mealPOD

Wireless Operant Home Cage Feeder

At its core, the mealPOD is a robust pellet dispenser, but when combined with Actimetrics’ innovative wireless protocol, it becomes an unlimited, cable free data collection hub residing within existing rodent home caging. Each connected unit can be monitored and programmed in real time, to administer different simple operant schedules, such as Fixed Ratio, Progressive Ratio, Fixed Interval, and Ad-lib tasks at specified times of the day.

Wireless programming

Operation of up to 200 units can be configured on a single computer running ClockLab Wireless, and the configurations are sent wirelessly to the feeders. Controls can be set individually for each cage.

• Behavior protocol (Fixed ratio, random ratio, fixed interval, progressive ratio, etc.).
• Circadian Cycle (Period and start time).
• Feeding periods (up to 4 feeding periods during each circadian day).
• Stimulus configurations. Link LEDs and sound to behavioral events.

Wireless data collection

Minute-by-minute counts of pellets taken and nose pokes are recorded in ClockLab-compatible files. In addition, time and duration of each nose poke and pellet can be stored to text-based files for further analysis.

Wireless status monitoring

ClockLab Wireless software displays battery levels, wireless signal strength, and cumulative pellets delivered at a glance.

Improved pellet sensor

Two pellet sensors provide precise numbers and timing of pellet dispensing. Sensor communicates node status directly to ClockLab Software for display, alerting users if unit is out of pellets.

External device control

A digital output can be linked to specific behavioral events for triggering experimental equipment, such as electrical and optogenetic stimulators, or physiological data recorders.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 4.5″ x 3″ x 3.5″
• Pellet size: 45 mg
• Capacity: 1000+ pellets
• Battery charger: USB-C 500 mA
• Battery life: ~4 weeks, depending on pellet frequency
• Mounting: 4 magnets on the feeder face can be used to secure to cage wall.
• Stimuli: LED in each poke hole can be linked to events or set to flash while poke is active
• 2 external LEDs can be linked to behavioral events (correct poke, incorrect poke, etc.)
• Auditory stimuli (buzz, tone, click) can be linked to behavioral events
• External output: Digital output (3.3 volt) can be linked to behavioral events.
• Data formats:
  • ClockLab Analysis compatible file: minute-by-minute pellet counts
  • Text file: minute-by-minute pellet and poke counts
• Text file: times and durations for individual pokes and pellets, 100-ms temporal resolution.