Home Neurofeedback Rental Manual
You'll be up-and-running in 10 minutes!
What You Need:
Headphones (wired)
Or play the sound through the computer speakers -both work the same!
Connect to your WiFi
Required once every 7 days to keep the program licensed. Not necessary for running individual sessions.
Wet-wipes or damp paper towel
To wipe off the paste and clean the sensors afterward.
Time to Relax
Sessions runs for 33 mins.
Table of Contents
Read straight through, or jump to the section you want to read:
Download Documents
These documents are exclusively for Neurofeedback Training Co. Rental Clients only.
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(fill out monthly) -
My Symptoms Tracker (fill out monthly)
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Fill Out Checklists - Don't Skip This!
These forms are used to track your progress once a month!
This step gives you proof of your changes. For example, watching your “Feel Anxious” score drop from a 9 to a 6 after one month shows you the training is working.
Tracking Progress Journal form
Want to use an App to track progress? Download for iPhone and for Android.
Apply the EEG Sensors
It's easy!
There are a total of five sensors. Important: You do not need to be exact in the placement. Apply a generous scoop of conductive paste to each sensor.
- Detailed info on applying sensors here
Step-by-step Guide on How To Apply The EEG Sensors
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YELLOW SENSORS: Scoop a generous mound of conductive paste onto one side of yellow sensor. If you slide your fingers over the scalp about halfway point between the top of the ear and the top of the head. If you get them close to those points, then there is no “wrong place”.
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Part the hair as much as possible and apply the yellow sensor on scalp – you may feel the coolness of the paste.
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BLUE SENSORS: Scoop a generous mound of conductive paste onto the inside silver rounds. When scooping paste put your forefinger on the back of the cup for support, preventing bending and possible sensor damage.
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Squeeze the BLUE SENSOR clip onto the top of the ears.
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BLACK SENSOR same scoops to insides of the silver rounds. Then the clip goes on Right lower lobe.
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Connect the zAmp (the rectangular device that has the 5 sensors) with the USB cable and into the tablet.
Now you're ready to start the session!
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Right side: 3 Sensors (one extra on ear lobe) -
Left side: Two sensors (scalp and ear) -
No need to watch the screen. Take a nap, read, or watch a separate device (keep volume on low)
More Video How-Tos
Starting a Session
Watch the video for a quick overview.
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Press the power button (upper right).
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Connect to Wi-Fi.
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Open the NeurOptimal® icon on the taskbar.
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Enter your name once, then select it.
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Double click trainee's name to start the session.
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Confirm green zAmp light is on.
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Press the power button (upper right).
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Connect to Wi-Fi.
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Open the NeurOptimal® icon on the taskbar.
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Enter your name once, then select it.
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Double tap on trainee's name to start the session.
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Confirm green zAmp light, music, and 33-min timer.
Session in progress
Time to relax!
Close your eyes, rest, fall asleep, or read a book. It's also ok to talk while in session. You don't need to watch the screen images. The primary feedback is via audio. No need to focus on the music skips either.
End of Session
When the session is over the music will stop. Then:
1. Close the program
2. Shut down the tablet or flipbook.
3. Clean sensors immediately (wipe, rinse briefly, dry). Do not store wrapped in towel as moisture erodes the sensors.
Please no drinks or food around the machine and keep it clean!
TRAINING TIP
How to Add New Music (Optional)
Watch the video demonstration to learn how to add different playlist for the session.
Please note: When creating your own playlist, make sure the length is as long as the session (33 minutes).
Download alternative music here or here (33bowls)
TROUBLESHOOTING
How to Login to Remote Tech Support (ZenConnect)
Watch this video to learn how:
TROUBLESHOOTING
| Issue | Quick Fix |
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| “No zAmp Found” | Reconnect USB on both ends → Press “Try Again.” |
| “License Invalid” | Connect to Wi-Fi → Relaunch program → Restart device. |
| Frozen program | Hold power button → Restart → Open program again. |
| No sound | Check volume icon (lower right taskbar) → Confirm speakers/headphones are selected. |
What do the EEG sensors do?
