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H.A.L.O. Hardware Setup Guide

⚠️ Safety First

READ THIS ENTIRE SECTION BEFORE PROCEEDING

Critical Safety Rules for TENS Use

  1. DO NOT USE TENS IF YOU HAVE:

    • Pacemaker or implanted electronic device
    • Heart condition or arrhythmia
    • Epilepsy or seizure disorder
    • Pregnancy
    • Skin conditions or wounds in electrode area

  2. NEVER:

    • Place electrodes across the heart (front of chest)
    • Place electrodes on the front/side of neck
    • Place electrodes on broken skin
    • Use while driving or operating machinery
    • Use while sleeping (without medical supervision)
    • Exceed pain threshold - dial back immediately if uncomfortable

  3. ALWAYS:

    • Start at intensity 0 and increase slowly
    • Stop if you experience pain, dizziness, or discomfort
    • Consult healthcare provider before starting
    • Keep TENS unit away from water

This is experimental equipment. Use at your own risk.

📦 Bill of Materials

Required Components

1. Muse S (Gen 2 or Athena Edition)

  • Purpose: EEG and PPG sensing
  • Where to Buy: choosemuse.com
  • Cost: ~$400
  • Note: Must be Gen 2 or Athena (newer models). Gen 1 uses different protocol.

2. TENS 7000 Unit

  • Purpose: Vagus nerve stimulation
  • Where to Buy: Amazon, medical supply stores
  • Cost: ~$35
  • Alternative: Any analog TENS unit with the following specs:
    • Pulse Width: 200 µs
    • Frequency: 25-30 Hz range
    • Asymmetrical Biphasic output

3. Ear Clip Electrodes

  • Type: TENS ear clips (double-ended)
  • Connector: Should match your TENS unit (usually 2mm pin plug)
  • Where to Buy: Amazon - search "TENS ear clip electrodes"
  • Cost: ~$10-15
  • Alternative: Standard sticky TENS pads + conductive copper tape

4. Audio Device (Choose One)

Option A: Google Pixel Buds Pro (Recommended)
  • Active Noise Cancellation
  • Spatial audio support
  • Good fit for extended wear
  • ~$200
Option B: Any Quality Earbuds
  • Must support stereo (L/R) audio
  • Good seal for consistent audio delivery
  • Comfortable for 30+ minute sessions

5. Computer

  • OS: Windows, macOS, or Linux
  • Requirements:
    • Bluetooth 4.0 or higher
    • Python 3.8+
    • USB port (for TENS control in future versions)

Optional Components

Metabolic Support Stack

  • L-Arginine: 3-6g daily (Nitric Oxide precursor)
  • L-Theanine: 200mg as needed (Alpha wave support)
  • Electrolytes: Sodium/Potassium/Magnesium supplement
  • Carnosine: 500-1000mg (Anti-glycation)
  • Benfotiamine: 150-300mg (Anti-glycation)

🔧 Hardware Assembly

Step 1: Prepare the Muse S Headband

  1. Charge the Device

    • Use the magnetic charging cable included with Muse
    • Charge until LED indicates full (solid white)
    • A full charge lasts 4-6 hours of streaming

  2. Initial Setup

    • Download the official Muse app (iOS/Android) for initial pairing
    • Follow Muse app instructions to register device
    • Important: You can skip this if you just want to use OpenMuse directly

  3. Test Connection

    # Power on Muse (blue LED should appear on forehead sensor)
OpenMuse find
    • Note your device's MAC address (format: XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX)

Step 2: Set Up TENS Electrodes

Method A: Using Ear Clip Electrodes (Recommended)

  1. Identify the Tragus

    • The tragus is the small triangular cartilage flap that covers your ear canal
    • It's on the front of your ear, near your face
    • This is the target location for vagus nerve stimulation

