BIOPAC Systems Epoch User manual
Epoch™ User Guide Page 2 of 23
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.9.2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
System Overview.....................................................................................................................................................................3
How to Use This Manual...................................................................................................................................................3
The Epoch Wireless System..............................................................................................................................................3
Dual-Channel EEG Sensor Implant ...................................................................................................................................3
Dual-Channel Differential Sensor Implant.........................................................................................................................3
EEG Sensor Electrode Spacing..........................................................................................................................................4
Differential Sensor Electrode Spacing...............................................................................................................................4
Reusable Sensor................................................................................................................................................................5
Four Channel and Six Channel EEG Sensors.....................................................................................................................6
Four-Channel 2-Week Electrode Spacing..........................................................................................................................7
Four-Channel 2-Month and 6-Month Electrode Spacing ....................................................................................................8
Six-Channel 2-Month and 6-Month Electrode Spacing ......................................................................................................8
Single-Channel ECG Sensor Implant.................................................................................................................................9
ECG Sensor Electrode Spacing .........................................................................................................................................9
Sensor Activator and Tester ............................................................................................................................................10
Deactivating a Sensor......................................................................................................................................................11
Experimental Setup Requirements...................................................................................................................................15
Surgical Implantation of the Sensor.................................................................................................................................16
Experimental Setup Requirements...................................................................................................................................16
Epoch Module Setup in AcqKnowledge Software............................................................................................................17
Appendix A: Troubleshooting Guide....................................................................................................................................19
Appendix B: Faraday Shield Assembly ................................................................................................................................20
Intended Use..........................................................................................................................................................................23
Warranty...............................................................................................................................................................................23
Page 3 of 23 BIOPAC Systems, Inc.
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.09.2019
System Overview
How to Use This Manual
This manual provides an overview of the Epoch wireless dual-channel in vivo recording system for small animal
research and how to set up the system in AcqKnowledge software. The specifications and diagrams that are provided
in this manual are to assist users in understanding the capabilities of the Epoch system. This document is not
intended as a service manual. Only authorized BIOPAC employees and representatives are qualified to repair any
component of the system. All rights of the warranty for said component are voided if any other party modifies any
component without the written consent of BIOPAC.
The Epoch Wireless System
The Epoch wireless system is comprised of three components that can be used for the acquisition of biopotential
signals from naturally or freely-behaving, small animals:
•The wireless sensor, which is affixed to the head of the animal, Figure 1.
•The wireless receiver base, Figure 2.
•The Faraday shield used to reduce the amount of noise interference from the ambient environment if present,
shown in Figure 15. (Page 14)
Figure 1. Epoch wireless sensor
(Dual-channel EEG sensor shown)
Figure 2. Epoch wireless receiver tray
Dual-Channel EEG Sensor Implant
The dual-channel EEG wireless sensor implant, Figure 1, contains a small amplifier, sensor, and a battery
encapsulated in medical-grade epoxy. Each electrode is made of Platinum-Iridium (Pt90/Ir10) material
insulated with Teflon, with a 0.127 mm diameter (0.005 in.). Two of these leads are for acquiring
independent biopotentials with the third lead being the common reference electrode. Spacing for these leads
are detailed on the following page. The sensor is shipped deactivated, and is available with a two-month
battery life (2 mo) commonly used for mouse studies, or a six-month battery life (6 mo) commonly used for
adult rat studies only. A sensor activator must be used to activate sensors on-site.
The output gain of the sensor is set at 2000x during production (±1.0 mV range), but can be set to the
following gains depending on your needs: 800x (Status-Epilepticus in adult animals) or 2000x (EEG, ECoG,
LFP). A sensor activator and tester must be used to activate sensors on-site.
Dual-Channel Differential Sensor Implant
Epoch Differential Sensors resemble Dual-Channel EEG Sensor Implants but additionally enable wireless
recording of two different biopotentials with their own reference. Record long-term EEG+EEG, EEG+ECG,
EEG+EMG, or ECG+EMG. Sensors amplify biopotentials and wirelessly transmit data to a receiver tray
placed under each animal cage for continuous wireless recording of rats, mice, or pups. There is no
crosswalk between cages, unlike other types of implantable sensors that use RF. Sensors ship deactivated—
activate with EPOCH-ACTI when ready to start recording.
