MultiChannel Wireless2100-System User manual

Wireless2100-System
Manual

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
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© 2014 Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. All rights reserved.
Printed: 24. 09. 2014
Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH
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72770 Reutlingen
Germany
Fon [phone] - 0
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[email protected]om
www.multichannelsystems.com
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TABLE OF CONTENT
ABOUT THIS MANUAL ........................................................................................................................... 4
WELCOME TO THE WIRELESS2100-SYSTEM......................................................................................... 5
IMPORTANT SAFETY ADVICE ................................................................................................................ 6
OPERATOR'S OBLIGATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 7
GUARANTEE AND LIABILITY ......................................................................................................................... 7
SYSTEM COMPONENTS ......................................................................................................................... 8
WIRELESS2100 HEADSTAGES ..................................................................................................................... 8
Sampling Rate .................................................................................................................................. 9
Battery Options ................................................................................................................................ 9
Modules for additional Functions ................................................................................................... 10
WIRELESS2100 RECEIVER......................................................................................................................... 11
WIRELESS2100 INTERFACE BOARD............................................................................................................. 12
ACCESSORIES......................................................................................................................................... 15
SYSTEM SETUP ..................................................................................................................................... 16
MC_RACK INSTALLATION ........................................................................................................................ 16
WIRELESS2100 HARDWARE SETUP ............................................................................................................ 17
MC_RACK SETUP .................................................................................................................................. 17
OPERATING MULTIPLE HEADSTAGES ............................................................................................................ 21
Sequential Recordings .................................................................................................................... 22
Parallel Recordings ......................................................................................................................... 22
FIRST FUNCTIONAL TESTS .......................................................................................................................... 23
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP ......................................................................................................................... 24
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................................................. 26
TECHNICAL SUPPORT ........................................................................................................................... 27
APPENDIX.............................................................................................................................................. 28
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................... 28
Pin Layout of the Interface Board ................................................................................................... 31
W2100 Interface Board: Digital IN / OUT Connector ....................................................................... 32
DATASHEETS.......................................................................................................................................... 33
CONTACT INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................... 34

About this Manual
This manual comprises all important information about the first installation of the hardware and software
and about the daily work with the instrument. 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 printed manual and help are basically the same, so it is up to you which one you will use. The help
offers you the advantage of scrolling through the text in a non-linear fashion, picking up all information
you need, especially if you use the Index, and the Search function. If you are going to read larger text
passages, however, you may prefer the printed manual.
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.

Welcome to the Wireless2100-System
The Wireless2100 in vivo recording system is the all-in one solution for amplifying, recording, and
analyzing in vivo data from four, eight, sixteen or thirty-two channels. The system consists of small
sized headstages with integrated A/D converter, a receiver, and an interface board with connectors
for additional analog and digital data in and outputs. For data acquisition and analysis, the easy to
use software package MC_Rack is included.
Headstages are available with 4, 8, 16 or 32 channels. Each Wireless2100-System can operate with any
type of headstage. With its excellent signal-to-noise ratio, adjustable sampling rate and wide frequency
range, the W2100-Systems are a versatile solution for spikes, LFP, EEG, ECG, and ECoG. The headstage
records analog signals from the electrodes. The signals are amplified and digitized directly on the
headstage, and transmitted to the receiver via radio communication in the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
Digital data transmission guarantees a long effective range without loss in data quality. Additional in-
and outputs on the interface board allow the synchronization of the data with external devices, and the
simultaneous recording of additional analog data, for example from a microphone.
As advanced option, the Wireless2100 system allows the possibility to record from up to four
headstages with one receiver simultaneously (at a reduced sampling rate). You can connect two
receivers to one interface board, thereby building a system for up to eight headstages. It is possible to
position four receivers in one room, thereby having a four-fold system with a total of sixteen headstages,
from which you can record in parallel.
Furthermore, the modular design of the Wireless2100 headstages allows the customization with
additional functions based on customer requests. At the moment, only the basic recording option is
available. Optional modules for electrical and optical stimulation, as well as motion tracking are under
development.

