4. Head sensor

The Sensor is measuring what it is attached to. Hence we strongly recommend to use headband to attach the sensor also underneath a helmet always when this is possible. If the helmet is tight fitted and sitting quite high (like in an ice-hockey helmet pictured below), this is how we recommend to attach the head sensor.

In helmet types where it is not possible to use head sensor with a  head band underneath (like ice-hockey goalie helmet), we recommend attaching the head sensor on a helmet like this. Or attach the sensor to the hard surface inside the helmet (like on American Football helmet pictured below). Please remember that when the sensor is attached to the helmet, it measures the forces and impacts acting on the helmet, which is not equal to the forces acting on a head inside the helmet. Forces acting on a helmet are typically more violent, and helmet cushions the impacts reaching the head – which is one of the reasons helmets are worn.

No you cannot. We recommend to use coding for the profile names such as GP1, GP2, GP3 and so forth. This will protect the privacy of the users impact data and allow you to change sensors from one user to another in a seamless way.

1. Buy a CR2032 coin cell battery for the head sensor.

2. Download ACT Head Impact Tracker smartphone mobile App from Google Play on your smartphone. Please notice that App is for Android 9 or newer Android operating system only, and that the App’s compatibility with all and every smartphone brand and model has not been tested and cannot be guaranteed. Updated list of brands and models tested can be found in FAQ in www.act-tracker.com

3. Create User Account in the App. Your email acts as your User-ID. Make sure to store your password somewhere safe.

4. Create Profile in your User Account to which you want to add the head sensor to. Follow App’s instructions on creating Profile. Please note: You cannot remove or change Profile once created.

5. Ensure location services and Bluetooth® wireless communication are enabled, on and active in your smartphone for the App and always when using it with the head sensor. Ensure also that your mobile data and roaming (if needed) are enabled, on and active in your mobile device for the App and always when using it with the head sensor, or that you are connected to Wi-Fi. If you do not have mobile data or Wi-Fi at your disposal, please use the sensors in Tracker mode, it will decrease their power consumption. Note: when sensors are on Tracker mode, near-real-time delivery of sensor measurements is not functional, you have to download the impacts from the sensor to the App after the session, when mobile device can be connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi.

6. Remove the head sensor from its package. Open the hatch. Add the coin cell battery by carefully sliding it underneath the silver-colored holder bridge as indicated by the arrow on the bridge + side is facing you and away from the electronics.

7. Locate the head sensor’s Serial number also acting as Registration code, which is on the product label underneath the battery hatch. Open the hatch and you can see the white sticker on the lid. Registration code is a 6-digit code on the product label.

8. Close the hatch by pressing all the sides firmly together to seal the locks on them. Check that the sides are seamlessly connected with each other before the use. Please note: Inserting the battery may turn the sensor on, but some components might not turn on. Before the use, switch the sensor off and back on.

9. Turn the head sensor on by pressing the on/off-button once slowly and firmly. The sensor is on when the small red led light next to the button starts to blink in slow frequency.  If the led-light blinks in high frequency (in fast pace), the battery is almost empty. Change the battery or ACT Head Impact Tracker might not work as intended. If the light does not come on at all, or the light comes on but it is not blinking, try with a new battery. If the light still is not coming on at all, or the light comes on, but it is not blinking, the head sensor is not working as it is supposed to and should be replaced.

10. When the sensor is on, choose Profile you want to add the sensor to, click on it. Click then the green button next to “Sensors”, and then “Add Sensor” button.

The App has found the sensor when it says on it: “Found 1 sensor”. Click “Continue”.

The App is connected to the sensor when it shows “Connected to 1/1 sensors”. Add Registration code to the line under the text. Click “Continue”. If the App can not find any sensor, switch the sensor off and back on, and try again. If the App finds more than one sensors, switch off all the other sensors than the one you want to register and try again.

11. Choose the sport / discipline the sensor is primarily used for > Click “Continue”

12. Optional: name your sensor and/or just click “Finish”. the App will confirm “Registration is successful”. This means your ACT Head Impact Tracker is ready for action.

In the end of each session of use, make sure to switch off the sensor by pressing on/off-button slowly and firmly twice. Wait for three short led-light blinks to indicate the sensor is switched off. Doing this will prevent impacts from handling and transportation to be recorded to your impact history. Also, it will save energy and prolong your battery lifetime.

