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Frequently Asked Questions

Please consider these tips and tricks before you write Mindfield with a technical question!

All our FAQ’s are also available in our helpdesk >>>

Table of Contents

eSense General FAQ

 

Which App do I need and where can I download it?

You need the eSense Universal App which is available for free for Android and iOS. You can download the App here:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mindfield.boisystem.esense

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mindfield-esense/id1141032160

 

How do I perform effective biofeedback-training? How does the App work? How do I use my own audio or video? How should I interpret the measurements?

Please see our extensive tutorial online at www.mindfield.de/en/ on our pages for eSense products:

eSense Skin Response: https://mindfield.de/en/mindfield-esense-skin-response/

eSense Temperature: https://mindfield.de/en/mindfield-esense-temperature/

eSense Pulse: https://mindfield.de/en/mindfield-esense-pulse/

eSense Respiration: https://mindfield.de/en/mindfield-esense-respiration-optimales-atem-biofeedback/

eSense Muscle: https://mindfield.de/en/mindfield-esense-muscle-biofeedback-mit-dem-smartphone/

See also our guidelines inside the app, when tapping the “I” button.

For data files which you can load as own media into the eSense App, the general limitations by Android and iOS apply.

We have successfully tested the following:

– Images: PNG and JPG (GIF can be loaded but isn’t animated)

– Audio: MP3, WMA and WAV (Android) and MP3, WAV and AAC (iOS)

– Videos: MOV, MP4 and 3GP (Android) and MOV, MP4 and M4V (iOS)

– If your audios or images are in other formats you simply can convert the files on your computer. Just use a free tool like Free Audio Converter or Free Video Converter

Another tip: You can also directly download videos from YouTube and format them to suitable format (MP4) with tools like

– https://notube.net/en/convert-video (Desktop)

– https://snaptube-video.en.softonic.com/android (Android)

– https://apps.apple.com/de/app/video-saver-pro-cloud-drive/id1297144302?l=en (iOS)

More additional information:

https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/media/media-formats

https://playthetunes.com/m4a-vs-mp3/

 

Can I use the eSense with my device?

Please see the article about the compatible devices on our helpdesk.

 

My eSense does not work with iOS 9 (or higher)!

The eSense works through the microphone port. From iOS 9 or higher you have to allow explicitly that the eSense app may use the microphone port, otherwise it will not work. You are asked for this during installation, please answer with “Yes” or “Allow”. After installation you can make this setting manually:

Allow the eSense app to use the microphone port in the system settings of your iOS device: Settings -> Privacy -> Microphone.

 

Which iOS devices are supported?

All iOS devices from version 15 or higher, which are (in part):

  • Apple® iPhone® 6S, iPhone® SE / SE 2, iPhone® 7/7 +, iPhone® 8/8 +, iPhone® X, iPhone® XR, iPhone® XS, iPhone® 11/11 Pro, iPhone® 12/12 Pro, iPhone® 13/13 Pro, iPhone® 14/14 Pro or newer
  • Apple® iPad® from 5th generation or newer, including all iPad Mini from 4th generation and iPad Air from 2nd generation or newer
  • Apple® iPad® Pro from 1st generation or newer

 

Which Android Devices are Supported?

  • All Android Smartphones and Tablets from Android 10.0 (Android Q)
    Your Android device requires a 3,5mm jack (headphone jack) for external microphones for the eSense Skin Resonse, Temperature and Respiration. Your Android device requires Bluetooth® for the eSense Pulse.
  • If you plan on purchasing a device for using the eSense, we suggest a Nokia 2.4, a Nokia G20, a Motorola Moto E7i Power or a Xiaomi Redmi 9a as an inexpensive entry-level device.

 

Can I also use (Bluetooth®-)speakers instead of headphones with the eSense?

The (Bluetooth®-)Speakers are blocked by Android and iOS when the eSense is plugged into the smartphone or tablet. There are two solutions to use external speakers:

You can simply plug in normal speakers via cable into the headphone jack of the eSense. We recommend the Bose® Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers.

