HVS atlantis platform - advance data

From Dr Barry Setlow, Texas A&M University: "...The platform works wonderfully - no problems supporting a rat or turning on and off... the actuators....". 2004

I visited MIT last week and was very impressed with the 
system and Atlantis platform. I was surprised by how sturdy it felt.
Dr Chris Ward, Harvard>University of Florida. 2006

This is John from Dr. Robert Strecker's laboratory at Harvard Medical
School. Our Atlantis platform is operational and working well. 2007.

Schematic of the HVS Atlantis platform

PURPOSE  It is used in the Morris watermaze test. Subjects can cheat a fixed platform, by using a sweeping-search. The HVS atlantis platform remains submerged until the subject finds the location by spatial knowledge. Then the platform rises smoothly.

FEATURES  Being clear, it is suitable  for white and black pools. It can be controlled manually from the HVS Control box, or by Water 2020 software, via the HVS Control box and USB interface. 

The platform diameter is 12cm (4.7in), water-clearance over the lowered platform is 15cm (6in). 

Lift ~  1.4 kg,  Rise on release  is 15cm (6in).  Total water depth in pool 35cms (15in) with platform raised. Rise can be reduced progressively to 4 ins reducing the pool depth to 13 ins.

Float (platform)  top view . Material is plexiglas (perspex). Note the grid etched on the top to give the rodents a grip.

COMPATIBILITY  HVS atlantis platform is fully compatible with HVS 2020 Plus tracking system, and the platform can rise under software control. If you have a Classic (gray box) tracker you can use HVS atlantis platform, but you must actuate it manually, from the HVS control box that is provided.  If you are using a non-HVS tracking system, you can use the HVS atlantis platform, and control it by pressing a switch on the HVS control box

Photos (C) 2005 Drs Bizon & Setlow  at Texas A&M University, reproduced here by kind  permission.

The subject  is securely supported by the Atlantis platform.

HVS Atlantis platform version 3/05 Control Panel

DEFAULT button, places default values in the textboxes.

MANUAL OPTION Click Test. Takes you to the Manual Control panel,
where you can release or hold the platform via the software.
On the HVS Control Box, switch to PC mode. If you wish to run trials in this mode, do not use the Manual Control Panel. Instead use the HVS control box switch to Hold or Release.

TIMER OPTION We think that this method is favored by Dr Michela Gallagher. In this option the platform rises (is released) after a defined number of seconds (Time before rise). Set the HVS control box to PC mode. Note....the trial does not end until you take further action, such as
right-clicking the PC mouse.

DWELL OPTION This is the classic Morris/Spooner mode. Set the HVS Control box to PC mode. The rat must remain in a Dwell area centered on the platform. The size of the Dwell area is defined by the Dwell radius. In must remain there without leaving for the Dwell time.  Rat leaving the area even briefly, clears the timer.  Note....the trial does not end  until you take further action, such as right-clicking the PC mouse.

TRIAL EXPIRED If the trial is not ended for any other reason, then
when Maximum trial-time is reached, the platform rises and the trial ends.

We (HVS) put the blue circle to visualize the platform top (12 cm diameter).

ELECTRICAL SAFETY  Water & electricity are not a perfect mixture, but it works well if things are done right. What we have done is use double insulated low-voltage (12v) components throughout.
Your electricians may want to earth (ground) your pool.
What we recommend, but we cannot get the US version here, is that you drop into
your local DIY store or Radio Shack and buy an RCD breaker for use with the Atlantis power supply, and another for use with your notebook. Refer http://www.pat-testing.info/rcd.htm

ATLANTIS CONTROL BOX (prototype)

ATLANTIS PLATFORM is named from Atlantis the legendary island that supposedly sank beneath the waves. Possible site is the Mediteranean sea,  cradle of some early civilizations. 

ONE WAY to bring out the cable, after Riedel. Alternatively bring out the cable just below the waterline. We don't recommend bringing it out low in the pool - what happens if the seal leaks while you are away ? HVS Image suggested routing for Atlantis cable - no feedback received yet.

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