instrumentation and software for research
BACKLIT ZERO MAZE
ENV-561-BL / ENV-561A-BL
USER’S MANUAL
DOC-265
Rev. 1.1
Copyright ©2013
All Rights Reserved
Med Associates Inc.
P.O. Box 319
St. Albans, Vermont 05478
Phone: 802.527.2343
Fax: 802.527.5095
www.med-associates.com
ENV-561-BL/ENV-561A-BL BACKLIT ZERO MAZE
notes
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ENV-561-BL/ENV-561A-BL BACKLIT ZERO MAZE
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 | Introduction ................................................................................................ 1
Specifications.............................................................................................................................. 1
Chapter 2 | Hardware ..................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 3 | Assembly...................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 4 | Operating Instructions ............................................................................. 6
Chapter 5 | Cleaning ....................................................................................................... 7
Appendix A | Contact Information............................................................................... 7
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MED ASSOCIATES INC.
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CHAPTER 1 | INTRODUCTION
The Backlit Zero Maze takes advantage of a rodent’s natural aversion to open spaces in order to
measure anxiety. The Zero Maze consists of an elevated circle-shaped platform, with two open
quadrants and two covered quadrants. This maze design provides an advantage to the Elevated
Plus Maze because it eliminates any confusion arising from occupancy of the central point. The
circular design allows animals to explore the maze without interruption or back-tracking.
Anxiety is measured by recording and comparing time spent in the open arms as well as the
latency to enter the open arms.
Our Backlit Zero Maze is specifically designed for use with video tracking applications. The
backlight makes the animal easier to track by reducing shadows, glare, reflections, and changes
in contrast due to different color fur coats. No special wall colors are required. A near-infrared
(NIR) pass filter is used on lens to filter white light. The maze floor is evenly illuminated with NIR
light which creates a high-contrast image. NIR light reduces distraction caused by visible
lighting1.
Specifications
Dimensions
ENV-561-BL for Rat:
Overall Height
Outside diameter
Lane Height
Fall Height
Lane Width
ENV-561A-BL for Mouse:
31” (78.7 cm)
47.3" (120.0 cm)
6.0" (15.2 cm)
25" (63.5 cm)
4.5” (11.4 cm)
Overall Height (no camera mount)
Outside diameter
Lane Height
Fall Height
Lane Width
Height w/ optional camera mount
27" (73.7 cm)
24" (61 cm)
3.1" (7.87 cm)
25.5" (64.8 cm)
3.5” (8.9 cm)
83.9” (213.1 cm)
Power
ENV-561-BL & ENV-561A-BL:
External Power Supply is MED Associates Part #: POW-15V-2.67A
Input Voltage (to external power supply):
o 90 to 264 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 1 A to 0.5 A
Output Voltage (from power supply to backlit maze):
o 15VDC, 2.67A
Note: This switch mode type power supply has an IEC type C14 AC inlet connector. It is used
with a country specific power supply line cord with a type C13 connector. See Chapter 4 for
information about connecting the external power supply to the backlit maze.
1
(Dworkin, Zurn, & Motai, 2005 Rodent Behavior Under Near-infrared Illumination, Neuroscience poster, program
#923.1)
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MED ASSOCIATES INC.
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CHAPTER 2 | HARDWARE
As shown in Figure 2-1, the ENV-561-BL Backlit Zero Maze is an elevated circular platform with
two opposite enclosed quadrants and two opposite open quadrants.
Figure 2-1 – ENV-561-BL Backlit Zero Maze for Rats
NOTE: Cameras are ceiling-mounted for the ENV-561-BL Backlit Zero Maze for rats.
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Figure 2-2 – ENV-561A-BL Backlit Zero Maze for Mice
Bracket for camera
gantry
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CHAPTER 3 | ASSEMBLY
Figure 3-1 Bracket Assembly
Fit together top pole of bracket
for camera gantry with sides
and secure with pins.
Figure 3-2 Connect Bracket to Maze
Slide the side poles of the
bracket into the slots on
the maze and secure with
thumbscrews and pins
10-32 Thumbscrew
10-32 Thumbscrew
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Figure 3-3 Leg Assembly Instructions
Pin
Pin
5/32 Hex Key
5/32 Hex Key
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CHAPTER 4 | OPERATING INSTRUCTIO NS
Connect the external power supply to the DC jack on the side of the Power Switch Box (under
the backlit maze as shown in Figure 4-1). Connect the line cord from the power supply to a
suitable outlet for line power. A green LED on the external power supply will illuminate to
indicate line power is present at the supply.
Use the rocker switch on the Power Switch Box to turn ON the backlight prior to placing an
animal on the maze.
A green LED in the rocker switch will illuminate to indicate the presence of power to the maze
backlight LEDs. See Figure 4-1 for location of the power switch for the backlighting.
Once an animal is placed on the maze, verify the hinged doors are lowered over the closed arms
of the maze.
Figure 4-1 – LED, DC Power Jack and Power Switch Locations in Backlit Zero Maze
LEDs on PCBs
DC Power Jack
and Power
Switch Box
for Backlight
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CHAPTER 5 | CLEANING
It is recommended that liquid not be allowed to pool on surfaces to avoid causing damage to
circuit boards.
Clean maze surfaces with an ammonium based disinfectant (e.g Quatricide wipes) between test
subjects.
Parts such as the NIR covers that are constructed with acrylic materials require special
consideration regarding care and use in order to assure clear video results and optimal animal
tracking.
Certain chemicals can damage the acrylic and may dull the finish, cause hazing, and eventually
crack the acrylic.
When cleaning acrylic:
Use a soft cotton cloth
Use mild detergent
Do not use paper towels
Do not clean with alcohol
Do not clean with abrasives.
APPENDIX A | CONTACT INFORMATION
Please contact MED Associates, Inc. for information regarding any of our products.
Visit our website at www.med-associates.com for contact information.
For technical questions, email [email protected].
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