Columbus Instruments Rotamex-5 User manual

Rotamex-5
0254-0001 v1.11
August 14, 2023
950 North Hague Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43204-2121 USA
www.colinst.com
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll Free: +1.800.669.5011

2
Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
3
Table of Contents
1 –Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................................................................4
1.1System Overview........................................................................................................................................................................................4
1.2 System Specifications ...............................................................................................................................................................................4
2 –Hardware Installation.....................................................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Changing Rod Assembly...........................................................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Mouse Rod Assembly ...............................................................................................................................................................................6
2.3 Rat Rod Assembly......................................................................................................................................................................................6
2.4 Sensor Adjustment ....................................................................................................................................................................................7
2.5 Detector and Sensor Cable Connection Guide ...................................................................................................................................8
2.6 Modified Sensor Bracket Setting Guide............................................................................................................................................. 10
3 –Controller ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.1 Controller Hardware Connections ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Controller Keypad .................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
3.3 Startup Menu........................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
3.4 Main Menu............................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
3.5 Experiment Setup Menu ....................................................................................................................................................................... 18
3.6 Run Experiment....................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
3.7 Diagnostics............................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
4 –Software ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
4.1 Installation................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
4.2 Connecting Interface Box ..................................................................................................................................................................... 21
4.3 Running Software................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
4.3.1 Communication Port Setup.......................................................................................................................................................... 23
4.3.2 Scanning for Configured Devices ............................................................................................................................................... 23
4.4 Menus ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.4.1 Experiment Menu........................................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.4.2 Diagnostic Menu ............................................................................................................................................................................ 26
4.5 Running Experiment............................................................................................................................................................................... 27
4.6 Experiment Data..................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
4.6.1 Passive Rotation Mode ................................................................................................................................................................. 30
4.6.2 Data File Format............................................................................................................................................................................. 31

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
4
1 –Introduction
1.1 System Overview
The Columbus Instruments Rotamex-5 System provides an automated approach to rotarod measurements. It can operate
with rats or mice and up to 4 subjects. The main unit is equipped with four lanes and a control unit. The rotarod unit has
individually divided areas on the rotarod spindle within which the subjects are contained. The rotational speed of rotarod
spindle is controlled by system software. Infrared beams are used to detect when a subject has fallen from the rotarod. The
sensors discriminate between the animal's tail and body thereby eliminating any erroneous indications of a subject fall that
may be caused by the subject's tail. When the subject has fallen from the rotarod, the system logs this as the end of the
experiment for that particular subject. Information such as the total time running on the rotarod (Time Running), and the
Rotarod's current speed at the time of the subjects fall are recorded. All experiment setup parameters are also recorded.
Rotamex-5 can be used as a stand-alone device or it can be interfaced through an RS232 communication port to Windows
compatible computer for storing data for later review or importation into a third party statistical analysis program.
1.2 System Specifications
Number of Exercise Lanes: 4
Rotarod Spindle Speed Range: 0 - 99.9 RPM
Acceleration Increments: 0.1 RPM per second. to 20.0 RPM per second
Mouse Spindle Dimensions: 3.0 CM x 9.5 CM
Rat Spindle Dimensions: 7.0 CM x 9.5 CM
Fall height From Rod Center: 44.5 CM
Unit Dimensions (LxWxH): 61cm X 56cm X 77cm
Weight: 27.5 kg
Data Recorded: Running duration, Rotarod speed at time of fall
Animal Detection Method: Scanning infrared beam(32) sensors monitor animals absence from rod assembly.
Power Connections: 100 Vac to 240 Vac @ 50-60 Hz Auto configurable.
Power Consumption: 70 Watts
Fuse size: 3 amp slow blow
Communication (optional): RS-232 to RS422(CIBUS) Multi drop. (Max of 16 devices)

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
5
2 –Hardware Installation
The Rotamex-5 comes pre-assembled from the factory with either a standard mouse or rat rod assembly. There is no need for
additional assembly. The instrument should be placed on a flat study surface. If the optional lid assembly was purchased
ensure that there is enough room for the lid assembly to open to allow easy placement of animals on the units rod assembly.
2.1 Changing Rod Assembly
The Rotamex-5 can be used with either 3.0cm(mouse) or 7.0cm(rat) rod assembly. The rod assembly is designed to allow the
end user to change from rod assemblies quickly and easily without the need for speed recalibration. The procedure for
changing the rod assembly can be found below.