Epoch™ User Guide Page 4 of 23
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.9.2019
Technical details of the Dual-Channel EEG and Dual-Channel Differential sensors are as follows:
Channels: 2
Reference: Dual-Channel EEG: Common
Dual-Channel Differential: Differential
Electrodes: Dual-Channel EEG: 3
Dual-Channel Differential: 4
Footprint: 8 mm x 9 mm (2 mo), 8 mm x 12 mm (6 mo)
Weight: 2.3 g (2 mo), 4.0 g (6 mo)
Volume: 0.76 cm3(2 mo), 1.35 cm3(6 mo)
System Gain Options: 800x -- (±2.5 mV range, 2.5 mV in = 2 V out)
2000x -- (±1.0 mV range, 1.0 mV in = 2 V out)
4000x –(0.5 mV range, 500 µV in = 2 V out)
Bandwidth: 0.1 –100 Hz per channel
Input Referred Noise: < 7.0 μV rms
EEG Sensor Electrode Spacing
Figure 3. Dual-channel EEG sensor electrode spacing schematic looking down
at animal’s head. The electrodes go through the page.
Differential Sensor Electrode Spacing
Figure 4. Dual-channel Differential sensor electrode spacing schematic looking down
at animal’s head. The electrodes go through the page.
Page 5 of 23 BIOPAC Systems, Inc.
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.09.2019
Standard Dimensions (Common and Differential Sensors):
A –1.8 mm (2 mo) or 2.2 mm (6 mo)
B –5 mm
C –8.5 mm (2 mo) or 9.3 mm ( 6 mo)
D –2 mm (2 mo) or 3.5 mm (6 mo)
E –6.5 mm
F –9.5 mm (2 mo) or 12.4 mm (6 mo)
G –4.3 mm (2 mo) or 4.7 mm (6 mo)
H –1.5 mm
Note Custom sensor configurations may be ordered by contacting BIOPAC.
Reusable Sensor
The dual-channel reusable wireless sensor implant contains a small amplifier, sensor, and a battery
encapsulated in medical-grade epoxy with the Plastics1 MS-335 connector system.
Two of these leads are used for acquiring independent biopotentials with the third, central lead, being the
common reference electrode. No ground electrode is used in the Epoch system.
The Epoch reusable sensor must be used with corresponding Plastics1 MS-333, 3-channel electrode
pedestals. We recommend MS333/3-A/SPC, however, any MS333-compatible pedestal will work with the
Epoch reusable wireless sensor. Only the MS-333 electrode pedestal is implanted in the animal.
Note that it is very important to remove as much insulation from around the common electrode as possible.
The sensor is only available with a two-month battery life (2 mo) commonly used for adult mouse and rat
studies. The output gain of the sensor is typically set at 2000x during production (±1.0 mV range) for EEG
or ECG signals, but can be set to the following gains depending on customer needs: 800x (Status-Epilepticus
in adult animals, EMG), 400x (EMG). A Sensor Activator and Tester must be used to activate sensors on-
site. The reusable sensor can be deactivated at any time using the Sensor Activator and Tester.
Figure 5. Epoch Reusable Sensor with MS-333/3A Electrode Pedestal
Figure 6. Epoch Reusable Sensor on Carrier Board
Epoch™ User Guide Page 6 of 23
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.9.2019
Figure 7. Epoch Reusable Sensor and Electrode Pedestal
Sensor channels are (left to right) channel 1, common, and channel 2 pins and shown with corresponding
MS-333/3-A electrodes. Please note that trimming may be required to implant the pedestal.
