Importing EEG data
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Because BrainVision Analyzer (BVA) only supports certain formats of raw data, after recording data in a collection program, you may need to export and convert the data in EEGLAB successfully use it in BVA.
NetStation users: Raw data will need to be exported as a binary file (.raw) and then converted to three files in EEGLAB (.dat, .vmrk, and .vhdr). This is the only way to ensure that the raw data and events presented while recording are in sync when moving the data to analyze in BVA. Other formats may not carry over the event files presented during recording or may alter the raw EEG data.
- PART 1: Converting a NetStation file to a .raw file in NetStation:
- In the main directory of NetStation (this can be navigated to by selecting the NetStation application from the bottom toolbar of the desktop), select Waveform Tools.
- In the top window, import or drag/drop the collected NetStation file you want to convert.
- Once you see the file you want to convert in the window, below, select "RAW file" and click Convert on the right side of the window.
- The new .raw file will be saved in the same folder of the original file.
- PART 2: Converting a .raw file to .dat, .vmrk,. and .vhdr files in EEGLAB:
- 1. Importing data: Open EEGLAB. When the EEGLAB GUI is visible, select File --> Import data --> Using EEGLAB functions and plugins --> From NetStation binary simple file and then select the .raw file you want to import.
- When asked "What do you want to do with the new dataset?", give the imported data set a name (usually the same name as the file you imported)
- 2. Exporting data: From the EEGLAB GUI, select File --> Export --> Write Brain Vis. exchange format file.
- Then, a directory window will appear asking to name the about-to-be exported files and in which folder to put them.
- PART 3: Importing EEG data into BVA:
- 1. In the folder that you will choose as your "raw files" folder, move the .dat, .vmrk, and .vhdr files into that folder.
- 2. If this folder is not one you have been using in BVA, after opening BVA, choose File --> New and name the folder you put the newly created files into your "raw" folder. This should then automatically import your data into BVA.