Running Wheel Cages and Motion Sensors

The ClockLab Data Acquisition program will record from a variety of activity sensors, including the running wheels and infrared motion sensors shown below.

• Up to 448 sensors can be wired directly to a single computer using one or more the ClockLab Digital Interfaces (ACT-556).
• Alternatively, up to 500 cages can be fitted with a small battery-powered transmitters that sense wheel turns (magnetic sensor) or animal motion (infrared sensor). The transmitters also report ambient temperature and light levels. Batteries last more than one year.
• Any digital signal (switch closure or 0/10V source) can be connected to the inputs of the ACT-556.

(Above) Standard mouse cage, running wheel, and mechanical switch. A wing nut on the end of the wheel axle trips the switch once per revolution. The switch is held onto the side of the cage by banana jacks and plugs and can be removed easily for cleaning (bottom left inset). The switch connects to the ClockLab digital interface (ACT-556) through the black cable and double banana plugs. Click images for larger versions.

 

Standard mouse cage, running wheel, and infrared (clickless) sensor. The sensor clips onto the lip and rail of the cage and detects the spokes of the wheel passing by. The sensor is connected via cable to the ClockLab digital interface (ACT-556) and can be removed easily for cage cleaning.

 

Standard mouse cage fitted with a transmitter and infrared sensor. The sensor (white cylinder pointing down from the black transmitter box) senses motion of the animal in the cage. The transmitter also reports temperature and illumination.

 

Standard cage with remote transmitter (wireless node) mounted to detect wheel turns. A small magnet in the black disk on the end of the wheel axle triggers a magnetic sensor inside the transmitter box. The box is held onto the side of the cage with banana jacks and plugs and can be removed easily for cage cleaning (inset at lower left). The transmitter also reports ambient temperature and light levels to the computer.

 

A Fast-Trac horizontal running wheel with ClockLab wireless node inside the dome. A magnetic sensor inside the node senses the movement of a small magnet fixed to the underside of the wheel.