Multichannel Systems MEA-System Manual - Manual (Page 18)

Software packages
With the high-performance data acquisition and analysis program MC_Rack, you can flexibly
manage all data streams. For example, you can display the raw data of all channels while
recording only the raw data of the channels of interest and the extracted parameters of all
channels. This saves computer performance and hard disk space.
MC_Rack is not limited to special applications, but can be flexibly adapted to a wide range
of applications.
Unlimited software licenses and support come free with the (USB-) MEA-System, and free
software updates lower the costs as well.
The MC_Rack “*.mcd” data format is supported by several third party programs for further
analysis. You can also easily convert recorded data to universal formats such as ASCII with
the MC_DataTool program.
The LTP-Director is an easy to use data acquisition and analysis program to do standardized
LTP (long term potentiation) and LTD (long term depression) recordings in hippocampal acute
slices. The program controls MEA amplifiers and stimulus generators from Multi Channel Systems
MCS GmbH from within one software.
The Cardio2D data acquisition and analysis program maps cardiac action potential spreading
in cell and tissue preparations. The software allows the mapping of cardiac excitation on
microelectrode arrays via local activation times, and spatial distribution of local activation times.
The spatial distribution of local field potentials and conduction velocity are measured, and false
colour maps and movies are generated. The Cardio2D software can be used in conjunction with
cardiomyocyte cultures, cardiac slices or with flexible MEAs for cardiac surface mapping. Perfect
for drug testing in primary cardiomyocytes, cardiac slices, whole heart surfaces and stem cell
derived cardiomyocytes.
3.5 Using the additional Analog Inputs
The additional analog inputs A1 to A4 of the data acquisition devices are intended for recording
additional information from external devices, for example, for recording patch clamp in parallel
to the MEA recording, for monitoring the temperature, or for recording voice. You could also use
the analog inputs for triggering the MEA2100 headstage or the USB devices, but please note that
the digital inputs are intended for accepting TTL pulses.
As the gain is generally completely different on the electrode inputs and on the additional analog
inputs, signals on the analog channels are recorded "as is", with no respect to the gain specified
in MC_Rack.
Recording Voice on Analog Inputs
Microphones do not generate enough voltage to directly connect them to the analog inputs.
You need to use some kind of amplifier that adapts the output voltage of the microphone to
the input voltage range of the data acquisition device.
You can then use one of the MC_Rack sound tools for replaying the recorded voice.
Please see the MC_Rack manual for more information.