> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.anthriq.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.anthriq.com/bxi-studio/configure/connect-electrodes.md).

# Connect electrodes (xSys)

This is the configuration step reached after [Subject Setup](/bxi-studio/configure/subject-setup.md). The xSys biosignal amplifier supports up to 13 electrode channels. Unlike the Instinct headset (which has built-in motorized electrodes), the xSys requires you to physically connect external electrodes to its connector ports.

## Screen layout

### Right panel

* **Device name** and settings icon at the top.
* **Subject Name** field (read-only). Shows the subject chosen on the previous step.
* **Info alert** reminding you to place the device on a flat surface.
* **Channel detection area** with count badge and refresh button.

## Detect connected channels

1. Physically connect electrodes to the xSys connector ports.
2. Click the **Refresh** button to scan for connected channels.
3. The purple badge updates with the number of detected channels.
4. **Continue** becomes enabled once at least one channel is detected.

The total available channels text shows a running count. Each time you add or remove an electrode and click Refresh, the count updates.

## What gets detected

The xSys hardware reports which connector ports have active electrodes. BXI Studio reads the port status over the device's communication protocol and maps each to a channel identifier (CH1 through CH13).

## Navigation

| Button         | Action                                                                                                  |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Refresh        | Rescan hardware for connected electrodes                                                                |
| Continue       | Proceed to [Channel Naming](/bxi-studio/configure/channel-naming.md) (disabled until channels detected) |
| Back           | Return to [Subject Setup](/bxi-studio/configure/subject-setup.md)                                       |
| Skip This Step | Skip channel detection and jump to Channel Naming                                                       |

> **Tip:** You do not need all 13 channels connected. Connect only the channels you need for your experiment.