Safety Recommendations

Intended use

Mentalab Explore is a biosignal acquisition amplifier developed for research, development, and educational purposes. It is not intended nor certified for medical use. Mentalab Explore is used by scientists, developers, innovators, and students around the world in custom applications.

Product certification

The Mentalab Explore amplifier is in accordance with the requirements and relevant provisions of EU directives:

  • RED 2104/53/EU
  • RoHS
  • WEEE
  • PPW

In the conformity assessment procedure, the following standards were used:

  • EN 300 328 Ver. 2.1.1
  • EN 301 489-1 Ver. 1.9.2
  • EN 301 489-17 Ver. 2.2.1
  • EN 60950-1:2007 +A11:2009 +A1:2011 +A12:2011

Preventing misuse

  • Any operator of a Mentalab Explore amplifier should read the most up-to-date information relevant to their amplifier. The amplifier must be operated according to these instructions.
  • Mentalab Explore is not intended for medical use, including any diagnostic or therapeutic applications. Mentalab Explore should not be used with implanted electrical cardiac or neural stimulators without prior consultation with Mentalab support (e.g., pacemaker, tDCS, tACS, DBS, etc).
  • Mentalab Explore is not protected against electrical defibrillation. The amplifier and electrodes must be detached from the subject’s skin before defibrillation.
  • Before using the amplifier, inspect it and its accessories thoroughly for damage to connectors, sockets, and cables. Ensure that the electrode cables are intact. If any part of the system is damaged or faulty, replace it immediately.
  • The amplifier and its accessories must not be exposed to excessive mechanical stress. Do not open or modify the amplifier. This will void your warranty.
  • Using controls, adjustments, procedures, connections, or signal types other than those specified in the Explore documentation may result in electrical and mechanical hazards.
  • Only use Mentalab approved accessories with your amplifier. If an accessory is not listed, please contact us for technical support.

Battery

  • While charging or connected to a PC or tablet, the amplifier should not be used, nor connected to a subject.
  • The external power supply must fulfill the IEC/EN 60950-1 and SELV requirements to be used safely with the amplifier. Do not charge your amplifier with anything other than the USB port of a certified laptop or PC, or a certified USB-C charger. Using a non-certified power supply can lead to electrical and fire hazards.
  • Users should not attempt to replace or disconnect the amplifier’s battery.

Environment precautions

  • The Explore amplifier is not designed for use in flammable or explosive environments.
  • Use the amplifier at room temperature. Exposure to conducting materials, liquid, fire or heat above 45°C can cause overheating or electrical discharge.
  • Do not use Mentalab Explore in wet environments. Liquid intrusion can cause electrical hazards. When applying electrodes to the subject’s head, the cap and the subject’s hair should be dry.
  • Protect the amplifier and electrodes from electrostatic discharge.

Signal transmission

  • The amplifier’s movement sensors and wireless transmission can be compromised within shielded rooms. It is not possible to communicate with the amplifier from outside of a shielded room.
  • Mentalab Explore uses a 2.4 GHz band for wireless transmission, so nearby Bluetooth and wireless devices can cause interference. Ensure that enough transmission bandwidth is available in your environment. We recommend working in environments with low wireless noise interference for better performance.
  • If you are having trouble with the amplifier’s signal because of interference consider:
    • Reorienting or relocating the Explore amplifier,
    • Increasing the space between the Explore amplifier and other wireless devices,
    • Consulting Mentalab technical support.

System maintenance

  • Mentalab Explore uses lightweight, highly flexible cables to provide comfort and easy cap mounting. These cables are sensitive. Adhere to the following guidelines to prolong the life of your ExG electrodes.
    • Do not pull on the electrode cables and avoid knots. Do not cut, kink or pinch electrode cables. Light bending is safe.
    • Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and chemicals.
    • Clean excess gel, disinfectant, paste or other residue from the cables and electrodes immediately after use. Do not use detergents with chlorine or other corrosive agents to clean the system. For more information, see: https://wiki.mentalab.com/user-guide/cleaning-disinfection-storage/.
    • Protect the Explore amplifier from liquid. Ensure that the system is completely dry before storing.

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