The BTX Pulse Switcher is a plug-in accessory and accompanying firmware package which upgrades the square wave pulsing capabilities of 7" touchscreen ECM 830 and Gemini X2 waveform generators. When both the BTX Pulse Switcher and accompanying firmware update are installed on the ECM 830 or Gemini X2, the system capabilities are enhanced to include the following features:

Pulse switcher protocols allow a user to create and run protocols containing groups of square wave pulses with different polarity, pulse number, pulse length, and pulse interval characteristics.

Getting Started

Unpacking the system

The shipping carton in which your BTX Pulse Switcher is packed has been specifically designed to provide maximum protection to the unit during transportation and normal handling conditions. Upon receipt, the carton should be examined for any external damage resulting from shipment. Open the carton and carefully remove the BTX Pulse Switcher, power supply and USB connection cable, and inspect the items for any apparent damage. Save the carton and packing materials for future transportation and shipping requirements. Check the packing slip to ensure that all items ordered and listed are included in the shipment. Inform BTX immediately if any parts are missing or damaged.

Power Source

As received, the Pulse Switcher is ready for use with an input range of 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz. The power source is connected to the Pulse Switcher via a power supply adapter which supplies 5V to the Pulse Switcher. A region-specific power cord connects to the power supply adapter. In the US, the power cord has a standard three-prong plug.

Verify Software Version on ECM 830 or Gemini X2 Generator

Before connecting Pulse Switcher, the software must be updated to a version capable of supporting Pulse Switcher functions. To verify software version installed on the generator, power on ECM 830 or Gemini X2 Generator, select gear icon to proceed to Setting Menu and Navigate to Device Information Screen.

For earlier software versions, please refer to the Upgrading Gemini Series Software section in the relevant user manual. Software updates and drivers are available at https://www.btxonline.com/technical-resources/downloads.html Once the software version is confirmed and any updates are completed, make sure that the generator is powered on and initialized, and proceed with connecting the pulse switcher to the generator.

Connect Pulse Switcher to Generator and Electrode

Allow the Pulse Switcher, power supply, and USB connection cable to equilibrate to room temperature. Power on your Gemini X2 or ECM 830 generator and allow the instrument to boot completely to the main menu screen. Then proceed with installing the Pulse Switcher. Plug the Pulse Switcher red and black INPUT pins to the High Voltage Output connectors at the bottom right-hand side of the front panel of the ECM 830 or Gemini X2 Generator. 

Connect the power supply adapter cord into the 5 VDC port on the left side of the Pulse Switcher.

When the Pulse Switcher is connected to a power supply, a green LED will illuminate on the front of the Pulse Switcher.

Connect the USB connection cord to the USB port at the bottom left-hand side of the front panel of the ECM 830 or Gemini X2 Generator. Connect the other end of the USB connection cord to the USB port on the left side of the Pulse Switcher.

USB Device/Pulse Switcher Detection by Generator

Next, apply power to the Pulse Switcher through its power supply. Confirm that the Pulse Switcher is receiving power by verifying that the green LED on the font of the Pulse Switcher is illuminated. Once power is supplied to the Pulse Switcher and the Pulse Switcher is connected to the generator by its USB cord, the generator will begin device detection. In the upper righthand corner of the ECM 830 or Gemini X2 touchscreen, there will be three possible icons displayed when the USB connector is connected to a device. Please refer to the manual for the touchscreen icons reference). When a device is plugged into the USB port of the generator, the Device Determination Indicator V icon, will be displayed in the upper-right corner of the screen to indicate that a device is detected by the generator and is being identified.

For devices other than the Pulse Switcher connected to the Gemini X2 or ECM 830 USB port, such as a computer, the Other USB Device Icon will be displayed.

Before proceeding to use the Pulse Switcher, verify that the generator displays the proper Pulse Switcher Device Indicator icon in the upper-right corner of the touchscreen to indicate that the Pulse Switcher device is detected by the generator.

You are now ready to begin your work.

Please refer to the attached manual for setting up your software.