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Columbus Instruments Exer 3 Instruction Manual

Treadmill controller and treadmill software
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Exer 3/6 Treadmill,
Treadmill Controller
and Treadmill Software
Instruction Manual
0257-905L, 03/21/2021
Copyright Columbus Instruments 2021
Columbus Instruments
Columbus Instruments
Columbus Instruments
Columbus Instruments
950 North Hague Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43204-2121 U.S.A.
E-mail: sales@colinst.com
Serial Number:__________________
(Please refer to this number for service)
Phone: (614) 276-0861
Fax: (614) 276-0529
http://www.colinst.com

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  • Page 1 Serial Number:__________________ (Please refer to this number for service) Exer 3/6 Treadmill, Treadmill Controller and Treadmill Software Instruction Manual 0257-905L, 03/21/2021 Copyright Columbus Instruments 2021 Columbus Instruments Columbus Instruments Columbus Instruments Columbus Instruments Phone: (614) 276-0861 950 North Hague Avenue Fax: (614) 276-0529 Columbus, Ohio 43204-2121 U.S.A.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Exer 3/6 Treadmill, Treadmill Controller and Treadmill Software Instruction Manual Section Page Table of Contents Introduction System Overview System Specifications 1.1.0 Exer 3/6 Treadmill 1.1.1 Optional Electric Stimulus 1.1.2 Optional Air-Puff Stimulus 1.1.3 Optional Downhill Running Adapter 1.1.4...
  • Page 4 Table of Contents Exer 3/6 Treadmill, Treadmill Controller and Treadmill Software Instruction Manual Section Page Performing a PC-Controlled Experiment Treadmill Controller Setup Treadmill Stimulus Detection Setup Incline Controller Setup Treadmill Software Initialization 5.3.0 No Devices Detected or Manually Configure the Port Non-Profile Experiment 5.4.0...
  • Page 5 Table of Contents Exer 3/6 Treadmill, Treadmill Controller and Treadmill Software Instruction Manual Section Page Treadmill Software Descriptions Experiment >> Run 7.0.0 Settings Tab 7.0.1 Profile Mode Tab 7.0.2 Data Tab Tools >> Device Scan 7.1.0 Adding Devices to the CI-Bus 7.1.1...
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  • Page 7: Introduction

    The Treadmill Controller functions as the control interface for the Exer 3/6 Treadmill. It provides controls to set the belt speed and optional configured stimulus. The belt speed is adjustable from 0.0 to 102.3 meters per minute (m/min) and can be commanded to stop, run, or accelerate.
  • Page 8 System Overview (continued) Summaries of the features are as follows: The Exer 3/6 Treadmill can exercise 1-3 rats or 1-6 mice simultaneously.  Any combination of clear or opaque lane dividers can be used.  +25° of inclination in 5°steps.

  • Page 9: System Specifications

    System Specifications 1.1.0 Exer 3/6 Treadmill Physical Dimensions: 83.8 x 50.8 x 50.8cm (33.0” x 20.0” x 20.0”). Physical Weight: 25 kilograms (55 pounds). Mouse Lane Dimensions: 5.7 x 41.3cm (2.3” x 16.3”). Mouse Platform: 5.7 x 10.7cm with 1.0cm brush (2.3” x 4.2” with 0.4” brush) Rat Lane Dimensions: 11.8 x 41.3cm (4.6”...

  • Page 10: Treadmill Controller

    System Specifications (continued) 1.1.4 Treadmill Controller Power Requirements: 200 watts, 100, 115, or 230VAC, 50/60Hz (factory selected). Physical Dimensions: 36.8 x 30.5 x 10.9cm (14.5” x 12.0” x 4.3”). Physical Weight: 4.8 kilograms (10.6 pounds). User Controls: 3 x Push-Button Rotary Encoders. Speed Sensor Conn.: 6.35mm (1/4”) Female Stereo Phone Jack.

