Neurothesiometer Operating Instructions Feb 2004

Neurothesiometer Operating Instructions Before switching on ensure that the dial reads zero. Switch the instrument on using the ON/OFF switch. If more than one decimal point appears in the red digital display it is an indication that the battery pack needs recharging. If there is no reading please contact our Nottingham Sales Office for technical advice. Battery Charging The battery pack may be charged using only the specified charger. It is preset to charge at the 16 hour rate but if charging is continued beyond the 16 hours no serious harm will be done to the batteries, but frequent or gross overcharging can reduce battery life. Lift the battery pack out of the Neurothesiometer case to the limit of its connecting wire. Unplug the connecting wire. If a second fully charged pack is available, plug the connecting wire into the smaller diameter coaxial socket of the spare battery pack and insert the pack into the case.

Apply the vibrator to the patient at the chosen site on the body and allow the vibrator head to rest in contact with the site under its own weight. Turn up the output very slowly until the patient just senses the vibration. Press ADVANCE MEMORY which records this value in the memory and moves on to the second memory position. Return the output control to zero before making the next measurement. Make as many readings as required, at different test sites, up to the maximum memory number 10. Reviewing Measurements To review the measurements taken, switch the REVIEW/STORE switch to REVIEW; this automatically resets the memory to Position 1. The set of readings taken will now be individually displayed, corresponding to each successive memory number, as the ADVANCE MEMORY switch is pressed. Switch off the instrument. Maintenance

Recharging the battery pack in-situ in the instrument (referred to in some leaflets) has been discontinued for safety reasons. Making a Measurement If the patient has normal sensitivity, it is probable that the EXPANDED range will be preferred. This gives a full scale reading of 0 - 25 volts (0 - 62.5 microns). The NORMAL range extends from 0 - 50 volts (0 - 250 microns). Switch the REVIEW/STORE switch to RECORD; this operation automatically returns the memory to Position 1 (green display). Select whether or not you wish to read out in VOLTS or MICRONS (micrometers). NOTE: The readings in volts will correlate closely with those from biothesiometers. The readings in microns will not correlate with the calibration curves of biothesiometers, but are accurate free air movement readings at the tip of the vibration head. Because the circuitry of the Neurothesiometer contains a power feedback circuit, the free air movement is little different from the movement in contact with the skin.

Apart from keeping the battery packs charged and ready for use, the only user maintenance required is to keep the instrument clean. This may be done by use of a cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution. This cloth should be lightly wiped over dirty surfaces but care should be taken to avoid the risk of moisture penetrating the instrument. Should the instrument require repair for any reason it should be returned to us as its calibration requires the use of specialised instruments not available in normal electronic service workshops.