Using the mock 32 channel head coil

Purpose

This page explains everything you need to know to properly use the mock 32 channel head coil.

Words of caution (Read first)

This mock coil was built in-house from wood - truly hand-crafted.  If you drop it, it will almost certainly break.  Please take care when moving and using it, and please make sure that your subject does not knock it over.  If the anterior section is not fastened to the posterior section, do not let your subject on the table until it is, or has been removed and set aside.  Please also make sure that you do not lift the anterior section using the openings for eyes (the eye holes).  Those thin pieces of wood are particularly susceptible to breakage and are not meant to be used as a handle.

Installing and removing from table

The coil base is held in place on the table with industrial strength Velcro.  

In order to install the coil, simply align the rear corners of the coil with the Velcro tabs on the table, and set down.  It should look like this when properly installed.

The adhesive is very strong and should be able to take some abuse without coming unglued.  But in order to minimize that possibility, please follow these steps to remove it.

Either make sure that the anterior portion of the coil is securely fastened with the hasps (see below), or completely remove it and set it aside. Do not lift up directly from the Velcro tabs.  Instead, lift the front of the coil from the table like a hinge in a swinging motion upward as shown in the photo above.  Once the coil is lifted to an angle of more than about 45 degrees, you should be able to lift the coil right off the table without any trouble.

Attaching the anterior section

The coil has two sections: 1) a posterior section that mounts to the table, and 2) an anterior section that mounts to the posterior section.  The anterior section is fastened to the posterior section with twist hasps.  These hold the anterior section firmly in place and prevent it from accidentally dislodging during use and causing injury to the subject.

In order to attach the anterior section, simply align the hasp clamps (located on both sides of the coil) on the posterior sections with the hasp hooks on the anterior section.  Simultaneously twist both clamps 180 degrees until they have secured the hooks, and are in the position shown in the photo above.  Note that the clamps rotate in opposite directions with respect to each other.

In order to remove the anterior section, simply reverse the process.

Adjusting the mirror

The mirror slides towards the subject's feet to give the subject a view to the rear of the scanner and the video display.  When slid all the way away from the feet, the subject should have full view straight ahead.  The photo below shows the two positions of the mirror.

When sliding the mirror back and forth, it is very important to use both hands when pushing or pulling the cylindrical rings that hold the mirror mount to the slides.  DO NOT use one hand to slide the mirror as this will bind the slide and possibly damage the assembly.