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Human SpikerBox

Human SpikerBox

Figure 1. Diagram of the Human SpikerBox Setup

The Human SpikerBox kit is a versatile, user-friendly device designed for recording and analyzing electrical activity from muscles (EMG), heart (EKG), brain (EEG), and eyes (EOG). With this tool, students and enthusiasts can perform a variety of human physiology experiments to observe bioelectric phenomena in real time.

Getting Started with the Human SpikerBox​

To begin, choose the type of experiment you'd like to perform and gather the necessary materials. Below are setup instructions for basic recordings, including EMG, EEG, and ECG. For advanced applications, check out our experiment pages.

Recording Muscle Activity (EMG)​

  1. Electrode Placement: Place two patch electrodes on each end of the target muscle (for example, on the forearm).
    • Attach a red lead from the orange cable to each electrode.
    • For grounding, place a third electrode on the back of your hand and connect the black lead from the orange cable to this ground electrode.
  2. Connection: Plug the orange cable into one of the channels on the Human SpikerBox. The left channel provides an audio output.

emg placement

Figure 2. Example of forearm EMG setup, showing electrode placement

Recording Brainwaves (EEG)​

  1. Headband Setup: Position the headband with metal electrodes around the top of your head.
    • Apply electrode gel to the flat metal contacts to enhance conductivity.
    • Adjust the band so it sits securely under the jaw, with the electrodes aligned over the Pz and P4 regions of your scalp (refer to the image below for placement).
  2. Ground Electrode: Place a patch electrode on the bony part behind your ear as a ground.
    • Connect each red lead from the orange cable to one of the headband’s electrodes.
    • Clip the black lead onto the ground electrode behind your ear.
  3. Connection: Plug the orange cable into one of the channels on the SpikerBox.

This setup is designed for a P300 experiment. For other EEG applications, see the BYB experiments page.

eeg placement
Figure 3. EEG electrode setup for P300 experiment

You can also experiment with other electrode placements

Recording Heart Activity (ECG/EKG)​

  1. Electrode Placement: Attach patch electrodes to the inner wrists, with an additional electrode on the back of the hand for grounding.
    • Connect each red lead from the orange cable to the wrist electrodes and the black lead to the ground electrode.
  2. Connection: Plug the orange cable into a channel on the SpikerBox.

For additional ECG configurations, refer to the BYB experiments page.

ecg placement

Setting Up for Recording​

  1. Power On: Insert a 9V battery into the Human SpikerBox and power it by turning the black dial, which also controls speaker volume.
  2. Device Connection: Use the USB-C cable provided to connect the device to your computer or mobile device. iOS devices with a lightning connector will require This Cable, which is sold separately.
  3. Recording Software: Open SpikeRecorder and wait for the device to connect. Adjust the filter settings by selecting the type of signal that you are trying to record.
    filter settings

Technical Specifications​

The Human SpikerBox is engineered for high-quality physiological signal recording, making it a powerful tool for both educational and research purposes.

CategorySpecification
Sampling Rate10 kHz (2 channels)
Frequency Range0.15–2000 Hz
Gain (High-Pass Filter above 70 Hz)850x
Gain (High-Pass Filter below 70 Hz)3250x
OutputUSB-C, Headphone/Smartphone, 2 Analog Out pins
Inputs2x Orange Cables, 5x Digital Ins or 3x Digital Ins/2x Analog Ins
CMRR>140 dB
Differential Input Impedance10 GΩ
Common Mode Input Impedance5 GΩ

Note: Connecting to iOS with a lightning port requires a USB-C to Lightning cable (sold separately).

USB connection is highly advised, as connecting via the Green Smartphone Cable only transfers data from Channel 1. Low-frequency signals (such as EEG, EOG, and ECG) will be filtered out by the sound card of the phone or computer when using this method.

Experiments to Explore​

With the Human SpikerBox, you can dive into various hands-on experiments:

Expansion Options​

The SpikerBox’s expansion port offers the possibility to broaden its functionality by adding devices such as:

  • Reaction Timer: For measuring reaction times in various experiments.
  • Reflex Hammer: Ideal for studies involving reflexes and muscle response.
  • Game Controller: Allows integration with software-controlled tasks and games.

Troubleshooting​

For common troubleshooting steps, see the General Troubleshooting Guide.