Multichannel Systems Wireless User Manual
Wireless-System Manual
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
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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
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other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this
document.
4 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.
© 201
Printed: 16. 12. 2013
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 Contents
Introduction 1
About this Manual 1
Welcome to the Wireless Recording System 2
Important Information and Instructions 3
Important Safety Advice 3
Guarantee and Liability 4
Operator's Obligations 4
Hardware 5
Headstage 5
Receiver 7
USB Interface 8
Software 9
Installing MC_Rack 9
Starting MC_Rack 11
Operating a Wireless System 19
Experimental Setup 19
Operating Modes 21
Troubleshooting 23
Troubleshooting 23
Error Messages 23
Appendix 25
Wireless-System Config 25
Technical Support 29
Technical Specifications 30
Pin Layout 32
Power Consumption 33
ME/W-Signal Generator 34
Contact Information 35
Index 39
iii
1 Introduction
1.1 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 have already
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 upto-date manuals and help files.
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Wireless System Manual
1.2 Welcome to the Wireless Recording System
The innovative wireless recording in vivo system is the all-in one solution for amplifying,
recording, and analyzing in vivo data from four, eight, sixteen or thirty-two channels.
The bandwidth of the amplifier is 1 Hz to 5 kHz. The sampling rate is software controlled
and user defined. With a resolution of 16 bit the accuracy of your data is guaranteed.
The sampling rate is up to 40 kHz when using two electrode channels of the W4-System or four
electrode channels of the W8-System and up to 20 kHz when recording on all channels of the W4or W8-System. For the W16-System the sampling rate is 10 kHz when recording on all 16 channels
or up to 20 kHz when recording on 4 or 8 channels. Respectively, the sampling rate for the W32System is 5 kHz when using all 32 channels and up to 10 kHz when using 16, 8 or 4 channels only.
The system includes everything you need: Small sized headstage with integrated A/D converter,
digitized transmission and a powerful receiver. For controlling the easy to use software package
MC_Rack is available. With its excellent signal-to-noise ratio, the W4-, W8-, W16- or W32-
Systems are the ideal solution for spikes, LFP, EEC, ECG, and ECoG. Additional inputs to the
receiver allow the synchronization of the data with external devices.
The headstages of the systems are extremely small and lightweight and. allow the recording of
neuronal activity in freely moving animals. A/D conversion at up to 20 kHz sampling rate in the
headstages decrease the bandwidth for data transmission. Thus, it enables a long transmission
range and low power consumption at the same time. This makes flexible long time experiments
in large environments possible.
With one system it is possible to use up to four headstages in parallel for measuring several
animals one by one. With several complete systems you can record from several animals at
the same time. Even so the wireless systems can be adapted to different electrode connectors.
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2 Important Information and Instructions
2.1 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 fulfill 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
events, not even partially, so that the air can circulate freely. Otherwise, the device may overheat.
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Wireless System Manual
2.2 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 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.
2.3 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.
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13 5
16 5
16
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3 Hardware
3.1 Headstage
The headstage is the first of the three elements of the Wireless-System. The headstage is
extremely small and lightweight and allows the recording of neuronal activity in freely moving
animals. The A/D conversion with a variable sampling rate of 1, 2, 4, 5, 10 and 20 kHz when using
all channels and 25, 32 and 40 kHz when using four or less than four channels of the W8-System
or one or two channels of the W4-System. For the W16-System the maximal sampling rate is 10
kHz when using all 16 channels or up to 20 kHz when recording on 4 or 8 channels. Respectively,
the sampling rate of the W32-System is 5 kHz when using all 32 channels and up to 10 kHz when
using 16, 8 or 4 channels only.
Please see the table for the dimensions and weights of the headstages. Thus, the headstage
is lightweight and reasonable for the free moving laboratory animal.
