MULTICHANNEL SYSTEMS USB-ME64-System, USB-ME256-System, USB-ME128-System System 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.

© 2015 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.

Printed: 13. 05. 2015

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.

iii

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 3

3 Software Installation 4

3.1.1 System requirements 4

3.1.2 Recommended BIOS settings 4

3.1.3 First Use of MC_Rack 5

4 Connecting the USB-ME-System 10

5 USB-ME-Systems 11

5.1 Setting Up and Connecting the USB-ME64-System 11

5.1.1 Front Panel 11

5.1.2 Power LED 11

5.1.3 Analog Input A 11

5.1.4 Digital Trigger Input 11

5.1.5 Rear Panel 12

5.1.6 Digital In / Out 12

5.1.7 Digital Output D0 12

5.1.8 Synchronization Out- and Input 12

5.1.9 Audio Output 13

5.1.10 Analog Input 1 to 4 13

5.1.11 USB 13

5.1.12 Power Input 13

5.1.13 Ground 13

5.1.14 External Power Supply 13

5.2 Setting Up and Connecting the USB-ME128-System 14

5.2.1 Front Panel 14

5.2.2 Power LED 14

5.2.3 Analog Inputs A and B 14

5.2.4 Digital Trigger Inputs 14

5.2.5 Rear Panel 15

5.2.6 Digital In / Out 15

5.2.7 Digital Output D0 15

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5.2.8

Synchronization Out- and Input 15

5.2.9 Audio Output 16

5.2.10 Analog Input 1 to 4 16

5.2.11 USB 16

5.2.12 Power Input 16

5.2.13 Ground 16

5.2.14 External Power Supply 16

5.3 Setting Up and Connecting the USB-ME256-System 17

5.3.1 Front Panel 18

5.3.2 Power LED 18

5.3.3 Analog Inputs A, C, B, and D 18

5.3.4 Digital Trigger Inputs 18

5.3.5 Rear Panel 19

5.3.6 Digital In / Out 19

5.3.7 Digital Output D0 20

5.3.8 Synchronization Out- and Input 20

5.3.9 Audio Output 20

5.3.10 Analog Input A1 to A4 20

5.3.11 USB 20

5.3.12 Power Input 21

5.3.13 Ground 21

5.4 External Power Supply 21

Troubleshooting 22

5.5 About Troubleshooting 22

5.6 Technical Support 22

5.7 No Computer Connection / No Recording Possible 23

5.8 Cable Connection not correct / No Recording Possible 23

5.9 Triggering / Digital Input does not Work 24

6 Appendix 25

6.1 Contact Information 25

6.2 Scope of Delivery 26

6.3 Pin Layout 27

6.4 Technical Specifications 29

7 Index 31

1

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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2

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.

3

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.

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 Multi Channel Suite, the newest
software package from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH or the well-proved MC_Rack program. You can
export the data in standard formats.

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 software for each system.

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3 Software Installation

Please check the system requirements before you install the data acquisition software. MCS cannot
guarantee that the software works properly if these requirements are not fulfilled. Please see the software
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
Multi Channel Suite or MC_Rack program. It is easier to connect the USB-ME-System first to the data
acquisition computer and then install the software.

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 8 and 7, VISTA
or XP (English and German versions supported) with the NT file system. Other language versions may
lead to software errors. Windows 8 is essential for the Multi Channel Suite software.

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.

Important: You need to have installed the latest USB-ME-System driver to operate the USB-ME-System,
which is automatically installed with the software. 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. Only important for data hard drive.

 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 the software. Remove

all applications from the Autostart folder.

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

Introduction

5

3.2 Multi Channel Experimenter 

Double-click the Multi Channel Experimenter icon or select Multi Channel Experimenter from the "Start"
menu. The program starts. The main window opens automatically: "Multi Channel Experimenter (Instance:

1)". It is possible to open up to four instances in parallel. Operation is independent for each instance.

This is your virtual rack configuration in the "Experiment Setup" window, which is blank after program
start. On the left side five classes of instruments are provided: "Data Sources", "Recorder" and
“Stimulators" are hardware components. The virtual instruments available up to now are divided in
"General" and application specific "Neuro".

The header of the dialog contains five buttons: "Start DAQ", "Start Recording", "Load Experiment" and
"Save Experiment" in the main toolbar on the left and the "Menu" button on the right. In the bar down
under the "Recording Time" and the "DAQ Time" are registrated.

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Building a Rack

It is very easy to build a rack: Please click onto the button of the desired instrument and move it via drag
and drop from the left to the right side of the main window!

It is also easy to connect the instruments: Please click onto one of the symbols on the lower part of an
instrument button to connect this output port via drag and drop with the input port (symbol on the upper
side) of the target instrument. Please read the next chapter.

Introduction

7

Conventions for Building a Rack

Please consider the rules for connecting the instruments. The Multi Channel Experimenter program allows
only connections between output ports at the lower side of the device to the input port on the upper side
of the target device. The input and output ports of the devices are color coded for a better assignment of
the instruments. The blue symbol represents the port for the "Electrode Raw Data". The green symbol
represents the port for the "Auxiliary Analog Data". The red symbol represents the port for the "Digital
Data".

Three color coded output ports of the MEA2100 data acquisition device.

Example: Click on the blue symbol output port of the data source and connect it by drag and drop with the
blue symbol input port of the filter. The electrode raw data stream will flow from the data source to the
filter. Connect the blue symbol output port from the filter with the black symbol input port of the recorder.
The electrode raw data stream will flow from the filter to the recorder. The black input port of the recorder
accepts all types of input data streams and you can connect more than one data stream.

The Multi Channel Experimenter Rack

Move as many instruments as you need via drag and drop into the "Experiment Setup" window.
It is possible to use the virtual tools more than one time.

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3.3 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 pre-configured
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.

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

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

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

6. 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.

Double-click Setup.exe on the installation volume.

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

Follow the instructions of the installation assistant.

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