AxoClamp 900A problems

After using the new amplifier in several experiments, I decided not to use AxoClamp 900A any more. The reasons are as follows:

1) I could never get used to control the amplifier with mouse and keyboard. Especially when I needed to push and buzz at the same time. I often "clear" the electrode by giving a long buzz, but this cannot be done quickly in the new amplifier.

2) The bath-ground of AxoClamp 900A and that of AxoClamp 2B don't like each other, when they share the same bath ground. When 900A ground was used, then 2B shows 60Hz hum, and vice versa. This is a critical problem. I contacted the customer service and this is what they said:

I am not sure I can give you a solution to this. But perhaps it is how the two instruments are plugged into the wall socket. Try keeping a single headstage grounded, but vary the way the instruments are plugged into their power sockets on the wall or power strip.

Who could provide two different AC sources for a rig? I cannot believe they did not even consider for those who use two amplifies at the same time for one dish.

3) The software (or my PC) has some problem. Something in the USB system in my PC reset periodically. When it happens, the Ch1 tab comes to the top even when I am working with Ch2 tab. I often buzzed Ch1 electrode by accident when trying to buzz Ch2. Those tabs are small and I have to really gaze at the monitor to check which one is in front.

Well, it should work fine if you use it alone by itself and know what cell you are poking. Good enough for doing e-phys while imaging. I installed my old 2B amplifier back to my rig.