Mind Peak WaveRider Operating Manual

WaveRider

Operating Manual

www.MindPeak.com

Copyright  1997-2010 Jonathan Purcell

MindPeak (formerly WaveAccess) 40 Fourth St., Ste 211 Petaluma, CA 94952 USA +707-780-9520 tel +212-918-3428 fax support@mindpeak.com www.MindPeak.com

WaveRider Operating Manual

NOTICE: The WaveRider is an experimental musical instrument intended for musical performance and composition, education, and experimental computer interface applications. The WaveRider is not intended for any type of medical use in either a diagnostic or therapeutic capacity. Any individual or organization using the WaveRider in a medical capacity does so without the endorsement of MindPeak/WaveAccess.

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WaveRider Operating Manual

The only means of strengthening one's intellect is to make up one's mind about nothing --to let the mind be a thoroughfare for all thoughts. Not a select party. JOHN KEATS 1795-1821

My mind to me a kingdom is, Such present joys therein I find, That it excels all other bliss That earth affords or grows by kind. SIR EDWARD DYER 1700?-1758

A breath from unfaith's halting place to faith,

This precious breath then do you cherish, for

Life's sum is but a breath from birth to death

For many days , my brain Worked with a dim and undetermined sense Of unknown modes of being WILLIAM WORDSWORTH 1770-1850

It seems that things are more like me now,

I feel closer to what language can't reach.

and in the ponds broken off from the sky

my feeling sinks, as if standing on fishes.

RAINER MARIA RILKE 1875-1926 (trans. R. Bly)

Absence of occupation is not rest,

A mind quite vacant is a mind distress'd.

WILLIAM COWPER 1731-1800

From doubt to certainty is but a breath,

OMAR KHAYYAM

MOVING FORWARD The deep parts of my life pour onward, as if the river shores were opening out.

that I can see farther into paintings.

With my senses, as with birds, I climb

into the windy heaven, out of the oak,

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Table of Contents

T

ABLE OF CONTENTS

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BRAINWAVES AND CONSCIOUSNESS ........................................................... 6

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL....................................................................................................................... 7

......................................................................................................................................... 4

QUICK START.................................................................................................................................................... 9

Hardware Installation ............................................................................................................................... 10

Hardware Installation otes ...................................................................................................................... 11

Software Installation .................................................................................................................................. 12

U

SING THE WAVERIDER FOR THE FIRST TIME

Set up the MIDI Device .............................................................................................................................. 12

Set up the Comm Port....................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

O

NE PAGE OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW

C

ONNECTING BRAINWAVE ELECTRODES

Tips for Electrode Use ................................................................................................................................ 18

Conditions ecessary for Good Electrode Contact.................................................................................... 18

otes on Attaching Brainwave Electrodes ................................................................................................. 19

C

HANGING AMPLIFICATION

C

ARING FOR ELECTRODES

E

LECTRODE PLACEMENT

LEARIG THE HEART, GSR, BRAI AD MUSCLE MODES............................................................ 25

HEART ........................................................................................................................................................... 26

GSR................................................................................................................................................................. 28

BRAIN ............................................................................................................................................................ 29

BRAIN ............................................................................................................................................................ 30

MUSCLE......................................................................................................................................................... 31

MUSCLE......................................................................................................................................................... 32

KEY COCEPTS .............................................................................................................................................. 33

.............................................................................................................................. 20

............................................................................................................................... 21

................................................................................................................................. 23

............................................................................................................... 14

.................................................................................................. 12

.......................................................................................................... 16

KEY COCEPTS .............................................................................................................................................. 34

KEY COCEPTS .............................................................................................................................................. 35

CHAELS ....................................................................................................................................................... 36

USE CATEGORIES........................................................................................................................................ 36

FILE CREATION ........................................................................................................................................... 37

Configuration Files .................................................................................................................................... 37

Archive Files............................................................................................................................................... 37

ASCII FILE OUTPUT (Exporting to a spreadsheet).................................................................................. 38

WINDOWS ..................................................................................................................................................... 39

Strip Chart.................................................................................................................................................. 40

Fast Bars and Slow Bars ............................................................................................................................ 42

Spectrogram ............................................................................................................................................... 44

GSR Graph ................................................................................................................................................. 46

MIDI................................................................................................................................................................ 48

FFTS, DIGITAL FILTERS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING............................................................................ 51

MIDGAMES: WAVERIDER LESSO PLAS......................................................................................... 53

I

NTRODUCTION

T

HE BODY:

GSR............................................................................................................................................................. 56

PLAYIG WITH THE HEART RATE ......................................................................................................... 62

................................................................................................................................................ 54

GSR, H

EART & MUSCLE

.............................................................................................................. 56

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MUSCLE .................................................................................................................................................... 67

RELAX ........................................................................................................................................................... 72

PER CET ALPHA .................................................................................................................................... 73

PER CET HI-ALPHA............................................................................................................................... 77

ALPHA AMPLITUDE ................................................................................................................................ 81

GSR / % ALPHA......................................................................................................................................... 85

ALPHA/THETA ............................................................................................................................................. 89