You can also plug in a Bluetooth® Transmitter into the headphone jack of the eSense and hence connect Bluetooth® speakers. We recommend the Bose® SoundLink Mini Bluetooth® Speaker II.

This solution has been tested by us with the named products and works for 100% without latency.

 

How can I process the measured values further, e.g. with Excel?

You can create your own apps with our SDK. We have also developed the eSense Dashboard which allows you to stream your measurement data directly to a PC.

 

How can I export and import the measurements?

Android: The measurements are saved in the background in an SQL database on your device. A SQL dumb file is saved in the ‘eSense DB Files’ folder on your device. This contains your measurements.

You can export the measurements by copying this SQL dump file from the folder and sending it (for example via email) to another device on which you want to import the measurements.

You must then import the SQL dumb file into the same path (‘eSense DB Files’) on the new device. The measurements imported in this way are automatically loaded into the eSense app.

iOS: Unfortunately, it is not possible to import and export the measurements under iOS.

 

A correctly connected sensor is not recognized by my Android device. The message “Please buy the sensor” is shown.

Please also see our article in our helpdesk: https://help.mindfield.de/en/helpdesk/compatible-android-and-ios-devices

Restart your smartphone and the app if the sensor is not correctly recognized.

 

The app displays strongly fluctuating or senseless values.

Please lower the headphone volume of your device. If it is too high, it can disturb the measurement. Lower it until to the minimum and restart the app.

 

The app still displays strongly fluctuating or senseless values. Touching or releasing the sensor skin contact does not make a difference.

The sense is apparently not sending any measurements to the app. In this case, the app will show fluctuating, inaccurate values. Does your device have a 3.5mm headset (including microphone and headphone) bush? Some Android tablets only have a 3.5mm headphone bush with no microphone included. Please check the technical specifications of your device.

Please shut down the app. Important: Shutting down the app does not mean only closing it. You also must also end running program processes in your device’s settings and delete current settings (empty the cache).

Please install the newest version of the app. Plug in the sensor and restart the app.

Please check if directly touching the skin contact (eSense Skin Response) or the temperature sensor (eSense Temperature) with your hand makes a difference in measurements.

 

Is there a way to extend the cord of the eSense?

If you wish to use a longer cord between the eSense and your smartphone or tablet, you can extend the original cord of the eSense with a common, 4-pin, 3,5mm jack headset extension cord. We have tested 3 cords that have worked:

2m cord: https://amzn.to/2kJwqBM

0,5m cord: https://amzn.to/2kKEONs

110cm cord: https://amzn.to/2jJg1LZ

All three suggested cords cost between £ 6-8 and are available f.i. from Amazon. Alternatively you should be able to use other 4-pin cords as well.

 

My eSense is still not working. It does not respond if I touch the electrodes or the thermometer or not. I have turned, pressed and changed the Velcro electrodes without any resulting improvement in the measurement. I have followed the instructions and taken all other questions in this FAQ into account.

Please check with at least one other smartphone or tablet device to see if your device is specific for your problem. Please test on an iOS device if possible, as they are known to work fine. For a list of compatible devices please see our article in our helpdesk: https://help.mindfield.de/en/helpdesk/compatible-android-and-ios-devices

If the eSense fails on other devices too (strong fluctuation of values with no reactions) and none of the above questions helps to generate a good signal, you can exchange the eSense at the retailer where you purchased your eSense. Please ask the retailer to send the defect device back to the manufacturer.

If you bought the eSense directly at Mindfield, please follow the return procedure, which you find on our website at „Support“ => „Return procedure“.

 

What is the purpose of the accounts and the cloud in the eSense app? Do I need an account?

You do not need an account to use the eSense app and take measurements. With an account you can also book plans for the eSense app. With the plans, you can mainly use the cloud and its functions and also get access to the eSense web app at https://esense.live .

