Brain Buddy

• Power supply: 12 volts, 2 amps.
• Red LEDs: x 90, wavelength = 650 nm. 0.24watts per LED
• IR LEDs: x 90, wavelength = 850 nm. 0.24watts per LED
• Power consumption: Red LEDs = 15 watts. IR LEDs = 15 watts.
• Pulse Rate: Brain Buddy has four settings that correspond to the brainwave frequencies: (1) Delta = 1.8Hz (2) Theta = 5 Hz (3) Alpha = 10 Hz (4) Bata = 24 Hz. The pulse rates are approximate and may vary up to 3%. The duty cycle is close to 50% for both the Red and IR LEDs.
• Period timer: Once set the timer will switch the LEDs off in approximately 20 minutes.
• Length of cables: Between the helmet and the control box is approximate 1m. Between the control box and the power supply is estimated 1m. The length of wire attached to the power supply is approximate 900mm.
• Outside dimensions: length 295mm Width 230 Height 150.
• Inside dimensions: length 220mm Width 180 Height 130. Will fit any head size.
• Helmet weight: 390g.
• Total weight:  635g.
• Shipping weight: Including packaging up to 700g.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 

Plug the power supply into a 240v AC wall socket. Attach the DC plug at the end of the AC power supply to the DC line socket on the end of the control unit cable. The red led light on the control unit should light up to indicate that the power is present.

Put the Brain Buddy on your head and adjust for comfort. Place the control unit in an accessible place such as on a nearby table or your lap. Adjust the rotary know on the control box to the desired setting. There are four positions, the most common to start with is the third position from the left, which corresponds to the Alpha brain frequency of 10hz. The knob will be facing straight ahead. Then press the small round button on the control box to start the pulsing light. There is a built-in timer that will automatically shut off the helmet after approximately 20 minutes. To turn off or reset the timer press the button again. To restart the timer press once more. We suggest you start with 20 minutes and see how you feel. If you desire, you can restart the time after 20 minutes making it easy to use for 40 or 60 minutes sessions. It is safe to leave Brain Buddy plugged into the AC power, however, for extra safety especially around children, and to prevent tripping over the cord we recommend to disconnect it from the power and put in a safe place when not in use. Avoid anything coming in contact with the LED strips when in storage.

We believe that Brain Buddy has untapped healing potential. Below are some ideas you may want to experiment with using various pulse rates and times sequences. Because Red and Infrared light have been successfully used for hair rejuvenation for over a decade, there is no reason that Brain Buddy’s photo-modulation will not offer similar results.

Try placing the Brain Buddy over your knee or under your elbow to help alleviate joint pain. Red and Near-Infrared light are commonly used in hospitals and therapy rooms to quicken the healing of wounds and to reduce joint pain. Therefore, Brain Buddy may have a  similar effect. However, the light output of Brain Buddy is less than a conventional heat lamp so may need to be used for longer to achieve the same results.

Since most of our customers report a relaxing effect, we believe Brain Buddy may enhance the effect of meditation and relaxation practice.

Researchers had found that pulsing light has an entertainment effect on the brain wave patterns, thereby encouraging a synchronisation of the brain waves with the pulse rate of the light. By starting with the Alpha frequency gradually reducing the pulse rate may incourage the brainwaves to do the same. On the other end of the spectrum, the higher Beta setting may increase mental alertness helping lift depression or chronic fatigue making everyday work activities easier.

Along with the theme of brainwave entrainment and mental stimulation, try closing your eyes and placing the helmet in front of your face. The flashing light causes various patters to appear behind your closed eyes that may have more direct stimulation on the brain. Also, because Red and Infrared light is used for healing a verity of skin conditions, placing Brain Buddy in front of your face with the eyes closed or covered should have the same skin rejuvenation effect.

Please feel free to experiment and let us know the results. Enjoy you Brain Buddy and remember you cannot overdose.

Is Brain Buddy safe?

