The StartWin software is a potent and user-friendly tool which development stems from a specialization of the PackWin software for fear conditioning and startle reflex paradigms.

StarWin protocol editor allows the experimenter to build a wide variety of different protocols enabling the configuration of both standard (context-dependent and tone-dependent fear conditioning, startle response, pre-pulse inhibition of startle response, fear-potentiated startle response) and unusual user-defined protocols.

The software can run up to 4 chambers at one time. Each chamber can run independently from the rest of the selected chambers. Desired protocols can be selected separately for each chamber.

In the fear conditioning option, two thresholds can be set for immobility detection: activity and time (period of time in which the activity signal has to be under the activity threshold for that the animal will be considered as immobile).

The run window shows the signal graph and corresponding raw data table on-line for every chamber. In each table, information about the status of the protocol is shown, together with the important parameters of the execution. Both signal graph and raw data table can be saved for further analysis.

As required in the Good Practices of Laboratory (GPL) directives and instruction, StartFear has been built in order to obtain traceable data: i.e. each session recorded can be linked to the corresponding experimental data (date, experimenter, animal data, protocol used, etc.).

Parameters Measured
• Time of experiment at which each inactivity event had occurred (fear conditioning)
• Duration of each inactivity event (fear conditioning)
• Maximum amplitude of startle response (startle)
• Latency until the maximum amplitude of startle response (startle)
• Duration of startle response (startle)
• Latency until the begining of startle response (startle)
• Average of the startle response (startle)

Key features
• Versatile software allowing the configuration of a wide variety of different protocols
• Each chamber can run independently from the rest of the selected chambers
• Provides a Subject DataBase as an alternative to manually managing subject information
• Provides traceable data for GPL compliance
• Records and stores the analogical signals for further analyses

Components included
• Software Floppy Disks
• PCI 1712 interface card for PC (capable of controlling up to 8 stations)
• Cables, connectors
• Instructions manual
• Free software updates of the acquired system
• Free Technical Assistance
• Free Scientific support

Options
•Tailor-made Experimental Configuration Setups upon request