2021 was 25 Year Anniversary!

jClamp for Windows (v. 38.5.0) is a user-friendly whole-cell voltage clamp data acquisition program which features real time monitoring of cell and voltage clamp characteristics. At all times the patch clamper can determine cell status. Data collection is initiated through a rapid parameter directory (RPD) which maintains a list of 18 parameter filenames or script filenames. Either a key press or mouse click begins the predefined voltage or current delivery protocols. Scripts are text files which allow groups of parameter files to be called and run. Most tasks are automated. Some data analysis is available. In addition, automation links with MATLAB, Excel, SigmaPlot and Origin are available.

- jClamp32 - $3,550 for educational institutions. Contact me for non-Ed costs. Download Windows MSI installation file (jclamp32_v38.5.0.msi) at bottom of page. As always, free updates. Please cite jClamp in your published manuscripts.

- jClamp (v. 31.6.1 and above) is now FREE to use with the Axon Digidata 1320 series, Axon 1200A & 1200B and the old Labmaster DMA!!! See supported hardware for more information Email me so I can keep track of users.

Access Web Help: jClamp Help

Access PDF Help:   jClamp PDF Help

Attention parents! Get Merlin Programmer for Kids, an absolutely FREE fun program I wrote to help my kids (now adults) and yours (ages 5-8) learn how to program within Windows and hopefully (ultimately) help support their higher education, but more importantly help them to think logically! Works with Win10 - use compatibility with Win95.

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Nanion Port-o-Patch support is here!

You can see supported hardware info (here).

New Feature Update

>   

>    -4/23/24 Version 38.5.0

>    Touch ups. Bug fixes. Enhanced Identity form with alternate IniFile loads. If using Matlab and data, possibly exported from jClamp, are in its workspace, a popup will query if you want to quit Matlab only if Confirm Exit is not selected in Matlab Preferences. This is done by running a jClamp specific (finish.m) script only when data are in the workspace.

>    -4/11/24 Version 38.0.0

>    Touch ups. Bug fixes. DisDual set in ini file. Dual sine calibration changed to double precision on saving. Best to make new calibration files using a 1 meg resistor to ensure low stray capacitance during calibration. When testing a new calibration on a cell model, use a seperable Rs (electrode) that can be connected to the RC (cell) after ungrounded Rs stray capacitance is balanced out. See help file. New triangle stimulus in CC can measure capacitor values and estimate system frequency response. Balance out stray capacitance first with ungrounded capacitor, then ground. To enable remote disk access in jClamp you may have to edit the Windows Registry -- see info in CM papers and tech notes folder in jClamp directory.

>    -3/17/24 Version 37.1.0

>    Bug fixes. Touch ups. Custom color for jClamp main window set in Ini file under CC tab. Or shift right click on main jClamp window to do real time choice of background color, with option to automatically save in current Ini file -- make a different color for different users/ini files. Telegraphs set to sample twice per second. Flashing indicator when sampling telegraphs. On/off control of Telegraphs in real time. Telegraph access with NI USBx boards speeded up, so CC reports faster with Telegraphs on. Faster response is also obtained by turning off Telegraphs. Mouse cursor displays ramp voltage when hovering on current response in Analysis window. Absent Cm calibration file entry or existance for current/voltage clamp in Ini file replaced by model calibration files and Ini file saved automatically. If you want to measure real cell capacitance with these channels a hardware calibration file must be made and indicated in Ini file. Yscale click changes in Analysis fixed.

>    -3/8/24 Version 37.0.0

>    Bug fixes. Touch ups.

>    -7/26/23 Version 36.1.0

>    IV plot bug fix. Touch ups.

>    -6/30/23 Version 36.0.0

>    More Touch-ups and bug fixes.

>    -5/25/23 Version 35.8.0

>    Confrimed functionality in Windows 11. More Touch-ups and bug fixes. Axon 1550B DLL spurious voltage pulses in jClamp still a problem.