Technical specifications of Epoch Reusable 2-month Sensor:
Channels: 2
Reference: Common
Electrodes: 3 (pins, MS-335 connector)
Dual-Channel Differential: 4
Weight: 2.53 g (sensor only)
Volume: 0.76 cm3(2 mo),
System Gain Options: 400x (±5.0 mV range, 5.0 mV in = 2 V out)
800x -- (±2.5 mV range, 2.5 mV in = 2 V out)
2000x -- (±1.0 mV range, 1.0 mV in = 2 V out)
4000x –(0.5 mV range, 500 µV in = 2 V out)
Bandwidth: 0.1 –100 Hz per channel
Input Referred Noise: < 7.0 μV rms
Four Channel and Six Channel EEG Sensors
The four-channel and six-channel EEG wireless sensor implants contain a small amplifier, sensor, and a
battery encapsulated in medical-grade epoxy.
Each electrode is made of Platinum-Iridium (Pt90/Ir10) material insulated with Teflon, with a 0.127 mm
diameter (0.005 in). The leads (four or six) are used for acquiring independent biopotentials with an
additional lead being the common reference electrode. No ground electrode is used in the Epoch system.
Spacing for these leads is detailed below. The four-channel sensor is available with a two-week battery (2
wk) commonly used for pup studies, two-month battery life (2 mo) commonly used for adult mouse and rat
studies, or a six-month battery life (6 mo) commonly used for adult rat studies only.
The six-channel sensor is available with a two-month (2 mo) or six-month (6-mo) battery life.
Page 7 of 23 BIOPAC Systems, Inc.
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.09.2019
The output gain of the sensor is set at 2000x during production (±1.0 mV range), but can be set to the
following gains depending on customer needs: 800x (Status-Epilepticus in adult animals), 2000x (EEG,
ECoG, LFP), or 4000x (Pup EEG). A Sensor Activator and Tester must be used to activate sensors on-site.
Technical details of the Four-Channel and Six-Channel sensors are as follows:
Channels: 4 or 6
Reference: Common
Electrodes: 5 or 7
Weight: 0.5 g (2-wk), 2.3 g (2 mo), 4.0 g (6 mo)
Volume: 0.76 cm3(2 mo), 1.35 cm3(6 mo)
System Gain Options: 800x -- (±2.5 mV range, 2.5 mV in = 2 V out)
2000x -- (±1.0 mV range, 1.0 mV in = 2 V out)
4000x (four-channel only) –(0.5 mV range, 500 µV in = 2 V out)
Bandwidth: 0.1 –60 Hz per channel
Input Referred Noise: < 7.0 μV rms
Four-Channel 2-Week Electrode Spacing
Figure 8.Four-Channel 2-Week sensor electrode spacing schematic looking down
at animal’s head. The electrodes go through the page.
Standard Dimensions (Four-Channel 2-Week sensor only):
A –1 mm
B –2 mm
C –4 mm
D –1.8 mm
E –2.5 mm
F –6 mm
G –2 mm
H –1.5 mm
Epoch™ User Guide Page 8 of 23
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.9.2019
Four-Channel 2-Month and 6-Month Electrode Spacing
Figure 9. Four-Channel 2-Month or 6-Month sensor electrode spacing schematic
looking down at animal’s head. The electrodes go through the page.
Six-Channel 2-Month and 6-Month Electrode Spacing
Figure 10. Six-Channel 2-Month or 6-Month sensor electrode spacing schematic
looking down at animal’s head. The electrodes go through the page.
Standard Dimensions (Four-Channel and Six-Channel 2-Month and Six-Month sensors):
A –1.8 mm (2 mo) or 2.2 mm (6 mo)
B –5 mm
C –8.5 mm (2 mo) or 9.3 mm ( 6 mo)
D –2 mm (2 mo) or 3.5 mm (6 mo)
E –6.5 mm
F –9.5 mm (2 mo) or 12.4 mm (6 mo)
G –4.3 mm (2 mo) or 4.7 mm (6 mo)
H –1.5 mm
Page 9 of 23 BIOPAC Systems, Inc.
