BioRadio Setup
1. What are the system requirements for the BioRadio and BioCapture and Lab Course software?
Intel 1.86GHz CPU (or equivalent) with 1 GB RAM (2GB for 64-bit systems). One available USB 2.0 port, > 1 GB hard disk space, Microsoft compatible keyboard and mouse, Microsoft NET Framework 4.5.1, Bluetooth® 4.0 radio or adapter and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Can the BioRadio run on a Mac or Linux operating systems?
The BioRadio is not designed to run on any OS other than Windows 7 or later. Programs, such as BootCamp or VMWare, are unsupported.
3. Are there any prerequisites or considerations for using the BioRadio and BioCapture and/or Lab Course software?
No specific prerequisites are needed; however, basic familiarity with electrophysiology, bioinstrumentation and/or health sciences are beneficial.
4. Are there any prerequisites or considerations for analyzing saved data?
No specific prerequisites are needed; however, proficiency in digital signal processing and/or electrophysiology is advantageous. Note: BioCapture recordings contain raw signal data.
5. Is BioRadio product training available?
Yes, all new BioRadio purchases and leases include a 1-hour training session with BioRadio technical support engineers via WebEx. If needed, BioRadio users can also purchase 1-on-1 WebEx training sessions with the BioRadio technical support engineers.
Additionally, there are many resources available in the support section of our website and our video library for setup of the BioRadio.
6. How long does the BioRadio need to charge before use, and how long does the battery last.
The BioRadio is fully charged in approximately 4 hours, and its battery lasts approximately 8 hours.
7. Can the BioRadio run on Windows based tablets?
Yes, the BioRadio can be used with tablets with Windows 8 or later. The BioRadio does not support tablets running Windows RT.
8. What are the software options for the BioRadio and saved BioRadio signal data?
For wireless acquisition, the BioRadio integrates with BioCapture and Lab Course software; as well as 64-bit applications built with the BioRadio SDK.
For review and analysis of BioCapture recording files (.bcrx), BioCapture and Vivosense, or other third-party programs, can be used. Recording data can also be saved or exported to an ACSII file (.csv) for review, and analysis in programs such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Excel.
9A. Can multiple BioRadio systems be used in simultaneously in the same area?
Yes, multiple BioRadio systems will work simultaneously in the same area, on separate PCs with potentially varying software.
9B. Can multiple BioRadio systems be used on the same PC?
To use multiple BioRadio systems on the same PC, you will need to have an instance of BioCapture open for each BioRadio. You will need only one internal or external Bluetooth adapter to communicate with multiple BioRadio systems. Note: For bandwidth concerns, it is recommended to limit the number of BioRadio systems communicating to one PC to a maximum of three.
10. Can the BioRadio and BioCapture software synch with other devices and other software?
Yes, with the specifications of the system in mind to synch with the BioRadio, Great Lakes NeuroTechnologies engineers can design hardware and/or software triggers to synch your system(s) with the BioRadio, across one or multiple PCs. Please contact Great Lakes Neurotechnologies for more information and pricing.
11A. How is data saved?
The saved data consists of two file types—.data and .header, which are both ASCII plain-text files.1
11B. Can BioRadio data be accessed by other programs?
Saved data can be accessed by the Post Processing Toolbox and other programs, such as LabVIEW, MATLAB and Excel. The .data file contains the actual signal data, whereas the .header file provides channel names and the sampling rate, which is needed to derive values of time (in sec.) necessary for plotting.
BioRadio Hardware
1. What is the warranty on the BioRadio?
One-year warranty on parts and labor, extended warranty plans are available for purchase. Please contact Great Lakes Neurotechnologies for more information and pricing.
2. Where can I find BioRadio hardware specifications?
Click here to view the BioRadio specifications
3. How many input channels can the BioRadio record?
The BioRadio has four differential channels or eight single ended channels, depending on how the BioRadio is configured. The BioRadio cannot be programmed to combine single ended and differential input channels.
4. What do I do if the BioRadio becomes unresponsive?
If the BioRadio is on but not responding to any normal hardware or software operation, perform a hard reset of the BioRadio by holding down the power and event marker button until the BioRadio powers off. Then, turn the BioRadio back on to resume normal function.
5. Why does it seem that the Bluetooth adapter device drivers need to be installed every time I plug it into my PC?
Device drivers are made available only for the USB port the Bluetooth adapter is plugged into. If the Bluetooth adapter is plugged into another port, that port will need the same drivers.
BioCapture Software
1. Can BioCapture and Lab Course software be used at the
same time?
No, the BioRadio can only communicate to and from one software program at a time.
2. What kind of analysis can be achieved with BioCapture?
A frequency domain is available to observe a signal’s power spectrum.
3. Do I need BioCapture software to use the BioRadio?
BioCapture software is needed to program/configure the BioRadio. If previously programmed, the BioRadio can acquire and save data to its on-board memory; hence, BioCapture is not needed during acquisition but is required to download and convert recordings saved to memory.
4. How do I setup event markers?
Before starting acquisition or a recording, using BioCapture software, go to ‘Edit → Event marker’ from the top menu to setup event marker keyboard shortcuts.
5. Can saved data be exported and accessed by other programs?
Yes, a saved recording can be exported to an ASCII comma separated values file (.csv). .csv is a common file format that is widely supported by consumer, business, and scientific applications.
6. How are event markers represented in exported data?
In an exported ASCII recording, for every row of data saved, an event marker is denoted by a 1. All other rows where an event did not occur are denoted by a zero (0).
7. What are the sampling rate, resolution, and input range when they are not programmable?
For inputs that cannot be configured, the sampling rate is 250 Hz., the resolution is 16-bit, and the input range is ± 2 V.
Lab Course Software
1. How many labs are there?
Currently, there are over 25 labs.
2. Are the PDF lab chapters editable?
No, the labs should be completed as written and in their entirety.
3. Are instructor versions of the LabCourse student labs available?
Yes, please contact Great Lakes Neurotechnologies for more information.
4.How long do labs take to complete?
Each lab takes 1-3 hours to complete, not including time for each lab’s set of discussion questions.
5. How do I program the BioRadio for use with LabCourse?
The Lab Course software will automatically program the BioRadio based on the lab. Most of the labs have predefined programming instructions.