Your CORE 300™ works as two stethoscopes in one. In Traditional mode it works like a standard acoustic stethoscope. In Digital mode it adds amplification, noise reduction, audio filters, recording, and AI analysis through the Eko App with an Eko+ membership. This article explains how to switch between the modes and what each one offers.
At a glance
Your CORE 300™ arrives in Traditional mode. Here is how the two modes compare.
| Traditional mode | Digital mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Acoustic, not amplified | Amplified, with noise reduction |
| Battery needed | No | Yes |
| Audio filters | Not available | Cardiac, Pulmonary, All-Purpose |
| Volume buttons | Not active | Seven volume levels |
| Heart rate display | Not available | Yes |
| Eko App connection and recording | Not available | Yes |
| AI analysis with Eko+ | Not available | Yes |
Switching modes
There is no power button. You change modes by twisting the tubing where it meets the chestpiece.
To switch to Digital mode
- Hold the bell in one hand.
- With the other hand, twist the tubing clockwise until you feel a click.
- Check that the line on the tubing is aligned with the Digital Mode icon. The screen shows “Digital.”
To switch to Traditional mode
- Hold the bell in one hand.
- Twist the tubing counterclockwise until you feel a click.
- Check that the line on the tubing is aligned with the Traditional Mode icon. The screen briefly shows “Traditional,” then goes dark.
The twist clicks into place at each position. Twist the tubing, not the diaphragm.
Traditional mode
Sound travels from the diaphragm through the hollow tubing to your ears, with no electronics involved. Use Traditional mode when you want to:
- Listen as you would with any standard stethoscope.
- Conserve battery between uses.
- Keep listening if the battery is low or empty.
The top and side buttons do not work in Traditional mode.
Digital mode
Digital mode amplifies body sounds and reduces background noise. In Digital mode, you can:
- Change the audio filter. Quickly press and release the top button to cycle through the filters:
- Cardiac enhances heart sounds. After you place the device on the chest, the real-time heart rate appears in beats per minute.
- Pulmonary enhances breath sounds.
- All-Purpose is useful for general listening.
- Adjust the volume. Press the upper (+) or lower (–) side button. There are seven volume levels, and the current level appears briefly on the screen.
- Take a recording. With the device connected to the Eko App, hold the top button for 2 seconds, then release. The screen shows that a recording is in progress.
- Get AI analysis with Eko+. With the device connected to the Eko App, AI analysis is available with an Eko+ membership.
- Connect to the Eko App. Digital mode is required for pairing. See the Quick Start Guide for pairing steps.
For the best sound, press the chestpiece firmly against the patient and hold it still.
Charging
Digital mode does not work while the device is charging. The CORE 300™ also cannot connect to the Eko App during charging. Disconnect the charger before use.
Sleep mode
If you leave the CORE 300™ in Digital mode and do not use it for about 90 seconds, the screen goes dark and the device goes to sleep. This is normal and does not mean the device is off or broken.
- To wake it, press the top button once.
- To save battery, twist the tubing to Traditional mode when you are finished.
Troubleshooting
The screen is black.
The device is most likely asleep. Press the top button once. If the screen stays dark, check that the line on the tubing is aligned with the Digital Mode icon. The screen is dark in Traditional mode after the brief “Traditional” message. Also confirm the charger is disconnected. If the device still does not wake, charge it with the included USB-C cable, then disconnect the charger and try again.
The device keeps “turning off.”
The CORE 300 goes to sleep after about 90 seconds of inactivity. Press the top button to wake it.
The buttons do nothing.
The top and side buttons only work in Digital mode, and not while charging. Twist the tubing until the line aligns with the Digital Mode icon, and disconnect the charger.
Sound is weak or poor in both modes.
Check the shared acoustic parts:
- Ear tips are fully seated, clean, and angled forward in your ears.
- The diaphragm assembly is fully tightened (turn it clockwise until it stops).
- The tubing is undamaged.
Sound works in Traditional mode but not in Digital mode.
Confirm that the device is in Digital mode, awake, and not charging, and that the volume is turned up. Try the All-Purpose filter. If the problem continues, contact Eko Support.