A-MSystems 3600 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
FOR
16-CHANNEL EXTRACELLULAR
AMPLIFIER WITH HEADSTAGE
MODEL 3600
Version 6.0
January 2019
A-M Systems
PO Box 850
Carlsborg, WA 98324
U.S.A.
360-683-8300 800-426-1306
FAX: [phone]
http://www.a-msystems.com
Each 16-Channel Extracellular Amplifier is
delivered complete with:
User Selected 16-Channel Headstage
10’ USB Cable
Rack Mount Hardware
Instruction Manual

A-M Systems, Inc.
3
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
THIS EQUIPMENT IS NOT
INTENDED FOR USE WITH
HUMAN SUBJECTS IN ANY
WAY.
Document
The information contained in this
manual was as accurate as possible
at the time of publishing, but is
subject to change without notice
and should not be construed as a
commitment by A-M Systems,
Changes may have been made to
the hardware or firmware it
describes since publication. A-M
Systems, reserves the right to
change specifications as required.
For the latest information please
check our website (http://www.a-
msystems.com) or contact A-M
Systems, directly.
Manual Product Number 960004
Manual Document Number
5027906 Rev 06
All rights reserved. No part of this
document may be reproduced by
any means without the prior written
permission of A-M Systems,
Safety
This instrument is provided with
terminal for protective grounding.
Before applying power, verify that
the correct safety precautions are
taken (see the following warnings).
In addition, note the external
markings on the instrument that are
described under Safety
Symbols. Do not operate the
instrument with its cover removed.
Replace fuse only with specified
type.
Supply Voltage
This equipment can be operated at
120V/60Hz, or 220V/50Hz, as
determined by a labeled switch on
the rear panel. Other
voltage/frequency combinations are
not recommended unless the
manufacturer is contacted before
first usage.
Do not attach a line voltage that
does not match the line voltage
specified on the rear panel.
Before turning on the instrument,
you must connect the protective
earth terminal of the instrument to
the protective earth conductor of
the (mains) power cord. The mains
plug must only be inserted in a
socket outlet with a protective earth
contact.
Service should be performed by
trained personnel only. To avoid
dangerous electric shock, do not
perform any service unless
qualified to do so.
Do not operate the instrument in
the presence of flammable gases or
fumes. Operation of any electrical
instrument in such an environment
constitutes a safety hazard.
Safety Symbols
The product is marked with this
symbol when it is necessary for you
to refer to the instruction manual in
order to protect against damage to
the product.
The Warning symbol calls attention
to a procedure or practice, which, if
not correctly performed could
result in injury. Do not proceed
beyond a Warning symbol until the
indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
The Caution symbol calls attention
to a procedure or practice, which, if
not correctly performed could
result in damage to the product. Do
not proceed beyond a caution until
the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
Disclaimer
Software available for this product
works with Windows XP®,
Windows 7® and Windows 10®
Microsoft and Windows are either
registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
.
WARNING
WARNING
!
WARNING
CAUTION

