Columbus Instruments Exer 3 User manual

Serial Number:__________________
(Please refer to this number for service)
Exer 3/6 Treadmill,
Treadmill Controller
and Treadmill Software
Instruction Manual
257-9 5L, 3/21/2 21
Copyright Columbus Instruments 2 21
Columbus Instruments
Columbus InstrumentsColumbus Instruments
Columbus Instruments
E-mail: [e-mail] http://www.colinst.com
Columbus, Ohio 320 -2121 U.S.A.
950 North Hague Avenue
Fax: (61 ) 276-0529
Phone: (61 ) 276-0861

1
Table of Contents
Exer 3/6 Treadmill, Treadmill Controller and Treadmill Software Instruction Manual
Section Page
Table of Contents 1
1. Introduction 5
1.0 System Overview 5
1.1 System Specifications 7
1.1.0 Exer 3/6 Treadmill 7
1.1.1 Optional Electric Stimulus 7
1.1.2 Optional Air-Puff Stimulus 7
1.1.3 Optional Downhill Running Adapter 7
1.1. Treadmill Controller 8
1.1.5 Optional Speed Sensor 8
1.1.6 Minimum Computer Specifications 8
1.1.7 CI-Bus Hub Interface 8
2. Computer Setup 9
2.0 Treadmill Software Installation 9
3. Hardware Setup 11
3.0 Typical Item Inventory 11
3.1 Assembling the Exer 3/6 Treadmill 1
3.2 Downhill Running Adapter 19
3.3 Assembling the Air-Puff Stimulus 2
3.3.0 Adjusting the Capacitive-Touch Sensitivity 28
3. Connecting the Components 29
3.5 Setting the Angle of Inclination or Declination 31
4. Stand-Alone General Exercising without the PC 33
.0 Stand-Alone Initialization 33
.1 User Menu Settings 3
.2 Loading the Subjects 36
.3 Controlling the Treadmill 37
.3.0 Contrast / Odometer Reset 37
.3.1 Speed / Mode 37
.3.1.0 Stop 38
.3.1.1 Run 38
.3.1.2 Acceleration 38
.3.2 Intensity / Rate 38
.3.3 Motor Overload 39

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Table of Contents
Exer 3/6 Treadmill, Treadmill Controller and Treadmill Software Instruction Manual
Section Page
5. Performing a PC-Controlled Experiment 41
5.0 Treadmill Controller Setup 1
5.1 Treadmill Stimulus Detection Setup 1
5.2 Incline Controller Setup 2
5.3 Treadmill Software Initialization 3
5.3.0 No Devices Detected or Manually Configure the Port
5. Non-Profile Experiment 5
5. .0 Treadmill Settings 6
5. .1 Stimulus Detection Settings 7
5. .2 Incline Settings 8
5. .3 Start Manual Experiment 9
5.5 Profile Mode Experiment 51
5.5.0 Treadmill Settings 52
5.5.1 Creating a Profile 53
5.5.2 Start Profile Mode Experiment 5
6. Treadmill Controller User Menu 57
6.0 Restore Defaults 58
6.1 Serial Number 58
6.2 Run-Time Meter 58
6.3 Run-Time Odometer 58
6. Fan Voltage 58
6.5 Unit ID 59
6.6 Baud Rate 59
6.7 Autocal Speed 60
6.8 Acceleration Settings 62
6.9 Operating Mode 62
6.9.0 Normal 62
6.9.1 Time Limited 63
6.9.2 Distance Limited 63
6.10 Calibrate Shock 6
6.11 Exit 65

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Table of Contents
Exer 3/6 Treadmill, Treadmill Controller and Treadmill Software Instruction Manual
Section Page
7. Treadmill Software Descriptions 67
7.0 Experiment >> Run 67
7.0.0 Settings Tab 68
7.0.1 Profile Mode Tab 69
7.0.2 Data Tab 70
7.1 Tools >> Device Scan 71
7.1.0 Adding Devices to the CI-Bus 72
7.1.1 Removing Devices from the CI-Bus 72
7.2 Window 73
7.3 Help 73
7.3.0 About 73
8. Maintenance 75
8.0 Treadmill Belt Tracking 75
8.1 Treadmill Belt Tension 76
8.1 Cleaning 76

(intentionally left blank)