So far, there is no evidence of harmful effects when exposed to an extended period of Red and Infrared modulated LED light. However, we do not know the impact on people with epilepsy or schizophrenia. Therefore, if in doubt, be careful, start with small doses and monitor the results.

 What conditions is Brain Buddy used for?

Initially, Brain Buddy was designed for assisting people with Parkinson’s disease, however, since then further research has suggested that it can have a beneficial effect on all neurodegenerative disease as well as anxiety, depression and brain fog.

What is the best frequency to use?

Most of the researchers have found the 10Hz Alpha frequency to have a beneficial effect on degenerative neurological symptoms and other brain disorders. The Alpha frequency is also showing good results for other conditions such as headaches, anxiety, depression and brain fog. It has also been reported to have a general relaxation effect.

How do I use the other frequency settings?

Because Red + IR photobiomodulation for the brain is a relatively new technology, there is still much to learn. For this reason, we have included three other settings that correspond to the various brainwave frequencies, thus offering the whole range for personal experimentation.

Can I use Brain Buddy as a tool in my therapy practice?

There is no limitation on the commercial use of Brain Buddy. And there is no reason it cannot be used continuously all-day if required.

 How do I know if the Infrared LEDs are working?

You cannot see the infrared light but if you put your fingers on the IR LEDs you will notice that they get warm when working.

 Will Brain Buddy damage my eyes if I look into it hen it is on?

As far as we know, there are no harmful effects of looking into the light. However, we strongly suggest not to look at the light for long periods unless your eyes are closed.

How hot will Brain Buddy get on my head?  

Infrared light by nature is warm and has a penetration effect on the surface of the skin; therefore some increase in temperature can be expected. The temperature increase will depend on conditions such as the outside temperature, how much hair you have and your general skin temperature. All precautions have been taken with the design of Brain Buddy to minimised heat. Sofar people using the helmet report a warm, soothing feeling that is quite comfortable.

Can the helmet damage my hair?

To date, we have had no reports of hair damage, discolouration or fading.

Can water damage Brain Buddy?

We suggest not to allow water to get onto the electrical parts or on LEDs as when it dries it may leave corrosive residues that can in time cause damage. If water or other liquids are spilt inside the helmet, immediately unplug it from the mains, mop up the spill with paper towels and let it dry.  Do not use soap or solvents for cleaning. If you suspect that water may have go into the control box, very carefully open the box by undoing the four screws, gently lift and move the lid to one side without stretching the wires. Then use the lowest setting on a hairdryer to evaporate the water. When dry reassemble and continue using. Caution, do not touch the electronics in any way as you may damage it which will not be covered by warranty.

Can I use Brain Buddy with wet hair?

Yes, it is safe to put Brain Buddy on wet hair; the only effect is that the hair drys quicker.

What if I have very thick or lengthy hair?

Thick or long hair will have an insulating effect on the light source but will not stop it, especially the infrared. To combat this effect, you may find that longer your session time.

What happens if I notice one or more of the LED strips are lifting?

The LED strips come with an adhesive backing that sticks to the helmet. The adhesive is reasonably good; however, not always infallible. Therefore we have taken extra precautions, particularly in the way the LED strips are wired to provide as much support as possible also in some places a small amount of non-toxic glue has been added. If you notice a LED strip lifting, just press it back into place with your fingers (Never use a metal object). Even if a LED strip does become loose, it will not affect the operation of the helmet.

Can I get Brain Buddy repaired after the warranty period expires?

Brain Buddy can always be repaired no matter what has happened to it. Just contact us for information on how to send the item to our workshop.

Brain Buddy comes with a one year warranty that includes any mechanical or electrical malfunctions. In the event of failure, please contact us directly for instructions.

What is covered by the warranty:

• Any electrical malfunction.
• Failure of the power supply unit.
• Return postage to you.

What is not covered: Physical damage to any part of the device.

• Damaged caused by water or other liquids.
• Damage due to using a different power source.
• Physical damage caused to the LED strips by a foreign object.
• Cracks in the helmet.
• Damaged cables.
• Minor lifting of the LED strips.
• Postage to us.