Upgrading your First Generation Touch Screen System

Why should I upgrade my current Bussey-Saksida Chamber?

Your animal's working environment is the most important part of your research, and gathering clean data is the key. Your Bussey-Saksida Mk1 system has given you many years of reliable service, now you can extend the working life of that research platform for many years to come as well as extending its scope and functionality. Taking action now can prevent technical obsolescence that can threaten the stability of your research platform. We are here to help you retain that stability for years to come.

Key upgrade is to the chamber control system, but there are also important upgrades to the chamber!

The B2G-Control System

• Upgrade can be applied to all ABET II Touch systems.
• The new intelligent control system enables up to 20 chambers per PC/laptop.
• Gone are the complex multimedia PC, PCI cards, and all their cables.
• Comparable to ABET II Touch Systems, the new ABET Cognition Software with built-in calibration replaces previous layers of Whisker and UPDD.
• Supports image and video stimulus
• Supports PC generated sounds - play a sound and control its volume directly from the schedule
• Schedules may minor adjustment to accommodate new controls, but the ABET Cognition software is designed to be familiar and interface/analyze old data.
• Local processors on each chamber ensure data security, video capability, and sound generation.
• Increased number of IO and TTL connections to link 3rd party systems.
• Ethernet-based system connects to your network for data download.

Improved Setup and Control for Multiple Chambers

Upgrading to a Bussey Second Generation system involves replacing the original I/O interface with our new onboard intelligent CORE processor and upgrading to the latest Campden USB-controlled touch screen. This will give every chamber its own processor as part of the new ethernet based system. The new ABET Cognition software incorporates the functionality of Whisker and the screens become self-calibrating.

One PC can control up to 20 Second Generation Bussey-Saksida chambers

 

First generation Bussey-Saksida chambers were controlled via a complex multimedia PC. As technology has improved, components for these older computer-based systems are increasingly difficult to find and support. Important aspects of the environment such as the connections, drivers, and even the touch screen itself have seen significant updates in function and simplicity. With that in mind we recommend upgrading to take advantage of the upgraded hardware and control system.

The B2G-Chamber

• All Bussey Second Generation operant modules are compatible with first generation chambers.
• Liquid pumps are even more accurate to the 2 micro-liter.
• IR Ambulatory beams have increased sensitivity and incorporate self-test features.
• Walls with side door for easy animal handling.
• Under-lid lighting for clearer video recording.
• Chamber upgrade options for e-phys recording, video tracking and tethered animals.

Improved for Video Tracking

Second Generation Chambers leverage new grey walls and under lid illumination to improve contrast and reduce reflection while tracking.

Improved IR Beam Motion Detection

Higher sensitivity beams with built-in windows allow a higher proportion the IR beam to pass through the chamber.

How does the system hardware compare?

What do I need to upgrade?

All new components are compatible with our first generation Bussey-Saksida chamber hardware allowing a simple upgrade path.

• Core Interface - one per chamber
• USB controlled Touch screen - one per chamber
• ABET Cognition Software
• Updated Tasks - free of charge
• DHCP Router - for multiple Touch screen installations

Ask about our comprehensive system upgrade package - We are here for you every step of the way! Campden and Lafayette technicians are available to visit your lab or guide you through the set up training process. Upgrading a four chamber system including all cabling in the Easy-Install trolley requires approximately 6-7 hours for 2 trained individuals.