Multi Channel Systems USB-ME16-FAI-System User manual

USB-ME16-FAI-System
Manual

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted without the express written permission
of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author
assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information
contained in this document or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it. In no
event shall the publisher and the author be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage
caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this document.
© 2017 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.
Printed: 09. 03. 2017
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustraße 21
72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon [phone] - 0
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.multichannelsystems.com
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Products that are referred
to in this document may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders
and should be noted as such. The publisher and the author make no claim to these trademark.

iii
Table of Contents
1Introduction 1
1.1 About this Manual 1
2Important Safety Advice 3
2.1 Important Safety Advice 3
2.2 Guarantee and Liability 4
2.3 Operator's Obligations 4
3Welcome to the USB-ME16-FAI-System 5
3.1 ME Product Line 5
3.2 Welcome to the USB-ME16-FAI-System 6
4Operating the USB-ME16-FAI-System 7
4.1 Setting Up and Connecting the USB-ME16-FAI-System 7
4.2 Front Panel 7
4.3 Rear Panel 8
4.4 Setting up and Connecting the USB-ME16-FAI-System 10
4.5 Software Installation 10
4.6 Multi Channel Experimenter 12
4.7 MC_Rack 15
5System Components 17
5.1 Miniature Preamplifier (MPA8I) 17
5.2 Setting up and Connecting the MPA8I 18
5.3 Testing the Noise Level of the MPA8I 19
5.4 Connecting 16-Electrode NeuroNexus Probe 20
5.5 Connecting Chronic Probe from NeuroNexus 21
5.6 MPA8I Pin Layout 22
5.7 Service and Maintenance 24
6Integrated Filter Amplifiers (FA) 25
7Integrated Data Acquisition 27
8Digital Input / Output, System Synchronization 28
9Troubleshooting 31
9.1 About Troubleshooting 31
10 Appendix 33
10.1 Technical Support 33
10.2 Pin Layout USB-ME16-FAI-System 34
10.3 Technical Specifications 36
10.4 Contact Information 37
10.5 Ordering Information 38
10.6 Scope of Delivery 41

1
1Introduction
1.1 About this Manual
It is assumed that you already have a basic understanding of technical and software terms. No special skills
are required to read this manual.
If you are using the device for the first time, please read the Important Safety Advice before installing
the hardware and software, where you will find important information about the installation and first
steps.
The device and the software are part of an ongoing developmental process. Please understand that the
provided documentation is not always up to date. The latest information can be found in the Help.
Check also the MCS Web site (www.multichannelsystems.com) for downloading up-to-date manuals
and Help files.

3
2Important Safety Advice
2.1 Important Safety Advice
Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to installation or use of the device and the
software. If you do not fulfill all requirements stated below, this may lead to malfunctions or breakage
of connected hardware, or even fatal injuries.
Warning: Always obey the rules of local regulations and laws. Only qualified personnel should be allowed
to perform laboratory work. Work according to good laboratory practice to obtain best results and to
minimize risks.
The product has been built to the state of the art and in accordance with recognized safety engineering
rules. The device may only
be used for its intended purpose;
be used when in a perfect condition.
Improper use could lead to serious, even fatal injuries to the user or third parties and damage
to the device itself or other material damage.
Warning: The device and the software are not intended for medical uses and must not be used
on humans.
Malfunctions which could impair safety should be rectified immediately.
High Voltage
Electrical cords must be properly laid and installed. The length and quality of the cords must be in
accordance with local provisions.
Only qualified technicians may work on the electrical system. It is essential that the accident prevention
regulations and those of the employers' liability associations are observed.
Each time before starting up, make sure that the power supply agrees with the specifications
of the product.
Check the power cord for damage each time the site is changed. Damaged power cords should be
replaced immediately and may never be reused.
Check the leads for damage. Damaged leads should be replaced immediately and may never
be reused.
Do not try to insert anything sharp or metallic into the vents or the case.
Liquids may cause short circuits or other damage. Always keep the device and the power cords dry.
Do not handle it with wet hands.
Requirements for the installation
Make sure that the device is not exposed to direct sunlight. Do not place anything on top of the device,
and do not place it on top of another heat producing device, so that the air can circulate freely.

