EKT NeuroSky Mindwave EEG User manual
User Guide
NeuroSky Mindwave EEG Sensor
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Setting Up Your MindWave
Minimum System Requirements
PC Mac
Operating system Windows XP/Vista/7 Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later
Processor CoreDuo or equivalent
Memory 1GB or more
Video DirectX 9.0 or greater Intel GMA900 or greater
Hard disk 1GB free disk space
USB An available USB port
Replacing The Battery
e MindWave headset requires 1 AAA battery to operate. To install or replace the battery, slide open
the battery cover. Remove any existing battery within and replace with a new AAA battery.
Power
To power on the MindWave, slide the switch to the ON position. To turn the MindWave off, slide
the switch back to the OFF position.
While the MindWave is powered on, the LED light on the side of the headset will be turned on. If
the MindWave has a low battery, the LED light will ash to indicate low battery status.
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LED Light
e MindWave's LED light has has two colors: red and blue. Refer to the chart to see what state the
MindWave is in.
Light color Blinking MindWave State
Off Powered off.
Red No Powered on but not connected
Blue No Powered on and connected
Red or Blue Yes Low battery
Wireless USB Adapter Setup
Wireless USB Adapter Installation
Important: Please install the MindWave drivers and software on the MindWave Application Disc
before inserting the MindWave Wireless USB Adapter into your computer! If you have accidentally
inserted the Wireless USB Adapter before installing the drivers, you may need to unplug the Adapter
from the computer, and then plug it back into a different USB port when prompted by installation
software.
Windows XP/Vista/7
1. Insert the supplied MindWave Application Disc into your disc drive.
2. Run the MindWave-Setup.exe installer if prompted or double-click on MindWave-Setup.exe
3. Follow the installer's on-screen instructions.
4. Insert the MindWave Wireless USB adapter when prompted (If you already plugged it in earlier,
unplug and replug it into a different USB port).
5. e MindWave Manager will launch. Follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Select Automatically scan for MindWaves in range (recommended) and click Continue
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7. e MindWave Manager will scan for your MindWave. If found, the MindWave will display
your MindWave's ID.
8. Your MindWave is now paired.
Note: e MindWave's ID may be found on the package box and under the battery door. If you have
multiple MindWaves turned on in the vicinity, you will need to make sure the computer has paired
with the correct one by checking the ID.
COM Port Name or Number
Some games and applications will ask for you to enter the serial COM port name or number for
the game or application to connect to the headset. Each time you plug the Wireless USB Adapter
into a different USB port, Windows will assign it to a different COM port name and number. You
can determine this COM port by running the MindWave Manager (Start »Programs »NeuroSky
MindWave »Utilities »MindWave Manager) and then noting the COM port that the Wireless
Adapter is on.
Windows XP/Vista/7
1. Open Device Manager by clicking on the Start menu, then Control Panel, then System, and
then Device Manager.
2. Click the [+] next to Ports (COM & LPT) to expand the list of ports on your system.
3. Look for "MindWave USB Adapter (COM NN)", where NN is your COM port number. Use
that number in the game or application.
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Wireless Connection Troubleshooting
Problem Cause Solution
Unable to nd or connect to Mind-
Wave headset, or headset disconnects
unexpectedly
Low battery Replace the AAA battery
in the MindWave with a
new battery
MindWave is not turned on Turn the MindWave on
MindWave is not paired to
this computer
Make sure that you have
used the MindWave Man-
ager to search for your
headset
MindWave headset is too
far from the Wireless USB
Adapter
Check that your headset
stays within 10 feet of the
Wireless Adapter
inkGear Connector is not
running
Make sure the inkGear
Connector is running and
enabled.
Light on MindWave headset does not
turn from red to blue
e Wireless USB Adapter
is not plugged into com-
puter
Plug in the MindWave
Wireless USB Adapter
into a USB port on your
computer.
e Wireless USB Adapter
drivers are not installed
Install the drivers accord-
ing to the "Wireless USB
Adapter Setup" instruc-
tions
e Wireless USB Adapter
is already paired with a
different MindWave head-
set (blue light showing on
Adapter)
Run MindWave Manager
to pair your MindWave
Could not nd or connect to Wireless
USB Adapter
e Wireless USB Adapter
is not plugged into com-
puter
Plug in the MindWave
Wireless USB Adapter
into a USB port on your
computer.
