Accessing ActiveTwo skin-conductance/GSR signals through the C++ SDK
As you will see in these posts at the Biosemi forum: https://www.biosemi.nl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=808&p=2450 www.biosemi.nl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=607 GSR data undergoes additional processing within ActiveView before storage in the BDF file. GSR signals are normally processed within ActiView to derive a meaningful signal from the original excitation / oscillator signal. Note: this discussion assumes your GSR unit is of the…
Read MoreDo BioSemi active electrodes have a slew-rate problem?
How can I send triggers using inline code in E-Prime to ActiveTwo using the Biosemi USB Virtual Serial Port cable?
If your E-Prime experiment contains legacy inline code for sending triggers via the parallel port, you can switch to sending triggers via the new USB virtual serial port cable by following these instructions:
Read MoreCan I record high-density sEMG with the ActiveTwo system?
High density surface EMG as described in the recent publications on the Biosemi site is possible with the addition of the sEMG accessories. The original model of the high density sEMG probe was made for ActiveOne, so the connector differed. The current version separates the electrode grid from the preamp as in: reusable grid sEMG preamplifier…
Read MoreHow long do active electrodes last, and what is the process for repair if they get broken?
We expect the new reinforced ActiveTwo active electrodes to last 350-500 uses, based on our experience with the new product so far, and based on automated repeated-strain testing. The way ActiveTwo electrode sets are built, they are not repairable by the end-user, but we can replace single electrodes for you. We can so this quickly…
Read MoreCan I install ActiView on a Windows 10 computer?
You CAN install current versions of ActiView on Windows 10. But, before you do so, if the system was orignally delivered before January of 2017 you should update the firmware on the optical receiver / USB interface so that you do not have to go through the very long and arduous process of installing an…
Read MoreWhere can I find the coordinates of the 128 channel caps based on the 5% system defined by Oostenveld and Praamstra?
The positions in these caps come from the Oostenveld and Praamstra 5% system. See http://robertoostenveld.nl/electrode/ for background and for links to electrode coordinates in a variety of formats. Depending on what software you are using for analysis, we might be able to provide another file format. The Biosemi channel assignments (relating electrode labels to electrode sites in…
Read MoreHow can I change the ActiView CFG file so that it displays and saves the correct channel labels for my system?
In the ActiView software, select About ActiView > Load CFG. Navigate to the folder called Configuring and select the CFG that matches your head caps. For example, if you have Biosemi standard 32 channel head-caps and want the 10-20 labels to be displayed, the file you want is “10-20system32+8.cfg”. Once this CFG is loaded, go…
Read MoreHow can I send triggers from MATLAB via the USB virtual serial port trigger cable provided with my ActiveTwo System?
Since mid-2016, Biosemi has included a black USB virtual serial port trigger cable with each new ActiveTwo system. The device is depicted below. Inside the shell of the 37 pin connector is a microchip that appears to the stimulus computer as a virtual serial port but provides 8 bit parallel TTL output to the ActiveTwo…
Read MoreWhat are the computer requirements for ActiveTwo?
ActiveTwo is provided with drivers and host data acquisition software for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. Note that certain applications, such as event-related potentials, often require a separate computer to run experimental control / stimulus delivery software. The requirement for a separate computer for stimulus delivery is more a function of the experimental control software…
Read MoreHow do I perform the one-bucket test to identify faulty electrodes? Or, why does the blue CM in Range flicker and the signals pulsate once every half second?
The blue CM in Range light reflects two things: 1) whether the CMS and DRL electrodes are adequately connected to the participant’s body, and 2) whether all of the other active electrodes, cables and connectors are intact. If any of these are NOT true, then the blue CM in Range light will flicker and the…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of amplifier/converter modules in the ActiveTwo system?
The ActiveTwo Base System has no channels. The Base System consists of the parts that every ActiveTwo system needs to have, but excludes the parts that are used to custom configure ActiveTwo for various purposes, like amplifier/converter (AC modules). The AC modules give the system the capacity to record from active electrodes. With four of…
Read MoreIs every TMS system EEG compatible?
Maybe. There is no way the EEG system can harm the TMS system, but there are some TMS systems that are essentially useless with some EEG systems. You need a a suitable combination of features in each to be successful at all in using TMS with EEG. Desirable attributes: Coils designed specifically for use with…
Read MoreIs every EEG system TMS compatible?
No. There are a few special attributes that are required and others that are desirable. Required attributes: Inputs should be protected so that they are not damaged by the TMS pulse Frequency response on all channels should be from DC on the low end, since AC coupled inputs will “ring” when presented with a large…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between 1020 and ABC electrode / cap labels?
Electrodes and head caps can have positions derived from systems based on the International 1020 System. When the positions are based on 1020, the labels on the caps and electrodes can either be the actual 1020 position names (such as Fp1, Cz, etc) or they can be what is called ABC, which actually means A1,…
Read MoreCan I ship multiple work orders in one box?
