FAQs

Technical

Are there differences between LPAs (v1.11) described in the literature/GitHub repo and those assembled by Flash Genetics?

Yes, there are a few minor differences.

  • The chassis is printed in PETG rather than ABS. PETG is a relatively new 3D printing material with similar properties to ABS, but is less hazardous, easier to print, and produces higher-quality parts.

  • While the chassis' overall dimensions are the same, we reduced the height of the LED spacer and increased the height of the plate adapter. This produces higher-quality prints and makes LEDs easier to install and remove.

  • Our default LPA mounting plates (bottom chassis layer) do not contain a hole pattern for mounting with screws. Our default mounting plates are compatible with stationary culture or shaking culture on adhesive mats (e.g. INFORS Sticky Stuff). See below for more info.

  • Due to disrupted supply chains, some circuit board components were replaced with an equivalent or superior alternative.

How does adhesive mounting work?

Shaking platform screw-hole patterns differ by manufacturer and are difficult for us to anticipate. However, our default mounting plate is compatible with shaking platform adhesive matting (e.g. INFORS Sticky Stuff). In our testing, LPAs adhere extremely well to this type of adhesive matting and makes mounting faster and easier. Alternatively, a custom mounting plate can be ordered separately for an additional cost.

What light sensors and organisms is the LPA compatible with?

The LPA was designed for light sensor and organism flexibility first and foremost. Standard 5 mm LEDs are hot-swappable and the chassis is built around a 24-well culture plate with optically isolated wells. LPA light-sensor compatibility has been demonstrated with phytochromes, cyanobacteriochromes, bacteriophytochromes, cryptochromes, and photoreceptors of the cyanobacterial circadian rhythm. LPA organism compatibility has been demonstrated with bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells.

What is and is not included with an LPA assembly order?

Included:

  • Chassis and chassis hardware

  • Circuit board

  • Firmware programming

  • SD card

  • 5 V switching power supply

  • Device assembly

  • Shipping (US only)

Not included:

  • LEDs (procurement and installation offered)

  • Culture plate (ArcticWhite/AWLS-303008)

  • Adhesive foil

  • Adhesive matting

Do you offer custom/modified LPA parts?

We offer custom mounting plates for screw-hole LPA mounting. Please inquire about other customization.

Company

What is Flash Genetics?

Flash Genetics is an LLC located in Westminster, Colorado USA whose mission is to provide the scientific community with high-quality optogenetics hardware at a reasonable cost.

Where are Flash Genetics' LPAs assembled?

Our LPAs are assembled by (PhD) hand in Westminster, Colorado USA.

If LPAs are open-source, why are you selling them?

Many labs/companies do not want to invest in the infrastructure (3D printer, electronics equipment) or the time/labor/experience needed to produce LPAs.

Why is there only a limited stock of LPAs available on the website?

Flash Genetics LLC is a small business experimenting with a pilot batch of LPAs before increasing our scale.

Does Flash Genetics offer technical support?

Due to our limited size, we only provide LPA assembly service and do not offer technical support. However, there is a wealth of open-source documentation on LPA specifications, assembly, .lpf programming, and use. There is also a GitHub repo where issues can be posted.

Why is your warranty 90 days?

In our experience, LPAs are extremely robust and last for years under heavy use without the need for maintenance (aside from LED calibration). That being said, LPAs are prototype research instruments- they need to be handled with care and are likely to be put under novel or challenging conditions inherent in research. We feel that 90 days is enough time for users to assess the instrument’s quality, reproducibility, and appropriateness for their applications.

What is your Return Policy?

Our Return Policy can be found here.

What are your Terms of Use?

Our Terms of Use can be found here.