Multichannel Systems ME64-128-256 User Manual

USB-ME-System Manual

USB-ME64-System
USB-ME128-System
USB-ME256-System

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted without the express written
permission of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher
and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting
from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and
source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher and the author be liable
for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused
directly or indirectly by this document.

© 2012 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.

Printed: 12. 12. 2013

Multi Channel Systems

MCS GmbH

Aspenhaustraße 21

72770 Reutlingen

Germany

Fon [phone] - 0

Fax [phone]

[e-mail]

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 Contents

1 Important Safety Advice 1

1.1 Important Safety Advice 1

1.2 Guarantee and Liability 2

1.3 Operator's Obligations 2

2 Introduction 3

2.1 About this Manual 3

2.2 Welcome to the USB-ME-System 4

3 Software Installation 5

3.1.1 System requirements 5

3.1.2 Recommended BIOS settings 5

3.1.3 First Use of MC_Rack 6

4 Connecting the USB-ME-System 7

5 USB-ME-Systems 9

5.1 Setting Up and Connecting the USB-ME64-System 9

5.1.1 Front Panel 9

5.1.2 Power LED 9

5.1.3 Analog Input A 9

5.1.4 Digital Trigger Input 9

5.1.5 Rear Panel 10

5.1.6 Digital In / Out 10

5.1.7 Digital Output D0 10

5.1.8 Synchronization Out- and Input 10

5.1.9 Audio Output 11

5.1.10 Analog Input 1 to 4 11

5.1.11 USB 11

5.1.12 Power Input 11

5.1.13 Ground 11

5.1.14 External Power Supply 11

5.2 Setting Up and Connecting the USB-ME128-System 12

5.2.1 Front Panel 12

5.2.2 Power LED 12

5.2.3 Analog Inputs A and B 12

5.2.4 Digital Trigger Inputs 12

5.2.5 Rear Panel 13

5.2.6 Digital In / Out 13

5.2.7 Digital Output D0 13

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USB-ME-System Manual

5.2.8

Synchronization Out- and Input 13

5.2.9 Audio Output 14

5.2.10 Analog Input 1 to 4 14

5.2.11 USB 14

5.2.12 Power Input 14

5.2.13 Ground 14

5.2.14 External Power Supply 14

5.3 Setting Up and Connecting the USB-ME256-System 15

5.3.1 Front Panel 16

5.3.2 Power LED 16

5.3.3 Analog Inputs A, C, B, and D 16

5.3.4 Digital Trigger Inputs 16

5.3.5 Rear Panel 17

5.3.6 Digital In / Out 17

5.3.7 Digital Output D0 17

5.3.8 Synchronization Out- and Input 17

5.3.9 Audio Output 18

5.3.10 Analog Input A1 to A4 18

5.3.11 USB 18

5.3.12 Power Input 18

5.3.13 Ground 18

5.4 External Power Supply 19

Troubleshooting 20

5.5 About Troubleshooting 20

5.6 Technical Support 20

5.7 No Computer Connection / No Recording Possible 21

5.8 Cable Connection not correct / No Recording Possible 22

5.9 Triggering / Digital Input does not Work 22

6 Appendix 23

6.1 Contact Information 23

6.2 Scope of Delivery 24

6.3 Pin Layout 25

6.4 Technical Specifications 27

7 Index 29

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1 Important Safety Advice

1.1 Important Safety Advice

Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to installation or use of the device and
the software. If you do not fulfill all requirements stated below, this may lead to malfunctions
or breakage of connected hardware, or even fatal injuries.

Warning: Always obey 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 power 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. Always keep the device and the power cords

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, so that the air can circulate
freely.

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USB-ME-System Manual

1.2 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 / her 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.

1.3 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.

2

2 Introduction

2.1 About this Manual

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 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.

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USB-ME-System Manual

2.2 Welcome to the USB-ME-System

The USB-ME-System is a stand-alone solution for acquiring data from up to 256 channels.
It can replace the internal computer hardware MC_Card. The analog input signals are acquired
and digitized by the USB-ME-System and the digital electrode signals are transmitted to
the connected computer via universal serial bus (High Speed USB 2.0). Thus, it is possible to
use any computer for data processing. Recorded data are graphed, analyzed, and reviewed
with the powerful and easy-to-use MC_Rack program. You can export the data in standard
formats to other programs with the software MC_DataTool.

The USB-ME-System supports up to 256 channels with an amplification factor 1 that means
no amplification, data acquisition only.

It is a high flexible system: You can connect, for example, four MEA60-Systems via MCS high
grade cables or two MEA120-Systems or ME-Systems in different configurations or whatever
comes with 68-pin MCS standard connectors. Please see "Microelectrode Array Systems" and
"Microelectrode Array USB-Systems" for more information. You can stack several USB-ME-

Systems but you need a separate data proceeding computer with MC_Rack for each system.

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3 Software Installation

Please check the system requirements before you install the MC_Rack software. MCS cannot
guarantee that the software works properly if these requirements are not fulfilled. Please
see the MC_Rack help or manual for more information. It is recommended that you check
the MCS web site for software updates on a regular basis.

The USB-ME-System is a plug and play device. The driver is automatically installed together
with the MC_Rack program. It is easier to connect the USB-ME-System first to the data
acquisition computer and then install MC_Rack.

Important: Please make sure that you have full control over your computer as an administrator.
Otherwise, it is possible that the installed hardware does not work properly.

3.1.1 System requirements

One of the following Microsoft Windows ® operating systems is required: Windows 7, VISTA or XP
(English and German versions supported) with the NT file system. Other language versions may
lead to software errors.

