Knowledge Base

9 The USB-IO box and the Mini USB-IO box

the usb-io box

General information

The Noldus USB-IO box is the device that the EthoVision XT video tracking software must use in order to work together with external devices such as the Noldus Pellet dispenser, the Noldus Lickometer or the light and sound devices of the PhenoTyper Top Unit. With one USB-IO box you can operate: Up to 12 Pellet dispensers or other TTL-driven devices. Up to 12 Lickometers. Four PhenoTyper Top Units (by default), expandable to a maximum of 52. For this special connection, port SDI 13 is reserved. For information on which third-party devices can be connected to the USB-IO box, see page 129.

Note

The total number of devices that you can connect is limited by the number of ports on the USB-IO box. For example, because the Lickometer uses the same type of port (named SDI) as the PhenoTyper Top Unit, and 13 SDI ports are available on the UBSB-IO box, if you connect 52 Top Units, all the suitable ports of the USB-IO box are occupied. Therefore no lickometer can be connected. When planning your experiment, make sure that you have enough ports on the USB-IO box for the devices you want to use. Figure 30 The USB-IO box.

A typical setup

1. Connect the hardware devices to the computer, via the USB-IO box (see page 125).
2. Define the hardware configuration in EthoVision XT (see page 136).
3. With the Trial and Hardware Control function of EthoVision XT, you can define: Actions on the hardware device (for example, Drop a pellet). Conditions that must be met in order for Trial Control to progress. Sub-rules for a sequence of actions and conditions to be repeated.
4. Acquire data using the Trial Control settings specified above. Defining Hardware configuration means that you specify which communication ports of the USB-IO box are connected to which hardware devices, and, in the case you work with multiple arenas, which individual device is assigned to which arena. Figure 31 EthoVision XT setup for controlling a Pellet dispenser. A - Pellet dispenser, B - USB-IO box, C - Computer with EthoVision XT. More devices can be attached to the USB-IO box. More USB-IO boxes can be connected to one computer with EthoVision XT.

Connectors and displays - Front panel

These are input/outputs for devices that are controlled with TTL (Transistor Transistor Logic). Use a TTL port for the following devices: N0ldus Pellet dispenser (Noldus type number PTPD-001x). Noldus Beam controller (Noldus type number PTBC-001x). Shock, Tone, Light and Noise in the Ugo Basile Fear Conditioning System. note With EthoVision XT 17.5 and newer versions you can let EthoVision XT control the Ugo Basile Fear Conditioning System without the Noldus USB-IO box. See the connection schemes in the EthoVision XT 17 - Application Manual. White light in the Noldus Backlight unit. Noldus Pellet receptacle (Noldus type number PTPR-001x) The Activity Wheel Brake (ENV-042). Any custom hardware device that works with TTL signals. The TTL Port Tester (PTTB-001x; for testing purposes). The USB-IO box monitor (virtual device; for testing purposes).

Notes

Each of the 12 TTL control connectors can provide limited supply power (18 Volt DC, max. current 100 mA) available on pin 1 (ground) and 2 (+). You can control up to two physical devices with one TTL port. A typical example of controlling two devices with one TTL port is the Shock and Tone devices in the Fear Conditioning System (see the corresponding manual). For this you need a split cable from the TTL port that ends in the two devices. Please contact Noldus if you need such a cable. Ports are organized in groups of four. To optimize communication speed, we advise you to connect TTL devices to ports in the same group. For example, connect four pellet dispensers to ports 1 to 4, not to ports 1, 5, 7 and 12. Use ports 1-4 first, then 5-8 etc.

LEDs

Power - When the light is on, it indicates that the USB-IO box receives power from the mains adapter. USB - When burning, it indicates that the USB-IO box is connected to a computer's USB port. TTL - When burning, it indicates that communication to a TTL device is in progress. SDI - When burning, it indicates that communication to a SDI device (see Rear panel below) is in progress.

Connectors - Rear panel

SDI stands for Special Device Interface. SDI control ports are inputs/outputs for devices that are controlled with a serial data stream. You can connect one physical device to a SDI port. Use these ports for the following devices: The Noldus Lickometer (Noldus type number PTLM-001x). The PhenoTyper Top Unit Interface (Noldus type number PTTI-001x). The Noldus PhenoWheel. The Activity Wheel Counter (ENV-042).

