FACT SHEET

Spinal Cord Research Centre
Data Capture and Analysis Software

Features

Our data capture and analysis software is now available for Pentium-based PCs running the QNX operating system. It offers all the same features as the software on Masscomp/Concurrent systems, plus a lot more.

About our software

Our software package includes several programs to aid in the capture and analysis of electrophysiological data. Unlike many data capture and analysis systems, these programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of neuroscience laboratories.

System Requirements

We strongly recommend the following system configuration: Pentium PC, 100 MHz or faster, Intel HX motherboard with 512K cache, PCI bus, low-noise power supply, 32 MB RAM, 1 GB EIDE or SCSI disk (minimum, 3-4 GB recommended), EIDE-ATAPI or SCSI CD-ROM drive, 3.5 inch 1.44MB floppy drive, Logitech MouseMan 3-button serial or PS/2 mouse, ATI Graphics Xpression Mach 64 video card with GX-C chipset and 2 MB DRAM (or more) for PCI bus, 17 inch monitor (or larger) capable of at least 1024x768 at 70 Hz non-interlaced, Novell NE2000 (or compatible) network card, United Electronics Industries WIN-30D A/D board.

More recent Mach 64 cards (non-GX chipset) will also work, but require a slightly different configuration and manually adjusting refresh rates. S3 Trio64V+ based cards have also been used successfully, but require more tweaking to get acceptable refresh rates. We've found 17 inch ViewSonic monitors to be a very good value.

If you want a SCSI controller, we advise you to get an Adaptec 2940 AU PCI bus SCSI controller. We also recommend a mid-tower case if you plan to add extra disk drives or other SCSI devices. Make sure the motherboard can accomodate a full-length ISA card (the A/D board). We recommend ordering Windows 95 with the system, as well as getting QNX version 4.23A or 4.24 with TCP/IP and X Window runtime system.

What Is QNX?

QNX is a POSIX certified, Unix-like, real-time operating system for PCs. It is what allows our PC-based data capture and analysis system to achieve the high performance and quick response it needs. QNX was developed by QNX Software Systems Ltd., a company with 16 years of experience in real-time operating systems.

Three separate modules are required to support our software: the QNX 4.23A or 4.24 operating system, QNX TCP/IP 4.23A or 4.24 runtime, and the QNX X Window System 5.0 or 5.1 runtime. We can install the operating system for you, and supplement it with a number of software upgrades and freeware utilities.

System Options

We offer several options for putting a complete system together. Tell us what sort of systems you want us to put together for you, and we'll quote you a price.

Who to contact

For further information, or to request a quotation, please contact us at the address, phone or FAX number, or e-mail address below:
Spinal Cord Research Centre
University of Manitoba
730 William Ave., BMSB 436
Winnipeg, MB R3E 3J7 Canada

Phone: 204-789-3761
FAX: 204-789-3930

E-Mail: info@scrc.umanitoba.ca


Recommended Suppliers

A/D Converter Board

The A/D board to order is the "WIN-30D A/D board, 12-bit, 16-channel", for $1250 US* plus taxes, from
United Electronics Industries, Inc.
10 Dexter Ave.
Watertown, MA 02172 USA
Ph.: 617-924-1155, FAX: 617-924-1441, Web: http://www.ueidaq.com/

* from a 1996 price list.

In Canada, this board is available from

bbd Electronics, Inc.
6685-1 Millcreek Dr.
Mississauga, ON L5N 5M5 Canada
Ph.: 800-387-8356, FAX: 905-821-4541, Web: http://www.bbd.ca/

A/D Device Driver for QNX

The QNX device driver for the A/D board is "WIN-30 API for QNX - 32 bit version", for $395 US* plus taxes, from
Real Time Integration
1200 Broadway, Suite 3
Chesterton, IN 46304 USA
Ph.: 219-929-1936, FAX: 219-929-1518, E-mail: rtiinc@xnet.com

* from a 1997 quotation.

QNX Operating System Components

You need the following three packages to make up a complete QNX environment to run our software: all of which can be ordered with or without printed manuals. For your nearest reseller, contact
QNX Software Systems Ltd.
175 Terence Matthews Crescent
Kanata, ON K2M 1W8 Canada
Ph.: 613-591-0931, FAX: 613-591-3579, Web: http://www.qnx.com/
The reseller we usually deal with locally is
Tellier Electronics Limited
1388 Spruce Street
Winnipeg, MB R3E 2V7 Canada
Ph.: 204-774-1741, FAX: 204-783-3185, Web: http://www.tellier.mb.ca/


* SCRC Home Page
SCRC WWW administrator: www@scrc.umanitoba.ca
Last updated October 28, 1998. Copyright © The University of Manitoba, Spinal Cord Research Centre.