IBVA UK - answers

On the front of the receiver there are two switches, one LED indicator light, and one 1/8" mini jack input. The left switch turns the receiver on and off. When you are using the IBVA program to record brainwaves this switch must be set to "On". When this switch is set to "Off" the receiver will act as a pass thru box, allowing you to use whatever device is connected to the Output port, like a modem or network connection.

The LED indicator light blinks fast and continuously when it is receiving a good signal, and blips noticeably on and off when receiving a poor signal. The LED will only be lit when the IBVA programme is open and the receiver is getting a signal.
The right switch selects an input mode. When "Tape" is selected the receiver will look for a signal from the 1/8" mini jack input. When "Ante" is selected the receiver will look for a signal from the wireless transmitter.

The 1/8" mini jack input is used for connecting to the playback output of a device such as a portable tape player or camcorder.
The top of the receiver is where the antenna is connected. The antenna is removable for easy portability. The back of the receiver is where the two serial port connections are. The Input port connects to the computer. The Output port is for connecting other serial devices such as a modem or printer.

Power supply: received from computer or adapter.
Dimensions: W82 x H31 x D126 mm, Weight: 135g
Radio receiver converted to RS422 format.
Switch: Input select switch for radio/sound and output select switch for ON/OFF.
Connector: Brain wave data input mini-jack for external brain wave playback. 100 K ohm line input (about 0.15 V to 1.5 V p-p. 0.023 to 0.23 V rms).
Serial Connector:RS-422 serial port connector (Mini-DIN 8 pin) input and output.
Operating radio frequency: 275 MHz, 295 MHz (Standard), 315 MHZ(blue)
Receiver accessories: One bar antenna and one RS422 cable.

The transmitter has one switch, an LED indicator light, a 1/8" mini jack output, a sensor jack, a wire antenna connector, and a battery compartment. The switch must be set to "On" to transmit the brainwave data. The LED will blink when a signal is being sent. Set the switch to "Off" whenever you are not using the IBVA system to record brainwaves; this will save battery power. The antenna should be unobstructed when possible and treated with care. The battery compartment slides open and the + and - positions are marked inside. The mini jack output is for recording your brainwave data to a recordable device, such as a portable cassette recorder or camcorder not directly connected to an A/C power source. Never connect the transmitter to a device that is directly plugged into an A/C plug. Only connect to a device that is powered from dry cell batteries. If you intend on connecting to an A/C power source please consult with a professional electrician to ensure that you will be isolated from the A/C power source. The sensor jack connects to the headband or optional sensor equipment.

Sensor jack:
Analogue side uses a special balanced DC coupling op amp, total Gain = 50,000 to 50,458.
Amplifier differential impedance is 10 T ohm,
Input Bias current is ¬±1.2 PA.. ¬±2 PA.
10 M ohm to 100 M ohm resistance input coupling.
0.16 Hz to 35 Hz -6 dB, 50 Hz to 60 Hz cut off -40 to -60 dB.
Common mode noise is up to 110 dB at 0..40 Hz.
Input Noise:voltage noise
fB = 10 Hz to 10 KHz -> 0.6 ¬µ Vrms .. 0.7 ¬µVrms
fB = 0.1 Hz to 10Hz -> 1.2 ¬µ Vp-p .. 1.6 ¬µVp-p
Current noise:
fB = 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz -> 12 fAp-p .. 15 fAp-p.
fo = 0.1 Hz to 20 KHz -> 0.6 fA/*Hz .. 0.8 fA/*Hz
Input Noise that depend on source impedance at 10 Hz:
10M ohm: 400nV/*Hz, fB = 0.1 Hz .. 10 Hz -> 7.5¬µ Vp-p
1 M ohm: 120 nV/*Hz, fB = 0.1 Hz .. 10 Hz -> 2.4 ¬µ Vp-p
100 K ohm: 50nV/*Hz,fB = 0.1 Hz .. 10 Hz -> 1.2¬µ Vp-p
Digital side:
8 bit AD converter 120 samples per second.
Minimum input 0 micro V p-p generate number 0.
Max input 100 micro V p-p generate number 255.
Minimum digital resolution is 100 micro V p-p / 256 = 0.390625 micro V p-p generates number 1
Electrode side:
IBVA can get a good signal even if skin and electrode impedance changes between 0 to 100 K ohm then 0.4 micro V p-p output noise. This means you can use different electrodes easily.
1/8" mini jack output:
You can connect a 100 to 600 ohm microphone input and/or 10K to 100K ohm line input ( about 0.1V to 1V p-p for line input ).
Usually a standard consumer microphone input has auto gain control. When using the 2 channel recording mode, the auto gain control circuit affects both channels. I recommend you connect to the 'line input’ if you recording 2 channels of brain data.
You will need an audio frequency range of 500 Hz to 13 KHz, SN up to 40dB for recording brainwaves as sound track.
If you use a 4-track camcorder, you can record 2 channels of brain wave data, 2 channels of sound onto the sound track accompanying the video image. Then you can play back the 2 channel brain data, 2 channels of sound and the video image.