Notes

Each Top Unit Interface is connected to one port of the USB-IO box, and can control up to 4 PhenoTyper Top Units. For more information, see the PhenoTyper - EthoVision XT 17 - Reference Manual. SDI control 13 is set by default to connect the Top Unit Interface. If you want to connect two or more Top Unit Interfaces, you must alter the jumpers for the ports other than 13 that you use to connect the Top Unit Interfaces. See page 133. Each of the 13 SDI control connectors can provide limited supply power (12 Volt DC, max. current 100 mA) available on pin 1 (ground) and 2 (+). All SDI devices mentioned above get their full power supply by the 12 Volts provided by the USB-IO box.

USB

Connects the USB-IO box to the PC using a USB cable with one connector of type A and one connector of type B.

24 V In

Connects the USB-IO box to the Power supply via the 24V adapter.

24 V Out

Connects the USB-IO box to other devices/power consumers with a power feed-through cable. For example, a PhenoTyper Top Unit. important When you connect devices to the 24 V Out power supply, do not exceed the maximum power rating of your mains supply.

install the usb-io box

The USB-IO box comes with the following cables:

Power supply 24 V 3A DC (A) with mains cable (B)

USB cable with two different connectors.

Connect the USB-IO box to the computer

1. Make sure that EthoVision XT is not running.
2. Connect the USB port on the USB-IO box to a USB port on the EthoVision XT computer using the USB cable. Notes Use a direct USB port on your PC, not a USB hub or a USB port on your PC's monitor. Try to minimize the number of USB devices connected to your computer. You can in principle connect multiple USB-IO boxes to the EthoVision XT computer; however, we cannot guarantee that all possible combinations of devices will work. For more information, see page 131. If you disconnect the USB-IO box while EthoVision XT is open, a message appears on top. Re-connect the USB-IO box and in EthoVision XT click Try again. Note that It can take some time before the software recognizes the USB-IO box after you re-connect it.

Connect the USB-IO box with the Noldus USB extender cable

The standard USB cable length is limited to 3 meters. When you need a longer distance between the computer and the PhenoTyper setup, we recommend to use the Noldus active USB extender cable of 20 meters because not all standard USB extenders work fine with the USB-IO box. The Noldus USB extender cable comes with a small jumper that must be set inside the USB-IO box in order for the USB extender cable to function correctly. When you use the USB extender cable in combination with the mini USB-IO box (PTIO-003x) you do not need to set the jumper. When you purchased your USB-IO box together with the USB extender cable, the jumper already has been set by Noldus. To set the jumper, do the following: 1. Open the USB-IO box by unscrewing 2 screws at the bottom, and remove the top part (see page 133). 2. Set the jumper on position JMPR4 (indicated by the arrow in the figure below). 3. Re-assemble the USB-IO box. 4. Now connect the USB-IO box to the computer (page 125).

The USB-IO box device driver software

The current driver software for the USB-IO box and Mini USB-IO box is installed automatically when you install EthoVision XT. For EthoVision XT 17, the driver software for both the USB-IO box and the Mini USB-IO box is Noldus HardwareInterface USB-IO box 5.1.8. To check that the driver is installed, open the Control Panel and go to Programs and Features/Add or remove programs. The driver name is Noldus - HardwareInterface IoBox - x64 Package - 5. If, for any reason, you want to uninstall the driver software, in the Control Panel > Add or remove programs select Noldus - HardwareInterface IoBox - x64 Package - 5 and click Uninstall. If you need the driver software for the USB-IO box and the Mini USB-IO box, you can find it on my.noldus.com. Log in or register first, then choose Downloads > EthoVision XT > Versions. Download EthoVision XT - Full installation disc - 17.5, then unzip the file and open the folder Drivers and tools > PreRequisites > HardwareInterfaceIobox. Run the file HardwareInterface IoBox - x64 Package - 5.1.8.msi.

Older versions of the USB-IO box device driver

It is not necessary to uninstall the drivers of previous versions of the Noldus USB-IO box or the Noldus Mini USB-IO box. Note that for EthoVision XT 11 and older versions, the USB-IO box and the Mini USB-IO box had separate drivers.

connect the usb-io box to devices

Connect one device

1. Plug one of the ends of the modular network cable in the hardware device. Although an RJ45 cable is used in computer networks, the signal from and to the hardware device is not a network signal. The device cannot be connected via a network hub or similar.
2. Plug the other end of the network cable in one of the ports available on the USB-IO box. TTL (front panel) for the Pellet dispenser and other devices that communicate via TTL. SDI (rear panel) for the Lickometer and the Top Unit Interface. Note: The network cable comes with the Noldus device, not the USB-IO box. To connect the PhenoTyper's Top Unit, connect the network cable to the Top Unit Interface, then connect the Top Unit Interface to each Top Unit. Connect the Top Unit Interface to port SDI 13. For more information, see the PhenoTyper - EthoVision XT 17 - Reference Manual.

