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.
Stephen
R O
RO
Department of Physiology, Medical School, University, Leicester, UK.
Shelton
P M
PM
Bradshaw
M S
MS
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