1. First ensure that the power is turned off and the system is unplugged from the power source.
2. If the optional Lid assembly was purchased remove the lid assembly for lifting straight up the side walls.
3. Remove the motor compartment lid assembly. This is accomplished by removing the two Phillips head screws.
4. Remove the belt assembly from the top geared pulley. To easy removal of belt simply pull outward on the belt while
the rod is slowly rotated by hand. This action is very similar to removing a chain on a bicycle. This should be
performed slowly to prevent fingers from getting pinched between the belt assembly and pulley.
5. Once the belt is removed the complete rod assembly can be removed by lifting straight up on the side rod holders.
6. Once the Rod assembly has been removed simply install the new rod assembly onto the Rotamex side panels.
7. To install the belt assembly on the geared pulley, simply slide the belt on the front of the pulley while rotating the
rotarod assembly backwards. Once the belt is started, continue rotating the Rod assembly backwards until the belt is
fully seated. This action is very similar to installing a chain on a bicycle. This should be performed slowly to prevent
fingers from getting pinched between the belt assembly and pulley.
8. Reinstall the motor compartment lid assembly and securing the two Phillips screws.
9. If the option Lid assembly was purchased attach it to the top of the rod holder assemblies.
10. Reconnect power to the system and turn the switch on.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
6
2.2 Mouse Rod Assembly
The Rotamex-5 can be configured with a smaller rod assembly that has a 3.0 cm rod diameter. This is the preferred rod when
running smaller animals such as mice. The width of the running surface is approximately 9.5 cm. The rod surface is
constructed from grey PVC with a knurled finished.
2.3 Rat Rod Assembly
The Rotamex-5 can be configured with a rod assembly that has a 7.0 cm rod diameter. This is the preferred rod when running
larger animals such as rats. The width of the running surface is approximately 9.5 cm. The rod surface is constructed from
grey PVC with a knurled finished.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
7
2.4 Sensor Adjustment
The Rotamex-5 incorporates a 32-beam optical sensor mounter slightly over the rotarod assembly. This approach allows for
more precise detection of when the animal leaves or falls from the rod assembly. This method also allows for detection of the
animal gripping the rod assembly and rotating along with the rod as it spins. Since there are two different rod diameters the
sensor beams will need to be adjusted for each.
Beam Adjustment for Mouse Rod assembly. When using the mouse rod assembly (3.0 cm) the sensors will need to be
adjusted to the lowest position on the sensor bracket. When adjusting the sensors ensure that both emitter and detector are
positioned on the same bracket position.
Beam adjustment for Rat Rod Assembly. When using the Rat Rod assembly (7.0 cm) the sensors will need to be adjusted to
the highest position on the sensor bracket. When adjusting the sensors ensure that both emitter and detector are positioned
on the same bracket position.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
8
2.5 Detector and Sensor Cable Connection Guide
The following is a guide for connecting the RJ45 cables to the emitters and detectors to the front controller.
Controller and Sensors
The front detector (figure 1, item A) is located on the left side, and its associated emitter (figure 1, item B) is located directly
across from it on the rear. The front emitter (figure 1, item C) is located on the right side, and its associated detector (figure 1,
item D) is located directly across from it on the rear. The controller is located on the front upper panel of the enclosure (figure
2, item A). The connectors marked "Sensor" on the controller (figure 3) are used for connecting the detectors to the
controller. Four interconnecting cables are used for connecting the emitters and, detectors to the controller. Both connectors
on each cable are marked with a number that corresponds to a number at a connector on one of the emitters or detectors or
the controller.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
9
Sensor Cable Installation
Both plug ends on each cable have an assigned number that matches the number assigned to a particular jack on the
detectors, emitters, and controller. Cable installation is made simple by matching the numbers on the plugs with the numbers
on the jacks.
1. CABLE 1/3: insert plug number 1 into the number 1 "Sensor" jack on the controller (figure 4). Insert plug number 3
of the same cable into jack number 3 of the front detector (figure 4).
2. CABLE 2/6: insert plug number 2 into the number 2 "Sensor" jack on the controller (figure 5). Lay the cable over the
top of the motor enclosure and lay it over the top of the rear emitter and detector (figures 6 and 7). Insert plug
number 6 of the same cable into the number 6 jack on the rear detector (figure 8). Note 1: this cable can also be laid
over the top of the front detector and emitter and ran to the rear detector if this installation is more desired. Note 2:
ensure that when laying the cable over the detector and emitter that it does not block the windows of either sensor.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
10
3. CABLE 4/5: insert plug number 4 into the number 4 jack on the front detector (figure 9). Lay the cable over the
motor enclosure and insert plug number 5 of the same cable into the number 5 jack on the rear emitter (figure 10).
