Starting up the Flow2 System

Setting up the Flow2 System

• Ensure you are working with a computer with Kortex installed (see Installing the Acquisition Driver). If it is a laptop, it should be plugged in to power to ensure the battery does not die while using Flow2.
• The Power/Data Cable is 3-pronged, with the On/Off Switch as the connecting point.
  • Plug the long USB-C end of the Power/Data Cable (labeled FLOW) into the USB-C connector on the Hub of the headset.
  • Plug the shorter USB-C end of the Power/Data Cable (labeled PWR) into the Kernel Flow Power Bank
  • Plug the Power Bank into an outlet or power strip.
  • Plug the USB-A end of the Power/Data Cable (labeled DATA) into your computer (do not use red USB ports).

Starting up the headset

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. Place the headset on the provided Headset Stand
   

   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.
2. Power on the Flow2 system using the On/Off switch on the Flow Power/Data Cable. You should see a steady green indicator LED on the Hub if the cables are configured correctly and the switch has been turned to On.
3. 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.
4. If the Flow2 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. 
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. When Initialization is complete, you will see the green module map once again. The lasers are off at this point. Now you are ready to place the headset on a head.
8. Refer to the Portal Flow UI Overview page to understand the actions that may be taken from the "Ready to Initialize" screen.

Initialization must be performed every time the headset is powered on. 

Powering down the headset

To power down the headset, simply switch the On/Off Switch on the Flow Power/Data Cable to Off. The green indicator LED on the Hub should turn off. Only at this point should you unplug the USB-C cables from the Power Bank and/or the Flow Headset.