Revision Date: 9/2/2022

Siemens Prisma 3T MRI Scanner

User Guide

Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center

University of California, Los Angeles
 Revision Date: 9/2/2022

BMC Contacts ............................................................................................................................... 1

Scanner Operation ........................................................................................................................ 2
• How to do a “Standby” Reboot ............................................................................... 2
• How to Turn Off the MRI Scanner/Computer (Full Shutdown)............................. 3
• How to Turn on the MRI Scanner/Computer ......................................................... 4
• MR Scanner Error Save Log ................................................................................... 4
• How to Check the System Manager........................................................................ 5
• How to Restart the Coldhead .................................................................................. 6
• How to Reboot the Chiller ...................................................................................... 7
Re-import DICOM Data .............................................................................................................. 8
• How to Map a Dicom Network Folder on the Scanner Console ............................ 8
Export and Save Raw Data Files (.RDA and Raw) ................................................................... 9
• How to Map a Non-Dicom Network Folder on the Scanner Console .................... 9
• How to Create a Spectroscopy .RDA File .............................................................. 9
• How to Transfer Raw Data Using TWIX Software .............................................. 10
How to Burn a CD From The Scanner Console ....................................................................... 11
Prisma Cleanup Procedures....................................................................................................... 12
• General Cleanup Guidelines ................................................................................. 12
Squeeze Ball/Button Alarm ........................................................................................................ 13
• What to do when the Squeeze Ball/Button Alarm Goes Off ................................ 13
• Reset the Table ...................................................................................................... 13
How to Run the Daily Stability Warmup ................................................................................. 14
• Setting up the Phantom ......................................................................................... 14
• Register Phantom .................................................................................................. 14
• Running Scans ...................................................................................................... 14
• Registration Pictures ............................................................................................. 15
How to Run the ABCD Phantom QA........................................................................................ 16
• Setting up the Phantom ......................................................................................... 16
• Register the Phantom ............................................................................................ 17
• Running Scans ...................................................................................................... 18
• Registration Pictures ............................................................................................. 19
How to Trigger Test Stimuli/Tasks ........................................................................................... 20
• Setting up the Phantom ......................................................................................... 20
• Register Phantom .................................................................................................. 20
• Running Scans ...................................................................................................... 20
• Registration Pictures ............................................................................................. 21
Quality Assurance: How to Check Your Scan Data ................................................................ 22
• Check Your Localizer ........................................................................................... 22
• Verify Full Coverage of the Brain ........................................................................ 22
• Check for Dropout in Your Slices ........................................................................ 24
• Check to Make Sure Your Head Coils Are Attached ........................................... 24
• Check That the Table is at Isocenter ..................................................................... 24
• Check Your AutoAlign Angle .............................................................................. 24
Coil Warnings - Protocol Was Fixed......................................................................................... 25
• Main Reasons for Coil Warnings .......................................................................... 25
• Anterior or Posterior Protocol Fixed Warning Messages ..................................... 25
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•
Resolution ............................................................................................................. 25
•
Wrong Coil Protocol Fixed Warning Messages ................................................... 25
Prisma VE11C Software Bugs ................................................................................................... 26
• AutoAlign Re-Run Failure.................................................................................... 26
• AP/PA Copy Reference Issue ............................................................................... 27
• Reconstruction Error (aka Blob error) .................................................................. 27
Prisma VE11C Scanner Warnings/Messages/Errors .............................................................. 28
• Adjustment Measurement Was Aborted ............................................................... 28
• Gradient Power Amplifier Warning...................................................................... 28
• Participant Registration Errors .............................................................................. 30
Preparation Scans (aka dummy time)....................................................................................... 31
• Preparation Scans (dummy time) for CMRR/HCP Multiband Sequences ........... 31
• Preparation Scans (dummy time) for Regular BOLD Sequences ......................... 31
• Slice Timing for BOLD Sequences and other BOLD Questions ......................... 31
• How to Manually Trigger Stimuli......................................................................... 32
Current Designs Button Box and Trigger Setup (FORP 932) ................................................ 33
• Device Selection ................................................................................................... 33
• Response Settings ................................................................................................. 33
• Troubleshooting .................................................................................................... 34
Siemens Talk Box Setup ............................................................................................................. 37
Optoacoustics Headphone and Microphone Setup .................................................................. 38
• Positioning the Participant .................................................................................... 38
• Setting up the Opto Console ................................................................................. 38
• Using Active Noise Cancellation .......................................................................... 39
• Troubleshooting Tips ............................................................................................ 40
BOLDScreen LCD ...................................................................................................................... 42
• Specifications ........................................................................................................ 42
• Turning on the LCD .............................................................................................. 42
• Positioning the Participant .................................................................................... 42
• Troubleshooting Tips ............................................................................................ 43
How to use E-Prime with the Desktop Computer and LCD ................................................... 44
• Duplicate/Mirrored Display with E-Prime............................................................ 44
• Extended Display with E-Prime............................................................................ 44
• Switching from Extended Display to Duplicate/Mirrored Display ...................... 44
Siemens Physiological Device Setup .......................................................................................... 45
• ECG/Respiratory Setup ......................................................................................... 45
• Pulse Setup ............................................................................................................ 45
How to Use FIRMM to Monitor Motion during BOLD scans................................................ 46
• Quick Overview .................................................................................................... 46
• Setup the Scanner Console.................................................................................... 46
• Setup the Computer to View FIRMM .................................................................. 46
• Using FIRMM ....................................................................................................... 47
• HCP Guidelines (see full HCP SOP for more details) .......................................... 48
• After the Scan is Complete ................................................................................... 48
How to Use the MR Camera ...................................................................................................... 49
• Quick Overview .................................................................................................... 49
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•
Equipment ............................................................................................................. 49
•
Camera Setup ........................................................................................................ 49
•
Participant Setup ................................................................................................... 50
•
Camera Cleanup .................................................................................................... 50
•
Troubleshooting Tips ............................................................................................ 50
Equipment Manuals.................................................................................................................... 51
• Current Designs Button Box and Trigger Manual - Forp 932 .............................. 51
• ViewPoint Eyetracker User Guide* ...................................................................... 51
• ViewPoint Eyetracker Data Analysis Guide* ....................................................... 51
• Optoacoustics Manual ........................................................................................... 51
• MRI Safety Manual............................................................................................... 51
Movie List .................................................................................................................................... 52
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BMC Contacts

1. Ludmila Budilo Building Manager x52699

2. Mary Susselman PET/MRI Tech x64291
3. Trent Thixton Lead MRI Tech x59217
4. Dr. Roger Woods Center Director x44057
5. BMC Techs [email protected] (424) 652-6290
6. BMC Emergency ONLY Line: 323-999-1593

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Scanner Operation

How to do a “Standby” Reboot

This type of reboot clears most errors and takes approximately 7-10 minutes

1. Make sure the scanner bed is at the home position (all the way up and all the way out)
2. If a coil is on the table, all elements should be plugged in
3. Click the “System” tab at the top of the screen
4. Click on “Control”