>    -12/26/22 Version 35.7.0

>    New jClamp 1550b DLL to reduce influence of Axon 1550B DLL spurious voltage pulses in jClamp. See below. Despite request, MD Axon will not fix this in the foreseeable future. More Touch-ups and unrelated bug fixes

>    -4/18/22 Version 35.2.0

>    Axon 1550 series AD boards present spurious short negative voltage pulses after collections. The pulses are random, not occurring after each collection. They seem to occur when acquisition stops. This was noted for the 1550 back in 2017 and Axon confirmed at that time. I had assumed it was fixed but apparently not. Axom (MD) has been notified, and when fixed I will update jClamp. This new version attempts to minimize these pulses. You will need to monitor DA on an oscilloscope to observe the problem. It is not visible in the collected data, but could damage cells. More Touch-ups and unrelated bug fixes

>    -6/26/21 Version 35.0.0

>    Phantom camera update to PCC v.792, out of memory fix. 64 bit PCC okay to use. More Touch-ups; bug fixes

>    -2/26/21 Version 33.0.0

>    25 Year Anniversary! More Touch-ups; bug fixes

>    -11/1/20 Version 32.0.0

>    Updated capacitance measurement, system calibration procedures. New chirp assessed membrane capacitance with multiple analyses, including 2sine, 1sine, eCm, Gsw, and Complex capacitance estimations. Use jClamp MatLab interface to access their supported A/D boards. More Touch-ups; bug fixes

>    -6/18/20 Version 31.7.0

>    More Touch-ups; bug fixes

>    -5/17/20 Version 31.6.0

>    More Touch-ups; bug fixes

>    -5/3/20 Version 31.5.0

>    Still slow shortcut removal during uninstallation (up to a couple of minutes), so be patient when upgrading. This is speeded up on subsequent new version installs. Now, the only shortcut on desktop is for the jClamp ShortBar, where all programs can be run (see Help file on ShortcutBar). Cm calibration is now with a small capacitor rather than resistor (most real resistors are not as ideal as capacitors in thier characteristics) - there is better very high frequency system assessment for admittance corrections with capacitor calibration; follow instructions in Calibration Window - I suggest re-calibration to be done on a routine basis. If you want to do very high frequency Cm measurement in jClamp, contact me to enable chirp stimulus assessment. There are now seperate calibration files for channel 0 and channel 1 (if you have two amplifiers) creatable from the Calibration Window; the jClamp Ini File now requires filenames for channel 0 and 1 calibrations. Use default model calibration filenames in the Ini File if not used (see jClamp32.ini file for model default calibration filenames - they are used if you do not specify in Ini File [popups will always notify if no files are specified, so add to your specific ini files!]); more Touch-ups; bug fixes

>    -3/7/20 Version 31.4.0

>    Microsoft has slowed down shortcut removal during uninstallation, so be patient when upgrading; Abf search enhancements; load abf files by dbl-clicking in Explorer; partition subtraction; partition averaging; export FFT admittance to Matlab; more Touch-ups; bug fixes

>    -11/7/19 Version 31.3.0

>    More Touch-ups; bug fixes

>    -7/10/19 Version 31.2.0

>    Touch-ups; bug fixes

>    -1/1/19 Version 31.1.0

>    Toolbar update with clipboard viewer; Data Plot point capture to clipboard toggles with shift key; AC now has plot cursors and iv plotting; very rapid insertion of new partitions in Command Build protocols

>    -1/1/19 Version 31.0.0

>    Toolbar update; Phantom camera control over Black Reference and Fan to reduce vibration; network mapped drives access capability; jClamp programs automatically set to run in administrator mode on installation; bugs fixed.

>    -10/26/18 Version 30.5.0

>    Update Utility can now deliver support file updates other than jClamp executable updates. Automatic restart of jClamp after these support updates.

>    Microsoft has change its msi installer so that previous versions of jClamp are not automatically uninstalled when you do a web update. Go to the web and download jc_updat.exe <here> to the Desktop then drag to the jClamp directory to do an automatic uninstall before installing jClamp ver. 30.5.0 via jClamp update. Alternatively, you can manually uninstall an earlier version, and then install 30.5.0 with future installations working as before.

>    NI USB-6218 support, multiplexed and no synchronous digital output. Select ni_usbx in ini file.

>    Bug fixes.

>    -10/12/18 Version 30.1.0

>    New shortcut bar allows bypass of User Account Control popups.

>    -10/5/18 Version 30.0

>    USB3 camera support. E.g. Basler acA640-750um can capture small regions of interest at about 3000 FPS. About $400.

>    Enhancements and bug fixes.

>   -8/21/18 Version 29.5.3 (quickie update)

>    Internal jClamp difference equation math model can be set to oversample in Model Cell window to give more precise results. Oversample to 1, 0.1, or 0.01 us, with relative increase in sample size (so some protocols can be too big to run). Applies to CC and protocols. Down sampled back to original clock for analysis.

>   -8/16/18 Version 29.5.2 (quickie update)

>    Added holding potential temporary jump in CC Cs software stray cap comp auto fitting routine. Useful to jump to a linear capacitance region where stray cap comp is valid in whole cell mode.