  2. Attach Anode (Active Electrode)

    • Use the left ear only (Vagus nerve is more accessible on left)
    • Clip the electrode to the tragus
    • Ensure good contact - clean ear with alcohol wipe first if needed
    • The clip should be snug but not painful

  3. Attach Cathode (Ground Electrode)

    • Option 1 (Preferred): Left shoulder (trapezius muscle)
      • Use standard sticky TENS pad
      • Place on top of shoulder, well away from neck
    • Option 2: Left earlobe
      • Can clip to earlobe if shoulder not practical
      • Ensure no metal jewelry in contact

  4. Connect to TENS Unit

    • Red (+) Lead → Tragus clip (Anode)
    • Black (-) Lead → Shoulder pad or earlobe (Cathode)
    • Ensure connections are secure

Method B: DIY "Franken-Bud" (Advanced)

This method integrates TENS with an earbud for single-ear form factor.

Additional Materials:

  • Conductive copper tape (6mm wide)
  • Standard earbud (disposable)
  • Super glue or epoxy (optional)

Assembly:

  1. Take a standard earbud (Left channel)
  2. Wrap copper tape around the housing, making contact with tragus area
  3. Do NOT block the speaker driver
  4. Solder a wire from copper tape to Red (+) TENS lead
  5. Thread wire along earbud cable
  6. Place shoulder pad as ground (Black lead)

Advantages:

  • Single integrated device
  • More discreet

Disadvantages:

  • Requires soldering skills
  • Less reliable contact
  • Harder to clean

Step 3: Configure TENS Settings

CRITICAL: Start with these EXACT settings

  1. Turn on TENS Unit

    • Ensure leads are connected BEFORE powering on

  2. Set Parameters (if adjustable on your unit)

    • Mode: Normal / Constant (not Burst or Modulate)
    • Pulse Width: 200 µs (microseconds)
    • Frequency: 25 Hz (range: 25-30 Hz acceptable)
    • Timer: 30 minutes (or continuous)

  3. Set Initial Intensity

    • START AT ZERO (0)
    • Turn intensity dial to lowest setting
    • You will increase this manually during session

Step 4: Audio Setup

  1. Prepare Audio Files (see PROTOCOLS.md for recommendations)

    For Protocol A (The Hunter):

    • Bilateral EMDR audio (panning clicks or rain sounds)
    • Search YouTube or Spotify: "EMDR bilateral audio"
    • Download for offline use (optional but recommended)

    For Protocol B (The Lucid Diver):

    • Binaural beats (Theta/Alpha entrainment)
    • Recommended: 10 Hz Alpha or 6 Hz Theta
    • Apps: Brain.fm, Insight Timer, or EquiSync

  2. Test Audio Device

    • Put in earbuds/headphones
    • Play test audio
    • Verify L/R channels work independently
    • Set comfortable volume (not too loud)

🧪 Pre-Flight Checklist

Before starting your first session, verify:

Hardware Checklist

  • Muse S is charged and powered on (blue LED visible)
  • Muse MAC address is known (from OpenMuse find)
  • TENS electrodes properly placed (Left tragus + Left shoulder)
  • TENS leads connected (Red to tragus, Black to shoulder)
  • TENS unit powered on with intensity at ZERO
  • TENS settings: 200µs pulse, 25Hz, Normal mode
  • Audio device paired and working
  • Audio files downloaded and ready
  • Computer Bluetooth enabled

Software Checklist

  • Python 3.8+ installed (python --version)
  • OpenMuse installed and tested
  • Project H.A.L.O. installed (pip install -e .)
  • H.A.L.O. CLI runs without errors (test with halo-monitor --help)

Safety Checklist

  • No heart conditions, pacemaker, or contraindications
  • Not driving or operating machinery
  • Comfortable seated or reclined position
  • Water and tissues nearby (emotional processing can be intense)
  • Optional: Trusted person present for first session

🎯 Placement Verification

Muse S Headband

Correct Placement:

Front View:
    AF7 •           • AF8
         [Forehead]
          (sensors)
    
  TP9 •               • TP10
    (behind ears)

Tips:

  • AF7/AF8 sensors should be on forehead, above eyebrows
  • TP9/TP10 sensors behind ears on mastoid bone
  • Fabric band goes around back of head
  • Sensors should make firm contact with skin
  • Hair can interfere - push aside or dampen slightly
  • Reference sensor on forehead should be centered

Testing Contact:

  • Use official Muse app to check sensor quality
  • All sensors should show "good" or "excellent"
  • If poor: adjust position, push hair aside, clean sensors

TENS Electrode Placement

Tragus Location:

Side View of Left Ear:
    [Outer Ear]
       |
       |   ← Tragus (target)
    [Ear Canal]
       |
       ↓
   [Earlobe]

Correct Tragus Contact:

  • Electrode makes contact with cartilage, not just skin
  • Firm pressure but not painful
  • Clean, dry skin for best conductivity

Shoulder Pad Placement:

Back View:
         [Head]
           |
    [L] ← •PAD   [R]
    (shoulder)
  • Top of left shoulder (trapezius muscle)
  • Not on spine or neck
  • Not directly over collar bone
  • Avoid areas near heart

🔌 Troubleshooting

Muse S Connection Issues

Problem: OpenMuse find doesn't detect device

  • Solution:
    • Ensure device is powered on (blue LED visible)
    • Hold power button to wake device
    • Turn Bluetooth off/on on computer
    • Move closer to computer (within 3 feet)
    • Close official Muse app if running

Problem: Device connects but no data

  • Solution:
    • Restart Muse headband (hold power button)
    • Check sensor contact quality
    • Reinstall OpenMuse library
    • Check Python console for error messages

TENS Issues

Problem: No sensation when turning up intensity

  • Solution:
    • Check all connections are secure
    • Verify battery in TENS unit
    • Clean electrodes with alcohol wipe
    • Replace sticky pad if dried out
    • Try slightly different tragus position

Problem: Sensation is painful or uncomfortable

  • Solution:
    • IMMEDIATELY turn intensity down
    • You should feel a tingle, not pain
    • Start lower and increase more gradually
    • Check electrode placement (may be on sensitive spot)
    • Consider using conductive gel

Problem: Ear muscles twitch or jump

  • Solution:
    • Intensity is too high - reduce immediately
    • This indicates off-target stimulation
    • Adjust electrode position slightly
    • Target sensation: gentle tingle, no muscle contractions

Audio Issues

Problem: Can't hear left/right panning

  • Solution:
    • Test with known stereo audio (YouTube "stereo test")
    • Check audio balance settings (should be centered)
    • Verify earbuds are in correct ears (L/R marked)
    • Try different audio source

📚 Next Steps

Once hardware is set up and tested:

  1. Read PROTOCOLS.md - Understand the three operational protocols
  2. Start with Protocol A - Active shadow work with manual TENS
  3. Keep a journal - Document sessions, triggers, and insights
  4. Start low, go slow - Build comfort with system over multiple sessions

🆘 Emergency Procedures

Stop Immediately If You Experience

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
  • Severe headache or dizziness
  • Numbness or tingling in extremities
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Panic attack or dissociation (unable to return to present)

Emergency Protocol

  1. Turn off TENS immediately
  2. Remove all equipment
  3. Call emergency services (911 / your local emergency number) if symptoms severe
  4. Contact healthcare provider if symptoms persist

Grounding Techniques (if feeling overwhelmed)

  • Remove equipment
  • 5-4-3-2-1 technique: Name 5 things you see, 4 you hear, 3 you feel, 2 you smell, 1 you taste
  • Place feet flat on floor, hands on legs
  • Splash cold water on face
  • Call trusted friend or crisis line

Crisis Resources:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (US)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Remember: This is a tool for consciousness work, not a replacement for professional mental health care. Use responsibly.