Most configuration settings will be set specific to the type of Zantiks system and these are set prior to shipment. There may be times you will want to change some of the settings, for example you may want to change the frame rate, so the system always boots up with this set frame rate (changes can also be made via individual scripts). This can be done on the configuration settings page, found through the Settings link on the Control Console's homepage.
The system configuration controls are independent of each other, so it is only necessary to update the required setting. For many of the configuration controls, a system restart is necessary to activate the new settings.
Update system date and time (24-hour format)
The unit's default time is set to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), as Zantiks Ltd. is based in the U.K. Both the time and date can be changed from here. Type in the desired changes and click SET. The changes should update and remain after restarting the unit.
System setting(s)
In addition to the individual data files from each run of a service (i.e., script), the unit can output a composite data file of all the runs of any service in one day. The default setting for this setting is 'ON'. If the composite data file is not needed, change the setting to 'OFF' and click 'UPDATE', and restart.
System configuration & Identification
Apparatus identification: set the name of the device with this setting. This can be useful when multiple units are within one lab to easy identify which unit is currently connected. Once set the unit's name can be found under the identification button at the top left side of the Control Console's Homepage.
Camera settings (Model ZC2)
Default camera frame rate (FPS): sets the frame rate. The default is to operate at 30fps. Frame rate options currently: 30, 15, 5 and 1.
NOTE: exposure time has priority over frame rate - so if a exposure time of 100 ms is set, then the frame rate will not be able to be higher than 10.
Resolution (11:Full, 12:Half, 13:Partial): The default resolution is set to Half and leads to a clear image for most sized animals. Full - 1440x1080; Half - 720x540; Partial - 640x480. The partial mode is a 'region of interest' (ROI) in the centre of the image. When running in this mode the system will, with updated software, be able to run at very high frame rates (up to 600 fps).
NOTE: Scripts will abort if an asset file (zones or arenas) is loaded, but does not match the current system image resolution.
Auto-exposure mode: on/off: The auto modes are turned off as default and this is the recommended setting. The lighting within the system is fixed and keeping a consistently lit image during tracking is important in avoiding false tracks. If the auto modes are turned on, the lighting can change based on the location of the animal in the arena.
Exposure time, in usecs (if auto-exposure off): exposure time is the camera's shutter speed. Reducing shutter speed reduces the blurry aspect of the image. Typical exposure time value for the MWP Z3 is 800, for the MWP Z2/Z2S is 3000, for the AD is 20000 and for the LT is 15000 (e.g., 0.8ms, 3ms, 20ms and 15ms shutter speed).
Auto-gain mode: on/off: The auto modes are turned off as default and this is the recommended setting. The lighting within the system is fixed and keeping a consistently lit image during tracking is important in avoiding false tracks. If the auto modes are turned on, the lighting can change based on the location of the animal in the arena.
Gain (if auto-gain mode off): 0-480: Camera gain is the amplification of the camera signal which makes it brighter. Increasing the gain, increases brightness. However, it also increases "noise", which can lead to false tracking. In the Zantiks MWP unit, the typical camera gain is set to 0. In the Zantiks AD or LT units, the typical camera gain is set to 100.
NOTE: It is possible to adjust the camera setting for ZC2 models via the Zanscript scripting language. Details on the commands can be found on the ZC2 camera settings demo page.
Control board
Relay 1 controls the CN4 output, which in its default state is set to On or a closed relay. Relay 2 controls the CN3 output, which in its default state is set to Off or an open relay. These can be altered to set the chosen relay to either "On" or "Off", which will activate or shut down the circuits that powers the stimuli. For both CN3 and CN4, the relay being closed will provide 12V power on the middle connector.
The relays can be further controlled in scripts via the C# operation within ZCOMMAND or the SET(RELAY,ON) commands.
System Restart
Restarts/reboots the unit.
Delete configuration settings
If the settings have been changed/updated, they can be reset to the default settings here. Be sure to keep a note of important settings before using the reset.