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SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
1. System Overview
The Columbus Instruments Exer 3/6 Treadmill is an economical treadmill designed for general-purpose
animal exercising. The overall running surface is divided into individual lanes by use of clear or opaque
lane dividers. By default, the outermost lane dividers are clear to allow the user to view the animal in the
outside lanes. All remaining dividers are opaque to provide isolation. The treadmill is capable of
exercising from 1 to 3 rats or from 1 to 6 mice simultaneously. The running surface can be inclined up to
25° above the horizontal in 5° steps. An optional Downhill Running Adapter allows the running surface to
be declined down to 15° below the horizontal in 5° steps. A safety platform at the end of the belt will
rescue injured or slow moving animals. The floor of the platform can be replaced with stainless-steel grids
which allow the application of electric stimulus (shock) or air-puff stimulus for exercise training. A clear
one-piece lid and hinge cover all of the lanes. The lid and dividers are easily removed for cleaning. The
use of a brushless motor provides very long life and eliminates the need for brush replacement or
commutator refinishing.
The Treadmill Controller functions as the control interface for the Exer 3/6 Treadmill. It provides controls
to set the belt speed and optional configured stimulus. The belt speed is adjustable from 0.0 to 102.3
meters per minute (m/min) and can be commanded to stop, run, or accelerate. The exercise session can be
set to run automatically for a fixed duration of time or distance, providing the exact same exercise regimen
to multiple groups of animals, typical for day-to-day exercise in between experiment sessions. A two-line
LCD display reports the current speed setting, treadmill belt status, odometer distance or time, the
acceleration settings and the stimulus settings. The Treadmill Controller can automatically calibrate the
treadmill belt speed and odometer distance using the optional Speed Sensor.
The optional electric stimulus is a 200ms pulse of current. The maximum current is 2.3 mA and is gated
by the stimulus repetition rate which can be set to 1, 2 or 3 times per second (Hertz, Hz). This results in the
maximum average current of 1. 2mA. Likewise, the optional air-puff stimulus is the same 200ms burst of
air up to a maximum pressure of 0PSI (2069mmHg). The animal is detected by way of a capacitive touch
sensor on each grid, therefore, NO ELECTRIC CURRENT is used to detect the animal. The stimulus
repetition rate can be set to 1, 2 or 3 times per second. Individual toggle switches associated with each lane
on the Exer 3/6 treadmill controls the application of the stimulus to each lane.
The Treadmill Software communicates with the Treadmill Controller to provide PC-controlled exercise
sessions saved as experiments. All of the treadmill settings, less the stimulus intensity, can be set and
continuously varied throughout the session. During an experiment, all of the data reported by all
components of the system, are logged in user-defined intervals to an output *.CSV file. This common file-
type can then be imported into various spreadsheet tabulation programs such as Excel.

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1. System Overview (continued)
Summaries of the features are as follows:
 The Exer 3/6 Treadmill can exercise 1-3 rats or 1-6 mice simultaneously.
 Any combination of clear or opaque lane dividers can be used.
 +25° of inclination in 5°steps.
 Optional -15° of declination in 5° steps.
 Brushless motor ensures long life with no maintenance!
 Treadmill belt speed is adjustable from 0.0 to 102.3 meters/minute.
 Acceleration is adjustable from 0.000 to 25.5 meters/minute/second.
 Automatically timed exercise sessions up to :15:59s in 1s steps.
 Automatic distance limited exercise sessions up to 9,999.0 meters in 1.0 meter steps.
 Optional automatic treadmill belt speed and odometer distance calibration using the speed sensor.
 Optional Electrical Stimulus, up to 2.3 mA, 200ms pulse, 1, 2 or 3 times per second.
 Optional Air-Puff Stimulus, up to 0PSI (2069mmHg), 200ms burst, 1, 2 or 3 times per second.
 The Treadmill Software commands the Treadmill Controller, Treadmill Stimulus Detection and
Automated Incline Controller all in one interface!

