EEGer QuickStart Guide
Welcome to the EEGer QuickStart Guide! This article will walk you through how to install EEGer and configure the system to work with the software as optimally as possible. Please be sure to follow the steps in order and not skip over any sections, as this can lead to errors or troubleshooting.
Configuring the Computer & Installing EEGer
Software Minimum Requirements
Before installing EEGer, ensure that the computer meets the software’s minimum requirements. If the computer you’ve chosen doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, it will not be possible to use the software.
Note: EEGer is not compatible with MacOS or ChromeOS.
The most important requirements are:
A compatible Windows Operating System
A Dedicated Graphics Card
Minimum of 2-3 USB Ports
Preparing the Computer
Adjusting the computer’s settings prior to installing EEGer can help reduce errors and ensure that later steps do not need to be repeated. See this article for step-by-step instructions on how to prepare the computer for use with EEGer, then return to this article to continue following the QuickStart Guide.
Installing the EEGer4 Software
After the computer has been prepared, EEGer can be downloaded and installed onto the computer. This is a relatively simple process, but may take up to 20 minutes to finish depending on your computer’s download speed.
For installing EEGer for the first time, see this article.
For transferring EEGer from one computer to another, see this article.
For upgrading an existing installation of EEGer, see this article.
For downgrading EEGer to a previous version, see this article.
Note: If extra games have been added to the EEGer license, the games should also be installed onto the computer before continuing.
Connecting the EEGer Security Dongle and EEG Amplifier
After installing EEGer, connect the EEGer Security Dongle and EEG amplifier if they are available. Both the amplifier and security dongle should remain connected while the system is in use.
Connecting the Dongle
The EEGer Security Dongle is a physical representation of the software license, and acts like a ‘key’ that unlocks the system and allows for sessions to be run. In order to use the software, the dongle should be connected to the computer. It is not possible to run live sessions without the dongle connected to the computer.
Connecting the Amplifier
The amplifier is used to measure brainwave activity that the software can use. If it is not connected to the computer, the software will not be able to get any data and will report problems.
For computers that do not have enough USB ports, an external USB hub can be used. In this configuration, the EEG amplifier should be connected directly to the computer using its included cable, not connected to the external USB hub. Some amplifiers also have a physical button that must be pressed for the amplifier to turn on. The Neurobit Optima is an example of a device with a power button. For more information about connecting amplifiers, see this article.
Adjusting EEGer’s Settings
Now that the computer has been prepared, click the EEGer shortcut icon from the computer’s desktop to open the software. For a new installation of the software, several prompts will appear. Click OK to these prompts to dismiss them and continue to EEGer’s main screen, taking note of any errors or warnings that appear (this can be helpful for EEGer Support if needed).
Running the Game Initialization Tool
If additional games have been installed, the Game Initialization Tool will need to be run in order for EEGer to ‘see’ the new games.
On some computers, this step may still be necessary even if no additional games were installed. A warning message will appear in the center of EEGer’s main screen prompting the user to run the Game Initialization Tool if required.
See this article for instructions on running the Game Initialization Tool.
Adjusting Power Filter Settings
By default, EEGer is configured for use in the United States and Canada. Adjustments may be necessary if the software is being used in another country or while travelling.
For configuration instructions and additional information, see this article.
Setting EEGer to Dual Display Mode
If an external monitor is being used with EEGer, configure EEGer to be in Dual Display mode. It is possible to use EEGer in single-monitor mode, but dual display mode is recommended (and required for some games to work).
This step may have already been completed as part of the Preparing the Computer section above.
Configuring EEGer for the Amplifier
During the startup process, EEGer will check for connected EEG amplifiers and automatically configure itself for the device. In some cases, this may not happen automatically (such as if the amplifier was not connected when EEGer was opened). See this article for additional configuration instructions and information.
Troubleshooting & Testing EEGer
At this stage, no error or warning messages should be present in the center of EEGer's main screen. If errors are present, repeat the steps under Preparing the Computer and Configuring EEGer. If you encounter errors when running the software for the first time, the computer may need to be restarted too. If errors persist, contact us for assistance.
Testing EEGer with a Replay Session
Running a replay session is helpful to verify that the system is properly configured. This is also a great way for new users to explore the software and what it has to offer.
Follow the instructions in this article to run a replay session using prerecorded data.
Home Use with EEGer Next Steps
If the system is being configured for Home Use, live sessions will not be possible until special files are installed from the supervising clinician.
See this article for additional steps to finish getting the system prepared for Home Use.