Guides

This guide explains how to use ANY-maze to run tests in the Maze Engineers Fear Conditioning Chamber, with particular emphasis on how to issue commands to the Maze Engineers’ MazeController software to control the chamber’s speaker, light and shocker.

You’re probably very used to connecting USB devices to your computer – just find a spare port and plug it in! And if there’s no spare port, connect a USB hub to the computer and then plug the devices into that.
For the vast majority of devices it really is that simple, but cameras are an exception. In this guide I’ll explain why and describe how you can overcome the limitations.

Choosing a computer for ANY‑maze is relatively simple – indeed in most cases almost any new computer will be suitable. However, if you plan to track in multiple apparatus simultaneously or to use a computer you already own, you should check out the details given here.

ANY-maze works with web cams, industrial USB cameras and analogue cameras. This guide explains the pros and cons of each and details the important characteristics to look for. It also describes lenses and how to calculate the correct lens angle for your apparatus; things to consider when connecting multiple cameras to your computer; and how to track in low light or even total darkness.

In many experiments you will weigh your animals before testing them. Of course you could just record their weights in a lab book, but recording weights within ANY-maze provides a range of benefits which are explores in this guide.

Activating an ANY-maze licence is a simple process – just follow the few easy steps listed here.