If you have more than one item to be repaired, we will normally issue a separate work order number for each item. In that case, it is not necessary to ship the items to us separately. They can be packed together, assuming you pack carefully and include the documentation we request when we send you…
Read MoreAre there any restrictions to carrying BioSemi ActiveTwo equipment on commercial aircraft — particularly the battery?
The system does not use Lithium Ion batteries that are the focus of a lot of recent concern, but our shippers and airlines may ask questions about the battery. ActiveTwo is safe to be put in checked luggage or carried on board aircraft. It uses sealed, non-spillable lead-acid batteries that are safe to fly. On the…
Read MoreWhat are the terms of the warranty on your products?
Warranty Hardware All of our hardware products are delivered with at least a one-year warranty. This warranty covers materials and manufacturing defects. If you find that a product is not functioning as it should, please contact us immediately. We will work with the manufacturer to resolve the problem for you. There are a few exceptions…
Read MoreWhat is a Service Level Agreement (SLA)?
We know that nothing makes a laboratory more productive than well-maintained equipment and a staff that is well-trained in its use. Take advantage of our service options to safeguard the investment you have made in our products. Support above-and-beyond warranty related issues is offered in the form of Service Level Agreements. If there are no…
Read MoreHow can I arrange for a repair?
Before you send anything to us for repair, please contact us so we can assess the situation and be sure that is the best course of action. Once you have exhausted all available options, we may authorize you to return an item for repair. At that point, see the steps below under “How to arrange for a…
Read MoreInstallation and training
When you purchase a new laboratory instrument, you want to get started using it and producing results as quickly as possible, and nothing helps you accomplish this goal faster than having a trained technician visit your lab to install the system and configure it optimally for your purposes. From our perspective, you will have the…
Read MoreWhat sort of protocols are possible with the PowerMAG?
You may perform a wide variety of protocols using the PowerMAG system; ppTMS, rTMS, TBS, and even Quattro pulse. Please refer to the following chart to determine which platform is most appropriate for your research. Stimulators PowerMAG lab 30 PowerMAG lab 100 PowerMAG EEG 30 PowerMAG EEG 100 PowerMAG ppTMS PowerMAG QPS Characteristic Economic research…
Read MoreWhat are the advantages/disadvantages of passively cooled coils?
The coils used with the PowerMAG system are in fact passively cooled, they utilize quality copper windings with excellent heat dispersion properties. The coils are then placed within a wax like medium that further enhances heat dissipation, as the coil heats up the internal medium changes to a liquid state effectively “absorbing” much of the…
Read MoreHow deep can you stimulate using the PowerMAG?
This really comes down to the properties of the coil utilized. The two main style of stim coils used within the TMS field are figure 8 and round, with figure 8 often being preferred for focal targeting. Typically with the figure 8 coil you would get greatest stimulation at a depth of roughly 2- 2.5cm,…
Read MoreCan I use the PowerMAG to perform clinical research on PTSD and depression?
Excellent question! PowerMAG is strictly for research purposes, meaning there is no FDA approval on the device, thus it may not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any pathology. Clinical research is still possible, however must follow the strict adherence to the current guidelines imposed. Chances are, if you have an IRB protocol,…
Read MoreWill you be able to modify/drill my penetration panel to allow for the two BNC connectors to mount during installation of the equipment?
No. We are not equipped to perform this as it requires facilities approval. You should consult the manufacturer of the penetration panel as well as your facilities department for proper guidance.
Read MoreCan I route headphone cabling overhead through a cable trough or conduit?
Typically it is not suggested to run the cabling overhead towards the MR scanner as there is potential of coupling with the RF cables of the scanner. If the aim is to reduce stray cabling along the floor it is suggested that the headphones are stored/hung with excess fiber cabling “looped” as to keep it…
Read MoreI noticed that the standard setup does not include a patient microphone; is there one available for bi-directional communication?
Yes! While not included as standard there is an option for an Optoaccoustics patient microphone available in both basic and noise canceling models. Please request pricing if interested!
Read MoreAre there headphones available for infants and small children?
Yes! There are headphones that span the full range of infants through adults. Additionally there are insert (air-tube) earphones that can be used for all ages, and for all headcoils.
Read MoreHow are the audio cables routed into the MR scan room?
Shielded BNC cables are routed through a filter box/transformer. The supplied BNC connectors will need to be mounted within your penetration panel, this will require two 11mm holes for this purpose, the supplied RF filters will be connected on the MR side with 9 meters of cabling to connect to the headphones. Typically cables run…
Read MoreWhat is the typical configuration for the MR Confon/BOLDfonic system?
The BOLDfonic system is comprised of the MR Confon main console, an operator microphone, a set of patient/participant insert earphones, control room monitoring speakers, along with all audio cables, connectors, and filters necessary for full installation — just supply the audio output from your PC or alternative source via a ⅛ in. audio cable or…
Read MoreCan I put the BOLDScreen at the end of the bore if the scanner has a bed with a track protruding from the rear of the bore?
As with some scanners you may be left with a protruding rail or track. For appropriate positioning of the BOLDScreen it is suggested that you purchase a trolley with articulating arm, which will allow for offset fixation and easy adjustment for optimal monitor placement. Please see our trolley/stand options.
