MultiChannel Wireless2100-System User Manual
Wireless2100-System
Manual
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
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of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH.
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© 2014 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.
Printed: 24. 09. 2014
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustraße 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon +49-71 21-90 92 5 - 0
Fax +49-71 21-90 92 5 -11
info@multichannelsystems.com
www.multichannelsystems.com
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Products that are referred
to in this document may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders
and should be noted as such. The publisher and the author make no claim to these trademark.
TABLE OF CONTENT
ABOUT THIS MANUAL ........................................................................................................................... 4
WELCOME TO THE WIRELESS2100-SYSTEM ......................................................................................... 5
IMPORTANT SAFETY ADVICE ................................................................................................................ 6
OPERATOR'S OBLIGATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 7
GUARANTEE AND LIABILITY ......................................................................................................................... 7
SYSTEM COMPONENTS ......................................................................................................................... 8
WIRELESS2100 HEADSTAGES ..................................................................................................................... 8
Sampling Rate .................................................................................................................................. 9
Battery Options ................................................................................................................................ 9
Modules for additional Functions ................................................................................................... 10
WIRELESS2100 RECEIVER ......................................................................................................................... 11
WIRELESS2100 INTERFACE BOARD ............................................................................................................. 12
ACCESSORIES ......................................................................................................................................... 15
SYSTEM SETUP ..................................................................................................................................... 16
MC_RACK INSTALLATION ........................................................................................................................ 16
WIRELESS2100 HARDWARE SETUP ............................................................................................................ 17
MC_RACK SETUP .................................................................................................................................. 17
OPERATING MULTIPLE HEADSTAGES ............................................................................................................ 21
Sequential Recordings .................................................................................................................... 22
Parallel Recordings ......................................................................................................................... 22
FIRST FUNCTIONAL TESTS .......................................................................................................................... 23
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP ......................................................................................................................... 24
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................................................. 26
TECHNICAL SUPPORT ........................................................................................................................... 27
APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................................. 28
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................... 28
Pin Layout of the Interface Board ................................................................................................... 31
W2100 Interface Board: Digital IN / OUT Connector ....................................................................... 32
DATASHEETS .......................................................................................................................................... 33
CONTACT INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................... 34
About this Manual
This manual comprises all important information about the first installation of the hardware and software
and about the daily work with the instrument. It is assumed that you already have a basic understanding
of technical and software terms. No special skills are required to read this manual. If you are using the
device for the first time, please read the important safety advice before installing the hardware and
software, where you will find important information about the installation and first steps.
The printed manual and help are basically the same, so it is up to you which one you will use. The help
offers you the advantage of scrolling through the text in a non-linear fashion, picking up all information
you need, especially if you use the Index, and the Search function. If you are going to read larger text
passages, however, you may prefer the printed manual.
The device and the software are part of an ongoing developmental process. Please understand that the
provided documentation is not always up to date. The latest information can be found in the help. Check
also the MCS web site (www.multichannelsystems.com) for downloading up-to-date manuals and
help files.
Welcome to the Wireless2100-System
The Wireless2100 in vivo recording system is the all-in one solution for amplifying, recording, and
analyzing in vivo data from four, eight, sixteen or thirty-two channels. The system consists of small
sized headstages with integrated A/D converter, a receiver, and an interface board with connectors
for additional analog and digital data in and outputs. For data acquisition and analysis, the easy to
use software package MC_Rack is included.
Headstages are available with 4, 8, 16 or 32 channels. Each Wireless2100-System can operate with any
type of headstage. With its excellent signal-to-noise ratio, adjustable sampling rate and wide frequency
range, the W2100-Systems are a versatile solution for spikes, LFP, EEG, ECG, and ECoG. The headstage
records analog signals from the electrodes. The signals are amplified and digitized directly on the
headstage, and transmitted to the receiver via radio communication in the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
Digital data transmission guarantees a long effective range without loss in data quality. Additional in-
and outputs on the interface board allow the synchronization of the data with external devices, and the
simultaneous recording of additional analog data, for example from a microphone.
As advanced option, the Wireless2100 system allows the possibility to record from up to four
headstages with one receiver simultaneously (at a reduced sampling rate). You can connect two
receivers to one interface board, thereby building a system for up to eight headstages. It is possible to
position four receivers in one room, thereby having a four-fold system with a total of sixteen headstages,
from which you can record in parallel.
Furthermore, the modular design of the Wireless2100 headstages allows the customization with
additional functions based on customer requests. At the moment, only the basic recording option is
available. Optional modules for electrical and optical stimulation, as well as motion tracking are under
development.
Important Safety Advice
Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to install or to use the device and the
software. If you do not fulfil all requirements stated below, this may lead to malfunctions or
breakage of connected hardware, or even fatal injuries.
Warning: Obey always the rules of local regulations and laws. Only qualified personnel should
be allowed to perform laboratory work. Work according to good laboratory practice to obtain
best results and to minimize risks.
The product has been built to the state of the art and in accordance with recognized safety
engineering rules. The device may only
be used for its intended purpose;
be used when in a perfect condition.
