Aether MyoSense Compatibility Checklist for Clinicians

Every myoelectric fitting starts with the same question: will these parts work together? For the Aether MyoSense EMG control system from Aether Biomedical, the answer depends on how all the myoelectric prosthetic components fit together, not on a single plug.

This Aether MyoSense Compatibility Checklist walks through a real assessment in order. Keep the current instructions for use (IFU) for every component close by.

What should you know before you start the Aether MyoSense Compatibility Checklist?

Aether MyoSense is a dual-channel EMG signal acquisition and processing unit. EMG, or electromyography, is the electrical activity muscles make when they contract. The unit picks up that activity through surface electrodes and turns it into control signals for the prosthesis.

It is not a prosthetic hand or a complete bionic arm. It works with other upper-limb prosthetic components to form a complete arm prosthesis. Only a qualified or certified clinician fits it.

So compatibility is a team sport.

• Identify every component included in the proposed prosthetic system.
• Obtain the current instructions and technical specifications for each component.
• Confirm a qualified or certified clinician will assess and fit the complete system.
• Treat compatibility as a complete-system assessment, not a connector-only check.

Which components will it connect to?

The unit can work with electronically controlled upper-limb devices, such as hands, grippers, wrist rotators, and elbows. Prosthetic hand compatibility usually comes up first, but every powered part needs the same checks.

Aether MyoSense is fully compatible and validated with Aether Biomedical components, including Zeus hands.

Third-party parts need more care. Using one may be technically possible when the device accepts a 0 to 5 V control signal, with power loop-back through the same universal 3-pin connector. It is not validated unless Aether Biomedical expressly confirms it. Consult the third-party manufacturer as well.

• Record the manufacturer and model of every connected component.
• Confirm each proposed component is electronically controlled.
• Check whether the configuration uses an Aether component, such as a Zeus hand.
• If a third-party component is proposed, confirm its requirements with its manufacturer.
• Get express confirmation from Aether before describing a third-party configuration as validated.

Does the component accept the right control signal?

The component must accept the 0 to 5 VDC control signal the unit sends out.

The signal is proportional to voluntary muscle contraction, and each channel sends its own. Don't mix it up with the power input: one goes out, one comes in.

• Confirm the connected component accepts a 0 to 5 VDC control signal.
• Check that the component can respond to proportional control signals.
• Confirm both independent EMG control channels can be used as intended.
• Do not confuse the 0 to 5 VDC control output with the 6 to 13 VDC power input.
• Stop the assessment if the component's accepted signal range cannot be verified.

Does the system use the right 3-pin connection?

The unit has two universal 3-pin connectors. Each one carries the output for one of the two control signals.

A plug that fits is a good start, not a green light. The setup must also provide power loop-back for the control device. Check it against the documentation, not by eye.

• Confirm the configuration uses universal 3-pin connectors.
• Check the connector wiring against the documentation for each component.
• Inspect connectors and cables for damage or loose connections.
• Confirm the system provides power loop-back through the required connection.
• Do not assume two components are compatible just because their connectors fit.

See the Aether MyoSense product page for an overview of the unit.

Does the power supply meet the requirements?

The unit needs an input voltage of 6 to 13 VDC. Here is the detail that trips people up: both 3-pin connectors must be connected to the same power source, or the unit will not power up. That power can come through a coaxial plug or through other prosthetic equipment, such as a wrist rotator or elbow.

• Confirm the input voltage stays within 6 to 13 VDC.
• Connect both 3-pin connectors to the same power source.
• Confirm the power path supplies the unit and the connected components correctly.
• Switch the power off before connecting or disconnecting wires.
• Stop the installation if the voltage or power path is uncertain.

Is the power supply compatible?

The unit requires an input voltage between 6 and 13 VDC. The IFU does not mandate a specific battery chemistry or configuration, such as a 2S LiPo system. Any power source used must fall within the 6 to 13 VDC operating range. A battery that clips in is not automatically a battery that works.

• Confirm the power source's voltage falls within 6 to 13 VDC.
• Do not use connector shape alone to judge compatibility.
• Connect both three-pin connectors to supply power, and power the unit off before connecting or disconnecting.

Will it physically fit in the prosthesis?

The unit and its cables need room, and the cables should never be bent, pulled, or twisted too far. The IFU also recommends enclosing the unit and leads in a closed socket to help prevent electrostatic discharge into the leads.

• Allow space for the 50 × 17.5 × 7 mm main unit.
• Allow for electrode leads, available in 25 cm, 35 cm, and 45 cm lengths.
• Allow for the 15 cm 3-pin connector cables.
• Plan cable routing that avoids pinching, excessive tension, or sharp bends.
• Confirm connectors stay accessible for fitting and servicing.
• Verify socket integration with the clinician responsible for the socket.

Are the electrodes and muscle signals suitable?

The unit uses five dome electrodes: a differential pair for each channel, plus one reference.

