Objective:
The
purpose of this document is to outline our experience with OpenBCI
for review by others curious about this offering.
Experiences:
Website:
Easy to navigate around.
http://openbci.com
Information/documentation
look-up was fairly easy just a little slow awaiting Wordpress
processing. Ordering was surprisingly simple and an order/charge
confirmation was quickly sent as well as notices for shipping (with
tracking numbers).
Software:
download was simple as well as installation and very much has an
Open-source feel to it (meaning with Windows it does not have an MSI
installer and just opens within the sub-directory it is uncompressed
to). Upon launching the application, as expected, the anti-virus
complained but after re-configuring the anti-virus software to accept
the application this issue went away. We also scanned the software
download, prior to install, to ensure the download didn't contain
anything nefarious.
We
also downloaded a brain to text software from OpenVibe under GNU
public free license in order to evaluate combined ability to type
text to a computer using the Ultracortex/Cyton as an interface
between the human brain and computer. The Openvibe software used an
msi installer and installed without issue, of course, we also did an
anti-virus check on it once downloaded.
Forum:
We inquired to the Forum about the proper sizing of the head-gear. We
received a response within 15 minutes but the reply required further
clarification (which gave more specifications along with the word
“should” fit and a recommendation to contact OpeBCI directly). We
also noticed a piggy back board (for the Cyton) that could increase
its capability to 16 channels and at additional $400 investment. We
are hopeful that this piggy back channel extension board can be
acquired separately in the future; however, there was no option for
this type purchase- we will inquire at a later date after it is
determined that the technology works as depicted.
Ordering:
We ordered the Ultra-cortex Mark IV-16 with Cyton board on Monday and
anticipated delivery by end of day Saturday. The order arrived as
scheduled and in perfect shape.
Construction:
Everything
went together as instructed, had to search around a little with
Google, for clarity/pictures, some of the links on the OpenBCI page
were broken and wiring the Cyton board was a little vague- but we
were able to figure it out.
We
pre-downloaded and installed the OpenBCI software and installed the
required drivers (including an update to the dongle itself) as
instructed. There was an issue on a Windows 7 32-bit system where the
OpenBCI Gui software will launch but the Gui never finishes loading
(will need to re-visit, could be Virus software related). The Windows
7 64-bit system installed and operated as documented. We experienced
intermittent issues communicating to the Com port and RF
communication between the dongle and the Cyton board; however, the
issue ended up being interference from a wireless mouse (once turned
off we could move the dongle around to any of my USB ports (usb 2 or
3) and the system consistently worked. During research and
troubleshooting we noted a recommendation to update the Com port
Latency setting from the default of 16ms to 1 ms (this was done and
we noted quicker brain scan channel graph results).
Warranty:
Based
on our intermittent issues we reviewed
the warranty with OpenBCI and it was covered within the first 30
day's but at their sole discretion of replacement (not necessary a
refund) and with no RMA policy the return shipping was left up to the
customer. Provided everything works- great, but if you have to send
something back for re-test/repair in the first 30 day's plan for
added expense. I contact sales@openbci.com
and were very helpful and quickly gave me an address and a primary
contact. Fortunately our issue ended up being wireless mouse
interference and we did not have to return anything.
End
Result:
It took longer then the advertised 30 seconds to be up an running;
however, once we finished building (we chose the un-assembled option)
and resolved the interference issue we were able to turn everything
on, start the software, deploy the Ultra-cortex to a test subject with
ear clips and begin brain wave monitoring and observation (as shown in their video presentation).
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