Knowledge Base

Problem

A user wants to change the number of zones in an open field test arena setup, for example converting a 9-zone grid to a 25-zone grid.

Details

EthoVision XT allows flexible zone configuration in the Arena Settings. Users often start with a default template (e.g., 3×3 = 9 zones) and need to redesign to a finer grid (e.g., 5×5 = 25 zones). This applies to any EthoVision XT version that supports open field test arena setup.

Solution

1. Go to Setup > Arena Settings > Open Arena Settings.
2. Capture an image of the empty arena using the 'Grab' button, or select a video file and click 'Grab' to use a video frame as the background.
3. Click 'Draw Scale' to calibrate: draw a line across two known points (e.g., opposite walls) and enter the real-world distance.
4. Click 'Set Arena Outline' and draw the outer boundary of the arena.
5. To add zones: click the zone drawing tool and draw each zone manually, OR use the grid zone tool if available to specify the number of rows and columns (e.g., 5 columns × 5 rows = 25 zones).
6. Name each zone appropriately (e.g., Zone_1 through Zone_25, or descriptive names like 'Center', 'Periphery').
7. Save the arena settings profile before proceeding to acquisition or analysis.