Latest news

November 26, 2022

We have launched our second device, uMyo! It's an EMG single-channel sensor with both wet and dry electrodes. You can check it out here. Also, we wrote a small post about the blackouts in Ukraine (which you've probably read about in the news) here. Check it out, bet you've never seen anything like this.

June 10, 2022

We have reopened uECG sales today. We’ve been preparing for it before we learned the news on 7th of June, but that day dealt us an unexpected blow and we didn’t know when we would recover. However, the last couple days made us realize that not only is the war no reason to be slower than usual, but in fact we can’t afford to be slow anymore.

For this uECG batch, we have prepared a large firmware update (fixed IMU bugs, improved R detection and EMG mode, rewrote the bootloader and added multi-device functionality), designed and printed new packaging, and made some overall quality improvements. Hope you’ll like them! Of course, the buyers who have previous uECG batches (except Indiegogo one - we didn’t check compatibility yet) can update the bootloader/firmware too and enjoy the updates.

For now, we have put 25 uECGs in stock, because we’re waiting for more batteries which are shipping by sea. Also, the shipping prices are a bit higher now, so we have adjusted them. Shipping times are slower than usual, but getting better. Well, except for russia and Belarus, if you know what we mean.

We will try to ship the orders within 3 days after they are placed.

We will be writing a separate log about the firmware update, both on Hackaday and our socials, as well as about some other stuff. Well, stay tuned then!

June 7, 2022

A tribute to our friend, veteran and fellow maker, Denys Antipov

March 17, 2022

War update #2 (volunteering and living from day to day)

Feb 28, 2022

War in Ukraine (that's where we are) update

Important information for buyers from Europe

1. For now, we can't send more than 1 uECG to Europe.

Please don't buy more than 1 uECG in one order (we can't restrict the amount automatically via shop). This is because we have to declare true value for all shipments, and there is a different export procedure for shipments over 150 EUR (much more paperwork, requires customs broker help, etc). We have learned this the hard way recently, and the shipment got stuck in export customs until we could get it back and solve this in another way (in an interesting twist of events, we were able to send the shipment to this client to another country actually). Hope this changes, but for now, if you're from Europe, please only buy one uECG (with any accessories). Thanks!

2. Due to new customs rules from July 1st, 2021 (January 1st for the UK), in Europe, you’ll need to pay VAT and customs fees for the orders you receive.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid it (we checked). Most importantly, for now you'll have to do it on your side when you receive the package. Tindie is in the process of implementing it on their side (so you could pay it automatically when you order), but it is not done yet, so we can't charge you VAT when selling. There can also be delays because of customs processing. We hope this situation will change soon!

If you're not in Europe, these restrictions don't apply. Thanks for reading!

Useful links

Read more news here in an updated log on our Hackaday page. We also generally post our project logs there, where we dive into development process.

User manual and troubleshooting: Instructions on Hackaday

Where the code is: Github

Vlogs, teasers and videos on all of our projects: YouTube channel

Short updates, also pictures of the process and short videos/GIFs: Instagram

Also, for our local Ukrainian blog, if you like reading Slavic languages (or autotranslated Slavic languages): Facebook

What is it?

uECG is an open source wearable ECG device that can be used as a development platform, in research or as a standalone ECG. Everyone can use it - but it will probably be most useful for researchers, students, medical professionals that want to expand their possibilities, citizen scientists, makers and hardware/software developers in various areas.

It’s developed and produced by our small team of 4 people from Kyiv, Ukraine - and while we try to do our absolute best, uECG is still intended for DIY and isn’t a consumer product (or a medical device). For example, we 3D print the device cases instead of injection molding, do final assembly manually, and ship devices ourselves. However, we test and thoroughly check everything - from device to its accessories, so the devices we ship are made to the best of our abilities at the moment. We also provide support to all buyers (and non-buyers too :). We’re always developing and improving our technology, production and shipping - so there will be positive updates and news all the time.

All hardware files and code is open and available on our Hackaday and github pages. We also post our updates on Hackaday, instagram and Facebook as ultimaterobotics.