ALPHA/THETA WITH 2 TOES ............................................................................................................... 89

ALPHA/THETA FOR 2 CHAELS.......................................................................................................... 93

FOCUS............................................................................................................................................................ 96

BETA/THETA ............................................................................................................................................. 97

SMR/ THETA............................................................................................................................................ 101

SMR/THETA FOR 2 CHAELS ............................................................................................................ 109

BETA/THETA FOR 2 CHAELS........................................................................................................... 111

ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................................. 113

BRAI REFLECTOR ............................................................................................................................... 113

CHECKER................................................................................................................................................ 115

JUST FOR FUN ............................................................................................................................................ 117

BLUES ESEMBLE ................................................................................................................................. 117

PROGRAMMIG WAVEWARE ................................................................................................................. 120

THE GENERAL GRAPHICS AND THE MIDI OPTIONS DIALOG BOXES ............................................ 121

MIDI OPTIOS DIALOG BOX ............................................................................................................... 124

GEERAL GRAPHICS OPTIOS DIALOG BOX................................................................................... 126

POWER I PASSBAD ........................................................................................................................... 129

RATIO OF POWER I PASSBAD......................................................................................................... 131

DIGITAL FILTER ................................................................................................................................... 133

RATIO OF TWO FILTERS ....................................................................................................................... 135

REWARD/SUPPRESS RATIO .................................................................................................................. 137

REWARD/SUPPRESS .............................................................................................................................. 139

DOMIAT FREQUECY...................................................................................................................... 141

COHERECE .......................................................................................................................................... 143

HEART RATE ........................................................................................................................................... 145

GSR .......................................................................................................................................................... 147

PEAK TO PEAK AMPLITUDE ................................................................................................................ 149

EUROSCIECE: THE GEERATIO OF BRAIWAVES .................................................................. 151

THE AUTOOMIC ERVOUS SYSTEM ................................................................................................ 151

THE BRAI .............................................................................................................................................. 152

BRAIWAVE GEERATIO................................................................................................................... 154

APPEDICES .................................................................................................................................................. 155

WHAT IS DDE AND THE DDE SDK?........................................................................................................ 155

MINDPEAK LIMITED WARRANTY STATEMENT ................................................................................ 156

WAVEACCESS SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT ........................................................................... 157

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THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BRAINWAVES AND CONSCIOUSNESS

What is observed as consciousness is the interaction of many complex biological systems. These systems can be viewed from a variety of vantage points. There are biochemical, anatomical, psychological, and electrophysiological explanations of the workings of the mind.

Brainwave states are another perspective on the mind, albeit an imperfect one. They reflect a small portion of the activity of the brain, and only on a very gross level. The events observed as brainwaves are epi-phenomena of more fundamental processes. They contain though, important information about one’s mental state. Brainwave rhythms reflect primarily the working of the thalamus and limbic system. Brainwave states correlate with mental states of concentration, relaxed attentiveness, and deep relaxation.

By observing sensations while producing specific brainwave states, one can learn to produce those states more effectively. By consistently practicing the production of specific brainwave states while observing one’s state of mind, one can develop the ability to consciously produce specific mental states in real life situations. Stress, relaxation, concentration, free association of thought, and the ability to stay ‘connected’ with another person, can be modified by the conscious production of specific brainwave states.

Our will alone can change our state of mind.

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HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

The information in this manual is arranged in order of importance for a new user. Early sections cover more general topics. Later sections cover more in-depth topics.

All users should completely understand the QUICK START Section installation of hardware and software, use and care of electrodes, and a brief operational overview. Of particular importance is the section on attaching and troubleshooting electrode contact, as this represents the number one issue of new users.

LEARNING THE HEART,GSR, BRAIN AND MUSCLE MODES is directed at individuals with no experience in using biological data acquisition equipment.

KEY CONCEPTS provides a useful overview of the functions of WaveWare Software.

MINDGAMES is a set of lesson plans. Each lesson corresponds to a configuration file installed with WaveWare.

PROGRAMMING WAVEWARE describes how to program each of the MIDI Options and General Graphics Options dialog boxes in WaveWare. This information is necessary to alter existing configuration files and to author new ones.

NEUROSCIENCE is an extremely brief overview of the physiology of brainwave generation.

. Quick Start covers

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QUICK START

WaveRider Operating Manual

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Hardware Installation

WaveRider Pro

WaveRider jr./2CX

Install a Battery

Install a fresh 9-Volt battery (not included) in the battery compartment.

Connect Serial Cable

The WaveRider includes a 9-pin male to female serial cable.

1. Connect the female end of the serial cable to a serial port on the back of the computer. The serial port on the computer has a male connector. If your computer does not have a serial port see “Using a USB to Serial Port Converter” below.

2. Connect the male end of the serial cable to the connector on the back of the WaveRider.

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Hardware Installation Notes

Batteries

EVER connect theWaveRider to AC power lines using a voltage converter. This could compromise the safety of the user.

Disposable Batteries

Recommended batteries include high quality 9-volt alkaline and lithium cells.

Rechargeable Batteries

Recommended batteries include 9-volt Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) cells. Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) are not

recommended. Some people have used 12 volt gel cell motorcycle batteries that sit outside the case of the WaveRider and can be recharged periodically with a car battery type charger.