  • Page 11: Computer Setup

    SECTION 2 COMPUTER SETUP Treadmill Software Installation You must have administrator rights/privledges on the host computer for the software to install successfuly. The software is expected to be installed and run locally on the host computer’s hard drive and not from a remote mapped network resource.
  • Page 12 Treadmill Software Installation (continued) Click the OK button to continue.  Click the square button marked with a  computer and floppy disks to continue. Click the Continue button to begin the copy and  installation procedure into the default Program Group.

  • Page 13: Hardware Setup

    SECTION 3 HARDWARE SETUP Typical Item Inventory A typical Treadmill system contains the following items: 1 x CI-Bus Hub Interface, 4-ports with one CI-Bus terminator (orange/blue plug).  1 x USB cable, 2m (6-foot), A-B.  1 x CAT5 network cable, 2m (6-foot), 8p8c (RJ45). ...
  • Page 14 Typical Item Inventory (continued) The Exer 3/6 Treadmill (shown with optional shock grid).  1 x treadmill lid  1 x feces tray.  1 x package of lane dividers: 5 opaque and 2 clear dividers are shown for mice.
  • Page 15 Typical Item Inventory (continued) You may also need the following tools for assembling the system: Phillips (cross-point) screwdriver, medium tip.  Common (flat-point) screwdriver, small tip.  5/16-inch (7.5mm) wrench or adjustable crescent wrench.  The Treadmill system is easy to assemble provided that the components of the system are placed correctly. A working surface that averages 1.3m x 1.0 m (6-foot x 3-foot, width x depth) with access to the front and back is recommended.

  • Page 16: Assembling The Exer 3/6 Treadmill

    Assembling the Exer 3/6 Treadmill The Exer 3/6 Treadmill is about 90% assembled. Remove any protective plastic film that may cover pieces of the treadmill.  Note that various holes are positioned along the length of the Inclination Rod. Insert the spring pin ...
  • Page 17 Assembling the Exer 3/6 Treadmill (continued) Roll the Exer 3/6 Treadmill on its side.  Then insert the top of the Inclination Rod through the hole in the front of the treadmill.  (Now it is easier to remove the protective film from the bottom of the treadmill too).
  • Page 18 Assembling the Exer 3/6 Treadmill (continued) Remove any protective plastic film that may cover the lane dividers.  Insert one of the clear lane dividers into the set of slots on the far side of the treadmill.  Insert all of the opaque dividers into the slots in the middle of the treadmill. Leave one set of slots ...
  • Page 19 Assembling the Exer 3/6 Treadmill (continued) Remove all protective plastic film that may cover the treadmill cover and lid.  Fold the lid onto the cover.  Place the holes of the cover over the posts in the front of the treadmill and secure with the two ...
  • Page 20 Assembling the Exer 3/6 Treadmill (continued) Unfold the lid onto the treadmill and secure with the 2 clips.  Place the Feces Tray underneath the treadmill below the platform and treadmill belt.  This completes the assembly of the Exer 3/6 Treadmill.

  • Page 21: Downhill Running Adapter

    Downhill Running Adapter If the Exer 3/6 Treadmill came with the Downhill running adapter, then the system should contain the following: 1 x Right leg with rubber foot.  1 x Left leg with rubber foot.  2 x Braces for the legs.
  • Page 22 Downhill Running Adapter (continued) Raise the front so the treadmill will rest entirely on the rear panel. Remove the Inclination Rod with  spring pin as set aside. Using the Phillips screwdriver and 5/16-inch wrench, remove both feet from the bottom of the ...
  • Page 23 Downhill Running Adapter (continued) Using four screws with nuts, connect the legs and the braces together in the orientation as shown.  Again, do not tighten. The screws and nuts should hold the pieces closely together but allow them to move.
  • Page 24 Downhill Running Adapter (continued) Reposition the spring pin from the hole at the bottom to the hole in the middle of the Inclination Rod.  Insert the Inclination Rod through the hole in the front of the treadmill. Then lower the front so the ...
  • Page 25 Downhill Running Adapter (continued) Tighten all remaining screws and nuts of the legs and braces.  This completes the assembly of the Downhill Adapter.

