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Troubleshooting

Having issues with equipment, signal quality, or training? This section will help you solve common problems or know when to contact your coach.

Troubleshooting Guides

📊 Signal Quality Issues

Fixing fuzzy, noisy, or unstable EEG signals.

Common issues: - Fuzzy/hairy signal - Flat line - 60 Hz electrical noise - Jumpy or unstable traces - High impedance

Solutions include: Better contact, more paste, moving amplifier, re-prepping skin

🔧 Equipment Problems

Troubleshooting amplifiers, electrodes, and connections.

Common problems: - Amplifier not recognized - Electrodes not working - Cable issues - Software won't start - Missing or damaged parts

🎮 During Training

Questions and concerns that come up during sessions.

Common questions: - "The game seems random—is this working?" - "Should I be doing something?" - "Can I fidget during training?" - "What if I notice negative effects?"

Quick Fixes

Signal Quality Problems

Fuzzy or Hairy Signal

Cause: Poor electrode contact

Fix: 1. Add more Ten20 paste to electrode 2. Part hair more thoroughly 3. Press electrode more firmly to scalp 4. Use NuPrep to clean skin first

Flat Line

Cause: Electrode not connected or completely dry

Fix: 1. Check electrode is plugged into amplifier 2. Check amplifier cable is connected 3. Add paste if electrode is dry 4. Replace electrode if damaged

60 Hz Noise (Thick Vertical Lines)

Cause: Electrical interference

Fix: 1. Move amplifier away from laptop power supply 2. Move away from phone chargers, lamps 3. Unplug nearby electronics 4. Check ear reference has good contact 5. Re-prep scalp site with NuPrep

Jumpy or Unstable Signal

Cause: Loose electrode or poor contact

Fix: 1. Check electrode isn't moving on scalp 2. Secure hair away from electrode 3. Add more paste 4. Re-position if on muscle (forehead, temple)

Equipment Problems

Amplifier Not Recognized

Fix: 1. Unplug amplifier USB, wait 10 seconds, plug back in 2. Try different USB port 3. Restart computer 4. Reinstall USB drivers (contact coach for files) 5. Check if dongle is inserted (if applicable)

Software Won't Start

Fix: 1. Check EEGer license hasn't expired (check Workstreams card) 2. Ensure dongle is plugged in 3. Restart computer 4. Contact coach for keyfile refresh

Games Not Loading

Fix: 1. Check game files are in correct folder 2. Reinstall Microsoft Redistributables (x86 and x64) 3. Contact coach or info@eegstore.com

When to Contact Your Coach

Contact Immediately

  • ❌ Equipment arrives damaged or incomplete
  • ❌ Can't get signal despite troubleshooting
  • ❌ Worsening symptoms after training
  • ❌ Persistent negative effects (poor sleep, increased anxiety)
  • ❌ Unsure about electrode placement before training

Screenshot and Send

For faster support, send a screenshot or photo showing: - The signal (for signal quality issues) - The electrode placement (for placement questions) - Error messages (for software issues)

How to screenshot: - Windows: Windows + Shift + S (drag to select, paste in Slack) - Mac: Cmd + Shift + 4 (drag to select, saves to desktop) - Phone: Just snap a photo!

Training Questions

"The game seems random and I'm not getting better at it"

This is normal and correct!

The game difficulty auto-adjusts every 30 seconds to keep your success rate around 65%. You'll never "master" the games—this is by design.

If the game seems relatively consistent (not dramatically easier/harder between sessions), the training is working.

"I don't feel anything during the session"

This is completely normal.

Neurofeedback effects happen in the 24 hours after training, not during. Focus on: - Sleep quality that night - Energy/mood the next day - Changes over several sessions

Don't expect to "feel" anything during training.

"Should I be trying to control the game?"

No!

Neurofeedback is a passive process. There's nothing you need to do, think about, or control. Just: - Watch the game or listen to the tones - Let your mind be at ease - Don't try to "figure it out"

Your brain learns automatically through operant conditioning.

"Can I think or let my mind wander?"

Yes, absolutely!

It's fine to: - Think about whatever comes to mind - Let your mind wander - Notice thoughts without controlling them - Be bored, engaged, or anywhere in between

The only thing to avoid is falling asleep (except during Alpha-Theta with eyes closed).

"I'm noticing negative effects"

Contact your coach immediately.

Report: - Worse sleep - Increased anxiety - More fatigue or spaciness - Headaches - Irritability

These usually mean we need to adjust your protocol. Don't wait—let us know right away.

Session Setup Issues

Can't Find the Right Placement

Solution: 1. Send a placement photo to Slack 2. Use the Finding Locations guide 3. Symmetry is more important than perfection 4. When in doubt, ask before starting!

Not Sure Which Protocol to Do

Solution: 1. Check your portal for the latest recommendation 2. If unclear, post in Slack: "Which protocol should I do next?" 3. If no response yet, repeat your last successful protocol

Don't Have the Right Equipment for a Protocol

Solution: 1. Contact coach immediately 2. Don't improvise—wrong electrode positions can have unintended effects 3. We'll either modify the protocol or send missing equipment

Software Issues

EEGer Keyfile Expired

Contact: jon@peakbrainstl.com or your remote coach

Provide: - Your dongle number - Expiration date - Client ID

Games Crashed or Frozen

Fix: 1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to open Task Manager 2. End EEGer process 3. Restart EEGer 4. Reload session

Second Monitor Not Working

Fix: 1. Set display to "Extend" mode (not duplicate) 2. In EEGer: Configuration → DUAL monitor mode 3. Drag game window to second monitor 4. Check Equipment Guide for details

Still Stuck?

For Remote Clients

Post in your Slack channel: - Describe the problem - Include screenshots/photos - Mention what you've already tried

Response times: - M-F 7am-7pm PT: Usually within hours - Weekends: Usually same-day - Off-hours: Next business day

For In-Office Clients

Contact your location: - Call or text your location - Bring it up at your next session - Check Locations for contact info

Prevention Tips

Avoid Common Issues

  1. ✅ Prep skin before electrodes - Use NuPrep or alcohol wipe
  2. ✅ Use adequate paste - Pea-sized amount per electrode
  3. ✅ Check connections before starting - Saves time later
  4. ✅ Keep equipment clean - Clean electrodes after each use
  5. ✅ Store properly - Coil cables loosely, protect from damage

Before Each Session

  • Check portal for protocol
  • Verify you have correct electrodes
  • Clean scalp sites
  • Test signal quality before starting
  • Have coach contact info handy (just in case)

Remember: Most issues are simple fixes. When in doubt, screenshot and send to your coach. We're here to help!