This month I'm pleased to share new target images that will be in the next release of the MPM Pathfinder software, and a more detailed how-to for mounting Neuropixels 1.0 probes in our probe holder.

As always, please contact me if you have questions or would like an interactive, online demo of Pathfinder software integration with Neuropixels Trajectory Explorer.

- Ed Friedrich

The upcoming Pathfinder MPM Software V2.8.5 release for the Multi-Probe Micromanipulator (MPM) System includes two new target images (calibration blocks) for system setup.

The new mouse target image, Adult Mouse 4.1, has a more realistic separation of 4.1mm between Bregma and Lambda, for initial setup closer to actual experiments. Touching Bregma and Lambda in the physical experiment records the actual separation for the subject. When using Pathfinder with the Neuropixels Trajectory Explorer, the Allen CCF atlas is scaled based on this separation.

The Adult Rat target image addresses growing interest in using the MPM System for larger subjects.

Due to manufacturing variations in Neuropixels 1.0 probes, users often need shims between the probe circuit board and the MPM-ProbeMount-1As probe holder to achieve proper alignment with the MPM Arm.

We've recently updated our tutorial article, Using Probe Mount 1AS and Alignment Fixture with Neuropixels 1.0 Probes, with a more detailed explanation of this process in step 8. We've included photos, written descriptions, and links to sources for Kapton tape and shim stock.

If you're an MPM Multi-Probe Manipulator user, please register for a user portal account. It's the best way to make sure you get user tips, product alerts, answers to commonly asked questions, access to a full library of how-to videos, and more.

If you've recently changed labs, please drop us an email and we'll update your portal information.