Phenome Technologies Hardware Manual
Overview
The Hardware Manual is Phenome Technologies' primary field reference for our circadian cabinets, automated feeders, and activity-monitoring hardware. It documents the same RS-485 command interfaces, sensor board addressing, wiring diagrams, calibration procedures, and troubleshooting steps that we use when supporting labs in the field.
The document exists as a living document on our Google Drive, and will be updated as new hardware is developed, and additional information becomes available.
A Complete Hardware Reference
Circadian Cabinets
Sensor boards, hub boards, lamp timer light control, stacking configurations, filters, and thermoneutral cabinet setup.
RS-485 Network
Serial wiring, interface setup, and how the PhenomeLab connection ties cabinets and feeders together on the bus.
Automated Feeders
Addressing, drop commands, fuse and sensor checks, hopper operation, and reprogramming procedures.
Activity Monitoring
Running wheel and PIR sensors, mechanical switches, breakout boxes, cabinet data rails, and reading activity data.
Cages
Standard and wheel cages, lids, water bottles, cleaning guidance, and alternative cage compatibility.
Software
PhenomeLab installation and setup, including where hardware settings are configured.
Troubleshooting
Diagnostic steps for sensor boards and automated feeders when hardware isn't behaving as expected.
Glossary & References
Terminology used throughout the manual, plus supporting references for further reading.
Why We Keep This as a Living Document
We update the Hardware Manual whenever we ship a new hardware revision, release firmware, or refine a setup procedure based on questions from the field. Because everyone opens the same Drive file, a bookmark or shared link always points to the latest revision, so there's no outdated PDF circulating in a lab's shared drive.
If you're following a specific procedure for a live experiment, we recommend confirming it matches your hardware revision before proceeding. If anything looks out of date or unclear, let us know and we'll update it.
Explore More Resources
Browse application notes, case studies, and other technical guides, or reach out if you have a question about your hardware.