A-M Systems, Inc.
4
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION.......... 5
2. FRONT AND REAR PANELS...... 6
FRONT PANEL ................................................ 6
REAR PANEL.................................................. 7
3. INSTRUMENT OPERATION..... 11
INITIAL POWER-UP...................................... 11
CHANNEL EDIT SCREEN............................... 11
COPYING CHANNEL SETTINGS TO OTHER
CHANNELS................................................... 13
4. TOUCH SCREEN MENUS..........14
TOOLBAR..................................................... 14
MAIN MENU SCREEN ................................... 15
LOAD SCREEN.............................................. 16
SAVE SCREEN .............................................. 17
SET STARTUP PROGRAM SCREEN................. 18
INSTRUMENT NAME SCREEN........................ 19
(-) INPUT SCREEN......................................... 20
STIMULATION INPUT SCREEN....................... 22
CALIBRATION SIGNAL.................................. 23
LCD SETTINGS SCREEN............................... 23
CALIBRATE LCD SCREEN............................ 24
STARTUP PAGE SCREEN............................... 25
VERSION SCREEN......................................... 25
CHANNEL EDIT SCREEN............................... 26
8-CHANNEL VIEW SCREEN .......................... 27
16-CHANNEL VIEW SCREEN ........................ 28
OUTPUT MONITORS AND CALIBRATION
SIGNAL SCREEN ........................................... 29
5. HEADSTAGE OPTIONS .............31
6. PC CONTROL SOFTWARE....... 33
WINDOWS 10 ............................................... 33
USING THE CONTROL SOFTWARE................. 39
7. EXTERNAL TTL CONTROL.....42
8. SPECIFICATIONS........................45
9. WARRANTY.................................. 46
Figure 1. Power switch ..................................... 6
Figure 2. Touch Screen Display........................ 6
Figure 3. Output Monitor.................................. 6
Figure 4. Probe Input ........................................ 7
Figure 5. Probe Input ....................................... 7
Figure 6. Probe Stimulation Control................ 7
Figure 7. Probe Stimulation Control................ 7
Figure 8. Channel Output.................................. 8
Figure 9. Stimulation Inputs ............................. 8
Figure 10. External TTL Control...................... 8
Figure 11. TTL Control Connector.................. 8
Figure 12. USB Connector................................ 9
Figure 13. Ground Connector ........................... 9
Figure 14. Diagram of Ganged Output
Connector.................................................. 9
Figure 15. AC Power Input / Line Switch ..... 10
Figure 16. Channel Edit Screen ..................... 12
Figure 17. Toolbar ......................................... 14
Figure 18. Main Menu Screen ....................... 15
Figure 19. Load Screen.................................. 16
Figure 20. Save Screen .................................. 17
Figure 21. Set Startup Screen......................... 18
Figure 22. Instrument Name Screen .............. 19
Figure 23. (-) Input Screen............................. 20
Figure 24. Notch Filter Screen....................... 21
Figure 25. Stimulation Input Screen.............. 22
Figure 26. Contrast Screen............................. 23
Figure 27. Calibrate LCD Screens................. 24
Figure 28. Start-up Page ................................ 25
Figure 29. Version Screen.............................. 25
Figure 30. Channel Edit Screen ..................... 26
Figure 31. 8-Channel View Screen One ........ 27
Figure 32. 8-Channel View Screen Two........ 27
Figure 33. 16-Channel View Screen One ...... 28
Figure 34. 16-Channel View Screen Two...... 28
Figure 35. Monitor and Calibration Signal
Screen...................................................... 30
Figure 36. Headstages.................................... 31
Figure 37. Headstage Input Connector .......... 32
Figure 38. PC Software.................................. 39
Figure 39. Instrument Screen when PC Program
is in Control............................................. 40
Figure 40. Toolbar with TTL Icon................. 42
Figure 41. Diagram of External TTL Connector
Pin Layout............................................... 43

A-M Systems, Inc.
5
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
1. General Description
The Model 3600 contains 16 low noise, high gain full-featured extracellular amplifiers, or channels, designed
for amplifying microvolt-level input signals. It is paired with several headstage options, including a Record-
Only Miniature headstage, and a Stimulating and Recording Headstage. All parameters can be controlled via
the unit’s touch screen LCD display on the front panel or via a USB link to a personal computer running a
supplied Windows®operating system compatible control program. In addition, external TTL pulses can set
each channel’s operation mode.
Each channel has significant signal conditioning capabilities, including low and high pass filtering, a line-
frequency notch filter, and gain. Each channel can record pseudo-differentially between its signal lead and
Ground, or its signal lead and a Reference Bus. The Bus in turn, can be connected to a 17th amplified input
channel, or to any of the signal leads from the 16 standard input channels.
In addition, when using the Stimulating and Recording Headstage, each channel can pass an externally
generated signal to the connected electrode. This is useful for stimulating local recording sites without
having to physically disconnect the amplifier from the electrodes. If desired, it is possible to temporarily
blank any channel (turn off its outputs) in order to prevent signal saturation during stimulation procedures.
Additional useful features include the ability to store up to five sets of 16-Channel parameter files within the
instrument in order to enable multiple users to recall their individual experiment protocols without having
to re-program the instrument. A built-in calibration signal source can be used to calibrate the
amplifier/electrode combination. Two output monitors provide easy front-panel access to the output of
any channel for immediate analysis on an oscilloscope.
A supplied Windows®operating system compatible control program controls all features of the amplifier
via a USB port (cable included). The program also enables the storage of an unlimited number of 16-
Channel parameter files, as well as provides a real-time notepad that logs changes in parameter settings or
experimenter-added notations.
The Model 3600 16-Channel Extracellular Amplifier is not intended for clinical or operating room
measurements in human subjects.