5. Click the “Meas & Recon” Tab

6. Click “Standby”

7. Click “Yes” to the pop up message if needed

8. The system will take 1-2 minutes to turn off – you will hear a “clunk” when the
equipment shutdowns and the LCD above the bore in the scanner room will turn off

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9. Wait a few seconds and then press the “system on” button on the Siemens scanner control
box located on the wall next to the MR Scanner window

10. When the scanner starts booting up, the LCD screen in the scanner room will turn back
on
11. It will take approximately 6 minutes for the system to completely boot up

How to Turn Off the MRI Scanner/Computer (Full Shutdown)

This type of full shutdown takes approximately 20 minutes – try this method if a “Standby”
reboot did clear the issue

1. Make sure the scanner bed is at the home position (all the way up and all the way out)
2. If a coil is on the table, all elements should be plugged in
3. Click the “System” tab at the top of the screen
4. Click on “End Session”

5. Click “Shutdown System”

6. It will take approximately 5 minutes before you see “it is now safe to turn off your
computer”

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7. Press the blue “system off” button on the Siemens scanner control box located on the
wall next to the MR Scanner window
8. Wait 5min before turning the system back on

How to Turn on the MRI Scanner/Computer

1. You must first press the “system on” button on the Siemens scanner control box located
on the wall next to the MR Scanner window

2. It will take approximately 15 minutes for the system to completely boot up

3. After a successful reboot you will hear 3 small beeps and the LCD will come back on

MR Scanner Error Save Log

1. If you ever have a scanner problem that requires you to reboot, it is very important to
make a MR Save Log entry BEFORE you reboot the system
2. This log entry helps the Siemens engineer isolate the scanner problem and expedite the
system repair. To make a MR Save Log entry, you must do the following:
• At the top of the screen – click system, then control, then tools
• Click on “Save system log files”
o You will see a box pop up with script on a black background, LEAVE
THIS ALONE!
o Another box will pop up where you can input the problem
o Fill out the “User” section and then click OK
o You must wait until the black pop box with script closes before you can
proceed to reboot, scan etc
3. Please email [email protected] with details of the problem

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How to Check the System Manager

1. Click the “System” tab at the top of the screen
2. Click on “Control”

3. You will get a “System Manager” pop-up box - within the “System Manager” box you
can check that the “Host,” “Meas & Recon ” and “Periphery” components are working
properly

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How to Restart the Coldhead

1. In case of a power-surge, or other problem, the Coldhead may need to be restarted
2. You will know the Coldhead has been shut off if you do NOT hear the steady “chirping”
noise in the scanner room
3. Enter the equipment room (through the sliding glass door) and look at the south wall (as
shown below)

4. The coldhead is the white “box” next to the large cabinet

5. Walk over and look at the front of the coldhead and you will see the Coldhead controls
(shown above)
6. Press the ON button and the Coldhead should turn back on
7. Please be sure to notify [email protected] and/or Dr. Woods if this occurs

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How to Reboot the Chiller

1. Contact a tech before you do this ([email protected])
2. If you get “cooling errors” while scanning you can try to reboot the chiller to clear the
faults, some examples include:
• Cooling System: EPC Temperature High
• Cooling System: Return Pressure Low
• Cooling bypass
3. Enter the equipment room (through the sliding glass door) and look at the south wall (as
shown below)
4. Locate the key to the chiller cabinet on the ledge (red circle)
5. Unlock the cabinet (green circles)

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2

6. Turn off the 3 breakers in the chiller cabinet (orange squares), wait 5 seconds and then
turn them back on
7. Then do a “Standby” scanner reboot (not a restart or full shutdown) – this takes 10
minutes
8. Please be sure to notify [email protected] and/or Dr. Woods if this occurs

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Re-import DICOM Data

How to Map a Dicom Network Folder on the Scanner Console

1. Click control and click escape key

2. Click Advanced User and input password if not already logged in (contact techs for the
password)
3. Click control and click escape key
4. Click Computer
5. Disconnect any other network drives that may still be mapped – right click on the drive
and choose disconnect
6. Click on “Map Network Drive” on the top tool bar
7. When the box pops up choose an available drive, Z drive is the default, if it is being used
choose the next available letter (i.e. Y, X, W etc) – DO NOT use drive M
8. Under “Folder” choose the path \\10.2.0.98\DICOM7 (or whichever dicom you are trying
to access dicom7 is the current data directory)
9. Click on “Connect using different credentials" then click finish
10. Log in with your NRB credentials (don't forget the \bmap) before your name
• bmap\username
• Password
11. Navigate to your group folder and choose the participant folder that you want to import
12. Right click on the folder and click Copy
13. Now, open up Computer – then, Med System C: Temp/_User_Data (select a temp folder
or create a new one)
14. Paste the copied files into the Temp folder
15. Now go to the Patient Browser – Transfer – Import from Off Line
16. A box pops up for you to browse the Temp folder
17. Select your Temp folder (i.e. C: Temp/User_Data/Woods)
18. Select scan folder that you want to import
19. This loads the images/sequence to the patient browser
20. You can now export raw data or import sequences into your exam card
21. When you are done, go to Computer right click on the drive you mapped and click
disconnect - this will log you out

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Export and Save Raw Data Files (.RDA and Raw)

How to Map a Non-Dicom Network Folder on the Scanner Console

1. Click control and click escape key

2. Click Advanced User and input password if not already logged in (contact techs for the
password)
3. Click control and click escape key
4. Click Computer
5. Disconnect any other MRIFILE drives that may still be mapped – right click on the drive
and choose disconnect
6. Click on “Map Network Drive” on the top tool bar
7. When the box pops up choose an available drive, Z drive is the default, if it is being used
choose the next available letter (i.e. Y, X, W etc) – DO NOT use drive M
8. Under “Folder” choose the path \\10.2.0.98\ MRIFILE or enter the path name manually if
this is your first time mapping the drive
9. Choose your group folder
10. This drive will allow you to save raw data etc into the network folder instead of on a usb
drive
11. Click on “Connect using different credentials" then click finish
12. Log in with your NRB credentials (don't forget the \bmap) before your name
• bmap\username
• Password
13. When you are done close the non-dicom folder windows
14. Right click on the drive you mapped and click disconnect - this will log you out
15. If your non-dicom NRB account is not working – save the raw data on the C: Drive in
Temp/YourName/ParticipantID folder
16. Note – please remember to periodically delete saved data from your non-dicom folder
and scanner console temp folder – data is not meant to stay in these folders indefinitely as
there is limited space

How to Create a Spectroscopy .RDA File

1. Enable the advanced user mode (contact techs for the password)
2. Click control and click escape key
3. Pull the scan back from the server if necessary
4. Go to the spectroscopy tab
5. Click the file browser
6. Load the spectrum of interest in the spectroscopy tab
7. Then click on the spectrum you want to create an .rda file for
8. Click options on the tool bar
9. Then click export raw data
10. Copy and paste these files into a temp folder on the C drive - typically your group will
have their own temp folder
11. You can then move/copy it to a flash drive or a non-dicom folder
12. This data does not get overwritten as long as you have the scan data