Improper use could lead to serious, even fatal injuries to the user or third parties and damage
to the device itself or other material damage.
Warning: The device and the software are not intended for medical uses and must not
be used on humans.
Malfunctions which could impair safety should be rectified immediately.
High Voltage
Electrical cords must be properly laid and installed. The length and quality of the cords must be in
accordance with local provisions.
Only qualified technicians may work on the electrical system. It is essential that the accident prevention
regulations and those of the employers' liability associations are observed.
Each time before starting up, make sure that the mains supply agrees with the specifications of
the product.
Check the power cord for damage each time the site is changed. Damaged power cords should
be replaced immediately and may never be reused.
Check the leads for damage. Damaged leads should be replaced immediately and may never be
reused.
Do not try to insert anything sharp or metallic into the vents or the case.
Liquids may cause short circuits or other damage. Keep the device and the power cords always
dry. Do not handle it with wet hands.
Requirements for the installation
Make sure that the device is not exposed to direct sunlight. Do not place anything on top of
the device, and do not place it on top of another heat producing device. Never cover the vents,
not even partially, so that the air can circulate freely. Otherwise, the device may overheat.
Operator's Obligations
The operator is obliged to allow only persons to work on the device, who
are familiar with the safety at work and accident prevention regulations and have been instructed
how to use the device;
are professionally qualified or have specialist knowledge and training and have received instruction
in the use of the device;
have read and understood the chapter on safety and the warning instructions in this manual and
confirmed this with their signature.
It must be monitored at regular intervals that the operating personnel are working safely.
Personnel still undergoing training may only work on the device under the supervision of an experienced
person.
Guarantee and Liability
The General conditions of sale and delivery of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH always apply.
The operator will receive these no later than on conclusion of the contract.
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of any and all tests and data
generated by the use of the device or the software. It is up to the user to use good laboratory practice to
establish the validity of his findings.
Guarantee and liability claims in the event of injury or material damage are excluded when they are the
result of one of the following.
Improper use of the device.
Improper installation, commissioning, operation or maintenance of the device.
Operating the device when the safety and protective devices are defective and/or inoperable.
Non-observance of the instructions in the manual with regard to transport, storage, installation,
commissioning, operation or maintenance of the device.
Unauthorized structural alterations to the device.
Unauthorized modifications to the system settings.
Inadequate monitoring of device components subject to wear.
Improperly executed and unauthorized repairs.
Unauthorized opening of the device or its components.
Catastrophic events due to the effect of foreign bodies or acts of God.
System Components
The Wireless 2100-System consists of three main components: the headstage with battery, the receiver,
and the interface board, which is connected to the computer. Accessories are the signal generator, the
remote control to reactivate the headstage, and the USB-charger for the battery. The components are
presented in detail below.
Wireless2100 Headstages
The headstage is the first of the three elements of the Wireless2100-System. The headstages are small
and lightweight to allow recordings in freely moving animals. Headstages are available with 4, 8, 16 or 32
channels. Each Wireless2100 receiver and interface board is able to operate with any type of headstage.
Headstages are equipped with Omnetics or single row connectors. Please see table below for an overview
of available headstage types/connectors. For other connector types, adaptors are available on request.
Please contact the MCS support team for detailed information.
Please see the table for the dimensions and weights of the headstages. The specifications apply to
headstages without additional functions.
Dimensions /
Weight
W in mm D in
mm
H in
mm
Weight in g
W2100-HS4
13 (+ antenna) 13 5 2.5 (+ battery)
W2100-HS8
15.5 (+ antenna) 15.5 5 2.8 with single row
connector (+ battery),
3.1 with Omnetics
connector (+ battery)
W2100-HS16
15.5 (+ antenna) 15.5 5 2.9 (+ battery)
W2100-HS32
15.5 (+ antenna) 15.5 6.7 3.7 (+ battery)
Each headstage has a battery connector and two LEDs, blue and red. The headstages are coated with
transparent blue material as protection against water and dirt. The standard gain of the headstages
is 100, and the frequency range is 1 Hz to 5 kHz. A lower cut off frequency of 0.1 Hz is available on
request.
Sampling Rate
The Wireless2100-System can sample the maximum of 32 channels with 10 kHz per channel. Depending
on the number of selected channels, the sampling rate can be increased even more. If multiple headstages
are operated simultaneously with a single receiver, the sampling rate is limited to 2 kHz per channel. For
details please see chapter "Technical Specifications" in the Appendix.
Summary of Sampling Rates per Channel for the four Headstage Types:
W2100-HS4:
25 kHz per channel simultaneously on all 4 channels, also 40 kHz when using
2 channels.
W2100-HS8: 25 kHz per channel simultaneously on all 8 channels, 40 kHz when using
4 or 2 channels.
W2100-HS16: 25 kHz per channel simultaneously on all 16 channels, also 25 kHz when using
8 channels and 40 kHz when using 4 or 2 channels.
W2100-HS32: 10 kHz per channel simultaneously on all 32 channels, 25 kHz when using
16 or 8 channels, 40 kHz when using 4 or 2 channels.