Important Safety Advice
Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to install or to use the device and the
software. If you do not fulfil all requirements stated below, this may lead to malfunctions or
breakage of connected hardware, or even fatal injuries.
Warning: Obey always 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 mains 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. Keep the device and the power cords always
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. Never cover the vents,
not even partially, so that the air can circulate freely. Otherwise, the device may overheat.

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.
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 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.

System Components
The Wireless 2100-System consists of three main components: the headstage with battery, the receiver,
and the interface board, which is connected to the computer. Accessories are the signal generator, the
remote control to reactivate the headstage, and the USB-charger for the battery. The components are
presented in detail below.
Wireless2100 Headstages
The headstage is the first of the three elements of the Wireless2100-System. The headstages are small
and lightweight to allow recordings in freely moving animals. Headstages are available with 4, 8, 16 or 32
channels. Each Wireless2100 receiver and interface board is able to operate with any type of headstage.
Headstages are equipped with Omnetics or single row connectors. Please see table below for an overview
of available headstage types/connectors. For other connector types, adaptors are available on request.
Please contact the MCS support team for detailed information.
Please see the table for the dimensions and weights of the headstages. The specifications apply to
headstages without additional functions.
Dimensions /
Weight
W in mm D in
mm
H in
mm
Weight in g
W2100-HS4
13 (+ antenna) 13 5 2.5 (+ battery)
W2100-HS8
15.5 (+ antenna) 15.5 5 2.8 with single row
connector (+ battery),
3.1 with Omnetics
connector (+ battery)
W2100-HS16
15.5 (+ antenna) 15.5 5 2.9 (+ battery)
W2100-HS32
15.5 (+ antenna) 15.5 6.7 3.7 (+ battery)

Each headstage has a battery connector and two LEDs, blue and red. The headstages are coated with
transparent blue material as protection against water and dirt. The standard gain of the headstages
is 100, and the frequency range is 1 Hz to 5 kHz. A lower cut off frequency of 0.1 Hz is available on
request.
Sampling Rate
The Wireless2100-System can sample the maximum of 32 channels with 10 kHz per channel. Depending
on the number of selected channels, the sampling rate can be increased even more. If multiple headstages
are operated simultaneously with a single receiver, the sampling rate is limited to 2 kHz per channel. For
details please see chapter "Technical Specifications" in the Appendix.
Summary of Sampling Rates per Channel for the four Headstage Types:
 W2100-HS4: 25 kHz per channel simultaneously on all 4 channels, also 40 kHz when using
2 channels.
 W2100-HS8: 25 kHz per channel simultaneously on all 8 channels, 40 kHz when using
4 or 2 channels.
 W2100-HS16: 25 kHz per channel simultaneously on all 16 channels, also 25 kHz when using
8 channels and 40 kHz when using 4 or 2 channels.
 W2100-HS32: 10 kHz per channel simultaneously on all 32 channels, 25 kHz when using
16 or 8 channels, 40 kHz when using 4 or 2 channels.
Battery Options
Batteries of the Wireless2100 are always external, not built in the headstage. Standard batteries are
available with different capacities, 30, 100, 200 and 300 mAh. Custom batteries are available on request.
They can either be connected directly on the headstage with a double plug or with a cable connection,
for example, with a backpack on the back of the animal. Backpacks for rat and mice are available as
accessories. Please see the images below.

The standard battery (100 mAh) of a headstage permits continuous recording of all channels for more
than 2 hours. Empty batteries can be replaced without removing the headstage, and recharged while
the experiment can be continued with a second battery.
Modules for additional Functions
W2100 headstages have a modular design. Layers with additional functions are only added on request,
to avoid unnecessary weight and cost.
At the moment, only the basic recording option is available. Optional modules for electrical and optical
stimulation, as well as motion tracking are under development. It will be possible to customize
a headstage when it is ordered, and add additional layers with additional functions. A modification
of already existing headstages is not possible.

