Lafayette Instrument Flicker Fusion 12021A User manual

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Model 12021A User Instructions
Flicker Fusion
User Instructions
Model 12021A
MAN083
3700 Sagamore Parkway North
Lafayette, IN 47904 USA
Tel: [phone] • [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.lafayetteinstrument.com
© 2014 by Lafayette Instrument Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved- Rel. 7.22.15

3700 Sagamore Parkway North . Lafayette, IN 47904 USA . Phone: [phone]
Lafayette Instrument Flicker Fusion
Table of Contents
Description 2
Overview 3
Specications 3
Operating Instructions 4
Figure 1: Luminance Adjust 4
Figure 2: Mode Selection 4
Figure 3: Stimulus Selection 6
Figure 4: Sweep Rate Selection 6
Figure 5: Operate Window 6
Running with PsymLab Software 7
Photosensitivity Warning 7
Terms and Conditions 8
Description
The Lafayette Instrument Model 12021A Flicker Fusion provides the user with a variety of versatile controls
to perform accurate and timely measurements of CFF. Digital circuitry is used to provide extremely accurate
frequency generation from 1.0 Hz to 100.0 Hz in 0.1 Hz steps. The LCD display allows for exact and repeatable
frequency settings, while the serial port computer interface provides a means for test result storage or computer
control of the device. The user options include ve modes of operation to cover virtually any test requirement:
Ascending Auto Frequency, Descending Auto Frequency, Continuous, Discrete, and Analog Control Mode.
Three automatic proles (Automatic Method, Adaptive Method, and Self-Control Method) are available when
connected to a computer running Lafayette Instrument Company’s PsymLab software (available from Lafayette
Instrument Company). A serial-to-USB converter is required to connect with PsymLab.
The Lafayette Instrument viewing chamber has two lights, one for the left eye and one for the right eye. The
light compartments are completely separated, allowing for four stimulus combinations to occur: left eye only,
right eye only, left and right simultaneously, or left and right alternately.
The viewing chamber is constructed to control extraneous factors, which might distort CFF values. The white
Electroluminescent lamps produce even illumination over a ½”diameter viewing area. The stimuli are separated
by 2 ¾” center to center with a stimulus to eye distance of 15” and a viewing angle of 1.9o. The inside of the
viewing chamber is a dull black to minimize reection.
The Model 12021A Flicker Fusion is a signicant improvement over the previous Model 12023A Flicker Fusion.
The improved features include: frequency generation with only 0.05% error, dened sweep rate settings, 4
control push buttons and menu-driven LCD display for smaller packaging, RS-232C interface for computer
control and test result storage, and hypo-allergenic silicone viewing chamber mask for a comfortable t on
the test subject’s face.
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Model 12021A User Instructions
Overview
The Model 12021A Flicker Fusion is designed to test for the critical icker fusion threshold (CFF). CFF can be used
as an index of the temporal resolving power of the human visual system. The threshold of the icker fusion is
determined in the following manner: a light beam is interrupted intermittently by electronic means at a slow
rate, causing it to ash or icker. If the rate of the icker exceeds a certain rate, the light will appear steady. The
rate at which icker ceases and the light appears steady is the threshold of fusion. The rate of icker is then
decreased from steady to the point at which the light changes from steady to icker, the threshold icker. The
average of the threshold of fusion and the threshold of icker is called the critical icker fusion threshold (CFF).
CFF is sensitive to a number of presentation and observer variables. Presentation variables include stimulus
frequency, luminance of the stimulus, stimulus size, light/dark ration, stimulus color, and contrast. Observer
variables reported to aect results include body temperature, practice, general physiological state, age, sex,
and genetic variables.