Connect multiple devices

Connect each individual device to a TTL or SDI port of the USB-IO box. If you use PhenoTypers with devices like the Noldus Lickometer or the Noldus Pellet dispenser, connect the devices of the same type to the same group of connectors (e.g. four Pellet dispensers to TTL 1-4, or TTL 5-8).

examples

Four Lickometers: SDI ports 1 to 4 Four Pellet dispensers: TTL ports 1 to 4 Top Unit Interface: SDI port 13 Speed of TTL communication is optimized if devices are connected to the same group of connectors. important Always to test a specific combination of devices before carrying out the actual trials. Whether a combination of devices works also depends on the timing of the commands. Controlling 12 pellet dispensers may, for example, work if the pellets are dropped at different times. Dropping 12 pellets at exactly the same moment will, however, not work.

Connect a third-party device: LED lamp

You can connect a third-party device that can be controlled by TTL. Below you find two examples, one with a LED lamp and one with two switches.

example Connect a LED lamp

The LED lamp must be connected between TTL output1 (color: brown/white) and ground (color: orange/white). Do not forget to add a series resistor (approximate value 560 ohm) to limit current through the LED. To control the LED lamp with EthoVision XT, in the Port device mapping window select the TTL port that is connected to the LED and under Device type select TTL Port Tester. To define an action on this device, use the Light 1 on/off option. The resistor can be skipped when you connect a real TTL device like a shocker input or a maze door. Check the documentation of the device to be connected. Figure 32 Wiring scheme for connecting a LED lamp.

Connect a third-party device: two-switch device

Connect switch 1 between TTL input1 (color: blue/white) and ground (color: brown). Connect switch 2 between TTL input2 (color: blue) and ground (color: brown). To read the status of each switch with EthoVision XT, in the Port device mapping window select the TTL port that is connected to the switch device and under Device type select TTL Port Tester. To define a condition based on this device, use the Is button 1/2 pressed option (to check that a switch is on/off) or the Button 1/2 presses option (to check the number of presses). note When a switch is open, the TTL value of the corresponding input is High. When a switch is closed, the TTL value of the corresponding input is Low (0).

Connect a third-party device: simple lever

When the lever is a simple "switch" that makes contact from signal to ground, without a circuit board in it, you can connect the device directly to a TTL input line of the USB-IO (or mini USB-IO) box. When the lever is not activated, the input is "high" (logic 1). When the lever is pressed, input will go to "low" (logic 0). Connect pin 1 and/or pin 8 for ground and either pin 5 or 4 for TTL input 1 or 2 respectively). note Inside the (mini) USB-IO box, all TTL input lines are "forced high" to 5Volt TTL level by an internal resistor. So whenever an input line is not connected (open), it is interpreted as logical "high" or 1. If this line is connected to ground it will be seen as logical "low" or 0. note These instructions are valid if the lever is based on a (micro) switch. Other retractable levers may need a different connection! Figure 33 Wiring scheme for connecting a two-switch device.

use multiple usb-io boxes

It is in principle possible to connect multiple USB-IO boxes to the EthoVision XT computer, provided that each box has a unique ID.

Tested configuration

See work with multiple devices on page 106. In practice, there may be limitations due to the number of devices attached and controlled simultaneously with EthoVision XT. For example, events like a pellet drop may be skipped if they occur simultaneously with other input and output events. We always recommend to test a specific combinations of USB-IO boxes and devices before carrying out the actual trials. See also an important note in Connect multiple devices on page 128.

Procedure

1. Make sure that each USB-IO box as a unique ID. To do so, adjust the DIP switches in one of the USB-IO boxes. See Alter the DIP switches on page 135.
2. Connect each USB-IO box to its own power supply; do not use power feed-through cables.
3. Connect each USB-IO box to a separate USB port of your PC before configuring EthoVision XT.
4. In the Experiment Settings, click the Settings button next to Use of Trial Control Hardware. In the window that appears, first select one USB-IO box from the drop-down list and select the devices connected to it (see steps 7 -9 on page 110). Next, select the second USB-IO box and select the devices connected to it. Figure 34 Wiring scheme for connecting a lever device.

test the usb-io box

To test the functionality of TTL ports

See page 144.