See detailed illustrated instructions in User Manual.

Last updated: 19th of December 2022

LIST OF MOBILE DEVICES’ FUNCTIONALITY WITH ACT HEAD IMPACT TRACKER

Tested and found working brands (models, Android OS)
1. Samsung Galaxy A21s (AOS 12)
2. Samsung Galaxy A41 (AOS 11)
3. Samsung 9+ (AOS 10)
4. Samsung A40 (AOS 11)
5. Samsung S21 Ultra 5G (A13)
6. Motorola e20 (AOS 11)
7. OnePlus8 (AOS12)
Please note: occasional problems with establishing and maintaining connection between the head sensors and mobile devices (no notification to the App regarding) were recorded:
Samsung phones: a.) in some models Bluetooth® wireless connection was slow or even disconnected if the mobile phone’s screen is switched off (= not lighted). The connection should be re-established and information from the sensors delivered when the screen is switched back on (=lighted) – if the sensor(s) are in the reach of Bluetooth® wireless technology. b.) In all models pop-up window with list of devices for paring appears when Bluetooth® wireless technology is switched on. When this happens, just click “Continue” to close the window. No paring is needed, nor appearing nor choosing it on the list.

Tested and found not working as intended (models, Android OS)
8. Xiaomi Redmi 9a (AOS 10)
Frequent problems with establishing and maintaining connection between the head sensors and mobile devices (no notification to the App regarding) were recorded:
The connection between the sensors and the mobile phone was disconnected when the App was not on, on top of the open Apps and/or screen was switched off (not lighted).

Tested and found not working (models, Android OS)
9. OnePlus Nord N100 (AOS 11)
10. OnePlus8 (AOS13)
ACT Head Impact Tracker does not function with these mobile devices.

Other brands and models have not been tested, and cannot be granted to work, or work as intended with ACT Head Impact Tracker. (If your device is not on the list, it does not guarantee it is functional, or that is not. We just have not tested it yet.)

To add and use ACT Head Impact Tracker sensor, you have to add it to Profile on your User Account. Note: you cannot change Sensor information, nor move or remove Sensor once added to Profile.

1. Click on Profile you wish add sensor to on App’s landing page.
2. Click on green bullet with +-sign on it on “Sensors” block > Click “Add sensor” so that ”Activate the sensor page opens.
3. Insert battery to the sensor, switch it of and back on > Click ”Continue” > Wait for ”Found 1 sensors” text to appear. > Click ”Continue” > Wait for ”Connected to 1/1 sensors” appear > Type the 6-number serial number also acting as registration code to the line > Click ”Continue” If the App can not find any sensor, switch the sensor off and back on, and try again. If the App finds more than one sensors, switch off all the other sensors than the one you want to register and try again.
4. Choose the sport / discipline the sensor is primarily used for > Click “Continue”
5. Optional: name your sensor or just click “Finish”
6. Wait for “Configuring the sensor” to be completed before switching off the sensor or App.
7. Adding sensor is completed and you can switch off the sensor and the App once App confirms “Sensor registered successfully” and you can see it in “Sensors” on Profile.
   You are now all set and good to go. Sport safely!

1. Turn the head band’s dock so that the all-black soft loop-side is facing upwards.
2. Add the hook-side tape to the head sensor’s back side exactly on top of the glued area.
3. Attach the head sensor on the loop side of the dock (back side). Switch on the sensor and you are good to go!

Place the head sensor only in a location where impacts do not occur. Always place the head sensor so that its head side (i.e. the side with the foam, on/off-button and led-light) is towards your head.
If you use a head band, the head sensor is to be placed in between the head and the head band. This is how it should look like with the head band.

Place the sensor on the table head side down and back side up. There is glue tape area on the back side of the head sensor which is covered by a yellow cover foil (pic 1.). If you want to use hook and loop tape to attach the head sensor, take a piece of hook tape, remove the covers from the head sensor’s glue area and that of hook tape piece. Add the hook tape on top of the glue area on the head sensor as show in the 2nd picture.

1.   2.

