(1) Overview
Introduction
ExpTimer was developed as an easy-to-use timer to facilitate complex, multi-step protocols. The need for appropriate timer software arose when we were conducting complex fear conditioning experiments which required several actions with different animal subjects on a strict time schedule. An earlier version of the software has proven to be very useful during these studies [], [], [], [], [].
The advantages of ExpTimer are that it takes away the fiddling around with typical lab timers, which have to be reset after each action, and at the same time it shows you what to do next. You just enter your own protocol, press “start” and you do not have to worry about timers anymore, especially when you already have your hands full with your protocol. If something goes wrong during your experimental procedure, just press “pause” (to pause the timer) or “reset” (to start all over again).
Implementation/architecture
The program was developed in Visual C#, using the .NET framework in Microsoft Visual Studio Express 2012.
Quality Control
Unit testing, functional testing, load testing (up to 100 000 steps) and end-to-end testing have been carried out in Microsoft Windows XP (SP2 & SP3), Windows 7 & Windows 8 (64-bit).
(2) Availability
Operating system
Microsoft Windows XP (SP2 & SP3), Vista, 7 & 8 (32-bit & 64-bit)
Programming Language
Visual C#
Additional system requirements
- Memory: 50 MB
- Disk space: 3 MB
- Processor: Any x86 processor
- Computer speakers (if you wish to hear the sound signal)
List of contriubutors
- Laura Luyten, Learning Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium & Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Role: Initiating software development, using the software, writing the paper.
- Frederik Van Cappellen, Independent Researcher (no affiliation). Role: Software development, writing the paper.
Archive
Name
Sourceforge
Persistent identifier
http://sourceforge.net/projects/exptimer/files/ExpTimer_v3.1.zip/download
SHA1: 049d7f7a15fe579e9c9bb175952e3dfb3f30f956
License
GNU General Public License version 3
Publisher
Frederik Van Cappellen
Date published
20/2/2013
Code repository
Name
Sourceforge
Identifier
http://sourceforge.net/p/exptimer/code/ci/59a68c6fcbd1675c49e82d19570903955d91299e/tree/
License
GNU General Public License version 3
Date published
20/2/2013
Language
English
(3) Reuse potential
ExpTimer is an easy-to-use timer to facilitate complex, multi-step protocols. Because of its generic design, it has a vast reuse potential, as illustrated by the two concise examples below. A detailed software manual with examples and accompanying example files can be found in the zip file containing the ExpTimer software (http://sourceforge.net/projects/exptimer).
ExpTimer running a behavioural protocol
We frequently use ExpTimer when conducting complex fear conditioning experiments which require several actions with different animal subjects on a strict time schedule (see Fig. 1). Apart from its usefulness for complex and timed behavioral experiments, it can also be very helpful when carrying out e.g. (immuno)histological staining procedures, which need to be carefully timed as well (see Fig. 2).
ExpTimer running an immunohistological protocol
Note that these behavioral and staining protocols are just two examples. Every researcher who uses multi-step procedures on a strict time schedule (of the order of hours, minutes and seconds) can benefit from this software. Not only in the field of behavioral (neuro)science or (immuno)histology, but also in other fields like bioscience engineering, chemistry, molecular biology, etc.