An application is already
using the Wireless USB
Adapter and its COM port
Close any other applica-
tions that are connected to
the MindWave
Other Strong radio interference Move the headset closer to
the Wireless USB Adapter,
or move the Adapter closer
to the headset using a USB
extension cable (not in-
cluded)
Note: If problems still persist, re-run the MindWave Application Disc setup to download the latest
version of the software or visit http://support.neurosky.com or email support@neurosky.com
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Using Your MindWave
is chapter walks you through tting the MindWave and installation of the included MindWave
software on your computer. Be sure to rst connect and pair the headset as described in the previous
chapter rst.
Fitting the MindWave
e MindWave is more than your average headset. It has the ability to use your brainwaves for exciting
new applications.
Important: In order to take full advantage of these functions and features of the MindWave, the
MindWave must be properly worn.
1. Orient the MindWave with the forehead Sensor Arm on your left hand side. Rotate the Sensor
Arm from its base by about 90 degrees. It can be rotated slightly more if necessary to get proper
t and comfort.
2. e overhead band of the MindWave is adjustable and can be extended to t various sizes. Put
on the MindWave. If the sensor does not make contact with the forehead or if the t is not com-
fortable, remove the MindWave to readjust the overhead band and the forehead Sensor Arm.
e forehead Sensor Arm is exible and should arch inwards.
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3. Allow the rubber ear hoop to rest behind your left ear, and then clip the earclip onto your earlobe.
4. Make sure the two metal contacts on the inside of both sides of the earclip make skin-
contact with your earlobe or ear. Move any hair or obstructions (such as jewelry) out of the
way. Readjust the earclip as necessary to make proper contact with the skin of your ear. You
may need to squeeze the ear clip against your ear for a few moments.
5. Adjust the forehead Sensor Arm of the headset so that the Sensor Tip makes contact with the
skin of your forehead. is Sensor Tip must maintain steady skin contact in order to properly
measure your brainwaves. e Sensor Tip should be comfortable, yet stay rmly in position.
Keep hair away from the sensor – the sensor must be able to directly contact the skin at all
times. Make up, dead skin, or debris can interfere with the connection. Scratch or wipe the
obstruction away if you have trouble obtaining a clean signal.
6. is is how the MindWave should look when properly worn. During usage, if you are not re-
ceiving a signal, repeat the steps above to make minor adjustments to ensure the sensor and
contacts have proper skin contact.
Note: If you are having a problems with the signal quality, try sitting still for a few seconds. Note that
talking can sometimes interfere with the signal quality as well. If this does not work, check that your
head is not within a few feet of a strong electrical device (like a laptop adapter or an electrical outlet).
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NeuroSky Technology Overview
Brainwaves
e last century of neuroscience research has greatly increased our knowledge about the brain and
particularly, the electrical signals emitted by neurons ring in the brain. e patterns and frequencies
of these electrical signals can be measured by placing a sensor on the scalp. e MindTools line of
headset products contain NeuroSky inkGear™ technology, which measures the analog electrical
signals, commonly referred to as brainwaves, and processes them into digital signals. e inkGear
technology then makes those measurements and signals available to games and applications. e
table below gives a general synopsis of some of the commonly-recognized frequencies that tend to be
generated by different types of activity in the brain:
Brainwave Type Frequency range Mental states and conditions
Delta 0.1Hz to 3Hz Deep, dreamless sleep, non-REM sleep, unconscious
eta 4Hz to 7Hz Intuitive, creative, recall, fantasy, imaginary, dream
Alpha 8Hz to 12Hz Relaxed, but not drowsy, tranquil, conscious
Low Beta 12Hz to 15Hz Formerly SMR, relaxed yet focused, integrated
Midrange Beta 16Hz to 20Hz inking, aware of self & surroundings
High Beta 21Hz to 30Hz Alertness, agitation
ThinkGear
inkGear is the technology inside every NeuroSky product or partner product that enables a device
to interface with the wearers’ brainwaves. It includes the sensor that touches the forehead, the contact
and reference points located in the ear clip, and the on-board chip that processes all of the data. Both
the raw brainwaves and the eSense Meters (Attention and Meditation) are calculated on the inkGear
chip.
