Olimex OpenEEG
The Olimex EEG-SMT[1] is a compact, USB-powered EEG device designed for monitoring brain activity. When used with compatible software, it can record data during sleep and help visualize sleep architecture, which is an especially useful feature for those adapting to a polyphasic sleep schedule.
Signal quality depends on several factors, including electrode placement, electrical interference, and the user's environment. While results may vary, many users have successfully used this device to monitor sleep stages.
Generally, sleep stages follow a distinct pattern, as illustrated in the figure on the right. For more details, see section Sleep Stage Identification.
Components
Hardware
The main component that has to be acquired is the EEG-SMT device[1], which can be ordered directly from the Olimex website.
Next, you will need electrodes. There are two options:
The second option is slightly more expensive but is the recommended choice. Active electrodes provide better performance under imperfect conditions and require no skin preparation.[4]
Finally, you will need to purchase a USB A to B cable. [5] It is recommended to get a long cable, such as 1.8 meters, since you will be sleeping with the EEG connected to a laptop (in the default setup). The cable should be long enough to allow comfortable movement.
Lastly, you will need a way to secure the electrodes to your head while sleeping, which can be done using an elastic headband or other methods. The hardware setup section provides more details.
Hardware Setup
Software Setup
Sleep Stage Identification
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Low Cost Open Source EEG Device Completely Assembled USB Interface". Olimex. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ↑ "Low cost open source EEG device passive electrodes with 1m shielded cable to be used for the DRL connection". Olimex. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ↑ "Low cost open source EEG device active electrodes with 1m shielded cable". Olimex. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ↑ "OpenEEG". Olimex. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ↑ "USB A to B cable 1.8m". Olimex. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
- ↑ "A first look at the Olimex EEG-SMT". Daniel's Visionarium. Retrieved 2025-06-21.
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