A.M.P.I. Master-8 User manual

A.M.P.I.
P
123 Uziel St., P.O.B. 16477
Jerusalem 91163, ISRAEL
phone: [phone]
fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
http://www.ampi.co.il
Master-8
EIGHT CHANNEL
PROGRAMMABLE PULSE STIMULATOR
Operation Manual

Thank you for buying Master-8 - the best stimulator.
Master-8 is an 8-channel pulse stimulator, based on advanced technology,
thus offers many useful features.
You will find that Master-8 is user friendly and the programming simple and
easy to learn. Master-8 is an attractive unit and you will enjoy using it.
Please read this manual carefully and become familiar with all the possible
options and operating modes.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
2. FRONT AND REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2.1 Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2.2 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
3. THEORY OF OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
4. OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.1 Parameters
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
5. APPLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
6. DEMONSTRATION OF PROGRAMMING Master-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7. MODES OF OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
7.1 Setting the Modes of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
8. SETTING PARAMETERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
8.1 Using the ‘↑’ and ‘↓’ Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
8.2 Setting the ‘M’ Parameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
8.3 Counting the Pulses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
8.4 Table 1 - Parameters and Error Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 2

9. TRIGGERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
9.1 Manual Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
9.2 Setting the Internal Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
9.3 External Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
10. EIGHT STORED PARADIGMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
10.1 Switching to Another Paradigm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
10.2 Copying Paradigms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
11. CLEARING THE MEMORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
12. VERIFICATION CHECKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
13. CLOCK OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
13.1 Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
13.2 Stop-Watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
13.3 Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
14. Master-8-cp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
14.1 Programming By a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
14.2 Installing the USB Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
14.3 Master-8 Control Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
14.4 Master-8 SDK (Software Development Kit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 3

4
1. Introduction
Master-8 is an 8-channel stimulator which enables you to switch your set-up
between completely different experiments (paradigms). Master-8 stores eight
user’s preprogrammed paradigms. Each paradigm can use all eight channels.
You can switch your set-up to the selected setting by using a single command.
This option is very useful in the following cases:
a. where the current protocol requires modification during the course of the
experiment. You can preset the modifications in different paradigms.
b. where several users of a set-up run different experiments. Each user retrieves
his specific settings from the Master-8 memory.
All parameters of the 8 paradigms are stored in the memory even after the power
is switched off.
The Master-8-cp and Master-8-vp models can operate as stand alone units
via the front panel keys in the same way as Master-8. In addition they can
communicate with a PC.
The communication with a PC can be performed in the following ways:
1) Using the Master-8 Control Software.
Using the Master-8 Control Software you see and modify on the
screen of the PC all the parameters of the present paradigm. You can
connect/disconnect channels with one mouse-click within the connection
table.
Another powerful feature of this software is the Scheduler. You can
set a list of events that you want to happen at scheduled times like:
triggering channels, switching paradigms, modifying time parameters,
etc. You can also make loops of these events.
2) By your own applications, using our Master-8 SDK (Software
Development Kit).
Using the Master-8 SDK (Software Development Kit) you can control
the Master-8 via a variety of applications like WORD or Excel, with
script like VBScript or JavaScript, or by writing your own program,
with Microsoft Visual Studio, Borland Delphi, or other development
tools.
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 4

5
2. Front & Rear Panel
Description
2.1 Front Panel
The Front Panel contains five sections (see Figure 1):
A- Power Switch and Power On Indicator
B- Front Panel keys
C- Digital Display
D- External Trigger Input Section
E- Output Section
a. Power Switch and Power On Indicator (Figure 1A)
The Power Switch and the Power On Indicator are located on the left side of
the front panel.
b. Front Panel Keys (Figure 1B)
The front panel keys are color-coded and comprise 5 groups:
1. Digits: 0 to 9.
2. Operation mode keys: FREE (Free Run), TRAIN, TRIG, DC, GATE,
OFF.
D
C
A
B
E
F
K
G
L
H
M
Figure 1
DC 3
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 5

