M.I. P/N 004-2163 Rev. C
7
Note that other ADI PowerLab hardware can be used instead of a PowerLab 16/30.
Contact Millar to verify compatibility.
Tips for better performance
Steps can be taken to reduce signal noise. While the system meets CE requirements to
withstand EMI (electromagnetic interference), noisy equipment such as lamps, heaters, and
electrocautery equipment can add noise to the signal. The following suggestions can
improve the signal-to-noise ratio.
Cable Length
Use the shortest cables and cords that will serve the purpose. Millar offers 4-foot input
cables for users whose subjects will be located close to the hardware. BNC-to-BNC cables
are available in shorter lengths for those who can use them. See the “
ADInstruments
PowerLab Setup
” section for an example.
Cable Quality
Millar provides only high-quality shielded cables for input and output signals. If you
acquire or build your own cables, be sure that the shield is a high-quality braid or foil
shield. Be sure that the shield is connected to the ground pins indicated in the “
Theory of
Operation
” section. Users who build their own interface cables assume all responsibility
for harm, loss, or damage related to the use of such a cable.
Coiling Cables
For EMI purposes, the effective cable length will be reduced when a cable is coiled to take
up excess length.
System Grounding
Grounding the subject can be beneficial, but in some cases, the signal can be affected if the
animal is later ungrounded during the course of an experiment. If the animal is grounded,
leave it grounded throughout the procedure.
Grounding low-noise equipment, such as the MPVS
Ultra
, separately from high-noise
equipment is advisable. High-noise equipment includes lamps, room lights, heaters,
electrocautery (ESU/Bovie) equipment, power supplies, power cords and computers. If the
equipment has a metal chassis, try grounding the chassis directly. Do not let power cords
lie on top of signal cables. To avoid ground loops, connect the grounds of low-noise
equipment with the shortest possible connector lengths, preferably using the chassis ground
points such as the one found on the rear panel of the MPVS
Ultra
.
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