USB to Serial Port Connector

WaveRider comes with a USB to Serial Port Converter cable The comm port used by WaveWare and the comm port used by the USB to serial port converter driver must match. WareWave can only connect to comm ports 1, 2, 3, or 4. The USB to serial port converter can be assigned to a wider range of comm ports but will only work if assigned to ports 1,2,3, or 4. For detailed instructions see Setup USB To Serial Port Converter Cable, below.

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Software Installation

1. Exit all applications.

2. Insert the WaveWare CD.

3. Run setup.exe.

4. Follow the directions on the screen for installation.

5. When installation is complete drag the WaveWare icon onto your desktop.

Using the WaveRider for the First Time

1. Launch the WaveWare application.

2. WaveWare will prompt you to select a MIDI Device.

3. Select a MIDI Device according to the directions below.

4. Install the USB to Serial Cable according to the directions below.

5. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the WaveWare ‘on’ button with your mouse or by

typing ‘ctrl’ + ‘o’ on your keyboard.

6. WaveWare will prompt you to select a comm (serial) port.

7. Select a comm port according to the directions below.

The comm port is properly installed when the red light on the WaveRider comes on and stays on, and when the ‘on’ button in WaveWare is checked.

Set up the MIDI Device

The first time you launch the WaveWare application after installation you will be prompted to select a MIDI device.

SOUNDBLASTER TYPE DRIVER (Most Common)

If you have a SoundBlaster or a SoundBlaster compatible sound card, you will be presented with the following choices (or some variation):

MIDI Mapper Microsoft synth MIDI-OUT

SoundBlaster Connected to Speakers (Most Common)

If you are using your WaveRider with a SoundBlaster connected to a pair of speakers, choose Microsoft synth or any other synth type device listed (but not MIDI-out or MIDI-mapper).

SoundBlaster (or MIDI card) Connected to External Synthesizer

If you are using an external synthesizer connected to your sound-card or MIDI-card you will need to select either MIDI OUT or MIDI MAPPER. This type of sound card allows you to send MIDI data to either sound card) or to an external synthesizer, (but not both simultaneously).

MPU-401 TYPE DRIVER

If your sound card uses an MPU-401 type driver, it will send data to the internal synthesizer and

to the MIDI outs simultaneously.

The preceding instructions assume that your sound-card is properly installed for Windows. If your sound card is not properly installed, contact your sound card manufacturer to obtain the appropriate drivers and advice.

the internal synthesizer (in the

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SETUP USB TO SERIAL PORT CONVERTER CABLE

INSTALL DRIVER, CONNECT CABLE, CONNECT WAVERIDER

1. Run Setup.exe and follow installation instructions. (From CD).

2. Run the file CDM.exe (USB to Serial Comm Port Cable Driver). (From CD).

3. Connect the USB to Serial Comm Port Cable.

4. Install a fresh battery in the WaveRider and connect the WaveRider to the USB to Serial Comm Port Cable.

SELECT CORRECT COMM PORT IN WAVEWARE AND USB TO SERIAL PORT DRIVER The serial (comm) port specified by WaveWare (WaveRider Software) and the serial port specified by the USB to Serial Port Cable Driver must match. Comm port setting must be 1 through 4 and must be the same for both WaveWare and the USB to Serial Port cable. Every computer is different. Some comm ports may already be in use. You may need to try several comm port assignments until you find one that works. Windows may indicate that a comm port is in use when it is not, or is not in use when it is. Click the ‘on’ box in WaveWare to turn the WaveRider on. If the settings are correct the ‘on’ box will remain checked, the red light on the WaveRider will come on and remain on, and the software will run without error messages.

SELECT COMM PORT IN WAVEWARE (WAVERIDER SOFTWARE)

1. From the ‘Options’ Menu in WaveWare, select ‘Change Comm Port’.

2. Choose the appropriate Comm Port Setting.

SELECT COMM PORT FOR USB TO SERIAL PORT DRIVER (WINDOWS VISTA)

1. Select ‘System’ from the Control Panel.

2. Select ‘Device Manager’ from Tasks.

3. If necessary provide permission to continue.

4. Expand ‘Ports’.

5. Right click on ‘USB to Serial Comm Port (Comm x)’ and choose ‘properties’.

6. Select the ‘Port Settings’ tab.

7. Select the ‘Advanced’ Button.

8. Choose the appropriate comm port setting.

SELECT COMM PORT FOR USB TO SERIAL PORT DRIVER (WINDOWS XP)

1. From the control panel select ‘system’.

2. Choose the ‘hardware’ tab.

3. Select ‘Device Manager’ button.

4. Expand ‘Ports’.

5. Right click on ‘Prolific USB to Serial Comm Port (Comm x)’ and choose ‘properties’.

6. Select the ‘Port Settings’ tab.

Select the ‘Advanced’ Button.

7.

8.

Choose the appropriate comm port setting

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One Page Operational Overview

Double clicking on any window brings up that window’s dialog box.

Biological channels are A & B (WaveRider jr./2CX), and A, B, C, & D (WaveRider Pro).