USB-ME16-FAI-System Manual
4
2.2 Guarantee and Liability
The General conditions of sale and delivery of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH always apply.
The operator will receive these no later than on conclusion of the contract.
Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of any and all tests and data
generated by the use of the device or the software. It is up to the user to use good laboratory practice to
establish the validity of his / her findings.
Guarantee and liability claims in the event of injury or material damage are excluded when they are the
result of one of the following.
Improper use of the device.
Improper installation, commissioning, operation or maintenance of the device.
Operating the device when the safety and protective devices are defective and / or inoperable.
Non-observance of the instructions in the manual with regard to transport, storage, installation,
commissioning, operation or maintenance of the device.
Unauthorized structural alterations to the device.
Unauthorized modifications to the system settings.
Inadequate monitoring of device components subject to wear.
Improperly executed and unauthorized repairs.
Unauthorized opening of the device or its components.
Catastrophic events due to the effect of foreign bodies or acts of God.
2.3 Operator's Obligations
The operator is obliged to allow only persons to work on the device, who
are familiar with the safety at work and accident prevention regulations and have been
instructed how to use the device;
are professionally qualified or have specialist knowledge and training and have received instruction
in the use of the device;
have read and understood the chapter on safety and the warning instructions in this manual
and confirmed this with their signature.
It must be monitored at regular intervals that the operating personnel are working safely.
Personnel still undergoing training may only work on the device under the supervision
of an experienced person.

5
3Welcome to the USB-ME16-FAI-System
3.1 ME Product Line
The standard ME product line is based on a data acquisition card, the MC_Card, that is installed in the data
acquisition computer.
With the ME (microelectrode) and STG (stimulus generator) product lines, Multi Channel Systems provides
complete solutions for stimulation, recording, and data acquisition from up to 32 channels, data analysis
and export.
All ME products are intended for extracellular electrophysiological recordings in vivo, and special in vitro
applications. Typical applications include simultaneous spike and local field potential recording; multi-unit
and single-unit recording from awake behaving animals, for example NeuroNexus probes recordings.
USB-ME16-FAI-System
The USB-ME16-FAI-System is the first of a new generation of universal recording systems that
do not need an external data acquisition card. Data transfer to any computer is realized via USB.
The following components are part of the USB-ME16-FAI-System. Please make sure that you have carefully
studied the documentation on the single components before setting up your system. All manuals can be
found on the installation volume shipped with the system. Updated versions can also be downloaded from
the MCS web site.
Single components of USB-ME16-FAI-System
Web link to the manuals download page on www.multichannelsystems.com
Product
Manual / Reference (PDF on CD)
2 x 8-channel miniature preamplifiers (MPA8I)
USB-ME16-FAI-System Manual or MPA8I Manual
16-channel filter amplifier and data
acquisition
USB-ME16-FAI-System Manual
Data acquisition and analysis software
Multi Channel Suite, MC_Rack and
MC_DataTool
Multi Channel Suite Manual,
MC_Rack Manual and MC_Rack Tutorial
ADPT-NN-16
Adapter for connecting the NeuroNexus Probe
NN16 to two MPA8Is Datasheet
USB-ME-FAI-System

USB-ME16-FAI-System Manual
6
3.2 Welcome to the USB-ME16-FAI-System
The USB-ME16-FAI-System is a very compact and portable stand-alone solution. It features an integrated
16-channel filter amplifier and data acquisition. The digitally converted electrode signals are transmitted
to the connected computer via universal serial bus (High Speed USB 2.0). Thus, it is possible to use any
computer as a data acquisition computer, also a laptop. The size of the complete system is small enough
to fit into a laptop bag together with the computer.
The system includes two 8-channel miniature preamplifiers (MPA8I). The MPA8I is connected to
the microelectrodes to provide the initial tenfold amplification stage. Adapters to contact standard
microelectrodes such as probes from NeuroNexus are available as accessories. Custom adapters are
available on demand.
Data is recorded, graphed, analyzed, and reviewed with the powerful and easy-to-use Multi Channel
Suite, the newest software package from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH or the well-proved MC_Rack
program. You can export the data in standard formats.
USB-ME16-FAI-Sytem with integrated 16-channel filter amplifier and integrated data acquisition with
A / D converter, and connectors for two 8-channel miniature preamplifiers MPA8I.