Run each pair along the muscle fibers. Pick the strongest muscle group that can be activated on its own. About 30 mm between electrodes is a good start. Place the reference electrode between the pairs, where muscle activity is low.

Skin contact is rated per channel as Good, Medium, Poor, or No-contact. The rating shows if the electrodes fit well or the skin needs prep. At No-contact, that channel's output turns off. This prevents unintended movement of a doffed prosthesis.

The unit is not suitable for patients who cannot generate sufficient voluntary muscle contractions.

• Confirm space for two differential electrode pairs and one reference electrode.
• Identify suitable muscle sites for both EMG channels.
• Avoid placing electrodes over bony prominences or sensitive tissue.
• Check that the electrodes can maintain consistent skin contact.
• Review the Good, Medium, Poor, and No-contact readings.
• Reassess electrode placement when contact quality is Poor or No-contact.
• Follow the electrode manufacturer's instructions for electrode-specific requirements.

Can it be set up in the Aether Digital Platform?

Yes. Clinicians set up the unit in a web app inside the Aether Digital Platform, remotely or in the clinic. You can watch both EMG signals live, check skin contact, and adjust gain and control signal filtering. Filtering smooths out sudden spikes and tremors, so the prosthesis does not move by accident.

A Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection can be established for up to 30 minutes after system power-up. BLE turns off automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity. If that happens, power-cycle the unit to reconnect.

Software can fine-tune a fitting. It cannot fix a pinched cable or the wrong voltage.

• Confirm access to the Aether Digital Platform.
• Power-cycle the unit, then establish the Bluetooth Low Energy connection.
• Check both EMG signals in real time.
• Review skin-contact quality through the platform.
• Adjust gain and control signal filtering for the individual fitting.
• Confirm software settings do not hide an unresolved hardware issue.

How should you test the complete system?

Compatibility is only proven once everything is connected, configured, and tested.

• Power on the complete system and confirm that the unit starts correctly.
• Test each EMG channel separately.
• Confirm the connected component responds in the expected direction.
• Check for stable output during repeated voluntary muscle contractions.
• Confirm No-contact behavior works as expected.
• Test the system again after final cable and socket positioning.
• Record the components, connections, settings, and test results.

When should you stop and ask?

If a key fact is missing, pause and get it confirmed.

• Stop if the connected component's control-signal requirements are unavailable.
• Stop if the connector wiring cannot be confirmed.
• Stop if the power supply falls outside the documented voltage range.
• Stop if both 3-pin connectors cannot use the same power source.
• Stop if an adapter changes the signal or power path in an undocumented way.
• Check with Aether whether a third-party configuration has been validated before going ahead.

What should you confirm before finishing the fitting?

One last pass before you sign off.

• Every component has been identified and documented.
• Signal, connector, power, and battery requirements have been verified.
• The unit fits within the physical prosthetic configuration.
• Electrode contact and both EMG channels have been tested.
• The complete system responds correctly after final assembly.
• Any third-party configuration has been checked with its manufacturer and with Aether.
• The final setup has been assessed by a qualified or certified clinician.

Frequently asked questions about Aether MyoSense compatibility

What should an Aether MyoSense Compatibility Checklist include?

Every component, plus signal, connectors, power, battery, fit, electrodes, software, and final testing.

Which upper-limb prosthetic components can be assessed for Aether MyoSense compatibility?

Electronically controlled upper-limb devices, such as hands, grippers, wrist rotators, and elbows. For bionic hand compatibility, Zeus hands are fully compatible and validated.

Can it work with third-party prosthetic components?

It may be technically possible if the device accepts a 0 to 5 V control signal, with power loop-back through the same universal 3-pin connector. It is not validated unless Aether Biomedical expressly confirms it. Consult the third-party manufacturer too.

What control signal must a component accept?

A 0–5 V prosthetic control signal, proportional to voluntary muscle contraction. It is separate from the 6 to 13 VDC power input.

Does it require a universal 3-pin connector?

Yes. The unit has two, each carrying one control signal, and the setup must provide power loop-back.

Which battery systems meet the requirements?

Power sources that supply an input voltage between 6 and 13 VDC. The IFU does not mandate a specific battery chemistry or configuration, such as a 2S LiPo system.

Why must both connectors use the same power source?

The unit only powers up when both 3-pin connectors share the same power source.

Who should confirm the final configuration?

A qualified or certified clinician assesses and fits the complete system. For product questions, the Aether support team can help.

Conclusion

The Aether MyoSense Compatibility Checklist treats compatibility as a whole-system job. Check the control signal, connectors, power, and battery. Then check fit, electrodes, and software, and test after final assembly.

Aether components, including Zeus hands, are validated; third-party setups are not, unless Aether expressly confirms them.

Working with a third-party component? Consult its manufacturer and contact Aether Biomedical to check whether that configuration has been validated.