IBVA UK offers an optional Pin Input Pak, allowing the connection of other detection devices using a 2mm (.080") connection pins eg: Pin electrodes ( useful for plants and scalp), disc electrodes for ECG & EMG

For measuring other head points, or EMG, the optional Pin Input Pak (3 pin adapter) allows you to use any kind of detection device that uses 2mm (.080") connection pins with the IBVA System. Examples of the types of input devices you can use: needle electrodes (ouch!), bar electrodes, disc electrodes, clip electrodes, ring electrodes, pin adapters, extensions, leads, ear clip electrodes, multi position head caps, etc.

4. Recommended computer system hardware (Apple)
Apple Mac (can use with software IBVA 1.8, 2, 3, 4):
PowerMac, PowerBook, iMac, iBook with USB port, you will need to use USB serial adapter
PowerMac (G3 & G4) with PCI slot, you need to use PCI serial card. RAM - minimum of 128 MB.
Hard disk space 100 MB or more. To install all of IBVA DVD requires 2 GB.
For OpenGL operation, minimum 500 M Hz G3 or G4
(IBVA V2 doesn't work w. 68K Mac. IBVA V1.8.8c is included for use with older 68K Mac)
Operating systems:
Mac OS X - Tiger - you will use IBVA 4 (generic OSx software, so you no longer need to install anything else other than Keyspan driver for OS X)
Mac OS 8.6 to 9.2.3, OpenGL, Quick Time V5.02 to 6.3 - you will use IBVA 3, can also be used by OSX users, in classic mode.
If you use USB serial adapter, then need to install extension file for that adapter.
If you use a PCI serial card, you will need to install its extension file.
If you use Apple MIDI manager then need to install its extension file also..

5. IBVA and PC
PC software for IBVA is not as advanced as Mac versions - I can supply and train users, but I can no longer support it. Basically because I am rarely a pc user, not a pc developer or programmer. And i've spent too long using Macs to want to change now - but here is the low-down, if you really wont consider buying a lovely new Mac mini, or ideally G5.
Recommended computer system hardware (PC)
Pentium 266 Minimum, 32MB RAM (the better CPU speed will convey more loyal real time rendering of IBVA data)
Operating systems:
Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP
OpenGL compatible video card
Free serial port or USB to serial converter

PC Troubleshooting:
If you have any trouble with seeing the 3D display you must make sure your video card fully supports OpenGL and that you have the latest drivers for your card. Also try switching video resolutions to 16, 24, or 36 bits.
Known program bugs:
1.FFT Menu Points state and FFT Menu, Overlap state not being saved/loaded in preferences/braindata files. Actually appears to be saved but disappears upon recording/playback.
2. Can't use Toolbar when Raw Data or Histogram windows are active/topmost.
3. When opening a brainwave file it should start from zero
4.For Rec/Play>Mod>stop Rec/Play, at end of tape:
When end of tape is hit the Record and Play buttons grey out and won't work again until 'New' is selected.