To test connection in USB-IO box

When you carry out long trials, it may be handy to check that the USB-IO box works properly for the entire duration of the trial. For this purpose, use the USB-IO box monitor function. 1. In the Device Configuration window (Experiment Settings), locate a free TTL Port and under Device type, choose USB-IO box monitor. 2. In the Arena-Hardware Mapping window, add a device and, and for that device select USB- IO box monitor. 3. After the trial has been acquired, in the Analysis profile click next to Hardware state and select: Device type: USB-IO box monitor. Value: true. 4. In the Integrated Visualization you should see the hardware state USB-IO box monitor as a colored bar that goes from the beginning to the end of the trial, if everything went well during the trial. If the USB cable between the PC and the USB-IO box was accidentally disconnected, or some error occurred inside the USB-IO box chip. the colored bar should end at that time in the trial.

Note

You can use the USB-IO monitor function to check whether the USB cable is still connected or if the communication chip is working fine. However, this function cannot help when: A specific port other than that used for USB-IO box monitor is defective. The power cable of the USB-IO box is disconnected during the trial. In both cases the USB-IO box monitor state remains unchanged till the end of the trial. Do not use the port reserved for USB-IO box monitor for connecting other devices.

jumper and dip switch settings

The USB-IO box contains jumpers inside the box next to the SDI ports. Jumpers are short lengths of wire that complete a circuit. By placing the jumper over a pair of available pins, you activate that line. On the USB-IO box board, jumpers can be placed in either position 1 or 2. The default jumper positions are set by Noldus Information Technology. You do not have to change them unless you intend to connect multiple Top Unit Interfaces to work with multiple groups of PhenoTypers (see altering the jumpers below).

Default jumper settings

JMPR5 (for SDI ports 1-4) - Set to 1

JMPR6 (for SDI ports 5-8) - Set to 1

JMPR7 (for SDI ports 9-12) - Set to 1

JMPR8 (for SDI port 13) - Set to 2

Position 1 enables use of the Lickometer. Position 2 enables communication between the USB-IO box and multiple PhenoTyper Top Units.

Alter the jumpers

Follow this procedure only if you want to use SDI ports other than 13 to connect the Top Unit Interface. For example, when you want to connect 8 PhenoTypers to your PC and therefore SDI port 13 is not sufficient as it can work with up to four Top Units. Note that if you alter a jumper other than JMPR8, this is done for all the four ports it corresponds to. 1. Unscrew the cover of the USB-IO box. 2. Locate the jumpers on the main board marked by JMPR5 to JMPR8. 3. Put the jumper to position 2 for the port that you require. JMPR5 (for SDI ports 1-4) JMPR6 (for SDI ports 5-8) JMPR7 (for SDI ports 9-12) The jumper position 1/2 is marked right of JMPR7. The jumper JMPR8 is set by default to 2. If you want to use SDI port 13 to connect a Top Unit Interface, leave it in that position. If you want to use port 13 to connect a Lickometer, set it to 1. 4. Close the cover.

Default DIP switch settings

Open the USB-IO box cover (see the previous page). The DIP switches are located in a red block on the main board. The default settings are (from 1 to 8): 1 Off, 2-8 On. This sequence Off-On-On.... corresponds to 00000001, that is 1 in binary language).

Alter the DIP switches

Follow this procedure if you want to connect multiple USB-IO boxes to the EthoVision XT computer. DIP switches determine the ID of the USB-IO box. Multiple boxes must have different ID (and therefore DIP switch settings) in order to work properly with EthoVision XT. 1. For the first USB-IO box, leave the DIP switch settings as default (1 Off, 2-8 On; red squares represent switch positions). 2. For the second USB-IO box, use a pen or a small screwdriver to move the DIP switch 1 to On and the DIP switch 2 to Off (this corresponds to 00000010, that is 2 in binary language). 3. For more USB-IO boxes, move the DIP switches to create unique numbers.

configure ethovision xt

Prerequisite

Make sure that the USB-IO box is connected to the EthoVision XT computer, that all devices are connected to the USB-IO box, and that the USB-IO box is connected to a power supply. If you use multiple USB-IO boxes, connect them all to the EthoVision XT computer.

Procedure

See Control hardware devices on page 104.

the mini usb-io box

Overview

The Noldus Mini USB-IO box (type number PTIO-003x) is an interface device used to control external devices such as an Atlantis platform, a shocker, etc., from the EthoVision XT video tracking software. It is a smaller and simplified version of the USB-IO box (type number PTIO- 002x). It is also embedded in the DanioVision system for tracking of zebrafish tracking.

