An RB-540, RB-740, RB-840, or RB-844 response pad is compatible with any software when used in Keyboard mode. You can get better timing by using it in Standard mode, supported by SuperLab and other software listed on the RB Series Support main page. Here are other resources that support Standard mode as well.
The Presentation extension (C++ code) and Python code libraries are supported by Cedrus as far as fixing bugs and providing updates. However, we are unable to provide help in debugging your own code.
Cedrus maintains libraries for C++ and Python. They are open source on Github. See Libraries.
For Matlab users, Cedrus has written sample Matlab code to get you started.
Cedrus response devices support four different protocols. A protocol simply means a method or format used to send the information to the host computer.
The four protocols supported are: XID, RB-x20, ASCII, and PST SRB. Each has advantages and disadvantages:
For adapting a Cedrus response device to your own software package, the choice boils down to XID, RB-x20 or ASCII protocols. We do not recommend the use of PST SRB protocol except with E-Prime, mainly because the constant stream of bytes can be a hassle to deal with.
If you want to offload the task of measuring reaction time and have the response device do it for you, the XID protocol is the only and best way to go.
If your experiments do not require knowing when two keys are pressed simultaneously or when a key has been released, then ASCII protocol is the simplest and easiest to deal with. Otherwise, we recommend that you use the RB-x20 protocol.
If you prefer to use the PST SRB protocol, contact Psychology Software Tools, Inc. directly for information about their Serial Response Box Model 200 protocol.
Last revision: Feb 26, 2016
Protocol
How it Works
Pros and Cons
XID (eXperimental Interface Device)
The computer triggers the XID device at the onset of a trial. When the subject or patient responds, the device sends back information that includes reaction time.
Reaction time is measured in hardware; this eliminates timing uncertainties in Mac OS & Windows
You can detect when two or more keys are pressed simultaneously
You can detect when a key has been released
You can detect input from the Accessory Connector
It takes the most programming to handle the XID protocol
RB-x20
Each bit within the byte indicates which key is pressed
One and only one byte is sent every time a key is pressed or released
You can detect when two or more keys are pressed simultaneously
You can detect when a key has been released
It takes some programming to decode the individual bits
ASCII
An ASCII value is sent when a key is pressed
One and only one byte is sent every time a key is pressed
Simplest protocol
You can see readable output from the response device using a terminal emulation program
You cannot detect when two or more keys are pressed simultaneously
You cannot detect when a key has been released
PST SRB (Psychology Software Tools Serial Response Box)
Each bit within the byte indicates which key is pressed
A stream of bytes is sent approximately 800 or 1600 times per second
You can detect when two or more keys are pressed simultaneously
You can detect when a key has been released
It might take some programming to decode the individual bits
The constant stream of bytes makes it more difficult to deal with
PRODUCTS
SUPPORT
STAY IN TOUCH
© Copyright 2024 Cedrus Corporation, P.O. Box 6309, San Pedro, CA 90734 - USA
Phone: +1-310-548-9595. Send us an email. See privacy policy.
qwerasdf