Dimensions /
Weight
W4-System 13 (+ antenna)
W8-System 16 (+ antenna)
W16-System 16 (+ antenna)
W32-System 16 (+ antenna)
The headstage is designed energy efficient. The standard battery (100 mAh) of a headstage
permits continuous recording of all channels for more than 2 hours. Recharging is then realized
via USB. When doing experiments with animals insensitive to weight, MCS also offers larger
batteries, which provide longer recordings. For the W4-System a smaller 30 mAh battery (1.5 g)
is available. Please contact Multi Channel System MCS GmbH for more information on battery
options.
The battery can be fixed on the top side of the headstage or can be stored in a special backpack
adapted to the size of the animal.
W in mm D in mm
H in mm Weight
2 (+ battery)
3 (+ battery)
6.5
7.5
4 (+ battery)
5 (+ battery)
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Wireless System Manual
The connector of the headstage is connected to the electrode which is implanted into the brain
of the laboratory animal. The external connector of the implanted electrode is fixed, for example
with dental cement.
For maximum flexibility, MCS offers headstages with connections to all probes on request.
The headstage records analog signals from the electrodes. The integrated A/D converter converts
the analog signals into digital signals, which are sent to the receiver via radio communication
in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Thus, it enables a long transmission range and low power
consumption at the same time. This makes flexible long time experiments in large environments
possible.
The headstage and the receiver should be placed near to each other in the experimental setup.
They may have a distance to each other of about 5 m without data loss.
First Tests of the Headstage with a ME/W-Signal Generator
For initial testing the Wireless-System you do not have to operate with a laboratory animal,
but you can use a signal generator.
The ME/W-System Signal Generator is a convenient tool for the user. As a variable substitute
for laboratory animals you can use the ME/W-SG as you would set up a research experiment.
That means you can test your Wireless-System and data acquisition settings without using valuable
biological samples. It has the advantage that you do not need an animal, you reduce the number
of animal experiments and save laboratory equipment. Please connect the headstage to the signal
generator as shown on the picture. Please read the data sheet in the Appendix for operating the
ME/W-Signal Generator device.
Charging Set
The charging set for the storage battery works via any USB connector. To recharge the battery,
please connect the charging set to an USB port of the computer and plug the battery into the
back of the charger.
The red LED on top indicates that the device is on. The yellow LED indicates that the storage
battery is being recharged. After approximately one hour the green LED indicates the end
of process.
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3.2 Receiver
The receiver is the second element of the Wireless-System.
The receiver of the Wireless-System receives the digitized signals sent from the headstage
in a distance of about 5 m. The device is equipped with four antenna to prevent data loss.
Two Lemo connectors on the front panel, labeled with D0 and D1 are available to feed in TTL
signals for synchronization of the Wireless-System with other devices. For example, when passing
a light barrier, feeding the animal or other events which manipulate the experiment. The check
box "Digital Input Channel" in "Data Source Layout" must be activated when using the external
digital data, otherwise it is not possible to display the external data on the MC_Rack screen.
Please read chapter “Starting MC_Rack”.
Hardware
The two LEDs on the back of the receiver indicate the status of the system: The green LED
indicates that power is on, the system is ready for recording. The blue LED flashes in a slow
frequency, when the system is in stand by modus. The blue LED flashes in a fast frequency
during data recording.
The receiver and the interface board respectively do not need an own power supply. They
are powered by the USB high speed cable connected to the data acquisition computer.
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Wireless System Manual
3.3 USB Interface
The USB interface board is the third element of the Wireless-System.
The interface board is connected to the receiver with a MCS Bus cable, which is about 5 m long.
Longer cables are delivered on request. The advantage is that the interface board can be placed
near to the data acquisition computer in a different room than the experimental laboratory and
the test animal will not be disturbed in excess of the experimental setup and the scientist. The
connection to the data acquisition computer is realized via USB high speed cable, respectively.