7
4Operating the USB-ME16-FAI-System
4.1 Setting Up and Connecting the USB-ME16-FAI-System
Warning: Please read the separate manuals of all devices before installation, especially the warnings
and safety information. Make sure all devices are switched off before you connect them to the power
supply. Damage to the devices and even fatal injuries may result from improper installation or use.
Note: Using a USB hub for connecting the USB-ME16-FAI-System to the computer is not
recommended. The system needs a broad bandwidth for the data transmission. Recording might
not be possible, especially if a second device that sends or receives continuous data streams, for
example, a web cam or USB speakers, is connected to the same USB port.
4.2 Front Panel
2 x Analog Input for MPA8I
On the front panel of the USB-ME16-FAI are two MPA8I analog inputs (Female D-SUB 15
Connector) available. The left one is for software channel 1 to 8, the right one is for channel
9 to 16.
Power LED
The power LED should light up as soon as the system is connected to the power supply and the
I / O toggle switch at the rear panel is switched to status "I = On".

USB-ME16-FAI-System Manual
8
4.3 Rear Panel
DIGITAL IN / OUT
A Digital IN / OUT for 16 digital in- and output bits is available (68-pin MCS standard connector).
The Digital IN / OUT connection accepts or generates standard TTL signals. TTL stands for
Transistor-Transistor Logic. A TTL pulse is defined as a digital signal for communication between
two devices. A voltage between 0 V and 0.8 V is considered as a logical state of 0 (LOW), and
a voltage between 2 V and 5 V means 1 (HIGH).
The Digital OUT allows generating a digital signal with up to 16 bits and read it out, for example,
by using a Signal Divider SD16 from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. You can utilize this
digital signal to control and synchronize other devices with the USB-ME16-FAI. Bit 0 of the Digital
OUT is separated and available as Lemo connector DIG OUT D0. So if you need only one bit of
the digital signal, you don’t need the additional signal divider SD16. Please read chapter "Pin
Layout" (Digital IN / OUT connector) in the Appendix for more information.
The Digital IN can be used to record additional information from external devices as a 16-bit
encoded number. The Digital IN is most often used to trigger recordings with a TTL signal from
a stimulator.
The 16 bit digital input channels is a stream of 16-bit values. The state of each bit (0 -15) can be
controlled separately, the state can be HIGH (1) or LOW (0). Standard TTL signals are accepted as
input signals on the digital inputs. Unused input bits, which have an undefined state, should be
masked in the Trigger Detector of MC_Rack.
Warning: A voltage that is higher than +5 Volts or lower than 0 Volts, that is, a negative voltage,
applied to the digital input would destroy the electronics. Make sure that you apply only TTL pulses
(0 - 5 V) to the digital inputs.

Operating the USB-ME16-FAI-System
9
DIG OUT D0
The Bit 0 of the Digital OUT D0 is also accessible independently from the 68-pin Digital IN / OUT
connector. The digital output channel D0 is generally used for synchronizing the USB-ME16-FAI-
System with a stimulus generator, or with another data acquisition system, for example, an
imaging or a patch clamp system. The DIG OUT D0 generates standard TTL pulses.
DIG IN D0
The Bit 0 of the Digital IN D0 is parallel to Bit 0 of the DIG OUT independently available from the
68-pin Digital IN / OUT connector. The digital input channel D0 is generally used for synchronizing
the USB-ME16-FAI with another device, or with another data acquisition system, for example, an
imaging or a patch clamp system. The DIG IN D0 accepts standard TTL pulses.
AUDIO
To the AUDIO OUT (3.5 mm phone jack) you can connect an audio system to make the electrical
activity audible. In contrast to the sound tool of MC_Rack, this audio output is real time. There
is almost no time delay between the detection of a signal by the recording electrode and the
corresponding sound. Headphones or a speaker can be connected directly to the AUDIO OUT.
Only one channel can be converted into sound. This channel can still be selected by using the
sound instrument of MC_Rack. You can listen only to electrode raw data in real-time. The quality
of the sound is mono.
Note: You can add only one sound instrument to your rack, and you can convert only one
channel into sound.
USB
The USB connector is used to transfer the digitized data from all data channels and the additional
digital channels to any connected data acquisition computer via USB High Speed 2.0 (type
A - mini B) cable.
POWER IN
Connect here the power supply unit. This power supply powers the USB-ME16-FAI main unit
only. The device needs 12 V and 1.1 A / 13.2 W.
I / O
Toggle switch for turning the device on and off. The power LED on the front panel should light
up as soon as the system is connected to the power supply and the I / O toggle switch is switched
to status "I = On".
GROUND
If an additional ground connection is needed, you can connect this plug with an external ground
using a standard common jack (4 mm).