Specications
Power Supply: 10 VDC @ 1.5A, 2.1mm center positive DC plug
Fuse: 0.5A 5 x 20mm fast blow
Frequency: 1.0 to 100.0 Hz in 0.1 Hz increments with an error of 0.05%
Slide Holder: 2”x 2”35mm holder for optional 12100 neutral density lters with 0.1% to 50% light transmission
Auto Mode Ramp Rates: options of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 Hz per second
Analog Input: 3.5mm mono phone plug with voltage range from 0.1 to 10V for 1.0 to 100.0 Hz icker rate;
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM INPUT = 14V
External Initiate: SPST normally open hand-held switch with RCA input
External Response: SPST normally open hand-held switch with 3.5mm stereo plug
RS-232C Port Settings: 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit
Typical Maximum Luminance: 58 Cd/m2
Viewing Angle: 1.9o
Light/Dark Ratio: 1:1
Stimulus Color: White
Viewing Chamber Mask: hypo-allergenic black silicone; mask may be cleaned with an alcohol wipe
Control Size: 8 5/8”W x 6.5”L x 3 ¼”H; Weight 1.8 lbs
Viewing Chamber Size: 7”W x 19”L x 16”H; Weight 7.4 lbs
Parts Included
• 1 – Control Unit
• 1 – Viewing Chamber
• 1 – 10 VDC wall mount AC adapter
• 1 – DB9 Female to Female cable
• 1 – DB15 Male to Female cable
• 1 – Single hand-held push button
• 1 – Dual hand-held push button
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Lafayette Instrument Flicker Fusion
Operating Instructions
1. With all power o, connect the DB15 cable from the CONTROL connector on the rear of the viewing
chamber to the VIEWING CHAMBER connector on the rear of the control chassis.
2. Connect the black hand-held subject response swtich to the
external response connector on the rear of the viewing chamber.
3. If external stimulus initiation is desired, connect the silver hand-
held push button to the EXTERNAL INITIATE connector on the
rear of the control chassis.
4. If computer control is desired, connect the serial cable from
the COMM.PORT connector on the rear of the control chassis to
communication ports 1 or 2 of the computer.
5. Once the above connections are completed, plug the wall
mount AC adapter plug into the DC POWER jack on the rear of
the control chassis.
6. Familiarize yourself with the following menu driven controls
7. In each mode the subject may respond by pressing either side
of the black subject response key.
A. Luminance Adjust (Figure 1)
This adjustment is only available upon powering up of the device. The stimulus luminance may be adjusted
using push button #1 to increase and push button #2 to decrease. Push button #3 will continue to the mode
selection. The luminance percentage represents the percent of the maximum stimulus luminance available.
Even though the stimulus lamps have been pre-aged to minimize decay, as the lamps age some decay in
luminance will be present, however the left and right stimulus lamps will decay at the same rate.
Figure 1: Luminance Adjust
B. Mode Selections (Figure 2)
1. Ascending Auto Frequency (>AUTOFREQ)
After selecting luminance or reset, select his mode with push button #1. Once the mode is selected, select
the desired stimulus for activation using push buttons #1 to #4 in Figure 3. Once the stimulus is selected,
select the desired sweep rate for the test using push buttons #1to #4 in Figure 4. Once the sweep rate is
selected, the display will show the mode that has been selected and the lower limit frequency, Figure 5.
Push buttons #1 to #4 will now perform the functions labeled below the buttons. To increase the frequency
setting use #1, to decrease the frequency setting use #2, to initiate the test use #3, and to reset back to
the mode selection screen use #4. Once initiated, the selected stimulus will activate and icker at the
lower limit. The icker frequency will increase at the selected sweep rate until a response or reset occurs.
When a response is made the frequency is halted and the stimulus is deactivated. Press #3 to reset for
the next test. Press #3 again to reset back to the mode selection window. If the upper limit frequency of
100.0 Hz is reached or the reset button is pushed, the stimulus is deactivated and the frequency is reset
to the starting lower limit.
4
Hand-held Subject
Response Switch

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Model 12021A User Instructions
2. Descending Auto Frequency (<AUTOFREQ)
After selecting luminance or reset, select this mode with push button #2. Once the mode is selected,
select the desired stimulus for activation using push buttons #1 to #4 in Figure 3. Once the stimulus is
selected, select the desired sweep rate for the test using push buttons #1 to #4 in Figure 4. Once the sweep
rate is selected, the display will show the mode that has been selected and the upper limit frequency,
Figure 5. Push buttons #1 to #4 will now perform the functions labeled below the buttons. To increase
the frequency setting use #1, to decrease the frequency setting use #2, to initiate the test use #3, and to
reset back to the mode selection screen use #4. Once initiated, the selected stimulus will activate and
icker at the upper limit. The icker frequency will decrease at the selected sweep rate until a response
or reset occurs. When a response is made the frequency is halted and the stimulus is deactivated. Press
#3 to reset for next test. Press #3 again to reset back to the mode selection window. If the lower limit
frequency of 1.0 Hz is reached or the reset button is pushed, the stimulus is deactivated and the frequency
is reset to the starting upper limit.
