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ZIF-Clip® Headstage Holders

The ZIF-Clip headstage holders securely hold your analog or digital ZIF-Clip headstages during electrode insertion and can be used with most micromanipulators. The headstage holders, including the stabilizing rod, are approximately 4.5" in length. The stabilizing rod is 3" in length and has a 3/32" diameter. An aluminum lock pin ensures the ZIF-Clip does not open during insertion.

Each holder is designed for use with the corresponding ZIF-Clip or Digital ZIF-Clip headstage.

Part Numbers:

Z-ROD32 - 16 or 32-channel analog ZIF-Clip headstage holder (for ZC32)

Z-ROD64 - 64-channel analog ZIF-Clip headstage holder (for ZC64 and ZD64)

Z-ROD96 - 96-channel analog ZIF-Clip headstage holder (for ZC96 and ZD96)

Z-ROD128 - 128-channel analog ZIF-Clip headstage holder (for ZC128)

ZCD-ROD32 - 32-channel digital ZIF-Clip headstage holder (for ZCD32 and ZD32)

ZCD-ROD64 - 64-channel digital ZIF-Clip headstage holder (for ZCD64)

ZCD-ROD96 - 96-channel digital ZIF-Clip headstage holder (for ZCD96)

Using the Holder with ZIF-Clip Headstages

Each holder is sized to fit a particular headstage and with the exception of the ZCD-ROD32 (see below), they all can be fitted to the headstage in the same way.

First, connect the probe or adapter to your ZIF-Clip headstage before putting the headstage in the holder (the square guide provided to ensure the probe or adapter is connected with the correct polarity is hidden from view when the headstage is in the holder). See ZIF-Clip Headstage Adapters for more information.

Next, gently slide the ZIF-Clip headstage onto the holder until it is completely secure as shown in the images below.

Finally, secure the lock pin to the headstage holder.

Gently slide the headstage onto the holder (with probe or adapter already connected).
Position the headstage holder between the cables of the ZIF-Clip headstage. The headstage should be completely secured in the holder.
To remove, grip the top and bottom of the headstage and gently slide the holder away.
The U-shaped lock pin secures the connection and prevents the ZIF-Clip from opening and releasing the probe.

Using the ZCD-ROD32

The ZCD-ROD32 has a unique design that requires a different insertion procedure.

To use the headstage holder:

  1. Set the ZCD32 headstage inside the base (or U) of the holder and slide it forward until it is stopped by the interior flange (Image 1-4).

  2. After the clip is in place, insert the probe (Image 5-6) and then slide the provided lock pin over the ZCD32 (Image 7-9).

The lock pin prevents the clip from opening and releasing the probe, and also from sliding backward during insertion.

The lock pin has small ridges that should be aligned with the grooves on the face of the clip. If you have trouble connecting the lock pin, make sure that the clip has been pushed in completely and that the ridges and grooves are properly aligned (Image 7).

Holder Dimensions

Z-ROD Dimensions (for analog and digital headstages)

Form Factor 16/32-channel
ZC16 / ZC32
64-channel
ZC64 / ZD64
96-channel
ZC96 / ZD96
128-channel
ZC128
Height 4.10 mm
(9.62 mm with lock pin)
Inner Width 9 mm 14 mm 17.50 mm 24 mm
Outer Width 13 mm
(16 mm with lock pin)
18 mm 21.50 mm 28 mm
Holder Length 25 mm 28 mm 28 mm 28 mm
Rod Length 76.2 mm
Rod Diameter 2.29 mm

ZCD-ROD Dimensions (for digital headstages)

Form Factor 32-channel
ZCD32 / ZD32
64-channel
ZCD64
96-channel
ZCD96
Height 5.5 mm
(11.50 mm with lock pin)
4.10 mm
(15.30 mm with lock pin)
4.10 mm
Inner Width 11.10 mm 14.39 mm 17.50 mm
Outer Width 18.50 mm
(18.50 mm with lock pin)
17.79 mm
(21.5 mm with lock pin)
21.50 mm
Holder Length 31.50 mm 25.36 mm 25.36 mm
Rod Length 76.2 mm
Rod Diameter 2.29 mm