We are releasing new firmware for Octopus-16, bringing 16-channel EEG connectivity over Bluetooth to PiEEG Cloud.
The firmware turns the XIAO ESP32-S3 at the heart of Octopus-16 into the wireless link between the EEG hardware and our cloud platform. Once installed, the board identifies itself as Octopus-16-XXXX, making it easy to recognize when connecting from PiEEG Cloud.
From Octopus-16 to the Browser
This release is designed to make getting a 16-channel EEG system online more direct. The firmware is installed through the browser, and the board can then be discovered over Bluetooth without a separate desktop flashing utility.
With Octopus-16 connected to PiEEG Cloud, users have a straightforward path from the hardware to browser-based EEG tools and experiments. The same device name remains visible after reconnecting, so returning to a recording setup is simple.
Install the Firmware
Installation takes about 30 seconds. Before starting, make sure the cable supports data transfer; charge-only USB-C cables will power the board but will not expose its serial port.
- Plug the XIAO ESP32-S3 into this computer with a USB-C data cable.
- Select Install Octopus-16 Firmware in the installer.
- Choose the serial port that appears and wait for flashing to finish.
Install Octopus-16 Firmware
If the Board Is Not Detected
If flashing fails or no serial port appears, put the board into bootloader mode:
- Hold the BOOT button.
- Tap RESET while continuing to hold BOOT.
- Release BOOT, then start the installation again.
After a successful flash, unplug and reconnect the board once. It should then appear in the Bluetooth device list as Octopus-16-XXXX.
Ready for PiEEG Cloud
Once the board is visible over Bluetooth, open cloud.pieeg.com to connect Octopus-16 and begin working with its 16 EEG channels in the browser.
This firmware release is another step toward making multichannel EEG systems easier to set up, connect, and use without adding a complicated software installation process between the hardware and the experiment.