Wireless2100 Receiver
The receiver is the second element of the Wireless2100-System.
One receiver of the Wireless2100-System can receive the digitized signals sent from up to four
headstages. Four antennas are used for data transmission, one antenna submits control signals to and
from the headstage. The position of the antennas can have an influence on the transmission efficiency.
With a clear line of sight between sender and receiver, an effective transmission range of 5 m is
guaranteed under normal circumstances. Under good conditions, the actual range can be much further.
The receiver does not need an own power supply. The device is connected to the interface board via
eSATAp cable for data transfer and power supply.

Wireless2100 Interface Board
The interface board is the third element of the Wireless2100-System. It provides connectors for
additional analog input channels and digital trigger in- and outputs.
The interface board is connected to the receiver with an eSATAp cable. The connection to the data
acquisition computer is realized via USB 2.0 high speed cable. The interface board has an own power
supply.
Front Panel of the MCS Interface Board
Two Status LEDs
The status LEDs indicate the link status of receiver 1 and / or receiver 2. They light up when one or both
receivers are connected to the interface board via eSATAp cable.
Auxiliary Channels
Two reserve auxiliary channels are available for future use. They have no function at the moment.
Digital IN / OUT
A Digital IN / OUT for 16 digital in- and output bits is available (68-pin MCS standard connector) on the
rear panel of the interface board. On the front panel four digital IN and four digital OUT connectors bits
are also accessible via Lemo connector, DIG IN bit 0 to bit 3 and DIG OUT bit 0 to bit 3. If access to more
bits of the DIG IN / OUT channel is required, it is necessary to connect a Di/o board with a 68-pin standard
cable. This Di/o board is available as optional accessory.
Power LED
The power LED near to the MCS logo on the front panel of the interface board should light up when
the Wireless2100-System is "ON", and the device is connected to the power line. If not, please check
the power source and cabling.

Rear Panel of the MCS Interface Board
Toggle Switch On / Off
Toggle switch for turning the device on and off. The Wireless2100-System is switched to status "ON"
when the toggle switch is switched to the left. The device is switched "OFF" when the toggle switch is
switched to the right. If the Wireless2100-System is "ON", and the device is connected to the power line,
the power LED on the front panel of the interface board should light up. If not, please check the power
source and cabling.
Power IN
Connect the power supply unit here. This power supply powers both, the headstage and the interface
board of the Wireless2100-System. The device needs 12 V and 2.5 A / 30 W.
Ground
If an additional ground connection is needed, you can connect this plug with an external ground using
a standard 4 mm jack.
Digital IN / OUT
A Digital IN / OUT for 16 digital in- and output bits is available (68-pin MCS standard connector). Please
read chapter "Pin Layout" (Digital IN / OUT Connector) in the Appendix for more information about the
pin layout of the 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 Digital IN / OUT extension Di/o from Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. You can utilize this
digital signal to control and synchronize other devices with the Wireless2100-System. Bit 0 to 3 of the
Digital OUT are separated and available as Lemo connector DIG OUT 0 to 3 on the front panel of the
interface board. So if you need only one, two, three or four bits of the digital signal, you don’t need the
additional Di/o.
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. The 16 bit digital input
channels is a stream of 16 bit values. The state of each bit (0 to 15) can be controlled separately. 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 to 5 V) to
the digital inputs.

