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This article covers best practices for grounding, shielding, and headstage REF/GND connection to minimize external interference pickup.

KonteX’s value-centric design philosophy focuses on achieving optimal performance while balancing trade-offs. For the X-Headstage™, the µHDMI connector was chosen over the challenging Omnetics connectors due to its availability, low cost, adequate pin count, and reliable keyed orientation. The µHDMI connector, although similar in size and weight to Omnetics, offers a more user-friendly and dependable connection, reducing the risk of damage and experiment disruptions. This design facilitates easier and stress-free connections compared to the smaller Omnetics connectors, which can be difficult to handle. Additionally, the X-Headstage™ is compatible with some consumer HDMI cables, but only KonteX’s validated stock HDMI cable should be used to ensure proper functionality with the XDAQ™.

Embedding the X-Headstage™ with the electrode can enhance recording quality and simplify animal handling, though concerns about reusability are a common barrier. To address these concerns, electrodes and implanted devices are typically anchored using dental acrylic. After the experiment, the X-Headstage™ and electrode need to be separated from the acrylic, which can be softened and dissolved with acetone. Soaking the implant overnight will make it easier to peel off. To prevent particles from clogging the connector pins during this process, it is advisable to apply a thin layer of Vaseline around the connectors and to plug in the cable to avoid acrylic dripping into the connector.