This script demonstrates interaction between a script and the Spike2 output sequencer by means of variable values. It uses the VarEx.pls sequence file and is described in detail in the Scripts tutorial 1 page and requires version 3 or later.

This rectifies and smoothes an EMG signal in real time, while sampling.

This script allows you to record data at high sampling rates for long periods of time by opening and saving a series of data-files. Each data-file records for a preset time and is automatically saved before the next file is opened.

This on-line script is written for use with Spike2 for Windows version 3 and later.

It detects the time of threshold crossings on a waveform channel and marks these times in the file or outputs a TTL pulse upon detection. The threshold is set with a horizontal cursor which can be moved at any time during the recording.

Before running the script, you need to ensure a suitable sampling configuration is set. This must contain at least one waveform channel. If you select to output a TTL pulse upon threshold detection, you may choose to set up an event or level channel for testing purposes.

To run the script, go to the script menu and select Run script. If the script is already loaded, it will appear in the menu; otherwise select Load and run which will generate a file selection dialog from which you should find and load the threspul.s2s script.

When the script is run, a dialog will appear, from which you set the various required settings:

When OK is pressed in this dialog the script will open a new data file, ready to sample, with a horizontal cursor positioned on the selected waveform channel. This should be positioned at a reasonable starting level for the threshold, and the OK button pressed to continue.

When ready to sample, a toolbar is displayed from which the data sampling is controlled.

TTL output
The default TTL output gives a pulse of duration 1ms from digital output 0 (bit 8) of the 1401 interface. The overall speed of the sequence and the pulse duration and selection of output bit can be edited in the pulse.pls file if required.

If TTL output is selected, the script writes a Spike2 output sequence file which is stored with a default name (pulse.pls) in the sequence sub-directory of the main Spike2 directory where the application is stored (e.g. C:\Spike4\Sequence\pulse.pls).

Memory channel marker
If Memory channel marker is selected, a new temporary channel is created and displayed in the data file. Each time the threshold is crossed, markers are imported into this channel at a position as close as possible to the actual threshold crossing.

This channel is temporary and must be written to a permanent channel if it is to be saved with the recorded data file. To do this go to the Analysis menu and select Memory buffer then Write to channel. From the dialog you can select an empty channel into which this data will be written.

In some types of experiment it may be necessary to adjust the gain and offset of external preamplifiers repeatedly during the course of a recording. It is important to keep track of these changes and to ensure that the recording levels always remain within recommended limits. The level meter script can help you fulfil these requirements. It generates a duplicate view of your incoming data with each channel displayed relative to the full input range of the 1401. It gives you audible and visual warnings if any of the traces approach the limits of the working range. The script also allows you to keep a record of gain, offset and other changes by annotating the data file with TextMarks.

This script requires Spike2 version 5 or higher.

This script enables you to create tone bursts, noise burst or clicks and store them in a sampling configuration. These waveforms are then available to be played via a 1401 DAC output as an auditory stimulus during subsequent recording sessions.

Click stimuli can be positive or negative going. The rising and falling phases of tone bursts can be of fixed duration or an exact number of cycles of the underlying waveform (tone pips). The script can also create sequences of identical tone bursts separated by fixed intervals. Thus you could create, for example, a synthesised cricket chirp with 4 equally spaced syllables.

You can store up to 10 auditory stimuli in a sample configuration. You can play them in ‘single-shot’ mode by pressing a button on the PlayWave toolbar during a recording session. Use the WavePlay script to play selected waveforms repetitively. Full user instructions are included in the comments section of the script file.

Software requirements: Spike2 version 5.14 or higher.

Hardware: not compatible with Standard 1401.

This script enables you to play arbitrary waveforms (play-waves) repetitively via one or more DAC outputs while recording. A typical application might be to play repeating tone bursts, or clicks created with the WaveMake script while recording auditory responses. However, there are many other possibilities.

This script allows you to select a set of waveforms to play during the next recording session and set timing parameters such as repetition rate and number of repeats. Stimuli and responses can be then be displayed as triggered sweeps or in ‘chart recorder ‘ mode. The script also has the option to play two different stimuli alternately. A typical application would be alternate presentation of condensation and rarefaction clicks. A full user guide is included in the comments section of the script.

Software requirements: Spike2 version 5.14 or higher. The script works in conjunction with a text sequencer: PlayWaveform02.pls. This file must be stored in the folder named 'sequence' inside the main Spike2 directory.

Hardware requirements: Not compatible with standard 1401 interface