Replacing your LabRat with a Real-Time iConZ System
The Lab Rat is an entry-level hardware device that was developed for a focus on student education and to serve as an introduction to the TDT ecosystem. While the Lab Rat does have impressive capabilities for its cost, the device does not support real-time recordings or closed loop feedback and is limited in its future expansion potential.
Over the last 5 years, TDT’s forward-thinking engineers have designed an impressive new system aimed at replacing both smaller devices, such as the Lab Rat, and full-scale experimental rigs. We have taken an application-specific approach to our new modular systems that will let our customers build out the exact setup they need for recording photometry, electrophysiology, operant behavior, and more without spending on unnecessary features. We are proud to introduce you to the iConZ.
What is an iConZ?
The iConZ is a real-time, USB based device that can be made to replace all the features of the Lab Rat and do much more. The iConZ connects to a laptop or PC, just like the LabRat, but has a 50 MHz quartz crystal clock and hardware digital signal processing cards inside for real-time and closed loop recordings. The Lab Rat cannot perform real-time processing and relies on ‘pseudo-time’ that stretches and shrinks based on demands of the PC. This is not ideal for EEG or LFP analysis nor is it good for closed-loop recordings.
Designed with Your Application in Mind
An iConZ chassis can be built-up with any combination of hardware modules. Below is an illustration of a bare iConZ being populated with a module in its first (topmost) slot. Most modules can be placed anywhere in the chassis and any order will be automatically detected by Synapse so there is no additional configuration is needed after the physical hardware is setup. Also, the iCon width and height is the size of a piece of printer paper, so it is just as portable as the Lab Rat.
Check out this video that further demonstrates how to build an iCon module stack with the specific applications you require:
There are many iCon modules available that cover a wide range of experimental applications. You can explore the full range of options on the iConZ home page.
Mapping Lab Rat Applications to Specific iCon Modules
You will find that the iCon has a module to perform any function that the Lab Rat was being used for in your experimental setup. This section will show you the exact one-to-one mapping of your Lab Rat feature to an iCon module. On the left is the Lab Rat with the relevant port highlighted for the application of interest. On the right is the iCon module you would use instead. You will find that the iCon modules are more capable in most instances.
I use my Lab Rat for recording Intan digital headstage signals – You need an ID2
The ID2 module has two Omnetics input ports for recording up to 256-channels of electrophysiology in freely moving rodents.
You can capture single-units and local field potentials and stream to disk at a full 25kHz via the USB-C port. Process any 16-channels for real-time spike sort or closed loop control, such as triggering optogenetic pulses based on theta or gamma oscillations.
The ID2 works seamlessly with TDT digital head stages. Connect to our digital ZIF or standard Omnetics based INTAN™ headstages and use the TDT’s commutators to minimize tangling and damage to the headstage cable.
I use my Lab Rat for recording EEG/ EMG from an SB4 – You need an iA4
The iA4 is a precision four-channel electrophysiology amplifier designed for low-impedance neurophysiology recordings such as EEGs, EMGs, EKGs, and evoked potentials.
The iA4 uses our incredible 24-bit high-fidelity PZ amplifier digitization circuitry in a true differential setup to provide the lowest noise continuously powered recordings possible. The touch proof connectors on the front panel provide a simplified connection to standard commutators and head caps for an easy out-of-the-box setup for freely-behaving subjects. This amplifier is perfect for your sleep studies, epilepsy research, ABRs, or freely behaving recordings.
I use my Lab Rat for recording 16 channels of analog signals – You need an iA16
The iA16 is a high quality 16 channel recording amplifier options designed for single-subject recordings that use TDT analog headstages such as our ZIF-Clip® and Omnetics connectors. Capture neurophysiology signals like EEG, EMG, LFPs, MUAs, or Single-Units up to 50 kHz. The amplifiers have a large input range to handle DC signals and avoid saturation during stim and recording experiments.
I use my Lab Rat for analog IO and audio stimulation – You need an iMn
The iMn family of multi-function modules are designed for basic or complex signal generation and acquisition. The system generates tones, noises, and complex wave forms. The iMn easily acquires analog signals from microphones, accelerometers, and other devices for advanced audio processing.
The iM modules have a higher analog IO range (±5 V) than the LabRat (±3 V) and also include amplifier drivers for powering external speakers like an MF1. The LabRat is not capable of driving external speakers properly.
Another major advantage of the iM modules is that the signal waveforms can be processed or delivered at significantly higher sampling rates than the LabRat (up to 100 kHz on the iM vs 10 kHz on the LabRat).
I use my Lab Rat for sending and receiving TTL triggers – You need an iL24
The iL24 module can communicate with external behavioral components using 24 bits of 5 V or 3.3 V TTL logic signals. There are 12 input bits and 12 output bits. Each direction has 4 addressable bits and 1 addressable byte.
The LabRat only has 2 bits of BNC accessible digital IO and all IO is limited to 3.3 V TTL signals.
The iL24 also includes a BNC breakout manifold to access 8 bits of byte-addressable memory.
Full Example Systems - Do More for Less
The full range of iConZ options (2, 4, or 6 module slots) offer the widest flexibility and best price point of any basic recording or large behavioral system in the neurophysiology market. In this section we will go over some example system configurations that you can use as a reference for comparison and learning more. You are encouraged to talk to our Sales team or your local distributor to learn more about the prices of these exact setups and compare them to your Lab Rat.
Easy Camera Additions
As you may know, the Lab Rat and Synapse Lite does not allow for users to record any video alongside their data acquisition. Many groups require precision video capture for post processing behavioral scoring and analysis of social interactions, behavior tracking, or other events. The iCon iVn video capture modules provide users with the ability to record one or two high frame rate, high resolution colored or monochromatic mp4 files. These files can easily be used in popular video analysis tools or scored directly in our Open Scope software.
In this example you see a rat with a Zif-Clip Headstage and an iV2 camera module sitting in the iConZ.
This example system is showing an iV2 recording of a mouse in a Y-maze with an example camera mount over the setup. You can learn more about the iV1,2 and the cameras used in the hardware manual.
Photometry, Video, and Operant Control
In this larger example you see an animal in an operant control chamber with simultaneous fiber photometry with an iX7 and video capture. The operant controls are connected to our iH8 module and everything is coded with our Pynapse control package, which lets users design and implement any state control behavioral paradigm they need. Many users find the intuitive python controls with smart auto-complete features much easier to learn and code than traditional operant control code from other companies.
Talk to Us
When you are ready to talk to our expert Sales team about additional questions you have about upgrading, please email Sales@tdt.com, email someone you already know, call into +1.386.462.9622 or check out our online contact forms. If you are one of our beloved international customers who uses a distributor, please reach out to them to get started.