4. CABLE 7/8: insert the number 7 plug into the number 7 jack on the rear detector (figure 11). Insert plug number 8 of
the same cable into the number 8 jack on the front emitter (figure 12).
2.6 Modified Sensor Bracket Setting Guide
Modified Sensor Brackets
The modified sensor brackets have additional settings for adjusting the height of the sensors for both mouse and rat
configurations. As shown in the Rotamex-5 Instruction manual on page 8, the mouse position set the detection beam 1/4
inches above the rod. The bracket shown is the original bracket with five mounting holes. The holes are numbered from one
through five with number one at the bottom hole. The modified bracket has an additional mounting hole inserted between
the original number two and three holes. So the holes are renumbered from one to six. See figure 1, group A. The modified
bracket has an additional mounting hole on the lower mounting plate (see figure 1, group B) which allows the bracket to be
lowered by 1/4 inch. To set the height of the bracket at the lower height, mount the bracket to the enclosure at mounting
hole "A" as shown in figure 1. Mounting hole "B" is used to set the bracket height higher by 1/4 inches from the lower
position.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
11
Proper Mounting of the sensors
The emitters and detectors must be installed with their window ports (figure 2, item A) in the upper position and the ID label
facing up (figure 4). The backsides of the emitters and detectors have four threaded 6-32 mounting holes (figure 3) that are
used to secure the sensors to the brackets. The sensor upper mounting holes are identified as A1 and B1. The sensor lower
mounting holes are identified as A2 and B2. See mouse and rat configuration tables below.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
12

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
13
Beam Adjustment in the Low Mouse Configuration
When the sensors are mounted in position number M-L1 (Mouse Configuration Table) the detector beam is 1/8 inch above
the rod. There is some play of the thumbscrew within the bracket alignment hole that may cause the detection beams of the
sensors to be blocked by the rod. Adjust the sensors using the following procedure:
1. Select the Diagnostics Menu on the controller (see page 15 of Rotamex-5 Instruction Manual).
2. At the Diagnostics Menu shown on the LCD of the controller, the sensor portion of the display should show the
numeric value of "00" for each channel (lane) (00 00 00 00).
3. To adjust the beam alignments of the affected channel (lane) loosen the thumbscrews to the front sensor and push it
up inside the same mounting hole until the numeric value of "00" is displayed, then tighten the thumbscrews. If one
or both lanes are still not aligned, then repeat the same procedure for its associated back sensor until the beams are
aligned. Repeat for each affected channel (lane). (Note: the left emitter and detector pair monitors lanes 1 and 2 and
the right emitter and detector pair monitors lanes 3 and 4). Figure 5 shows all lanes out of alignment. Figure 6 shows
lanes 1 and 2 aligned and lanes 3 and 4 out of alignment. Figure 7 shows all lanes in alignment.
4. Once each channel (lane) displays the numeric value of "00", the alignment procedure is complete. The beam for
each lane is now at 1/8 inches above the rod.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
14
3 –Controller
The Rotamex-5 was designed to operate in a standalone mode where a host computer is not needed for normal operation.
The main controller is located on the front of the unit. It contains four buttons which are used to enable each lane as well as
an "UP", DOWN", "ENTER" and "CANCEL" buttons used to enter system parameters.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
15
3.1 Controller Hardware Connections
The Rotamex-5 Controller controls monitors the animals presence on the rod through two 16 beam optical sensors. It also
controls the motor used to turn the rota-rod assembly. These hardware components are connected to the left side of the
controller unit.
Motor Connector: The motor control lines are connected with a 7 pin "Din" type connector, it is connected to the port
labeled "Motor".
Sensor Connector: The optical sensors are connected to the port labeled "Sensors". The sensor for Channels one and two is
connected to the upper connector, while the sensor for channels three and four are connected to the bottom sensor
connector.
Computer Connector: The Romatex-5 can be connected and controlled via a host computer. This connector is used to
connect to the host computer through a "CIBUS" protocol. If this option is purchased a "CIBUS" converter will be supplied.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
16
3.2 Controller Keypad
The Rotamex-5 was designed to operate in a standalone mode where a host computer is not needed for normal operation.
The main controller is located on the front of the unit. It contains four buttons which are used to enable each lane as well as
an "UP", "DOWN", "ENTER" and "CANCEL" buttons used to enter system parameters.
UP. The "UP" button is used to increment experiment set point values and to scroll upwards through the system menu.