Two additional Lemo connectors are available to feed in TTL signals for synchronization of the
Wireless-System with other devices, for example when the test animal is passing a light barrier,
when the animal is feeded or other events, which are manipulating the experiment. The check
box "Digital Input Channel" in "Data Source Layout" must be activated when using the external
digital data, otherwise it is not possible to display the external data on the MC_Rack screen.
Please read chapter “Starting MC_Rack”.
The two LEDs on the back of the interface board indicate the status of the system: The green
LED indicates that power is on. If the green LED flashes, you have to install the newest version
of MC_Rack software, which automatically will update your system with the drivers needed.
When the hardware is successfully installed, the green LED illuminates stable. The blue LED
flashes in slow frequency, when the system is in stand by modus. The blue LED flashes in fast
frequency during data recording.
The interface board does not need an own power supply. It is powered via USB high speed cable
by the data acquisition computer.
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4 Software
4.1 Installing MC_Rack
The data acquisition computer with the MC_Rack program comes preinstalled and preconfigured
by MCS for a flawless operation. You should contact your local retailer for assistance if you want
to install additional hard- or software, or if you want to replace the computer, as incompatibilities
of hardware components or software settings with MC_Rack may occur.
Caution: You have acquired a high performance data acquisition and analysis computer. Do not
modify the system, do not install new hard- or software, or another operating system without
asking MCS or your local retailer for advice. Especially do not install virus scanners or firewalls
because these programs are known to interfere with the data transfer to the hard disk. MCS
cannot guarantee that a modified system is fully operational. Even data loss may occur.
System requirements
Software:
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: System of implanted electrodes, headstage, receiver and interface box.
The Wireless-System. (Not required for offline analysis or demo mode). If no data acquisition
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. Please
note that there are sometimes hardware incompatibilities of the Wireless-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 Wireless-System driver to operate the system,
which is automatically installed with MC_Rack. The installation may be invalid if the WirelessSystem does not respond. Please contact Multi Channel Systems or your local retailer in this case.
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Wireless System Manual
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 Windows System Restore.
Turn off automatic Windows Update.
Deselect Windows Indexing Service for all local disks.
Turn off Optimize hard disk when idle (automatic disk fragmentation).
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 a Wireless-System it is recommended to connect a high performance computer
with a separate hard discs for program files and data storage. The provided possibility to make
long term experiments with a sample rate of up to 40 kHz needs high memory capacity. Please
remove data and defragment the hard disc regularly to ensure optimal performance.
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 the software
Please check the system requirements before you install the software. MCS cannot guarantee
that the software works properly if these requirements are not fulfilled.
Important: Please make sure that you have full control over your computer as an administrator.
Otherwise, it is possible that the installed software does not work properly.
1. Double-click Setup.exe on the installation volume.
The installation assistant will show up and guide you through the installation procedure.
2. Follow the instructions of the installation assistant.
The Wireless-System driver and MC_Rack are installed (or updated) automatically.
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4.2 Starting MC_Rack
Connect, for example, a W8-System via USB high speed cable to the data acquisition computer.
Open MC_Rack program.
In "Edit" menu choose "Data Source Setup". The following “Channel Layout” dialog appears.
Software
Select USB-MEA in the left drop down menu of "Data Source". The W8-System "MCS WPA8
(S/N xxxx)" will automatically appear in the right drop down menu. In "Source Layout" the check
box “1 dimensional” is predefined and the "Number of Channel" in total is “8”.
Enable the check box "Digital Input Channel" if you want to display external TTL signals, feeded
into the W8-System via Lemo connectors on receiver and interface board. Deselect the check box,
if you do not need additional digital channels.
Add the W8-System and a display to the virtual rack. Click "Hardware" tab.
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Wireless System Manual
There is an additional window in “Hardware” tab for the W8-System called “Wireless”,
and the MC_Rack display shows an additional status line
The “Sampling Frequency” of the system depends on the number of channels which are in use.
When recording with all eight available channels the sampling rate is limited to 20 kHz.