A-M Systems, Inc.
6
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
2. Front and Rear Panels
This chapter describes the front and rear panel controls and connectors on the Model 3600.
Chapters 3 and 4 describe the individual screens available on the touch-screen LCD interface.
When you receive your Model 3600, confirm that everything in the packing list is included. Make
sure there are no obvious signs of internal damage, such as rattling. Pick up the amplifier and tilt in
gently from side to side, and listen for anything that might be loose. If you hear any suspicious
noises, contact A-M Systems immediately.
Front Panel
Power
The model 3600 has an illuminated power supply switch that will
light when line power is passing through it. If it does not light
then there is no line power to the amplifier. Upon powering up,
the large touch-screen LCD display should illuminate.
Display
The liquid crystal display (LCD) on the Model 3600 is a touch-
screen interface whose input determines the settings for all of the
Model 3600 functions.
Output Monitor / Calibration Signal
As the main amplifier outputs are
located on the rear panel, the Model
3600 provides two user defined
OUTPUT MONITORs on the
front panel for convenience. Any
channel output can be linked to
either of the two BNC connectors
(labeled Aand B) by altering the
settings on the OUTPUT
MONITOR control screen. The CALIBRATION SIGNAL BNC connector provides a signal
(1.0 kHz sine wave, with user adjustable amplitude) for calibrating the instrument.
Figure 1. Power switch
Figure 2. Touch Screen Display
Figure 3. Output Monitor

A-M Systems, Inc.
7
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
Rear Panel
Probe Input
This D-Sub 25 pin connector attaches to the output cables of A-M
Systems Headstages. The complete pin-out and function chart is
illustrated in Figure 5. Please note that proper headstage operation
requires setting of a gain value (See Startup Page Screen, pg 26.)
Probe Stimulation Control
This 50-pin HD SCSI connector attaches to the stimulus control of
A-M System’s Stimulating and Recording Headstage. In Figure 7,
“B” equals blank, and “S” equals stimulate. This control cable is
not necessary if a Record only headstage is used.
Figure 4. Probe Input
Figure 5. Probe Input
Figure 6. Probe Stimulation Control
Figure 7. Probe Stimulation Control
1
213 12
25 24 14
15
Ch
13
Ch
14
Ch
12
Ch
15
Ch
11
Ch
16
Ch
10
Ch
9
Ch
8
Ch
7
Ch
6
Ch
5
Ch
4
-2.7V
GroundStim
Ext
Ref
Ch
3
Ground+15V-15V
5V
Ch
2
Ch
1
1
13
43 33
17
47 37
11
41
9753
19
49 39
25
31
23
29
21
27
15
45 35
Ch
13
S
Ch
13
B
Ch
14
S
Ch
14
B
Ch
12
S
Ch
12
B
Ch
15
S
Ch
15
B
Ch
11
S
Ch
11
B
Ch
16
S
Ch
16
B
Ch
10
S
Ch
10
B
Ch
9
S
Ch
9
B
Ch
8
S
Ch
8
B
Ch
7
S
Ch
7
B
Ch
6
S
Ch
6
B
Ch
5
S
Ch
5
B
Ch
4
S
Ch
4
B
Ch
3
S
Ch
3
B
Ch
2
S
Ch
2
B
Ch
1
S
Stim
Minus
Stim
Plus
Ch
1
B

A-M Systems, Inc.
8
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
Channel Output
This BNC connector provides the amplified and filtered output
signal.
Stimulation Inputs
STIM1 and STIM2 BNC connectors are signal inputs. Two
different stimulation signals / sources can be utilized. The Model
3600 can be set to pass the signal present at STIM1 or STIM2 to
desired channels. The outer conductor connects to Ext Ref
Channel while the inner conductor connects to the selected
channels input leads. See Chapter 4: Stimulation Input Screen for
additional information.
External TTL Control Input
This 37-pin connector provides the user with the ability to control
Channel Mode via externally generated TTL signals. A complete
listing of the pin-outs and how they function is listed in Chapter 6:
External TTL Control.
Figure 8. Channel Output
Figure 9. Stimulation Inputs
Figure 10. External TTL Control
Figure 11. TTL Control Connector
1
218 17 16 19
20
21
36 35 37
TTLEnable
Vcc(+5V)
Use Stim2
Ground
Master Blank Individual Channel Blanks
(Pins 1 to 16)
Individual Channel StimulationEnables
(Pins 20 to 35)
Ch
13
Ch
13
Ch
14
Ch
14
Ch
12
Ch
12
Ch
15
Ch
15
Ch
11
Ch
11
Ch
16
Ch
16
Ch
10
Ch
10
Ch
9
Ch
9
Ch
8
Ch
8
Ch
7
Ch
7
Ch
6
Ch
6
Ch
5
Ch
5
Ch
4
Ch
4
Ch
3
Ch
3
Ch
2
Ch
2
Ch
1
Ch
1