We have created an overview of the accounts and plans which also includes examples: https://help.mindfield.de/en/helpdesk/account-comparison

 

eSense Skin Response FAQ

 

The values for the eSense Skin Response are very small (below 1.0 µS). What can I do to improve the quality of measurement?

If you have dry or calloused hands, it is a good idea to use skin lotion before using the eSense. If you do this, make sure to do this every time so that the measurements are comparable. You can also try to slightly moisten your hands with water

In some rare cases the values can remain very low (1.0µS), in spite of the measurement working in principle, displaying at least very small changes in value. In this case we recommend using one-way ECG electrodes. They provide a much stronger contact with the skin. You can apply these electrodes to multiple locations of your hands as displayed in the pictures.

You can purchase 50 disposable gel electrodes (size suitable for adults and children) for € 12.90. You can order on our online shop at

https://mindfield-shop.com/accessories/electrodes/emg-ecg-eda-single-use-electrodes-for-adults-with-comfortable-breathable-fabric-pre-geled-50-pieces.html

If this produces no changes, or the measured value is completely constant, please proceed with the next question

 

The app displays very low (well below 1.0 µS) and very constant values (without changes). The values do not react at all on stimuli like sudden very deep breathing.

Sometimes the Velcro electrodes can have a bad contact with the snap buttons. Please turn and move the electrodes in the snap buttons, and press your fingers strongly against the electrodes to make a good contact. Try replacing the electrodes with new ones, turn and press to see if you get a signal. Try another type of electrodes (e.g. gel electrodes)

Try to press the electrodes directly one against another short circuit). This should produce high values of 7µS and more. This shows that the eSense device is working correctly.

 

Which electrodes are working with the eSense?

We offer 4 types of electrodes. Those have different advantages depending on the intended use. There are Velcro electrodes, Fingerclips (without gel), Gel electrodes and EDA Gel electrodes.

The Velcro electrodes are suitable for the beginning since they are inexpensive, re-usable and easy to use.

The Fingerclips are suitable for the beginning as well, but more comfortable.

The Gel electrodes have a better signal quality due to the gel, but are not re-usable.

The EDA Gel electrodes are offering the most precise measured values and are re-usable, but require more effort in use and maintenance.

You can find a summary of the different types of electrodes here: https://help.mindfield.de/en/helpdesk/electrode-types

 

eSense Pulse FAQ

 

The app doesn’t find the eSense Pulse

1. Make sure that not only Bluetooth® but also GPS or location is activated on your device. We will NOT determine your location. It is a mandatory requirement of Google / Android that GPS must also be active when using Bluetooth®. We cannot change anything, but have to accept this. No GPS data is used by our eSense App.

2. If you have problems connecting to the eSense Pulse, please check that the eSense Pulse is NOT paired in the Bluetooth® settings of Android / iOS. This is not allowed. Otherwise, it cannot be paired in the eSense app anymore. Remove the pairing there if necessary. The connection between eSense Pulse and your Smartphone/Tablet is only established within the eSense App. As mentioned under 1., Bluetooth® and GPS must be activated and the eSense App must have received the requested authorization to use these two functions. The query for use comes up the first time the app is started and must be affirmed.

3. If the eSense Pulse cannot be found in the settings of the eSense App, please check the battery. Reset the eSense Pulse once by removing the battery, put on the eSense Pulse WITHOUT battery at the chest strap and remove it again. This triggers the reset. Then, insert the battery again or connect a new battery and the chest strap again. Then try reconnecting the eSense Pulse in the settings of the eSense App.

4. Please make sure to use electrode contact spray. Without bad electrode contact, a connection may not occur.

 

How can I process the measured values further, e.g. with Excel or HRV Software?

Please note the article on our helpdesk: https://help.mindfield.de/en/helpdesk/streaming-esense-data-to-a-pc-mac-browser-esense-web-app-osc

The data (that you can export as a csv-file from the eSense app) can also be evaluated with special HRV software such as the Kubios Standard or the Kubios Premium Software.

You can also create your own apps with our SDK. We have also developed the eSense Dashboard which allows you to stream your measurement data directly to a PC.

