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open-ephys / commutators

Active coaxial commutator for electrophysiology
https://open-ephys.github.io/commutator-docs/
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Instead of a hook, the gear should have a clip on it #1

Open jonnew opened 3 years ago

jonnew commented 3 years ago

A hook is used to attach the stretchy thread for headstage counter weighting. It would be nice if this was a clip of some sort so that the length of the thread could be quickly adjusted.

jonnew commented 1 year ago

Something like this minigrabber maybe: https://www.amazon.com/Peakelect-Internal-Connect-Accessory-Analyzer/dp/B08V1HFHRY/ref=sr_1_15?crid=30LMLW3ESADE&keywords=mini+grabber&qid=1678839373&sprefix=mini+grabber%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-15

ablot commented 1 year ago

With the hook we had annoying issues of elastic thread escaping (if you pull a bit and release it jumps back and sometimes go out of the hook). We ended up making a gear with just a through hole instead of a hook. But something adjustable would be nicer.

cjsha commented 1 year ago

A few things we're currently trying: bigger hook, alligator clip (with sleeve for better grip?), spring-loaded clamp (comprising of an oversized washer + shoulder screw + spring)

Other ideas: maybe there is a clever way to use magnets for this purpose. We could also try a thumb screw.

jonnew commented 1 year ago

Thumb screw is an interesting idea. Or some type of small, bi stable clamp. That could potentially be printed.

ChucklesOnGitHub commented 1 year ago

What about something like a spring stop mounted vertically, like a teeny plunger you pull down with two fingers and let go to catch the tether against a suface. The spring could be varied to get the tension you want and the catch can be either a stopper or a fork or whatever works. image https://www.carrlane.com/product/spring-loaded-devices/spring-stop-buttons

cjsha commented 1 year ago

Good idea Ceci. I think this is similar to the spring-loaded clamp I mentioned. I couldn't find a single off the-shelf part that is adequate so (at least for testing purposes but maybe for production purposes as well if it turns out to work well) I wanted to try making our own out of a few off-the-shelf parts (oversized washer + shoulder screw + spring).