Carousel Motorized Commutator
The Carousel Motorized Commutator is part of Plexon's PlexBright Optogenetic Stimulation System product line. It is designed for experiments that combine optogenetic stimulation with neural recording using digital headstages.
The system supports up to four digital headstages and two PlexBright Compact LED modules. A central opening also allows for fluid delivery or the integration of an optical swivel.
Designed for Integrated Neural Recording and Optogenetics
- Supports up to four digital headstages.
- Compatible with up to two PlexBright Compact LED modules.
- Features a motorized torque arm for controlled rotation.
- Includes a central opening for fluid delivery or an optical swivel.
- Designed for use with an OmniPlex system utilizing a Digital Headstage Processor (DHP).
The table below provides many of the most commonly requested specifications.
| Features | PlexBright Dual LED Commutator | PlexBright Dual LED + 16 Channel Commutator | Carousel Commutator | Carousel Commutator R2S2-Vertical | Motorized Carousel Commutator | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optical Channels | 2 | 2 | 2 | n/a; LEDs on NeuroLight Probe | 2 | — |
| Plexon data acquisition system compatibility | None | – OmniPlex® D System utilizing either a DigiAmp™ or MiniDigi™ digitizing amplifier, – OmniPlex System utilizing an analog amplifier, or – MAP System | – OmniPlex System utilizing a Digital Headstage Processor (DHP) | – OmniPlex System utilizing a Digital Headstage Processor (DHP) | – OmniPlex System utilizing a Digital Headstage Processor (DHP) | — |
| Headstage compatibility | n/a | 1 analog | Up to 2 digital | Up to 2 digital | Up to 4 digital | — |
| Electrical channels | n/a | 16 | Depends on channels per headstage (up to 64 channels with any combination of 16 or 32 channel headstages) | One digital recording up to 128 ch, one digital stimulation up to 32 channels | — | — |
| Total lines | 4 | 25 | 20 | 28 | 40 | — |
| LED module compatibility | PlexBright Compact | PlexBright Compact | PlexBright Compact | Compatible with NeuroLight OptoElectrode | PlexBright Compact | — |
| LED module attachment base | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | n/a | Magnetic | The newer magnetic attachment bases replace the previous screw-attachment bases. |
| Number of mountable LEDs | 1 or 2 | 1 or 2 | 1 or 2 | n/a; LEDs are on NeuroLight Probe | 1 or 2 | Mixed-mode commutators can be used for neural recording only, not requiring the simultaneous use of LED modules. |
| LED control signal lines | 2 pairs | 2 pairs | 2 pairs | n/a | 2 pairs | Using a PlexBright Series-Y BNC cable, both mounted PlexBright LED Modules can be simultaneously controlled with the same control signal as for bilateral experiments. |
| Maximum current per LED channel | 1.0A | 1.0A | 1.0A | n/a; Current Controlled by the NeuroLight Stimulator | 1.0A | — |
| Actuation mechanism | Passive | Passive | Passive | Passive | Motorized torque arm | A light-weight, low torque design allows for passively driven rotation even with small animals. |
| Input connectors from LED controller/driver | 2 BNC connectors | 2 BNC connectors | 2 BNC connectors | Digital Stimulating Headstage Cable | 2 BNC connectors | Input power/control signals from the PlexBright 4 Channel Optogenetic Controller or PlexBright LD-1 Single Channel LED Driver. |
| Output connectors to LED | Two-pin socket connector | Two-pin socket connector | Two-pin socket connector | Digital Stimulating Headstage | Two-pin socket connector | Mates with the two-pin connector on PlexBright Compact LED Modules. |
| Electrical channel input connector | n/a | Harwin connector | Harwin connector | Harwin connector | Harwin connector | — |
| Commutator dimensions (W x H x D) | 76.2 x 50.8 x 50.6mm (3.0 x 2.0 x 2.5 inches) | 101.6 x 114.3 x 76.2mm (4.0 x 4.5 x 3.0 inches) | 101.6 x 114.3 x 76.2mm (4.0 x 4.5 x 3.0 inches) | 101.6 x 114.3 x 76.2mm (4.0 x 4.5 x 3.0 inches) | 180 x 280 x 127mm (7.1 x 11.0 x 5.0 inches) | — |
| Height below mounting plate | 20.3mm (0.8 inches) | 50mm (2.0 inches) | 31mm (1.22 inches) | 31mm (1.22 inches) | 203mm (8.0 inches) | — |
| OD below mounting plate | 63.5mm diameter (2.5 inches) Recommended cut-out | 63.5mm diameter (2.5 inches) Recommended cut-out | 76.2mm diameter (3.0 inches) Recommended cut-out | 50.8mm diameter (2.0 inches) Recommended cut-out | 114mm diameter (4.5 inches) Recommended cut-out | — |
| Commutator weight | 0.14kg (0.3lbs) | 0.35kg (0.8lbs) | 0.35kg (0.8lbs) | .33kg (.73lbs) | 2.2kg (5lbs) | — |
| Accessories | PlexBright Series-Y BNC Cable | PlexBright Series-Y BNC Cable | PlexBright Series-Y BNC Cable | Clip on Torque Arm | PlexBright Series-Y BNC Cable | The PlexBright Series-Y BNC Cable enables the simultaneous operation of two PlexBright LED Modules from a single channel in which identical parameters are desired for both modules. |
If you have further questions, a Plexon Sales Engineer will be happy to help.