Knowledge Base

FAQ and Step-by-Step Guidance

Can EthoVision XT send a TTL pulse for every frame captured?

• No. EthoVision XT’s I/O Box refreshes at 10 Hz, so it cannot output a TTL pulse for each video frame. The system can send signals at the start and end of tracking but not at frame-level frequency.

What alternatives exist to mark frames or achieve high-frequency TTL output?

• Use trial control to send TTL pulses at the start and end of each trial. This marks the period when tracking occurs.
• Use the Eternal Data Module to send an ON/OFF or TCAP (time code) signal to synchronize with external devices. This requires a custom connection cable that connects to the EthoVision XT PC’s COM port.
• If you need a TTL pulse for every video frame, consider using the camera’s frame-sync output (if available) to generate pulses directly from the camera instead of through the I/O box (not officially supported).
• Alternatively, use an external microcontroller or signal generator to produce a continuous pulse train at the desired frame rate and align it with EthoVision’s start/end signals during post-processing.

How can I synchronize EthoVision XT with external devices at high rates?

• Configure EthoVision XT to send TTL pulses via the I/O box at key events (e.g., start and stop of recording).
• Use the Eternal Data Module to send an ON/OFF or TCAP (time code) signal to synchronize with external devices. This requires a custom connection cable that connects to the EthoVision XT PC’s COM port.
• For higher-frequency synchronization, connect external hardware (such as a camera’s frame output or a microcontroller) to the device you want to synchronize with.
• Use EthoVision’s start and end pulses as markers to align your external signals with the recorded video during analysis.

What if I still need per-frame synchronization?

• Due to hardware limits, EthoVision XT cannot provide per-frame TTL via the I/O box. You may need to integrate the system with equipment that can provide a frame-sync output or consult the manufacturer for hardware upgrades.