directrt manual pdf

DirectRT 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 response times and accuracy. Below are key sections covering installation, features, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. System Requirements 3. Installation Process 4. Basic Operation 5. Input File Format 6. Response Collection 7. Timing Parameters 8. Output Data 9. Common Issues 10. Technical Support

Features at a Glance

Key components: Precision timing engine, stimulus presentation, response collection, data logging.

Feature	Description
Stimulus Presentation	Displays text, images, videos with millisecond accuracy
Response Collection	Records keyboard, mouse, and other input device responses
Timing Control	Precise control over stimulus duration and intervals
Data Logging	Automatically saves response times and accuracy data
Input File Support	Accepts CSV and text files for experiment design
Output Format	Generates detailed data files for analysis
Compatibility	Works with various Windows operating systems
Customization	Allows for custom timing and presentation parameters

System Requirements

Operating System: Windows 7/8/10/11
Processor: 1 GHz or faster
Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum
Storage: 100 MB available space
Display: 1024x768 resolution minimum
Input Devices: Keyboard, mouse required
Additional Software: .NET Framework 4.5 or later

Installation Process

Download the DirectRT installation package
Run the setup executable as administrator
Follow the installation wizard prompts
Accept the license agreement
Choose installation directory
Complete installation and restart if required

NOTE: Ensure administrative privileges for installation.

Basic Operation

Launch DirectRT from Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Create or open an input file with stimulus specifications
Configure timing parameters and response options
Run the experiment session
Monitor participant responses
Review output data files

Tip: Test experiments thoroughly before running with participants.

Input File Format

Input files define stimulus presentation sequence and timing.

Column	Description
Stimulus	File name or text to display
Duration	Display time in milliseconds
Response	Expected response keys
Correct	Correct response value
Feedback	Feedback display options

Response Collection

DirectRT supports multiple response collection methods.

Keyboard: Standard keyboard input
Mouse: Mouse clicks and position tracking
Response Box: Specialized input devices
Voice: Voice response timing (with additional hardware)

Timing Parameters

Critical timing settings for experimental precision.

Stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA)
Inter-stimulus interval (ISI)
Response window duration
Feedback display timing
Trial sequencing intervals

WARNING! Incorrect timing settings may affect data validity.

Output Data

DirectRT generates comprehensive data files.

Data Field	Description
Response Time	Millisecond precision timing
Accuracy	Correct/incorrect responses
Stimulus Info	Presented stimulus details
Timing Data	Actual presentation times
Participant ID	Session identification

Common Issues

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Program won't start	Missing dependencies	Install .NET Framework; check system requirements
Timing inaccuracies	System load	Close background applications; optimize system
Stimulus not displaying	File path errors	Check file locations; verify file formats
No response recorded	Input device issues	Check device connections; verify response mapping
Data file corruption	Unexpected shutdown	Ensure proper program closure; backup data regularly

Technical Support

For technical assistance and updates:

Website: www.empirisoft.com/directrt
Email: [email protected]
Documentation: Online user manual and tutorials
Community: User forums and discussion boards

NOTE: Include version number and system details when contacting support.