USB-ME16-FAI-System Manual
10
4.4 Setting up and Connecting the USB-ME16-FAI-System
Provide a power supply in the immediate vicinity of the installation site.
Place all devices on a stable and dry surface, where the air can circulate freely and the devices
are not exposed to direct sunlight. Set up the computer (with installed software program).
Set up the MPA8I as described in chapter "Setting Up and Connecting the MPA".
Set up the computer (with installed software program).
Set up the MPA8I as described in chapter "Setting Up and Connecting the MPA".
Connect the MPA8Is to the main unit of the USB-ME16-FAI-System. Close all unused inputs with
terminal plugs.
Connect the USB output connector to a free USB 2.0 port of the data acquisition computer.
Connect the main unit to a power outlet of the same electrical system (connected to the same
ground / earth wire) as all other components of the setup, for example, the computer or
shielding.
Check the power LED on the front panel. It should light up as soon as the power line is
connected and the I / O toggle switch on the rear panel is "On". If not, check the power source
and cabling.
Install the software program from the installation volume if it is not already installed.
Start the software and select the USB-ME16-FAI-System as the data source. Please see the
software help or manual for more details on how to define the data source.
4.5 Software Installation
Please check the system requirements before you install the software. Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH cannot guarantee that the software works properly if these requirements are not
fulfilled. Please see the software manual or help for more information. It is recommended that
you check the MCS web site for software updates on a regular basis.
System Requirements
Software: One of the following Windows operating systems is required: Windows 8.1, Windows
7, VISTA or XP (English and German versions supported) with the NT file system (NTFS). Other
language versions may lead to software errors.
Hardware: (Not required for offline analysis or demo mode) The data acquisition board USB-
ME16-FAI-System. If no USB-ME16-FAI-System is present, MC_Rack opens in a simulation mode.
A computer with low performance may lead to performance limits more often; therefore, MCS
recommends an up-to-date computer optionally with a separate hard disk. Please note that there
are sometimes hardware incompatibilities of the USB-ME16-FAI-System and computer
components; or that an inappropriate computer power supply may lead to artifact signals. Please
contact your local retailer for more information on recommended computer hardware.
Important: You need to have installed the latest USB-ME16-FAI-System driver to operate the
USB-ME16-FAI-System, which is automatically installed with the software. The installation may
be invalid if the USB-ME16-FAI-System does not respond. Please contact Multi Channel Systems
or your local retailer in this case.

Operating the USB-ME16-FAI-System
11
Recommended BIOS Settings
Recommended operating system settings
The following automatic services of the Windows operating system interfere with the data
storage on the hard disk and can lead to severe performance limits in the software. These
routines were designed for use on office computers, but are not very useful for a data acquisition
computer.
Turned off Screensaver.
Manual management of automatic Windows Update.
Power Options: Power scheme: Never turned off monitor, hard disk and system standby.
It is also not recommended to run any applications in the background when using the software.
Remove all applications from the Autostart folder.
Be careful when using a Virus Scanner. These programs are known to disturb the software,
and even data loss may occur.
Driver Installation
The USB-ME16-FAI-System is a plug and play device. The driver is automatically installed together
with the software program. It is easier to connect the USB-ME16-FAI-System first to the data
acquisition computer and then install the software.
Important: Please make sure that you have full control over your computer as an administrator.
Otherwise, it is possible that the installed hardware does not work properly.

USB-ME16-FAI-System Manual
12
4.6 Multi Channel Experimenter
Doubleclick the Multi Channel Experimenter icon or select Multi Channel Experimenter from
the "Start" menu. The program starts. The main window opens automatically: "Multi Channel
Experimenter (Instance: 1)". It is possible to open up to four instances in parallel. Operation is
independent for each instance.
This is your virtual rack configuration in the "Experiment Setup" window, which is blank after
program start. On the left side five classes of instruments are provided: "Data Sources",
"Recorder" and "Stimulators" are hardware components. The virtual instruments available
up to now are divided in "General" and application specific "Neuro".
The header of the dialog contains five buttons: "Start DAQ", "Start Recording", "Load
Experiment" and "Save Experiment" in the main toolbar on the left and the "Menu" button
on the right. In the bar down under the "Recording Time" and the "DAQ Time" are registrated.

