I have an EEG headband do I need the electrode gel I don’t want to buy it because it is too expensive.
it is using the spiker:bit by the way
You do need to have some sort of connection between the metal and the skin that is conductive. If you mix in some salt to aloe Vera that should do the trick.
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Thank you but I bought the electrode gel off amazon anyways but it doesnt seem to show the eeg signal that well it says 0 a lot. I’m using the spiker:bit. ps bought stuff on different account.
Hello there!
Phase 1: Preparation (Hardware & Software)
Before you touch your head, ensure your environment and tools are ready..
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Power Source: Unplug your laptop’s power cable, remove it from the wall as well, and run it on battery. This is the #1 way to eliminate 60Hz (or 50Hz) “hum” from the wall outlet.
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Workspace: Stay away from large appliances (fridges, AC units) and fluorescent lights, which emit significant electromagnetic interference.
Phase 2: Electrode Positioning & Attachment
The standard Backyard Brains setup (for starters) focuses on Alpha Waves, which are most prominent in the Occipital Lobe (the back of the brain) when your eyes are closed.
1. Skin Preparation (Crucial Step)
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The scalp is naturally oily. Use a cotton swab with a little isopropyl alcohol to clean the skin where the electrodes will sit.
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If the subject has thick hair, try to “part” the hair so the metal can touch the skin directly.
2. Positioning the Headband
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Place the EEG headband around the head so the two metal button electrodes are centered on the lower back of the head (just above the bump where your neck meets your skull).
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Note: If you do not get signal on the first try, you should try to reduce electrodes positioning, as sometimes millimeters make deference.
3. The Ground Electrode
- Place a sticky patch electrode on the bony protrusion behind your ear (the mastoid process).
4. Applying Conductive Gel
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Make sure you’ve got electro-conductive gel, sometimes when customers buy gel on their own they buy ultrasound gel instead. Ultrasound gel serves as an acoustic coupler for sound waves, whereas EEG gel is an electroconductive medium designed to transmit electrical signals.
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Most important tip: Use more gel than you think you need.
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Squeeze a generous glob of gel underneath each of the two metal buttons on the headband. You want a “bridge” of gel between the metal and your scalp.
Phase 5: What to Expect & Testing
You won’t see “spikes” like you do with EMG and ECG. Instead, you will see a wavy line.
How to Verify Your Signal is Real
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The Alpha Test: Have the subject sit perfectly still and close their eyes.
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The Result: After 2–5 seconds, you should see rhythmic “ripples” appear. These are Alpha Waves (8–12 Hz).
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Confirmation: When the subject opens their eyes, these ripples should immediately disappear (Alpha Blockage).
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Huge, messy spikes | Muscle movement | Have the subject relax their jaw and avoid blinking. |
| Flat line / No signal | Poor contact | Add more conductive gel and ensure hair is out of the way. |
If you have any additional questions or issues, please let us know. You can always send us an email at hello@backyardbrains.com, and someone from the team would assist you with your projects.
Best luck!