6
3. Parameter keys: DURA (Duration), DELAY, INTER (Interval Time),
M (Number of pulses per train), ‘↑’, ‘↓’.
4. Clock keys: CLOCK-DISPLAY, STOP WATCH, CLOCK-RESET,
TIMER.
5. Command keys: CLEAR-DISPLAY, CONNECT/DISCONNECT,
CHECK, ENTER, RESET.
Note:
Some of the keys perform a dual function
The key code is noted on the key. For example, the code of FREE-RUN is FR.
c. Digital Display (Figure 1C)
Pressing a key will result in a response on the display.
d. External Trigger Input Section (Figure 1D)
The external trigger input section is divided into two parts - EXT 1 for
channel 1 and EXT 2 for channel 2. Each has a BNC socket and an ON/OFF
switch for enabling or disabling the input.
e. Output Section (Figure 1E)
On the panel from the top down are: the channel number, a LED indicating
that the channel is active, a switch for selecting the polarity of the output
pulses, a knob for adjusting the output amplitude, and a BNC socket for
connecting the output to external devices.
Outputs ‘2+3’, ‘4+5’ and ‘6+7+8’ (Figures 1F, 1G & 1H) are the summations
of outputs 2+3, 4+5 and 6+7+8 respectively. You can use these outputs for
multi-level pulses (e.g. biphasic pulses). The two switches (Figures 1K & 1L)
add the summations ‘2+3’ and/or ‘6+7+8’ to the ‘4+5’ output, resulting in
the ‘4+5’ output delivering up to 7 level pulses + GND.
2.2 Rear Panel
The rear panel contains the following components:
a. A switch to connect or disconnect the ground to/from the chassis. You can
use this switch to reduce the noise level of the system.
b. A USB interface to communicate with a computer (for the Master-8-cp and
Master-8-vp models).
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 6

7
3. Theory of Operation
Each channel uses its own clock, and can thus run independently of the other
channels. You can also connect the channels internally to each other (no
connection wires between the channels are needed), in all possible combinations
in order to form simple or complex protocols.
Each channel operates in any of the following modes:
●FREE-RUN - the channel delivers pulses continuously
●TRIGGER - following a trigger, the channel delivers a single pulse
●TRAIN - following a trigger, the channel delivers a train of pulses
●DC - the channel is time independent, it can be turned on and off manually
●GATE (channels 1 and 2 only) - the channel delivers pulses continuously
while it is externally gated
Channels 1 and 2 can receive external triggers. This enables synchronizing
channels with external devices.
Master-8 features a clock which measures the time that has elapsed after
pressing the CLOCK-RESET key (e.g. the experiment time). It also features a
timer which can change the operational mode of a channel at a certain hour
(e.g. turn the channel on or off).
You can adjust the amplitude of the output pulses from -10V to +10V, with a
maximum current of 20mA.
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 7

8
4. Operation
Master-8 is simple to operate and can be learned in a short time.
Each instruction is carried out only after pressing the ENTER key. As long as the
ENTER key has not been pressed, the instruction can be changed or deleted by
giving new instructions (e.g. the CLEAR-DISPLAY instruction).
4.1 Parameters
You can set the following parameters for each channel (see Figure 2):
●DURA (duration) - defines the time elapsed from the onset of the output
pulse to its end.
●DELAY - defines the time elapsed from the beginning of the input trigger to
the beginning of the output pulse.
●INTER (interval) - defines the time elapsed between the beginning of a pulse
and the beginning of the following pulse (interval = 1/rate).
●M - defines the number of pulses per train in the TRAIN mode.
Figure 2
delay
interval duration
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 8

9
5. Applications
Figure 3 shows you how Master-8 works. Do not try to follow the programming
yet, Section 6 will enable you to practice programming the Master-8.
Figure 3
Notes:
① . Triggered externally or manually (by one keystroke)
➁ . Turned on and off manually (by one keystroke).
Channel Mode Parameters in Use Triggered by
#3 FREE-RUN duration, interval none
#2 TRIG duration, delay #3
#4 TRAIN duration, interval, M #2 & #3
#5 DC none none
delay
interval duration
①
Channel 3
FREE RUN
M=4
②②
Output '4+5' (Out #4 + Out #5)
Channel 2
TRIG
triggered by #3
Channel 4
TRAIN
triggered by #2
and #3
Channel 5
DC
Output '4+5'
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 9

10
A special feature of Master-8 is the 3 multilevel outputs which you can use for
multilevel pulses (e.g. biphasic pulses). These outputs are ‘2+3’, ‘4+5’ and
‘6+7+8’ (Figures 1F,1G & 1H), which deliver the summation of outputs 2+3, 4+5
and 6+7+8 respectively. Using the two switches (Figures 1K & 1L) you can add
the summations ‘2+3’ and/or ‘6+7+8’ to the ‘4+5’ output, thus the ‘4+5’ output
can deliver up to 7-level pulses + GND.
Examples of outputs that you can obtain through the ‘4+5’ output are shown in
Figure 4.
Figure 4
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 10