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.09.2019
Single-Channel ECG Sensor Implant
The single-channel ECG wireless sensor implant contains a small amplifier, sensor and a battery
encapsulated in medical-grade epoxy. Each electrode is 7-strand braided stainless steel with Teflon
insulation. Each strand is 50 μm in diameter. Making the bare electrode 152 μm in diameter (229 μm
diameter insulated). There are two electrode leads on the ECG sensor, and the routing of these leads in the
animal is shown in Figure 11. Spacing for these leads on the sensor is detailed below. The sensor is shipped
deactivated, and is available with a two-month battery life (2 mo) commonly used for mouse studies, or a
six-month battery life (6 mo) commonly used for rat studies. The output gain of the sensor is set at 2000x
during production (±1.0 mV range). A sensor activator must be used to activate sensors on-site. The
technical details of the sensors are as follows:
Footprint: 8 mm x 9 mm (2 mo), 8 mm x 12 mm (6 mo)
Weight: 2.3 g (2 mo), 4.0 g (6 mo)
Volume: 0.76 cm3(2 mo), 1.35 cm3(6 mo)
System Gain Options: 2000x -- (±1.0 mV range, 1.0 mV in = 2 V out)
Bandwidth: 0.1 –200 Hz per channel
Input Referred Noise: < 8.0 μV rms at 100 Hz (11 μV rms at 200 Hz)
ECG Sensor Electrode Spacing
Figure 11.Single-channel ECG sensor electrode spacing schematic looking down
at animal’s head. The electrodes exit the bottom of the sensor towards the animal’s neck
and back.
Epoch™ User Guide Page 10 of 23
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.9.2019
Figure 12. Dual channel sensor
activator and tester
Figure 13. Activation of dual
channel sensor shipped in off
state
Sensor Activator and Tester
Standard sensors are shipped deactivated for both EEG and ECG
systems. BIOPAC offers a Sensor Activator and Tester device, shown in
Figure 12 on right. This device is required in order to activate sensors
prior to use, and to test an entire Epoch system before sensor
implantation, through the receiver tray and a newly activated sensor.
To activate a sensor:
1. Flip the “Transmitter” switch at the bottom of the
Sensor/Activator/Tester to the “ON” position.
2. Insert the sensor PCB so that the sensor sits above the Epoch symbol, as
shown in Figure 13 on lower right.
3. Press the “POWER” button until the power light in the top left corner
turns green. NOTE: Power signal will automatically time out at 2.5
minutes. If this occurs, repeat Step 3 to activate or test signal of sensor.
4. Press the “ACTIVATE” button until the check mark in the top right
corner turns green.
At this point the sensor will be active.
Note The sensor must be activated within 6 months of shipment to ensure
the full 2-month or 6-month active battery-life.
The Activator was updated in April 2017 to include an ON/OFF
switch for reusable sensors. If you purchased the ORIGINAL and
want to use Reusable Sensors, contact BIOPAC .
Figure 14. Proper placement of Sensor in Activator/Tester shown on left
Page 11 of 23 BIOPAC Systems, Inc.
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.09.2019
Deactivating a Sensor
1. Flip the “Transmitter switch
at the bottom of the Sensor
Activator to the “OFF” position.
2. Insert the sensor circuit board so that
the sensor sits above the Epoch symbol.
3. Press the POWER button until the
power light in the top left corner turns
green
4. Make certain the check mark
in the upper right hand corner is
illuminated green. If it is not
illuminated and the power is on
(Step 3) and the sensor is
properly placed (Step 2), the
sensor is already turned off.
5. Press the ACTIVATE button until
the check mark in the top right corner is
no longer glowing green.
6. Remove the sensor from the Sensor
Activator and Tester and place it back
in its pink anti-static bag.
Epoch™ User Guide Page 12 of 23
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.9.2019
To Test a Sensor
For sensor testing purposes, the Sensor Activator and Tester device delivers a 54-Hz, ± 0.5-mV signal via
channel 1 of the sensor, and a 27-Hz, ± 0.5-mV signal via channel 2 (or channels 2-6, depending on the
number of channels for a particular sensor). This test signal will last for 2.5 minutes every time the Sensor
Activator and Tester power is turned on.
1. Flip the “Transmitter switch
at the bottom of the Sensor
Activator to the “ON”
position.
2. Insert the sensor circuit board so that the
sensor sits above the Epoch symbol.
3. Press the POWER button until the
power light in the top left corner turns
green.
4. Press the ACTIVATE
button until the check mark in
the top right corner turns
green.
