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StabMe · Joined: Jul 29, 2016 Posts: 34

Hey!

A long time BioExplorer user.

Is there a design package available for BioEra which includes al the necessary designs for Neurofeedback? I want to be able to train amplitude, phase/coherence, balance, A/T, etc. I own TLC and Italis design packs for BioExplorer and wondering if there are such for ?ra.

I was one of the first to buy OpenBCI 8-chanel amp and really want to start using. It is not supported by BioExplorer but AFAIK works smoothly on BioEra.

jarek · Joined: Oct 22, 2007 Posts: 1073

I am not aware of a commercial package like that for BioEra.

There are examples and designs which cover a lot, especially this one:

http://proatech.com/design/stepan/BioEraExamples20150313.zip

Yes, OpenBCI works great with BioEra. I have been using it myself with this cap:

http://proatech.com/photo/DSCN0177.JPG

StabMe · Joined: Jul 29, 2016 Posts: 34

Jarek,

Is that the 3d-printable design that was supplied with the amplifier? Do you find it comfortable?

jarek · Joined: Oct 22, 2007 Posts: 1073

No, it is not what is being offered on OpenBCI web site.

I designed and 3D printed this myself. It is VERY comfortable (that was my primary objective), I can wear it for hours. It is very easy to setup (a few minutes, with using conductive gel). But it has 1 major flaw: the electrodes are difficult to clean. That is why I wasn't advertising this design.

StabMe · Joined: Jul 29, 2016 Posts: 34

Wow, Jarek, this is very interesting. Is there a way (including commercially) you can share this design?
When doing multichannel NFB (up to 8 channel synchrony training, for example) this could save a lot of time.

StabMe · Joined: Jul 29, 2016 Posts: 34

Looking at the "cap" (or should i use the term helmet?) i can't quite see what application method is being used - do you apply sensors with Ten20 paste, gel or a salty solution?

jarek · Joined: Oct 22, 2007 Posts: 1073

I was using it with this conductive gel:
http://www.amazon.com/Spectra-360-Electrode-Gel-Laboratories/dp/B00AMGV010/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469891427&sr=8-1&keywords=spectra+conductive+gel

First put it in each electrode holder:
http://proatech.com/photo/electrode_holder.jpg

And then (cap already on the head), use syringe to add more gel if needed.

Good connection is the key, the AA battery pack on top is to add to the weight. It takes some experimentation to do it right but is wasn't too hard for me.

I could probably release STL files for 3D printer (if I can find them). Or print and ship all parts for $79 or so.

It requires some assembly. Besides the printed parts, it also has custom electrodes (made of silver) which had to be soldered to the wire. That is the part which is so difficult to clean.

StabMe · Joined: Jul 29, 2016 Posts: 34

That looks like a very neat design.

Jarek, do you think that one could use this cap for neurofeedback purposes with OpenBCI?

My training plan includes pretty simple protocols which i think i can design in BioEra by myself. The question is - does OpenBCI offers a good enough signal quality to perform NFB compared to, for example, Neurobit Optima amps?

BTW, what are your thought on using Ultracortex Mark III "Nova" cap with dry electrodes for the same purposes? Dry electrodes seem to be much-much easier to apply than those you have to prep and use gel.

jarek · Joined: Oct 22, 2007 Posts: 1073

I have not had a chance to try Ultracortex, so I can't really tell how practical it is. Initially I was planning to print it (that is why I bought my first 3D printer!), but it was too large for my printer bed, so I designed a new one :-).

I would be very curious to see how comfortable Ultracortex is (it doesn't look like much with all those springs and pin electrodes). Dry active electrodes is a neat idea, the main question is how well they work. If they do than great! But I have heard very mixed opinions. I used in the past dry electrodes on forehead, they were fine, but I had no luck of using them through hair.

Comfort was my primary objective. In the past I used to be connected for hours at a time (years ago). So this design has advantages, but has not been tested by other people, and I tried it only a few times months ago (currently I don't train).