Information & Configuration Instructions for the Phoenix A202/A404
Alpha Amplfiier Configuration Instructions
- Close EEGer if it is currently open and unplug any other amplifier you have connected to the computer.
- Connect the Alpha amplifier to its USB cable and then insert the cable into the computer. An LED labelled USB should turn on if the amplifier is receiving power from the computer.
- Open EEGer and navigate to Options>EEGer Configuration Options from the top toolbar of EEGer's main screen.
- On the Devices tab, locate the dropdown menu for 6 Source of EEG/peripheral data and select the appropriate device from the list of compatible amplifiers. The amplifier's top label should display the amplifier's name to match with the selection in the options menu.
- Set 7 Serial port for data source connection to None, if it does not report this already.
- Click Close preferences window at the bottom of the screen. This should return you to the main screen of EEGer.
If configured properly, you should see EEGer report A202 or A404 in black text at the bottom left of the main screen of EEGer, depending on amplifier. When running a live or replay session, you should also see a green box in the bottom right corner of the therapist/wave screen. This indicates that the amplifier is connected properly to the computer and can be used by EEGer.
If you are seeing a red NONE in the bottom right of the therapist/wave screen, that may indicate a problem with the amplifier's connection to the computer or in its configuration. Please repeat the steps listed above, which may resolve the error. If you are still noticing problems after repeating these steps, try the instructions below:
Installing Alpha Drivers
For additional troubleshooting of a red NONE message, see the article below:
Connect Error 1 Troubleshooting
A red SYNC message in the bottom right of the therapist/wave screen indicates the amplifier and computer are not communicating in real-time. For information on troubleshooting, see the steps below:
SYNC Error Troubleshooting
Alpha Amplifier General Information
New Alpha amplifiers should arrive with a red jumper which can be used for signal accuracy in single-channel training or to link references during two-channel training. During single-channel training, it is recommended to insert this red jumper into the signal and reference ports of an unused channel to prevent outside interference from influencing the signal sent to EEGer. For multi-channel training, some clinicians find it beneficial to link the references by inserting the red jumper into both reference ports on the amplifier. Once this is done, the reference electrodes can be plugged into the red jumper to link their values.
For more information on the stacking jumper, see the article below:
Information on Stacking Electrode Jumper
Checking impedance can be done in EEGer by pressing Ctrl+F7 when running a live session. This will display an impedance value for each signal and reference electrode. These impedance values can be used to determine whether good connections have been established to the client's scalp. Values higher than 20 kOhm can indicate that the electrode connections may need to be improved. If the impedance values are abnormally low and unchanging (1-3k) across all connections, or if the values stay at 50k, please contact EEGer Support.
If your amplifier becomes damaged or is operating in a way you would not expect, please contact us by phone or email to determine what might be happening. If your amplifier ever needs to be repaired or replaced, the Alpha amplifiers come with a two-year warranty for any manufacturer defects.