Knowledge Base

Problem

Users want to start, stop, or advance trials in EthoVision from a distance without physically accessing the computer running the software.

Details

This is a common workflow need when the experimenter is in a separate room from the acquisition computer to avoid disturbing the animal. EthoVision supports basic remote trial control via keyboard shortcuts.

Solution

1. EthoVision XT supports remote trial navigation using keyboard shortcuts:
- **Page Up**: Advance to the next trial / start the next trial.
- **Page Down**: Go back to the previous trial.
2. These shortcuts can be triggered remotely if you have remote desktop access to the EthoVision computer (e.g., via Windows Remote Desktop, VNC, or similar).
3. For more advanced remote control (e.g., trigger-based start via TTL signals from external hardware), use the Hardware Control or Trial Control settings in EthoVision to define hardware-triggered trial start/stop conditions.
4. Ensure the EthoVision window is in focus on the acquisition computer for keyboard shortcuts to register correctly.