Bits++: Setting up the Bits++ and using it with the Psychophysics Toolbox
By Stephen Howell (Cambridge Research Systems)
Introduction
Bits++ is a small external hardware device that plugs in between the output of DVI graphics card and a CRT monitor. It increases the dynamic range from the usual 8-bits to 14-bits and also has an integrated digital I/O port for synchronising external hardware. You can find more background information on the Cambridge Research Systems website: http://www.crsltd.com/catalog/bits%2B%2B/index.html.
The purpose of this Wiki is to help users to generate useful stimuli with the Bits++ and the Psychtoolbox and to overcome any problems relating to variations in functionality across platforms.
Table of Contents
- Setting Up: How to setup the hardware and install the required software.
- The Essentials: What you need to know to start using Psychtoolbox with Bits++.
- The Three Video Modes (AKA Firmwares): Bits++, Colour++ and Mono++.
- Palette Animation: Fundementals of palette animation and how it works on Bits++.
- The T-Lock System: How the T-Lock system works.
- Making The T-Lock System Work: What to do if the T-Lock system isn't working.
- Problems: Problems you might encounter.
- List of Demos: A list and brief description of demo scripts available from CRS with links to more detailed discussions.
- A Typical Script: Detailed study of a Matlab script to display a simple stimulus.
