Starting up the Flow System

  • Updated on Nov 7, 2025
  • Published on Aug 8, 2023
Prev Next

Starting up the headset

Image: alert icon.
When using the Portal website to interact with the Flow headset, it is strongly recommended that you use a Chrome internet browser. Other browsers are not guaranteed to work.
  1. Ensure the Flow headset is properly cabled to a power outlet and to the data acquisition device. See Setting up the Flow System.
  2. Place the headset on the provided Headset Stand.
    Image: Lightbulb icon.
    Be sure to loosen the Tension Dial before placing it on the Headset Stand, and then tighten it to secure the headset to the Stand. For more on using the Tension Dial, see Handling the headset.
  3. Power on the Flow system. 
    1. For older Power/Data cables, flip the On/Off switch to the On position. 
    2. For newer Power/Data cables, the system powers on automatically once the cable is fully connected and the Power Bank is plugged in to a wall outlet.
    3. A steady green LED on the headset Hub indicates that the system is powered on.
  4. From your account on the Portal website, navigate to the Study in which you'd like to collect data (see Managing Kernel Cloud if you have not set this up). Click the Flow tab.
    1. If using our Study Portal interface (for BrainAge or BrainAge cognition), use the "Flow Start-Up" tab on the main menu.
  5. If the Flow headset is not connected or has just been powered on, the Portal will display a "Searching for Flow Headset" message. This message should become a countdown around 30 seconds after the headset has been powered on. The countdown may take up to 90 seconds as the device boots up. 
  6. When the countdown is over, the Portal will display "Connected to Flow" and display a map representing the module locations. Modules colored green on the map are receiving power and have been discovered by the computer.
  7. Verify that the headset is seated and tightened on the Headset Stand. At this time, you should attempt to reduce any ambient light in the room by turning off overhead lights, closing window coverings, or minimizing other light sources. Click Initialize. Initialization takes about 2 minutes. The headset should not be removed from the stand during this time, as lasers are firing.
  8. When Initialization is complete, you will see the green module map once again. The lasers are off at this point. 
  9. Refer to the Portal Flow UI Overview page to understand the actions that may be taken from the "Ready to Initialize" screen.
Image: alert icon.
Initialization must be performed every time the headset is powered on. 
NOTE:
At this point, the startup procedure is complete and the system is in a "sleep" mode. Sleep mode means the headset is powered on, but the lasers are off. The system can be left in this state for multiple hours. At the end of the day, it is recommended to fully power the headset down.

Powering down the headset

To power down the headset:

  • For original Power/Data cables (with the On/Off switch), flip the On/Off switch to the Off position. 
  • For newer Power/Data cables (without the On/Off switch), disconnect the Power/Data cable from either the Flow headset or the Power Bank. 

When the system is powered off, the green indicator LED on the Hub will turn off.