CSB CryoEM Facility TF20 Operating Instructions SEC
05/02/16
The microscope is controlled by a computer seating underneath the desk. It is critical that no foreign objects
are inserted in this computer (software and especially thumb drives or any external drive) as they could
contain viruses/malware that would put the computer and microscope at risk.
A user account will be created for you when you have completed training and proven that you can safely
operate the microscope. Data can ONLY be retrieved the next day as it is copied nightly to the support
computer that is behind the curtain. This computer is supported by the CSB and external drives can be
installed on it to save data. Each micrograph is ~65MB in size, thus, data retrieval and removal of it is
important to keep data collection uninterrupted. Each month (or as needed) the Lab Manager will send a
reminder for people to remove their data. Both the support computer and the microscope computer have
limited storage space and they are not for longterm data storage.
Two pieces of software control the microscope and digital camera, the Tecnai User Interface which connect
the user with the microscope, and Gatan Digital Micrograph (DM). Each day a cryo cycle (or bake out cycle) is
run at the end of the day and the camera must be retracted.
Before leaving the room
: Close the Column Valves and put the screen down. This ensures that
contamination and irradiation to the samples are kept at a minimum and also protects the microscope.
The Lab Manager is available to assist with data collection when needed and is always available for
troubleshooting. Any problems or concerns must be notified immediately, this ensures that repairs happen in
a timely manner and keeps downtime to a minimum.
F20 Protocol for inserting RT holder and Gatan 626 cryo holder
I.
Start Up
II.
Sample loading (at RT)
III.
Alignments
IV.
Sample loading (cryo)
V.
End of Session
