A202/A404 Error: 'A20x/A40X/esiPRO Conect error 1'

This error indicates that the software is unable to find an amplifier to communicate with when beginning a session. There are a few situations that can cause this situation, detailed below:

Wrong Amplifier Configured
By default, EEGer is configured for the A202 model of amplifier. When installing EEGer for the first time, or upgrading to a new version of the software, the A202 will be selected as the default amplifier. If a different model of amplifier is being used with the system, this needs to be configured within the software so that EEGer knows to 'look' for that type of amplifier:

1. Open EEGer and navigate to Options>EEGer Configuration Options>Devices from the top toolbar of EEGer's main screen.
   
2. Locate option 6 Source of EEG/peripheral data and select the connected device from the dropdown list. If the device is not present on this list, you may need to first enable experimental/investigational devices.
3. If using a BrainMaster, Pocket Neurobics, or ThoughtTechnology amplifier, additional settings will need to be adjusted to complete the configuration process.
   1. Pocket Neurobics Instructions - (U-Wiz, Q-Wiz)
   2. Neurobit Optima Instructions - (Optima 2, Optima+ 4)
   3. ThoughtTechnology Instructions - (ProComp2)
4. Click Close preferences window in the bottom-right of the option menu to apply any changes and return to EEGer's main screen.

Poor Connection to Computer
If configured correctly and still receiving this error message, then the amplifier may not be connected to the computer, or the current connection may have a problem:

1. Ensure the computer is powered on and that EEGer is not currently in a session (return to the Desktop or the main screen of EEGer before continuing).
2. Ensure that the amplifier is connected to the computer directly using a USB 2.0 port, if available. It is not recommended to connect the amplifier using an external USB hub, extended cable, or adapter cable.
3. Unplug the amplifier from the computer and switch it to another USB port, if available. Typically, this involved switching positions of the amplifier's cable and the green USB security dongle used for EEGer.
4. Attempt to run a session - if the same error still appears, continue troubleshooting below.

Amplifier Connected via External USB Hub

It is recommended to connect amplifiers directly to the computer whenever possible. Using an external USB hub (whether powered or unpowered) can cause the amplifier to not receive sufficient power, experience harmful power fluctuations, or otherwise not communicate with the computer. It is recommended to ONLY connect the amplifier directly to the computer, rather than connecting it to a USB hub. If the computer only has limited USB ports, consider connecting other USB devices to the hub so that the amplifier is able to connect directly to the computer. When connected to the computer and not running a session, the USB LED on the amplifier should be illuminated.

Driver Issue

The A202/A404 require special drivers to communicate with the software and be recognized by the computer. These drivers are installed alongside EEGer, but it is possible for the drivers to be uninstalled during Windows Updates, or to fail to be installed alongside EEGer. In these cases, simply reinstalling the software and following all instruction closely should resolve the issue:
EEGer Installation Instructions

Possibility of Damaged Amplifier

ESD events and other forms of damage can cause the amplifier's internal components to fail, and prevent them from communicating with the computer. The steps to identify if an amplifier damaged is as follows:

1. Ensure the computer is powered on and that EEGer is not currently in a session (return to the Desktop or the main screen of EEGer before continuing).
2. Ensure that the amplifier is connected to the computer directly using a USB 2.0 port, if available. It is not recommended to connect the amplifier using an external USB hub, extended cable, or adapter cable.
3. Open the Device Manager, which can be found in the Windows Settings or simply by searching windows for 'Device Manager' (open the Start Menu or press the Windows key and type 'Device Manager').
4. The Device Manager lists all of the peripheral devices connected to the computer. if the amplifier shows up on this list, then it means that the device can communicate with the computer, and the problem lies in its ability to communicate with the software (likely being misconfigured). If the amplifier does not appear in the Device Manager, then the amplifier can not communicate with the computer.
5. Locate Universal Serial Bus Controllers and click the dropdown arrow to expand the category.
6. Ensure that the computer's sound is turned on.
7. Disconnect the amplifier from the computer. If the amplifier is being recognized by the computer, a sound should be audible when the device is disconnected. The Device Manager will also update to not show the amplifier.
8. Reconnect the amplifier to the computer - a connection sound should be heard, and the Device Manager should be updated to show the amplifier.
9. If these sounds are not heard, and the device is not visible in the Device Manager, then it's possible that the amplifier is damaged and in need of repair.
10. Look in the Device Manager for Unknown Device - it is possible that this is the amplifier being recognized by the computer as a device, but not as an amplifier. When disconnecting and reconnecting the amplifier, observe if the Unknown Device appears/disappears.
11. There are two reasons the amplifier may be showing up as an unknown device: a driver issue, typically fixed by reinstalling EEGer, or due to damage to the amplifier.

What to Do if Amplifier is Damaged

If it appears that the amplifier is damaged and in need of repair, contact EEG Store with the following information:

1. The device's full serial number (located on the bottom label of the device).
2. Whether the device is in a gray or black case.
3. The dongle number being used with the system.