Ports

The Mini USB-IO box is provided with (see the top panel of the box): USB - Connects the USB-IO box to the PC using a USB cable. Four TTL control connectors, TTL control 1 to 4 (see page 138). One Multi TTL output connector (see page 138). The SDI control connector is currently used in the DanioVision system, and will be used in future applications of the stand-alone Mini USB-IO box. 24V in - Connects the USB-IO box to the Power supply via the 24V adapter. Each of the 4 TTL control connectors can provide limited power supply (18Volt DC, max. current 100mA) available on pin 1 (ground) and 2 (+).

LED indicators

24V On - Switches on when the Mini USB-IO box is connected to a power source. TTL control busy - Blinks whenever the Mini USB-IO box communicates with a TTL- controlled device. Figure 35 The Mini USB-IO box. SDI control busy - Blinks whenever the Mini USB-IO box communicates with a SDI- controlled device.

TTL control

With a TTL port you can control the following devices (one per port): The Noldus Backlight Units (Noldus codes XIRWB-xxxx) The Noldus Pellet dispenser (Noldus code PTPD-xxxx; maximally two). To use the Pellet dispenser with the Mini USB-IO box, you must replace a device file in EthoVision XT. See the instructions connect the pellet dispenser in the chapter The Pellet Dispenser and the Pellet Receptacle in the PhenoTyper - EthoVision XT 17 - Service Manual. You can open this manual from All Apps > Noldus > EthoVision XT 17 Other Documentation. Any (custom) hardware device that works with TTL logic (up to two devices per port; see page 140). To control a Noldus PhenoTyper setup, you must use the Noldus USB-IO box PTIO-002x for full PhenoTyper add-on hardware support. If you want to control the doors of 8-arm radial maze, you can use the TTL ports. Since the Mini USB-IO box has 4 TTL ports, you have in total 8 output lines, which can control all eight doors. Please contact Noldus for more information.

Multi TTL control

With the Multi TTL output, you can control up to 16 devices independently. This output is suitable for controlling maze doors in a 8-arm radial maze, lights or any other devices with a TTL control input. The connector is a 20 pin IDC. Beside these 16 outputs, also some supply voltages are provided: +5Volt, +12Volt and common ground. There are no TTL input lines available on this connector. Because of this, you cannot use Multi TTL to control the Noldus Pellet dispenser and any other device which requires input channels.

The Mini USB-IO box device driver software

The current driver software for the USB-IO box and Mini USB-IO box is installed automatically when you install EthoVision XT. For EthoVision XT 17, the driver software for both the USB-IO box and the Mini USB-IO box is Noldus HardwareInterface USB-IO box 5.1.8. To check that the driver is installed, open the Control Panel and go to Programs and Features /Add or remove programs. The driver name is Noldus - HardwareInterface IoBox - x64 Package - 5. If, for any reason, you want to uninstall the driver software, in the Control Panel > Add or remove programs select Noldus - HardwareInterface IoBox - x64 Package - 5 and click Uninstall.

Older versions of the Mini USB-IO box device driver

It is not necessary to uninstall the drivers of previous versions of the Noldus USB-IO box or the Noldus Mini USB-IO box. Note that for EthoVision XT 11 and older versions, the USB-IO box and the Mini USB-IO box had separate drivers.

To connect the Mini USB-IO box

note If you want to control the Pellet dispenser with the Mini USB-IO box, first follow the instructions connect the pellet dispenser in the chapter The Pellet Dispenser and the Pellet Receptacle in the PhenoTyper - EthoVision XT 17 - Service Manual. You can open this manual from All Apps > Noldus > EthoVision XT 17 Other Documentation. 1. Connect the Mini USB-IO box to a USB port on the EthoVision XT computer, using the USB cable that comes with the Mini USB-IO box. 2. A message may appear as you plug the USB cable to the computer USB port. Please wait that the driver software is installed. 3. Connect the Mini USB-IO box to the power supply using the appropriate cable and the mains adapter. The LED 24V On switches on. 4. Plug one of the ends of the modular network cable in the hardware device. 5. Plug the other end of the cable in one of the ports available on the Mini USB-IO box. Note: If you disconnect the Mini USB-IO box while EthoVision XT is open, reconnect it. Note that It can take some time before the Mini USB-IO box is recognized after you reconnect it. Although you use modular network cables to connect devices to the USB-IO box, the signal from and to the device is not a network signal. The device cannot be connected via a network hub or similar. The modular network cable comes with the hardware device, not the Mini USB-IO box.