Attach the loop-side of the tape to the head wear you are planning to place it and to the location where no impacts occur. The loop-side is already there on the ACT Head Impact Tracker Headband and Dock, hence no need for using loop-tape with them.
Attach the head sensor back side hook area to the loop area of the head wear, ensure the head side of the head sensor is towards your head. Switch the head sensor on and off you go.

You can only register the head sensor once and to one User Account and Profile only. The head sensor cannot be removed or transferred to another User Account or Profile after registering it. So, selling or giving the head sensor away does not work as you cannot remove the sensor from one User Account and register it to another, nor can you transfer the sensor from one profile to another.

No, you cannot.

There is no expiration date as such, but each code can be used only once, one time to register the head sensor to your user account and profile there.

The temperature range for the head sensor electronics is approximately from -10C to 40C. Please be aware that cold temperature may impact the battery and cause it to drain faster.

No. It is not suitable for water sports or under water use.
When the head sensor’s hatch is properly closed and head sensor’s side seams sealed, the head sensor is “weather and sweat proof”.

No, you cannot.

The head sensor records all the time when it is switched on. It is not possible to remove individual impacts from your impact history, even if they are so-called false positives (i.e. happened when the head sensor was not on the head). Hence, we included an automatic switch to help minimize so-called false positive impacts being recorded for example during transportation and handling.

There are two ways to find out if the level of battery is too low.

1. When you switch the head sensor on, the led light starts blinking in fast pace. Fast pace indicates that battery level is getting too low to enable ACT Head Impact Tracker to work as intended.
   If the led light does not come on at all, the battery is empty. Replace it with fresh coin cell battery.
   Led light might also either stay on (i.e. not blinking but constantly on), if this happens change the battery. If the led light is still staying on despite the fresh battery, switch it off, remove the battery and let it rest for a while. Try once more, if the led light is still constantly on after switching the head sensor on, the head sensor is very likely damaged and needs to be replaced.
2. In the App you can find battery energy level indicator for the sensors registered to it. You can find the indicators in the “Sensors” section next to each head sensor listed.
   How to update the App’s battery levels:
   – Switch the head sensor on, open the App and see that connection between is established (little ACT-icon appears on the upper corner of your smartphone screen).
   – Connection will update the head sensors’ battery level indicator within 2 minutes.

Yes. The head sensor does not conflict with other Bluetooth® wireless technology connections. The connection is not on all the time, it only takes place in short bursts when needed.

ACT Head Impact Tracker head sensor features Bluetooth® LE (low energy) wireless technology.

There is an accelerometer for measurement of linear forces.
There is no GPS in the head sensor.

No. The head sensor is not suitable for children under 36 months of age. Keep the head sensor out of reach of small children and animals. Contains small parts. Risk of suffocation!
Coin cell battery is a risk for small children, and it should be kept out of reach of children. Swallowing a coin cell battery can lead to chemical burns, perforation of soft tissue, even death. If ingestion or inserting a coin cell battery into any body part is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. More information on the safety and toxicology of the coin cell battery on the battery’s manufacturer’s website or in the web.

We created ACT Head Impact Tracker to improve the well-being and health of athletes. However, some risks may be related to the head sensor use.
The head sensor does contain hard parts. These are the electronics, i.e. plastic circuit board with electronic components on it, and a standard CR2032 coin cell battery. The risks relating can be minimised by placing the head sensor in a location where direct impacts do not occur. Do not place the head sensor on the forehead, on the temple or on the back of your head for example.
The head sensor is not suitable for children under 36 months of age. Keep the head sensor out of reach of children. Contains small parts. Risk of suffocation!
If swallowed, a coin cell battery is a risk for small children and animals, and it should be kept out of reach of children and animals. Swallowing a coin cell battery can lead to chemical burns, perforation of soft tissue, even death. If ingestion or inserting a coin cell battery into any body part is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. More information on the safety and toxicology of the coin cell battery on the battery’s manufacturer’s website or in the web.
The plastic casing is made of silicone, and the foam on the head side is closed cell EPDM. Our head sensor is in compliance with European Union Directive (2011/65/EU) on the restriction on the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronics equipment (RoHS).
The sensor is CE-marked. CE marking is an administrative marking that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA)

Yes, you need to enter a head sensor registration code in the App for each head sensor you add. You can find the unique registration code (also acting as serial number of the head sensor) on the product label, which is a white sticker underneath the battery hatch. Open the hatch and you can see the white sticker on the lid. Registration code is a 6-digit code on the product label.

