Broadcasting Data from the CerePlex Direct to Multiple Computers

Broadcasting Data from the CerePlex Direct to Multiple Computers

Introduction

Unlike the Neural Signal Processor, the CerePlex Direct can normally only interact with one computer at a time through its USB connection. This article covers a method that allows data from a CerePlex Direct to be sent to multiple computers over an ethernet network. This can be useful for certain closed loop experiments or interaction with other lab equipment. 

Hardware Setup

Using an Ethernet cable, connect the CerePlex Direct Host PC (HostPC) to the 2nd PC (2ndPC).

Software Setup

On HostPC

1. Change the IP address on Host PC to have two IP addresses on the port:
IP: 192.168.137.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

IP: 192.168.137.128
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

2. Move the DirectNeuroMotive.bat file to the CerePlex Direct Software Suite installation folder.

3. Run DirectNeuroMotive.bat to run the CerePlex Direct in broadcasting mode; you can create a shortcut to this file on your desktop to make it easier.

On 2ndPC

Set the IP address of the 2ndPC to an IP address in the following range:

IP: 192.168.137.X (X can be anywhere from 2 through 16)
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Running in Broadcast Mode

At this point you can double click on the new shortcut created on the HostPC to run Central.

Info
Update for Central 7.6.1

Notes
Steps to Configure IP Addresses on Both Computers
1. On the Host PC, configure two IP address: 192.168.137.1 and 192.168.137.128 on the same network adapter. 
2. On the second PC, configure the IP address to 192.168.137.3

NotesSteps to Set Up Two Computers with Broadcasting
1. First, disable firewall. 
2. Then, navigate to the folder where Cereplex Direct Central Suite is and run command prompt. 
3. In the command prompt, type: nPlayServer.exe --network inst=192.168.137.128:51001 --network bcast=192.168.137.255:51002 --device Cereplex -r
4. Open another command prompt from the same folder and type: Central.exe --network inst=192.168.137.128:51001  --network central=192.168.137.1
5. Open Central normally on the second PC that has the IP address: 192.168.137.3. Ensure the second PC is connected to the ethernet port of the Host PC.


Note

A single customer has reported not being able to do NPlayServer broadcasting to a second PC using Central version 7.0.6. 
We are aware of this issue and our team is working on fixing this bug in our future software release for Central.