>    ABF search added list of all parameter files used under selected path. Click on parameter to open abf files that used parameter.

>    IniEditor missing tabs fixed.

>   -8/1/18 Version 29.5

>    CC auto save (set in ini; toggle in CC, shift right click over CC Save) - turns on CC Save when CC is turned on

>    ABF search for associated video files with export to new directory; rate and frame number info.

>    Phantom camera video analysis updated. Subpixel shape tracking for jClamp collected Phantom camera movies. Select image fitting setting saved with abf and exported to Matlab.

>    Ini file saved with abf file. Loadable from Data Load window (select file type as abf[ini]). Opened in IniEditor and saved in data directory. Each ini check resets data load file type to abf.

>    -6/30/18 Version 29.4

>    Fastlook! and Look32X update

>    export selected abf files to new directory in ABF search

>    -6/11/18 Version 29.3

>    Digidata 1550A, B0 support

>    fast fitting software-based stray capacitance compensation with pass through to Multiclamp Commander and EPC10

>    auto fitting and export

>    user enhancements/bug fixes

>    -10/15/17 Version 28.5

>    Fix for potential error in loading Cm calibration files embedded in data files saved with ver. 26.1 and before.

>    -9/24/17 Version 28.3

>    More Tune ups

>    -8/24/17 Version 28.2

>    Tune ups

>    -5/14/17 Version 28.1

>    Phantom camera support fixes

>    DD 1550 fixes

>    -4/22/17 Version 28.0

>    Vision Research Phantom High Speed Video Camera support

>    HEKA EPC10 USB amplifier support - up to 4 amplifiers (if less than 4 amplifiers, supplement with non-EPC amplifiers)

>    Molecular Devices DigiData 1550 jitter fix confirmed

>    Security changes; some old license files may only work for versions prior to v.28.0; you must request updated license if needed

>    chirp-based stray capacitance cancellation

>    user enhancements/bug fixes

jClamp Features

    -3/19/16

   auto cursor increment with iv analysis

    user enhancements/ bug fixes

   simultaneous Rs and Cm view in CC to balance stray capacitance in whole cell mode

    new Cm calibration routine and files. Calibration resister measured automatically. Old calibration files still work.

-3/12/15

Ability to search ABF files in multiple subdirectories for particular characteristics of the command protocol or clamp characteristics. Shift right click on displayed file list to copy list to clipboard, e.g. to paste into Excel. Copy all listed files to a new directory to do group file analysis, e.g., to analyze all data collected with a particular protocol file. Double click on a file to plot data in Analysis window.

-1/19/15

Command protocol window shows actual max/min, including 2 sine stimuli. During build, if magnitude is over board settings then a notification is given. If such a protocol is run a choice is given to cancel or proceed.

Parameter directory fixed at jClamp diretory subfolder "/param", with subfolders below automatically entered into search path from RPD and scripts.

Crash detection implemented in jClamp registry key. Logs crashes for debugging purposes.

-12/30/14

Automation links remain in effect when exiting Analysis mode. This allows quick re-entry to analysis mode rather than checking for connections each time. No need to double click on the SigmaPlot, Matlab, Excel or Origin icons in Analysis mode. If programs are available (but need to be set to check for [in in file]) then icons will display and drag/drop icons to transfer data will be immediately available.

In order to use SigmaPlot jClamp templates, available in jClamp SigmaPlot directory, you must load them into the template.jnt file according to Sigmaplot instructions. You can add templates for access in jClamp by creating your own in SigmaPlot and putting the names of the template in the jClamp/SigmaPlot directory (e.g., make a file name "my_new_template.jnt" in the directory -- it can be an empty file, only the file name is necessary and must match the template name "my_new_template" in the SigmaPlot template.jnt file. Check that the new template is available in sigmaplot. It is required that you reload SigmaPlot to install new templates that are added to template.jnt.

Sigmaplot transfers will now increment notebook numbers so that now saving with new names is not required between jClamp->SigmaPlot transfers. JClamp data file names are inserted in notebook sections.

All transfers of data to other program via automation will  leave the automation program files open after jClamp closes. You can continue work on the data in those programs (SigmaPlot, Matlab, Excel or Origin) and save what you like. Matlab will ask before closing, Xcel will ask to save data before closing. SigmaPlot will not close. Origin?

Selection of DD1550 board sets clock increment to 2 us because that is required by MD. There is still a jitter that I detect that MD cannot recapitulate. I think it is present not just in jClamp but also in Clampex. I will fix when they acknowledge and fix. In order to use MD (Axon) boards you will need to copy some files to the jClamp32 directory. The required files change, so email me for information.