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1.1 System Specifications
1.1. Exer 3/6 Treadmill
Physical Dimensions: 83.8 x 50.8 x 50.8cm (33.0” x 20.0” x 20.0”).
Physical Weight: 25 kilograms (55 pounds).
Mouse Lane Dimensions: 5.7 x 1.3cm (2.3” x 16.3”).
Mouse Platform: 5.7 x 10.7cm with 1.0cm brush (2.3” x .2” with 0. ” brush)
Rat Lane Dimensions: 11.8 x 1.3cm ( .6” x 16.3”).
Rat Platform: 11.8 x 10.7cm with 1.0cm brush ( .6” x .2” with 0. ” brush)
Angle of Inclination: 0° - 25° above the horizontal in 5° steps.
1.1.1 Optional Electric Stimulus (replaces platform)
Mouse Grid Dimensions: 0.3 x 11. cm rods, 1.0cm apart, 5 - 6 rods typical
(0.1” x .5” rods, 0. ” apart, 5 - 6 rods typical).
Rat Grid Dimensions: 0.3 x 11. cm rods, 1.0cm apart, 11 rods typical
(0.1” x .5” rods, 0. ” apart, 11 rods typical)
Stimulus Voltage: 117VAC 50/60Hz.
Stimulus Current: up to 2.3 mA.
Stimulus Duration: 200mS.
Stimulus Repetition Rate: 1, 2 or 3 Hz.
Stimulus Control: 2-position toggle switch (on/off) for each lane.
The “INTENSITY” adjusts the maximum current for each lane.
1.1.2 Optional Air-Puff Stimulus (uses grid platform via capacitive touch sensor)
Stimulus Pressure: 0- 0PSI (2069mmHg), 5-gallon (19-liter) reservoir typical.
Stimulus Nozzles: Six (6) per Mouse Lane, Ø 0.055” x 0.5 5” L (Ø 1. mm x 13.9mm L).
Stimulus Duration: 200mS.
Stimulus Repetition Rate: 1, 2 or 3 Hz.
Stimulus Control: 2-position toggle switch (on/off) for each lane.
The “INTENSITY” adjusts the relative sensitivity of the
capacitive touch sensors.
1.1.3 Optional Downhill Running Adapter (modifies treadmill feet)
Adapter Dimensions: 25. x 9.5 x 27.7cm (10.0” x 19.5” x 10.9”).
Adapter Weight: 1.0 kilograms (2.3 pounds).
Adapter Effect: adds +30.0cm (+11.8”) to the overall height.
Angle of Declination: 0° - 15° below the horizontal in 5° steps.

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1.1 System Specifications (continued)
1.1.4 Treadmill Controller
Power Requirements: 200 watts, 100, 115, or 230VAC, 50/60Hz (factory selected).
Physical Dimensions: 36.8 x 30.5 x 10.9cm (1 .5” x 12.0” x .3”).
Physical Weight: .8 kilograms (10.6 pounds).
User Controls: 3 x Push-Button Rotary Encoders.
Speed Sensor Conn.: 6.35mm (1/ ”) Female Stereo Phone Jack.
Fan Connections: 3.50mm (1/8”) Female Mono Phone Jack (x ).
CI-Bus Connections: 8p8c (RJ 5 Ethernet) Modular Jack (x2).
Shocker Connection: 15-pin Female D-SUB.
Motor Connection: 6-position Molex 5566 Mini-Fit Jr Male Header.
Belt Speed Range: 0.0 - 102.3 meters/minute.
Acceleration Range: 0.000 - 25.5 meters/minute/second.
Time Limited Range: 0:00:01s to :15:59s.
Distance Limited Range: 1.0 to 9,999.0 meter.
1.1.5 Optional Speed Sensor
Power Requirements: 5VDC @ 100mA.
Physical Dimensions: 20.3 x .6 x .3cm (8.0” x 1.8” x 1.7”).
Physical Weight: 0.2 kilograms (0.5 pounds).
Connector: 6.35mm (1/ ”) Stereo Phone Plug.
Wheel Diameter: .128cm (1.625”).
Output: 100 pulses per revolution (771 pulses / meter).
1.1.6 Minimum Computer Specifications
Microsoft Windows operating system.
20 MB of free hard drive space for software installation.
1.1.7 CI-Bus Hub Interface
Power Requirements: 5VDC (from USB) @ 500mA.
Physical Dimensions: 13.5 x 11.7 x 6.35cm (5.3” x .6” x 2.5”).
Physical Weight: 0.6 kilograms (1. pounds).
Computer Connection: USB 2.0 Type “B” Jack.
CI-Bus Connections: 8p8c (RJ 5 Ethernet) Modular Jack 120-ohm terminated (x ).

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SECTION 2
COMPUTER SETUP
2. Treadmill Software Installation
You must have administrator rights/privledges on the host computer for the software to install successfuly.
The software is expected to be installed and run locally on the host computer’s hard drive and not from a
remote mapped network resource.
Follow these steps to install the Treadmill software:
 Insert the Treadmill Software Flash Drive into the host computer.
 Type “run” in the search text box on the Windows taskbar.
 Select the “Run” App from the list. A “Run” window will open.
 Click the Browse button. A “Browse” window will open.
 Select the Flash Drive from the Navigation Pane.
 Then click once to highlight “Setup.exe” from the list of files and folders.
 Click the Open button. The “Browse” window will close and return focus back to the “Run”
window.
 Click the OK button to begin the installation program.
 Windows may pause to ask to allow an unknown program to make changes to the computer. Click the
Yes button to continue.
Upon initialization, some install files will be processed and copied to the host computer. These files will be
removed if setup is cancelled. Then, a blue “Treadmill Software Setup” backdrop and installation window
are displayed.

