The Columbus Instruments Opto-Varimex-5 Auto Track System is the latest fifth-generation animal activity meter designed specifically for Open Field Anxiety and Exploratory Tests. This advanced system leverages photocell technology to accurately quantify locomotor activity and track a subject’s path for comprehensive behavioral analysis.

Precision Motion Detection

The Opto-Varimex-5 motion tracking system uses an array of infrared beams to precisely monitor animal movement in real time. As subjects move through the testing arena, the system detects beam interruptions and converts them into accurate data on distance traveled, speed, and overall activity. This non-invasive approach ensures seamless, real-time tracking without the need for physical markers or direct animal contact, providing reliable results for locomotor activity studies.

Intuitive Software and Zone Editing

The Auto-Track software for Opto-Varimex-5 captures both horizontal and vertical motion data, providing a comprehensive view of animal behavior over time. It stores coordinates for easy playback and analysis, enabling researchers to detect subtle behavioral changes. Users can create custom zone maps for each test, facilitating reanalysis to track distance traveled, time spent, and zone entries—all within GLP-compliant raw data storage. This functionality allows for detailed comparisons across multiple subjects and zone configurations, with export options for further analysis and group comparison.

Versatile Testing Applications

Each arena in an Opto-Varimex-5 system is designed not only for open field tests but also for automated measurements in various behavioral assays. It supports tests such as the Contextual Place Preference Test, Hole Poke Exploratory Test, and Light/Dark Transition Test. With the ability to support up to 16 stations per PC, this versatility allows researchers to utilize the same system for multiple applications, maximizing its utility in behavioral research.

Performance Metrics:

• Distance Traveled: Measured in centimeters (cm)
• Resting Time: Measured in seconds (sec)
• Stereotypic Time: Measured in seconds (sec)
• Ambulatory Time: Measured in seconds (sec)
• Bursts of Stereotypic Movement: Counts per session
• Horizontal Beam Break Counts: Total counts recorded
• Ambulatory Beam Break Counts: Total counts recorded
• Vertical Counts: Total counts recorded
• Bursts of Vertical Movement: Counts per session
• Time in Square Analysis: Time spent in designated zones

Data Handling: GLP-compliant Auto-Track file (.ATRW)

Tracking Technology:

• Infrared Beams: 16 beams per axis for precise tracking
• Sensor Spacing Options: Available with 1" (2.54 cm) or 0.5" (1.27 cm) beam spacing

Cage Dimensions:

• 17.5" (44.5 cm) cage with base plate of 23.25" x 23.25" (59 cm)
• 9.5" (24 cm) cage with base plate of 12.625" x 12.625" (32.7 cm)