Device Set-Up

NIRSport2

1. Choosing devices

Our NIRS Lab has 4 NIRSport2 devices/amplifiers. The amount of devices to use depends on your montage or how many sources/detectors you will be using. Each device can handle a maximum of 16 sources + 16 detectors (16x16). However, there is a tandem mode option that allows using 2 devices together to increase capabilities to 32 sources + 32 detectors (32x32). When booking devices, remember to book the appropriate amount of devices for your montage. If you are using tandem mode, the device ID with the lower number is the primary device and the number with the higher device ID is the secondary device. For example, if you book devices 0450 and 0454, 0450 is primary and 0454 is secondary. 

2. Charge Devices

Before setting up the cap for your session, we recommend charging the devices first so they are fully charged by the time your scan starts. There are 2 cables that need to be connected. The outlet plug cable and the actual charger cable. When inserting the charger to the device, make sure to firmly press it in. It does not "click" in and can be loose. Unfortunately, there is no obvious indicator that the device is currently charging so it is important to push it in firmly. You can charge while collecting data, but if your study required portability, this will not be possible.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Connect Cables to Device

Once the cap is set-up it is time to connect the optode cables into the devices/amplifiers themselves. It is important to connect the cable to the correct plug on the amplifier. Note whether the cable is a source or detector and whether it's for optodes 1-8 or 9-16. If using tandem mode to use 2 amplifiers together, make sure to use connector cable to connect each device using "Extension A" plugs.

 

 

 

 

4. Confirm Wireless vs Wired Connection

There are multiple ways to connect NIRSport2 to the Aurora software to carry out data collection. You can use an access point to wirelessly connect devices to the data collection laptop. You can wirelessly connect to the devices directly by selecting it on the laptop's wifi list. You can also use a USB to connect the device to the laptop. A wired connection is probably the most stable, but limits portability and set-up, so it is usually only used if you are having trouble with the wireless connection.

5. Turn on Devices

After all the cables are plugged in and you have decided which connection to use (wired vs wireless), remember to turn on any access points before turning on devices. Turn on devices by clicking the power button for a few seconds until you hear a beep. 1 green light means the device is booting up and 2 green lights means the device is ready to start recording. Wait for 2 green lights before opening Aurora. If you are using 2 devices in tandem mode, turn on the primary device first, then the secondary device. 

6. Check Battery Percentage

Once devices are turned on, you can open Aurora on the data collection laptop. Connect to the device and you will see on the bottom of the page the battery percentage. 

 

For more information about Aurora and how to use it, check out this page.