The new Digitimer 8 Channel D400 has been added to their line of AC mains noise eliminators which now includes the original Hum Bug single channel as well as a 2 and 4 channel version. Digitimer D400 AC mains noise eliminators have many applications including whole animal research, in vitro electrophysiology setups and in a clinical neurophysiology environment and are supplied with Windows PC software that acts as a virtual control panel for the instrument.

 

Digitimer mains noise eliminators are not 60Hz (or 50Hz) noise filters. With a traditional notch filter, experimental recordings can suffer from the degradation resulting from shifts in phase, frequency loss, errors in amplitude, shifts in direct current, etc. The D400 eliminates only 60Hz (or 50Hz) electrical interference (including harmonics) without changing the experiment’s signals. Thus, the resulting results are pure and unadulterated.

 

With the D400 there is no data distortion. This is a significant feature of the D400. The design completely recognizes the actual input waveform (even if it overlaps the mains noise from the AC line) and “ignores” it so that it can completely be represented and recorded. This can be critically important for researchers that are working with experiments that are sensitive and detailed.

 

The D400 is quick and constantly updates surveillance if/when the affecting mains noise infiltrates an experiment. But, as quick as the D400 is, it also adapts to even lower physiological amplitudes are present. Harmonics won’t get by either that have frequencies greater than 1kHz.

 

The D400 has different templates for each channel. So, it’s possible to use the D400 with different set ups in a laboratory. Keep in mind, however, that the D400 has a couple of functions that are applied globally to all channels at the same time but these can be bypassed by using the included virtual software. Refer to the user’s manual for additional information.

 

Lastly, there are other thoughtful design elements included in all D400s that make it even more user-friendly to use in any research laboratory including;

 

1.       Software control that permits easy adjustment of settings remotely.

2.       The ability to examine the 60Hz (or 50Hz) noise template being removed from the signal via the software control.

3.       D400 front panel controls are applied globally….helpful for when the user wants to clear the template for all           channels.

4.       Use of “D” connector based cables helps with tidy cable management.

5.       The USB connection allows for firmware updating in the future if further improvements are introduced.