Connect custom hardware

Whenever you want to connect your own device to a TTL control connector of the Mini USB- IO box, do so according the information below. The TTL connector will provide supply (18VDC) and TTL output and input to your device. It is a standard RJ45 modular type. Pinning and cable wire colors for the mating patch cable are shown in the figure below. To power a device, a +18 Volt power supply can be provided via pin 2 (orange). Common ground for both power and TTL on pin 1 and 8 (orange/white-brown).

important Max. overall current for all TTL ports must not exceed 0.5 A!

Whenever the device to be connected needs some other (lower) supply voltage, you must use some regulator in between or connect a separate power adapter to it.

Input of a TTL device

Two input lines are available for each TTL-connector, TTL-1 and TTL-2, connected to line 5 (white/blue) and 4 (blue) respectively. In the example below, two switches send inputs to EthoVision XT via a TTL port. You can use the TTL input to monitor the status of devices connected to those input connections. Inside the Mini USB-IO box, all TTL input lines are forced high to the +5V TTL logic level by a pull-up resistor. This enables open collector interfacing from your device into the Mini USB- IO box or you can just connect a simple switch between it and the ground. However, you can also connect any TTL logic level signal (0 Volt/5 Volt) to the input. To prevent unwanted behavior of input lines caused by noise or signal spikes, inputs are protected by debounce/ESD protection circuits.

Output of a TTL device

You can use TTL output to control any external device by simple 5V TTL logic. Each of the 4 TTL ports on the Mini USB-IO box is equipped with 2 TTL output lines. Every output line is protected with a current limiting resistor of 100 ohm. Maximum load current of the output is 10mA.

Multi TTL output connector

The Multi TTL output connector contains 16 independent output lines. Advised connector: Assmann AWP20-7240-T-R. Pin number: 1-16 - 16 x TTL compatible output lines (TTL-1 to TTL-16). 17 - +5 Volt reference (max load 10 mA). 18 - +12 Volt reference (max load 10 mA). 19, 20 - Ground. Note: No TTL input lines are available on this connector. To control non-TTL hardware, some kind of interfacing may be needed.

The Mini USB-IO box and EthoVision XT

Defining Hardware configuration means that you specify which communication ports of the Mini USB-IO box are connected to which hardware devices, and, in the case you work with multiple arenas, which individual device is assigned to which arena. 1. Connect the hardware devices to the computer through the Mini USB-IO box (see page 139), then start EthoVision XT. 2. Create a new experiment or open an existing one. 3. Under Setup, click Experiment Settings. Define the main characteristics of the experiment. 4. Select Use of Trial Control Hardware and click Settings. 5. In the window that opens, select Noldus Mini USB-IO Box. 6. In the Device Configuration window, select the devices you require. For more information on this step, see set the port connections on page 109. 7. Under Setup, select Arena Settings. Define the arenas. For more information on this step, see Arena Settings in the EthoVision XT Help. If you have only one arena, you can skip the steps below. The hardware is automatically assigned to the arena. If you have more than one arena, proceed with step 8. 8. Click the Arena - hardware mapping button in the Arena Settings window. 9. Click Add device. Under Device type, select the device and assign it to one of the arenas. Repeat this step for all the individual devices in your setup. Make sure you assign each device to one arena. For more information on this step, see assign devices to arenas on page 113. 10.Choose Setup > Trial Control Settings. Define the Trial Control protocol (see page 23 in this manual). note To use the Pellet dispenser with the Mini USB-IO box, you must replace a device file in EthoVision XT. See the instructions connect the pellet dispenser in the chapter The Pellet Dispenser and the Pellet Receptacle in the PhenoTyper - EthoVision XT 17 - Service Manual. note If you created a DanioVision experiment, or if you used a DanioVision predefined template, select the DanioVision version that you have. For more information on setting up an experiment with the DanioVision Observation Chamber, see the DanioVision DVOC-0041 - Reference Manual.

the ttl port tester

Use the TTL Port tester to test or demonstrate the TTL control functionality of the USB-IO box. You can also use it to simulate a TTL device (for example a pellet dispenser), trigger an action (for instance, switch on a light) or as a manual input device. Your TTL Port tester package includes a TTL Port tester PTTB-001x (Figure 36) with a green RJ45 modular cable connected (1 meter long).

