Columbus Instruments Exer 3/6 User manual

Exer 3/6 Treadmill
Serial Number:_______________
0208-003L
Copyright Columbus Instruments 2003

1
Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction
System Overview ..........................................................................................................................2
Specifications ................................................................................................................................2
Chapter 2 - Installation
Unpacking System ........................................................................................................................4
Assembly.......................................................................................................................................4
Connecting System Cables............................................................................................................5
Setting Angle of Inclination..........................................................................................................5
Chapter 3 - Operation
Belt Speed .....................................................................................................................................6
Shocker Repetition Rate................................................................................................................6
Shock Intensity..............................................................................................................................6
Shock On/Off ................................................................................................................................6
Loading and Unloading Animals ..................................................................................................6
Starting Experiment .......................................................................................................................6
Chapter 4 - Maintenance
Belt Adjustment ............................................................................................................................7
Cleaning ........................................................................................................................................7
Lubrication ....................................................................................................................................7
Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Chart ..................................................................................................................8

2
Chapter 1 - Introduction
System Overview
The Columbus Instruments Eco 3/6 Treadmill is an economical treadmill that is manually controlled. It
is designed as a stand-alone system capable of exercising from one to three rats or up to six mice
simultaneously. The controller allows the running belt to be adjusted from 5 to 50 or 10 to 70 meters per
minute(Depending on motors gear ratio). The running surface can be manually inclined from 0 to 25°, in
5° increments above the horizontal. The stimulus can be created with optional electrical grids. This
option can be individually enabled or disabled for each lane. The repetition rate and the stimulus
intensity are also user adjustable. All data collection of animal activity and exercise is done manually.
Specifications - Rat System
Overall Dimensions: 33”L × 20”W × 20”H
Maximum Speed: 70 m/m (High Output Motor) or 50 m/m (Low Output Motor)
Angle of Inclination: 0 to 25° in 5° increments
Maximum Shock Voltage: 163V, 200ms pulse
Maximum Shocker Current: 0.34-1.6mA
Running Surface Dimensions: 17"L × 4.75"W × 5"H
Shocker Grid Dimensions: 4.5"L × 4.75"W
Specifications - Mouse System
Overall Dimensions: 33”L × 20”W × 20”H
Maximum Speed: 70 m/m (High Output Motor) or 50 m/m (Low Output Motor)
Angle of Inclination: 0 to 25° in 5° increments
Maximum Shock Voltage: 163V, 200ms pulse
Maximum Shocker Current: 0.34-1.6mA
Running Surface Dimensions: 17”L × 2.375"W × 5"H
Shocker Grid Dimensions: 4.5L" × 2.375"W

3
(This page left blank.)

4
Chapter 2 - Installation
Unpacking System
Inspect all equipment in shipment. If there is damage contact Columbus Instruments immediately. The
Eco 3/6 Treadmill will be about 90% assembled.
Assembly
1. Install the inclination rod by pushing it up through the hole in the front panel of the treadmill. The
20” long rod will have five holes spaced equally apart and the bottom will have a pin placed in it.
This pin should be at the bottom of the treadmill and when installed correctly will be set to 0
degrees.

5
2. Remove the clear plastic lid by removing the two thumbnuts and lifting up.
3. Insert the dividing lanes into the slots by sliding one at a time downward. There will be four
dividers providing three individual lanes for rats or seven dividers providing six individual lanes for
mice.
4. Replace the lid and screw the two thumbnuts back into place.
Connecting System Cables
Make sure that the power switch on the controller is in the "Off" position. Locate the black round-type
motor cable. It is located on the side of the treadmill. The motor cable has a round four-pin connector
on end. Connect the motor cable to the round connector labeled "To Motor" on the side of the control
unit and tighten the outer ring to prevent the cable from becoming disconnected during use.
Setting Angle of Inclination
The angle of inclination can be increased lifting the front of the treadmill and moving the spring pin to
the next hole. The holes range from 0-25°, in 5° increments.

