Knowledge Base

Problem

A user has an Active Place Avoidance (APA) device (e.g., from Maze Engineers) connected to EthoVision XT but is unsure how to configure the shock avoidance zone in EthoVision and integrate it with the APA control software.

Details

Symptom: APA device is physically connected but shock zone behavior or TTL triggering is not configured correctly in EthoVision. Affected: EthoVision XT with Maze Engineers APA device. Requires: Trial & Hardware Control module; ConductMaze software (supplied with the APA device).

Solution

1. Ensure ConductMaze software (the Maze Engineers APA interface) is running before starting any EthoVision trials, as it acts as the bridge between EthoVision and the APA hardware.
2. In EthoVision Arena Settings, define a shock zone that spatially matches the APA device's configured shock sector. Draw this as a wedge or sector zone corresponding to the APA shock area.
3. In Trial & Hardware Control, configure a rule to send a TTL output signal when the animal enters the shock zone. Connect the TTL output from the EthoVision I/O box to the APA device's trigger input.
4. Verify in ConductMaze that the trigger signal is being received and the shock is activating correctly.
5. Run a test trial without an animal to confirm zone entry triggers the TTL output and the APA device responds.
6. Refer to the Maze Engineers documentation provided with the APA device for device-specific wiring and ConductMaze configuration details.
7. Contact Noldus Support if TTL triggering or zone configuration requires further assistance.