ACO32/ACO64 Motorized Commutators
Overview
The ACO32 and ACO64 (Active Commutator with Optogenetic stimulation) are motorized
commutators that actively track rotation on a headstage cable connected to an awake,
behaving subject. They spin the motor to compensate, eliminating turn-induced torque at the
subject's end of the cable. The commutator is typically used for systems acquiring neural
recordings from up to 32 or 64 channels when using a PZ5 analog ampli
fi
er or up to 256
channels or 512 channels when using ZD digital headstages and a PZ5 digital ampli
fi
er.
Built-in electrical shielding ensures an ultra-quiet environment for recording and lightweight
cables and connectors minimize the torque caused by subject motion. Pushbuttons allow for
optional manual control of the commutator motor, and an input BNC can be used to inhibit the
motor during critical recording periods. A banana jack provides access to ground, so that users
can connect the commutator ground to an external ground, such as a Faraday cage, to
minimize ground loops.
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