 

Which Battery is the right for eSense Pulse ?

The battery of eSense Pulse ist CR2032, please do not use a no name battery, as it can cause problems.

 

eSense Respiration FAQ

 

The app doesn’t find the eSense Respiration?

1. If there are any problems using the eSense Respiration, please check the belt and spring. The harness should be positioned around your chest or abdomen in a tensioned position but should not be uncomfortably tight or squeezed. The spring is under the belt. You can also put your finger on the spring to see whether it responds and leads to a deflection of the curve during a running measurement.

2. Check the connection between the eSense Skin Response and eSense Respiration housings to make sure the snap fasteners are properly attached and that the other end is plugged into the microphone input.

3. Should the spring break or otherwise deteriorate in quality, a replacement spring is included. To change the spring, slightly bend it upwards with your finger, then pull it out to the front. The new spring is simply pushed back into the housing.

 

eSense Muscle FAQ

 

What is the difference between the private and professional version?

There are two versions of the eSense Muscle:

A professional version at full price in which EMG measurements can be performed with 2 channels. Available is the web app, the mobile app for iOS and Android, all games and the oscilloscope.

A private version at a reduced price with which EMG measurements can be performed with 1 channel. Available is the web app and the games. While the professional version is aimed at professional biofeedback trainers, the private version is also intended for personal use at an affordable price.

 

Which app / software can I use with the private version?

With the private version you can use our Web App (web application).

You can access the Web App with a desktop PC (Windows or Mac) or with a mobile device (Android) at https://esense-muscle.com. (For iOS, please see our note below)

This always runs in a browser. Open this link (https://esense-muscle.com) on your desktop PC or mobile device using Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Opera browser (not Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari).

On this web page, you can then launch the web application and get more instructions on how to use it. You connect the eSense Muscle via Bluetooth® in your browser.

There is another exception for mobile iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, etc). On iOS, Web Bluetooth® is not supported by Safari. Instead, you need to download the app “eSense Muscle” (https://apps.apple.com/de/app/esense-muscle/id1563762101) from the Apple App store, which is a stripped-down version of a browser. It will take you directly to our Web App after startup.

You can also find more information about the web app in our eSense Muscle manual.

 

Magic Blue Smart-Bulbs FAQ

 

How do I connect to the Magic Blue?

You connect to the Magic Blue from inside the eSense app. To connect to the Magic Blue, open the eSense app and follow these steps:

1. Choose the eSense sensor you want to use

2. Choose the ‘settings’ (cogwheel symbol)

3. Enable the ‘Smart bulb feedback’ and choose ‘Magic Blue’ as the bulb type

4. Tab on the ‘Choose A Bulb’ button and select the bulb from the list that you want to connect to

5. (You can also test the chosen bulb by tapping on the ‘Connection Test’ button. If the color of the bulb changes by this, the bulb is connected.)

After you have followed these steps, the app will remember the Magic Blue you have chosen (you usually don’t need to follow these steps again, unless you want to use another Magic Blue).

You should not pair the Magic Blue by the device generic Bluetooth® settings. (Attention: If you pair your bulb that way, you won’t be able to find and select the Magic Blue from inside the eSense app. If you did so by accident, simply un-pair the Magic Blue from the generic Bluetooth® settings and follow the steps above).

 

What can I do, if connecting to Bluetooth® fails or the Magic Blue is not found?

Restart the Magic Blue (switch the switch of your lamp off and on again). Especially if the Magic Blue is already switched on more than 1 minute, the Magic Blue stops sending the Bluetooth® signal to connect. Restarting activates the signal again and the Magic Blue can be found.

 

Why can’t I find the device when scanning for Bluetooth® devices?

Check the light from the Magic Blue to make sure the Magic Blue is switched on. If there is metal around the Magic Blue (for example a lampshade around the Magic Blue), it could shield the Magic Blue and block the signal.

Make also sure that the Magic Blue is not connected to another phone or tablet already since the Magic Blue can just be connected to one phone or tablet at a time (see also next question).

