Hi Yasmine,
My understanding is that most neuropixels setups collect non-neural data (trial event codes, etc) on a National Instruments IO module - but I somehow remember that this is not compatible with MWorks. Is that correct?
As far as I understand, at present, Neuropixels probes must be used with the Neuropixels PXIe card, which in turn needs to be installed in an NI PXI chassis. This poses two obstacles to using Neuropixels with MWorks:
- NI no longer supports their driver software for macOS, but even when they did, PXI support wasn’t included.
- The drivers needed to communicate with Neuropixels are only available for Windows.
There’s a bit more info in this discussion, but the upshot is that, currently, there’s no way for MWorks to communicate directly with a Neuropixels system.
It’ll be interesting to see what the requirements are for the (not yet available?) Neuropixels OneBox. That does not require a PXI chassis, but it’s possible that it will still rely on Windows-only drivers.
As you know, we currently send all non-neural data from MWorks to Blackrock. So I could imagine that the easiest way forward might be to continue to do exactly that, while also sending some sync signal to the National Instruments I/O module?
I’m not 100% clear on what comprises a complete Neuropixels setup. I think you need a Windows PC running NI software to control the PXI chassis and collect the data, although I’m not sure. But as long as the system includes some general-purpose digital input lines, I think what you suggest will work.
Do you happen to know any labs (maybe Mehrdad’s?) who are using MWorks to run experiments with neuropixels?
Sorry, I don’t.
FYI, I’m going to be on vacation for the next two weeks. If you need further assistance with this, I can help you when I return.
Cheers,
Chris