Hardware: (Not required for offline analysis or demo mode) The data acquisition board USB-ME-
System. If no USB-ME-System is present, MC_Rack opens in a simulation mode. A computer
with low performance may lead to performance limits more often; therefore, MCS recommends
an up-to-date computer optionally with a separate hard disk. Please note that there are
sometimes hardware incompatibilities of the USB-ME-System and computer components;
or that an inappropriate computer power supply may lead to artifact signals. Please contact
your local retailer for more information on recommended computer hardware.

Introduction

Important: You need to have installed the latest USB-ME-System driver to operate the

USB-ME-System, which is automatically installed with MC_Rack. The installation may be invalid

if the USB-ME-System does not respond. Please contact Multi Channel Systems or your local
retailer in this case.

3.1.2 Recommended BIOS settings

Recommended operating system settings

The following automatic services of the Windows operating system interfere with the data
storage on the hard disk and can lead to severe performance limits in MC_Rack. These routines
were designed for use on office computers, but are not very useful for a data acquisition
computer.

 Turn off Screensaver.

 Turn off Windows Indexing Service for all local disks.

 Turn off Windows System Restore.

 Turn off Optimize hard disk when idle (automatic disk fragmentation).

 Manual management of automatic Windows Update.

 Power Options: Power scheme: Never turn off monitor, hard disk and system standby.

 It is also not recommended to run any applications in the background when using MC_Rack.

Remove all applications from the Autostart folder.

 Be careful when using a Virus Scanner. These programs are known to disturb MC_Rack,

and even data loss may occur.

When using an USB-ME-System it is recommended to connect a high performance computer
with a separate hard disk for program files and data storage. The provided possibility to use
up to 256 channels with up to 40 kHz needs high memory capacity. Please remove data and
defragment the hard disk regularly to ensure optimal performance.

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USB-ME-System Manual

3.1.3 First Use of MC_Rack

It is also not recommended to run any applications in the background when using MC_Rack.
Remove all applications from the Autostart folder.

Warning: The operating system settings of the data acquisition computer were pre­configured by MCS and should not be changed by the user. Changing these settings
can lead to program instabilities and data loss.

Installing MC_Rack with the USB-ME-System connected to the computer

The Windows operating system detects a new hardware when the USB-ME-System
is connected to the computer, if the program has not been installed beforehand. Please
make sure the device has power, that is, the power LED is lighting. Simply cancel the
"Found New Hardware Wizard" and proceed with the installation of the MC_Rack program.

Connecting the USB-ME-System to a computer with installed MC_Rack

If MC_Rack had already been installed on the computer before the hardware was connected,
the operating system needs to load the driver once. After this procedure, the USB-ME-System
will be automatically recognized by the operating system.

1. Connect the USB-ME-System to the USB port of the data acquisition computer.

Please make sure the device has power, that is, the power LED is lighting.

2. Switch the computer on.

The "Found New Hardware Wizard" is displayed.

1. Choose the option "No", not this time and continue with "Next".

2. Choose the option "Install" the software automatically (recommended)
and continue with "Next".

3. The Wizard will automatically find the appropriate USB-ME-System driver.
Continue with "Next".

4. The driver installation is finished.

Please check the system requirements before you install the MC_Rack software. MCS cannot
guarantee that the software works properly if these requirements are not fulfilled. Please see
the MC_Rack help or manual for more information. It is recommended that you check the
MCS web site for software updates on a regular basis.

1. Double-click Setup.exe on the installation volume.

The installation assistant will show up and guide you through the installation procedure.

1. Follow the instructions of the installation assistant.

The USB-ME-System driver and MC_Rack are installed (or updated) automatically.

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Introduction

4 Connecting the USB-ME-System

1. Provide a power supply in the immediate vicinity of the installation site.

2. Place all devices on a stable and dry surface, where the air can circulate freely and the devices
are not exposed to direct sunlight.

3. Set up the computer (with installed MC_Rack program).

4. Set up the four MEA1060 amplifiers as described in the MEA1060 manual.

5. Connect the MEA amplifiers with one, two or four MCS high grade cables (C68x1M) to
the 68-pin MCS standard connectors A, B, C, and D on the front panel of the USB-ME-System.

6. Connect the USB output connector to a free USB 2.0 port of the data acquisition computer.
It is not recommended to use an USB hub.

7. Connect the USB-ME-System via power supply unit to a power outlet of the same electrical system
(connected to the same ground / earth wire) as all other components of the setup, for example,
the computer or shielding.

8. Ground the system.

9. Check the power LED on the front panel. It should light up as soon as the power line is connected.
If not, check the power source and cabling.

10. Install the MC_Rack program from the installation volume if it is not already installed.

11. Start the MC_Rack program and select the USB-ME-System as the data source.

Please see the MC_Rack help / manual for more details on how to define the data source.

Connecting the USB-ME-System with a STG

Connect up to four MEA1060 amplifiers with MCS high grade cables (C68x1M) to the 68-pin
MCS standard connectors A, B, C, and D on the front panel of the USB-ME device. Connect
a Sync Out of a STG via T- connector at one hand to the BNC connector of the MEA1060 amplifier,
and at the other hand to the Digital Trigger IN 0 to 3 at the front panel of the USB-ME device.
Make sure that 68-pin MCS standard connector A of MEA amplifier A communicates with Digital
Trigger IN 0, MEA amplifier B with 1, C with 2 and D with 3. Please see the following suggestion.

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