Operating the USB-ME16-FAI-System
13
Building a Rack
It is very easy to build a rack: Please click onto the button of the desired instrument and move it via
drag and drop from the left to the right side of the main window!
It is also easy to connect the instruments: Please click onto one of the symbols on the lower part of
an instrument button to connect this output port via drag and drop with the input port (symbol on
the upper side) of the target instrument. Please read the next chapter.

USB-ME16-FAI-System Manual
14
Conventions for Building a Rack
Please consider the rules for connecting the instruments. The Multi Channel Experimenter program
allows only connections between output ports at the lower side of the device to the input port on
the upper side of the target device. The input and output ports of the devices are color coded for
a better assignment of the instruments. The blue symbol represents the port for the "Electrode
Raw Data". The green symbol represents the port for the "Auxiliary Analog Data". The red symbol
represents the port for the "Digital Data".
Three color coded output ports of the MEA2100 data acquisition device.
Example: Click on the blue symbol output port of the data source and connect it by drag and drop
with the blue symbol input port of the filter. The electrode raw data stream will flow from the data
source to the filter. Connect the blue symbol output port from the filter with the black symbol
input port of the recorder. The electrode raw data stream will flow from the filter to the recorder.
The black input port of the recorder accepts all types of input data streams and you can connect
more than one data stream.
The Multi Channel Experimenter Rack
Move as many instruments as you need via drag and drop into the “Experiment Setup” window.
It is possible to use the virtual tools more than one time.

Operating the USB-ME16-FAI-System
15
4.7 MC_Rack
It is also not recommended to run any applications in the background when using MC_Rack.
Remove all applications from the Autostart folder.
Warning: The operating system settings of the data acquisition computer were pre-configured
by MCS and should not be changed by the user. Changing these settings can lead to program
instabilities and data loss.
Installing MC_Rack with the USB-ME16-FAI-System connected to the computer
The Windows operating system detects a new hardware when the USB-ME16-FAI-System is
connected to the computer, if the program has not been installed beforehand. Please make sure
the device has power, that is, the power LED is lighting. Simply cancel the "Found New Hardware
Wizard" and proceed with the installation of the MC_Rack program.
Connecting the USB-ME16-FAI-System to a computer with installed MC_Rack
If MC_Rack had already been installed on the computer before the hardware was connected, the
operating system needs to load the driver once. After this procedure, the USB-ME16-FAI-System
will be automatically recognized by the operating system.
Connect the USB-ME16-FAI-System to the USB port of the data acquisition computer.
Switch the computer on.
The "Found New Hardware Wizard" is displayed.
Choose the option "No", not this time and continue with "Next".
Choose the option “Install” the software automatically (Recommended) and continue with
"Next".
The Wizard will automatically find the appropriate USB-ME16-FAI-System driver. Continue with
"Next".
The driver installation is finished.
Please check the system requirements before you install the MC_Rack software. MCS cannot
guarantee that the software works properly if these requirements are not fulfilled. Please see the
MC_Rack Help or Manual for more information. It is recommended that you check the MCS web
site for software updates on a regular basis.
Double-click Setup.exe on the installation volume.
The installation assistant will show up and guide you through the installation procedure.
Follow the instructions of the installation assistant.
The USB-ME16-FAI-System driver and MC_Rack are installed (or updated) automatically.

USB-ME16-FAI-System Manual
16
Setting up MC_Rack
Please refer to the MC_Rack Manual for more information.
Start MC_Rack.
Open the file MPA8I_NoiseTest.rck on the installation volume (see folder Tutorial). This rack
contains the virtual MC_Card instrument with a continuous raw data display and an Analyzer
to measure the peak-to-peak amplitude.
Click Start to start the recording.
—OR —Set up the rack on your own:
Click Set Channel Layout on the Edit menu. In Data Source, select USB-MEA from the left drop
down menu and USB-ME16 from the right drop down menu.
1. Add the USB-ME16-FAI to your virtual rack.
2. In the tree view pane of the virtual rack, select the USB-ME16-FAI-System and click the Hardware
tab. Enter the total amplifier gain according to the specifications of the instruments. For example,
for a miniature preamplifier with a gain of 10 and a following filter amplifier with a gain of 100,
the total gain is 1000.
3. Select an input voltage range of –819.2 to 818.8 mV and a sampling rate of 10000 Hz.
4. On the Edit menu, click Add Data Display to add a raw data display to your virtual rack.
5. In the virtual rack tree view pane, select the Display 1 and click the Layout tabbed page.
Set up a channel map with channels 1 to 16.
6. Adjust the display ranges to 500 ms and +/–50 µV.
7. On the Edit menu, click Add Analyzer to add an Analyzer to the virtual rack. Select all or two
typical channels on the Channels tabbed page. Select the Peak-Peak Amplitude parameter on
the Analyzer tabbed page.
8. On the Edit menu, click Add Parameter Display to add a Parameter Display to the virtual rack.
9. In the virtual rack tree view, select the Display 2 and click the Layout tabbed page.
Set up a channel map with all channels that were assigned to the Analyzer.
10. Click the Ranges tabbed page and enter 0 to 10 s for the x range and 0 to 100 µV
for the y-range.

