title: Simple, inexpensive computerized rodent activity meters.
abstract: We describe two approaches for using obsolescent computers, either an IBM PC XT or an Apple Macintosh Plus, to accurately quantify spontaneous rodent activity, as revealed by continuous monitoring of the spontaneous usage of running activity wheels. Because such computers can commonly be obtained at little or no expense, and other commonly available materials and inexpensive parts can be used, these meters can be built quite economically. Construction of these meters requires no specialized electronics expertise, and their software requirements are simple. The computer interfaces are potentially of general interest, as they could also be used for monitoring a variety of events in a research setting.
authors.affiliation: University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Dermatology, Minneapolis 55455-0392, USA.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Horton
authors.forename: P I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Karachunski
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Kellermann
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Conti-Fine
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003201:Computers; D051379:Mice; D009043:Motor Activity; D012984:Software