Analog Channels
Eight Analog IN channels are available via 20 pin connector. Please read chapter "Pin Layout" (Analog IN
Connector) in the Appendix for more information. The additional analog inputs are intended for recording
additional information from external devices, for example data from a microphone Two of the eight
analog channels (analog channel 1 and 2) are directly accessible via two Lemo connectors. Signals on
the analog channels are amplified with a gain factor of 2.
Two USB Connectors
Both USB connectors are used to transfer the amplified and digitized data from all data channels and the
additional digital and analog channels to any connected data acquisition computer via USB high speed 2.0
(type A - mini B) cable. Data from one receiver (1) is transmitted via USB connector 1, and the data from
the second receiver (2) via USB connector 2. While using only one receiver, it is not necessary to connect
the second USB.
Important: It is recommended to connect the USB cables to different USB ports of the computer.
Do not use an USB hub!
Audio OUT
To the Audio Out (3.5 mm phone jack) you can connect an audio system to make the electrical activity
audible. This audio output is real-time. Headphones or a speaker can be connected directly to the AUDIO
OUT. Only two channels at a time can be converted into sound (Stereo).
Side Panel
Sockets for connecting up to two receivers via eSATAp cable.
Please use the connector labelled HS/RE 1 when working with one receiver only.

Accessories
Default accessories of the Wireless2100-System are the signal generator, the remote control to reactivate
the headstage, and the USB charger for the battery.
ME/W-Signal Generator
The ME/W-System Signal Generator can generate a number of pre-defined sine waves and artificial
biological waveforms and feed it into all types of headstages. With those artificial signals it is possible
to test the functionality of the complete system without the need to use an actual animal. Please read
the ME/W-SG data sheet in the "Appendix" for connecting and operating the ME/W-Signal Generator.
Charging Set
The charging set for the battery works via any USB connector. To recharge the battery, please connect
the charging set to an USB port of the computer and plug the battery into the back of the charger with
the provided adaptor cable W2100-C-B-Ch. The regular charger Wireless-C-HC is used for batteries with
100, 200 or 300 mAh. The charger Wireless-C-LC is used for the 30 mAh battery only.
Important: Charging the 30 mAh battery with the wrong charger can lead to severe damage and even
fire! Do not recharge any battery without supervision!
The red LED on top indicates that the device is on. The yellow LED indicates that the battery is being
recharged. After approximately one hour the green LED indicates the end of process.
Remote Control
The headstages can be switched off with a wireless software command. To reactivate the headstage,
it is either necessary to disconnect and reconnect the battery, or to turn it back on with the remote
infrared remote control Wireless-F. Just point the remote control at the headstage and press the button.
You need to aim at the receiving LEDs next to the battery connector with a distance of 5-10 cm.

System Setup
The following chapter describes how to set up the hardware and software and test the functionality
of the Wireless2100-System.
MC_Rack Installation
System Requirements
One of the following Microsoft Windows ® operating systems is required: Windows 8.1, Windows 7,
Vista, or XP (English and German versions supported) with the NT file system. Other language versions
may lead to software errors.
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 MC_Rack. These routines were designed for use on
office computers, but are not very useful for a data acquisition computer.
 Turn off automatic Windows Update.
 Deselect Windows Indexing Service for all local disks.
 Turn off Optimize hard disk when idle (automatic disk fragmentation).
 It is also not recommended to run any applications in the background when using MC_Rack.
Remove all applications from the Autostart folder.
 Be careful when using a Virus Scanner. These programs are known to disturb MC_Rack,
and even data loss may occur.
When using a Wireless2100-System it is recommended to connect a high performance computer
with a separate hard disc for program files and data storage. The provided possibility to make long term
experiments with a sample rate of up to 40 kHz needs high memory capacity. Please remove data and
defragment the hard disc regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Installation
Please check the system requirements before you install the software. MCS cannot guarantee
that the software works properly if these requirements are not fulfilled.
Important: Please make sure that you have full control over your computer as an administrator.
Otherwise, it is possible that the installed software does not work properly.
 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 Wireless2100-System driver and MC_Rack are installed (or updated) automatically. MC_Rack
is updated on a regular basis. Please check the Download section of the MCS website to get the latest
version for free (http://www.multichannelsystems.com/software/mc-rack).