17
5System Components
5.1 Miniature Preamplifier (MPA8I)
The 8-channel miniature head stage preamplifiers MPA8I is connected directly to the microelectrodes in
the test model to provide the first amplification stage of 10. Adaptors for standard microelectrodes such as
NeuroNexus probes are available. The miniature preamplifiers small size allows easy placement. The metal
housing prevents the amplifier from picking up external noise.
The MPA8I is a differential (type I) amplifier, that is, it includes additional common ground and reference
electrode inputs. The reference electrode is ideally identical to the recording electrodes and placed into
a comparable but inactive area or tissue. Background or noise signals that are picked up by both the
reference electrode and the recording electrodes are removed.
The metal case provides electrical shielding. Electrode damage is prevented by the very low bias current.
The high input impedance ensures stable long-term recordings: Ideally, the input impedance would be
infinite. As low voltages are generally recorded, a high current would flow if the input impedance were
low. As a result, the amplifier would not be able to deliver the current, and the voltage would break down.
The miniature preamplifier has a high input impedance to avoid this problem.

USB-ME16-FAI-System Manual
18
5.2 Setting up and Connecting the MPA8I
General Setup Recommendations
In the following, you find general recommendations for the installation. If you are using NeuroNexus
probes, adapters are available from MCS, please refer to the following chapters for more information.
Important: It is important that the complete setup refers to a single common ground. The reference input
has always to be connected. It is recommended to use a reference electrode. However, if you are not using
a reference electrode, connect the reference input to ground (GND). Otherwise, noise picked up by the
reference input will be subtracted from the recording signals. This will either lead to signal loss or to a very
high noise level.
11. Ground the animal with a ground electrode of large surface area, for example, a liquid gel adhesive
electrode, that is connected to the ground of the setup, for example, a large metal table or a Faraday cage,
to avoid pickup of noise from the environment. The ground electrode is best positioned in an electrically
inactive region (not near muscle, nor heart), for example, at the belly.
12. Connect the GND input or the metal case of the miniature preamplifier to the common ground of the
setup. (The GND input is internally connected to the metal case.)
13. Connect the reference electrode to the reference input of the miniature preamplifier. Generally, a reference
electrode is inserted into non-active tissue of the experimental model. The reference electrode should be
identical to the recording electrode so that both electrodes see the same background noise. This is
necessary because despite the grounding, the animal’s body often has not exactly a potential of zero,
due to the electrode impedance, for example. The background noise is then subtracted from the recording
signal, increasing the signal to noise ratio. Please note that this may not work if the complete setup is not
properly grounded.
14. Connect the recording electrodes to the recording channels of the miniature preamplifier. You can either
use single electrodes or multi electrodes with the miniature preamplifier. MCS provides adapters for
standard probes.
15. Connect all unused recording channels to the GND input or to the reference electrode, if ground and
reference are short circuited to avoid noise pickup. As the total amplifier gain generally lies in the range
of 1000, even very small noise signals may generate high noise signals.
16. If you are not using a Faraday cage, it might be necessary to shield the complete setup with aluminum foil
or similar to prevent electrical interference from the outside. Connect the aluminum foil to the ground of
the setup (for example, the metal table).
Troubleshooting: If you observe problems with noise, check that the ground of the setup is connected to
exactly the same ground as the data acquisition computer. For example, connect the metal table to the
ground / earth wire of a free power outlet (of the same electrical system), as the computer is generally
connected to ground via power plug, too. Also, connect the data acquisition computer’s metal case with
a thick ground wire to the ground of the setup (for example, the metal table), preferably with a 4 mm plug.