FFT and PSD analysis bugs fixed.

A Matlab script to do PSD analysis on jClamp files can be provided.

-12/15/14

JClamp now supports Molecular Devices DigiData 1550 (there is an intermittent one point jitter in their driver so that high frequency Cm measures are not stable). Molecular Devices (MD) is working to fix the jitter, and I will update when this happens. Lower frequency Cm measures are less susceptible to the jitter. Update (SEE ABOVE): MD has just released a new version of pClamp (v.10.5.0.9) which apparently fixes the jitter issue in pClamp (Clampex). However, clock rates are limited to multiples of 2us. Thus, older versions of Clampex collected data that had the potential for inaccurate timing when using the 1550. jClamp does not currenly support the 2us increment limitataion on sampling, and, in any case, the new drivers still produce jitter in jClamp even at 2us sampling. I'm trying to figure this out. Unfortunately, I do not recommed using the 1550 with jClamp at this time.

MultiClamp Commander Telegraphs are now supported internal to jClamp no need to run jc_Client applications anymore. Set MultiClamp on in ini file History tab. Provide paths to MultiClamp servers (MC700.exe and MC700B.exe) in the ini file and select the associated check box to run automatically. Only one Multiclamp (700A or 700B is supported).

Multiclamp mode can automatically be controlled by digital out 3 in a protocol file. Multiclamp Commander must be set to ext control. This means that voltage clamp and current clamp can be switched real time within partitions of a command episode (protocol command type must be set to voltage clamp). Only channel 0 in/out command protocol should be used. Other channel inputs can be sampled as usual.

Drop down box in Data Load Window allows quick selections of previously viewed data directories.

Previously channel protocol holding potentials were set prior to running the protocol (500 ms plus a computer dependent variable time preceded the protocol command). This eliminated a transient in the protocol response if the CC holding potential were different. Since you should be aware of mismatch in CC hold and protocol hold, this feature is now removed. Now, you will see a transient current response at the onset if CC hold and protocol hold do not agree. You must make sure that CC holding potentials are the same as the protocol holding potentials for all channels that are active.

Prior Update:

Midnight issue fixed. At midnight a new directory will be made for data collections. If CC save is on it will turn off and restart for saving in new directory.

Inter-episode times are now saved with data file. View by moving mouse cursor over inter episode time in command protocol window in Analysis mode.

Prior Update:

Sister parameter files - individual files can be linked to follow each other (simple alternative to script files). For example, jclamp.prm, test.prm, test1.prm, and test2.prm can be run sequentially by renaming first file to jclamp[test.test1.test2].prm.

New box in Parameter load window lists files by date or by today's use. This supplements typing names which lists by matching.

ABF fileload window info reports if math model was used. If Matlab model was used script is appended to abf file and then shift right click on filename opens script file in text box.

Cm calibration file is correctly listed when mouse is over calibration button in Analysis window. The file has always been appended to abf files for Cm corrections.

Works in Win 8. Set run as administrator in shortcut.

And, of course, bug fixes.

Full installation to use 7Zip compression for quickie updates. Bugs fixed as well.

Updated MD in-cell stray capacitance compensation with software assistance, including automatic compensation see Cm Analysis in Help file.

Digital trigger now has minimal delay between triggering and data collection, except for protocols with P/N, prepulse or CC inter use.

Cs stray capacitance compensation prior to cell pop-in disabled. Replaced by robust  in-cell stray capacitance compensation using MD (multi-dual) sinusoidal stimulation (see help file).

Molecular Devices releases new Axoscope (pClamp) 10.3.1.4 with new DLL to fix spurious voltage output, and allow digital output during 4 DAC output. jClamp v22.7.0 and above uses this fix.

Support for the Tecella Pico USB patch clamp amplifier (www.tecella.com). Up to four units running simultaneously.

Support for 4 DAC outputs for those boards that have four DACS, including the Axon DigiData 1440A, IOTech Personal Daq, and soon the CED Power.

The previous full version was the last one that supports only 2 DAC channels.  Future versions (coming soon) will support 4 DAC outputs for those boards that have four DACS, including the Axon DigiData 1440A, IOTech Personal Daq, and CED Power.

jClamp will now automatically startup with the last ini file selected in the Identity window. An edited shortcut will override last selection if different. Remember, to make an edited shortcut linking directly to your ini file, edit a newly created shortcut Target property by placing your ini file (e.g., my_ini_file.ini) at the end of the target command with a space in between the two. To access the properties of a desktop shortcut, right click and select properties.