Recording with one to four channels only is possible with a sampling frequency of up to 40 kHz.
Click the “Sampling Frequency” drop down menu and select the desired sampling rate.
Click “Amplification Gain” button “Enter”.
The “Enter Amplifier Gain” dialog appears. The fixed amplifier gain of 100 for the wireless
headstage is displayed in the list. Please type 100 into the window above.
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Software
Wireless Window
The additional window “Wireless” is for software control of the wireless system. In “Select
Headstage” you can select one of the four headstages A, B, C, and D if more than one headstage
is connected to the system. After pressing the button “Scan” the receiver scans which headstages
are available. Then the user is able to select the desired headstage.
The appropriate channels of the selected headstage are chosen by clicking on the channel
number. In the Wireless Window the selected channels appear pressed in as shown on the
screenshot, Channel No 05, 06, 07, and 08.
To minimize energy consumption, you can switch off the headstage by clicking the button
“Switch Off”. The headstage changes from “Stand By” modus into the “Switch off” modus.
From “Switch off” modus it is not possible to switch a headstage back on via software control.
The blue LED mounted on the headstage of the W8-System indicates the recording phases.
It can be switched into three modes via radio button. Select “Off” if the laboratory animal
is disturbed by the light. Switching off the LED will save a little bit of energy. Select “Blink”
and the LED flashes during recording. Select “On” and the LED will be on permanently.
This feature can be used, for example for camera tracking.
The W32-headstage is equipped with two LEDs, the blue one and an additional red one.
The user has the same options to set the red LED. Both LEDs together improve the camera
tracking, because with two LEDs it is possible to track the orientation of the headstage.
Choose a “RF Output Power” value from the drop down menu. The smaller the value, for example
–6 dB, the longer the storage battery will support the recording, but the smaller the distance
between animal and receiver.
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Wireless System Manual
Strategies for Saving Energy
The standard recording time with a fully charged battery is 120 minutes at 20 kHz and 0 dB
output power in a range of up to 5 m between headstage and receiver. Please read chapter
"Power Consumption" in the Appendix.
To prolong the recording time until the battery has to be recharged on the one hand you can
decrease the sampling frequency, on the other hand you can decrease the RF output power.
For example, when recording with 500 Hz sampling frequency you save 100 mA per hour and
the energy of the storage battery lasts for a recording time of eight hours. This may be useful
for experiments in epilepsy research.
For example, when recording with –18 dB at 20 kHz sampling frequency you save approximately
50 mA per hour, that means the recording time is 30 minutes longer compared to the time when
recording with 0 dB. However, the transmission power will decrease respectively.
Starting the W8-System again after switching off via software
To switch the headstage back on after pressing the button "Switch Off", the user has two
possibilities: Use the infrared flasher and illuminate the receiver LEDs next to the battery
connector. Then press the button "Scan" in "Wireless Window" to reconnect to the headstage.
The second possibility is to unplug the battery from the headstage manually and to reconnect
headstage and battery again.
Add a display to your rack.
The number of displayed channels depends on the number of selected channels in “Wireless”
of “Hardware” tab.
For detailed information about the use of MC_Rack, please read the MC_Rack manual.
14
Software
Software Settings when Using different Types of Headstages with one Wireless-System
May be you will use your wireless system in different experimental setups, that is for example, first
with an eight channel headstage and then with a four channel headstage. In this case you have to
adapt the wireless system to the variable hardware requirements via MC_Rack software. MC_Rack
needs specified driver units for each hardware component, which must be loaded when changing
the type of the headstage.
The following example describes how to change a W8-System to a W4-System. The W8-System
is already connected to the data acquisition computer and installed.
Open a new empty MC_Rack file and select “Data Source Setup”. The system with eight channels
will be found and displayed.
Click the button “Change Wireless Device”.
Select the W4-System from the drop down menu “Wireless Device Type” and confirm with “OK”.
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