eSense
eSense™ is a NeuroSky's proprietary algorithm for characterizing mental states. To calculate eSense,
the NeuroSky inkGear technology amplies the raw brainwave signal and removes the ambient
noise and muscle movement. e eSense algorithm is then applied to the remaining signal, resulting
in the interpreted eSense meter values. Please note that eSense meter values do not describe an exact
number, but instead describe ranges of activity.
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eSense Meter - General Information
e eSense meters are a way to show how effectively the user is engaging Attention (similar to con-
centration) or Meditation (similar to relaxation).
Like exercising an unfamiliar muscle, it may take some time to gain full prociency with each of the
eSense™ meters. In many cases, people tend to be better at one eSense than the other when they
rst begin. We recommend trying different tactics until you are successful with one. Once you see
a reaction on the screen from your efforts, you will be able to duplicate the action more easily with
additional practice.
Generally, Attention can be controlled through a visual focus. Focus on a singular idea. Try to “funnel”
your concentration and focus your train of thought towards pushing up the meter. Other suggestions
include picking a point on the screen to stare at or imagining the action you are trying to accomplish
happening. For example, look at the Attention eSense meter and imagine the dial moving towards
higher numbers.
For Meditation, it typically helps to try to relax yourself. Connect to a sense of peace and calm by
clearing your mind of thoughts and distractions. If you are having difficulty engaging Meditation, close
your eyes, wait a number of seconds, and then open your eyes to see how the meter has responded.
If you have trouble at rst in controlling your eSense meter levels, be patient. Try different techniques
and practice. Also be sure to read and try to understand the Technical Description in order to get a
better idea about how eSense actually works under the hood.
eSense Meter - Technical Description
For each different type of eSense (i.e. Attention, Meditation), the meter value is reported on a relative
eSense scale of 1 to 100. On this scale, a value between 40 to 60 at any given moment in time is con-
sidered “neutral” and is similar in notion to “baselines” that are established in conventional brainwave
measurement techniques (though the method for determining a inkGear baseline is proprietary and
may differ from conventional brainwaves).
A value from 60 to 80 is considered “slightly elevated”, and may be interpreted as levels tending to
be higher than normal (levels of Attention or Meditation that may be higher than normal for a given
person). Values from 80 to 100 are considered “elevated”, meaning they are strongly indicative of
heightened levels of that eSense.
Similarly, on the other end of the scale, a value between 20 to 40 indicates “reduced” levels of the
eSense, while a value between 1 to 20 indicates “strongly lowered” levels of the eSense. ese levels
may indicate states of distraction, agitation, or abnormality, according to the opposite of each eSense.
e reason for the somewhat wide ranges for each interpretation is that some parts of the eSense
algorithm are dynamically learning and at times employ some “slow-adaptive” algorithms to adjust
to natural uctuations and trends of each user, accounting for and compensating for the fact that
brainwaves in the human brain are subject to normal ranges of variance and uctuation. is is part
of the reason why inkGear sensors are able to operate on a wide range of individuals under an
extremely wide range of personal and environmental conditions, while still giving good accuracy and
reliability.
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ATTENTION eSense
e eSense Attention meter indicates the intensity of a user's level of mental “focus” or “attention”,
such as that which occurs during intense concentration and directed (but stable) mental activity. Its
value ranges from 0 to 100. Distractions, wandering thoughts, lack of focus, or anxiety may lower the
Attention meter level. See eSense Meter - General Information for details about interpreting eSense
levels in general.