Please note: The registration codes are unique to each head sensor. Each head sensor comes with a one-time registration code. This means you can only add the head sensor once and to one User Account and Profile only. The head sensor cannot be removed or transferred to another User Account or Profile after registering it.

The head sensor uses Low-Energy Bluetooth® wireless technology for the communication and is rated safe for its use. The head sensor is also CE marked.

Every once so often the impact information is not being delivered from the sensor to the App and Cloud. This means the impact information is not featuring in the App. The most common reasons are:

– Sensor is off, or on Tracker mode
– Sensor is out of reach of the smartphone’s Bluetooth® wireless communication.
– Bluetooth® wireless communication or Location Services is is disabled.
– Your smartphone has no or weak mobile data connection.
– Wi-Fi connection is weak or not available

What ever the reason, it is a great idea to empty impact information from the sensor on regular basis and do it every time before you are about to run out of battery or exchange it (impact information time stamps might be affected by the sensor’s power outage). This is how to do it.

1. Ensure your smartphone with the App has Bluetooth® wireless communication and location services active and enabled.
2. Ensure the phone is connected to strong Wi-Fi or has strong mobile data connection.
3. Open ACT Head Impact Tracker App and keep the phone active and screen lighted.
4. Take sensor to the proximity of the phone and switch it on.
5. Check if the small ACT-icon appears to the top of phone’s screen. If it does, wait until it disappears and do not return.
6. Check the index numbers (grey text #XX on the right side) on each Impact featuring in ”Impact History” to see if any number is missing. Index numbers are in ascending order from 1-265 and after that start from 1 again. If something is missing, try emptying the memory again. In Head  sensor versions 1.0 and 1.1 there is 45 memory spaces fro impacts, so it may be that older impacts have been removed to make space for new ones and their information cannot be gained. Version 1.2 will have about 200 memory spaces.

There is lots of information on the impacts and forces acting on a head recorded.
To get the impact information:

1. Choose the Profile you wish to see, click on it.
2. The Profile view opens with latest impact on the top. Click ”Impact History” open by clicking on green button with +sign on it. Choose the Impact you wish to look closer at, click on it.
3. Impact view opens with numerical maximum g-force value during the measurement on top. Scroll down to view  the graphical illustration on the Total g-force (on red) and Axial g-forces.

1. Switch the sensor on by pressing the on/off- button once slowly and firmly. Red led-light next to the button starts blinking in slow frequency to signal the sensor is on. If the light blinks in high frequency (in fast pace), the battery is almost empty. Change the battery or ACT Head Impact Tracker might not work as intended. If the light does not come on at all, try with new battery. If the light still is not coming on at all, or the light comes on but it is not blinking, the head sensor is not working and should be replaced.
2. Turn sensor off by pressing the on/off-button twice slowly and firmly. Wait to see one long red led-light signal and then no more blinking to ensure the sensor is switched off.

1. Open the hatch on the back side by lifting it upwards.
2. Slide in the coin cell battery underneath the silver holder bridge. Make sure the plus-side of the battery is upwards towards you, and away from the circuit board. Make sure the battery is set exactly on top of the silver-colored circle underneath the bridge. Don’t push the battery too far or you might damage the electronics.
3. Slide the battery out by pushing it gently from the side on your fingertip or nail.
4. Close the hatch by pressing the sides firmly together to seal the locks on them. Check that sides are seamlessly connected with each other. The sensor turns on when battery is applied, but it may be that not all the components do. Switch the sensor off and back on before use.

You can attach the head sensor with hook tape on your head with ACT Head Impact Tracker head band or dock, or attach it to a helmet or other type of chunky headwear. See detailed instructions in dedicated instruction sheets.

1. Place the sensor on the table head side down and back side up.
2. The glue area on the head sensor is covered by a yellow cover foil.
3. Take one piece of hook tape that came with the head sensor and/or with the head accessories.
4. Remove the yellow cover from the head sensor’s glue area and that of hook tape piece.
5. Add the hook tape exactly on top of the glue area on the head sensor.

