In this way, the entire electrode package can be lowered to the preparation with minimal handling and precise electrode insertion can be achieved. This acute packaging scheme has proven to work well for most preparations and is provided as a standard item. We will, however, provide custom acute packaging for users who provide their own connectors. Once packaged, the probe site impedances are tested at 1kHz in saline. The investigator is provided with the impedance characteristics for each probe, and a site map which relates the sites on the probe to the pins on the PC board.
Maps are also available for download .
Probes are typically provided in groups of 6-10. Many investigators are interested in performing chronic experiments. We currently offer chronic probes only to CNCT collaborators and to investigators who have gained experience with acute probes and who are willing to work with us to understand and improve chronic recordability. Recording sites on chronic probes tend to increase in impedance and degrade in recording quality over time. Internal Research Project 2 is aimed at understanding this degradation, and developing ways to prevent or remedy it.