To raise and lower the gain (amplification) on a specific channel use the arrow keys on the keyboard when a strip chart (brain, muscle or heart) for that channel has the input focus active window is the window with the input focus

(the active window has a title bar of a

different color).

Do not try to play with biological signals (especially brainwaves) unless you are sure that you have a good connection and a solid reliable signal.

LOAD CONFIGURATION in the FILE menu allows you to select a new configuration file.

SAVE CONFIGURATION in the FILE menu saves the setup that you have on your screen. If you give the configuration the name ‘waveware.cfg’ it will become the default configuration that is loaded when WaveWare is launched.

NEW ARCHIVE in the FILE menu allows you to save biological data.

OPEN ARCHIVE in the FILE menu allows you to replay stored biological data.

The use categories of configuration and archive files must match.

Ctrl + O Turns the WaveRider on and off. Ctrl + F Freezes and unfreezes the display. Ctrl + R Starts recording in record mode. F1 Starts help F3 Mutes the sound F4 Unmutes the sound

Low Battery Is indicated by the outside of the battery slider becoming red.

. The

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Connecting Brainwave Electrodes

Put a small amount of skin preparation gel (NuPrep) on a finger.

Rub the skin preparation gel into the earlobes and the electrode site(s) on the head. The skin preparation abrades the top dead layer of the skin making for lower skin impedance and a better connection.

Wipe off any excess skin preparation with a tissue.

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Put a dab of conductive paste (Ten20) in each head electrode and in each cup of both ear electrodes. Attach an earclip to each earlobe. Make sure that each ear clip makes good contact with its’ ear lobe. You may need to gently re-bend the ear clips if they become bent, or no longer fully close.

Use your fingers to move hair out of the way of the head electrode site. Place the head electrode firmly on the electrode site making sure that the rim of the electrde sits flat on the head with a minimum of hair beneath it. To achieve the best connection you may need to rotate the electrode between your thumb and forefinger while keeping the rim of the electrode flat on the head. Place the electrode wires so that they are not pulled during the session.

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Tips for Electrode Use

• If you adjust the electrodes, wait for the signal to settle.

• Don't play with the wires while using the WaveRider.

• A poor connection may get better if the electrodes remains on the head for a few

minutes

• A good electrode connection may go bad. If this happens try the following approaches listed in order of increasing effort:

1. adjusting the electrode and ear clips and waiting for the signal to settle,

2. wiping the paste off and re-applying the electrode and ear clips,

3. wiping the paste off with a warm wet washcloth, cleaning the electrodes and

starting over.

Conditions Necessary for Good Electrode Contact

Before collecting brainwaves make sure:

• The signal indicates a good quality connection. (See below).

• Electrodes were thoroughly cleaned with hot water and cotton swabs immediately

after previous use.

• Skin is clean and free of dirt, sweat, oils, and cosmetics.

• Electrode site and ears are prepped with NU-Prep and/or alcohol.

• The head and ear electrodes are filled with paste and well adhered to the sensor site.

• The rim of the electrode is flat on the head.

• The electrode lead wire plug is fully seated in the WaveRider jack.

•

All hair is moved out of the way of the electrodes.

• The lead wires are not tangled.

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Notes on Attaching Brainwave Electrodes

Attaching electrodes is more of an art than a science. It is not unusual for new users of electrodes to have difficulty establishing a good brainwave electrode contact.

Electrode contact is extremely important. If electrodes do not make a good contact the WaveRider will display random environmental noise rather than electrophysiological data. If signals resembling brainwaves are displayed that appear identical whether or not the electrodes are attached to the body, this indicates a poor connection.

A bad signal may be caused by a poor electrode connection and/or improper leadwire placement. Electrode contact and leadwire placement are the most important aspects of noise cancellation.

Sources of poor electrode contact include:

• Poorly attached electrodes,

• High skin impedance (due to skin that is oily, dirty or that has a lot of dead skin cells),

• Dirty or oxidized electrodes. (See below for information on cleaning electrodes).

Sources of improper leadwire placement include:

• Long lead wires,

• Lead wires being moved,

• Lead wires that pass by a source of electrical noise such as a computer monitor.

How to Determine Electrode Contact Quality

Whether a good signal has been achieved is determined by viewing the strip chart of the channel to which the electrodes are attached. Poor electrode contact can result in the strip chart displaying two different conditions. In the first condition the signal displays insufficient amplitude ( i.e. vertical movement) under appropriate amplification (usually range 7 for brainwaves). The signal should typically occupy at least 30% of the vertical height of the strip chart window under appropriate amplification. In the second condition a signal with substantial amplitude is displayed, but the signal displays environmental noise rather than a biological signal. The environmental noise will usually be interference from 50 or 60 hertz power lines, but can also be caused other electronic devices such as computer monitors.

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Insufficient amplitude:

Environmental noise:

WaveRider Operating Manual

Good signal:

Changing Amplification

The WaveRider has user selectable hardware amplification. Each range of amplification is numbered 1 thru seven in order of increasing amplification. The amplification is changed by raising and lowering the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard when a strip chart window has the input focus. The active window is the window with the input focus.

