Stoelting ANY-maze : Example Equipment Wizard report

Introduction

Mazes and test apparatus

Cameras

Computers

Connecting external devices

Equipment wizard

ANY-maze : A 2007 Life Science Industry Award nominee for most knowledgeable technical support

The Equipment Wizard

Choosing the right equipment to automate your apparatus

If the different options for cameras, lenses, digitisers, computers.... all seem a bit confusing, don't worry - help is at hand!
The ANY-maze Equipment Wizard, which is part of the ANY-maze software, can assess exactly what equipment you will need to automate your behavioural apparatus.

Using the wizard to assess your own apparatus

If you want to run the wizard to assess your own equipment needs then simply download ANY-maze, open the Help and Support Centre and select the Equipment wizard from the options shown.
The wizard will quiz you about the different apparatus you want to automate and then prepare a detailed report listing recommended equipment, together with part numbers and prices.
To help you get an idea about what the Equipment Wizard will do there's an example of its final report below.

ANY-maze Equipment Wizard Report

Introduction

Before using the information contained in this report you should check the apparatus and, if relevant, location summaries. These repeat the information you supplied to the equipment wizard.

ANY-maze technical support are always happy to advise you about your equipment needs. If you would like to e-mail this report directly to them for comment or further assistance then simply click the Send link on the left.

Apparatus summary

Plus maze

Dimensions

110cm x 110cm

Elevation

60cm

Light level

Normal (greater than 20 lux)

Animals

Rats

Animal vs. apparatus contrast

There will be good contrast between the animals and the background of the apparatus

Simultaneous testing

Not applicable in this apparatus

Water-maze

Dimensions

120cm x 120cm

Elevation

50cm

Light level

Low (20 lux or less)

Animals

Rats

Animal vs. apparatus contrast

There will be good contrast between the animals and the background of the apparatus

Simultaneous testing

Not applicable in this apparatus

Locations summary

Plus maze room

Distance from floor to camera

270cm

Cable length

6m - routed from the camera to the ANY-maze computer

Apparatus used here

Plus maze

Water-maze room

Distance from floor to camera

270cm

Cable length

6m - routed from the camera to the ANY-maze computer

Apparatus used here

Water-maze

Camera requirements

Plus maze room

Camera and lens

1 x Analogue camera with a sensitivity of 4.00 lux or less and a resolution of at least 300 TV lines, fitted with a lens with a horizontal lens angle of 50º ±10%.

Additional requirements

1 x 20cm ceiling camera mount (the exact size will depend on the camera used). The mount used must allow the camera to be pointed straight down.

Recommendations

1 x Black and white CCTV camera

1 x Vari-focal lens

1 x CCTV camera mount

Water-maze room

Camera and lens

1 x Analogue camera with a sensitivity of 1.00 lux or less and a resolution of at least 300 TV lines, fitted with a lens with a horizontal lens angle of 52º ±10%.

Additional requirements

1 x 20cm ceiling camera mount (the exact size will depend on the camera used). The mount used must allow the camera to be pointed straight down.

Recommendations

1 x Black and white CCTV camera

1 x Vari-focal lens

1 x CCTV camera mount

Digitisers

Digitiser 1

Device

RTV-24

Connects to

Camera in location : Plus maze room

Camera in location : Water-maze room

Recommendations

1 x Digitizer board

1 x 10m video cable for CCTV cameras

Computer requirements

Processor

Pentium IV 1.2GHz

Memory (RAM)

256MB

Windows version

Windows XP

Display

XGA

PCI slots

You will need 1 available PCI slot(s)

Recommendations

1 x Desktop computer for ANY-maze

Equipment summary

Part No.

Description

Qty

*Price $

60510

Black and white CCTV camera

800.00

60520

Vari-focal lens

310.00

60545

CCTV camera mount

100.00

60501

Digitizer board

500.00

60542

10m video cable for CCTV cameras

40.00

60555

Desktop computer for ANY-maze

1500.00

Total

3250.00

*Prices, in US dollars, are given for guidance only and were accurate on 14/03/2005.

Suppliers

All of the above recommended equipment can be purchased directly from Stoelting. Just contact a member of our sales staff by phone (630) 860-9700 or e-mail: sales@Stoeltingco.com.