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PhenoMaster | Hardware Operating Instructions
9.
Performing a Measurement
It is assumed that…
•
…automatic switch OFF, screensaver etc. of PC have been deactivated.
•
…calibration for the sensors (drinking, feeding, body weight, calorimetry) has been carried out.
•
…>=2h prior to the test or a calibration of the sensors, all electronic calorimetry devices have
been powered ON.
•
…all entries have been made in "Setup" menu.
•
…all the settings for the individual measuring modules have been made.
•
…event markers have been defined.
DANGER
Electric shock
Faulty or improperly connected system devices could cause severe damage to persons or
objects.
•
Before starting up the system, check that it is in proper operating condition.
•
Faulty system devices must NOT be used; they must be replaced.
General
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Used cages should be enabled in the software only.
•
Electrical connections are in proper working condition.
•
All current-carrying cables are in proper working condition.
•
Don´t touch the hardware during an experiment.
•
Switch OFF the monitor during a trial so that adjacent cages are not illuminated during the
dark phase.
Removal of residues
After each test, suitable measures must be taken to ensure that no residues remain in the system that
could falsify the results of subsequent tests.
We recommend that animals are allowed to habituate with test cages before the tests, e.g., in special
training cages in order to avoid incorrect results due to stress.
In drinking and feeding systems, the use of the drinking nipple and food dispensers by the animal
should be checked. It may be necessary to first train the animal. Preliminary tests should be carried
out to ensure that the drinking and feeding behavior in the test cage is normal.
Activity measurements via sensor frames
Ensure that…
•
…the light beam sensor openings are clean. Dirty sensors can cause incorrect
measurements.
•
…all sensor frames detect properly (for function test, see Software Operating Instructions -
Activity, Section "Status Menu, Activity".
•
…no foreign bodies are located in the beam path during a measurement, e.g., cables or
operator´s hands.