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13. Data needs to be manually deleted from the temp folder and non-dicom folder

How to Transfer Raw Data Using TWIX Software

1. Enable the advanced user mode (you will need a tech for this step)
2. Click control and click escape key
3. Open the command terminal
4. Type: TWIX - then press enter
5. All raw data will be listed
6. Select the raw data you wish to save by choosing the correct participant ID and sequence
7. Right click on it and choose the top option "copy total raid file"
8. Copy and paste these files into a temp folder on the C drive - typically your group will
have their own temp folder
9. These files can then be copied to a non-dicom folder or flash drive
10. Data needs to be manually deleted from the temp folder and non-dicom folder

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How to Burn a CD From The Scanner Console

1. Open the second disc drive on the scanner desktop computer and insert a blank DVD or
CD (must be –R)
2. Open the patient browser on the console once the blank CD has loaded (takes about
30sec)
3. Highlight the participant's parent level folder for the whole scan or any individual
sequences you want to burn (use CTRL to highlight multiple seq at once)
4. Click Transfer and then Export to… (if Export is grayed out the CD hasn't loaded yet)
5. Choose DVD-R then click Export
6. Name the CD and make sure the viewing tool check box is checked
7. Click OK
8. When it is done click Transfer at the top of the patient browser and Eject DVD-R

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Prisma Cleanup Procedures

General Cleanup Guidelines

CLEAN ANYTHING THAT YOU OR THE PARTICIPANT TOUCHED
1. Put the head coil away in the coil cabinet with top attached
2. All cables should be untangled and placed on the appropriate hooks completely off the
ground to prevent being stepped on (please see below pictures)
3. All equipment (goggles, headphones, button box, squeeze ball/button etc) that you used
should be wiped down with Saniwipes to disinfect
4. The button response box should be disconnected and store in the appropriately labelled
drawer - the button response box sleeve should be removed if used
5. The squeeze ball should be coiled at the end of the bed
6. One sandbag should be left on the white cart
7. The Opto box should be turned off at back of box
8. The Opto audio cable should be unattached from audio source and coiled up in the
drawer
9. The trigger, LCD HMDI, goggle VGA and EPI cables should be coiled and stored
10. The Res Tech system should be turned to “Off” under “System” – you do not need to turn
off the “Visor”
11. The LCD switch box should be turned off
12. The goggles, EXT and EPI buttons should be turned off on the desktop switch box
13. Everything is labelled for your convenience
14. Note: the top of the cart is now a suitable place to set the top of the coil and/or mirror
when you are setting up your participant

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Squeeze Ball/Button Alarm

What to do when the Squeeze Ball/Button Alarm Goes Off

1. Stop the scanner using the mouse and clicking the stop icon in the lower left on the
console screen
2. To clear the alarm, press the talk button on the intercom associated with the squeeze ball
- Siemens (#2 talk or #3 alarm) or headphones button - Res Tech (TALK) you gave the
participant
3. Talk to your participant through the intercom system associated with the headphones you
gave your participant (res tech, siemens or opto system)

4. DO NOT press the “Stop” button (#1) on the Siemens Talk Box
5. If you press this, you will need to reset the table
6. To reset the table follow the below instructions

Reset the Table

1. Press the (#7) button on the side of the intercom box
2. Go into the scanner room and simultaneously press the Table Up and Table Down button

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How to Run the Daily Stability Warmup

Setting up the Phantom

1. Place the phantom and phantom cushion inside the either the 20, 32 or 64 channel head
coil (round end at top of coil)
2. Secure the top half of the head coil by clicking it in and plugging in cable(s) if necessary
3. Raise the table
7. Turn on the laser light and set the landmark
8. Slide the table fully into the scanner
9. Close and flip the air seal on the scanner door

Register Phantom
1. Press the “little person” key on the keyboard to bring up the registration screen
2. Enter phantom information (all required fields are indicated in bold except required data
destination= Referring physician)
• Last Name = enter information in the following format – Stability-date-of-
scan_name-of-scanner.
• e.g. “Stability082609_Prisma”
• Patient ID = copy the information from the Last Name field to the Patient ID
field.
• Sex = “other”
• Age = “18”
• Height = “5ft”
• Weight = “125 lbs”
• Referring Physician = select “QC Group”
• Patient Position = select “Head First Supine”
3. Click “Exam”
4. Another box will pop up
• Choose Study = Daily_Stability_Test _Prisma
• Choose stability sequence based on the head coil you used (BMC_20ch,
BMC_32ch or BMC_64ch etc)
• Click “Confirm”

Running Scans
1. Press the green play button to start the first localizer
2. First stability sequence will open itself – center the box on the phantom and then click
“the green check”
3. The other stability sequences will automatically copy the slice locations from the first
stability sequence and will automatically start (you will not need to click continue)
4. When scanning is complete, remove the phantom/holder and place them securely in the
phantom cabinet bin

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Registration Pictures

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How to Run the ABCD Phantom QA

The ABCD phantom should be run at least once per week. This QA protocol may take
the place of the daily warmup. The full version takes 29min and the quick version takes
16min.

Setting up the Phantom

1. Place the spherical ABCD phantom inside 32 (ABCD/HCP protocols) or 64 (Other) head
coil on top of the white cushion
2. Place the gray cushion in front to secure the phantom (32ch coil only)
3. Cushions are located next to the phantom in the bin
4. The cap of the phantom should be center as if it were the nose – it should line up with the
laser landmark line on the coil
5. Secure the top half of the head coil by clicking it in and plugging in cable(s) if necessary
6. Raise the table
7. Turn on the laser light and set the landmark to run through the cap
8. Slide the table fully into the scanner
9. Close and flip the air seal on the scanner door

32 Ch Coil

64 CH Coil

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Register the Phantom

1. Press the “little person” key on the keyboard to bring up the registration screen
2. Enter phantom information (all required fields are indicated in bold except required data
destination= Referring physician)
• Last Name = ABCDPhantom017_32CH or ABCDPhantom017_64CH
• Patient ID = copy the information from the Last Name field to the Patient ID
field.
• Sex = “other”
• Age = “18”
• Height = “5ft”
• Weight = “100 lbs”
• Referring Physician = select “ABCDPHANTOMGROUP”
• Patient Position = select “Head First Supine”
3. Click “Exam”
4. Another box will pop up
• Under ABCD choose the appropriate protocol:
o ABCD_QA_full__32ch (29:04min)
o ABCD_QA_quick__32ch (15:36min)
o ABCD_QA_full__64ch (29:04min)
o ABCD_QA_quick__64ch (15:36min)
• Click “Confirm”

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Running Scans
1. Press the green play button to start the first localizer
2. Set up sequence #3: SNR_Map by centering the yellow box on the phantom – it should
be placed right through the cap (the cap is circled in red below) then click the green
check (green circle)

3. Set up sequence #4 by centering the yellow box on the phantom – click the green check
4. Press ok to the “Stimulation Monitor Warning” that will pop up after #3 finishes running
– you can step away to let the sequences auto run after this step
5. The rest of the sequences will automatically copy the slice locations from #4 and run
automatically
6. When scanning is complete, remove the phantom/cushions and place them securely in the
phantom cabinet bin

