Neuropixels-PXI v2.0.2 crashes on adding source

[Lowell Thompson]

Hello,

To resolve issues when recording using an NHP neuropixel probe (GUI would freeze for a short duration then resume - synchronization was still green across sources, but analog signals were no longer be aligned), I decided to update the neuropixel plugin and associated firmware. Did multiple power cycles. I am no longer able to add the plugin to my signal chain without the GUI crashing. I have now uninstalled the GUI, deleted the ProgramData and AppData associated with the GUI and did a fresh install. I added my probe calibration folder to the appropriate location. I previously had no issue recording with this probe, although I do not recall what version of the Neuropixel-PXI plugin I was using.

I still am not able to add the Neuropixel-PXI plugin after downloading it again. I have an empty signal chain and am just trying to add it as a source. I get the "Open Ephys has stopped working..." message. Any help resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Lowell

[Anjal Doshi]

Hi Lowell,

Sorry to hear you're running into crashes with the latest Neuropixels plugin. Thanks for sharing the crash log and config files, that’s very helpful.

From the log, it looks like the plugin is crashing while trying to access the probe calibration files. Could you please confirm whether the calibration files (the ADC and Gain CSVs) are located in either of these directories?

• C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Open Ephys\CalibrationInfo\<probe_serial_number>

• <open-ephys-executable-folder>\CalibrationInfo\<probe_serial_number>

If they are, please try temporarily removing the probe’s calibration folder (the one named after the serial number) from both locations. Then restart Open Ephys. If the plugin loads and shows a “Calibration files not found” warning instead of crashing, it likely means the issue is related to how the plugin is accessing the calibration files, and we can investigate that next.

Thanks,
Anjal

[Lowell Thompson]

Ni Anjal,

The calibration files for this probe are located at: "C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Open Ephys\CalibrationInfo\22327214061\22327214061_ADCCalibration.csv", and similarly for the gain csv.
When removed, the plugin loads and gives me the appropriate warning. So, I am guessing you are correct that there is an issue accessing the calibration files. Let me know how else I can help!

Lowell

[Anjal Doshi]

Thanks for verifying that. I’ve added a couple of checks and early returns to the plugin when accessing the calibration CSV files. I’ve compiled a custom build of the plugin and linked it below. Please try it out by following these steps:

1. Download the linked zip and extract the plugin DLL file.
2. Navigate to "C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Open Ephys\plugins-api10" and replace the existing "neuropixels-pxi.dll" file with the one you extracted.
3. Restore the probe calibration files folder to "C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Open Ephys\CalibrationInfo".
4. Launch the Open Ephys GUI and initialize the Neuropixels-PXI plugin.
5. If the GUI runs without crashing and displays the “Calibration files not found” warning, check the console and share its contents here.
6. If the GUI does crash, please share the crash activity log file instead.

Let me know how it goes.

Anjal

[Lowell Thompson]

Thanks. I have followed the outlined steps and the GUI still crashes. I have attached the activity log file - looks like it was able to find the directory.

Lowell

[Anjal Doshi]

That’s interesting. I tested it multiple times on my end with different probes, and it worked without issues. A couple more things you can try:

• Open both files manually to confirm whether they are corrupted.
• Move the probe calibration folder from
  "C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Open Ephys\CalibrationInfo\<probe_serial_number>"
  to
  "<open-ephys-executable-folder>\CalibrationInfo\<probe_serial_number>"
  and check if the GUI still crashes.

If neither of these steps resolves the issue, it’s likely specific to your system. In that case, we may need to arrange a remote debugging session so I can access your setup directly.

Sorry for the trouble this has caused, and thanks for your patience while we narrow it down.

Anjal

[Lowell Thompson]

I confirmed that I am able to open the csv calibration files without issue, and they look correct. I moved the probe calibration folder to the open-ephys executable folder and the GUI still crashes. I also tested this with a different probe and headstage and encountered the same issue. I have attached the log file as well.

Happy to schedule a remote debugging session for sometime next week. I can be flexible so please let me know what your availability is like and I'll make it work!
I have a OneBox that we recently purchased, so I could use that as an alternative for the time being and will test that next week.

Lowell