A-M Systems, Inc.
9
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
USB Connector
This connector enables a personal computer running a supplied
Windows®operating system compatible control program to
control the Model 3600 by attaching it to an available USB port on
the computer using the USB cable supplied with the instrument.
Ground Connector
This banana jack (Figure 13) is the amplifier’s chassis (signal)
ground.
Ganged Output Connector
This 25-pin output connector is provided for researchers who prefer to use a massed output cable,
rather than the provided individual BNC Output connectors. No cable is provided with the
instrument to mate with this connector.
Figure 12. USB Connector
Figure 13. Ground Connector
Figure 14. Diagram of Ganged Output Connector
1213
12
25
24
14 15
Ch
1
Ground
(Pins 14- 22)
Ch
2
Ch
3
Ch
4
Ch
5
Ch
6
Ch
7
Ch
8
Ch
9
Ch
10
Ch
16
Ch
11
Ch
15
Ch
12
Ch
14
Ch
13

A-M Systems, Inc.
10
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
AC Power Input
This instrument has a terminal for protective grounding. Before
applying power, verify that the correct safety precautions are
taken. In addition, note the external markings on the instrument
that indicate line voltages. Do not operate the instrument with its
covers removed. Replace fuse only with specified type. Check
that the correct voltage for your country is indicated on the back
of the unit. The Model 3600 should be delivered with the
appropriate mains power voltage set, at either 100-120 volts or
220-240 volts. A red slide switch located on the back panel just
above the power input determines this setting. Slide the switch
into the correct position if the wrong voltage is displayed. Do not
attach a line voltage that does not match the line voltage indicated
on the rear panel. Before turning on the instrument, you must
connect the protective earth terminal of the instrument to the
protective earth conductor of the (mains) power cord. The mains plug must only be inserted in a
socket outlet with a protective earth contact.
WARNING
Figure 15. AC Power Input / Line
Switch

A-M Systems, Inc.
11
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
3. Instrument Operation
Initial Power-Up
After unpacking your instrument and verifying that it is configured for the proper AC Power line
values, turn the instrument on using the front panel power switch. The touch-screen LCD should
illuminate and the A-M Systems logo should be displayed briefly as the on-board software loads.
After the initial software loads, the Calibrate Screen Process will begin. By touching the indicated
targets, the software responsible for tracking user input will determine the user’s local pressure
maxima when they press the screen, and will adjust subsequent target hot areas accordingly, thereby
increasing the accuracy of the screen for that particular user.
After completing the calibration process, the unit will display the MAIN MENU. Press Set Startup
Page in order to configure the unit for either the Record-only Headstage (minimum gain 20x) or the
Stimulating / Recording headstage (minimum gain 10x). Failure to do so will result in incorrect gain
settings. After setting the headstage gain, move directly to the CHANNEL EDIT screen by
pressing the 1in the toolbar at the top of the LCD display. The navigation toolbar is described in
detail in Chapter 4.
Channel Edit Screen
The CHANNEL EDIT SCREEN is used to edit the parameters of the amplifier channels. The top
line of the CHANNEL EDIT SCREEN (as well as all other screens) is the TOOLBAR, which
contains navigation icons that allow the user to navigate to key screens. The horizontal SINGLE
CHANNEL SELECT LIST bordered by left- and right-facing arrows selects the channel whose
current settings are displayed in the vertical parameter lists (High Pass, Low Pass, Gain, Notch, (-)
In, and Mode). The channel to be displayed can be selected by pressing the arrows at either end of
the list, or the channel number itself. Pressing any value displayed in any list will highlight that
value, and will immediately set that channel’s parameter to the selected value. If more settings are
available then can be displayed in a list, an up or down arrow will be displayed which will shift the
list accordingly if pressed.
Please select Channel 1. This can be done either by scrolling the selected value using the Arrow
buttons, or by touching the “1” in the scroll list. When selected, “1” will be highlighted.