Battery Options
Batteries of the Wireless2100 are always external, not built in the headstage. Standard batteries are
available with different capacities, 30, 100, 200 and 300 mAh. Custom batteries are available on request.
They can either be connected directly on the headstage with a double plug or with a cable connection,
for example, with a backpack on the back of the animal. Backpacks for rat and mice are available as
accessories. Please see the images below.
The standard battery (100 mAh) of a headstage permits continuous recording of all channels for more
than 2 hours. Empty batteries can be replaced without removing the headstage, and recharged while
the experiment can be continued with a second battery.
Modules for additional Functions
W2100 headstages have a modular design. Layers with additional functions are only added on request,
to avoid unnecessary weight and cost.
At the moment, only the basic recording option is available. Optional modules for electrical and optical
stimulation, as well as motion tracking are under development. It will be possible to customize
a headstage when it is ordered, and add additional layers with additional functions. A modification
of already existing headstages is not possible.
Wireless2100 Receiver
The receiver is the second element of the Wireless2100-System.
One receiver of the Wireless2100-System can receive the digitized signals sent from up to four
headstages. Four antennas are used for data transmission, one antenna submits control signals to and
from the headstage. The position of the antennas can have an influence on the transmission efficiency.
With a clear line of sight between sender and receiver, an effective transmission range of 5 m is
guaranteed under normal circumstances. Under good conditions, the actual range can be much further.
The receiver does not need an own power supply. The device is connected to the interface board via
eSATAp cable for data transfer and power supply.
Wireless2100 Interface Board
The interface board is the third element of the Wireless2100-System. It provides connectors for
additional analog input channels and digital trigger in- and outputs.
The interface board is connected to the receiver with an eSATAp cable. The connection to the data
acquisition computer is realized via USB 2.0 high speed cable. The interface board has an own power
supply.
Front Panel of the MCS Interface Board
Two Status LEDs
The status LEDs indicate the link status of receiver 1 and / or receiver 2. They light up when one or both
receivers are connected to the interface board via eSATAp cable.
Auxiliary Channels
Two reserve auxiliary channels are available for future use. They have no function at the moment.
Digital IN / OUT
A Digital IN / OUT for 16 digital in- and output bits is available (68-pin MCS standard connector) on the
rear panel of the interface board. On the front panel four digital IN and four digital OUT connectors bits
are also accessible via Lemo connector, DIG IN bit 0 to bit 3 and DIG OUT bit 0 to bit 3. If access to more
bits of the DIG IN / OUT channel is required, it is necessary to connect a Di/o board with a 68-pin standard
cable. This Di/o board is available as optional accessory.
Power LED
The power LED near to the MCS logo on the front panel of the interface board should light up when
the Wireless2100-System is "ON", and the device is connected to the power line. If not, please check
the power source and cabling.
Rear Panel of the MCS Interface Board
Toggle Switch On / Off
Toggle switch for turning the device on and off. The Wireless2100-System is switched to status "ON"
when the toggle switch is switched to the left. The device is switched "OFF" when the toggle switch is
switched to the right. If the Wireless2100-System is "ON", and the device is connected to the power line,
the power LED on the front panel of the interface board should light up. If not, please check the power
source and cabling.
Power IN
Connect the power supply unit here. This power supply powers both, the headstage and the interface
board of the Wireless2100-System. The device needs 12 V and 2.5 A / 30 W.
Ground
If an additional ground connection is needed, you can connect this plug with an external ground using
a standard 4 mm jack.
Digital IN / OUT
A Digital IN / OUT for 16 digital in- and output bits is available (68-pin MCS standard connector). Please
read chapter "Pin Layout" (Digital IN / OUT Connector) in the Appendix for more information about the
pin layout of the connector. The Digital IN / OUT connection accepts or generates standard TTL signals.
TTL stands for Transistor-Transistor Logic. A TTL pulse is defined as a digital signal for communication
between two devices. A voltage between 0 V and 0.8 V is considered as a logical state of 0 (LOW),
and a voltage between 2 V and 5 V means 1 (HIGH).
The Digital OUT allows generating a digital signal with up to 16 bits and read it out, for example, by
using a Digital IN / OUT extension Di/o from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. You can utilize this
digital signal to control and synchronize other devices with the Wireless2100-System. Bit 0 to 3 of the
Digital OUT are separated and available as Lemo connector DIG OUT 0 to 3 on the front panel of the
interface board. So if you need only one, two, three or four bits of the digital signal, you don’t need the
additional Di/o.
The Digital IN can be used to record additional information from external devices as a 16 bit encoded
number. The Digital IN is most often used to trigger recordings with a TTL signal. The 16 bit digital input
channels is a stream of 16 bit values. The state of each bit (0 to 15) can be controlled separately. Standard
TTL signals are accepted as input signals on the digital inputs. Unused input bits, which have an undefined
state, should be masked in the "Trigger Detector" of MC_Rack.
Warning: A voltage that is higher than +5 Volts or lower than 0 Volts, that is, a negative voltage, applied
to the digital input would destroy the electronics. Make sure that you apply only TTL pulses (0 to 5 V) to
the digital inputs.
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