If the amplification is too high, the signal will crash into the top and bottom rails of the amplifier. This will saturate the amplifier and will cause large parts of the signal to not truly reflect the biological signal being observed.

There is a notch filter that blocks out the power distribution frequency. In countries that use 60 hertz power this is a 60 hertz filter. In countries that use 50 hertz power this is a 50 hertz filter. There is a conversion kit available for individuals who operate between countries with different power distribution frequencies. Since Japan uses both 50 & 60 hertz a special version is available that filters out both 50 & 60 hertz.

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Caring For Electrodes

Ear and head electrodes should be carefully cleaned immediately after every use.

Use hot running water and cotton swabs to clean the conductive paste from the head and ear electrodes.

Warm and wet each head and ear electrode under hot running water while cleaning the conductive paste with a cotton swab.

Be careful not to twist the ear clips out of position. The ear clips should close completely and the two halves should remain parallel.

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Brainwave electrodes can become oxidized from failure to clean after use, age, or exposure to air. Oxidation can be visible or invisible. Minor oxidation can be remedied by cleaning electrodes with alcohol, or by dipping in a liquid silver cleaning solution available at most drug stores.

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Electrode Placement

There is a standard pattern for placing electrodes on the scalp for the measurement of brainwaves. This is known as the 10-20 system. Each electrode site has a name composed of a letter and a sub-script. Each letter (with the exception of C which stands for center) refers to the cerebral lobe over which the electrode is placed, i.e. T=temporal, P=parietal, O=occipital, F= frontal, Fp=pre-frontal. The odd-numbered subscripts are on the left side of the head, the even numbered sub-scripts are on the right. The subscript z is on the center line. Generally an active electrode is placed on one ear lobe and a reference electrode on the other earlobe.

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LEARNING THE HEART, GSR, BRAIN AND MUSCLE MODES

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HEART

Use the Heart configuration to look and listen to your heart rate change.

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select HEART.CFG.

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagram. Use the disposable electrodes and lead wires provided.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON “O”.

5. The heart strip chart should have a clean signal if the electrodes are properly connected.

To learn how to modify the configuration refer to:

• STRIP CHART in the WINDOWS Section of the Key Concepts Chapter of this

manual,

• HEART RATE in the PROGRAMMING WAVEWARE section of this manual,

• or double click on any of the windows to view and modify their properties.

button with your mouse or by using “Ctrl” +

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CHANNELS USED FOR HEART MODE VARY BETWEEN MODELS AND MAY

DIFFER FROM WHAT IS SHOWN

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GSR

Use the GSR configuration to learn how to modify your state of arousal.

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select GSR.CFG.

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagram. Use the finger electrodes and lead wires provided. Use no electrode gel or paste.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON “o”.

5. The GSR moves relatively slowly. Try taking deep breaths or thinking about your debts or ex-lover.

To learn how to modify the configuration refer to:

• GSR GRAPH in the WINDOWS Section of the KEY CONCEPTS CHAPTER of this

manual,

• GSR in the PROGRAMMING WAVEWARE section of this manual,

• or double click on any of the windows to view and modify their properties

button with your mouse or by using “Ctrl” +

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BRAIN

Use the ALFAKOTO configuration to use your brainwaves to relax.

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select ALFAKOTO.CFG.

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagram. Use the cup electrodes supplied and the ten20 paste. Make sure that the skin is clean and you have a good contact.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON “o”.

5. The brain strip chart should have a clean signal if the electrodes are properly connected.

6. Close your eyes. Relax. Drop your shoulders. Make the note go up.

To learn how to modify the configuration refer to:

• STRIP CHART in the WINDOWS Section of the KEY CONCEPTS CHAPTER of

this manual,

• THE GENERAL GRAPHICS AND THE MIDI OPTIONS DIALOG BOXES in the

PROGRAMMING WAVEWARE section of this manual,

• or double click on any of the windows to view and modify their properties

button with your mouse or by using “Ctrl” +

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MUSCLE

Use the muscle configuration to relax or play music with your muscles.

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select MUSCLE.CFG.

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagrams, or put them on a different set of muscle

groups. Use the disposable electrodes and lead wires provided.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON “o”.

5. The muscle strip chart should have a clean signal if the electrodes are properly connected.

6. Flex or relax your msucles

To learn how to modify the configuration refer to:

• STRIP CHART in the WINDOWS section of this manual,

• PEAK TO PEAK AMPLITUDE in the THE GENERAL GRAPHICS AND THE MIDI

OPTIONS DIALOG BOXES section of this manual,

• or double click on any of the windows to view and modify their properties.

button with your mouse or by using “Ctrl” +

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KEY CONCEPTS

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CHANNELS

WaveRider collects data on biological channels that are named by letters. Channels A & B for the WaveRider jr./2CX and channels A, B, C & D for the WaveRider Pro.

WaveRider sends MIDI data out on numbered MIDI channels 1-16. It is important that the MIDI channels specified do not conflict with each other.