3. Continuous (CONTIN)
After selecting luminance or reset, select this mode with push button #3. Once the mode is selected,
select the desired stimulus for activation using push buttons #1 to #4 in Figure 3. Once the stimulus is
selected, the display will show the mode that has been selected and the current frequency, Figure 5. Push
buttons #1 to #4 will now perform the functions labeled below the buttons. To increase the frequency
setting use #1, to decrease the frequency setting use #2, and to reset back to the mode selection screen
use #4. The stimulus is on continuously in this mode, therefore the initiate push button is not used.
4. Discrete (DISCRT)
After selecting luminance or reset, select this mode with push button #4. Once the mode is selected,
select the desired stimulus for activation using push buttons #1 to #4 in Figure 3. Once the stimulus is
selected, the display will show the mode that has been selected and the current frequency, Figure 5. Push
buttons #1 to #4 will now perform the functions labeled below the buttons. To increase the frequency
setting use #1, to decrease the frequency setting use #2, to initiate the test use #3, and to reset back to
the mode selection screen use #4. Once initiated, the selected stimulus will activate and icker at the
current frequency. The icker frequency will remain constant until a response or reset occurs. When a
response or reset occurs the stimulus is deactivated.
5. Analog
This mode is not selectable through the control push buttons. Analog frequency control is only available
in Continuous Mode. Connect the analog input through the 3.5mm mono ANALOG INPUT connector on
the rear of the control chassis, using the center pin for the positive voltage. The control will automatically
detect when an analog voltage between 0.1 and 10V is present, with 0.1V = 1.0 Hz and 10V = 100.0 Hz.
The frequency will adjust in 1.0 Hz steps as the voltage is changed. Analog voltages below 0.1V will set the
frequency at 1.0 Hz and analog voltages above 10V will set the frequency at 100.0 Hz. To exit the Analog
Mode, push the reset push button. This will return to the mode selection window, Figure 2. WARNING:
The maximum allowable analog input voltage without damaging the control unit is 14V.
Figure 2: Mode Selection
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Lafayette Instrument Flicker Fusion
6
Figure 3: Stimulus Selection
Figure 4: Sweep Rate Selection
Figure 5: Operate Window
C. Stimulus Selection
1. Left - Only left stimulus ickers.
2. Right - Only right stimulus ickers.
3. Coincident- Both stimuli icker at the same time.
4. Alternate- Left and Right stimulus icker alternately.
D. Sweep Rate Selection
The rate at which the frequency changes in either automatic mode.
1. 0.5 Hz per second
2. 1 Hz per second
3. 2 Hz per second
4. 4 Hz per second

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Model 12021A User Instructions
7
Running with PsymLab Software
Lafayette Instrument Company’s PsymLab software contains three protocols that may be used to administer
tests, save results along with subject information, and create reports. These protocols include: Automatic
Method, Adaptive Method, and Self-Control Method.
Connecting to a computer running PsymLab requires a serial-to-USB converter (Model 12021A-USB) in addition
to the DB9 serial cable provided with the device. Power up the Model 12021A control before starting the software.
In Automatic Method, PsymLab automatically runs a test using the Ascending Auto Frequency Mode to
determine the fusion frequency and the Descending Auto Frequency Mode to determine the icker frequency.
The results of these two tests are averaged to obtain the CFF value. In this method, the subject responds by
pressing either side of the hand-held subject response switch.
In Adaptive Method, PsymLab uses the Discrete Mode to display xed frequencies and allows the test subject
to respond to the frequencies as “icker” or “fusion”. PsymLab uses the responses to“zero in”on the CFF value.
Please notice the symbols on the black hand-held subject response switch. The half-moon shape with dotted
lines extending out symbolizes a response of “icker”. The half-moon shape with solid lines extending out
symbolizes a response of“fusion”.