Support for both Axon Multiclamp 700A and 700B  telegraphs. Previous version only supported the 700B. See the jClamp help file under Telegraph.

Support for new board, NI USB X Series. Amazing! 1 megaHz 16 bit sampling on all 8 channels without multiplexing. Synchronous digital output.  About $3K. Could not ask for more. The new NI-DAQmx 9.3 drivers  need to be installed.  Visit NI at http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/2337/lang/en.

User info (License owner, board, operating system, disk size and memory) collected when check for updates occurs.  Useful for me to identify user issues and aid in debugging.

Automatic or manual check for new version of jClamp on the web set choice in ini file under Script Tab.

Impedance analysis with Nyquist/Bode Plots and model fitting

Additional script commands to control CC window parameters

Vista and Win7 users must disable User Control Account in Users Dialogue!

In-cell stray capacitance compensation for Cm measures.

Digital flip-flop overrides partition digital out in command protocol.

Look32X! video capture with cameras and devices with DirectShow or VFW drivers. Synchronized video capture with electrophysiological data (as best as Windows will allow! TIFF and other image file support.).

FastLook! -- Andor (www.andor.com) camera support and Prosilica Gige (www.prosilica.com) vision camera support. Link video frame capture to patch clamp data collection. Synchronized data for each frame. Export automatically to ImageJ for video analysis. Combined with jClamp or standalone program available.

CellSeeker and MagicSeal coming soon!

Automatic offset current cancellation

User control over audio feedback during seal formation.

Enhanced P/N subtraction.

Switch polarity for whole cell or inverted patch in CC window.

Disable dual patch mode in CC for stimulation with channel 0 or 1 D/A while recording from channel 0

Removal of stray capacitance effects on calibration and during cell recording for Cm analysis

Plots of Real and Imaginary components of raw currents

Simple way to set angle of dRs/dY-90 or angle of dC/dY in Phase detector Admitance Window, and angle will be used by single sine protocol to get Magnitude at 0 and 90 degree phase for C and R analysis. Note that using Rs compensation (or an Rs dither) and C compensation (or a C dither) for dithering is a poor method for dithering actual Rm and Cm if Rm is not much greater than Rs, or if Rm or Cm changes substantially during your experimental measurements -- the limitations of single sine analysis

Non-harmoninc two sine stimuli to avoid nonlinear distortion interference with Cm measures.

Free support for the Axon 1200A and B boards that Axon no longer supports with their new software! See supported hardware for more information.

Support for the IOtech PersonalDaq.  It is a great board (~ $1,400) with many capabilities, close to the Axon 1440 series.

Detached Telegraph window with only the enabled channels (from 1-4 for each of the two supported amplifiers) displayed.

Vista and Win7 support

Detached PDF Help file in addtion to Windows Help file. You can search and print out the help file.

Separate Audio program (jc_audio.exe)  for recording/playing MS wav audio files, which can be played during script execution now, since Windows Vista does not include one.

Multiple instances of jClamp can be run, each controlling a different A/D D/A board! Or use another instance to analyze data while the first instance is actively collecting data.

Frequency analysis can successfully monitor bilayer prep capacitance, making jClamp a good choice for these types of studies

Cell Censor window provides full cell parameter analysis either in Time or Frequency domain

Axon Multiclamp telegraph support.

User selectable channel input for telegraphs.

Real time, scalable plotting of Cm or Im vs time or voltage collected with protocols.

Support for Axon 1440 series!

Support for National Instruments M series boards. NI 6251-USB and NI PCI-6221, in particular.

NI boards that use Ni-daqmx driver (M series and also the PCI-6052E) and Axon's 1320 and 1440 series now can have dual analog output and up to 8 input channels.

The NI PCI-6221 board is used by Neobiosystems to control their ( PatchMAX 100A ) and jClamp will work with their system to provide user friendly patch clamp and two electrode voltage clamp solutions.

User choice of Dual frequency Cm calulation from f1, f2, or aveage of both.

Phase Sensitive Detector (PSD) exposed for phase analysis.

Automatic fusion event analysis.

Easy capacitance measures new method based on actual angle of dY/dCm perfect at last!!.

Average after all episodes are run or average each episode before continuing to the next episode..

Smart averaging only average as many runs as required to reach a desired signal to noise ratio!.

More flexible delivery of frequency stimuli.

Axon 1322A support.

