directrt 2010 manual

DirectRT 2010 is a precision timing software for stimulus presentation and response collection in psychological experiments. It provides millisecond accuracy for displaying visual and auditory stimuli while recording participant responses via keyboard, mouse, or other input devices. Below are key sections for installation, features, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Precision timing engine, Stimulus presentation module, Response collection system, Data logging capabilities.

Feature	Description
Precision Timing	Millisecond accuracy for stimulus presentation
Stimulus Types	Supports images, text, audio, and video files
Response Options	Keyboard, mouse, and specialized input devices
Data Output	CSV and text format with precise timing data
Experiment Design	Visual editor and script-based options
Compatibility	Works with Windows XP/Vista/7
Randomization	Trial order and stimulus randomization
Timing Control	Frame-by-frame timing precision
Multiple Displays	Support for dual monitor setups
External Device Integration	fMRI, EEG, and other lab equipment

System Requirements

Minimum system requirements for optimal performance.

• Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 512 MB minimum (1 GB recommended)
• Hard Drive: 100 MB free space
• Display: 1024x768 resolution or higher
• Sound Card: Required for audio stimuli
• Input Devices: Keyboard and mouse
• Additional Software: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0

Installation Guide

Step-by-step installation instructions.

1. Insert installation CD or download setup file
2. Run Setup.exe as administrator
3. Follow on-screen installation wizard
4. Accept license agreement
5. Choose installation directory
6. Complete installation and restart if prompted
7. Verify installation by launching DirectRT

WARNING! Ensure system meets minimum requirements before installation. Close all other applications during installation.

First-Time Setup

Initial configuration for optimal performance.

1. Launch DirectRT from Start menu or desktop shortcut
2. Configure display settings for your monitor setup
3. Set up input device preferences (keyboard/mouse)
4. Calibrate timing settings for your system
5. Test stimulus presentation with sample experiments
6. Verify response collection accuracy
7. Save configuration profile for future use

CAUTION! Always test timing calibration before running actual experiments.

Creating Experiments

Design and build experiments using DirectRT.

1. Open Experiment Editor from main menu
2. Define trial structure and sequence
3. Add stimuli (images, text, audio files)
4. Set timing parameters for each stimulus
5. Configure response options and keys
6. Add randomization and counterbalancing
7. Save experiment file for future use
8. Test experiment before data collection

Tip: Use the visual editor for simple experiments and script editor for complex designs.

Stimulus Presentation

Configuring and controlling stimulus display.

Stimulus Type	Supported Formats	Timing Options
Images	BMP, JPG, PNG, GIF	Frame-based timing
Text	Plain text, RTF	Character-by-character timing
Audio	WAV, MP3	Sample-accurate playback
Video	AVI, MPEG	Frame-synchronized playback

WARNING! Ensure stimulus files are properly formatted and accessible during runtime.

Response Collection

Configuring and managing participant responses.

1. Define valid response keys in experiment settings
2. Set response time windows and deadlines
3. Configure response accuracy criteria
4. Set up feedback mechanisms
5. Test response collection with sample trials
6. Monitor response timing accuracy
7. Save response data in specified format

CAUTION! Always verify response collection accuracy before running critical experiments.

Data Output

Understanding data file formats and structure.

• Output Format: CSV (Comma Separated Values)
• Data Columns: Trial number, stimulus, response, RT, accuracy
• Timing Precision: Millisecond accuracy
• File Naming: Automatic with participant ID and timestamp
• Data Integrity: Automatic backup and recovery
• Export Options: SPSS, Excel, text formats

Advanced Features

Advanced capabilities for complex experimental designs.

Feature	Description	Application
Scripting	Custom experiment scripting	Complex trial structures
External Triggers	fMRI/EEG synchronization	Neuroimaging studies
Multiple Displays	Dual monitor support	Participant-experimenter setups
Real-time Feedback	Immediate performance feedback	Learning studies
Custom Input Devices	Specialized response boxes	Reaction time studies

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Timing inaccuracies	System load/background processes	Close unnecessary applications; update drivers
Stimulus not displaying	File path errors/format issues	Check file locations; verify format compatibility
No response recorded	Input device configuration	Verify key mappings; test input devices
Audio playback issues	Sound card drivers/format support	Update audio drivers; convert audio formats
Experiment crashes	Memory issues/corrupt files	Increase virtual memory; reinstall software

Reset: Use System Reset in preferences menu if timing becomes unstable.

Support: Contact technical support at [email protected] or visit www.empirisoft.com