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2. Treadmill Software Installation (continued)
 Click the OK button to continue.
 Click the square button marked with a
computer and floppy disks to continue.
 Click the Continue button to begin the copy and
installation procedure into the default Program
Group.
The install program will check for necessary disk space, and then begin to copy the program. It is
recommend to keep any files on your system that are newer than the ones being copied. Upon completion,
the program will update the Windows system and create program icons inside the group folder on the start
menu.
 Click the OK button to finish the install program.
The “Treadmill Software Setup” screen will close and return
focus back to the Windows desktop.

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SECTION 3
HARDWARE SETUP
3. Typical Item Inventory
A typical Treadmill system contains the following items:
 1 x CI-Bus Hub Interface, -ports with one CI-Bus terminator (orange/blue plug).
 1 x USB cable, 2m (6-foot), A-B.
 1 x CAT5 network cable, 2m (6-foot), 8p8c (RJ 5).
 The Treadmill Controller with AC power cord.
 1 x Molex Mini-Fit Jr motor cable, 2m (6-foot), 6-circuit, plug-plug.
 1 x D-SUB shock cable, 1.8m (6-foot), 15-pin 15-conductor male-male.
 1 x Speed Sensor.
 1 x Instruction Manual.
 1 x Treadmill Software Flash Drive.

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3. Typical Item Inventory (continued)
 The Exer 3/6 Treadmill (shown with optional shock grid).
 1 x treadmill lid
 1 x feces tray.
 1 x package of lane dividers: 5 opaque and 2 clear dividers are shown for mice.
 1 x inclination rod, 51cm (20-inch) with spring pin.
 2 x thumbnuts for securing the treadmill lid.
 1 x 7/16-inch open-end wrench for adjusting the tension of the treadmill belt.

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3. Typical Item Inventory (continued)
You may also need the following tools for assembling the system:
 Phillips (cross-point) screwdriver, medium tip.
 Common (flat-point) screwdriver, small tip.
 5/16-inch (7.5mm) wrench or adjustable crescent wrench.
The Treadmill system is easy to assemble provided that the components of the system are placed correctly.
A working surface that averages 1.3m x 1.0 m (6-foot x 3-foot, width x depth) with access to the front and
back is recommended. It will facilitate adjustments to the inclination rod as well as loading and unloading
the animals.
When possible, it is recommended to use an AC power strip to provide a common access to AC power for
all components of the Treadmill system and the host computer. Most AC power strips incorporate a master
switch that can switch on and off the AC power to the entire system and protect against electrostatic
discharge. It also provides a beneficial common ground between all components to help prevent
unintentional ground loops which may exists between the individual AC power outlets of a room.

1
3.1 Assembling the Exer 3/6 Treadmill
The Exer 3/6 Treadmill is about 90% assembled.
 Remove any protective plastic film that may cover pieces of the treadmill.
 Note that various holes are positioned along the length of the Inclination Rod. Insert the spring pin
into the hole that is most near to the end. This end of the Inclination Rod is the bottom. The other end
is the top.

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3.1 Assembling the Exer 3/6 Treadmill (continued)
 Roll the Exer 3/6 Treadmill on its side.
 Then insert the top of the Inclination Rod through the hole in the front of the treadmill.
(Now it is easier to remove the protective film from the bottom of the treadmill too).
 Roll the Exer 3/6 Treadmill onto its feet.

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3.1 Assembling the Exer 3/6 Treadmill (continued)
 Remove any protective plastic film that may cover the lane dividers.
 Insert one of the clear lane dividers into the set of slots on the far side of the treadmill.
 Insert all of the opaque dividers into the slots in the middle of the treadmill. Leave one set of slots
vacant between the 2 dividers for rats. Or populate all 5 slots for mice (as shown).
 Then insert the other clear lane divider into the set of slots on the near side of the treadmill

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3.1 Assembling the Exer 3/6 Treadmill (continued)
 Remove all protective plastic film that may cover the treadmill cover and lid.
 Fold the lid onto the cover.
 Place the holes of the cover over the posts in the front of the treadmill and secure with the two
#6-32 thumb-nuts.

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3.1 Assembling the Exer 3/6 Treadmill (continued)
 Unfold the lid onto the treadmill and secure with the 2 clips.
 Place the Feces Tray underneath the treadmill below the platform and treadmill belt.
This completes the assembly of the Exer 3/6 Treadmill.