# Why use trial control?

Start and stop data acquisition

Trial Control allows you to automate your experiment. Let EthoVision XT control the start and stop of data acquisition (tracking) depending on time, the behavior of the subjects and other conditions. For example:

▪Start tracking when the subject is released and detected in the open field.

▪Start tracking at exactly 12:30:00, and stop tracking after one hour.

▪Stop tracking when the rat has reached the platform in the Morris water maze, or one minute after the start in any case.

▪Stop tracking after the animal has been in the closed arms of the Elevated plus maze for five minutes.

▪Stop tracking when the subject has explored an object for five minutes.

See also

▪The Start-Stop trial rule

Advanced Trial Control

With the EthoVision XT Trial and Hardware Control Module, you can also:

▪Define conditioning routines for the subject, based on sequences of conditions and actions that are repeated a number of times (sub-rules).

▪Control hardware devices, like a pellet feeder, or the arms of a radial maze.

Your EthoVision XT license must include the Trial and Hardware Control module.

For more information about advanced trial control options, see the EthoVision XT 19 - Trial and Hardware Control - Reference Manual.