11
6. Demonstration of
Programming
Master-8
This section demonstrates how to program the Master-8. Please follow the
instructions and notice how simple and straightforward they are.
Notes:
1. Each instruction is followed by a reference enabling you to find more details
on similar instructions.
2. Before continuing, make sure that you are familiar with the location of
different keys (see Section 2.1).
Before you begin to program, the entire Master-8 memory must be cleared.
Press keys: ‘OFF, ALL, ALL, ALL, ENTER’ (see Section 11).
This instruction clears all paradigms of Master-8.
Now you are ready to program it.
1. Set channel #1 to the FREE-RUN mode (see Section 7).
Press keys: ‘FREE, 1, ENTER’.
Channel #1 now delivers pulses continuously. Since you have not yet set the time
parameters, the channel is running with its default times: 0.1 sec. duration and
0.2 sec. interval (from the beginning of a pulse to the beginning of the next one).
2. Set the duration time of channel #1 to 9.5 msec. (see Section 8).
The format of 9.5 msec. will be 9.5 x 10-3 sec. (or several other formats, see
Section 8).
Press keys ‘DURA, 1’ - the previous duration is displayed. Since the
duration time of channel #1 has not been set yet, the result now is ‘FFFF FF’
Now to continue -
Press keys: ‘9.5, ENTER, 3, ENTER’.
(‘3’ for msec. For seconds use ‘0’, for µsec use ‘6’). The duration of
channel #1 is now exactly 9.5 msec. (Please check with an oscilloscope).
3. Set the interval time of channel #1 to 2 sec. (see Section 8).
Press keys: ‘INTER, 1, 2, ENTER, 0, ENTER’.
(The ‘0’ indicates that you are counting in seconds.) Now channel #1 is
running in the FREE-RUN mode. Its duration time is 9.5 msec. and its
interval is 2 sec.
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 11

12
4. Set channel #2 to the TRIGGER mode (see Section 7).
Press keys: ‘TRIG, 2, ENTER’ .
Nothing happens since channel #2 is now in the TRIGGER mode, but is
waiting to accept a trigger. You can trigger it in 3 ways (see Section 9):
a) MANUAL TRIGGERING -
Press key: ‘2’.
(‘2’ is the channel number.) Note that each press on ‘2’ delivers the
triggered pulse. Press ‘2’ several times (see Section 9).
b) EXTERNAL TRIGGERING -
Whenever there is an input pulse in the ‘EXT 2’ input, it triggers channel #2
(see Section 9).
c) INTERNAL TRIGGERING -
You can internally connect each channel to any number of the other
channels (see Section 9).
5. Connect channel #1 internally to channel #2 (see Section 9).
Press keys: ‘CONNECT, 1, 2, ENTER’.
The channels are now connected. Each output pulse of channel #1 triggers
channel #2.
Notes:
a. There is no need to connect wires between channels.
b. You don’t have to worry about the amplitude or polarity of the trigger
source.
c. You can add manual pulses by pressing ‘2’.
d. The instruction itself is straightforward (i.e. similar to the way you would
say it: - “CONNECT from #1 to #2, ENTER”).
6. Set the duration of channel #2 to be 15 msec. (see Section 8).
Press key: ‘DURA, 2, 15, ENTER, 3, ENTER’.
7. Set the delay of channel #2 to be 100 msec. (see Section 8).
Press keys: ‘DELAY, 2, 100, ENTER, 3, ENTER’ .
Please check the new delay.
8. Set channel #3 to the TRAIN mode (see Section 7).
Press keys: ‘TRAIN, 3, ENTER’.
Channel #3 is now in the TRAIN mode and is waiting for a trigger.
9. Trigger it manually (see Section 9).
Press key: ‘3’ (‘3’ is the channel number).
You then obtain the train of pulses.
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 12

13
10. Number of pulses per train (see Section 8).
Set the number of pulses per train of channel #3 to be 5.
Press keys : ‘M, 3, 5, ENTER, 0, ENTER’ .
Trigger channel #3 manually again by pressing ‘3’.
Note: You can use a single channel in order to obtain the whole train.
11. Connect channel #1 to trigger #3 (see Section 9).
Press keys: ‘CONNECT, 1, 3, ENTER’ .
Channel #1 will now trigger both channels #2 & #3.
Note the ‘
→ ’ sign on the panel above the ‘1.3’ digits (Figure 1M).
This arrow indicates the direction of the connection.
Now, assume that you programmed all the 8 channels to run in a specific
pattern - your present experiment (paradigm), and now you want to switch to a
new pattern that also uses all the 8 channels. With Master-8 this is an easy
process, but you are first required to set the other paradigm.
12. Press key: ‘ALL’ (see Section 10) -
The name of the present paradigm (now ‘1’) is displayed.
To switch to paradigm #5,
Press keys: ‘5, ENTER’.
Note:
Since this is a new paradigm all the channels are off, all the internal connec-
tions are disconnected and all the time parameters have their default values.
13. Set all the 8 channels to the FREE-RUN mode (see Section 7)
Press keys: ‘FREE, 1, ENTER’, ‘FREE, 2, ENTER’, etc.
Each of the 8 channels now runs continuously at its own rate, independently
of the other channels.
14. Now you can switch back to the previous paradigm by recalling it.
Press keys: ‘ALL, 1, ENTER’ and you obtain the previous paradigm.
Press keys: ‘ALL, 5, ENTER’ and you obtain the other one. (All the channels
are now working in synchronization since you started them together).
15. Turn the power off.
Note:
Master-8 stores all the 8 paradigms even when the power is turned off.
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 13