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Registration Pictures

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How to Trigger Test Stimuli/Tasks

Setting up the Phantom

1. Place the phantom and phantom cushion inside the 20ch head coil (round end at top of
coil)
2. Secure the top half of the head coil by clicking it in and plugging in cable(s) if necessary
3. Raise the table
10. Turn on the laser light and set the landmark
11. Slide the table fully into the scanner
12. Close and flip the air seal on the scanner door

Register Phantom
1. Press the “little person” key on the keyboard to bring up the registration screen
2. Enter phantom information (all required fields are indicated in bold except required data
destination= Referring physician)
• Last Name = TriggerTest
• Patient ID = copy the information from the Last Name field to the Patient ID
field.
• Sex = “other”
• Age = “18”
• Height = “5ft”
• Weight = “125 lbs”
• Referring Physician = select “QC Group”
• Patient Position = select “Head First Supine”
3. Click “Exam”
4. Another box will pop up
• Choose Study = TriggerTest
• Click “Confirm”

Running Scans
1. Double check the sequence to open and then click the “the green check” to start the shim
2. When you are ready to trigger your task please the continue button
3. Don’t forget to plug the trigger cable into your computer
4. When scanning is complete, remove the phantom and place it securely in the phantom
cabin

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Registration Pictures

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Quality Assurance: How to Check Your Scan Data

EVERY sequence should be checked after completion for quality assurance. They can be opened
in the viewing tab or 3D tab for T1 and T2 sequences.

The techs will try to show everyone how to properly QA data as it is collected. Next time you are
scanning please feel free to ask for a lesson. Good scanning technique means reviewing every
sequence as you collect them!

Check Your Localizer

1. If you are running HCP/CMRR localizers, it is very helpful to review the first localizer
(not the one called localizer aligned) to confirm a good head position within the magnet

2. If you think of the brain as a full circle, the cross hair should be roughly in the middle. A
little off top to bottom is ok, but it should not be outside of the brain
3. If it is outside the brain, then the participant was not “landmarked/lasered” properly
4. If this happens stop the scan as soon as you see the issue (should be within first min of
scanning), re-laser, close the participant, re-register at second folder level and start again
• It is important to re-register so you don’t get autoalign issues from running a
second localizer
5. The laser line should be roughly at the participant’s eyebrows
• This position should correlate, if possible, with the line on the side of the coil
• If the participant’s anatomy can’t be matched up with the line due to a short neck
etc, then laser to the participant’s eyebrows only (not to the coil line)
• BUT do your best to match them both up by having participant move up or down
accordingly if possible

Verify Full Coverage of the Brain

1. After loading your sequences into the viewing tab, verify that you have full brain
coverage from the top of the head to cerebellum
2. To do this review the first and last slice
• If the participant moved up or down too much you will start to lose either the top
slices of the brain or the bottom slices (cerebellum)

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• If the participant moves to the point where you are cutting off the top or bottom
structures, stop scanning and fix the positioning
• If the position is only slightly off, you can just rerun your ‘localizer block’ to
update autoalign
• If they have moved a lot, then you will need to go in the scanner room and
reposition/re-laser them in the coil
• IMPORTANT: With either method you MUST
re-register your participant at the second folder
level to avoid the autoalign glitch
• After you re-register repeat all 5 localizer scans
if using HCP/CMRR sequences (loc, autoalign,
loc aligned and 2 spin echoes)
• Then delete any sequences you have
successfully completed and continue where you
left off
• In this picture, you will see the bottom slice
(red circle) still has a little bit of cerebellum in
it
▪ Ideally there would be only brain stem
showing, but this is usable
▪ The top slice (green circle) should be
basically empty

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Check for Dropout in Your Slices

1. Verify there is no dropout/fading throughout
your slices
2. If using CMRR/HCP sequences always
check your SBref for dropoff and stop and
repeat the scan if you encounter dropout
• A bad sbref scan will contaminate the
rest of the sequence

Check to Make Sure Your Head Coils Are

Attached
1. 32 ch: HEA HEP
2. 64 ch: HC1-7 or HC1-7;NC1,2 if using neck
elements
3. 20ch: HE1-4
4. More info on head coil warnings

Check That the Table is at Isocenter

1. It should say TP 0

Check Your AutoAlign Angle

1. Angles should be check for all sequences except localizers and spectropscopy
2. It should show a unique angle like Tra>Cor (-8.9)
3. If it says sag/sagittal or transverse or T>C -16 then autoalign was not properly applied as
these are default values

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Coil Warnings - Protocol Was Fixed

If you see warning messages while scanning, please read the message and address the issue. DO
NOT just click “OK”. Ask a tech for help if you are uncomfortable with resolving the issue on
your own. Please be vigilant, as we do not refund scans for this type of error.

Main Reasons for Coil Warnings

1. The coil wasn’t plugged in at all or properly
2. The participant was registered and the protocol was loaded into the exam card before
plugging in the coil
3. You put the wrong coil on the table Anterior (HEA)
portion of 32ch
Anterior or Posterior Protocol Fixed Warning Messages
coil not active
1. The pop-up message will let you know that it is turning off
the elements that are not plugged in properly
2. If you click “OK”, you will be approving this change and
you will lose signal from that part of the coil
3. Data collected in the manner will be suboptimal and most
likely unusable

Resolution
1. Check the coil plugs Anterior (HC1,3,5,)
2. Reseat the plug if necessary portion of 64ch coil
3. Make sure the LCD screen displays the anterior and not active
posterior elements
4. Close your patient
5. Re-register the participant and try again

Wrong Coil Protocol Fixed Warning Messages

1. The wrong coil was put on the scanner bed Coil changed
from 64ch to
• The message will let you know that it is changing
32ch
the coil to the one you put on the scanner bed
• Your data will not be “bad” per se, but you won’t be
using the proper coil for your study
• Resolution: change the coil, close and re-register
your participant
2. The protocol was not setup for the correct coil
• The message will let you know that it is changing
the coil to the one you put on the scanner bed
• Resolution: this is the only scenario where it is ok to click “OK” and proceed
• Let a tech know your protocol is setup with the wrong coil so it can be fixed
• Check which coils are turned on in the system card of the sequence after the
system auto detects the new coil to make sure they are correct
• Note – if you are using the 20ch or 64ch coils the neck elements “NC” do not
need to be on unless your study requires neck imaging

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Prisma VE11C Software Bugs

This is a list of known software bugs/glitches. If you encounter any other suspected issues,
please report them to [email protected] and during study reporting.

AutoAlign Re-Run Failure

This glitch ONLY happens if you run a second autoalign localizer/scout OR when you bring
over new sequences from the program card after already loading your protocol, but before
running your autoalign sequence. For example, if the subject had to come out to use the restroom
or be re-positioned etc. OR you need to bring over another sequence from another session etc.

