Operant Chamber TTL Interface
24 events · BNC-6 multi-channel · 4 chambers
Overview
The Operant Chamber TTL interface provides 6 event types per chamber across up to 4 chambers for general operant conditioning paradigms. Covers trial boundaries, left/right lever or nose-poke responses, reward delivery, and shock delivery — compatible with FR, VR, FI, VI, PR, and custom schedules.
Uses the complex 9-byte protocol with BNC-6 output so each event type has a dedicated recording channel. Chamber ID in the frame enables multi-subject tracking on shared recording infrastructure.
Setup Instructions
- Connect the TTL module via USB. Note COM port.
- In ConductMaze > TTL Settings, enable TTL and select BNC-6 for multi-channel output.
- Wire BNC channels: Ch1 = trial boundaries, Ch2 = left response, Ch3 = right response, Ch4 = infusion, Ch5 = reward, Ch6 = shock.
- Configure operant schedule parameters (FR, VR, FI, VI, PR) in the protocol settings.
- Test with manual lever presses or nose-pokes to confirm event registration on each channel.
Common Pitfalls
- ⚠In high-ratio FR and VR schedules, lever-press bursts may generate events faster than the 50ms inter-frame limit. Monitor for timing compression during high-rate responding.
- ⚠If using nose-poke ports instead of levers, ensure port sensitivity is calibrated — partial nose-pokes can generate false TTL events.
Methods Text (Copy-Paste)
Operant behavioral events were synchronized with neural recordings using the ConductMaze TTL module (ConductScience, Skokie, IL) with BNC-6 multi-channel output. Six event types per chamber (trial onset, left/right responses, infusion, reward, shock) were transmitted as 9-byte frames at 115,200 baud with 10ms resolution across up to 4 chambers.
Suggested text for the Methods section of your manuscript.
Compatible Products
ME-OC-TTLME-OC-BASE
Ready to Automate Your Behavioral Protocols?
Contact us for a demo and pricing information.