The sensors are collecting the electrical activity of the brain. NeurOptimal 3 targets 20 different sets of frequencies across the right and left brain.
During a session, the sensors will pick up the electrical activity of your brain millisecond by millisecond and the zAmp or amplifier translates that voltage into numbers, which are read by the software. Nothing invasive is involved with the training process.
NeurOptimal® neurofeedback is does not push or direct the brain. The system cues your limbic brain to pay attention at the exact millisecond that the software wants it to, so your brain can see what is maladaptive and improve its functioning.
What if I apply the sensors to the wrong place?
NeurOptimal uses C3 and C4 - ie: the midpoints on each side of the head between the top of the ear and the top of the head. If you get them close to those points, then there is no “wrong place.” Fun fact: 95% of the brain's electrical activity can be detected anywhere on the scalp.
What's the purpose of the music?
How neurofeedback works is actually not about the particular sound or sight but rather how the orienting or “pay attention to yourself” response of the brain gets triggered by stopping the music or visual display. We are “bio-hacking” by interrupting the habitual patterns through the use of the brain’s natural information gathering process, the orienting response. It’s triggered by interrupting the music which triggers the awareness response of the automatic functioning CNS to come into the present moment . This serves as an opportunity for the mal-adaptive habits, such as constantly being in a state of stress, to be revealed.
So while there is the necessity for sound it’s not the particulars of it, that make the neurofeedback work. It the interruption process at the exact millisecond the brain is about to change states (read by the electrical patterning) and perform an action that is key for the ‘feedback.’
Why do I hear the interruptions (feedback) even if the sensors are not placed on my scalp and ears?
RELATED VIDEO
Watch this short video explaining what the sensors do.
My child is having a hard time to sit still for a full session. What can I do?
If finding it difficult to sit through the standard 33 minute program we recommend starting with the 15 minute Demo version. One can train daily (or every other day) to build up tolerance to sit through the regular 33 minute version. Some parents training children with sensory processing issues will run sessions while the child is sleeping. Then once they have greater tolerance, switch to daytime sessions.
RELATED VIDEO:
Watch this video testimonial from a parent who trained her child while sleeping.
Why is it important to have the system connected to wi-fi?
The software needs to be re-licensed and updated every 7 days. If it is not used within this time period or not connected to wi-fi the program will not open and a Tech Support call (remote connection with a NeurOptimal Technician) is then needed. To avoid this we ask the rental client to login to the wi-fi at start and leave it connected automaticallly. At times the program needs a software update (which always happens automatically at start). If there is an update, it's recommended to install and reboot tablet.
Is it OK if I do other things while training such as read, talk or play games on iPad, etc.?
Yes! The NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Trainer does not require you to place your attention on the training screen in order to run a successful session. The feedback comes primarily through interruptions in the music/audio. If you can hear the music, then the training session will be successful. You can read, sleep, meditate, whatever you feel inclined to do.
How will I feel after a session?
NeurOptimal® neurofeedback does not push the brain in any particular direction. The system cues your central nervous system to do what is naturally best for YOUR brain. Because NeurOptimal system is non-invasive, it is highly unlikely you will feel any side effects following a session. Any noticeable shifts in your mood, awareness or energy level after brain training really depends on the individual and can vary from session to session.
The main point is that transformation with neurofeedback happens according to the brain’s own intrinsic intelligence, with no conscious effort from the user.
Related article: Read neurofeedback trainer Amy's story on the changes she experienced
How do I know a session is in progress?
The primary feedback is via audio, as long as you have the sensors placed on scalp and ears, hear the skips/gaps in music and see that the timer in the small Vault window is counting down from 33 minutes -- it is working. If you don't see the screen saver images or charts-- don't worry! There is absolutely no need to watch the screen while in session. Instead, try to relax; close your eyes, sleep, read a book or magazine, talk, draw, play a game etc... The system and your brain/central nervous system will do all the work.
Need more help?
Watch our YouTube tutorials here.
Contact your rental manager: info@neurofeedbacktraining.com or leave your name and email in the chat widget (lower right) and we'll bget back to you.