Wireless2100 Hardware Setup
 Place the receiver within transmission range of your experimental setup. To get optimal results,
keep the distance as short as possible.
 Place the interface board not further then 2 m away from the receiver, and connect the two with
the eSATAp cable.
 Connect the power supply to the interface board.
 Connect the interface board with a USB2.0 port of a computer where MC_Rack is already installed.
Avoid USB 3.0 ports (USB 3.0 ports are blue). Do not use USB hubs.
 Switch on the Wireless2100-System on the interface board. LEDs on the interface board and receiver
should light up.
 Connect a charged battery to a headstage.
MC_Rack Setup
Start MC_Rack. To define the Wireless2100-System as data source, please open the "Data Source
Setup" in the "Edit" menu.

The "Channel Layout" dialog opens.
Select "USB" in the left "Data Source" drop down menu. The “Wireless W2100” is automatically
selected. Click "Configuration" in "Source Layout".
Enable the check box "Digital Input Channel" if you want to display external TTL signals, fed into the
Wireless2100-System via Lemo connectors on the interface board. Deselect the check box, if you do not
need additional digital channels.
Add the “Wireless W2100-System” via "Edit" menu to the virtual rack.
Click "Hardware" tab.

“Settings” Window of Hardware Tab
Most of the settings are predefined. Click the “Sampling Frequency” drop down menu and select
the desired sampling rate. The sampling rate depends on the type of the headstage and the number
of channels in use. In the example on the upper screenshot an 8-channel type headstage is selected.
When recording with all eight available channels the sampling rate is limited to 25 kHz. Recording
with one to four channels only is possible with a sampling frequency of up to 40 kHz.
“Offset Correction” Window of the Hardware Tab
The “Offset Correction” can be used to correct for offsets caused by the connected electrode. The
“Learn Offset” button detects the difference to 0 on all channels individually. Activating the "Offset
Correction" function will subtract those differences from all incoming data to correct the offset.
„Wireless” Window of Hardware Tab
The additional “Wireless” control panel is an extension of the hardware tab, which is only visible
if a Wireless2100-System is connected.
Click button "Scan" to see all available headstages. Headstages are only available for the system if the
battery is connected, if they are within transmitting range, and have not been switched off previously
by software command.
On the right side the "Available Headstages" are listed with type and serial number. Highlight the desired
headstage and click “Select”. The headstage will now be displayed in the "Selected Headstage" window.
The serial number, the type and the status of the battery charging is displayed. Deselect the headstage
by clicking the button "Deselect". The LEDs on the selected headstage will blink, if they have not been
switched off. In the example above the blue LED is in “Blink” mode, the red LED is off.
On the “Channel” list, any combination of channels can be selected for recording. On the screenshot
above, the first 16 channels of the headstage are selected. Deactivation of channels reduces energy
consumption of the headstage and might allow higher sampling rates
A selected headstage which is not recording is in stand by mode, where it uses about 10 % energy
compared to active recording. To shut it down completely, use the “Switch Off” button. A headstage
which has been switched off will no longer show up in a scan. To reactivate it, you need to shortly
disconnect the battery, or use the infrared “IR-Remote Control”. Aim at the headstage from 5 to
10 cm distance.

The LEDs can be used for motion tracking and/or as status indicator of the headstage. They can be set
to “On”, “Off” or “Blink”. LEDs set to “On” will be on all the time on a selected headstage, regardless
of the recording status. If they are set to blink, they will blink slowly in standby mode and faster while
the headstage is acquiring data.
Click the "Info" tab of the dialog.
In this tab "Infos" about the connected Wireless2100-System are listed.
Click the "Audio" tab of the dialog.
On the interface board of the Wireless2100-System you can connect an audio system "Audio OUT"
(3.5 mm phone jack) to make the electrical activity audible. This audio output is real-time. Headphones
or a speaker can be connected directly to the Audio OUT. Only two channels at a time can be converted
into sound. Select one "Mono" or two "Stereo" channels, switch the audio channels on and off and
adjust the sound volume via the sliders.