• ***This is a siemens software glitch – all sequences that use autoalign are susceptible (it
is not limited to CMRR/HCP sequences)***
• Siemens has been informed of this AA glitch and reported they will not be fixing it,
so we will have to be vigilant in order to collect quality data.
• For those of you who have scheduled breaks built into to your study we highly
recommend that you turn on or make sure the working man is turned on for all post
break sequences
• The below linked SOP was made specifically for the HCP study, but it will give you an
idea of what to look for in a more detailed layout
o AutoAlign Glitch SOP

Re-register workaround if you need to rerun a localizer:

If you require an attentional autoalign scout for any reason
you MUST re-register your subject at the second folder
level
1. Close your patient
2. Open the browser
3. Find your participant and click/highlight the second
folder tree
4. Then press the registration button on the keyboard
5. This will repopulate your participant info except for patient position – choose that and
then proceed as normal
6. After you re-register repeat all 5 localizer scans if using HCP/CMRR sequences (loc,
autoalign, loc aligned and 2 spin echoes)
• If using non-HCP/CMRR just rerun any localizers or spin echoes that you use
• If must rerun spin echoes or field maps at the new position or they will not match
your data’s new localization
• Note: T1 and T2s generally should be collected at the same localization block
• Note: Pairs of DTI or Tasks (AP/PA) should be collect at the same localization
block
▪ This means, if you rerun locs after DTI_AP but before DTI_PA you will
need to rerun AP as well
7. Delete any sequences you have successfully completed before the rerun and continue
where you left off
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Workaround for adding additional sequences after you have already loaded the queue
1. Examples of adjustments you may need you make:
• Adding additional sequences from the program card after the initial load
• Appending sequences to make a copy
• Making a copying a sequence in the queue
• Using re-run from here in some cases
• If you need to do any of the above, the easiest way to avoid this specific glitch is only
make edits to your protocol queue after you finish running the autoalign scout sequence
• If you bring over/edit sequences before you start scanning or after the initial localizer, but
before the autoalign scout you may be vulnerable to encountering the autoalign glitch

AP/PA Copy Reference Issue

If you are using Siemens product sequences with different phase encoding directions (e.g. AP
then PA), you MUST NOT use the copy reference option. This glitch will change your second
PA sequence to RL. This glitch does not affect CMRR, HCP or ABCD sequences as the phase
encoding direction is controlled on the special card instead of the routine parameter card.

Workaround:
1. You must manually input the angle for each sequence if you are manually prescribing
your FOV
2. If you use autoalign and DO NOT manually adjust your FOV in any way then your scans
will not be affected and there would be no need to use copy reference

***This glitch has been reported to Siemens, but there is no way to know when and if
there will be a fix.

Reconstruction Error (aka Blob error)

This intermittent issue causes the data to not reconstruct. The scanner will acquire the data and it
will even show up in the inline display, but it does not create the reconstructed saved images.

Workaround:
1. The only way to confirm that the data has reconstructed is to review your data in the
browser
2. If it populates in the browser then it should be ok, however, as good general practice we
also recommend pulling it into the viewer to QA each sequence
3. This glitch has only happened 3 times so far at BMC, but it has happened at many other
prisma sites as well, so please be sure to check your data as you are acquiring
4. If this error does occur, you must stop scanning and do a standby shutdown on the
scanner to fix the glitch
5. Note, this will not recover the data so it is important to check each sequence as you go

***This glitch has been reported to Siemens, but there is no way to know when and if
there will be a fix. This issue has not occurred since Dec 2017.

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Prisma VE11C Scanner Warnings/Messages/Errors

Adjustment Measurement Was Aborted

If you ever encounter any kind of adjustment error try to see if the scanner will let you continue
scanning by clicking ok on the error and re-running the sequence. If you can’t continue then
perform a standby shutdown which takes about 5-7 min. Some examples are show below. Please
submit the issue as an equipment failure during study reporting.

Gradient Power Amplifier Warning

If you ever seen the below warning/orange FOV box,
1. Check your first localizer to ensure the participant’s brain is positioned correctly at
isocenter – the cross hair should be center in the brain in the head to foot direction (see
below pic)
2. If it is, then it is safe to continue scanning as is, but please alert
[email protected]
3. If it is not, stop scanning, re-laser your participant to their eyebrows, close the patient, re-
register and start again

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Participant Registration Errors

1. You cannot confirm your registration due to the below error

• This happens when there are still active sequences in the Exam Card
• Go back to the Exam card and stop (red square) or Skip (>) the remaining
sequences in the queue
• This happens when a participant aborts a scan early or the group runs out of time
and stops scanning before their protocol is complete
• Also note, you will not be able to close the patient on the Exam card until the
sequences are stopped, skipped and/or deleted

2. The registration exam button is grayed out so you cannot click it

• This means you have forgotten to complete a required field
• Required fields are in bold
• NOTE: “Date of Birth” is bold, but we use “Age” instead – please do not input a
DOB – once you input the age a general DOB will be generated
• NOTE: Referring Physician is not bold but is required to access your data

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Preparation Scans (aka dummy time)

Preparation Scans (dummy time) for CMRR/HCP Multiband Sequences

Dummy time for MB sequences is 10 sec

Preparation Scans (dummy time) for Regular BOLD Sequences

1. To ensure that a steady-state magnetization is achieved when multiple averages or
measurements are acquired, a number of preparation scans are performed at the start of
the measurement
2. The number of preparation scans is set within the sequences, and chosen so that the
preparation time is longer than 3 seconds

• TR = 500 ms 7 preparation scans

• TR > 501 ms 6 preparation scans
• TR > 601 ms 5 preparation scans
• TR > 751 ms 4 preparation scans
• TR > 1001 ms 3 preparation scans
• TR > 1501 ms 2 preparation scans
• TR = 2000 ms 2 preparation scans
• TR = 2500 ms 2 preparation scans
• TR = 3000 ms 2 preparation scans
• TR > 3001 ms 1 preparation scan

3. The preparation scans result in a longer scan time for the first measurement in a time-
series acquisition, which should be taken into account when performing BOLD imaging
4. The sequence does not send external trigger pulses when performing these preparation
scans, so that they do not have to be considered when triggering external devices for
stimulus presentation in BOLD imaging studies
5. This formula does not apply to multiband bold sequences
6. Turning iPAT on will add 1 additional prep scan
7. Turning introduction “on” will add 1 additional prep scan

Slice Timing for BOLD Sequences and other BOLD Questions

1. When EPI slice are collected in a mosaic/volume, are they interleaved or sequential?
• Interleaved (that is the default)

2. When collected interleaved, are all the odd numbered slices collected first?
• It depends on the number of slices in the group
• If there are an even # of slices then even numbered slices are collected first
• If there are an odd # of slices then odd numbered slices are collected first

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3. Is slice #1 always at the “lowest” part of the brain and the last slice at the top?
• The default “image numbering” in the transversal/axial plane is F>H - so the
bottom slice is acquired first

4. Regarding the timing of slices, is the scanner set to collect slices in an equidistant fashion
within the TR time or as fast as possible?
• Within the TR time

