The Brainfingers device is a revolutionary access device that can be operated using either tiny muscle movements or brain activity. It is designed to work with Grid 3 software, allowing users to control their computer through these subtle biological signals.
Hardware Components:
The Brainfingers hardware consists of three main components:
- Brainfingers headband: This is the primary interface, featuring 6 sensors. The shiny side of the sensors faces outwards, while the dull grey side presses against the forehead. The headband is adjustable; a clamp on the thick wire allows for large adjustments, and a cord with a cord stop provides fine adjustment. The thick wire should run down the left-hand side of the head.
- Amplifier: This component processes the signals from the headband.
- USB Cable: Used to connect the device to a computer.
Software Installation and Licensing:
To use the Brainfingers device, the Brainfingers Access software must be installed. This software enables configuration and setup of the headband. The latest version can be downloaded from www.brainfingers.com/ba70.htm.
- Administrator Privileges: After installation, the software may need to be run as an Administrator. This can be set by right-clicking the software icon, selecting "Properties," then "Compatibility," and ticking the "Run this program as an Administrator" box under "Change Settings for all Users."
- Licensing: The software initially runs as a 30-day demo. To activate a full license, users need to click the "Licence" button (top right) within the software. Activation requires the last 5 digits of the Amplifier Serial Number (found on the bottom of the Amplifier) and the Hardware ID (found on the Licence screen). This information should be sent to support@thinksmartbox.com to receive an activation file.
Software Usage - Quick Start:
Upon launching the Brainfingers Access software, the first screen prompts the user to choose an existing profile or add a name for a new profile.
- Balance Check: This is a crucial step to calibrate the device. The screen displays a yellow line representing the muscle signal and a red balance line. Users are instructed to relax, aiming for the yellow line to approach the red balance line. If the yellow line does not reach the balance line, the "Reset Balance" button can be pressed to adjust the signal. If problems persist, the "Balance Help" button provides further assistance.
- Review Profile: After the Balance Check, users can review the profile. This screen shows the muscle signal (yellow line) and a Trigger line. A muscle action (e.g., eyebrow raise, swallow, clenching teeth) must generate a signal that rises above the Trigger line to activate a switch press.
- Switch Adjustment: This screen allows for fine-tuning of the switch settings using the "Adjust – S1" button. The available options are:
- Shift: Moves the muscle signal line relative to the Trigger line. This is useful if the user's muscle action is very small.
- Magnify: Adjusts the muscle signal to require less effort for activation.
- Smooth: Smooths and flattens the muscle signal, which also causes Brainfingers to respond slower.
Users can leave these settings as standard or adjust them as needed. An audible sound is produced when the signal crosses the trigger line, which can be turned off.
- Continue and Launch: After reviewing and adjusting the profile, pressing "Continue" will shrink the Brainfingers screen to a small control window. The user can then launch Grid 3.
Setting up with Grid 3:
If Grid 3 is not installed, it can be downloaded from https://thinksmartbox.com/product/grid-3/.
To set up Brainfingers for switch access within Grid 3:
- Go to the Menu bar > Settings > Access > Switches > Connection.
- Select "Third Party Input device."
- Under "Switches," go to "Activation."
- On the "Switch Scanning" screen, configure the scan pattern and timing for the switch scan.
- To test the settings, select "Test" at the bottom of the screen. During the test, performing a muscle action should produce a beep (if not turned off in Brainfingers software) and initiate scanning.
- Once tested and satisfactory, press "OK." Grid 3 will then be set up for use with Brainfingers.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: The Brainfingers headband and sensors can be cleaned using an alcohol wipe.
- Replacing Sensors: The sensors typically need replacement every 4-7 months. They snap onto the back of the headband and can be replaced by gently snapping off the old sensor and pushing on a new one.
Further Settings:
For more advanced adjustments to the Brainfingers software, users can refer to the "Brainfingers Access Help file," which is accessible from the top right-hand corner of the software interface when open.
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