its mains switch being illuminated and correct input from the TSS20
check the output fuse in the screw receptacle at the rear. This is ​1 amp fast blow fuse F.

ONLY USE THE CORRECT VALUE FUSE.

The cover on the EP21 must not be removed by any person who is not a suitably qualified technician. You must
unplug the EP21 from the mains supply before opening the cover.

In the unlikely event that service is required please pack the EP21 carefully, preferably in its original packing, and
return it freight/insurance pre-paid to Abbotsbury Engineering Ltd.

WARRANTY

12 months (excluding fuses). No charge is made by Abbotsbury for parts and labour required to rectify faults
during the warranty period arising from defective materials or workmanship. The cost of returning the EP21 to the
user (freight and insurance) will also be borne by Abbotsbury. The warranty does not cover faults resulting from
misuse of the equipment.

5
The EP21 is CE marked in compliance with the European Low Voltage
and EMC Directives

ABBOTSBURY ENGINEERING LTD

Unit 11 Stephenson Road
St Ives, Cambs, PE27 3WJ. England.
Tel: +44 (0)1480 468810
E-Mail:​[email protected]
VISIT OUR WEB SITE ​www.intracel.co.uk