USE CATEGORIES

WaveWare utilizes use categories to keep track of the type of data each biological channel is acquiring. Use category is an assignment that a channel is given when the first window that makes reference to it is opened. It is a somewhat invisible concept. The possible use categories are BRAIN, HEART & MUSCLE. GSR is also a use category but GSR data can only be acquired on the GSR channel.

Once a use category is assigned to a biological channel, WaveWare will not permit the assignment of another use category to that channel unless all windows that reference that channel are closed. After all windows that reference that channel are closed, a new use category can be assigned by opening a new window.

When an archive file is recorded each channel is assigned a use category. When a configuration file is created each channel is assigned a use category. In order to replay an archive file through a configuration file, the use categories for each channel must match. If an archive file and a configuration file are opened in which the use categories conflict, you will be presented with a message that reads:

The file channels do not match the program setup

You will need to close the archive file and modify the configuration file so that there is no conflict with the archive file. It may be helpful to look at the ARCHIVE INFORMATION in the FILE MENU to see what use categories the biological channels have assigned to them in the archive file.

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FILE CREATION

WaveWare can create three types of files: configuration (.cfg) files, archive (.bio) files and ascii (.txt) files.

Configuration Files

Configuration files store the templated setups that you see on your screen when you look at WaveWare. They include the settings for each window as found in that window’s dialog box. In addition they save global parameters such as colors, transform characteristics, and cycling.

SAVE CONFIGURATION in the FILE menu will save your configuration. If you use the name waveware.cfg that will be opened when WaveWare is launched.

LOAD CONFIGURATION opens a saved configuration file.

Archive Files

Archive files store unprocessed (raw time domain) biological data. These files can be of any length and consume approximately 0.5 Megabyte/hour/channel in storage space.

To archive a live file.

1. Turn on the WaveRider.

2. Select NEW ARCHIVE from the FILE menu.

3. Choose a name that will describe the file. It will be given a .bio extension.

4. Use the Archive Options Dialog Box to select biological channels for recording, set the

Pre-Trigger Time

5. Click OK

6. WaveWare will be in RECORD MODE and will display a RECORD button.

7. When you click the RECORD BUTTON, WaveWare will begin to record.

Pre-Trigger Time Pre-Trigger provides the ability to record data a few seconds prior to the time the record button is hit. This allows one to record immediately after an event of interest is observed, or after the subject settles down.

Files can be played back and further processed in playback mode. Use OPEN ARCHIVE from the FILE menu to open recorded files. Archive files can be played back through any configuration in which the use categories match.

for your configuration file it will become the default configuration file

(see below), and to write comments

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ASCII FILE OUTPUT (Exporting to a spreadsheet)

Offline processed biological data may be exported to an ASCII (text) file. This data can be opened and further processed in a spread sheet or statistical analysis package. The streams of processed data stored in the ASCII file will correspond to the General Graphics Windows present in the configuration file when the data is exported.

Directions for ASCII FILE OUTPUT ASCII FILE OUTPUT will appear grayed out in the FILE menu unless both an archive file is opened and a configuration file is opened that has at least one non-GSR General Graph Window.∗

1. Select ASCII FILE OUTPUT from the FILE menu.

2. Create an 8 character name for your file at the prompt. This file will be given a .txt

extension.

3. Hit OK

Description of ASCII File The ASCII file is comma delimited. Select the appropriate settings in your spread sheet to make sure that the column breaks are put in the correct places.

The left most column is the time at which each processed data point was produced (in seconds). The General Graphics Window with the finest time resolution in the configuration file used during the export of data, will define the time resolution of the ASCII file. Some data streams may be calculated at a coarser resolution and not fill up every cell. Some columns of buffered data may not have data in the first few rows because, the buffered data is not accurate until the first few readings have passed into the buffer.

Each General Graphics Window will create a column of numbers in the ASCII file. Each column will be given either the default title of the window produced by WaveWare or the name that was given to the General Graphics Window in the General Graphics Options Dialog Box by the user.

∗

GSR General Graph may be output to ASCII but an additional non-GSR General Graphics window must be

included in the configuration file.

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WINDOWS

The screens in WaveWare are composed of windows. Each window has a set of properties that can be set in its' dialog box.

Any window’s dialog box may be accessed by double clicking on the middle of the window with the left mouse button. Do not click on the titlebar, since this will maximize the window.

What follows is a brief description of some of the windows and their associated dialog boxes in WaveWare .

The General Graphics and MIDI Output windows require more depth of explanation and are treated in the PROGRAMMING WAVEWARE CHAPTER.

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Strip Chart

The STRIP CHART command in the BRAIN, HEART and MUSCLE menus opens a window that displays the raw biological signals , or displays the same signals as they are later replayed from an archive file. The strip chart display is especially helpful in monitoring the electrode connections, and making sure that the range of the WaveRider channel is set properly.

Double clicking on the Strip Chart window opens an Options box

, which provides the ability

to change a number of settings affecting the strip chart display.

More than one channel may be displayed in the window; the default is to display two channels, which could correspond to the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

By pressing the Up or Down arrow keys on the keyboard

while a strip chart window has the input focus, the Range of the WaveRider channels may be raised or lowered. If more than one channel is displayed in one window, those channels become linked; the ranges of linked channels are always kept the same.