Storage view in Analysis mode view two data file plots simultaneously (previously opened and current) .

Independent analysis and data collection CM calibrations file loading.

Streamlined generation of command protocols from ABF data files .

User choice of detrending of raw data prior to CM analysis (Technical Note released) .

NI PCI-MIO-16E-1, NI PCI-MIO-16E-4 support.

Fitting with user supplied equations.

Now measure capacitance with either 2-Sine analysis or Phase tracking.

Very detailed information for all files in data directory in data load window when info button is pressed.

IV plot window calculates reversal potential, and slope resistance; multiple I-v plots for comparison.

Quick notes window allows button click insertion of pre assembled, often used notes into the log file.

Conditional scripting with parameters from Cell Censor. For example, wait for membrane resistance to reach a certain value before running a protocol.

DCM files are only saved when enabled in ini file under History tab.

CED Power 1401 support. Four DAC outputs; control four patch clamp amplifiers. Channel watch channels moved from 2-5 to 4-7 for all boards. Shell out (from Data Load window) to Adobe Acrobat or reader to look at lab notebooks. I suggest that you scan in your hand written notebooks as an image and place a PDF conversion into each day's data directory for viewing. NT and 2000 support for Labmaster DMA and Daqp 308 boards. jClamp for the old Labmaster DMA board is FREE!!! No license needed. Great for student labs!!!! Break out those old boards and put them in some new, fast and cheap computers.

jClamp for the Labmaster DMA is free -- no license required. Remember the free license is only available when the ini file is set to use the Labmaster board or axdd1200 board (under gain tab). Set the proper address for the Labmaster! The Labmaster board is controlled exclusively through Port I/O witht the jClamp VXD or SYS driver. The only differences with the hardware setup required by pClamp is that the ports A0-A7 should all be configured for output. A7 is scope trigger. See the hardware manusal. B0 is trigger input. C channels are not used. 2-sine protocols are supported. Win 2000/XP Pro performance is superior. The Axon 1200 board needs the DriverLinx installation (NT version for Win2000 and above). Axon supplies the drivers. Email me if you have a problem getting them. Axoscope 9.0.2.05 supports the board, so you must use that program to verify that everything is working before using jClamp. Normally, if there is no hardware license the registration window will appear, indicating that the license is software only or that so many days are left in the hardware fulldemo license. For the free labmaster or Axon 1220 support, there is no license, so the register window will open. If you want to bypass that window you may create a shortcut on the Windows desktop to jclamp32.exe, as you would do for any other program. The shortcut made during jClamp installation cannot be edited, you need to create an editable one by going to the jClamp directory and right ckick over the jClamp32.exe file and send shortcut to the desktop. Then you can edit the new shortcut. In the properties window, target line, you should append the word "skip_reg". For example, <"C:\Program Files\jclamp32\JCLAMP32.EXE" skip_reg> is taken from the target line of a shortcut. It will run jclamp but not display the registration window. You could also specify a particular ini file other than the default jclamp32.ini by doing the following. <"C:\Program Files\jclamp32\JCLAMP32.EXE" my_ini_file.ini skip_reg>. Note there is a space after the executable name and between the ini filename and "skip_reg".

Multiple stopwatches.

Streaming video capture and playback; record video during data collections; control through script or via Look! video window. Screen shots available from scripts.

CM calibration changed to provide more resolutions. accalib.prm and accalibi.prm are revised. Please recalibrate to use extra resolutions. Remember to check proper function with electrical model!!!!!

Channel watch is functional (if enabled) even when CC is not running.

Conditional scripting. Continue scripting after switch from/to current/voltage mode or based on values obtained from analog Channel Watch (e.g. based on temperature change reading).

Ability to transfer voltage clamp holding current to current clamp upon mode switch. Also, current clamp membrane potential to voltage clamp.

Ability to set all partition start voltages/currents to holding level in Command Build Utility. Useful when passing hold from Cell Censor to protocol.

Better memory management in Win 98. IniEditor can now be opened from within jClamp without "out of memory" error. Tested with 128 Meg memory system.

Automation link with SigmaPlot 2000, Excel 9, MATLAB 5.3 and Origin 6. Rapid data transfer and plot generation. May work with some earlier versions. Enable use for each program seperately in jclamp ini file. Scripting of application commands in jClamp analysis scripts.

Two sine FFT based CM tracking now supported under current clamp.

Ability to use data file (abf) traces as commands in Command Build utility. Automatic generation of command parameter files from abf data files. For example, immediately stimulate cells in current clamp with currents obtained under voltage clamp. Also, FFT can now be computed on any portion of data trace with automatic zero padding.

