Equipment & Setup¶
Everything you need to know about your neurofeedback equipment and how to use it properly.
Equipment Guides¶
📦 Your Equipment¶
What's in your neurofeedback kit and what each piece does.
Includes: - Amplifier (U-Wiz or Q-Wiz) - Electrodes (flat and clip) - Conductive paste (Ten20) - Skin prep (NuPrep) - Optional: HEG headset, HRV sensor
📍 Electrode Placement¶
How to find and place electrodes on your scalp.
Common placements: - C3, Cz, C4 (sensorimotor strip) - Fz, Pz (front and back midline) - F3, F4, P3, P4 (corners) - T3, T4, T5, T6 (temporal sites) - Ear references
🗺️ Finding Locations: The 10-20 System¶
Using the rope method to find electrode locations accurately.
You'll learn: - Front-to-back rope (Nasion to Inion) - Side-to-side rope (ear to ear) - Finding "corner" sites - Symmetry checks - Using anatomical landmarks
🧼 Electrode Care¶
Properly preparing, using, and caring for your electrodes.
Topics: - Applying paste to electrodes - Skin preparation techniques - Cleaning electrodes after use - Storage and maintenance - When to contact support
Quick Reference¶
Standard Remote Kit Contents¶
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| U-Wiz or Q-Wiz Amplifier | Measures and transmits EEG signal |
| Flat electrodes (4) | Active sites on scalp |
| Clip electrodes (4) | Ear references + spares |
| Ten20 paste | Conductive gel for electrode contact |
| NuPrep gel | Skin preparation (removes oils) |
| Cable | Connects amplifier to computer |
Optional Additions¶
| Item | When Used |
|---|---|
| HEG headset (pirHEG) | Brain oxygenation training (migraines, TBI, focus) |
| emWave Pro | Heart rate variability (HRV) training |
| Neurobit Optima+ 2ch | Higher-quality amplifier, HEG-compatible |
Common Electrode Sites¶
Quick reference for the most frequently used placements:
Central Line (Front to Back)¶
- Fz - Forehead, above eyebrows
- Cz - Top center of head
- Pz - Back, flat spot where skull curves down
Sensorimotor Strip (Left to Right)¶
- C3 - Left side, over motor cortex
- Cz - Center, top of head
- C4 - Right side, over motor cortex
Corners¶
- F3 / F4 - Front corners
- P3 / P4 - Back corners
Temporal (Sides)¶
- T3 / T4 - Above ears
- T5 / T6 - Back-side, between P3/P4 and O1/O2
Ear References¶
- A1 - Left earlobe
- A2 - Right earlobe
Best Practices¶
Before Each Session¶
- ✅ Wash hands
- ✅ Clean scalp sites with alcohol wipe (or NuPrep)
- ✅ Apply small amount of paste to electrodes
- ✅ Part hair to expose scalp
- ✅ Press electrode firmly to scalp
- ✅ Check signal quality before starting
During Training¶
- Keep still (fidgeting is OK, but don't move electrodes)
- Check that wires aren't pulling on electrodes
- If signal degrades, add more paste or re-prep site
- Screenshot any issues for your coach
After Each Session¶
- Clean electrodes thoroughly
- Remove paste from scalp
- Store electrodes in safe place
- Coil cables loosely (don't kink)
- Keep equipment dry
Signal Quality Basics¶
Good Signal¶
- Smooth traces, visible brainwave patterns
- Minimal noise or fuzz
- Stable baseline
- Action: Begin training!
Needs Improvement¶
- Fuzzy or "hairy" signal → Add paste, improve contact
- Flat line → Check electrode connection
- 60 Hz noise (thick vertical lines) → Move amplifier away from electronics
- Jumpy signal → Electrode may be loose
See: Signal Quality Troubleshooting for detailed fixes
Frequently Asked Questions¶
Can I use hair products on training days?¶
Avoid heavy products, oil, or dry shampoo on training days if possible. They can interfere with electrode contact. If you must use products, wash hair before training.
How much paste should I use?¶
A small pea-sized amount per electrode. You want good contact, but excess paste can create "bridging" between sites.
Do I need to shave my head?¶
No! You just need to part hair to expose the scalp. The 10-20 system works for all hair types and lengths.
What if I can't find a location?¶
Take a photo and send it to your coach via Slack. We can guide you to the right spot. Symmetry is more important than perfection.
How tight should the ear clips be?¶
Firm but not painful. They should stay on but not hurt. Attach to earlobe (A1/A2) or behind-ear preauricular notch for QEEG.
Can I reuse electrodes?¶
Yes! Clean them after each use and they'll last for years. Gold cup electrodes are very durable.
When to Contact Your Coach¶
Reach out immediately if: - ❌ Equipment arrives damaged - ❌ Can't get any signal at all - ❌ Amplifier isn't recognized by software - ❌ Persistent poor signal despite troubleshooting - ❌ Missing items from your kit - ❌ Unsure about a placement
How to reach us: - Remote clients: Post in your Slack channel with a screenshot or photo - In-office clients: Ask at your next session
Next Steps¶
New to Equipment?¶
- Review Your Equipment to understand each piece
- Learn Electrode Placement basics
- Practice Finding Locations with the rope method
Getting Ready to Train?¶
- Review Electrode Care procedures
- Check Signal Quality Troubleshooting
- Prepare for Your First Session
Questions? See Equipment Troubleshooting or contact your coach.