5. Set the sensor still docked in the
Sensor Activator/Tester aside for three
(3) minutes to allow the electronics
in the sensor to equilibrate.
6. Press the POWER button until the
power light in the top left corner turns
green.
Page 13 of 23 BIOPAC Systems, Inc.
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.09.2019
7. Place the activated sensor docked in the Sensor
Activator/Tester on top of the Epoch Receiver inside
the Faraday Cage.
8. After system testing and before implantation, carefully snip
the electrode wires free from the circuit board to a desired
electrode length. The sensor circuit board can then be discarded.
9. Place the activated sensor docked in the Sensor Activator and Tester on top of the Epoch receiver inside the
Faraday cage
Turn on your data acquisition system. You should see one sine wave at 54-Hz, ± 0.5-mV signal via Channel 1 of the
sensor and a second sine wave at 27-Hz, ± 0.5-mV signal via Channel 2 (or channels 2-6, depending on the number
of channels for a particular sensor).
Note: this test signal will last for 2.5 minutes every time the Sensor Activator and Tester power is turned on.
Note: The sensor must be activated within 6 months of shipment (2 wk) or 12 months of shipment (2 mo & 6 mo) to
ensure the full 2-week, 2-month, or 6-month active battery-life, respectively.
Epoch™ User Guide Page 14 of 23
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.9.2019
Receiver Tray
The wireless receiver tray, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 15, contains a large internal receiver antenna and
electronics for reproducing the acquired biopotential signals. The receiver tray is similar for both the EEG and ECG
system, and is available in two sizes for use with most standard mouse housings and most standard rat housings, as
shown in Figure 15 below. Contact BIOPAC if you require custom receiver tray dimensions.
•Pup Receiver Dimensions: 185 mm x 178 mm x 127 mm (7.3” x 7.0” x 5.5”)
•Mouse Receiver Dimensions: 345 mm x 210 mm x 21 mm (13.6" x 8.25" x 1.0")
•Rat Receiver Dimensions: 429 mm x 216 mm x 21 mm (16.9" x 8.5" x 1.0")
Figure 15. Mouse and rat Epoch receiver trays. Inset shows common mouse housing on receiver tray.
There are two small LED indicators on the front of the receiver tray, one for power status and one for signal
transmission status. The power indicator will illuminate green when the power plug is connected to the receiver. The
signal transmission indicator will illuminate green when an activated sensor is within range of the receiver. On the
back of the receiver tray are the power plug connector and two BNC connectors, one for each channel of acquired
analog data, as shown in Figure 16 below. The maximum output of each Channel is ±4 V and can be acquired by
standard ±5 V analog data acquisition systems.
Figure 16. Back of receiver tray showing power plug and BNC output terminals
Page 15 of 23 BIOPAC Systems, Inc.
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.09.2019
The receiver tray has two accessory connectors and a power connector located on the side as shown in Figure 17
below.
•Antenna Extenstion: The 3.5 mm audio-type port is an antenna extension used to connect the receiver to a
metal feeding trough via an alligator clip. This connection is helpful to prevent the wireless signal from
being grounded when an animal climbs onto the metal feeding trough.
•Faraday Shield Connection: The banana-plug port (GND) is used to connect the included Faraday shield
accessory to ground via an allgator clip. The Faraday shield is recommended in any environment that may
contain electrical noise interference. A Faraday shield around a mouse housing is shown in Figure 18 below.
The Faraday shield must be assembled, and detailed instructions are provided in Appendix B. The Faraday
shield is available in three sizes that can encompass standard pup, mouse, or rat housings. Custom Faraday
shields may be created by contacting BIOPAC.
•Power Connection: Power is supplied to the Epoch receiver using the power adapter included with the
Epoch system. Epoch requires 9 VDC, 8 W through a 3.5 mm jack.