In Self-Control Method, PsymLab uses the Continuous Mode to display a starting frequency and allows the test
subject to select whether to increase or decrease the frequency. The test is complete when the test subject
cannot discern whether the frequency is a icker or a constant. Please notice the symbols on the black hand-
held subject response switch. The “+” symbolizes a response to increase the frequency. The “-“ symbolizes a
response to decrease the frequency. The amount of the increase or decrease becomes smaller as the subject
“zeros in”on the CFF.
More details on these methods and corresponding settings are available in the PsymLab manual.
Photosensitivity Warning
A small percentage of people may experience symptoms of photosensitivity when exposed to ashing
lights. These symptoms include feelings of nausea, dizziness, migraines, visual distortions, or photosensitivity
induced seizures characterized by one or more of the following: lightheadedness, altered vision, eye or face
twitching, jerking or shaking of arms or legs, disorientation, confusion, loss of consciousness or convulsions
that can lead to injury from falling or collision. Symptoms can occur in individuals with no history of seizures
or epilepsy. Immediately stop using the Flicker Fusion if you experience any of the above symptoms. Consult
a physician before using the Flicker Fusion if you or a relative have a history of seizures or epilepsy.

3700 Sagamore Parkway North . Lafayette, IN 47904 USA . Phone: [phone]
Lafayette Instrument Flicker Fusion
Terms and Conditions
LIC Worldwide Headquarters
Toll-Free: [phone] (USA only)
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
[email protected] (Outside the USA)
Mailing Address:
Lafayette Instrument Company
PO Box 5729
Lafayette, IN 47903, USA
Lafayette Instrument Europe:
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Phone, Fax, Email or Mail-in Orders
All orders need to be accompanied by a hard copy of your purchase order. All
orders must include the following information:
• Quantity
• Part Number
• Description
• Your purchase order number or method of pre-payment
• Your tax status (include tax-exempt numbers)
• Shipping address for this order
• Billing address for the invoice we’ll mail when this order is shipped
• Signature and typed name of person authorized to order these
products
• Your telephone number
• Your email address
• Your FAX number
Domestic Terms
There is a $50 minimum order. Open accounts can be extended to most
recognized businesses. Net amount due 30 days from the date of shipment
unless otherwise specied by us. Enclose payment with the order; charge with
VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or pay COD. We must have a hard copy
of your purchase order by mail, E-mail or fax. Students, individuals and private
companies may call for a credit application.
International Payment Information
There is a $50 minimum order. Payment must be made in advance by: draft
drawn on a major US bank; wire transfers to our account; charge with VISA,
MasterCard, American Express, or confirmed irrevocable letter of credit.
Proforma invoices will be provided upon request.
Exports
If ordering instrumentation for use outside the USA, please specify the country
of ultimate destination, as well as the power requirements (110V/60Hz or
220V/50Hz). Some model numbers for 220V/50Hz will have a “*C” sux.
Quotations
Quotations are supplied upon request. Written quotations will include the price
of goods, cost of shipping and handling, if requested, and estimated delivery
time frame. Quotations are good for 30 days, unless otherwise noted. Following
that time, prices are subject to change and will be re-quoted at your request.
Cancellations
Orders for custom products, custom assemblies or instruments built to customer
specications will be subject to a cancellation penalty of 100%. Payment for up
to 100% of the invoice value of custom products may be required in advance.
Cancellation for a standard Lafayette Instrument manufactured product once
the product has been shipped will normally be assessed a charge of 25% of the
invoice value, plus shipping charges. Resell items, like custom products, will be
subject to a cancellation penalty of 100%.
Exchanges and Refunds
Please see the cancellation penalty as described above. No item may be returned
without prior authorization of Lafayette Instrument Company and a completed
Return Form. A copy of the Return Form or your assigned Return # (you will
receive this via email after submitting the form) must be included with the
returned goods. The merchandise should be packed well and fully insured.
Unopened merchandise may be returned prepaid within thirty (30) days after
receipt of the item and in the original shipping carton. Collect shipments will
not be accepted. Returned products must be in saleable condition, and credit
is subject to inspection of the merchandise.
