Electrode Cap Gel / availability
Hi, I was wondering what the function of the Electrode Cap Gel is for the EEG Electrode Cap. Can it be used without the gel? Are there any suitable substitutes for it?
My last order had an incredibly high customs/entry fee over $100 that I'd prefer to avoid if possible.
Comments
Hi Rainegu,
Yes the gel is required. You can probably find it at a distributor / dealer in your country. Check suppliers of EEG equipment. The manufacturer of the gel is Electro-Cap.
https://www.google.com/search?q=electro-cap+gel+australia
William
Hi rainegu, I use Ten20 paste with good results with gold cup electrodes. Perhaps it could suit your cap. A little goes a long way...
https://www.neurotherapy.com.au/product/ten20-conductive-paste-4oz-single/
The cap has small holes for injection of the gel into each site. There are numerous videos online that show how the gel is applied. Paste works great with the cup electrodes, but caps work differently. The cap with gel, penetrates through the hair to make a conductive bridge between the scalp skin and the electrode. WITHOUT needing to carefully part the hair at each site, as is done with the cups and paste.
https://www.google.com/search?q=eeg+electrode+cap+gel+application
Oh, I have read about those. Sounds a lot more convenient, and the paste can be difficult to remove from the hair.
Would ultrasound gel be suitable? That is certainly easy enough to come by.
The first link I posted has exact gel, same as on the OpenBCI Shop page; in AUS.
https://www.braindiagnostics.com.au/products/electro-gel-for-electro-caps-16oz
This Electro-cap gel is very watery, but is designed to stiffen up when exposed to air. So it does not run between sites. Ultrasound gel likely does not have these properties. I think the EEG gel actually contains some type of corn starch or other thickener. As well as saline, obviously.
Thats a good price.
Interesting stuff the gel. Looks like there are a number of salts in it like the ten20 paste. Ultrasound gel is much simpler. Thanks for clarifying.
Thank you for the help sourcing and information on the EEG gel! It's interesting to hear about the differences compared to other gels. Ordering it now; I'm excited to finally use the electrode cap.