Congratulations for purchasing ACT Head Impact Tracker dock for attaching head sensor to that skinny hair/head band you love. It is super-easy to use:

1. Open the dock so that the hook and loop “jaws” are open
2. Place the head/hair band on the top and in the middle of loop-side
3. ”Click” the docks sides back together so that the band is in between the two.
4. Add the hook-side tape to the head sensor’s back side exactly on top of the glued area.
5. Attach the head sensor on the loop side of the dock (back side). Switch on the sensor and you are good to go!

1. Take out the head sensor’s  back side with added glued surface on it.

2. Take out one piece of the hook tape you received with  the head sensor, or that came with ACT Head Impact Tracker head band or dock you purchased.

3. Remove the yellow cover tape on the sensor’s glue surface and  the white cover on the hook tape piece.

4. Place the hook tape piece directly on top of the sensor’s glue surface area. Use only one piece of the hook tape at the time, save the second piece you might have received for later use if needed.

5.The head sensor is placed as shown in the picture. Place the sensor next to the head, in between the head and head band. The headband logo shows to the outside, the head sensor is on the head side, underneath the head band.

6. Place the head sensor only on a location where no impacts occur.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

-The sensor is measuring on what it is attached to. If you attach it to the helmet, it will measure the forces and impacts on the helmet, which is different from the forces acting on your head underneath the helmet.

-If you consider attaching the head sensor to a helmet, refer to your helmet’s User Manual, Owner’s Guide or corresponding document to verify if it is possible. Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions on safe helmet use. Only use a helmet that meets the applicable safety standards when you use a helmet with ACT Head Impact Tracker head sensor.

-Attach the sensor on a hard and even surface, head sensor preferably inside the helmet. Do not modify the helmet any way to fit the sensor to it, or you might loose the warranty of the helmet, or some of the safety features on it.

-We recommend attaching the sensor with hook and loop tape so that the sensor can be removed easily for the battery exchange and other handling.

-Place the head sensor only in a location where direct impacts do not occur, do not wear on a forehead, back of your skull or on the temple for example.

-If you feel discomfort or pressure, the head sensor is not in a right location.

-To improve the measurement accuracy on the forces and impacts acting on a head, we recommend using a head accessory to place the head sensor below the helmet.

Examples of head sensor attachment on the helmet

1. The head sensor measures forces on what it is attached to. Hence we strongly recommend attaching ACT Head Impact Tracker head sensor on a head with a tight-fitting head accessory of user’s choosing, also underneath or below a helmet. Head bands specifically designed for the head sensor can be purchased in our webstore (www.act-tracker.com).
   The head sensor can be attached to almost any kind of head accessory or wear with hook and loop -tape, or similar adhesives. Docks specifically designed to accommodate the sensor to narrow sports hairbands can be purchased in our webstore (www.act-tracker.com).
   The back panel of the head sensor has an adhesive surface that you can use by removing the protective film on top of it. We recommend that you use the adhesive surface to attach one piece of hook side of the hook and loop -tape, with which you can attach the head sensor to the ACT Head Impact Tracker headband or other head accessory. Please note that the surface is very adhesive, consider carefully where or what you want to attach to it.
   If you consider attaching head sensor to a helmet, refer to your helmet’s User Manual, Owner’s Guide and website. Your helmet’s warranty might be compromised if you attach anything to it. Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions on safe helmet use. Only use a helmet that meets the applicable safety standard when you use a helmet with the head sensor.
2. Always place the head sensor so that its head side (i.e. the side with the foam, on/off-button and led-light) is towards your head.
3. We recommend placing the head sensor on the back and side of the head, on the more even area after the ear for example. Do not use on the forehead or on the temple for example.
4. Place the head sensor on the area where no direct impacts occur and where it will not get squeezed between your head and the helmet.

CR2032 coin cell battery will last with ACT Head Impact Tracker head sensor versions 1.0 and 1.1 about 8-10 hours of sensor’s on time. In ACT head Impact Tracker head sensor version 1.2. (if purchased the 15th of November or after) the battery lasts something between 100-150 hours of on-time, depending on the battery used.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There is an automatic switch off after 180 minutes of on time in the head sensor to help you to prevent so-called false positive impacts occurring, being recorded and featuring in your impact history from transportation and handling. So, if your exercise last longer than 180 minutes, remember to switch the head sensor back on!