The strip chart window may be resized, minimized, or maximized.

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Strip Chart Options Dialog Box

CHAEL

Choose among the WaveRider channels (or among the saved channels, if an archive file is being read); the chosen channels will be displayed in this strip chart window, one above the other. Some of the channel checkboxes may be grayed, indicating channels which have a different use category.

If multiple channels are displayed in one window, those channels become Linked; the ranges of linked channels are always kept the same.

MODE Three types of strip chart display may be selected from; choosing among these only affects the appearance of the strip chart window. The strip chart may be drawn using only the DOTS representing the individual data points. Or the chart may be drawn using SOLID areas for greater visibility. The default is to draw a continuous LINE representing the data.

SPACIG The default x1 horizontal spacing uses one pixel per data point. If x2 or x3 are selected, each point uses correspondingly more space in the window, making less data visible at one time.

GRID By default, a single axis is drawn horizontally across each strip chart to indicate the zero point of the signal. In addition, you may choose a grid indicating the amplitude of the signal in microvolts, with or without the numerical values along the left, or you may choose a totally plain strip chart display with neither grid nor axis.

RAGE By pressing the Up or Down arrow keys while a strip chart window has the input focus, the Range of the WaveRider channels may be raised or lowered. The range is not changed directly from the options dialog box.

ERASE AFTER EVERY SWEEP

Erases the previous signal trace before the new trace is drawn.

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Fast Bars and Slow Bars

The FAST BARS and SLOW BARS commands in the BRAIN menu open windows that display the frequencies of the brain signals. Both windows derive their frequencies from a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The fast bars window calculates the FFT as fast as it can. The Slow slow bars window displays the frequencies of the brain signals averaged over a selected number of seconds.This averaging makes the slow bars display much easier to read and less jumpy.

More than one channel may be displayed in the window. The default is to display two channels, which could correspond to the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Double clicking on the Fast Bars or Slow Bars window opens an Options box, which provides the ability to change a number of settings affecting the display.

The slow bars window may be resized, minimized, or maximized.

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Bar Graph Options

The Bar Graph Options dialog box allows you to change the appearance and characteristics of the Fast Bars and Slow Bars windows.

Channels Choose among the WaveRider channels (or among the saved channels, if an archive file is being read); the chosen channels will be displayed in this bars window. Some of the channel checkboxes may be grayed, indicating channels that have a different use category.

If multiple channels are displayed in one window, those channels become Linked; the ranges of linked channels are always kept the same.

Timebase

The Slow Bars display differs from Fast Bars in that the Slow Bars display averages the frequencies of the brain signals over a selected number of seconds. A longer timebase renders the Slow Bars display more stable and hence easier to read, while a shorter timebase makes events such as a momentary burst of a certain frequency more visible.

umbered Frequencies If this box is checked, the Bars display includes a post which shows the frequencies represented by the bars, numbered from 1 to 40 Hz.

Style

The arrangement of the bar graphs within the window may be selected, by clicking on the picture that represents your preference. This allows you to arrange the window so that the display reflects the positions of the electrodes on the scalp. The channels are always displayed in order, from the top left across the window.

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Spectrogram

The spectrogram display makes it possible to view the frequencies of the brain as they have changed over a period of time. Selecting SPECTROGRAM in the BRAIN menu opens this window. Color or shading is used to depict the amount of power present in each of the frequency bands. The brighter the color, the more power. The frequencies are represented vertically from one to forty hertz. One could think of the spectrogram display as a slow bars turned on edge with the length of the bars being represented by the brightness of color.

More than one channel may be displayed in the window.

Double clicking on the Spectrogram window opens an Options box, which provides the ability to change a number of settings affecting the spectrogram display. The colors of the spectrogram can be changed with the COLORS dialog box available from the OPTIONS menu.

The spectrogram window may be resized, minimized, or maximized.

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Spectrogram Options Dialog Box

The Spectrogram Options Dialog Box provides the ability to change the appearance and characteristics of the Spectrogram window.

Channels

Choose among the WaveRider channels (or among the saved channels, if an archive file is being read); the chosen channels will be displayed in this Spectrogram window, one above the other. Some of the channel checkboxes may be grayed, indicating channels that have a different use category.

If multiple channels are displayed in one window, those channels become Linked; the ranges of linked channels are always kept the same.

Timebase

Each of the vertical strips of color displayed in the Spectrogram window represents an average of the frequencies over a selected number of seconds, ranging from a half second up to 32 seconds. A longer timebase allows the Spectrogram window to display a record of the frequencies over a longer period of time (up to several hours), while a shorter timebase makes events such as a momentary burst of a certain frequency more visible.

Spacing

The default horizontal spacing uses one pixel per vertical strip. If x2 or x3 are selected, each strip uses correspondingly more space in the window, making less data visible at one time.

Sample Color Bar

A sample is shown of the color range which is used to represent the frequencies. The frequencies with the least amount of activity are depicted using the colors on the left end of the sample, while frequencies with the greatest activity show as colors on the right end of the sample. To select a different color scheme, choose the COLORS... command from the OPTIONS menu.