  • Page 26: Assembling The Air-Puff Stimulus

    Assembling the Air-Puff Stimulus The Air-Puff Stimulus should contain the following: 1 x 1/4" diameter air supply line with quick-connect fittings, 6m (20-foot).  1 x Air Reservoir (19 liter / 5 gallon typical).  1 x 1/2" diameter air supply line, 2.4m (8-foot). ...
  • Page 27 Assembling the Air-Puff Stimulus (continued) Place the Air Reservoir near the treadmill, but out of the way (typically on the floor).  Remove and save the protective caps from the air fittings on the rear of the treadmill and the Air ...
  • Page 28 Assembling the Air-Puff Stimulus (continued) Place a mark on the free end of the 20’ (6m) air-supply line 3/4" (19mm) from the end. Then, fully  insert the 1/4" tube into the 1/4" fitting on the reservoir brass tee. The mark should be flush with the end of the fitting.
  • Page 29 Connect the 2-circuit valve power cable between the “Valve Power” port of the Treadmill Controller  and the 2-position Molex Mini-Fit Jr jack on the Exer 3/6 Treadmill. Be sure the locking lever snaps down to secure the cable to the ports.

  • Page 30: Adjusting The Capacitive-Touch Sensitivity

    Use the following procedure to empirically determine the “INTENSITY” setting. On the Exer 3/6 Treadmill, clean and remove all debris from the grids of the treadmill and wait until the surfaces are dry. Using the toggle switch, disable the stimulus for each lane.

  • Page 31: Connecting The Components

    Connecting the Components Place the CI-Bus Hub interface near the host computer (not shown). Remove the orange terminator if  installed. Using the USB cable, connect the interface to the host computer. The power indictor (upper left LED of port “B”) should be lit continuously. Connect one end of the CAT5 network cable to any of the ports.
  • Page 32 Connect the 6-circuit motor cable between the “Motor” port of the Treadmill Controller and the  6-position Molex Mini-Fit Jr jack on the Exer 3/6 Treadmill. Be sure the locking lever snaps down to secure the cable to the ports.

  • Page 33: Setting The Angle Of Inclination Or Declination

    Setting the Angle of Inclination or Declination The angle of inclination is set by the location of the spring pin in holes of the Inclination Rod. The holes range from 0° to 25° in 5° steps. With the Downhill Running Adapter, the holes range from 0° to -15° in 5° steps.
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  • Page 35: Stand-Alone General Exercising Without The Pc

    SECTION 4 STAND-ALONE GENERAL EXERCISING WITHOUT THE PC The faculties of the Treadmill Controller allow the user to provide various execise regimens for the animals. Once setup, the controller can automatically limit the exercise session by the distance traveled or session duration.

  • Page 36: User Menu Settings

    User Menu Settings Access the User Menu of the Treadmill Controller with this procedure: Press and hold the RATE button. Press and hold the MODE button. Then press and release the ODOMETER RESET button. Release the RATE and MODE buttons. The screen will display: User Menu...
  • Page 37 User Menu Settings (continued) Turn the “INTENSITY” knob counter-clockwise to move down the list to the next option which  displays and edits the current acclereation settings: Accel:m/min/sec A 1.0/1 E102.3 Refer to section: “6.8 Acceleration Settings” for specific details. In brief, when the treadmill belt MODE is set to acceleration, then the belt speed will accelerate (or decelerate) from the currently set speed to the ending speed using the acceleration parameters specified.

