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Quick Start

Run a minimum viable sEMG experiment: place wet electrodes, connect the EMG front end to an acquisition device, open the live waveform software, and observe the signal change during a hand contraction.

If you have not bought a module yet, read the Buying Guide first.

  • AAW sEMG Flex, AAW sEMG Mini, or another AAW sEMG front end.
  • ESP32/ADS1015 wireless acquisition board or another ADC device.
  • Three electrode leads.
  • Disposable wet electrodes for the first test.
  • Battery power or another low-noise isolated supply.
  • A phone or computer browser.
  1. Power the acquisition board and EMG front end.
  2. Connect the EMG front-end output to the ADC input.
  3. Place three wet electrodes near the forearm muscle group.
  4. Open the live waveform software.
  5. Relax your arm and observe baseline noise.
  6. Make a fist or bend your wrist and check that waveform amplitude increases.

AAW sEMG wiring diagram

The diagram shows the minimum relationship between the EMG front end, acquisition board, and three electrodes. Final connector names and pin order depend on the specific product version.

  • Use wet electrodes first. Do not start with dry electrodes.
  • Keep away from laptop chargers, monitors, USB hubs, and large motors.
  • Battery power is usually easier for clean first waveforms.
  • If the waveform is flat or saturated, read Noise and Flatline.

When relaxed, the waveform should be relatively quiet. During a hand contraction, the amplitude should clearly increase. That means the minimum EMG acquisition chain is working.

Dry electrode EMG waveform capture