Connecting the Blackrock NeuroPort System with Nihon Kohden EEG: Standard vs. High-Density Setup (Macro Electrodes)

Connecting the Blackrock NeuroPort System with Nihon Kohden EEG: Standard vs. High-Density Setup (Macro Electrodes)

These guides show clinical researchers and EMU neurophysiology/EEG teams how to connect Blackrock NeuroSnap Splitter Boxes and a Nihon Kohden (NK) EEG system so that both systems record from the same electrodes at the same time. There are two supported setups. Pick the one that matches the equipment at your site, then follow the matching one-page connection guide attached below.

Which setup do I have?

Standard SetupHigh-Density Setup
How it worksElectrodes plug into the Blackrock Splitter Boxes. The signal passes through to the NK jackboxes over individual 1.5 mm DIN leads.Electrodes plug into the NK jackboxes as usual. Modified NK cables send a copy of the signal to Blackrock through one high-density connection per jackbox.
Additional equipmentNoneModified NK cables, NK Interconnect Cables and NeuroSnap Branches (see below)
Connections per 64 channels64–66 individual DIN leads1 high-density connection
Disconnecting the research systemUnplug the HDMI cable from each Splitter BoxUnplug the NK Interconnect Cable from each modified NK cable
Best forSites already using NeuroSnap with NKSites that want faster hookup and disconnect for the neurophysiology/EEG team

Standard Setup
The Standard Setup needs no additional equipment. The Splitter Boxes pass the neural signal straight through to the NK system, so NK records as usual while Blackrock records at the same time.

Equipment for 192 channels:

  • NK amplifier and 3 NK jackboxes (A = Ch 1–64, B = Ch 65–128, C = Ch 129–192)
  • 3 NeuroSnap Splitter Boxes
  • 1.5 mm touchproof DIN leads:
    • Splitter Box 1: 66 leads (64 channels + REF + GND to Jackbox A)
    • Splitter Boxes 2 and 3: 64 leads each
  • REF jumpers between Splitter Boxes
  • HDMI data cables and the Blackrock NeuroPort System

Key points:

  • Electrodes plug into the Splitter Boxes first. If contacts change in the OR, skip the same positions at both the Splitter Box and the NK jackbox.
  • Plug REF and GND into Splitter Box 1. They pass through to NK Jackbox A.

High-Density Setup
The High-Density Setup needs additional equipment, but it saves the neurophysiology/EEG team a lot of time during setup and disconnect. The clinical hookup is the same as a standard NK study. Blackrock connects with one high-density cable per jackbox instead of dozens of individual leads, and the montage is built only once, at the NK jackbox.

Equipment for 192 channels, in addition to the Splitter Boxes, HDMI cables and NeuroPort System:

  • 3 Modified NK Cables: PN 9411 (Jackbox A), PN 9412 (Jackbox B), PN 9413 (Jackbox C). These are your site’s NK jackbox-to-amplifier cables, sent to Blackrock to have a Blackrock connector added. Contact Support to arrange the modification.
  • 3 NeuroSnap Branch NK Interconnect Cables (PN 13333)
  • 3 NeuroSnap Branches (PN 13270). Each mounts on a Splitter Box and normally stays mounted. The Branch’s front Bank A/B ports are for attaching a CereStim research stimulator.

Ground and reference rules (both setups)

  • Reference: add REF jumpers across all Blackrock Splitter Boxes. This only affects the Blackrock recording.
  • Ground: don’t add GND jumpers between Blackrock boxes. Blackrock and NK each tie ground internally, and extra jumpers can add noise as they wear.
  • Inspect jumpers before each hookup and replace any that are frayed, loose or kinked.

Disconnecting for clinical tests, bathroom visits or transport
Both guides include a “Where to disconnect the research system” section. In both setups NK keeps recording while the research system is disconnected.

Attachments

  • Blackrock-NK Standard Setup.pdf
  • Blackrock-NK High Density Setup.pdf

Need help? Contact Blackrock Support at support@blackrockneuro.com or +1 (801) 582-5533.