6. Radio frequency:
When you purchase an IBVA system default setting for ch 1 is set to 295 MHz and ch 2 is set to 315 MHz (Blue)
IBVA transmitter's radio power is very weak like the environmental radio noise in a city. You may get radio transmission errors if another device is broadcasting on the same frequency. I have only needed to adjust the frequency once in 9 years.
The margin to adjust the frequency is inbetween 280 MHz to 330 MHz. You need to use plastic radio high frequency driver for adjusting the frequency pot TC1 (10 pF) and radio frequency analyzer. The pot will turn around 360 degrees; usually there is no need to adjust this pot.

Zero offset:
Zero offset adjust pot VR2 (20 K ohm) is for adjusting 0 Hz voltage level = zero offset on the IBVA display. Factory settings for this are set to less than 0.4 microvolts. If you see more levels than 0 Hz in the FFT display, then you need to adjust this pot. It turns about 200 degrees; so do not turn it around continuously.

Input threshold:
Input threshold adjust pot VR1 (20 K ohm) is for adjusting the threshold level for incoming data, radio and line input to get good quality brain data. At factory setting this is set between 10 K ohm to 100 K ohm, 0.1 V to 1 V p-p
If you cannot get a good signal in FFT display then you need to adjust this potentiometer. It turns through approx 200 degrees, so do not move it around continuously (like the frequency adjust pot).

Transmitter power supply:
9V = 'PP3' rectangular alkaline battery (8 hours continuous operation) or 9V standard, Ni-Cd or Nickel-Metal Hydride battery will provide 2 hours of continuous operation.
Dimension: W94 x H57 x D26 mm Weight: 105 g (include battery)
Switch: Power switch with LED indicator.
Connector: Brain wave data output mini-jack for external brain wave recording. Need to use recording device that has 10K to 100K ohm line input (about 0.1V to 1V p-p) & audio frequency range 500 Hz to 13 KHz, SN up to 40dB.

EEG amplifier specification:
Ultra low noise balanced DC coupling amplifier.
Amplifier differential impedance is 10 T ohms; Input Bias current is ±1.2 PA .. ±2 PA.
Input amplifier noise at 10 Hz: Voltage noise :0.6 µ V rms .. 0.7 µV rms.
Current noise: 12 fA p-p .. 15 fA p-p.
Input Noise that depend on source impedance at 10 Hz: 1 M ohm source impedance: 2.4 µ Vp-p. 100 K ohm source impedance: 1.2µ Vp-p.

7. Head sensor input connector:
There are two types of 3 Pin headbands. The 1ch (one channel) version and a 2ch (two channel) version. They both read the frontal lobe of the head (Fp1 and Fp2). The 1ch version has one output wire and reads the brainwaves from both the left and right hemispheres (in between Fp1 and Fp2) of the brain but does not distinguish what hemisphere the brainwaves come from. For example, if a high peak occurs at a specific frequency in the left hemisphere of the brain and a low peak occurs at the same frequency in the right hemisphere, only the highest peak will be displayed. The 2ch version of the headband has two output wires for the left and right channels and reads and separates the left and right hemisphere brain data, around Fp1 and Fp2. The IBVA program can then record and display this information separately. A simple ear clip is connected from the sensor for neutral placement.

Accessories: Head sensor bands (backup) & disposable medical electrodes - all available from the Order page of IBVA UK.

