Ironbci (Brain-Computer Interface)

IronBCI-8: A Wireless Brain-Computer Interface That Fits in Your Hand

Measure brain (EEG), muscle (EMG), heart (ECG) and eye (EOG) signals on 8 channels with research-grade 24-bit precision, and stream them over Bluetooth to your browser, phone or computer. IronBCI-8 is a compact, low-cost, open-source BCI just 50 mm across. Wear it on your head, connect from a browser in seconds, and start building neurofeedback, robotics and cognitive-research projects.

Note: the battery, electrodes and EEG cap are not included. See "What you also need" below.

Why IronBCI-8?

• Truly wireless and wearable. Bluetooth LE 5, its own small battery and a 50 mm board. No cables to a computer, free movement.
• Research-grade signal quality. Built on the Texas Instruments ADS1299, the same 24-bit analog front end used in professional EEG systems.
• Connect in seconds, no install. Open cloud.pieeg.com in Chrome or Edge and see live signals. No drivers, no pairing.
• Software for every platform. Android app, Python SDK, JavaScript SDK and PiEEG Server (dashboard, recording, LSL, VRChat OSC).
• Fully open source. SDKs, Android app source, datasets and example projects on GitHub. No subscriptions.
• Low power. Only about 150 mA, so a small LiPo battery is enough.

What you can do with it

• Build neurofeedback and meditation apps
• Control robots, games and smart devices with brain and muscle signals
• Run cognitive research outside the lab, with free movement
• Detect emotions in real time with ChatGPT (example project included)
• Build your own mobile BCI app from the open Flutter source
• Record muscle (EMG), heart (ECG) and eye movement (EOG) signals

Features

• 8 biosignal channels, plus reference and bias electrode inputs
• TI ADS1299 analog front end, 24-bit resolution, all channels sampled simultaneously
• Sample rate: 250 SPS
• Bluetooth Low Energy 5 data transfer
• Works with dry and wet (Ag/AgCl) electrodes via a standard 2.54 mm header
• Battery charging over Micro USB, with charge and full-charge LEDs
• LEDs for power, ADS1299 and Bluetooth connection status
• Compact round design, 50 mm diameter, lightweight and wearable
• Works on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android

Specifications

Package includes

• 1 x IronBCI-8 board

What you also need

• LiPo battery, 3.7 V, about 200 mAh, with a 2.0 mm JST connector
• 8 EEG electrodes (dry or wet) with 2.54 mm connectors, plus 2 ear-clip electrodes for reference and bias. The 8-channel EEG cap kit includes all of them.
• A computer with Bluetooth and Chrome or Edge, or an Android phone

Get started in 4 steps

1. Connect the battery (check the polarity first) and charge it over Micro USB. Unplug the USB when it is full.
2. Connect the electrodes and ear clips.
3. Switch on the board. It starts sending data over Bluetooth.
4. Open cloud.pieeg.com → PiEEG Devices → IronBCI, or use the Android app, and watch your brain signals live.

Step-by-step guide: docs.pieeg.com/hardware/devices/ironbci

Real signals: alpha rhythm

Recorded with dry Ag/AgCl electrodes, no gel, at 250 SPS. The alpha rhythm rises when the eyes close.

Documentation & Links

• IronBCI-8 Documentation: setup, battery, wiring, software, specifications, troubleshooting
• IronBCI on GitHub: Python SDK, Android app, datasets, ChatGPT project
• PiEEG Server: real-time streaming, dashboard and recording
• 3D-printable headset for IronBCI
• Video: device introduction · Video: mobile app test
• pieeg.com · Community on Discord · pieeg@pieeg.com

Important safety notice

IronBCI-8 is not a certified medical device and is intended for research and education only. It runs from its own battery: never wear it while it is charging over USB. Check the battery polarity before connecting it: a reversed battery damages the board. Please read the liability notice and the safety guide before use.