Main features:

• 1-channel ECG (1 channel + 1 GND electrode)
• Real time processed ECG signal streaming + csv export of raw data
• Stream to smartphone (Android) or PC (via USB base receiver); more on software in Software specs below
• Can be also used with existing fitness apps (standard BLE connection)
• BPM, HRV, Poincare plots
• Accelerometer/gyroscope data
• Wireless firmware update
• Lightweight - sticks on the chest via 2 electrodes; compatible with ECG chest straps (through adapter)
• Low noise - can be used while running or working out
• 24h battery life in streaming mode
• 3D-printed case in 5 colors (black, pink, yellow, turquoise, and white)

Hardware specs

• Microcontroller: nRF52832 BLE SoC
• ADC: MCP3911 dual channel
• Buffer op amp: AD8606
• IMU: BMI160 gyroscope/accelerometer (low noise, 16-bit)
• Short circuit protection: yes; PTC resettable fuse
• Antenna type: 2.4Ghz, IPEX1 connector
• Antenna gain and size: 5dB (sticker type, 35*11mm)
• Battery: 220mAh lipo, 501245 size
• Charging: micro USB type B
• ECG snap connectors: 3.9mm diameter (compatible with most disposable gel electrodes)
• Weight: 15.3 grams (with battery, antenna and 3D-printed case)

Software/firmware features:

Connection. Works as generic pulse metering device with fitness apps, uses our custom BLE protocol for ECG data transfer, and custom RF protocol for streaming to PC at 1 kHz (using our USB receiver base).

Signal filtering. Noise filtering algorithm is used to remove 50/60 Hz noise from ECG signal while keeping high frequency components of ECG.

Signal processing. Android app calculates BPM, HRV, GSR and RR interval, displays accelerometer data, and builds Poincare plots. Similar functions also available in desktop app. Onboard firmware can also process and stream both ECG and EMG signal.

Platform support. Our Android app is used to receive data on smartphone, analyze it (using graphs and Poincare plot function) and store raw data as .csv files. It is also used for wireless firmware upload. For desktop PC, our node.js monitor app is available on Linux/Windows/macOS systems. uECG is also compatible with most fitness apps (app sees it as generic heart sensor).

Multi-device support. Up to 8 uECGs can send data simultaneously to desktop app via USB receiver base - USB base RF protocol has discovery function for all devices in range, and low latency.

Firmware update. Firmware update. Wireless firmware update via Android app is now possible! This requires new bootloader though - so older (pre-September 2020) uECG units require bootloader update via STLink v2 to support this feature.

Standard kit (1 uECG) contains:

• uECG device in a 3D-printed case (in chosen color)
• 10x disposable gel electrodes (45mm diameter)
• micro USB cable for charging
• 3x replacement screws for the 3D printed case
• user manual

Optional:

• USB receiver base (for streaming to PC)

This adds PC connection capabilities. With it, you can stream to a lot of platforms. You don't need it if you will only stream to smartphone/Android.

• STLink v2 USB programmer

These are legacy. You don’t really need it now, because we recently implemented a wireless firmware update. You only need it if you want to edit the bootloader or use your own. Or if you just need an STLink for programming something else. We use them for our nRF and STM32 based projects.

• up to 20x additional gel electrodes

We would sell more, but it’s hard to fit more of them in the package, we honestly tried… also, we began running out of them too fast to restock on time. In any case, 10x free gel electrodes will always come with each uECG, so you can have up to 30 this way.

Note: if you need several uECGs, but you only need one receiver/one STLink/one set of additional electrodes per your order, then you should first add to cart one uECG with the necessary options, and then add more uECGs with no additional options, otherwise you will add the chosen options to every uECG and it may be not what you want.

Some additional info on gel electrodes

You can use any gel electrodes, disposable or not. We use 45mm because larger diameter intersects with each other (and we don’t want to make uECG longer, at least for now). This doesn’t influence the signal. So standard 50mm (or even larger) will work too, if you’re okay with them sticking over each other a bit or cutting them slightly. The 45mm gel electrodes we order are solid gel type and are produced by a medical supplies manufacturer in China. We quite like the quality for the price. Except diameter, one other thing you may want to look for in electrodes is breathability. If they have textile-looking substrate (like ours in the pictures), they can be worn better during physical activities or just for longer time. Oh, and they stick better on hair, cause they are more flexible and thin. If, on the other hand, the electrodes you found have a solid, thick and soft white base, they may not be as breathable, but may work better for your specific case. You may want to experiment or read on that, but what really matters most is: 1) diameter 2) type of gel 3) substrate, which will ultimately determine how well they will stick on you and how noisy the signal will be.

Looks like that’s all the info we could think of. If you want to read more (and our project logs), our Hackaday project page is the best source. Also, feel free to message us in case you have a custom request!