Figure 17. Antenna extension, Faraday shield, Power connection
Figure 18. Epoch mouse wireless system with
Faraday shield
•Pup housing shield: 203 mm x 254 mm x 254 mm (8.0” x 10.0” x 10.0”)
•Mouse housing shield: 356 mm x 305 mm x 305 mm (14.25"x 12.5"x 12.5")
•Rat housing shield: 508 mm x 365 mm x 365 mm (20.25"x 14.5"x 14.5")
Experimental Setup Requirements
There are a few requirements necessary to ensure reliable transmission between the animal’s sensor and the receiver
tray:
•Signal Range. The sensor needs to remain vertically within 6 in. of the receiver board. If an animal were to
climb out of this range, the signal reliability may be compromised. Note that connecting the metal feeding
trough to the receiver base eliminates this issue for most animal housing systems.
•Electrical Noise Interference. In the event that the room contains high environmental noise (e.g., RF
interference, power strips, fluorescent lights, other 50/60 Hz noise sources, etc.), it is recommended to use
the supplied Faraday shield around the receiver tray and animal housing shown in Figure 18. If the signal
transmission indicator is illuminated when no sensor is present, the environmental noise is too strong and the
shielded housing is necessary.
•Housing Compatibility. Each receiver tray can accommodate a number of different animal housing systems
such as commercially-available rodent housing. The limitations on the housing size are that 1) the housing
must fit within the shielding (see shielding specifications for sizing on previous page) and 2) the animal must
have at least one foot within the footprint of the Epoch receiver at all times. BIOPAC recommends using the
smallest housing that is suitable for the species according to your institutional guidelines. It is also
recommended that the housing be centered on the receiver.
Epoch™ User Guide Page 16 of 23
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.9.2019
Surgical Implantation of the Sensor
Surgical manuals can be provided by contacting BIOPAC. Manuals are available for the following animal implants:
•Adult mouse
•Adult rat
•Rat pup - post-natal day 18.
For ECG sensors, the surgical procedures are similar to EEG except for placement of the electrodes, which
should be done following the diagram below.
Figure 19: Wiring diagram for single-channel ECG sensor
Experimental Setup Requirements
There are a few requirements necessary to ensure reliable transmission between the animal’s sensor and the
receiver tray:
SIGNAL RANGE: The sensor needs to remain vertically within 6 inches of the receiver tray. If an animal were to
climb out of this range, the signal reliability may be compromised. Note that connecting the metal feeding trough to
the receiver tray throught the 3.5 mm stero jack “Antenna extension” eliminates this issue for most animal housing
systems.
ELECTRICAL NOISE INTERFERENCE: In the event that the room contains high environmental noise (e.g., RF
interference, power strips, fluorescent lights, other 50/60 Hz noise sources, etc.) it is recommended to use the
supplied Faraday Shield around the receiver tray and animal housing. If the signal transmission indicator is
illuminated when no sensor is present, the environmental noise is too strong and the shielded housing is necessary.
HOUSING COMPATIBILITY: Each receiver tray can accommodate a number of different animal housing
systems, such as commercially-available rodent housing. The limitations on the housing size are that 1) the housing
must fit within the Faraday Shield (see shielding specifications for sizing on page 15) and 2) the animal must have at
least one foot within the footprint of the Epoch receiver tray at all times. BIOPAC recommends using the smallest
housing that is suitable for the species according to your institutional guidelines. It is also recommended that the
housing be centered on the receiver.
Page 17 of 23 BIOPAC Systems, Inc.
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.09.2019
Setting Up the Epoch System with the BIOPAC Hardware
1. Connect the receiver tray antenna extension (3.5 mm cable) and Faraday shield ground (banana plug) as
shown on page 15.
2. Connect the BIOPAC Modules. (AMI100D/HLT100C for MP160 or UIM100C for MP150)
MP160 Hardware:
•Snap the AMI100D/HLT100C Module onto the right side of the MP160.
•Connect the two CBL102 BNC interface cables from the Epoch receiver tray’s BNC output
terminals to two CBL122 adapters.
•Connect the RJ11 end of the CBL122 adapter to the appropriate channel inputs on the HLT100C
Module.
MP150 Hardware:
•Snap the UIM100C Module onto the right side of the MP150.
•Connect the two CBL102 BNC interface cables from the Epoch receiver tray’s BNC output
terminals to the appropriate channel inputs on the UIM100C Module.
Epoch Module Setup in AcqKnowledge Software
1. In AcqKnowledge, select “MP160/150 > Set Up Data Acquisition > Channels” and choose “Add New
Module.” (The AcqKnowledge Module setup is also presented by default at application launch.)
