PC (Windows 10)
This section details installing the Bpod software on the governing computer, and the Bpod firmware on the Bpod device.
The governing computer must have
1. Windows 10
2. 8GB+ RAM
3. Preferably a 2.5GHz+ multi-core CPU (i.e. intel corei5/i7 series).
4. MATLAB r2013a or newer.
Note: If you are using Windows 7 and State Machine r2, you need to install the Teensy serial port driver.
Clone the MATLAB software repository
Bpod's MATLAB software is frequently updated with new features and improvements. To keep Bpod current for everyone, we use a revision control system called Git.
Git's command line usage can be tricky, so instead, we recommend a simple and powerful user interface to Git called SourceTree.
1. Download and install SourceTree. The default options during install are correct - and you can use the embedded git client when prompted, if you don't already have it.
2. From SourceTree, clone the remote repository.
If you are using Bpod 0.5 (legacy), use: https://github.com/sanworks/Bpod.git
If you are using Bpod 0.7+ or want to use Bpod 0.5 with current features, use: https://github.com/sanworks/Bpod_Gen2.git
If all went well, this should copy the latest Bpod software to your computer.
Install the MATLAB software
The MATLAB client files are now in the \Bpod_Gen2\ folder - but MATLAB does not know that this folder exists.
1. Open MATLAB
2. In r2012a or later, choose "Set Path" from the "Environment" cluster in the "Home" tab. In r2011b or earlier, choose "File > Set path".
For Bpod_Gen2 repository:
3. Choose "Add" (NOT with subfolders)
4. Select C:\Bpod_Gen2\ (or wherever your /Bpod_Gen2/ root folder is) and click "Add".
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For Legacy Bpod repository:
3. Choose "Add with subfolders"
4. Select C:\Bpod\Bpod System Files\ and click "Add".
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5. Click "Save" at the bottom so MATLAB will know where Bpod is for all future sessions.
6. To verify that you were successful, make sure Bpod is unplugged and type Bpod at the MATLAB command prompt.
If all went well, Bpod will attempt to start and then fail with an error: "Bpod device not found". If something went wrong, you will get a different error.
If the error says "Unidentified function or variable 'Bpod', you did not successfully add Bpod to the MATLAB path.
7. Install PsychToolbox.
Next, if you built the state machine yourself, upload Bpod's firmware*. After this, you should be able to run Bpod from the MATLAB prompt:
>>Bpod
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR Bpod r0.5 - r1 users: On first plugging in the state machine, if MATLAB is open you will see a message:
Arduino Due detected.
To use this device with MATLAB, install MATLAB Support Package for Arduino Hardware.
DO NOT install the Arduino support package and definitely do not overwrite the state machine firmware!
Bpod firmware communicates with MATLAB via MATLAB's built-in serialport interface.
*Note: state machines purchased from the Sanworks Assembly Service come with firmware pre-installed.