Connecting the EEG components

Kernel Flow2 includes four internal active dry EEG electrodes integrated into the headset and are placed close to PZ, CZ, F3, and F4 on the 10-10 grid, as well as two external leads (for Reference and Bias) with ear clips on the ends.

The EEG system is integrated into the Flow2 headset and the electrical signals are digitized and synchronized with the optical data on the headset to be transmitted together to Kernel Cloud. 

Two electrodes are installed on the centerline of the headset, plus two more on the Prefrontal plate. EEG electrodes come pre-installed in the headset. The system comes with an extra set of four electrodes. 

To get accurate EEG data, the four electrodes must be present in the EEG electrode holders.The two external leads must also be connected to the participant in order to ensure accurate readings during each recording.

To learn more about caring for the EEG electrodes, see Cleaning your Flow2 system.

To connect the external EEG leads to a participant (clips):

1. While the headset is on the Headset Stand, connect the EEG leads (provided with your Kernel Flow2 system) to the 1/8” mini ports on the Hub of the headset. 

The wires are labeled Bias and Ref (for reference), as are the ports on each side of the Hub.

1. If not already attached, snap the Reference and Bias rubber electrodes to the electrode holders inside the clips at the end of the EEG leads. 
2. Later, after the headset has been moved to the participant, attach the clips to the participant's earlobes. Pull out one Ear Cover at a time. Hand the corresponding clip to the participant and ask them to clip it to their earlobe, or do it yourself. 

The direction of the clip on the ear does not matter. If the participant does not have earrings, clips it to the largest part of the earlobe. If they do have earrings, place the clip behind the earrings or ask them to remove the earrings.

Remove the external EEG leads

Once a recording is complete, be sure to have the participant unclip the leads from their earlobes before removing the headset from the head. 

To replace the EEG electrodes:

The EEG electrodes come pre-installed in the headset's electrode holders. It is recommended not to remove the dry EEG electrodes, as they are difficult to install.

1. With the headset powered down and disconnected, invert the headset and rest it upside down on your lap.
2. Install the four EEG electrodes into the EEG electrode holders.
   • Each electrode should fit snugly into place on an electrode holder in the underside of the headset.
   • They do not "snap" or "click" into place. 
   • It may be tricky to get the electrodes to stick in the holders. Firmly push them down until they adhere, taking care not to bend or squeeze the bristles excessively (they are rubber and can handle some manipulation, but can be broken if handled too roughly).
   • Electrodes are interchangeable.
   • Electrodes should be left in the headset between uses.
3. Place the headset back onto the Headset Stand, loosening and re-tightening the Tension Dial as necessary.