Read MoreHow do you view the monitor while in the scanner?
Traditionally the BOLDScreen is placed at the rear of the scanner at the end of the bore. The monitor can be viewed with an OEM “viewing mirror” that mounts to the headcoil, these are usually included from the manufacturer of the headcoil. Depending on the size of your scanner’s bore (e.g. 60, 70cm), you may…
Read MoreCan my standard PC “drive” the BOLDScreen 32?
Most “standard” PC’s are adequately suited for driving the BOLDScreen 32 if they offer a dual-link DVI output. For laptops this can often be achieved by the use of a DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter. It is important to determine in advance whether your laptop offers a DisplayPort output for this purpose. If you are…
Read MoreDo I need to have an electrical outlet in the MR scan room for the BOLDScreen 32?
No, the power supply is meant to be powered from outside the MR scan room. A voltage converter unit (VCU) with RF filter is supplied which is to be mounted within the penetration panel, most often between the equipment room and scan room. An 11mm hole (BNC sized) is required for the mounting of the…
Read MoreHow long is the video cabling for the BOLDScreen 32?
The BOLDScreen 32 comes standard with 30 meters of fiber optic cabling (duplex LC/SC), other lengths are possible as this fiber optic cable is available online through various sources. Some choose to run this around the periphery of the scan room, while others prefer to run it through conduit or channeling in the ceiling and…
Read MoreHow close to the scanner can the BOLDScreen 32 be placed?
The CRS BOLDScreen units have been specifically designed to be directly placed at the rear of the bore of the scanner, without any distance constraints. The BOLDScreen 32 is compatible with scanners with a field strength up to 7T, while the BOLDScreen 23 and 24 are compatible with those up to 3T.
Read MoreWhat comes standard with the BOLDScreen 32?
BOLDScreen 32 setup, this consist of: monitor, fiber optic cabling (30 meters), DVI/fiber optic converter, adjustable height aluminum tripod/stand, and power supply and MR friendly converter unit. Often users will opt to purchase a trolley for portability and versatility in setup.
Read MoreWhat is the ideal interoptode spacing?
This is really dependent on the signal quality. Typically for normal cortical penetration you will want anywhere from 3cm up, the larger the distance the deeper the penetration however at the sake of a reduced signal-to-noise ratio. Typically for normal adults we employ a 3.5cm interoptode distance, for those with darker skin or dark/dense hair…
Read MoreWhat are the advantages of LED over laser?
Lasers often require greater consideration in application. There are certainly constraints with regard to motility with a laser based setup that may not be of any concern with LED. Preparation times are often greater with laser than LED, as lasers are often added to a headcap one by one, whereas LED sources could sometimes be…
Read MoreWhat are the advantages of laser over LED?
Lasers naturally provide a very focal output and are excellent with narrow band frequency emission, thus the ability to discretely “tune” the light output is perhaps of some value, as you might imagine when studying the dispersion of light. Additionally modulation of lasers can take place many times fast than that of LED, as there…
Read MoreIs fNIRS comparable to fMRI?
fNIRS is of course a completely different modality than fMRI, however while the mechanics may differ there is overlap in the resulting measurements, ultimately cerebral blood flow and metabolic measurements may be obtained, and neuronal activation often assumed. fNIRS is specific to oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin measurement and quantification due to light back reflection, while…
Read MoreIs fNIRS safe?
Very good, and important, question. Clearly fNIRS is employing frequencies of light that are purposely used to traverse the skull without much restraint, and this is in fact introducing exogenous stimuli. Well don’t fret, the amount of signal power using fNIRS can be comparable to sunlight. Further, of recent, several studies suggest there are various…
Read MoreDo I need to exclude participants with certain hair styles for fNIRS studies?
This is a tough one, inherently hair is the nemesis of any fNIRS device on the market and while we all would like to say we have this completely figured out it ultimately comes down to proper preparation, part of which is also a skill in performing. I would use the same criteria with regard…
Read MoreWhat operating systems does the OxySoft software support?
OxySoft is developed for use with Windows 7 or 10, both are supported however Windows 7 is still preferred. We also offer a free Android application for the PortaLite and PortaMon units for streaming and data logging.
Read MoreWhat other things can I measure with my OxyMon?
Depending on your interest, quite a bit. We are able to “tune” the frequencies of the lasers to different wavelengths, thereby offering the possibility to measure things such as Cytohrome C Oxidase (COX), and Indocyanine Green (ICG) tracer. Just let us know if you have anything particular in mind!
Read MoreWhat is the range of the Bluetooth antenna on the PortaMon, PortaLite, and Brite23 units?
Both PortaLite and PortaMon units use a bluetooth connection with a long range antenna up to 150 meters is possible. The Brite 23 system offers a range of 30 meters.
Read MoreCan I perform measurements with more than one device simultaneously?
Yes, you may stream up to 7 devices, both wired (OxyMon), and wireless devices (Brite 23, PortaMon/PortaLite) to the same acquisition PC in real time.
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