How to Manually Trigger Stimuli

The below video will show you how to manually trigger your stimuli if the auto trigger fails to
work.

https://uclahs.box.com/shared/static/zycfw0utds7eibdq2t4z9gpowqftoih9.mp4

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Current Designs Button Box and Trigger Setup (FORP 932)

There is no on/off switch and this device does not need to be unplugged

Device Selection
1. DO NOT set the interface settings until you plug in the button box inside the scanner
room – the button responses will not work
2. Note - you do not need to plug in a box if you only need a trigger – just choose your
interface setting with appropriate trigger (5s or Ts)
3. Click dial in once and scroll to yes in “change modes” menu and click dial once
4. Scroll to “autoconfigure” and click dial once
5. Scroll to “usb” and click dial once
6. Below is a list of available devices – autoconfigure will automatically choose the box that
is connected in the scanner room
• HHSC - 1X4-L - buttons straight in a row
• HHSC - 2X2 - split boxes, you may use just one box if applicable
o Left box sends dnwe or 9876
o Right box sends bygr or 1234
• HHSC – 2x4 - curved row of buttons, you may use just one box if applicable
• HHSC Joy-1 joystick (older model than what is on the current designs website)
• HHSC TRK-1 trackball
7. You may see other devices listed that are not available, contact BMC Techs for more info
8. Once you have selected your device, you will see the “Response Settings” menu

Response Settings
1. Scroll to applicable setting and click dial once
2. "KEY" sends the button press signal as soon as the button is pressed but stops sending
the button press signal immediately after sending it once
1. HID KEY BYGRT - use this for letter responses and T is the trigger
o this is the same as 0 setting on previous interface box
2. HID KEY 12345 - use this for number responses and 5 is the trigger
o this is the same as 4 setting on previous interface box
3. "NAR" sends the button press signal as soon as the button is pressed but keeps sending
the button press signal until the button is physically released
1. HID KEY NAR BYGRT - use this for letter responses and T is the trigger
o this is the same as 2 setting on previous interface box
o this setting is often required for psycho tool box in matlab
2. HID KEY NAR 12345 - use this for number responses and 5 is the trigger

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4. HID KEY 1-9 No 5 - for MacStim users: no trigger will be sent, must manually start scan
5. On the small screen you will see the “setting description” which includes
the device selected as well as the response setting selected
6. Be sure to plug in the trigger cable before starting your stimuli
7. Set the interface back to the “autoconfigure” menu after scan

Troubleshooting
Button Response and Trigger Interface Box

Response Lights

12345 Trigger Light

BYGRT

A. Button responses are not coming through

1. If the button response lights (red circle above) on the interface are visible, but your
computer is not receiving the responses then
• Check to make sure the trigger cable is plugged into your computer
• Check to make sure you have chosen the correct response setting (12345 or bygrt)
2. If the button response lights (red circle above) are not visible on the interface
• Check to make sure the correct button box is plugged in inside the scanner room
• Make sure your participant is pressing the buttons

B. The task is not triggering

1. Make sure the trigger cable is plugged in to your computer
2. Make sure the interface is set to the appropriate trigger value in your script (5 or T)
3. Make sure you started the scan and waited long enough for the dummy time to complete–
the trigger light (green square above) on the interface will blink once triggers are being
sent so you can watch for the signal
4. Make sure you are on the correct screen on your computer for the task to begin
(sometimes you may need to advance to another screen)
5. Check your script
6. Check the trigger cable connection on the interface box to
make sure it is secure
• the blue circle on the below picture shows where it
connects in the back of the interface box – it does
not lock in place or screw in, so just push on it
gently to make sure it is seated on the connector
• the yellow square is the other end of the
connection – this should not come loose as it screws in, but you can also check it
to make sure it is connected
• BE VERY careful not to unscrew/loosen anything else – DO NOT remove box
from velcro

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C. USB is flashing on the interface LCD screen

1. This indicates the USB trigger cable is not plugged into your computer

D. It looks like buttons are being held down because the button interface lights are on
1. Check the interface settings first – it is likely that the interface is set for the wrong box
(i.e. 2x2 instead of 1x4 etc)
2. Ask the participant if they are pressing/holding down the buttons
3. Check the actual button box to see if something is pressing against the buttons

E. Interface Menu Issues

1. If you get “lost” in the menu, just scroll down to “back” until you get to the proper men

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Siemens Talk Box Setup

1. You must use the Siemens talk box to talk & listen to your participant if you are using the
Siemens headphones or no headphones
2. You must also make sure that the volume on the scanner’s control panel is turned up so
the participant can hear the stimuli computer
3. Press the “ear” button (#4) to hear the participant
4. This is the sound that comes from bore speaker - you can use this to listen even if you use
the res tech or opto headphones
5. Make sure the sound is turned up
6. Press the “talk” button (#2) to talk to the participant
7. Make sure the sound is turned up
8. For music plug in audio device to the port labelled (#6)

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Optoacoustics Headphone and Microphone Setup

Positioning the Participant

1. You may use the Opto headphones with or without earplugs
2. Position the headphones on the participant and be sure to use pads or paper towels to take
up the extra space between the headphones and coil (this is especially important if you
are using the active noise cancellation feature)
3. Position the microphone if applicable - be sure it is almost touching the participant’s lips

Setting up the Opto Console

1. AFTER moving the participant into the bore, turn on the Opto control box
using the black switch on the back right side of the console
2. Touch the screen to continue
3. If you are playing audio (movie, music or an audio task) connect the audio
cable to either the green connection inside the white drawer for the desktop
computer or to a laptop port – the other end of this should be connected at the
back of the Opto console in “line 1”
4. The line 1 (#5) knob controls the volume of this audio
5. The left button (#4 FORMI NOISE CANCELLER) on the Opto console should always
be pressed down “On”
6. The right button (#3) should always be up (in the FORMI position) when talking to the
participant - otherwise feedback will be generated
7. During the movie or task you can press the right button down (#3 headphones position) to
hear what the participant is hearing – just don’t forget to put it back up before talking to
the participant
8. To talk to the participant press the bottom silver button (#2)
9. Use the Siemens talk box to listen to your participant’s responses

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10. The speaker knob (#8) controls the volume that you hear in the control room
11. Note: there is no volume control for the volume of your voice to the participant – please
manually adjust your voice volume if need be

Using Active Noise Cancellation

1. Only proceed to the below steps if you are using the active noise cancelling (ANC)
feature
2. Press “Start” then “Calibrate” – you should get two green check shields – participant
must be inside the bore during this step and there should be no sound playing or talking

3. When you are ready to calibrate for your BOLD runs, press the red “ANC” button in the
top right corner
4. Unplug the audio cable – this eliminates the possibility of accidentally transmitting
sounds during the calibration step
5. Press “Learn” then start your calibration scan – this takes 16 sec – it is very important to
not transmit any auditory stimuli/movie during the learn mode

6. NOTE: if you remove you participant from the bore for any reason you will need to
repeat steps 2-5
7. You are now ready to start your task