Support for the National Instruments PCI-MIO-16EX-10 (10 usec) and PCI-6052E (3 usec) boards, 16 bit A/D, D/A-- boards with breakout about $2K.

Support for the IOtech daq2000 PCI board. 16 bit A/D, D/A @ 100kHz -- board is $500! Cabling and breakout extra. Important -- contact me before getting one (there is a glitch on analog out).

High time and magnitude resolution capacitance measures during episodic protocols! Measure capacitance, Rs, Rm simultaneous with your favorite step, ramp or AC protocols. Automatic analysis. Episode length up to 1 million pts for Axon boards and IOtech daq2000 -- measure voltage induced capacitance changes up to 10 seconds per episode (@ 10 us clock)! 10 million pts for National Instruments boards!

Real time monitoring of cell and clamp characteristics in Cell Censor Window. Full control over two patch clamps. Channel 0/0 [A/D- D/A ](patch clamp #1), channel 1/1 [A/D - D/A] (patch clamp #2), both channels or junctional coupling possible. Pseudo-simultaneous measures under current and voltage clamp on channel 0 and 1 in Cell Censor. Automatic pulse polarity flip-flop for charge buildup control.

Four additional channels can sample peripherals (e.g., pressure monitor) at user selected rates

Works with either the DigiData 1200, 1200A or 1320 series boards from Axon Instruments, Labmaster DMA, IOtech daq2000, National Instruments PCI-MIO-16EX-10 and PCI-6052E boards or Quatech DAQP-308 PCMCIA -- have Lap can Clamp!

I suggest a Hauppauge video capture card - you can get them without the TV tuner for less than $100.

Connect to Hauppauge  to check out the Hauppauge WinTV PCI video boards

Connect to NI  to check out the PCI-MIO-16XE-10 board and connection hardware

Connect to NI  to check out the PCI-6052E board and connection hardware

Connect to Iotech  to check out the daq2000 board and connection hardware

Connect to Axon Instruments  to check out the 1320 series systems

Connect to Quatech  to check out the Daq-308 PCMCIA card and connection hardware

Connect to CED  to check out the CED Power 1401

Connect to Scientific Solutions  to check out the new Labmaster Boards and connection hardware

Convert digital outputs to analog outputs with the optional DAX (D/A eXtra) hardware add-on. Control up to four more amplifiers. Monitor seal formation, set holding potentials, monitors cell characteristics, synchronous episodic delivery.

Four channel graphical history display of selectable cell and clamp characteristics - time window user adjustable.

Graphically view seal formation with frequency varying audio cues.

Customizable initialization settings for individual users - including graphic ID in Cell Censor window. Separate initialization file editor.

Automatic data directory naming, file naming and saving.

Powerful graphical voltage/current protocol build utility. Episode length up to 10 million for National Instruments boards, 1 million pts for Axon boards and IOtech daq2000, 128k pts for Labmaster and DAQP-308. Step, ramp and AC stimuli (one, two or three sine; chirp). Dual command protocols support simultaneous current and/or voltage clamp. Gap free collection is supported. Full command waveform scaleable based on user scale factor set in INI file. For example, with a button press increase or decrease the wave form magnitude by a factor of 2 about the holding level. Additionally, toggleable timing increments by a factor of 2. Automatic saving of individual runs during averaging.

Protocols can be run at the press of a key or click of a button. External file based user stimulus incorporation. Arbitrary number of input channels and order of input channels in parameter files. Analog output is through channel 0 or channel 1, or both simultaneously. Each parameter file contains information for separate and distinct command waveforms for each output channel. Random episode delivery; auto supplemental A/D gain (1-8X) {Axon 1200, DAQP-308 and daq2000 boards}; dual telegraph inputs to control gain and clamp type, and monitor capacitance and filter frequency.

Digital output during, before, after or synchronous (depends on board) with analog output.

TTL or key triggerable starts - full run or individual episodes.

Text, audio and video (time lapse grabs, or linked to data collections[after each average, or episode]) clips can be saved, and easily retrieved and played during analysis. Any Windows compatible cards with wav audio drivers and video for Windows drivers will work.

Script files can run individual protocols or loops can be programmed; wait periods are allowed between protocols and during these periods cell and clamp characteristics are continuously monitored and saved to disk. Control holding potentials (main board and DAX); output serial port commands, e.g. to control external hardware [GPIB under construction]; set digital out ports; trigger video capture or time lapse capture.

