‍SuperLab X6 version 6.5.2 adds support for Lab Streaming Layer (LSL).

‍Connecting

‍In SuperLab, click on the Experiment menu, select Event Marking, then select Lab Streaming Layer (LSL). A dialog appears; simply turn on the switch in the upper left corner.

‍More importantly is the network. SuperLab uses the LSL protocol to send event markers over a standard TCP/IP network. We recommend the following:

• If your experiment setup allows it, prefer a wired network over wireless. Wireless has larger latencies.
• The less busy the network, the better. Ideally, you would be able to connect the computer that SuperLab is running on to the receiving device directly via an Ethernet cable, and without a switch in the middle.

‍Event markers sent via LSL are time-synchronized with the receiving device, overcoming the issue with network latencies. Nevertheless, a simpler network is better.

‍Strings vs. Integers

‍SuperLab can send event markers in one of two ways: text strings or numbers (integers). The correct one to use depends on what the receiving device expects. For example, Neuroelectrics’ NIC software expects numbers. 

‍To illustrate the difference, SuperLab sends the following to mark the onset of a picture:

• 42 when sending numbers.
• Onset of picture “red square.jpg" when sending text strings.

‍For strings, the marker includes the event’s name, providing more details.

‍Concise vs. Full Information

‍When set to send concise information, the event markers sent by SuperLab X6 are limited to:

• The start/end of the experiment
• Onset of stimuli
• Onset of participant responses

‍We recommend the concise mode when sending integers. SuperLab X6 sends:

• 10 when experiment starts
• 14 when experiment ends
• 40 for onset of audio
• 41 for onset of movie
• 42 for onset of picture
• 43 for onset of an RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) segment
• 44 for onset of an SPR (Self Paced Reading) segment
• 45 for onset of text
• 80 for a correct participant response
• 81 for an incorrect participant response

‍When sending full information, the following additional codes are sent:

• 11 when experiment is paused
• 12 when experiment is resumed
• 13 when experiment is stopped
• 20 for start of block
• 21 for end of block
• 22 for start of trial
• 23 for end of trial
• 24 for start of event

‍See Also

• Using SuperLab X6 with Neuroelectrics

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Last Revision: Sept 23, 2024