An open source motorized swivel for in vivo neural and behavioral recordings

• Main Authors: Giovanni Barbera, Yan Zhang, Craig Werner, Bo Liang, Yun Li, Da-Ting Lin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-01-01
• Series: MethodsX
• Subjects: Neural recording swivel; Motorized commutator; Motorized slip ring
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215016120303873

In this work we propose an open source, cost-effective motorized swivel for behavioral and neural recordings in small rodents, offering a flexible solution for managing cable twisting and tangling in a variety of experimental settings with minimal human supervision. • The device operates independently of the data acquisition system, and it can be controlled through any popular platform such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi. • All mechanical parts are 3D-printed, allowing to customize the design to fit specific experimental needs, and electromechanical components can be sourced from all major distributors, keeping the cost for the entire system under $500. • The proposed commutator is compatible with commercial or custom data acquisition systems supporting up to 10 data lines (2 for LVDS signals) and 2 power lines.