FAQ

Commonly asked questions about all our products.

Where do I put the battery?
On the SpikerBox, there are +/- terminals to fit the 9V battery. Match the terminals on the battery to the connectors on the SpikerBox, and press the batter...
Wed, 19 May, 2021 at 1:44 PM
How do I turn it on?
Make sure your battery is plugged in correctly and has enough power. Locate the on switch or volume dial at the front of the SpikerBox. With the dial, you w...
Fri, 21 Aug, 2020 at 4:59 PM
How to reload the code or reprogram my SpikerBox or Arduino?
Download the Arduino IDE at: www.arduino.cc. Install and Open Arduino IDE Follow these steps to upload your sketch: Connect your Arduino using the USB c...
Wed, 19 May, 2021 at 2:06 PM
Can I use Arduino Mega instead of the Uno?
The standard pins are the same on Mega or Uno. You can use Mega without any problem, just be careful when you attach the SpikerShield because there are mor...
Wed, 19 May, 2021 at 1:48 PM
Can I use your images, media & schematics?
We are open-source, so there is no need for us to grant you permission to use our schematics in order to build your own SpikerBoxes and projects.  The o...
Wed, 19 May, 2021 at 1:51 PM
Does BackyardBrains provide medical devices and advice?
It's worth clarifying, our work at Backyard Brains is strictly educational. We do not create devices that are designed to treat, detect, or diagnose dis...
Wed, 19 May, 2021 at 1:54 PM
Can circuit board/software be damaged due to alligator clips touching each other?
Don't worry - you can easily touch the input alligator clips and it will NOT damage your circuit board or Spike Recorder! The differential input has ...
Wed, 19 May, 2021 at 1:58 PM
Do SpikerBoxes have safety precautions installed in them?
Our SpikerBoxes have an Opto-isolated connection with the USB module through which serial communication is established. So there is no risk of getting elect...
Wed, 19 May, 2021 at 1:40 PM
How long will Muscle Electrode patches & Electrode Gel last?
Muscle electrode stickers are not re-usable (that's why we burn through them). Patches can be used only once or twice until the built-in gel loses its &...
Wed, 19 May, 2021 at 2:18 PM
Is SpikerBox calibrated?
Unfortunately, SpikerBox is not calibrated in volts. That is why we removed mV units from the vertical axis in most of the graphs in Spike Recorder. AD unit...
Wed, 19 May, 2021 at 1:59 PM