FAQ                    

NEUROMAX TOOLS

1. Q.  How is NeuroMAX different from other analysis tools?
   A. The main difference between NeuroMAX and other spike sorting tools is our MATLAB toolbox approach. NeuroMAX contains a variety of algorithms for different approaches to spike sorting, so you can mix and match algorithms to find the appropriate combination for a particular data set. We do not consider that spike sorting or analysis is a solved problem. The toolbox is meant to be easily modified and expanded by the research community to serve as a platform for testing and disseminating new spike analysis algorithms. All code is available as MATLAB m-files that can be modified by the user when needed.

   Q.  How is NeuroMAX software marketed?
   A. During the development phase, product components are being made available free of charge to interested members and collaborators. We expect NeuroMAX to be self-supporting at the conclusion of NIH funding in 2008. A one-time purchase plus yearly maintenance fees will ensure that NeuroMAX can support the necessary staff for customer support, product maintenance, and expansion of the tool set.

   Q.  Why use NeuroZip rather than my current display tools?
   A. NeuroZip is not intended as a replacement for existing tools specific to individual research institutions. The intention is to
   provide the ability to share or package data displays and visualization tools along with shared data for consistency and ease of collaboration among researchers. NIH funding allows us to develop a universal tool which can be distributed free of charge without the need to recoup NRE costs.

2. Q. On what platform is NeuroMAX software written?
   A. The software, including the GUIs, is written in MATLAB. All the GUIs are compatible with MATLAB GUIDE.
   
   Q.  What data formats are supported?
   A.  We are working with the Neuroshare standards. NeuroMAX loads and saves data in Neuroshare Native (NsN) format. Please refer to www.neuroshare.sourceforge.net for details on NsN format.

   Q.  What spike sorting tools are available?
   A. The NeuroMAX toolbox contains a base set of tools commonly used for spike sorting. Please visit the Toolbox link for details about available tools, and for updates as new tools are added.
   
   Q. Can I purchase a copy now?
   A. Not at this time, as NeuroMAX is still in the development cycle. However, we are eager for testers to evaluate various aspects of the product, so if you are interested in participating in the next test, would like to see a particular sorting or analysis technique as a new tool, or would be willing to donate a set of data for us to use as a sample, please contact R.C. Electronics Inc.