Selecting and Configuring the X-Headstage

Selecting and Configuring the X-Headstage

Currently, KONTEX offers several types of X-Headstages 
  1. X3R32: 32ch recording headstage
  2. X3R64: 64ch recording headstage
  3. XeR64: e-series 64ch recording headstage
  4. XeSR16: e-series 16ch switchable stimulation + recording headstage
  5. XeSR32: e-series 32ch switchable stimulation + recording headstage
  6. X3SR32: 32ch switchable stimulation + recording headstage
  7. X3SR64: 64ch switchable stimulation + recording headstage
  8. X6R128: 128ch recording headstage
  9. Custom design: 256ch, 384ch, 448ch
If you wish to do electrical stimulation experiments, choose X3SR. If you are interested in high channel recording (>=128ch), choose X6R. 

Choose X3R64 if your budget allows. X3R64 has the exact footprint as X3R32 and share the same adapters. So you can switch between interfacing 32ch probes or 64 probes easily. Note that the R (recording) and SR (stim-record) X-Headstages cannot be used together at the same time.

If headstage size is not your primary concern, choose the e-series X-Headstages (Xe-). They are designed to be economical, sized like a conventional headstage design, and compatible with the X3 line of adapters.

System Connector
The biggest decision to make when configuring the X-Headstage is what sort of system-side connector you wish to use. We recommend the µHDMI connector for ease of use and cost reasons, especially considering the availability of low-cost, flexible HDMI cable. 

Alternatively, the 12-pin Omnetics Intan connector can be configured. Note that we currently do not offer the 16-pin Omnetics connector used in the Stim-Rec headstages. However, they can be custom-ordered (generally require a minimum order and setup fee) and are available upon request.

Armor
Configure the optional protective armor. KONTEX has tested that even without the armor, X-Headstage can be dental cemented and recovered for re-use without any problem. We currently offer several off-the-shelf armor designs: 
  1. -N (naked): This is a bare board without structural armor protection. If weight is a concern, this would be the lightest option.
  2. -M (mini): minimal structural design protecting the X-Headstage.
  3. -S (screw): armor design with locking mechanism for KONTEX accessories. It adds about 4.39mm to the width and about 0.03g to the overall weight. 
  4. -IP (IP rated): This product provides added protection with full armor shielding (top and bottom). To maximize moisture resistance, add a moisture resistance coating when ordering. See IP68 notes for more information.
If you require absolutely minimal size and weight with added mechanical structural protection, choose the M armor. You can still use the compatible accessories/adapters. Remember that without the locking mechanism, you need to be careful not to disturb the connection interface before applying acrylic to secure the connection.

Accelerometer
X3R, XeR and X6R come standard with a 3-axis accelerometer installed on the amplifier circuits’ auxiliary inputs. X3SR and XeSR do not support an accelerometer. 

Customization
KONTEX can work with you to optimize our design further to your needs. Connector-cable orientation, headstage body orientation, connector, armor shape/material, and others are some of the options that can be customized. Contact us for more details.


    • Related Articles

    • Handling the X-Headstage

      Properly handling the X-Headstage will prolong its lifetime and reliability. To plugin connect the EIB/Probe/Adapter, align the two units directly on top of each other and exert equal force along the entire area. If the connectors are plugged in ...

    • Is armor necessary for the X-Headstage?

      It is possible to use the X-Headstage without the armor, but having an additional layer will offer additional mechanical protection and will likely prolong its lifetime.

    • Notes on X-Headstage IP68 rating

      The X-Headstage has been tested for IP68 rating by a third party (test report here). The rating is achieved with the following: An IP armor is configured with the headstage The optional moisture resistance coating must be specified at the time of the ...

    • Can the X-Headstage be configured with an Omnetics connector?

      X-Headstage can be configured with a 12-pin Omnetics connector. However, we strongly recommend that new users consider the µHDMI connector. It is easy to plug in and unplug and uses a low-cost, flexible cable.

    • How do I interface the electrode with the X-Headstage?

      If you make your electrode, we offer EIBs with a direct interface to the X-Headstage. If the existing EIB designs do not satisfy your research needs, contact us for customization. There is a selection of off-the-shelf adapters for commonly used ...