  • Page 38: Loading The Subjects

    Loading the Subjects Turn the clips that secure the lid and fold the lid on top of the cover.  Before loading or unloading the subjects, place a paper towel on top of the treadmill cabinet to protect  the toggle switches and indicators from urine and feces which may fall inside. Load the subjects onto the grids (the stimulus should be disabled).

  • Page 39: Controlling The Treadmill

    Controlling the Treadmill The following sections discuss various controls and their effect on the operation of the Treadmill Controller. 4.3.0 Contrast / Odometer Reset Turning the “CONTRAST” knob adjusts the LCD display contrast. Adjust for best viewing at any time. In the Normal mode of operation, the odometer will display the accumulated distance traveled.

  • Page 40: Stop

    4.3.1.0 Stop By default, when the AC power is switched ON, the treadmill belt mode is set to STOP. In this mode, the treadmill belt will be disabled from running and come to rest. The current speed selected will be displayed but the mode indicator is blank.

  • Page 41: Motor Overload

    4.3.3 Motor Overload The power supply for the motor is protected by a thermal resettable fuse. If the motor is mechanically overloaded and/or demands excess power from the supply, then the thermal fuse will open. In this situation, the motors speed will drop dramatically and the message “!!! OVERLOAD !!!” will be displayed: S 10.0 D 338.9...
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  • Page 43: Performing A Pc-Controlled Experiment

    SECTION 5 PERFORMING A PC-CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT The Treadmill Software provides more control over the treadmill than the Treadmill Controller alone. The belt speed and acceleration can be varied continuosly as well as the stimulus switched on and off throughout the entire experiment session. Data from the treadmill system are collected and logged at intervals into an experiment data file.

  • Page 44: Incline Controller Setup

    Incline Controller Setup Turn the “RATE” knob clockwise, all of the way to the end-stop.  Set the mode toggle switch to “STOP”.  Now, switch ON the Incline Controller. The power switch is above the AC power receptacle on the ...

  • Page 45: Treadmill Software Initialization

    Treadmill Software Initialization  On the host computer, launch the Treadmill Software. A “Treadmill Software” window should open. Then a “Commuication Setup” window will open. The software will automatically check every available COM port for the software’s configured devices. When found, a “Communication Scan” window will replace the previous and the software will enumerate all configured devices and report their status.

  • Page 46: No Devices Detected Or Manually Configure The Port

    5.3.0 No Devices Detected or Manually Configure the Port Check Window’s “Devices and Printers” for the “CI-Bus Hub”.  If it does not exist perform the following procedure: Exit the Treadmill Software program.  Disconnect the USB cable between the computer and the CI-Bus Hub. ...

  • Page 47: Non-Profile Experiment

    Non-Profile Experiment In a Non-Profile Experiment, only one start speed, end speed, acceleration and incline are allowed for the session.  Select “Experiment >> Run” from the main menu.

  • Page 48: Treadmill Settings

    5.4.0 Non-Profile Experiment Settings  Enter the “Interval” time in seconds which you would like to have data logged to the output file. The number must be an integer and the minimum is 5 seconds.  Enter the “Duration” time in minutes for the entire experiment session. The number must be an integer and is typically larger than the “Interval”...

  • Page 49: Stimulus Detection Settings

    5.4.1 Stimulus Detection Settings When the Treadmill Stimulus Detection is used, the following controls are available:  Enter the following settings: Number of Channels: 1 to 8. Set for the number of animals, typically 3 or 6.  Number of Visits to Grid: 0 to 999.

  • Page 50: Incline Settings

    5.4.2 Incline Settings When the Incline Controller is detected, the capabilites of the apparatus are displayed and the following controls are available:  Select the text boxes and enter the following parameters: Belt Angle: Limited by the “Range” as indicated above. ...