A-M Systems, Inc.
12
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
Figure 16. Channel Edit Screen
High Pass
Each channel has a High Pass filter that can be set to any of the following values: 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 10.0,
30.0, 100.0, 300.0, and 500.0 Hz.
Low Pass
Each channel has a Low Pass filter that can be set to any of the following values: 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0,
3.0, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 kHz.
Gain
The gain of each channel can be set to any of the following values: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1k, 2k,
5k, 10k, and 20k.
Notch
A filter can be introduced or removed from each channel’s signal path in order to reduce AC line
frequency noise if necessary. ON implements the filter. OFF removes the filter. The NOTCH filter
can be tuned for the AC line frequency in the country where the Model 3600 is being used by
accessing the NOTCH FILTER PAGE via the MAIN MENU (See Chapter 4).
(-) In
Each Channel can either record pseudo-differentially by comparing the input signals on its (+) lead
with either Ground, or the signal on the (-) Input Bus. This bus in turn, can be connected either to
an external reference (a 17th input channel if you will), or to the signal of any one of the 16 signal
channels. The 17th channel is amplified 10x, like any of the signal channels.
Toolbar
Single Channel
Select List
Parameter Lists
Multichannel
Select List

A-M Systems, Inc.
13
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
Note that all of the channels using the COMMON REFERENCE BUS input as the reference will be referenced
either to the 17th channel, or to the selected signal channel. It is not possible to have some channels referenced to, say ch
5, and other channels referenced to the External Reference (17th channel) using this approach.
Mode
Each channel can be operated in one of three modes. OFF “blanks” the channel: signal leads from
the electrode are disconnected internally from the amplifier inputs and that channel’s amplifier
inputs are grounded. This is useful when one is expecting a large artifact that might distort or
saturate the channel’s amplifier, such as what might occur during stimulation on that channel or via
electrodes close to that channel’s own electrode. REC connects the electrode leads to the channel’s
amplifier input leads. STIM disconnects the electrode leads from the amplifier input leads, and
connects them to one of two STIM buses to allow an external signal to be passed through to that
electrode. For complete control of the STIM parameters, additional options need to be set that are
available from the MAIN MENU.
At this point, Channel 1 is fully defined and operational.
Copying Channel Settings to other Channels.
If desired, it is possible to copy the parameters of this selected channel to any or all of the remaining
channels. Simply select which channels you would like the parameters copied to by highlighting the
channel numbers in the double rows of the MULTICHANNEL SELECT LIST at the bottom of
the EDIT SCREEN. ALL selects all the channels; NONE clears the channels selected. Pressing
COPY will then transfer the channel parameters to the selected channels.
At this point, the unit is defined and functional on all channels. Further details on all instrument
functions are described in the next chapter.

A-M Systems, Inc.
14
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
4. Touch Screen Menus
This chapter will present screen captures of each menu, along with detailed descriptions of the
function of each button. Some of this material has been previously presented.
Toolbar
The top line of just about every screen is a common navigation toolbar. This toolbar enables the
user to jump to any of the main screens from any other screen at any time during the experiment.
Table 1 lists the function of each of the buttons on the navigation toolbar.
Figure 17. Toolbar
Table 1. Toolbar Icons
ICON
NAME
FUNCTION
Menu
Loads main control screen for program / instrument settings
1
1 Ch Edit
Edit screen for all amplifier parameters
8
8 Ch View
View screen that displays all settings for a single channel, 8 channels at a time
16
16-Ch View
View screen that displays major settings for a single channel, 16 channels at a time
?
Help
Display list of icons and their functions, along with other help information links
TTL
TTL
Displayed when amplifier controlled by external TTL-level signals (not displayed above)
A
Monitor A
Displays Output Monitor A setting; Calls Monitor setting screen.
B
Monitor B
Displays Output Monitor B setting; Calls Monitor setting screen.
Main Menu Help
8-Channel View
16-Channel View Monitor B
Channel Edit
Monitor A