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Troubleshooting Tips
1. If you are using the active noise cancellation and get a “out of range” error this means
your volume was too high – press the “Stop” wait a couple seconds and then press
“ANC” again to reactivate the noise cancellation
2. To reboot the system, turn off the power switch on the back of the console – wait at least
20s – then turn it back on
3. If the participant can only hear out of one ear, check the balance nodes (#11 and # 13) on
the back behind the line 1/line 2 knobs – make sure it is balanced in the middle
4. If the participant can’t hear the movie or auditory stimuli check that all the correct cables
are connected, the sound on the computer is not muted and the line1 dial is turned up, if
everything is ok reset the system (step#2) to resolve the issue

5. If the participant can’t hear you, you will see a “Laser Fault” icon (see icon list
below) on the screen that says “Start” – this is the first screen after “touch screen to
continue” – try to reset the system (step#2) to resolve the issue

6. If the participant can hear “talking” during the scans (not from the movie) there was
probably sound playing or talking during the calibration setup – any noise during this step
will be dubbed into the headphones during scans – rerun calibration

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BOLDScreen LCD

Specifications
1. Resolution: 1920 x 1200 (60Hz)
2. 24” screen
3. 52cm wide
4. 151cm from the participant’s eyes to the screen

Turning on the LCD

1. For laptops: plug the LCD HDMI cable into the laptop using an adapter if needed (the
desktop is always plugged in and active)
2. Flip the power switch (red circle on picture) on the front of the black “LCD” switch box
to turn the system on
3. Use the select button (green circle on picture) to choose “L” for a laptop computer
4. Use the select button (green circle on picture) to choose “D” for the Dell Desktop
computer
5. The monitor labelled “LCD” is a duplication of what is being projected to the
participant’s screen
6. Note - the LCD takes a couple seconds to display after the switch box is turned on – it
will also start dark and lighten up automatically within seconds
7. You MUST turn off the switch box after your scan to allow the screen to go to sleep so
the static computer image does not “burn” into the display
8. Note – after turning off the LCD switch box the LCD screen will stay on for about 5 min
before going into sleep mode – this is normal

Positioning the Participant

1. Select the mirror frame and mirror for the coil you are using
2. Place the mirror frame onto the anterior portion of the coil
3. Snap the mirror onto the frame – the curved side of the mirror should point in the
direction of the participant’s feet
4. Position the mirror so that the participant can see the whole LCD screen without straining
their neck or eyes
5. Laser landmark the participant per usual (if you have trouble marking the laser with the
mirror on you may laser the participant before attaching the mirror – be sure you have the
participant close their eyes)

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6. Prescription lenses are available if needed – they range -6 to +6 and are kept in the
cabinet above the participant lockers

Troubleshooting Tips
A. The LCD is not displaying the laptop screen, but you can see the desktop computer screen
1. Select “L” on the black LCD switch box
2. If the switch box will not let you select “L” that means the laptop is not plugged in
properly
3. Check the HDMI connection cable
4. If you are using a mini displayport adapter ensure it is not plugged in upside down

B. The LCD is not displaying the laptop or desktop computer

1. Make sure you turned on the black LCD switch box
2. Make sure the connections at the back of the LCD box are plugged in and not loose –
there should be 4 cables plugged in
3. Reboot the black LCD switch box
• Turn off the power - wait 5 sec then turn it back on
• Use the select button to choose “D” or “L”
4. If you are using the desktop, switch to the BMC laptop to see if it is working
• If the laptop is working, then check the HDMI cable in the back of the dell
desktop tower
▪ please be careful not to unplug anything
▪ do not pull the tower out, but rather look behind it in its current position to
avoid unplugging cables
5. If you are using a laptop, switch to the BMC desktop to see if it is working
• If the desktop is working, then check the HDMI connection on the laptop (see A
above)
C. The LCD control room Dell monitor is displaying random colors, but the scanner room LCD
looks fine
1. Cycle the power to the control room LCD Dell monitor by unplugging its power cable
2. The power cable is located in the power strip to the left of the BMC MAC laptop on the
counter – it is labelled LCD monitor in orange label tape
3. Simply unplug it and then plug it back in – the computer screen should appear within a
few seconds

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How to use E-Prime with the Desktop Computer and LCD

Duplicate/Mirrored Display with E-Prime

1. Setup the display to work with a duplicate display E-Prime task
• You do not need to touch the desktop switch box
• Turn on the black LCD switch box and use the select button to choose "D"
• The LCD and the “LCD” monitor should turn on
2. Plug in Cables
• Plug the audio cable into the port labelled "AUDIO TO
DESKTOP"
• Plug the trigger cable into the port labelled "TRIGGER TO
DESKTOP"
3. Run task
4. After tasks, unplug the “Trigger”

Extended Display with E-Prime

1. Setup the display to work with an extended E-Prime task
• Click the "EXT" setting on the “Desktop” switch box - EXT
stands for extended
• The monitor labelled "EXTENDED" should turn on
• Turn on the black LCD switch box and use the select button
to choose "D"
• The LCD and the “LCD” monitor should turn on
• Change to extended display using the extend shortcut on the
desktop or
• Right click on the desktop and click "Display settings"
• Under "Multiple Displays" choose "Extend these displays"
2. Plug in Cables
• Plug the audio cable into the port labelled "AUDIO TO DESKTOP"
• Plug the trigger cable into the port labelled "TRIGGER TO DESKTOP"
3. Run task
4. After tasks, "Unplug the “Trigger”

Switching from Extended Display to Duplicate/Mirrored Display

1. Turn on the black LCD switch box and use the select button to choose "D"
2. Click the "EXT" setting on the “Desktop” switch box
3. Use the duplicate shortcut on the desktop or
• Right click on the desktop of the EXTENDED monitor and click "Display
settings"
• Under "Multiple Displays" choose "Duplicate these displays”

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Siemens Physiological Device Setup

ECG/Respiratory Setup
1. The ECG/Respiratory device MUST be placed into the gray holder for safety reasons–
this module should never directly touch the participant’s skin as it can heat up

Pulse Setup
1. The finger pulse device should be placed on the left ring finger – nail polish remover is
available in the scanner room drawer labelled HCP if needed (note the remover will not
work on gel nail polish)
2. The pulse device should be placed in one of the gray holders – this holder is not a safety
requirement, but rather a stability aid
3. If the pulse is not working properly (e.g. there is no pulse signal or it is erratic) check the
signal and receiver elements inside the finger cuff – these elements sometimes get twisted
so they are not showing properly through the cutouts

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How to Use FIRMM to Monitor Motion during BOLD scans

Quick Overview
Register Participant → FIRMM_session_start → Localizer → Start FIRMM Software

Setup the Scanner Console

Follow these steps every time you run an MR session
**Note – you do not need to be logged into Advanced User to run FIRMM
1. On the scanner console computer, register a new patient
2. Then press Ctrl-Esc
3. Click FIRMM_session_start
• Any scans that are acquired after this will be sent to the FIRMM computer
4. Start your scanning protocol – i.e. run your localizer