MEDITATION eSense
e eSense Meditation meter indicates the level of a user's mental “calmness” or “relaxation”. Its value
ranges from 0 to 100. Note that Meditation is a measure of a person's mental states, not physical levels,
so simply relaxing all the muscles of the body may not immediately result in a heightened Meditation
level. However, for most people in most normal circumstances, relaxing the body often helps the mind
to relax as well. Meditation is related to reduced activity by the active mental processes in the brain.
It has long been an observed effect that closing one's eyes turns off the mental activities which process
images from the eyes. So closing the eyes is often an effective method for increasing the Meditation
meter level. Distractions, wandering thoughts, anxiety, agitation, and sensory stimuli may lower the
Meditation meter levels. See eSense Meter - General Information for details about interpreting eSense
levels in general.
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Maintenance
• Clean the MindWave's sensor and ear contacts with alcohol or a damp cloth periodically to
ensure the best signal quality. Use a soft cloth to clean the MindWave casing.
• For travel and storage, gently push the sensor arm up until it is aligned with the top of the
headset. Be careful not to overextend the maximum range of the boom by adjusting it beyond
the natural stopping point.
• Do not expose the MindWave to temperatures above 140°F (60°C)
• Dropping or throwing the MindWave may cause damage to the MindWave.
• Remove the battery from the MindWave when not in use for extended periods of time.
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Troubleshooting and Support
e MindWave does not turn on.
e battery might be low. Please try replacing the battery and try again.
I am having issues with my wireless connection.
Please use the Wireless USB Adapter included with the MindWave, and then be sure to carefully
follow the instructions under Setting Up Your MindWave, paying particular attention to Wireless
USB Adapter Setup and Serial Port Name. en please check if your issue has been addressed in the
Wireless Connection Troubleshooting section.
If your inkGear Connector is not running in the Systray at the bottom right of your screen, make
sure it is turned on and running. ere is a known issue in which putting the computer to sleep may
stop the inkGear Connector. If this occurs, simply restart the inkgear Connector (from Start
menu !NeuroSky MindWave).
Wireless signals at and above the 2.437Ghz range may also interfere with the MindWave's ability to
send its data from the headset to the computer. If you are running signals in this range (such as from
an Ad Hoc network), then please disable the signals before using the MindWave.
e signal quality status is consistently poor (fewer than three bars).
Check that the forehead sensor and each clip contacts are making good contact with the skin. Make
sure to remove all obstructions including hair and jewelry.
It usually takes three or four seconds for the headset to validate the signal after holding still. Also make
certain to keep the sensor and contacts clean.
e eSense meters do not move.
First, verify that the Wireless USB Adapter is paired correctly. Be sure to allow several moments for
the eSense meters to go through some self-calibration and initialization before troubleshooting. If
the meters still do not move after 10 seconds, make sure the sensor rests on the skin of the forehead
and the contacts are on the skin of the left ear. e sensor and contacts must always make rm and
consistent contact with your skin.
I don't seem to be able to control the eSense™ meters.
Like exercising an unfamiliar muscle, it may take some time to gain full prociency with the eSense™
meters. First, be sure you understand how the eSense meters work and what they are measuring.
Generally, we recommend engaging Attention by concentrating and Meditation by relaxing. Most
importantly, be sure you have read the detailed explanation of eSense previously described in the
eSense sections.
I still have a problem, or my problem is not covered by this Troubleshooting section.
For further technical support, please contact NeuroSky Support at http://support.neurosky.com or
email support@neurosky.com.
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Safety and Regulations
Operating Conditions
• Operating temperature: 0-35C
• Headset: 1.5V / 95mA maximum average current
• Dongle: 5V / 60mA maximum average current
Safety
• Batteries shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, re, or similar conditions.
ISO/IEC
ISO/IEC Guide 37 [17].
• No naked ame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus;
• Battery disposal: is product requires the use of an AAA battery. AAA batteries commonly
available in the market contains hazardous waste and should be properly disposed of. Contact
your local government for disposal or recycling practices in your area.
FCC
is device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two con-
ditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment.
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