Electromechanical Switching of Preamplifier Input Leads: A Method of Increasing the Usefulness of Electrophysiological Recording Instruments

ABSTRACT Experiments involving electrophysiological recording frequently consist of a trial interval during which a response is measured and a longer duration intertrial interval during which the response returns to its tonic level. If it is not necessary to record a response during the intertrial interval, the recording instrument is wasted during this time. This article describes a circuit which permits automatic switching of input leads so that responses can be recorded from more than one set of subjects sequentially. This arrangement results in more efficient utilization of laboratory instrument resources. An increase in data is obtained at minimal cost.