Subject: Re: RF-shielding benefits From: Gerry Stefanatos <Gstefana(at)EINSTEIN.EDU> Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2005 13:05:45 -0400Whether the added expenditure for RF shielding is worthwhile depends on numerous factors, such as the electrode and amplifier system you are using, the type of responses you are interested in recording, and the larger EMF environment. In general, I would agree that most labs recording cognitive potentials (which are relatively large) run without it. However, this is in most cases based on a cost-benefit analysis rather than a decision that RF shielding is generally unnecessary. If your lab is situated near large air conditioning units, fans, other appliances emitting significant EMF or major electrical conduits, then shielding is something you may want to consider. In addition, if you plan to do any animal research that might involve intraoperative or intracortical recording, then you really ought to make the investment. Gerry Gerry A. Stefanatos, D. Phil. Director, Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory Moss Rehab Research Institute Albert Einstein Medical Center 1200 W. Tabor Rd. Philadelphia, PA 19141 Tel: (215) 456-5962 Fax: (215) 456-5926 >>> Annabel Cohen <acohen(at)upei.ca> 07/27/05 11:44AM >>> Hi members of the Auditory List: We are planning to obtain a double-walled sound-attenuated room for psychoacoustic research, including both auditory localization and evoked-potential recording. Does anyone have opinions regarding the value of RF-shielding which is an option for the room? The manufacturer of the evoked- potential equipment suggests that there will be little gain from RF- shielding and that most labs run without it. I'd be interested in any views about this. Also, are there other benefits of RF shielding that could be brought to my attention? We will also use the room for more general perceptual-cognitive research. The sound-attenuated room itself will be installed in a room housing other computer and media equipment and likely in the vicinity of a computer lab. Thanks for any advice. Annabel Cohen Department of Psychology University of Prince Edward Island Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3