The HAL-4 EEG is no longer manufactured Due to the inadvertent loss of the PCB design file, we are unable to produce anymore HAL-4 kits due to a lack of circuit boards. We suggest you check out the OpenEEG project. We’ve opened comments on this page so people can suggest other alternatives and sources for supplies. We may offer replacement probes for existing EEG users if we finalize a supplier.
The HAL-4 kit is a complete battery-operated 4-channel electroencephalograph (EEG) that measures a mere 6" x 7". When connected to your PC, it can show the various states of your brainwaves in graphical format.
HAL is sensitive enough to distinguish different conscious states such as concentrated mental activity and pleasant daydreaming. HAL gathers all relevant alpha, beta, and theta brainwave signals within the range of 4 to 20 Hz and presents it in a serial digitized format that can be easily recorded or analyzed by a PC.
HAL’s operation is straightforward. It samples four channels of analog brainwave data 64 times per second and transmits this digitized data serially to a PC at 9600 bps. There, using a Fast Fourier Transform to determine frequency, amplitude, and phase components, the results are graphically displayed in real time for each side of the brain.
The HAL-4 was developed by the folks at Circuit Cellar and is now being sold & supported by Creative Control Concepts. You can communicate with other HAL-4 users via the CCI HAL-4 Newsgroup, hosted by Circuit Cellar INK.
The HAL-4 kit contains the following:
- HAL-4 PCB and all circuit components. This new and improved kit uses precision passive components such as 1% tolerance resistors and 5% tolerance capacitors in the sensitive amplifier sections. It also includes color coded RCA jacks for easier connection of probe cables. This version also operates at 9600 baud instead of 4800 baud.
- 9 electrode cables w/ snaps for electrodes These cables have preformed RCA connectors on one end and tinned leads at the other for easy connection to the probe snaps (some assembly of cables may be required)
- An event switch cable (switches aren’t included) - this allows you to signal an ‘event’ on the PC display to track how events affect the brainwaves. This cable includes a preformed 1/8" Plug on one end and tinned leads on the other for easy connection to whatever switches you wish to use to flag events.
- 7′ Serial connection cable. (25′ cables are available by request)
- Source & Object code for FFT program on PC diskette NOTE: the current software runs in DOS. A Windows version is in the works.
- Four sets of disposable electrodes
It is available for a package price of $279 plus shipping. Assembled HAL-4’s are not currently available. You can also buy an RCA Y Adapter allowing for two people to be connected to the HAL-4 at once (2 Channels each) so you can compare brain waves in real time!)
The Hemispheric Activation Level detector is presented as an engineering example of the design techniques used in acquiring brainwave signals. This Hemispheric Activation Level detector is not a medically approved device, no medical claims are made for this device, and it should not be used for medical diagnostic purposes. Furthermore, safe use requires HAL to be battery operated only!
If you enjoy your HAL-4 and come up with some useful analysis software for the PC or other computer platform (iMac, Java, etc.), let us know and we will happily post it here for other HAL-4 Users to try.