Setup the Computer to View FIRMM

PC Dell Desktop

1. Press the “Ext” button on the desktop switch box to turn on

the monitor labelled “EXTENDED”
2. Log in with NRB account
3. Click the Xming and then the Xshell shortcuts
on the bottom task bar
**If the shortcuts are missing:
a. Click the Microsoft windows icon on the bottom left
corner of the screen
b. Scroll down through the programs until you find Xming
c. Click the Xming folder and then click Xming
d. Repeat a-c Xshell 6
4. If Xming gives a “fatal error” message that means you either
clicked it twice or it is open in someone else’s account. If you
didn’t click it twice then
• Press control+alt+delete
• Choose Task Manager
• Click More details at the bottom if you can’t see tabs at
the top
• Click the Users tab
• Right click on any user name besides your own and click Sign out
• Click yes to proceeding
• Repeat this for any other user names that are still signed in

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5. A Xshell terminal and session window will open automatically **No windows/terminals
will open for Xming at this time
6. Click Connect in the Xshell session pop up window
7. Then type FIRMM (all caps) in the pop-up terminal to start the software
8. The software will take a moment to load
9. Username and password should be saved in your account if they are not
• Username: firmmproc
• PW: !@firmmuser

When FIRMM starts, an Xming terminal should open and you should see a screen like this:

Using FIRMM
1. To decrease the size of the FIRMM window press CTRL on the keyboard and scroll
down with the mouse wheel (67% is usually a good size) then use the mouse cursor to
make the window thinner from the side – resizing is not required but will allow you to
view FIRMM and the camera simultaneously
2. Before clicking start make sure you have run at least one localizer
3. Click the Start button at the top right of the FIRMM GUI window to begin monitoring
for DICOMs
4. Choose your participant from the pop-up list then click Run
5. If the participant ID does not appear in the list close popup and try again after some
DICOMs have been sent for your current session – make sure you have started FIRMM
on the scanner console and acquired at least one sequence
6. Once FIRMM has been started, it will process each bold sequence
7. There is about a 40sec delay before data is generated for each bold – the data will start to
stream from FIRMM around the same time that the inline display shows images
8. To restart, close FIRMM and relaunch the program - make sure you have collected at
least one sequence before you press start again

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9. To reload graphs from previous participants, click the Load Previous Scan button and
choose the participant
10. Close out all open windows on the dell desktop computer when you are done using
FIRMM and turn off the “ext” button on the switch box

Feedback Cancel within

if <75% 60 sec if <50%

HCP Guidelines (see full HCP SOP for more details)

1. STOP and REPEAT SCAN in the first 60 sec if the [< 0.4 mm section score] is 50% or
less (green square above)
→ 0.4 mm < 50% in first 60 sec = high motion = stop and repeat scan
2. GIVE FEEDBACK ONLY – let the participant know that their last scan showed “high
motion” if the [< 0.3 mm section score] is 75% or less (orange square above)
→ 0.3 mm < 75% = high motion = give participant feedback (do not stop scan)
3. In general, a scan with
→ 0.3 mm < 75% = high motion 
→ 0.3 mm > 90% = low motion ☺

After the Scan is Complete

1. On the scanner console computer press Ctrl-Esc
2. Click FIRMM_session_stop
• Note – sessions will also automatically stop when a new participant is registered
so this step is optional

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 Revision Date: 9/2/2022

How to Use the MR Camera

Quick Overview
EXT On → Open VLC → Ctrl+C → Play

Equipment
1. Head coil
2. Head coil mirror frame
3. MReyes cameras (mounted in the back of the bore)
4. Desktop Computer
5. Desktop switch box

Camera Setup
1. Press the EXT button on the desktop switch box to turn on the extended monitor
2. Click the VLC icon on the bottom task bar of the desktop computer or click the
windows button in the bottom left corner then scroll to find VLC in the program list
3. Pres Ctrl+C OR click Media and then Open Capture Device
4. Make sure you are in the Capture Device tab
5. Click Play

6. Select either the HR camera (custom) or regular camera on the small switch box on top of
the dell PC tower – the regular camera has a more zoomed out FOV
7. If you use the desktop computer for movies or fixation – you must switch it to extended
display to use the camera – use the extend desktop shortcut or
• Right click on the desktop and click Display settings
• Under Multiple Displays choose Extend these displays
• Drag your fixation cross or movie to the LCD monitor so you can display the
camera on the extended monitor
8. Note – the camera cannot be used
• During your task stimuli if you use the desktop computer for the task
• If you use the goggles

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 Revision Date: 9/2/2022

Participant Setup
1. Position your participant
2. Position the mirror so the participant can see the whole LCD screen
3. Landmark the participant and move them into the bore
4. Verify camera positioning
5. If needed, get a tech to adjust the camera (in the back of the bore) to see the participant’s
eyes through the mirror – this step should not need to be done unless someone has
accidentally moved the camera
6. Turn the room lights to the HCP LCD setting

Camera Cleanup
1. Close VLC
2. Change back to duplicate displays using the duplicate desktop shortcut or
• Right click on the desktop and click Display settings
• Under Multiple Displays choose Duplicate these displays
3. Turn off the extended monitor EXT on the desktop switch box

Troubleshooting Tips

1. If the camera will not stream through VLC and you get the below error then:
• Unplug and replug the USB cable in the back top right side of the PC desktop
tower – labelled MREyes
• Close VLC and try again

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 Revision Date: 9/2/2022

Equipment Manuals

Hard copies of manuals are located on the Prisma tech desk

Current Designs Button Box and Trigger Manual - Forp 932

ViewPoint Eyetracker User Guide*
ViewPoint Eyetracker Data Analysis Guide*
Optoacoustics Manual
MRI Safety Manual

*available online only – no hardcopy

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 Revision Date: 9/2/2022

Movie List

• Planet Earth – Saving Species, Into

• A Bug’s Life
Wilderness, Living Together
• Almost Famous • Predator

• Big Hero 6 • Princess Bride

• Cheaper by the Dozen • Princess Mononoke
• Corpse Bride • Riding Giants
• Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon • SNL Chris Farley
• Daddy Daycare • SNL Will Farrell
• Despicable Me • Sandlot
• Elf • Seinfeld
• Endless Summer II • Shrek
• Finding Nemo • Shawshank Redemption
• Forrest Gump • Sisters
• Frozen • Sponge Bob
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s • Stars Wars - The Phantom Menace
Stone
• Howl’s Moving Castle • Tangled
• In Search of Santa • Timeline
• Incredibles • Total Recall
• Inside Out • Toy Story
• Lion King • The King’s Speech
• Lord of the Rings Fellowship • The Matrix
• Maleficent • The One Jet Li
• Napoleon Dynamite • The Rock
• Planet Earth – Caves, Deserts, Ice • The Wizard of Oz
Worlds
• Planet Earth – Seasonal Forests and
• Up
Deep Ocean
• Planet Earth – Pole to Pole, • Winged Migration
Mountains, Fresh Water
• Planet Earth – Great Plains, Jungles,
ALSO ON THE BMC MAC LAPTOP
Shallow Seas

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