Down. The "Down" button is used to decrement experiment set point values as well as to scroll downwards through the
system menu.
Enter. The "Enter" button is used to store and edit experiment set point values as well as select system menu items.
Cancel. The "Cancel" button is used to abort set point value edits as well as returning to previous menus.
CH1 Start/Stop. This button is used to enable Channel 1 during an experiment.
CH2 Start/Stop. This button is used to enable Channel 2 during an experiment.
CH3 Start/Stop. This button is used to enable Channel 3 during an experiment.
CH4 Start/Stop. This button is used to enable Channel 4 during an experiment.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
17
3.3 Startup Menu
The Startup Menu of the Rotamex-5 is displayed immediately after power up. On this menu the firmware version number can
be found. By pressing any key, the Main Menu will be displayed.
3.4 Main Menu
The Main Menu enables access to functions to edit experiment variables, run experiments, and diagnostics functions. The
"Up" and "Down" buttons allow easy navigation through the menu, while the "Enter" and "Cancel" buttons are used to run and
abort selected menu functions.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
18
Experiment Setup Menu. This menu is used to setup rod Start Speed, End Speed, Acceleration Speed and Acceleration period.
Run Experiment Menu. This menu selections displays the experiment screen.
Diagnostics Menu. This menu selection allows the user to monitor in real time the optical sensors as well as control of the
Rotamex motor.
3.5 Experiment Setup Menu
This menu is used to setup experiment parameters such as rota-rod Start Speed, End Speed, Acceleration Speed and
Acceleration Period. The "Up”, “Down", and "Enter" button are used to navigate through this menu. Once a value is selected
to edit the "Up" button is used to increment the value while the "Down" button is used to decrement the value. One the edit
is complete the "Enter" button can be used to store the new value. The "Cancel" button exits out of this menu.
ACCEL: This variable is used to set the acceleration increment step. A value or 1.0 will allow the rotarod to have a step 1.0
RPM at the given time period defined by ACCEL-IN. If ACCEL-IN is set to 10 and ACCEL is set to 1.0 then the rotarod will
increase in rotational speed 1.0 RPM every 10 seconds.
ACCEL-IN: This variable is used to set the time period in seconds of each acceleration step. If ACCEL-IN is set to 10 and
ACCEL is set to 1.0 then the rotarod will increase in rotational speed 1.0 RPM every 10 seconds.
S-SP: This variable is used to set the initial start speed (RPM) of the rota-rod. A value or 1.0 will allow the rotarod to start
rotating at 1.0 RPM when the experiment begins.
E-SP: This variable is used to set the Ending Speed (RPM) of the Rota-rod. A value of 20.0 will allow the rota-rod to start at
the preset S-SP and accelerate to 20.0 at the preset Acceleration step and period.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
19
3.6 Run Experiment
The Run Experiment Menu allows experiments to be run. From this menu the user can enable channels and start / stop
experiments. When the experiment is running the current speed of the rota-rod assembly is displayed, channels running as
well as the amount of elapsed time since the experiment has started. Once an animal falls from the rotarod, the rotational
speed of the rota-rod at the time of the fall is displayed along with the amount of time the subject was present on the rod.
Interpreting Data. The above picture illustrates a running experiment in which all four channels where enabled. The animal in
Channel 1 ran on the rod for 16.9 seconds and the rod speed was 1.1 RPM. The Channel 2 animal ran for 11.7 seconds, and
the rod speed was 1.1 RPM. The Channel 3 animal has not fallen off the rod and his session is still active. The animal is
channel 4 ran for 21.6 seconds with a rod speed of 1.2 RPM. The top line indicates that 27 seconds have elapsed since the
beginning of the experiment and the current rod speed is 1.2 RPM
Starting an experiment. To start an experiment, first enable the desired channels. This is done by pressing the Start/Stop
button for the respective channel. When the channel is enabled, its status will change from "IDLE" to "Run". Once all the
channels have been enabled, next load each animal into the enabled lane. The experiment is started once all the animals are
loaded, and the "ENTER" button has been pressed. As the experiment runs the elapsed time since the beginning of the
experiment is displayed as well as the current rod speed in RPM.

Rotamex-5 0254-0001 v1.11
20
3.7 Diagnostics
The Diagnostics allows the user to monitor the optical sensors as well control the rota-rod's motor. The motor speed (RPM)
can be increased and decreased by pressing the "UP" and "Down" button. In the sensor portion of the diagnostics each beam
position that is broken is displayed as its binary beam position. If there are no beams broken, then the display should ready 00
00 00 00.