14
Dear User,
The last section was a brief demonstration of how to use Master-8.
Now you have a rough idea of how Master-8 works. However, here are many
instructions that you are not yet familiar with e.g. DC, GATE, CHECK,
TIMER. Even the features that are demonstrated above are only partially
demonstrated.
Please read the rest of this manual carefully so that you will not miss any
important feature. Sections 7 to 13 deal with the operation of Master-8.
Section 14 is about the communication between Master-8-cp and a computer.
16. Switch the power on. Master-8 immediately continues working in the last
paradigm, exactly as before you switched the power off.
17. Switch to paradigm #1.
Press keys: ‘ALL, 1, ENTER’.
Note:
This paradigm is also stored in the memory after switching the power off.
18. Before continuing, clear all the Master-8 memory (see Section 11) -
Press keys: ‘OFF, ALL, ALL, ALL, ENTER’.
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 14

15
7. Modes of Operation
Each of the 8 channels can operate in one of the following modes:
Mode Description Parameters in Use
FREE - RUN The channel delivers pulses Duration, Interval
continuously according to the
programmed duration and interval
times. The channel is independent of
the other channels.
TRAIN Following a trigger, the channel Duration, Interval,
delivers a train of pulses according M
to the programmed duration and
interval times. The number of pulses
per train is set by ‘M’.
TRIG Following a trigger, the channel Delay, Duration
delivers a single pulse according to
the programmed delay and duration
times.
DC The channel is time independent, None
you can turn it on and off manually.
GATED Channels 1 and 2 can be externally Duration, Interval
gated via the EXT 1 or EXT 2 inputs.
The channel delivers pulses
continuously while it is externally
gated. When the external input
stops, the channel stops working.
A new input reactivates the channel.
Please note that there is no delay in the TRAIN mode. The channel delivers the
train of pulses immediately after receiving the trigger input. In order to obtain a
delay time, you should use an intermediate channel in the TRIG mode.
7.1 Setting the Modes of Operation
To set the mode of operation of a channel, first press the selected mode key and
then the channel number.
Example 1: To set channel #2 to the FREE-RUN mode -
Press keys: ‘FREE, 2, ENTER’.
Channel #2 now delivers pulses continuously according to its duration and
interval times (or the default times).
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 15

16
Example 2: To set channel #3 to the TRAIN mode -
Press keys: ‘TRAIN, 3, ENTER’.
Channel #3 is now in the TRAIN mode. You can trigger it in several ways
(see Section 9). Trigger it now manually by pressing ‘3’ (the channel number).
Example 3: To set channel #5 to the DC mode -
Press keys: ‘DC, 5, ENTER’.
Channel #5 is now in the DC mode, it is time-independent and delivers a
continuous pulse. You can manually stop and start the pulse by pressing ‘5’
(the channel number).
Example 4: To turn off channel # 2 - Press keys: ‘OFF, 2, ENTER’.
Example 5: To turn off all the channels -
Press keys: ‘OFF, ALL, ENTER’.
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 16

17
8. Setting Parameters
To set the time parameters (DURA, DELAY or INTER), first press the selected
parameter key and then the desired time.
Example: To set the duration of channel 6 to be 52 msec (52 x 10-3 sec, the time
is given in seconds).
Press keys: ‘DURA, 6’ - the previous duration is displayed.
(If the duration time has never been set, the sign ‘FFFF FF’ is displayed).
Press keys: ’52, ENTER, 3, ENTER’ (‘3’ for msec).
52 msec can be inserted also as 0.052 x 100sec, or 5.2 x 10-2 sec,
or 5200 x 10-5 sec, etc.
Note:
The new parameter becomes operative the instant you press the last ENTER.
8.1 Using the ‘↑↑’ and ‘↓↓’ Keys
You can increase or decrease each time parameter using the ‘↑’ and ‘↓’ keys.
Example:
Press keys: ‘DURA, 6’.
Hold down the ‘↑’or ‘↓’ keys to change the duration of channel 6.
Note: The change takes place only when releasing the key.
Press key: ‘CLEAR-DISPLAY’ in order to clear the display.
8.2 Setting the ‘M’ Parameter
Example: To set M=80 pulses per train for channel 8 -
Press keys: ‘M, 8’ - The previous M8 is displayed.
Press keys: ‘80, ENTER, 0, ENTER’.
Note:
Only integer numbers are accepted for M.
The exponent should equal 1 only for M > 9999.
For your convenience it is recommended to use only exponents of 6 (µsec), 3 (msec) or
0 (sec).
Thus, for 52 msec. use either 52 msec. or 0.052 sec.
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 17