Repairs
Instrumentation may not be returned without prior authorization by
Lafayette Instrument Company and a completed Return Form. When you
complete the Form, or call Lafayette Instrument, you will receive a Return
#. Your Return # number will be good for 30 days. Address the shipment to:
Lafayette Instrument Company
3700 Sagamore Parkway North
Lafayette, IN 47904, USA.
Shipments cannot be received at the LIC PO Box. Items should be packed well,
insured for full value, and returned along with a copy of the Return Form or
the Return #. An estimate of repair will be given prior to completion ONLY if
requested in an enclosed cover letter. We must have a completed purchase
order by mail or fax, or repair work cannot commence for non-warranty repairs.
Damaged Goods
Damaged instrumentation should not be returned to Lafayette Instrument
prior to a thorough inspection. If a shipment arrives damaged, note damage on
delivery bill and have the driver sign it to acknowledge the damage. Contact the
delivery service, and they will le an insurance claim. If damage is not detected at
the time of delivery, contact the carrier/shipper and request an inspection within
10 days of the original delivery. Please call the Lafayette Instrument Customer
Service Department for repair or replacement of the damaged merchandise.
Limited Warranty
Lafayette Instrument Company warrants equipment manufactured by the
company to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one
year from the date of shipment, except as provided hereinafter. The original
manufacturer’s warranty will be honored by Lafayette Instrument for items not
manufactured by Lafayette Instrument Company, i.e. resell items. This assumes
normal usage under commonly accepted operating parameters and excludes
consumable products.
Warranty period for repairs or used instrumentation purchased from Lafayette
Instrument is 90 days. Lafayette Instrument Company agrees either to
repair or replace, at its sole option and free of part charges to the customer,
instrumentation which, under proper and normal conditions of use, proves to
be defective within the warranty period. Warranty for any parts of such repaired
or replaced instrumentation shall be covered under the same limited warranty
and shall have a warranty period of 90 days from the date of shipment or the
remainder of the original warranty period whichever is greater. This warranty
and remedy are given expressly and in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or
implied, of merchantability or tness for a particular purpose and constitutes
the only warranty made by Lafayette Instrument Company.
Lafayette Instrument Company neither assumes nor authorizes any person to
assume for it any other liability in connection with the sale, installation, service or
use of its instrumentation. Lafayette Instrument Company shall have no liability
whatsoever for special, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind from any
cause arising out of the sale, installation, service or use of its instrumentation.
All products manufactured by Lafayette Instrument Company are tested and
inspected prior to shipment. Upon prompt notification by the Customer,
Lafayette Instrument Company will correct any defect in warranted equipment
of its manufacture either, at its option, by return of the item to the factory, or
shipment of a repaired or replacement part. Lafayette Instrument Company
will not be obliged, however, to replace or repair any piece of equipment,
which has been abused, improperly installed, altered, damaged, or repaired by
others. Defects in equipment do not include decomposition, wear, or damage by
chemical action or corrosion, or damage incurred during shipment.
Limited Obligations Covered by this Warranty
1. In the case of instruments not of Lafayette Instrument Company
manufacture, the original manufacturer’s warranty applies.
2. Shipping charges under warranty are covered only in one direction.The
customer is responsible for shipping charges to the factory if return of
the part is required.
3. This warranty does not cover damage to components due to improper
installation by the customer.
4. Consumable and or expendable items, including but not limited to
electrodes, lights, batteries, fuses, O-rings, gaskets, and tubing, are
excluded from warranty.
7. Failure by the customer to perform normal and reasonable maintenance
on instruments will void warranty claims.
8. If the original invoice for the instrument is issued to a company that
is not the company of the end user, and not an authorized Lafayette
Instrument Company distributor, then all requests for warranty must
be processed through the company that sold the product to the end
user, and not directly to Lafayette Instrument Company.
Export License
The U.S. Department of Commerce requires an export license for any polygraph
system shipment with an ULTIMATE destination other than: Australia, Japan,
New Zealand or any NATO Member Countries. It is against U.S. law to ship a
Polygraph system to any other country without an export license. If the ultimate
destination is not one of the above listed countries, contact us for the required
license application forms.