Real-time Control of Behavioral Experiments and Data Logging Using Arduino Microcontroller

Abstract

This article briefly introduces methods of real-time control of operant box and data logging for behavioral experiments using the Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller is low-cost and easy-operated hardware and has sufficient property for various behavioral experiments for neuroscience. This article explains what is the Arduino microcontroller and how to use it as a digital I/O controller. In addition, we introduce a technique for behavioral data logging using the Arduino microcontroller. The technique has some advantages over other logging techniques that use external memory storage devices. Finally, we introduce a method of our study as an example of behavioral neuroscience experiments using the Arduino microcontroller.