MEA S4/2 + MEA Switch USB Manual
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted without the express written permission of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it.
Table of Contents 1 1.1 1.2 Introduction About this Manual Scope of Delivery 1 1 1 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 Important Information and Instructions Operator's Obligations Guarantee and Liability Important Safety Advice 3 3 3 4 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 First Use of the MEA Switch Welcome to the MEA S4/2 Installing the Software Setting Up and Connecting the MEAS4/2 5 5 6 6 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 Operating the MEA Switch Controlling the MEA S4/2 Toggling Channels Printing the Channel Assignment 9 9 11 12 5 5.1 5.2 5.
1 Introduction 1.1 About this Manual This manual comprises all important information about the first installation and the proper usage of the MEAS4/2. It is assumed that you have a basic understanding of technical terms, but no special skills are required to read this manual. Make sure you read the "Important Information and Instructions" prior to install or to operate the MEA S4/2. 1.2 Scope of Delivery 1 1 1 1 MEA S4/2 main device USB 2.
2 Important Information and Instructions 2.
MEA S4/2 2.3 Manual Important Safety Advice Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to installations of the device. If you do not fulfill all requirements stated below, this may lead to malfunctions, breakage, or even fatal injuries. Obey always the rules of local regulations and laws. Only qualified personnel should be allowed to perform laboratory work. Work according to good laboratory practice to obtain best results and to minimize risks.
3 First Use of the MEA Switch 3.1 Welcome to the MEA S4/2 The MEA S4/2 allows to acquire data from 240 single channels from four 60 channel amplifiers. Selected channels are combined to a single “Electrode Raw Data” stream that is delivered to the MC_Card or an USB based data acquisition system by a 68-pin MCS high grade cable. This is useful if you do not need all 60 electrodes on a MEA, for example, because the cell culture or the slice does not cover the whole MEA, but rather single electrodes.
MEA S4/2 3.2 Manual Installing the Software System requirements Software: One of the following Microsoft Windows ® operating systems is required: Windows 7, XP or Vista with NTFS (English and German versions supported). Other language versions may lead to software errors. Hardware: Free USB port Installing the software Please check the system requirements before installing the software. Multi Channel Systems cannot guarantee that the software works properly if these requirements are not fulfilled.
First Use of the MEA Switch 7
4 Operating the MEA Switch 4.1 Controlling the MEA S4/2 The 240 channels from four 60 channel amplifiers are reduced to 120 channels. You can decide from which of the four amplifiers a channel should be picked. The channel selection is mutually exclusive, that means, channels with the same channel number, for example No. 21, cannot be picked from both amplifiers. If you use a MC_Card with 240 channels or an USB-ME240-System, you can use a MEA S4/2 for two pairs of 60 channel amplifiers.
MEA S4/2 Manual The main window shows: MEA Switch: Serial number of the device. Info.... Information about the Version of the MEA Switch USB program. MEA 1 / MEA 2 / MEA 3 / MEA 4: MEA amplifier 1 to MEA amplifier 4 to which the MEA S4/2 is connected. Electrode fields of the amplifiers in MEA standard 8 x 8 grid. The electrode channels colored in green are active, that means, they are detected in MC_Rack. The electrode channels colored in red are inactive.
Operating the MEA Switch 4.2 Toggling Channels Each channel of the data stream is either assigned to the left or the right MEA. You cannot select the same channel from both MEAs. The buttons represent single channels and have a toggle function. Click a button to activate or deactivate a channel. Acitvated means, the channels are detected in MC_Rack. Non-selected channels appear in grey.
MEA S4/2 Manual The function select “All” electrodes from one amplifier is useful, for example, for checking the condition of the cell culture or of the slice placed on MEA 1 to MEA 4 amplifier. However in this version of MEA Switch USB you have to save your channel assignment manually before clicking "All". Please see chapter "Printing the Channel Assignment". 4.
5 Troubleshooting 5.1 About Troubleshooting The following hints are provided to solve special problems that have been reported by users. Most problems occur seldom and only under specific circumstances. Please check the mentioned possible causes carefully when you have any trouble with the product. In most cases, it is only a minor problem that can be easily avoided or solved. If the problem persists, please contact your local retailer. The highly qualified staff will be glad to help you.
MEA S4/2 Manual Possible causes: ? The USB cable is not plugged in correctly to the USB port of the computer and / or to the MEA S4/2. Select another USB port from the data acquisition computer and test the connection again. ? The MEA S4/2 is not connected to a power supply. Check all cables and connections. ? The MEA S4/2 is not connected to the computer. Check the USB cable. Make sure the MEA S4/2 and the computer are connected directly with the provided USB cable.
6 Appendix 6.1 Technical Specifications Operating temperature 10 - 40 °C Storage temperature 0 - 50 °C Dimensions (W x D x H) 220 mm x 235 mm x 52 mm Weight 950 g Supply voltage +/- 6 V (min +/- 5.
MEA S4/2 6.3 Manual Contact Information Local retailer Please see the list of official MCS distributors on the MCS web site. User forum The Multi Channel Systems User Forum provides the opportunity for you to exchange your experience or thoughts with other users worldwide. Newsletter If you are subscribed to the newsletter, you will be automatically informed about new software releases, upcoming events, and other news on the product line.
7 Index 17
MEA S4/2 Manual B Buttons channel buttons ................................11 C Channel Assignment Printing ..............................................12 Channels Toggling ............................................11 Choosing channels.............................................11 Connecting Contact Information 6 17 F Failed 9 I Installing Hardware.............................................6 Software ..............................................
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