  • Page 51: Start Manual Experiment

    5.4.3 Start Non-Profile Experiment  Click the Start button to begin the experiment. A “Save Experiment Data File” window will open.  Enter the name for the data file and click the Save button. The window will close and then display: Now, the software has placed the Treadmill Controller under computer control which is indicated by the speed indicator “S”...
  • Page 52 5.4.3 Start Non-Profile Experiment (continued) First, the stimulus will be enabled and the treadmill belt will accelerate from reset (0.0 meters/minute) to the Starting Speed at a default acceleration rate of 2.0 meters/minute/second. Once the Starting Speed has been reached, the acceleration rate will change as specified by the Acceleration Step and Acceleration Interval and now the belt speed will accelerate (or decelerate) toward the Ending Speed.

  • Page 53: Profile Mode Experiment

    Profile Mode Experiment In the Profile Mode, the treadmill’s speed, acceleration, stimulus and incline are all dynamically adjustable througout the session.  Select “Experiment >> Run” from the main menu.

  • Page 54: Treadmill Settings

    5.5.0 Profile Experiment Settings Note: Controls not specified in the following procedure are “not needed” as they are automatically updated and set by the profile.  Enter the “Interval” time in seconds which you would like to have data logged to the output file. The number must be an integer and the minimum is 5 seconds.

  • Page 55: Creating A Profile

    5.5.1 Creating a Profile Click the “Profile Mode” tab at the top of the form. The form will now display the current profile as a  list of periods (or steps). A profile is developed by sequentially defining any number of periods. Each period defines a new ending speed and time interval.

  • Page 56: Start Profile Mode Experiment

    5.5.1 Creating a Profile (continued) The graphical representation of the profile, relative to the sum total of the periods, is shown at the top of the “Data” tab. 5.5.2 Start Profile Mode Experiment  Click the Start button to begin the experiment. A “Save Experiment Data File” window will open. ...
  • Page 57 5.5.2 Start Profile Mode Experiment (continued) At the top of the “Data” tab, the relative graphical representation of the profile with a green dot which indicates the relative time and the speed of the treadmill. Below, are the current statuses from the Treadmill Controller, Incline Controller and Stimulus Detection.
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  • Page 59: Treadmill Controller User Menu

    SECTION 6 TREADMILL USER MENU The User Menu is used to view and set various parameters which are saved within the Treadmill Controller. Access to the menu is provided by a unique button presses when the treadmill belt mode is set to STOP and not under computer control.

  • Page 60: Restore Defaults

    Else, press and release to cancel. Serial Number This is used to see the electronic serial number which should match the Columbus Instruments serial tag on the outside of the cabinet. For service, this number may be referenced to lookup any specific details or notes about your particular Treadmill and Controller.

  • Page 61: Unit Id

    Unit ID This is used to set the CI-Bus address of the Treadmill Controller. The Unit ID should be unique and not match the address of another device which is connected to the same CI-Bus Hub. The Unit ID can range from 1 to 254 (220 typical).

  • Page 62: Autocal Speed

    Verify the connection to the treadmill. If all appears correct, try cycling the AC power and start the calibration again. Else, contact Columbus Instruments for help. Once a speed output has been detected, the low speed calibration will automatically begin.
  • Page 63 AutoCal Speed (continued) The Treadmill Controller will calibrate the low speed of 10.0 meters/minute and then the high speed of 100.0 meters/minute (each within the span of 3 minutes 17 seconds): Cal: 10.00 ?????=???.?? Lastly, it will calibrate the odometer distance in one minute: Cal: Odometer Measuring: And then display the measured counts from the motor odometer:...

  • Page 64: Acceleration Settings

    Acceleration Settings This option is used to set the acceleration rate and end speed of the treadmill belt when the treadmill belt mode is set to ACCELERATION. The screen displays the acceleration units and three adjustable settings: Accel:m/min/sec A 1.0/1 E102.3 Acceleration Step: 0.0 to 25.5 meters/minute (numerator).

