Columbus Instruments Exer 3/6 User manual

Serial Number:__________________
(Please refer to this number for service)
Exer 3/6 Treadmill,
Treadmill Controller
and Treadmill Software
Instruction Manual
257-9 4L, 6/24/2 16
Copyright Columbus Instruments 2 16
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 Calibration Wheel 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
2.1 CI-Bus Hub Driver Installation 11
3. Hardware Setup 13
3.0 Typical Item Inventory 13
3.1 Assembling the Exer 3/6 Treadmill 16
3.2 Downhill Running Adapter 21
3.3 Assembling the Air-Puff Stimulus 26
3.3.0 Adjusting the Capacitive-Touch Sensitivity 29
3. Connecting the Components 30
3.5 Setting the Angle of Inclination or Declination 32
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 Odometer Reset 37
.3.1 Run 37
.3.2 Accel 38
.3.3 Stop 38

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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 39
5.0 Treadmill Controller Setup 39
5.1 Treadmill Shock Detection Setup 0
5.2 Incline Controller Setup 0
5.3 Treadmill Software Initialization 1
5.3.0 No Devices Detected or Manually Configure the Port 2
5. Manual Experiment 3
5. .0 Treadmill Settings
5. .1 Shock Detect Settings 5
5. .2 Incline Settings 5
5. .3 Start Manual Experiment 6
5.5 Profile Mode Experiment 8
5.5.0 Treadmill Settings 9
5.5.1 Creating a Profile 9
5.5.2 Start Profile Mode Experiment 51
6. Treadmill Controller User Menu 53
6.0 Restore Defaults 5
6.1 Serial Number 5
6.2 Run-Time Meter 5
6.3 Run-Time Odometer 5
6. Unit ID 5
6.5 Baud Rate 55
6.6 Autocal Speed 56
6.7 Acceleration Settings 57
6.8 Operating Mode 58
6.8.0 Normal 58
6.8.1 Time Limited 59
6.8.2 Distance Limited 60
6.9 Exit 60

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Table of Contents
Exer 3/6 Treadmill, Treadmill Controller and Treadmill Software Instruction Manual
Section Page
7. Treadmill Software Descriptions 61
7.0 Experiment >> Run 61
7.0.0 Manual Tab 62
7.0.1 Profile Mode Tab 63
7.1 Experiment >> View 63
7.2 Tools >> Device Scan 6
7.2.0 Adding Devices to the CI-Bus 65
7.2.1 Removing Devices from the CI-Bus 65
7.3 Window 66
7. Help 66
7. .0 About 67
8. Maintenance 67
8.0 Treadmill Belt Tracking 67
8.1 Treadmill Belt Tension 68
8.1 Cleaning 68

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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 a stainless-steel grid
to provide electric stimulus or capacitive-touch sensing for 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, which functions as the control interface for the Exer 3/6 Treadmill, allows
adjustment of the belt speed and optional electric stimulus. The belt speed is adjustable from 0.0 to 102.3
meters per minute (m/min) or 0.0 to 170.5 centimeters per second (cm/s). A toggle switch commands the
belt to “RUN”, “STOP” or “ACCELERATE”. The exercise session can be set to run automatically for a
fixed time duration or odometer distance, providing the exact same exercise regimen to multiple groups of
animals, typical for day-to-day exercise in between testing sessions. A two-line LCD display reports the
current speed setting, treadmill belt status, odometer distances or time and the acceleration settings. The
Treadmill Controller can automatically calibrate the treadmill belt speed and odometer distance using the
optional Calibration Wheel.
The optional electric stimulus is a 200 millisecond (ms) pulse of electric current adjustable from 0.3 to
1.60 milliamperes (mA). The pulse is presented 1, 2 or 3 times per second (Hertz, Hz). Likewise, the
optional air-puff stimulus is the same 200 millisecond (ms) burst of air up to a maximum pressure of 0PSI
(2069mmHg). The “INTENSITY” knob adjusts the sensitivity of the capacitive-touch grids. The stimulus
is presented 1, 2 or 3 times per second (Hertz, Hz). 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.
or 0.0 to 170.5 centimeters/second.
• Acceleration is adjustable from 0.000 to 25.5 meters/minute/second.
or 0.000 to 25.5 centimeters/second/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.
or 99,990 centimeters in 1 centimeter steps.
• Optional automatic treadmill belt speed and odometer distance calibration using the calibration wheel.
• Optional Electrical Stimulus, 0.3 to 1.60mA, 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: 163V.
Stimulus Current: 0.3 - 1.60mA.
Stimulus Duration: 200mS.
Stimulus Repetition Rate: 1, 2 or 3 Hz.
Stimulus Control: 2-position toggle switch (on/off).
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). 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: 33.1 x 29.0 x 10.2cm (13.0” x 11. ” x .0”).
Physical Weight: 3.2 kilograms (7.0 pounds).
CI-Bus Connection: 8-pin RJ 5 Jacks (x2).
Cal. Wheel Connection: -pin Amphenol Circular Female Jack.
Motor Connection: 6-pin Amphenol Circular Female Jack.
Shocker Connection: 15-pin Female D-sub.
Belt Speed Range: 0.0 - 102.3 meters/minute.
Acceleration Range: 0.000 - 25.5 meters/minute/second
Time Limited Range: 0:00:1 to :15:59s.
Distance Limited Range: 1.0 to 9,999.0 meters.
1.1.5 Optional Calibration Wheel
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: -pin Amphenol Circular Female Plug.
Wheel Diameter: .128cm (1.625”).
Output: 100 pulses per revolution = 0.130cm per pulse.
1.1.6 Minimum Computer Specifications
IBM compatible computer with Windows operating system.
CD-ROM drive for software installation.
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: ports (A, B, C & D) x 8p8c (RJ- 5) 120ohm terminated.

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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 CD-ROM into the host computer. If the “Treadmill Software Setup”
application does not automatically launch, then you must manually launch the installation program.
 Select “Start >> Run...” from the desktop taskbar. A “Run” window will open.
 Click the Browse button. A “Browse” window will open.
 Select the CD-ROM drive from the “Look in:” combo box.
 Click once to highlight “Setup.exe” from the list of files on the CD-ROM.
 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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2.1 CI-Bus Hub Driver Installation
Next, the USB communication drivers for the CI-Bus Hub interface will be installed. If it did not
automatically launch, then you will have to manually start the installation.
 Select “Start >> Run...” from the desktop taskbar. A “Run” window will open.
 Click the Browse button. A “Browse” window will open.
 Select the CD-ROM drive from the “Look in:” combo box.
 Double-click the “Config” folder to open, and then click-to-highlight “ftdi.exe” from the list of files.
 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
Install button or the Yes button to continue.
 Repeat the above procedure and now select “cibus.exe”.
That completes the copy and installation of the Treadmill Software with communication drivers.

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SECTION 3
HARDWARE SETUP
3. Typical Item Inventory
A typical Treadmill system may contain the following items:
• 1 x CI-Bus Hub Interface, -ports with CI-Bus terminators (orange/blue plugs).
• 1 x USB cable, 1.8m (6 foot), A-B.
• 1 x CAT5 network cable, 1.8m (6-foot), 8p8c (RJ- 5).
• The Treadmill Controller with AC power cord.
• 1 x Amphenol motor cable 1.8m (6-foot), 6-pin 6-conductor circular plug-plug.
• 1 x D-Sub shock cable, 1.8m (6-foot), 15-pin 15-conductor male-male.
• 1 x Calibration Wheel.
• 1 x Instruction Manual.
• 1 x Treadmill Software CD-ROM.

1
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.
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.

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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