Introduction
- Sebastian Zucker-Malone (Computer Science, szuckermalone@elon.edu)
- Sponsor: Dr. Pratheep Paranthaman, Associate Professor of Computer Science
The Idea
The goal of this project is to build a fully functioning electroencephalogram (EEG) headset based on existing frameworks from OpenBCI, but at a significantly more affordable price point. OpenBCI offers complete packages with all the necessary electronics, but these start at $1,750 (as of April 2026) — a steep barrier for independent researchers and hobbyists. They do, however, make all of their 3D-printable components available through their open-source Ultracortex Repository. By combining these existing frameworks with third-party electronics, I aim to create a repeatable pipeline that gives researchers and hobbyists access to their own EEG data collection setup at a fraction of the cost.
Component Sourcing
- Texas Instruments ADS1299 Signal Processing Board
- OpenBCI EEG Snap Electrodes
- OpenBCI EMG/ECG Snap Electrode Cables
- OpenBCI Kendall EMG/ECG Foam Solid Gel Electrodes
All OpenBCI-sourced components can be swapped for significantly cheaper equivalents. This particular selection had several cross-compatibility issues, which I resolved through various physical modifications.
Initial Issues
- Snap cable pin sockets were too thick to seat properly into the ADS1299 board.
- Standard snap-style electrodes are incompatible with the Ultracortex screw mount form factor.
- Snap cable header casings physically interfered with the mount housing.
- Ideal springs were cost-prohibitive, requiring a custom alternative.
Component Adaptation
To resolve the before mentioned compatibility issues, several custom modifications were made to the off-the-shelf components. The plastic casings of the snap cable headers were stripped and the wires re-soldered directly onto the metal snaps to eliminate physical interference with the mount housing. Custom springs were hand-wound from metal wire as a low-cost alternative to the recommended Ultracortex springs, providing the necessary electrode pressure against the scalp. The pin sockets were sanded down to fit the ADS1299 board's pin spacing, and the electrode housings were finalized to ensure stable and repeatable assembly.
Results
After implementing these modifications, the 8-channel EEG headset has been successfully assembled using the OpenBCI Ultracortex Mark IV framework. The custom-modified electrodes seat securely into the 3D printed mounts, and the hand-wound springs provide consistent scalp contact across electrode sites. The ADS1299 board accepts the modified snap cables without issue. Following the core assembly, the project pivoted to prioritize VR compatibility, requiring structural modifications to the frame to provide physical clearance for a VR headset. This pivot is the primary reason a fully validated, operational system is not yet complete, and hardware validation and pipeline testing are the immediate next steps. Despite this, the core objective of the project has been achieved — demonstrating that a modular, VR-compatible EEG data collection system can be built at low cost, providing a replicable foundation for researchers who lack access to expensive commercial solutions.