  • Page 65: Time Limited

    6.9.1 Time Limited Mode: Time Limit T 10:00 min:secs 10:00 A 1.0/1 E102.3 This mode limits the time duration of the exercise session. This is indicated when the odometer is replaced by a count-down timer: “T”. The time duration will count-down (at any belt speed) when the treadmill belt mode is set to RUN or ACCELERATION.

  • Page 66: Calibrate Shock

    6.10 Calibrate Shock This option is used to measure and calibrate the stimulus. It will switch ON the electric stimulus continuously (instead of pulsed) to allow a stable reading from a connected ampmeter (RMS value typical). The average current delivered to the animal is the continuous RMS current multiplied by the dutycycle of the chosen repetition rate.

  • Page 67: Exit

    6.10 Calibrate Shock (continued) Press the ODOMETER RESET button to select the option. The screen displays:  Run to Start... Press the MODE button to set the treadmill belt mode to RUN. The screen will display:  Stop to Finish.. Intensity: ??.?? Adjust the “INTENSITY”...
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  • Page 69: Treadmill Software Descriptions

    SECTION 7 TREADMILL SOFTWARE DESCRIPTIONS Experiment >> Run Selecting this option will open an “Experiment” window for the first Treadmill Controller at address 220 (with Stimulus Detection at address 230 and Incline Controller at address 235). If more systems are connected to the CI-Bus, then select the option again to open another window for each additional system: System Treadmill...

  • Page 70: Settings Tab

    7.0.0 Settings Tab This tab contains the controls used to configure: data collection, the speed profile in a non-profile experiment, the stimulus repetition rate, the stimulus detection settings and inclination in a non-profile experiment. The controls on the Settings tab are defined as follows: Data Collection Interval: defines the interval when data is collected and saved to the output data file.

  • Page 71: Profile Mode Tab

    Inc_Rate: reports the maximum inclination rate of the Incline Apparatus (1.6°/second typical for an  Exer 3/6 Treadmill). 7.0.1 Profile Mode Tab This tab contains the controls used to define changes of the treadmill belt speed over set periods of time (acceleration), belt inclination, and stimulus presentation.

  • Page 72: Data Tab

    7.0.2 Data Tab This tab reports the current status and data from the experiment. The elements on the tab are defined as follows: Graph: This is a graphical representation of the profile. The dark red lines indicate the calculated  speed of the treadmill belt over total time of the profile.

  • Page 73: Tools >> Device Scan

     Device: Name of the device. Address#: 1 to 254. The unique CI-Bus address of the device Prod ID#: 0 to 9999. The Product Number of the device (Columbus Instruments specific). Version: The firmware revision of the device. Status: “OK” indicates the device has been detected.

  • Page 74: Adding Devices To The Ci-Bus

    7.1.0 Adding Devices to the CI-Bus Use the following procedure to add new devices to the CI-Bus:  Note the addresses of the currently configured and detected devices on the CI-Bus. Typical addresses are: 220, 230 and 235 for the Treadmill Controller, Treadmill Stimulus Detection and the Incline Controller respectively.

  • Page 75: Window

    Inclinometer Manual  7.3.0 About This reports the version of the Treadmill Software. Be sure to reference the version when contacting Columbus Instruments for help.  Click the OK button to close the window and return to the main window.
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  • Page 77: Maintenance

    SECTION 8 MAINTENANCE Treadmill Belt Tracking As the treadmill is used, the treadmill belt and the pulleys will begin to wear in. This may cause the belt to stretch and become loose which may also coincide with the belt beginning to track away from the center of the treadmill.

  • Page 78: Treadmill Belt Tension

    Treadmill Belt Tracking (continued) Make small adjustments to the nuts, only 1/4 turns, and allow 1 minute for the belt to settle to the new tracking position. Once the tracking adjustments are complete, follow the procedure in the next section. Treadmill Belt Tension If the mechanical sounds of the treadmill appear to have increased in volume or the belt cannot be stopped with a heavy downward pressure, then the overall tension of the belt may be too high.|...

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