6
Chapter 3 - Operation
Belt Speed
The belt speed is adjusted using the speed selector labeled "SPEED". The speed selector indicates the
belt speed in meters per minute in 0.1 meter per minute steps. The belt speed can be changed by pressing
the "+" button above the desired digit to increment the value or "-" to decrement the value. Once the
desired speed is set, the adjacent "RUN/STOP" switch can be used to start or stop the treadmill running
belt. The speed of the running belt can be changed while the treadmill is operating. The "RUN/STOP"
switch should be used to stop the running belt before turning power off to the controller. The maximum
belt speed is 70m/m (1.16 m/s). Running the treadmill above the maximum speed may decrease the life
expectancy of the motor and bearings.
Shocker Repetition Rate
The shocking consists of 200 millisecond pulses separated by a user adjustable interval. The time
between each pulse is the repetition rate. The knob marked “REPETITION RATE” on the front of the
controller controls the frequency between shock pulses. The red lamp next to the “REPETITION
RATE” knob indicates each time there is a shock pulse present at the shocker grid. Turning this knob
clockwise increases the shock pulse repetition rate. The maximum repetition rate is 4 pulses per second.
Shock Intensity
The knob on the side of the treadmill marked “INTENSITY” controls the shock pulse amplitude.
Turning this knob clockwise increases the shock intensity. The maximum setting for the shock intensity
is approximately 3.4 milliamperes peak.
Shock On/Off
Each shocker grid can be individually controlled by the two-position toggle switch on the shocker box.
By placing the toggle switch in the forward position the channels electric shocking grid is enabled.
Loading and Unloading Animals
Before loading or unloading an animal, place a paper towel or rag over the top of the control unit to help
keep it clean and not allow urine into the controller. Turn the stimulus switch off for the lane in use.
Unlatch, lift the lid, and remove the animal. If the animal is at the front of the treadmill, set the speed
pot to 10 M/M or less and turn on the speed switch. This will bring the animal back towards the
stimulus area for easy removal. The whole lid can be removed by unlatching the lid and removing the
two thumbnuts and lifting up.
Starting Experiment

7
After loading the animals and putting the lid down, turn the power is turned on, the treadmill will
automatically start running if the "RUN/STOP" switch is in the "RUN" position. The belt speed,
repetition rate, and shock intensity will be the same as when the treadmill was last turned off.
Chapter 4 - Maintenance
Belt Adjustment
After the treadmill has run for a few hours the belt may stretch or pull to one side of the drive shaft and
need adjustment. Using the Allen wrench supplied and turning the appropriate side until the belt runs
smoothly in the middle of both shafts can do this. The adjustments should be done in small increments
with a few minutes between each adjustment, as it takes a few minutes for the belt to reach its new
tracking after each adjustment.
Cleaning
With the equipment turned off and unplugged, remove the clear lid and each divider lane. Remove the
plastic feces tray from underneath the treadmill. Use a mild detergent solution and water to wipe off any
residue from the exerciser. The tray can be washed or wiped off and returned.
Lubrication
No part should need lubrication for the life of the treadmill.

8
Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Chart
Problem Recommended Action
Power indicator light does not
turn on.
1. Check for blown fuse.
2. Check for proper voltage at AC receptacle.
3. Replace bad power cords.
Treadmill belt does not turn. 1. Belt may be jammed to one side of drive shaft. Adjust belt tension
and turn belt by hand to loosen.
2. Make sure the belt speed is on 06.0 M/M or above.
3. Make sure the “RUN/STOP” switch is in the “RUN” position.
4. Make sure motor cable is securely connected.
Shocker does not work. 1. Make sure the “SHOCK ON/OFF” switch is in the on position
(forward).
Exercise belt is pulling to one
side of the drive shaft.
1. Belt tension is not equal. Readjust belt tension.