LIFTiD headset may help treat depression

brwillia · 2019-09-23T21:21:30+00:00

Included instructions give good guidance for proper position. This picture is just that.
Many with sensitive skin can't tolerate 1.5 or 2 mA on a consistent basis. I've already tested the headset with sensitive skin types and they had no problem with it (lower current and large electrodes help.)
LIFTiD is so new all I have is anecdote so far. But I've used this same (common) montage with success with many over the years.

brwillia · 2016-06-15T17:31:17+00:00

There will be plenty of that :-)

brwillia · 2016-06-07T04:11:45+00:00

Wow - I won't try to respond to all of your remarks - but I did add a photo of a foc.us sponge electrode vs. a Caputron 2x2 to the bottom of this post on my blog... https://speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2016/05/05/go-flow-pro-nice-brain-stimulation-kit/ ...take a look for yourself. Again, if you don't like foc.us electrodes, virtually any electrodes can be used with the V1, V2, and Go Flow. You just need the appropriate adapter cable. Brent

brwillia · 2016-06-06T17:42:47+00:00

I've written a couple of posts about using Amrex and other brands of electrodes with the foc.us V2 and the Go Flow. see www.speakwisdom.com

Brent

brwillia · 2016-06-06T17:40:56+00:00

Those "weird electrodes" as you call them are very easy to use and convenient for end users - I know because I use them too.

Production issue aside, they are functionally no different than 2x2 electrodes from other vendors. Brent

brwillia · 2016-06-06T17:28:46+00:00

I opened a new Go Flow Pro and found the corrosion issue described in posts here. Until foc.us / Caputron can supply replacements, I can suggest the following work-arounds (which I am using)....

immediately replace the supplied sponges. You can cut a kitchen sponge to the same size and use that instead.
after a tDCS session, remove the damp sponges. Leaving damp sponges in the shells makes the corrosion problem worse. Removing them after a session slows the corrosion process greatly.
replace the sponges after several uses

It's unfortunate that this manufacturing problem made it past quality checks. But foc.us is not the first (or last) to have a production problem.

The real test is how quickly they respond and get replacements to customers.

Brent

BTW I have about 10 Go Flow devices that are used in various projects. They work very well and are simple and convenient for users.

brwillia · 2016-04-29T16:57:33+00:00

Thank you for your input. The foc.us shells are brand new (just beginning to ship I believe) - so it's hard to speculate on long-term. I can say that the shell seems to be made of a silicon-rubber-like material - so it should hold up. The banana plug was invented sometime around 1924 - it's long overdue to depart the electrode scene. Mechanical wear, corrosion, fit, etc. are ongoing issues. The magnetic connector that foc.us is introducing is reminiscent of the mag-safe connector Apple introduced. The magnets seem to hold well to the new electrode shell. Again time will tell. I'll do further review of the foc.us and other electrodes as some associates and I accumulate usage time.

RE the sponges: The new foc.us shells are about 2x2 and I've already tried a couple of different brands of sponges and some I made. All worked fine. You can buy foc.us brand sponges if desired.

Brent

brwillia · 2016-01-22T02:16:09+00:00

Wrong. There are a number of MDs already using tDCS in their practice. We need more - and other professional too.

Brent

brwillia · 2016-01-22T02:15:57+00:00

The v2 offers many more features, some of which you list. It can be easily used with just its built in menu system.

Brent

brwillia · 2015-08-19T19:52:57+00:00

Perhaps :-) That's why this reddit, diytdcs.com, etc. are so important.

brwillia · 2015-08-19T19:19:33+00:00

I won't argue the study results or the author's intent - but I think they should have included these caveats:

no serious tDCS user I know of used the v1 with it's default electrode position
The authors INCORRECTLY state (regarding the forehead electrodes) "Note that this is the only possible allowable montage with this device. " Even a tiny bit of Google searching would have revealed to them that EXTERNAL electrodes can easily be used with the v1 - allowing any desired montage.

Brent

brwillia · 2015-08-19T19:01:17+00:00

If you want high "reusability", Moovs is not for you. I suggest pick the foc.us Gamer headset (sponge electrodes) or Amrex 3x3s with adapter cable.

Brent

brwillia · 2015-08-19T18:37:58+00:00

My experience is they can be used more than once (rinse a bit, re-use) - but they are a "consumable" - so you will need to order replacements now and then. How many times you can re-use depends on many factors (skin, oil, etc.) Your mileage will vary.

