Spike2 records up to 32 channels as a combination of waveform, event, digital marker, notepad, keyboard marker and templated spikes. Different waveform channels can be sampled to disk continuously at independent frequencies up to an aggregate rate of 333kHz.

Spike2 has menu functions for fast manipulation of data and drawing modes as well as multi-channel analysis for event processing, including INTH, PSTH, rasters and event correlations.

Waveform analysis includes averaging, spectral analysis, waveform discrimination and cursor measurement facilities for areas, mean, gradient, RMS amplitude, SD and many others. Export of data to industry standard text and graphic formats is supported.
 

Definable parameters control generation, maintenance and tolerance to variations in spike size and shape. The templates can either be fixed for shape classification or allowed to track gradual changes in spike shape over time. Manual merging and deletion of templates is also available.
Spike sorting and analysis

Spike template dialog
  Experimental control and stimulus sequencing
As well as data capture and analysis, Spike2 in combination with a 1401 interface can handle complex experimental control and stimulus sequencing protocols with the aid of the built-in output sequencer.
  The sequencer controls up to 16 TTL and 8 analogue outputs with a timing resolution down to 10µs. You can produce square pulses, sine waves, ramps and stepped voltage pulses with interactive control of timing and amplitudes as well as playing out pre-recorded waveforms with a choice of trigger options. On-line sequencer access to incoming waveform and event data enables very fast responses to changes. The system includes options for randomisation and conditional branching of outputs.
 

Action potentials Active cursors locate start times, peaks, troughs, maximum slope, repolarisation percentage times, inflexion points, etc. on-line and off-line with automatic logging of measurements and values to text and XY views.

Evoked potentials Basic and conditional averaging with stimulus control, multi-channel EP component detection and measurement with waveform manipulation including smoothing, differentiation and filtering.

Cardiovascular Detection and measurement of waveform features e.g. QRS complex, Q-T intervals, systolic and diastolic values using active cursors, analysis of heart rate variability, R-R intervals and stroke cycle.

EMG Calculation and display of changes in EMG levels over time using either FFTs or area under curve, calculation of muscle fibre conduction velocity and plotting of EMG amplitude and force.

Teaching Custom scripts run student practicals written to the exact specifications given by tutors. Requirements include the use of help files with experiment instructions and comparison of computer measured results with those of the student.

Vision research Synchronised recording of eye position and neuronal activity with stimulus control, display eye position and calculate time on target, conditional analysis based on coded markers.

Sleep studies Simultaneous long term recording of multiple signals including EEG, ECG, EMG, respiration, temperature and sound sampled at independent rates, on-line and off-line analysis including Fourier analysis of EEG and EMG signals.

Behavioural studies Recording of animal activity with trial and stimulus markers, control of experimental conditions and reward delivery via RS232 and 1401 sequencer outputs.

To get you started writing scripts, the Spike2 package includes example scripts to use as templates, scripts that automatically generate code for toolbars and dialogs, a comprehensive script reference manual and a training manual with tutorials on a range of script writing topics. You can also write scripts by example! To do this, turn on script recording, do the actions to be recorded and turn off script recording. Spike2 will open a new window holding the script command equivalents of your actions.