OpenBCI Protocol Reference

These are tools you will need to know when you make adjustments to the standard code release. And they're just good to know.

OpenBCI communication has a few layers that need to be un-peeled. The outer layer is what would appear to be a native UART between the PC and the OpenBCI Board. The next layer down are the radios, and how they relay information. Then there is discreet communication between radios.

ASCII Command Protocol

The PC directs control to the on-board uC and peripherals by simply sending ASCII characters. When the OpenBCI board (8bit or 32bit) starts up, it initializes all of the peripherals (ADS1299 and LIS3DH and SD card, if present) in a default setting, and reports the control register values via the serial port. Once this happens, the OpenBCI board is ready to receive commands instructions from the PC. The RFduinos manage serial transactions with a 2mS timeout. Successive Commands should be sent with this timing in mind. Here is the command set in no particular order.

Print All Registers '?'

Send '?' to receive a list of register settings for the ADS1299 and LIS3DH Accelerometer