About VC3
The VC3-8xG Series from ALA includes 8 channel valve controlled gravity perfusion systems that fulfill the basic require ments of the student lab but can also be optimized to fit the most demanding applications of patch clamp recording and/or imaging. All VC3-8xG Series systems provide electronic control of solution exchange which improves reproducibility over manual methods. These systems are designed to minimize electronic noise so sensitive electrophysiological recordings are not disturbed. Key features of the VC3-8xG Series include:
• Choice of low-maintenance pinch valves or fast-response solenoid valves
• Customizable reservoir sizes and materials
• DAQ control via analog or TTL input
• Valve control through DAQ, Valve Commander software, or controller
• Spill sensor with automatic shutoff to protect microscope optics
• Valve open and close timestamps via analog or digital output
Details
Each VC3-8xG Series system includes the following:
- Magnetic stand with poles
- Valve manifold with solenoid or pinch valves
- Reservoir bracket with 60mL syringe reservoirs
- VC3 electronic valve controller with a USB cable and Valve Commander software
- DB9-CABLE controller to valve manifold cable
- Manual 3-way stop cock luer valves, manual pinch flow valves, spill sensor, tubing
- MMF-8 MiniManifold TM 8 channel perfusion outlet manifold
Each VC3-8xG Series system features a choice of valves:
- Pinch valves : The 3-way normally open and normally closed pinch valves require minimal maintenance in long-term perfusion experiments and have response times of 15-20 ms.
- Solenoid valves : The 2-way normally closed solenoid valves are optimized for high-speed solution exchange. These valves feature a biologically inert internally wettable surface and have response times of 1-2 ms.
Additional options include:
- 5mL or 10mL syringe reservoirs
- BOB-8 for TTL trigger inputs or outputs
- MLF-8 MilliManifold TM 8 channel perfusion outlet manifold

Technical Data
Valve Controller:
- Dimensions/Weight: 8″/20.32cm x 6″/15.24cm x 2.5″/6.35cm / 1.5lbs/0.68kg
- Power: 15VDC/3.15A
- Computer Control Input: Analog input 0.5V/valve[ TTL high 1 bit/valve; USB 2.0
- Computer Output Monitoring: Analog output 0.5V/valve; Sync TTL high; TTL high 1 bit/valve
- Manual Control: Membrane switch 1/valve; mom on/off or toggle on/off
Valve Manifolds:
- Pinch Valves: 4 x 12VDC/0.25A ea.- Sirai 3 way Pinch Valve
- Pinch Valve Opening Speed: 15 to 20 ms
- Pinch Valve ID Tubing: 0.040″/1mm
- Solenoid Valves: 12VDC/0.25A ea.- Lee OEM Inert Solenoid Valve
- Solenoid Valve Opening Speed: 1-2 ms
- Reservoirs: 60mL luer lock syringes
Gravity flow rate specifications assuming 60mL reservoirs are full without the manual pinch flow valve attached:
Height (cm)
|
with MLF (mL/min)
|
with MMF (mLmin)
|
90
|
11
|
37
|
80
|
10
|
31
|
70
|
9
|
29
|
60
|
8
|
25
|
50
|
7
|
22
|