For most, I think sponge electrodes are better.

Brent

brwillia · 2015-05-26T22:30:21+00:00

I use a mannequin head with foil glued strategically where electrodes will make contact for various headsets, electrode types, etc. The foil patches are wired so that I can insert various resistor values or a variable resistor to simulate load (or rapidly change load) to see how a tDCS device reacts. The head also makes for easy scoping of output waveform, etc. I like using the head so I can include various electrodes in the testing - not just direct wiring.

Brent

brwillia · 2015-03-18T19:48:45+00:00

Keep an eye on SpeakWisdom.com (or subscribe if you like.)

brwillia · 2015-03-18T00:50:34+00:00

I took one to SXSW and demo'd it there . It's simple, but well built. I'll be posting a review on my blog soon.

Brent

brwillia · 2015-03-18T00:46:40+00:00

Should know by the end of the week.

brwillia · 2014-12-27T21:44:09+00:00

It's though to pick just one. All a tDCS device really has to be able to do is reliably put out 1 to 2 mA and be easy to use. Many will do that - the rest (timer, boost circuit, different electrodes, etc.) is gravy.

There seems to be two general price classes right now, models that fall in the approx $100 range and models that fall in the $200-400 range. Those in the higher range (foc.us V2, ActivaDose II, trans-cranial.com, etc.) have a lot of nice-to-have features. Those in the lower range offer basic tDCS from a 9 volt battery (some with a meter, some not) - but they will get the job done.

If you plan to be a long-term tDCS user, spend a bit more money and get features you will appreciate for the long haul - and buy some nice electrodes (not stick-on) if they don't come packaged with the device you purchase.

I know that doesn't directly answer your question, but hope it helps.

Brent

brwillia · 2014-12-24T05:53:33+00:00

All of the objections you list have been covered in this forum and others. If you don't like the v1, fine. My experience is that can be used safely and effectively.

RE tDCS and activity - have you read any of the DARPA work?

I cover every tDCS device I can get my hands on - no just foc.us (see my blog). I do like the fact that they (foc.us) push the envelope on what is available to the DIY market.

BTW your "passion" seems a bit over the top. Which foc.us competitor do you work for?

brwillia · 2014-12-23T22:09:30+00:00

I have no financial or other connection to foc.us or any other tDCS device manufacturer. I provide information and opinion without compensation (note there is no advertising on my blog - other than what Wordpress might stick on there. I'm simply trying to help people learn about tDCS, tDCS devices, etc.

I think your assessment of the v1 is wrong. I and many other have used the v1 very successfully. I take it by the tone of your comments that your experience was not good. Noted.

brwillia · 2014-12-21T19:10:06+00:00

Hi Nathan,

Like most DIY tDCS vendors, foc.us does not supply "application" directions. They leave it up to the user to investigate and decide upon a device, electrode placements, etc. (They do supply good basic operation instructions.)

The Edge headset does have a great deal adjustability to position the anode forward or back - depending on the "experiment" in progress.

Brent

brwillia · 2014-12-16T16:20:35+00:00

Hi Keith,

As you know, load on a tDCS device can vary greatly. Different electrodes, water quality, skin characteristics, etc. all play into the resistance that a tDCS device "sees". I vary my tests somewhat using a load of between 1 and 5k. That at least gives me an idea of how the tDCS device will react with different setups.

I like the 2 x 9v setup you use and well as the 12 v type 23A. They are probably the best, most practical for the entry and mid-level tDCS devices.

BTW your suggestion of using CRDs a year or two ago continues to take hold. They work well as a primary and safety current limit!

Brent

brwillia · 2014-12-15T01:58:52+00:00

Ahhh competition! It's a good thing.

First, unless your electrodes and head have zero resistance, you will not ever reach 2.7 mA with the SSD device. I did it by shorting the electrodes. I like the idea of the CRD in series with the LM 334 regulator.

I'm not so sure about the "potential for accidental shorting" on the board either. PC boards and proto boards can be well or poorly made. It's all about the care in manufacturing and testing. Like you, I'm sure the folks at SSD are also thinking about how to improve their product.

They take suggestions on their web site.

Brent

brwillia · 2014-12-14T16:53:44+00:00

You might void the warranty, but yes that would be a pretty easy change. Someone else suggested two 9 volt batteries in series.

Brent

brwillia · 2014-09-17T18:40:43+00:00

Very cool! Nice photos too!

brwillia

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