8. General Use
The transmitter and receiver should be placed within plain sight of each other and as unobstructed as possible. You have approximately 30 feet of wireless operation space but the range will depend on the electrical environment the IBVA is in. When the transmitter is used with a fresh alkaline 9V battery, eight hours of continuous operation should be obtained. A rechargeable battery will last about three- four hours.
Never bend or twist the headband too sharply. There is a thin film connection between the sensors and the output wire. Bending or twisting the headband too sharply will damage the internal connections. The headband can last a decade at least if given proper care.
The electrodes that come with the IBVA are standard medical electrodes. For expert medical use, the electrodes should be replaced for each new session. When the IBVA is not being used for expert medical use, the electrodes eventually will become too worn to give a solid connection to the skin, resulting in inaccurate data.

i. Technical Support
Email :info@ibva.co.uk for a quick reply from Luciana at IBVA UK, free the the first 3 months of every new IBVA system.

ii. Warranty
Every new IBVA system has 6 months warranty free. Any attempt to open the units will void the warranty, we do not accept responsibility for damage caused by mis-use of equipment. All equipment must be kept away from water, humidty and extreme temperature changes. Any moisture inside equipment will void warranty. IBVA software is tested on every platform reccomended, but we do not accept responsibility for any software affected by using IBVA on a computer. It is your responsibility to periodically backup your data and to use Anti virus software. Older systems can be repaired.

1. Bluetooth hardware:

Bluetooth interface: class 2 Bluetooth 1.1 specification device.
Encryption: 128-bit
RF-Wireless Frequency
2400 - 2483.5 MHz for USA/Europe/Japan
2446.5 to 2483.5 MHz France

Range: 5 feet up to 33 feet (peer-to-peer) depending on Mac side Bluetooth and environment condition.

2. Bluetooth unit dimensions:
IBVA Brain amplifier unit size : 2.6 X 5.6 X 1.05 Inch, ( 6.6 X 14.2 X 2.27 cm )
travel case size : 6.1 X 6.1 X 1.55 Inch, ( 15.5 X 15.5 X 3.9 cm )
Total package weight : about 14.1 ounce, ( 400 gram )

3. Brainwave amplifier unit:
Default setup: 0.16 Hz .. 40 Hz (-3db) 120 Hz sampling (Similar as original IBVA).
0.16 Hz .. 900 Hz (-3bd) flat high quality DC coupling amplifier.
12 Hz to 900 Hz programmable high cut frequency filter.
120 Hz to 1920 Hz programmable sampling frequency.
0.2 µV to 200 µVp-p input range.
10 M ohm balanced input resistance with high voltage input protection.

Voltage noise:
fB = 10 Hz to 10 KHz : 0.85 ?Vrms
fB = 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz : 1.2 ?Vp-p
Current noise:
fB = 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz : 23 fAp-p
fo = 0.1 Hz to 20 KHz : 1.2 fA/*Hz
Input Bias current:
4 pA (TYP)

4. Brainwave Sensor and cable:
Three electrode sensor pad for attachment to forehead.
Headband to hold sensor pad.
One ear clip for body ground.
1m cable with 3 pin connector to sensor pad, ear-clip. 6 pin connector to brain amplifier unit.

5. Power source:
One 9V alkaline battery is included.
006P snap connector cable connection.
wide voltage range: 5.4 V to 16 V DC.
current: max 180 mA. (type. 160mA)
Operating time depends on battery quality and usage conditions:
9V alkaline : 1.5 .. 2.5 hours
rechargeable NiMH 7.6 V 300 mAh : 2 - 3 hours (charge time 16 hours)

For longer durations and for operation over 8 hours :
you need to use a special connector cable and battery, email IBVA UK for details.

6. General Use
Bluetooth works better in some environments, You have approximately 30 metres of wireless operation space. When the transmitter is used with a fresh alkaline 9V battery, eight hours of continuous operation should be obtained. A rechargeable battery will last about three- four hours.
Never bend or twist the headband too sharply. There is a thin film connection between the sensors and the output wire. Bending or twisting the headband too sharply will damage the internal connections. The headband can last a decade at least if given proper care.
The electrodes that come with the IBVA are standard medical electrodes. For expert medical use, the electrodes should be replaced for each new session. When the IBVA is not being used for expert medical use, the electrodes eventually will become too worn to give a solid connection to the skin, resulting in inaccurate data.