How do you set up Cohousing Mode for Kaha Sciences rat telemeters?

Telemeters and SmartPads must first be configured for normal recording conditions. For instance, using ConfigSoft, two telemeters would be set up to transmit data on Frequencies 23 and 24 and the SmartPads would be set up to receive data on Frequencies 23 and 24.

In Cohousing Mode, one SmartPad is configured to become the Primary (1°) SmartPad and this is the SmartPad on which the cage and both telemeters will be positioned. This SmartPad powers both telemeters, while also acquiring data from telemeter on the same transmission frequency. The other SmartPad is configured to become the Secondary (2°) SmartPad the other the secondary SmartPad and this acquires data from the second telemeter and can be positioned up to 5 m away from the cage.

  1. Open ConfigSoft and choose the SmartPad tab
  2. Enter the serial number and current transmission frequency of the SmartPad you wish to become the Primary SmartPad
  3. In the Cohousing Setup section under Primary (1°) SmartPad, click the Enable button and enter in the currently configured Transmission Frequencies of the intended Primary and Secondary SmartPads e.g. 23 and 24
  4. Press Go and in the next pop up window click OK
  5. After a few seconds a message will appear confirming that the Primary SmartPad has been enabled and asking you to configure the Secondary SmartPad. Click OK
  6. Next enter the serial number and current transmission frequency of the intended Secondary SmartPad
  7. In the Cohousing Setup panel, under Secondary (2°) SmartPad, select Enable and enter the Secondary Channel number e.g. 24 NOTE: This must match the Secondary Channel number in the confirmation message after enabling Cohousing for the Primary SmartPad. If a different Secondary Channel is to be used the Primary SmartPad will need to be reconfigured.
  8. Click Go and OK in the next pop-up window
  9. After a few seconds a dialog box will appear confirming that your Secondary SmartPad has bee configured

Cohousing Mode is now enabled for those two SmartPads and data collection can begin. Please be aware that the status light of the SmartPads will be different compared to normal function, to indicate that Cohousing Mode is enabled.

At the end of an experiment, explanted telemeters should only be individually recharged on SmartPads in the normal operating mode.

For further technical assistance with this or any other issue, please contact ADInstruments Technical Support by clicking HERE.