using wet electrodes with Ultracortex ?
Hi
I have an Ultracortex (Cyton 8-channel) headset with dry electrodes.
However, I'm facing issues with subjects who have long hair, and since 50% of my participants are female, it has become a serious problem.
I’m considering switching to wet electrodes to improve signal quality.
From a technical and economic perspective, do you think this is a good decision?
Additionally, I couldn’t find any tutorials or guides on how to assemble the Ultracortex helmet with wet electrodes.
Could you please advise me or share any resources that might help?
Comments
Hi Gaia,
Have you tried emailing with Customer Support (contact at openbci.com) to discuss possible options? Such as other electrode caps, gel versus gel-free, etc.? The Ultracortex is designed as a dry system and cannot be easily converted to wet electrodes.
Are you currently using the 'short' original 'spikey' dry electrodes? These have much shorter comb teeth than the optional 5mm electrodes:
https://shop.openbci.com/products/5-mm-spike-electrode-pack-of-30
These 'potentially' could reach through longer hair. With any of the comb electrodes, to seat them best through hair may require wiggling them around somewhat to get the comb tips closer to the skin surface. Do note that the 5mm combs 'wear' faster than the spikey combs. So may need replacing sooner if the coating wears off.
The gel-free caps are particularly interesting as they use a moist saline electrode that avoids the cleanup need with gel.
One other option you have is to switch over to the Thinkpulse 'active' electrodes, which also have longer comb teeth. TWO comb lengths are offered:
https://shop.openbci.com/products/thinkpulse-active-electrode-kit?variant=44044660539632
Regards, William
Thanks for your advice. I`ve ordered spike-electrode-pack-of-30. I will try and share my experience.