An economical system incorporating obsolete computers in an operant conditioning laboratory

A variety of obsolete computers were used with a commercial interface device (Alpha Bus) to control animal (rat) operant chambers. Original 28VDC electromechanical equipment was also used in conjunction with the interface to reduce initial equipment costs and maintain broad compatibility. Effective response counting and event control in three separate operant chambers was achieved through the use of secondary processing available on the current interface device. Advantages of the present systems include low initial and maintenance costs, expandability, and adaptability to different computers and applications.