Documentation

System Map

A visual representation illustrating the components of the SpikeGadgets system and software and how they interact.

System Map

Trodes Documentation

The Trodes Wiki offers a wide range of articles covering everything from Trodes basics like installation, getting started, and untethered recording tutorials, to more advanced topics like Python integrations using Trodes Network API and command line usage.  

Trodes Wiki

 

 

Hardware Documentation

Product Manuals

 

Headstage & EIB Pinout diagrams

3d model files

 

 

Firmware & Utility Downloads

The multi-device installers linked below are packaged with the newest firmware for all SpikeGadgets devices and can be used to update control units, headstages and data processing units (such as the Headstage signal convertor). USB 2.0 connection required for both installers.

Firmware Update Instructions

  1. Connect Hardware
    • Connect the MCU (control unit) to your computer using USB.
    • Connect any headstage(s) that need updating to the MCU.
  2. Download and Prepare the Updater
    • Download the firmware update folder from the link above.
    • Unzip the folder to any location on your computer.
  3. Run the Update Script
    • Open the unzipped folder and double-click the runme batch file.
    • The script will automatically:
      • Detect connected SpikeGadgets hardware.
      • Check whether firmware updates are available.
  4. Confirm the Update
    • If updates are available, the script will prompt for confirmation.
    • When prompted, type yes (not just y) to begin the update.

If a Device Becomes Locked After Updating

Some older units may become locked after a firmware update. If this occurs:

  1. The update script will generate a .txt file in the same folder where the updater was run.
  2. Send this file to SpikeGadgets:
    • via the lab Slack channel, or
    • by email to support@spikegadgets.com
  3. SpikeGadgets will return a code .txt file.
  4. Place the returned file in the same folder as the update script.
  5. Run the runme script again to complete the update process.

 

Additional utilities

  • probeConfig Utility (Windows and USB compatible only) – For assigning IMEC probe configuration data to Neuropixels probes.
  • RF Channel Command Prompt Download – For experiments involving more than one data logging headstage, the RF channel can be customized to start/stop recording on a select headstage or set of headstages using this command prompt.

 

 

Computer Recommendations

We order our custom computer system from Origin PC. The complete configuration details are linked to order the same setup with this ethernet card. 

Data logging batteries and SD cards

If you’re looking to purchase batteries for your data logging headstage, the specifications for compatibility are as follows:

  • 3.7V
  • 2-pin JST-PH connector with 2 mm spacing between pins

You may scale the size of the battery up or down to meet record time or size/weight requirements.

We’ve found that the performance of SD cards and batteries varies across brands and models. We’ve done extensive testing to optimize for performance and record times. Below are our recommendations:

Batteries
The SparkFun batteries have the best performance we’ve found and are the brand our company relies on. They can be purchased directly on the Sparkfun website or through Digikey. Here is a link to the 400 mAh model included in the data logging bundles.

SD cards
We recommend the 256GB MMoment, the 512GB XLRB, and the 512GB/1TB Samsung Pro Plus, EVO Plus, and EVO Select. As storage capacity increases, so does power consumption, so we recommend using the smallest amount of storage that fits your needs. We typically only recommend scaling up for NHP recordings targeting longer record times.