Technical specifications

Noldus device number: PTTB-001x. Power supply: 5 V DC, supplied by the USB-IO box. Current consumption: 30 mA (when one of the LEDs is on). Connector: RJ45 8 pin modular. Dimensions: 60 x 40 x 20 mm (l x w x h). Weight: 50 grams. CE compliant in accordance with EMC directive 2004/108/EC.

Test the USB-IO box TTL functionality

We assume that you have set the port connection in the Experiment Settings and assigned the TTL Port tester to the arena (see configure ethovision xt on page 136). 1. Make sure that the USB-IO box is connected to (A) your EthoVision XT computer and (B) a power supply. Figure 36 The TTL Port tester. 2. Connect the TTL Port tester to the TTL port on your USB-IO box which you want to test, using the green RJ45 modular network cable. When both the USB-IO box and the TTL Port tester are properly connected, the TTL power LED on the TTL Port tester is on. 3. Start EthoVision XT and open your experiment. In the Experiment Explorer, click Arena Settings. 4. In the Arena Settings window, click the Arena - Hardware mapping button. 5. In the Arena - Hardware mapping window, under the arena name, select TTL Port Tester (PTTB-001x) and click the Test button. 6. A new window appears. In the Command drop-down list, select either Light 1 on, Light 1 off, Light 2 on or Light 2 off and click Test. Check the LEDs on the TTL Port tester (Light 1 corresponds to OUT-1, and Light 2 to OUT-2) and the information in the window. note The signal from and to the TTL Port tester is not a network signal. The TTL Port tester cannot be connected via a network hub or similar.

Manual input

You can also manually supply TTL input events to a TTL port. Follow steps 1-5 in the procedure above. Press either button IN-1 or IN-2 on the TTL Port tester and check the result in the window.

Simulate a TTL device

You can connect the TTL Port tester to a TTL port that is defined for another TTL device, for instance, the Noldus Pellet dispenser. In this way, you can simulate the working of the device. You will see that the OUT-1 LED on the TTL Port tester is turned on whenever EthoVision XT decides to have the dispenser drop a pellet. Because it is not the pellet dispenser connected to the port, there will be no "pellet dropped" reply, but you can simulate this by pressing the IN-1 button on the TTL Port tester. The IN-2 button on the TTL Port tester is connected to the same input as the "error" line of the pellet dispenser. With a pellet dispenser connected, this line while become active whenever the dispenser fails to drop a pellet. By pressing the IN-2 button, you can simulate this occurrence. Figure 37 Hardware log when the TTL Port tester is used to simulate a pellet dispenser. EthoVision XT sent two times the command to drop a pellet. With each command the OUT-1 LED on the TTL Port tester was turned on. Each time the OUT-1 LED was on, the IN-1 button on the TTL Port tester was pressed. At t = 50.56 IN-2 was pressed to simulate the error state.

Trigger an action with the TTL Port tester

You can use the manual input buttons on the TTL Port tester to trigger an action, for instance, switch on a light. Define a Trial Control condition based on the TTL Port tester and define that the light is switched on when, for instance, IN-1 is pressed. 1. Open your Trial Control Settings and in the Components pane click the button next to TTL Port Tester (under Conditions - Hardware). 2. In the Signal to check drop-down list select: Is button 1 pressed? or Is button 2 pressed? and in the Signal value drop-down list select True. Then click OK. The light will be on as long as the button is pressed. Button 1 presses or Button 2 presses and in the Signal value drop-down list, select = and enter 1 as the value. Then click OK. Figure 38 Using the TTL Port tester to trigger an action (switch on a light). Figure 39 Using the TTL Port tester to trigger an action (switch on a light). Every time button 1 is pressed, the light switches on. When button 1 is pressed again the light switches off. To define the appropriate action: 1. In the Components pane under Actions, click the button next to the hardware you want to control. 2. In the Action to perform drop-down list, select which action should follow the condition you defined above. Then click OK. 3. Insert the Condition and Action box in the appropriate position in the Trial Control rule.

Use the TTL Port tester as a manual event recorder

Although you can score behaviors manually with EthoVision XT, you can also do so with the TTL Port tester. For example, in a resident-intruder test, during acquisition press the IN-1 button when the resident mouse is aggressive and the IN-2 button when the intruder mouse is aggressive. For more complex coding schemes, use the Manual Scoring Settings in EthoVision XT. If you use the TTL Port tester as a manual event recorder, you can view the number of key presses in a hardware log. In EthoVision XT from the Export menu, choose Track Data and select the Hardware log check box.