A-M Systems, Inc.
15
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
Main Menu Screen
Options on the MAIN MENU screen are grouped according to four main functions: Program,
Amplifier, User Prefs, and Firmware settings. Program functions include loading and saving 16-
channel parameter sets for later recall (LOAD, SAVE), determining which of the stored parameter
sets will be initially loaded upon instrument boot-up (SET START-UP PROGRAM), and naming
the instrument (INSTRUMENT NAME). Amplifier functions include setting the (-) In reference
type ((-) INPUT), applying the Notch filter if necessary (NOTCH FILTER), determining required
parameters for passing stimulating current through the instrument (STIMULATION INPUT), and
generating a signal to be used to calibrate the amplifier or other instruments (CALIBRATION
SIGNAL). User Prefs options include a variety of controls related to the LCD display (LCD
SETTINGS), calibrating the touch-screen for a given user’s finger placement (CALIBRATE LCD),
and determining the preferred STARTUP PAGE. Firmware options enable the user to identify
which version of firmware and software is currently loaded on the instrument.
Additional details on each of these screen options follow.
Figure 18. Main Menu Screen

A-M Systems, Inc.
16
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
Load Screen
LOAD screen displays a list of five memory locations that are stored within the Model 3600 and are
saved even after AC power to the unit is shut off. These memory locations store the critical
parameters of all 16-channels in a single file. A memory location is selected by highlighting the
parameter set name (or program) name. A parameter set is loaded into active file set by pressing
LOAD. After loading the new parameter file, the instrument will return to 16-CHANNEL VIEW.
CANCEL will cancel the selection, not load any new parameters, and return the instrument to the
MAIN MENU).
Figure 19. Load Screen

A-M Systems, Inc.
17
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
Save Screen
SAVE screen displays the list of the five parameter set programs currently stored on-board in
internal memory. Pressing NEXT after selecting one of the program locations (#1-5) by pressing
on the parameter set name will lead to a “keyboard” screen that will enable the user to either accept
the name as is, or enter a new name. Pressing ENTER on the keyboard will store the currently
loaded parameter values in the program location, overwriting whatever program was there
previously, with no chance at recalling the previously stored program. After storing the parameters,
the unit will return to the 16-CHANNEL VIEW screen. Pressing CANCEL on the keyboard will
return the instrument to the MAIN MENU, without writing the current parameter values in any
memory location. SHIFT will toggle the screen from capital letters to lower case letters.
Figure 20. Save Screen

A-M Systems, Inc.
18
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
Set Startup Program Screen
SET STARTUP PROGRAM screen displays the list of the five parameter set programs currently
stored on-board in internal memory. Pressing OK after selecting one of the program locations (#1-
5) by pressing on the parameter set name will store that memory location as the location to load
every time the instrument is turned on. OK sets the selected program name at the startup program.
CANCEL terminates the process and makes no change to the current startup program selection.
Figure 21. Set Startup Screen

A-M Systems, Inc.
19
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
Instrument Name Screen
This screen loads the “keyboard”, and enables the user to name their instrument. Setting the
instrument name can help the user to identify individual instruments when multiple instruments are
connected to a single computer to be controlled using the supplied software. ENTER stores the
name and the unit returns to the MAIN MENU. CANCEL does not store the new name, and the
unit returns to the MAIN MENU.
Figure 22. Instrument Name Screen

A-M Systems, Inc.
20
PO BOX 850, Carlsborg, WA 98324 USA
Telephone: [phone] * 360-683-8300 * FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] * Website: http://www.a-msystems.com
(-) Input Screen
Settings on the (-) INPUT screen determine which channels use the Common (-) Input Reference
Bus (path), and what that bus is connected to. The bus can be connected to either the EXTERNAL
REFERENCE CHANNEL (Ch 17) or any other of the 16 regular input channels. Selecting a
channel under the phrase “ (-) Input bus connected to:” connects that channel’s signal input lead to
the common reference bus. Thus, that channel would then be selected to serve as the reference to
any other channels highlighted on the bottom of the screen. DONE returns the unit to the last
displayed channel screen (CHANNEL EDIT, 8-CHANNEL, or 16-CHANNEL VIEW).
Figure 23. (-) Input Screen
NOTE: If any channel is placed in STIM mode, the x10 Ref is automatically used to serve as the
stimulation (-) lead, or return path. If the x10 Ref is also selected to be the (-) input, then it will be
disconnected from the bus, and any channels using the x10 Ref as their reference input will end up
floating as long as a channel is in STIM mode. If you plan on stimulating, it is preferred to either
reference your recording channels to ground, or to another channel, but not the x10 Ref line.