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EPU160 User Manual EDID-2001-MAD
Flashes when active
Event Indicator LED
: 16 x Green LEDs
Logic High = On
Logic Low = Off
USB Activity
: Amber LED
Flashes when active
Description
The mmb16 is a USB based interface that monitors external TTL, or contact closure, signals generated in an
experiment or Operand Box and converts these events into text strings (Comments in the Chart software).
A DB25 connector provides the means to connect external events, either TTL levels or contact closures, to the
mmb16. The status of these events is displayed on the front panel by 2 rows of LEDs.
Internal circuitry conditions the input signals and ensures that noisy level transitions are recorded just once.
The internal microprocessor buffers the incoming events, time stamping them prior to transmission to the PC.
Thus, event timing is not affected by the host PC’s operating system, or software delay uncertainties.
The user can define a text message associated with each event. This text message, together with the time
when it occurred, will be displayed on a specified Chart channel without interfering with any data being
recorded by Chart.
Multiple mmb16 units can be connected, and each unit can be assigned a unique identifier.
Application
The mmb16 can be used as a general purpose event recorder in a laboratory experiment.
The mmb16 adds an advanced digital input capability to e-corders that do not have this feature, or where
there are not enough digital inputs available.
It allows slow or random events to be recorded without using dedicated Chart channels.
The mmb16 is an ideal interface for recording events associated with long term experiments. For example, in
some classes of animal experiments it is necessary to record animal activities as well as continuous
physiological parameters. In such an application the depression of a food or drink lever or turning external
illumination On or Off needs to be recorded as part of the experimental record.
Software Installation & Operation
ATTENTION: When installing the system for the first time ALWAYS perform software installation before
connecting the hardware units. This ensures that the correct drivers are installed.
This document covers the use of the mmb16 unit with Chart, and the MMB extension. The unit can also be
used directly using serial terminal software, or interfaced to other devices, however the focus here is on the
Chart extension. Users who choose to use the system with their own software using the serial protocol can
contact eDAQ (
) for assistance and advice regarding the serial protocol supported by the
mmb16 firmware.
Included with the unit is a CD or memory stick with the latest version of the mmb16 Chart extension, drivers
and serial monitor software.
Extension Installation
On a computer that has Chart installed, run the extension installer on the memory device provided. It will
copy the extension file to the Chart extensions folder. The next time Chart is run there will be a new item on
the
Setup
menu
.
USB Driver Installation
The extension installer will help by pre-installing or updating the FTDI USB drivers as necessary. The device
uses a FTDI USB controller chip. If you plug in the device before installing the software, direct Windows to
search the supplied software medium.