Scripts can be automatically canceled if one or more particular cell or clamp characteristic crosses a predefined threshold; e.g., if resting membrane resistance (Rm) drops below 50 Mohm or if electrode resistance rises higher than 40 Mohm.

Analysis features are smooth and graphical. Axes or scale bars. User text on plot. Episode math, file math, fitting of exponentials, Boltzmanns, FFT. Residual series resistance correction, cursor based analysis, IV plots, togglable leakage subtraction (view raw or subtracted traces), x-axis data shifts. Exporting of data to abf, atf, ascii, or matlab. Copy plots to clipboard for paste in word processors. Trace comparator - combine traces from Analysis window into new window for comparison across files.

Data file loading is enhanced by the ability to view key items in the file before loading; e.g. data owner, cell and clamp characteristics immediately prior to data collection, parameter file name, sampling clock, number of channels etc.

All data collected can be summarized in printed form. Each protocol and associated data traces are printed along with key protocol parameter information - four data files per page. All cell and clamp characteristics for each cell studied are plotted versus time.

Data files can be selected by parameter filename and printed or plotted on screen (plots have selectable interplot periods and a pause feature).

Each data file has appended the parameter file in ASCII format, allowing the display of all information in the build utility during data loading. Key ASCII information can be searched for and files save to a new directory for group analysis.

Logging implemented. Recall and play (abf, cc, cm, not [audio, video, text, cc clip] ) files from log window with button click. Search logs for information. Show all logs on disk. Edit them. Log is run from Main menu bar in jClamp (when in Analysis mode), or can be run as an independent program (jc_log.exe).

Capacitance tracking allows monitoring of cell characteristics using two sine FFT based analysis with analog and/or digital stimulation (prepulse, incrementing pulse, ramp) at 2.5 or 5ms resolution and noise of 10fF (model cell with 200 MHz Pentium). Additionally, capacitance, Rs, Rm can be measured simultaneously with your favorite step, ramp or AC protocols. Automatic analysis. Very powerful feature!

Analysis scripts. (under construction)

Binary save of Cell Censor and CM tracking data files. Faster save and load, and smaller size. Ability to save in ASCII format set in INI file.

"Screen Shots" to save jClamp window arrangements for instant retrieval; Collapsible Cell Censor window. Sizable plotting window during data collection (drag to size). Unobtrusive RPD window, updated searchable help file (including help on the new features). Screen shots can be loaded at the command line in a shortcut -- "jClamp.exe myinifile.ini collect.scn" will bypass the Identity login form and load the saved screen format.

Files may be downloaded for a trial examination.

email me for a 30 day hardware license; please include your affiliation, operating system and hardware.

I suggest a fast computer (>1GHz), at least 512 Meg memory, and fast video! jClamp is a large program. It works best in Win NT, 2000, XP, Vista or Win7/8 - for those boards which can work in these environments. Cm tracking with the Axon 1200 board has problems in Win NT if run from Cell Censor but not within command protocols.

	Name	Last Modified	Size	Description
	jClamp Help file	31-Oct-2020	6.3M	jClamp Help file (jclamp32.chm); to view you may need to unblock in the security tab of the file properties (alternatively, see Web Help above)
	jclamp32_v38.5.0.msi	23-April-2024	83M	New 32 bit (v 38.5.0) version setup files [make sure to check below for an updated jc_exe.exe]. The new jClamp version will work in Windows Win11/Win10/Win7/Vista/XP/NT/2000/Me and /98. See above for features. Per-machine license required. Software demo license included. Time-limited hardware license see below. Read getting started.
	jc_exe.v.38.*.*.exe	Whenever	1.1M	New 32 bit executable (do not use with previous versions before the latest posted full install - look here for newer executables - the link will be empty if no update exists). The file has a version that indicates the version of extracted jClamp32.exe. Place in jclamp32 directory, double-click to extract jclamp32.exe and select overwrite to replace the old version. No need for full install if posted full version was installed. jClamp will check automatically to see if a new version is available.
	ax_driv.TXT	23-Oct-2000	1K	installed Axon driver files
fulldemo.lic	Monday	1K		Email me. 30 day hardware license for evaluation of jClamp or FastLook. Rename to jclamp32.lic and replace the software-only license file in the jclamp32 directory, or rename to fastlook.lic and replace the software-only license file in the fastlook directory.

Connect to Axon Instruments  to download Axoscope and the Digidata drivers for Win95/98 and WinNT

Copyright 1996-2024 J. Santos-Sacchi [SciSoft]
Last modified: Aprin 23, 2024 (hg)