18
8.3 Counting the Pulses
Whenever channel 8 is in the TRAIN mode, the display shows how many pulses
still remain in the existing train.
Press keys: ‘TRAIN, 8, ENTER’.
Now trigger channel 8 manually -
Press key: ‘8’.
8.4 Table 1 - Parameters and Error Indication
Parameter Min Max Error indication for
illegal values. (x is the
channel number)
M 1 59,900 Mx Err
DURATION 40 µsec 3,999 sec Dx Err
DELAY 100 µsec 3,999 sec Lx Err
Delay>Duration/10,000 Lx Err
INTERVAL 60 µsec 3,999 sec Ix Err
a)Normal usage: Interval> Duration + 9 µsec Rx Err (Rate err)
b)Train Mode: Interval> Duration + 59 µsec Tx Err (Train err)
c)If the channel
internally activates
other channels: Interval >500 µsec Cx Err (Connect err)
Example: The message ‘R7 Err’ indicates ‘Rate error’ on channel #7. The reason
is that the channel is now running in FREE-RUN, GATE or TRAIN mode and
the interval is shorter than the duration, or at least
INTERVAL < DURATION + 9 µsec.
In order to remove the R7 Err message you should do one of the following:
a. increase the interval time of channel #7, or
b. decrease the duration time of channel #7, or
c. change the mode of channel #7 to TRIG, DC or OFF.
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 18

19
9. Triggering
In either TRAIN or TRIG mode you can trigger the channel in the following
ways:
1. Manually
2. The internal connections
3. The external inputs EXT 1 and EXT 2
9.1 Manual Triggering
In the TRAIN, TRIG or DC modes you can trigger the channel manually by
pressing the channel number.
Example 1: When channel 3 is in the TRAIN mode, every keystroke on the ‘3’
key evokes a train of pulses according to the parameters of channel 3.
Example 2: When channel 4 is in the DC mode, every even keystroke on the ‘4’
key turns the channel on and every odd keystroke turns it off.
When a channel is not in one of the above modes, or if it has already received a
trigger but has not yet completed its response, pressing the channel number does
not affect the channel (it just clears the display).
9.2 Setting the Internal Connections
In the TRAIN or TRIG modes, you can trigger the channel by other channels
internally. Each channel has an internal input and an internal output. By inserting
the right instruction, you can connect internal inputs to internal outputs.
Example 1: To connect the output of channel 2 to the input of channel 3 -
Press keys: ‘CONNECT, 2, 3, ENTER’.
Note that the arrow on the front panel above the display (Figure 1M) shows the
direction of the connection. For example, 2.3 means that channel 2 is connected
to trigger channel 3. Each channel can be connected concurrently to several other
channels. The level or polarity of its output does not affect the triggering.
To disconnect press the ‘CONNECT’ key twice.
Example 2: To disconnect an existing connection between 2 and 3 -
Press keys: ‘CONNECT, CONNECT, 2, 3, ENTER’.
→
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 19

20
It is possible to disconnect all inputs or outputs of any single channel.
Example 3: To disconnect all internal outputs from channel #5 -
Press keys: ‘CONNECT, CONNECT, 5, ALL, ENTER’.
Example 4: To disconnect all internal inputs to channel #5 -
Press keys: ‘CONNECT, CONNECT, ALL, 5, ENTER’.
Example 5: To disconnect all internal inputs and outputs from all channels -
Press keys: ‘CONNECT, CONNECT, ALL, ALL, ENTER’.
9.3 External Inputs
In the modes: TRAIN, TRIG or GATE channels 1 and 2 can be triggered or
gated externally. EXT 1 activates only channel 1. EXT 2 activates only
channel 2. (channels 1 and 2 can activate the other channels internally).
The external input has to be in the range of 5 to 10V.
Note:
A computer can trigger each channel directly ‘manually’ via the USB interface of
Master-8-cp (see Section 14).
Manual2006 6/1/06 12:55 PM Page 20