What Should I Buy If I’m New to tDCS?

 

++++ UPDATE AGAIN +++++ UPDATE AGAIN +++++ UPDATE AGAIN +++++

Great News! Caputron has just become a dealer for foc.us products. This means a US source for foc.us products (faster, less expensive shipping, support, etc.) See http://www.caputron.com/transcranial-electrical-stimulation/49-focus-go-flow-pro-tdcs-starter-kit.html

++++ UPDATE +++++ UPDATE +++++ UPDATE +++++

In mid-March of 2016, foc.us released a version of the Go Flow with sponge electrodes. This now becomes my “ideal” for someone new to tDCS. Sponge electrodes are very versatile and are reusable. The new “Go Flow Pro” includes the tDCS device, wire, sponge holders, sponges, and headband – all for $99 plus shipping (from London).

(The new Go Flow Pro. Image does not show connecting wire or sponges which are included.)

I’m leaving the rest of the post (below) in case you prefer stick-on electrodes or wish to make your own connecting cables.

+++++ FEB 2016 POST BELOW +++++ FEB 2016 POST BELOW +++++

In the last few years I’ve written plenty about tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation), what it can do, various tDCS devices, etc. It’s been fun and gratifying to watch the whole “brain hacking” arena develop and grow – to the point that a good level of maturity has been obtained. Thousands of people have improved their lives in significant ways through tDCS – improving their learning/memory, easing depression and chronic pain, improving athletic ability, and much more.

I frequently get asked “what should I buy if I want to try tDCS?” The good news is that there are now plenty of good tDCS devices in the marketplace. A simple Google search for “tDCS device” will reveal many possible choices. If I were getting started in tDCS I would strongly consider the following (my opinion – yours may vary!):

1. tDCS Device: My current favorite is the foc.us Go Flow ( http://www.foc.us/focus-go-flow-tdcs-brain-stimulator ) You can buy this cool little device for $39.99 plus shipping!  It is tiny (easy to carry in your shirt pocket), versatile, and does all the important things a tDCS device should do. The kit includes the tDCS device, connecting wire, stick-on electrodes, and a 9 volt battery.
2. Adapter Cable: You will want a cable to adapt the Go Flow to standard tDCS cables. I would order ( http://www.foc.us/tdcs-tens-cable-adaptor ) It is $9.00 plus shipping (order at the same time you get the Go Flow to save on shipping.)
   
3. Electrodes: Most people do best using sponge electrodes. I prefer Amrex 3×3 electrodes.  They are available from many medical supply houses (Caputron Medical), Amazon, and more. They cost around $20 each and you will need two. The sponge can be easily replaced with a cut kitchen sponge when necessary.
   
4. You will need a cable to connect the electrodes to the Go Flow and its adapter cable.  I suggest ( http://www.bluemoonhealth.com/tens_supplies_pages/banana_wires.htm ) It’s $6.95 plus shipping. There are other suppliers if you prefer.
5. Last, you will need a simple headband to hold the electrodes in place for your tDCS sessions.  Almost any headband will do.  It needs to hold the electrodes firmly, but not so tight as to be uncomfortable.  I use Suddora Athletic Headbands – available from Amazon and others for about $6.00
   

Conclusion

So what does it all add up to? You will spend a little over $100 to buy all of the above (and pay shipping). This is a very reasonable cost when compared to that of long term medication use or the price of fancier brain hacking devices.  I use the exact setup shown above (as do some of my friends) and find it simple and convenient.

Again, you may prefer a different brand or type of tDCS device. See my blog or do some Google searching for information on other tDCS devices in this same price category.

If you think you might want something really sophisticated, consider the foc.us V2 . I think it represents the “state of the art” in DIY brain hacking capabilities. It costs considerably more ( $299 for the V2 module ), but can be used with the cables and electrodes mentioned above.

For more information on tDCS and brain hacking, see:

http://www.speakwisdom.com
http://www.diytdcs.com
reddit.com/r/tDCS/

You should also look at:

http://www.tdcsplacements.com
speakwisdom.wordpress.com/2013/10/31/diy-tdcs-code-of-safety/

 

 

 

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