Generating precise mechanical stimuli and recording chordotonal organ discharge patterns using a microcomputer.
A computer-controlled system for the investigation of the response properties of the tibio-femoral chordotonal organ in the locust is described. The computer is used to generate small amplitude sinusoidal movements of the tibia via a small servo-controlled motor. The resulting response recorded via a suction electrode is simultaneously detected, processed and stored on disk. Full constructional details for all hardware required are given. The software, developed for a BBC microcomputer, in addition to controlling all the hardware, has graphics and analysis routines enabling the operator to display and manipulate the stored data.
Department of Physiology, Medical School, University, Leicester, UK.
R O
RO
Stephen
P M
PM
Shelton
M S
MS
Bradshaw
D000200:Action Potentials; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D004867:Equipment Design; D006110:Grasshoppers; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000502:physiology*; D008838:Microcomputers; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D011381:Programming Languages; D012984:Software; D012985:Software Design