2. Select the BIOPAC Module (AMI100D/HLT100C for MP160 or UIM100C for MP150) as follows:
•MP160: Select the AMI100D/HLT100C module corresponding to the desired channel and click
“Add.”
•MP150: Select the UIM100C module corresponding to the desired channel and click “Add.”
3. From the “Transducer” menu, select the desired Epoch sensor as follows:
•MP160: Select the Epoch Sensor (and desired gain) from the AMI100D/HLT100C Configuration
list and click “OK.” (Lower left figure)
•MP150: Select the Epoch Sensor (and desired gain) from the UIM100C Configuration list and click
“OK.” (Lower right figure)
Epoch™ User Guide Page 18 of 23
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.9.2019
4. Enter a channel label for the new configuration and click “Close.”
NOTE: In AcqKnowledge versions 4.4.2 and earlier, the Epoch Single-Channel ECG Sensor option is not supported
in Module Setup. However, these settings can be configured manually via the following steps:
1. Select the UIM100C Module as shown in steps 1 and 2 on the previous page. Be sure to select an unoccupied
channel number for the module (i.e., A2, A3, A4, etc.)
2. Choose “Custom” from the configuration list and click OK. This opens a Calibration scaling dialog.
3. In the Calibration scaling dialog, change the default Cal1 and Cal values to those shown in the figure below
(Also, change the default “Units label:” from Volts to mV.) Click OK.
Page 19 of 23 BIOPAC Systems, Inc.
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.09.2019
4. Enter “Epoch ECG” as the channel label and click “Close.”
For more details on AcqKnowledge software, including the EEG Specialized Analysis routines see the
AcqKnowledge Software Guide.
Appendix A: Troubleshooting Guide
This appendix provides helpful hints and solutions for troubleshooting the Epoch wireless system. This appendix
addresses issues that may not be consistent across all customers. Consistent, replicable problems will be addressed by
BIOPAC engineers. This appendix will be updated with problems found by customers and solutions determined by
BIOPAC. All solutions have been tested as much as possible by BIOPAC.
Table 1. Epoch wireless system troubleshooting solutions:
Error
Solution
The signal status indicator is illuminated even when
there is no sensor in range.
This occurs when there is too much electrical
interference in the environment. BIOPAC recommends
the use of the provided Faraday shield that can be
grounded to the Epoch receiver GND port. It can also be
helpful to use the Epoch system on racks that can be
grounded.
Signal appears to be extremely noisy and/or floating.
This can occur if the ground electrode on the sensor is
not making a low-impedance connection with the
surrounding tissue, or if the electrode becomes encased
in glue during implantation fixation. The solution is to
recheck the electrode placement and possibly the
electrode tip as well.
The signal looks noisy directly after implantation.
The surgical implant procedure often results in acute
trauma that can cause degradation of the signal.
BIOPAC recommends waiting 24 hours post-implantation
before recording signals.
Epoch™ User Guide Page 20 of 23
10166_Rev08 WWW.BIOPAC.COM 9.9.2019
Appendix B: Faraday Shield Assembly
The Epoch wireless telemetry system includes a Faraday shield that can reduce the amount of noise interference from
the ambient environment. This Faraday shield is designed to be placed around the receiver tray and the animal
housing. The Faraday shield must be assembled by the end user because it is shipped with the Epoch system in a
compact unassembled form to reduce the size of the shipment. The assembled Faraday shield will look similar to
those shown in Figure 20 below.
Figure 20. Assembled Faraday shield (Rat size on left / Mouse size on right)
List of Components
The Faraday shield kit, as shown in Figure 21 below, contains the following components:
Item:
Quantity:
Description:
1
20
M4 x 8 mm oval-head screws
2
5
8"long tapped-hole L-brackets
3
3
Long panels –2 side, 1 top - 14"x 12"for mouse, 20"x 14"for rat (L x W)
4
1
Back panel –10"x 12"for mouse, 14"x 12"for rat (L x W)
Figure 21. Unassembled Faraday shield components
Table of contents