Calculate the statistics for the TTL Port tester

For testing purposes, you can calculate the number of times the buttons were pressed, or visualize when the lights were switched on. To do so, in the Analysis profile: Figure 40 Hardware log with the number of key presses. To analyze and visualize button presses, under Hardware click the button next to Hardware continuous. In other cases, skip this step. In the window that appears, next to Device type, select TTL Port Tester (PTTB-001x). Next to Device, select the correct device if you have more than one device connected. Next to Signal, select Button 1 pressed, or Button 2 pressed. To analyze or visualize the time when the lights were switched on, under Hardware select Hardware Command, or Hardware State. Choose Command to view the time that the command was given. Choose Hardware state to visualize the status of the light (feedback from the TTL Port tester). In the Trial Statistics tab, of the variable properties window, select the statistic Total, then click Add. You can now calculate the number of times the button was pressed, or the light was switched on and off, by running an analysis. Choose Analysis > Results > Statistics & Charts. Make sure that the correct Analysis profile is selected on the toolbar. Next, click Calculate. You can also visualize the button presses and the light being switched on and off in the Integrated Visualization. Choose Analysis > Results > Integrated Visualization. You now see in the Time Event Plot when the buttons were pressed, or when the lights were switched on and off.

the optical isolated ttl-io interface

Aim

To enable isolation between the Noldus USB-IO box or the Mini USB-IO box and a third party device. For example the Inscopix nVista camera system. To connect the Noldus USB-IO box or the Mini USB-IO box to a third party device with BNC connectors.

important This isolator is not intended for medical applications!

Features

It supports TTL-output from and TTL-input to EthoVision XT (two lines each). Output/input voltages 0-5 V. Isolation protects the device from the so-called "ground loops". Minimizes noise and prevents damage to the USB-IO box in the case the device connected does not function properly.

Package contents

PTISO-00x0 TTL-IO Isolator. 1x network cable with RJ45 connectors. 2x input/output double cables with BNC connectors.

Connect and use

1. Connect a TTL port of the Noldus USB-IO box / Mini USB-IO box to the TTL-I/O port of the PTISO-00x0 Isolator.
2. Connect one or more of the In/Out BNC connectors of the PTISO-00x0 Isolator depending on your setup. For example, to trigger a device, use Out 1 or Out 2.
3. When setting the port connections (page 109), specify the TTL port and the line used.

Technical specifications

Type name: PTISO-0010 TTL-IO Isolator. Power requirements: 18-24 V DC; 0.02 A from USB-IO box. Isolation value: Supply 2kV (1 sec); TTL IO 5.3 kV (1 sec). Connections: 1x RJ45 type from USB-IO; 4x BNC type, optical isolated TTL input/output. Input/Output: TTL level signal (0-5.5 V DC). Dimensions: 31 x 113 x 67 mm; (1 7/32 x 4 29/64 x 2 41/64 inches).

technical specifications

USB-IO box version 2

Noldus model number PTIO-002x Power supply 24 V DC Current consumption Max 2.0 A (Varies depending on the number and type of devices connected) Connections 12 TTL control connections (24 TTL Input lines and 24 TTL output lines) with RJ45 ports 13 Special Device Interface connections with RJ 45 ports Cables Power supply 24V 3A DC with mains adapter USB cable with connectors of type A and B Operating temperature 0 to +40 °C (+32 to +104 °F) Storage temperature - 20 to +70 °C (-4 to +158 °F) Operating humidity Up to 80%, no condensation Dimensions 160 x 160 x 90 mm / 6.3 x 6.3 x 3.5 inches (L x W x H)

Mini USB-IO box version 1

) Varies depending on the number and type of devices connected. Noldus model number PTIO-003x Power supply 24 V DC Current consumption 1.0 A

important Max. overall current for all TTL ports must not

exceed 0.5 A!

See also Multi TTL output connector page 142

Interface to PC USB-2 I/O connections 4 TTL control (representing 8 TTL Input lines and 8 TTL output lines) with RJ45 modular type connectors 1 Multi TTL (representing 16 TTL output lines and external device supply) with 20 way IDC connector 1 Special Device Interface with RJ45 modular type connector Cables Power supply 24V type 70 A24 with mains adapter USB cable with connectors of type A and B, 3m type SB2403 Operating temperature 0 to +40 °C (+32 to +104 °F) Storage temperature - 20 to +70 °C (-4 to +158 °F) Operating humidity Up to 80%, no condensation Dimensions 175 x 81 x 30 mm / 6.9 x 3.2 x 1.2 inches (L x W x H)

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Source: EthoVision XT 17 - Trial and Hardware Control Reference Manual