 

How many Magic Blue bulbs can I control at the same time?

You can control one Magic Blue at the same time.

 

How far can the distance between Magic Blue and phone or tablet be?

Usually the range is 18 to 30 meters without any objects in between. It will be less with objects between the Magic Blue and your phone or tablet (for example a wall between the Magic Blue and the smartphone or tablet can decrease the range).

 

I can no longer find the Magic Blue inthe Mindfield Shop.

Unfortunately, the Magic Blue is no longer in production. In the future, however, it will be replaced by another Bluetooth solution for smart light bulbs.

 

Philips™ Hue™ Smart-Bulbs FAQ

 

Which products from Philips Hue can I use with the eSense app?

In general, all Philips Hue products are compatible with our eSense App and therefore can be used together with the eSense. We tested the most common products:

– Philips Hue White

– Philips Hue White Ambiance

– Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance

– Philips Hue Go (very nice!)

– Philips Hue LightStrips White and Color Ambiance

For the best experience, we recommend the Philips Hue White and Color Ambience, because with the colors, the feedback can be enhanced more than with only white colors. Especially we recommend using the Philips Hue Go, as it is mobile with battery and a very nice, complete lamp

 

How do I connect to the Philips Hue?

You connect to the Philips Hue products from inside the eSense app. As usual with the Philips Hue products, you need to connect to the Philips Bridge first and then you can choose the individual bulbs.

To connect to the Philips Hue products, open the eSense app and follow these steps:

1. Choose the sensor you want to use

2. Choose the ‘settings’ (cogwheel symbol)

3. Enable the ‘Smart bulb feedback’ and choose ‘Philips Hue’ as the bulb type

4. Tab on the ‘Change Hue settings’ button

5. Choose the ‘Find Hue Bridge’ tab in the upper right and then choose the plus icon in the lower right. Follow the instructions.

6. Next you can choose the lamp(s) under ‘Hue lamps’ in the upper left. You see a list of available lamps and you can choose each with the tick right next to it. Selected lamps light up, deselected turn off.

7. (You can also test the chosen bulb by tapping on the ‘Test’ button. If the color of the bulb changes by this, the bulb is connected)

8. When you have chosen the bridge and the lamp(s), you can leave the menu by tapping on the tick in the upper right corner. The settings are now saved.

After you have followed these steps, the app will remember the Philips Bridge and Hue bulb you have chosen. You usually don’t need to follow these steps again unless you want to use another Bridge or another bulb(s).

 

How many Philips Hue bulbs/products can I use with the eSense app?

We have successfully tested up to 9 products/bulbs (mixture of different type of bulbs, Hue Go and LightStripe). However, from 3 products and more the reaction time of the products/bulbs slows down significantly (Philips enables a maximum transfer speed of 100ms per signal and per bulb).

Especially if you use several bulbs, a short distance to the Philips Bridge, the bulbs and your smartphone or tablet becomes more relevant. See also the next question about this.

 

How far can the Philips Hue, the Hue Bridge and the smartphone or tablet be away?

Usually the range is between 30 and 100 meter, depending on the environment. The range is less with objects in between (for example a wall in between can decrease the range). Also, if the Hue Bridge and your modem should be in another floor level, it can influence the range.

However, the transmission of the signal by Philips is good enough so that there weren’t any problems with our tests in normal households with the signal. Just from 4 (and more) bulbs at the same time a recognizable lag can occur, see also the question above about this.

 

Where can I buy the Philips Hue products?

You should find the Philips Hue products in every well-sorted electronic store. You can also order online. A list of the on- and offline-merchants can be also found on the page of the Philips Hue: https://www.philips-hue.com/en-us

We suggest one of the starter kits from Philips for the use with the eSense. This also contains a colored bulb (‘White and Color Ambience’): https://amzn.to/3uzSFx8

We recommend the “Hue White and Color Ambience” for the best experience because with the colors, the feedback can be enhanced more than with only white colors.