Multichannel Systems MC_Rack Manual - Manual (Page 10)

MC_Rack Manual
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The MC_Rack help is divided into the following main sections:
 Step by Step Tutorial: The tutorial introduces basic MC_Rack features for directly setting up
a basic experiment.
 MEA (In Vitro) Application Examples (please see separate document): Main MC_Rack features
are explained in detail on the basis of typical applications and demo data files. We
recommend to study especially the applications that you are interested in before starting an
experiment, so that you learn about the possibilities and how to configure MC_Rack for different
applications. This section is more detailed than the tutorial. Also, it is easier to understand the
software features when playing around with demo data.
 MC_Rack Features: All MC_Rack features are explained in detail. This section is especially useful
if you want to learn more about a specific software feature.
 Data Export: Summarizes the export options of MC_Rack and MC_DataTool and provides
recommendations for third party programs for offline data analysis.
 Troubleshooting: Lists typical minor problems that might occur during operation and gives hints
how to solve them.
2.2 Installing MC_Rack
The data acquisition computer with the data acquisition device, for example MC_Card or USB-
MEA256, comes preinstalled and preconfigured by MCS for a flawless operation. You should
contact your local retailer for assistance if you want to install additional hard- or software, or
if you want to replace the computer, as incompatibilities of hardware components or software
settings with MC_Rack may occur.
Caution: You have acquired a high performance data acquisition and analysis computer. Do not
modify the system, do not install new hard- or software, or another operating system without
asking MCS or your local retailer for advice. Especially do not install virus scanners or firewalls
because these programs are known to interfere with the data transfer to the hard disk. MCS
cannot guarantee that a modified system is fully operational. Even data loss may occur.
System requirements
Software:
One of the following Microsoft Windows ® operating systems is required: Windows 7, Vista,
or XP (English and German versions supported) with the NT file system (NTFS). Other language
versions may lead to software errors.
Hardware:
The data acquisition board MC_Card. (Not required for offline analysis or demo mode). If no
MC_Card is present, MC_Rack opens in a simulation mode. A computer with low performance
may lead to performance limits more often; therefore, MCS recommends an up-to-date computer.
Please note that there are sometimes hardware incompatibilities of the MC_Card and computer
components; or that an inappropriate computer power supply may lead to artifact signals.
Please contact your local retailer for more information on recommended computer hardware.
The USB-ME-Systems or the USB-MEA-Systems. (Not required for offline analysis or demo
mode). The USB based data acquisition systems do not need the MC_Card. These systems are
equipped with an internal data acquisition. The analog input signals from up to 256 channels
are acquired and digitized by the systems and the digital electrode signals are transmitted to
the connected computer via universal serial bus (High Speed USB 2.0).
Important: You need to have installed the latest driver to operate the data acquisition device,
which is automatically installed with MC_Rack. The installation may be invalid if the data
acquisition device does not respond. Please contact Multi Channel Systems or your local retailer
in this case.