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GSR Graph

Selecting GSR GRAPH from the GSR menu opens a window that displays the Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), or displays the same signal as it is later replayed from an archive file. The display is a graph of the skin conductance ranging from low (often associated with a lowered stress level), to high.

Double clicking on the GSR Graph window opens an Options box, which provides the ability to change a number of settings affecting the display. The magnification of the display may be adjusted with the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard, allowing either the full range of the GSR signal to be displayed in a single window, or only a portion of the GSR range to be shown with much greater resolution. The portion of the range may be automatically adjusted as the GSR signal varies.

The GSR Graph window may be resized, minimized, or maximized.

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GSR Graph Options Dialog Box The GSR Graph Options Dialog Box provides the ability to adjust the appearance and characteristics of the GSR Graph window.

Mode

Four types of display may be selected. The GSR graph may be drawn using only the DOTS representing the individual data points. The default mode uses SOLID areas for greater visibility. A continuous LINE may be drawn to represent the data, or a THICK line may be selected.

Spacing

The default x1 horizontal spacing uses one pixel per data point. If x2, x3,or x4 are selected, each point uses correspondingly more space in the window, making less data visible at one time.

Magnification

By selecting a magnification, ranging from x1 through x16, a varying amount of detail may be seen in the GSR data. As the magnification is increased, more detail becomes visible, but a smaller range of data may be viewed in a given size window. A greater magnification, will cause the scrollbar to make more frequent adjustments to bring the current data into view.

Scrolling

If MAGNIFICATION is set so that the full range of GSR data cannot be displayed in the window, a scrollbar appears. If SCROLLBAR is selected, the scrollbar may be moved manually graph will shift automatically

to shift the the desired data into view. If AUTOMATIC scrolling is selected, the

, always keeping the most recent GSR data visible. In the automatic mode, the scrollbar is not used to shift the display, but only serves to show which part of the range is being shown.

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MIDI

MIDI stands for the Musical Instrument Digital Interface. MIDI is a protocol or language spoken between electronic musical instruments and computer based music software and hardware. MIDI sends messages that are composed of note and velocity information. The note number refers to the pitch of the note and consists of a number between 0 & 127. Velocity is the loudness or volume of the note. Velocity also varies between 0 & 127. MIDI is a keyboard or piano based metaphor and it is sometimes helpful to think of it as such. Each time you produce a note there are two pieces of information sent along: the note and the velocity. The velocity (or loudness) is so called because it is analogous to hitting the key on the keyboard. The harder you hit it, the higher its’ velocity, the louder the note.

There are several other types of messages in MIDI, controller messages, voice messages, pitch bend, and system exclusive messages. Voice messages set the voice or instrument on each channel. Continuous controllers provide the ability to do such things as add sustain, tremolo or pan between speakers. Sys ex or System Exclusive messages implement features that are specific to a particular make and model of synthesizer. WaveWare does not implement Sys ex messages but many synthesizers provide the mapping of controllers and/or notes to sys ex.

Most implementations of MIDI have 16 channels . Some early sound cards had 4 channels. Some high end systems provide the ability to multiplex providing supplemental banks of channels in multiples of 16 channels (16, 32 etc.). MIDI makes use of numbered channels. WaveRider has lettered biological channels (A,B,C,D).

You can map multiple biological parameters from a single biological channel to multiple MIDI channels simultaneously. (You could conceivably map the output of one biological channel to 16 MIDI channels). (e.g. you can map the coherence from channel A

to MIDI channel 1 and the Alpha from channel A to MIDI channel 2).

Generally it is not a good idea to have more than one biological output go to the same MIDI channel unless you are careful to assign note values that do not conflict. If there is a conflict you will probably notice it when one voice ‘grabs’ control of another channel.

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MIDI STRATEGIES When a scale is chosen in the MIDI OPTIONS DIALOG BOX particular attention should be paid to the choice of range of MIDI notes. If the object is to make the output sound in scale the tops and bottoms of the range should be octaves, fifths or some other significant note in the scale structure.

The MIDI note numbers and their corresponding notes are provided below. Middle C is note

60.

NOTE # NOTE NOTE #

NOTE

36 C 66 F# 37 C# 67 G 38 D 68 G# 39 D# 69 A 40 E 70 A# 41 F 71 B 42 F# 72 C 43 G 73 C# 44 G# 74 D 45 A 75 D# 46 A# 76 E 47 B 77 F 48 C 78 F# 49 C# 79 G 50 D 80 G# 51 D# 81 A 52 E 82 A# 53 F 83 B 54 F# 84 C 55 G 85 C# 56 G# 86 D 57 A 87 D# 58 A# 88 E 59 B 89 F 60 C 90 F# 61 C# 91 G 62 D 92 G# 63 D# 93 A 64 E 94 A# 65 F 95 B

96 C

Here are some suggestions for musical strategies:

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To play a blues riff start at the root and go to the fifth or seventh in one octave for the range of the signal.

To play a single pitch set the upper and lower note range to the same value.

To play at a uniform volume set the upper and velocity range to the same value.

To have the note get lower and softer with more relaxation switch the order of the note and velocity values. Left hand side of range of MIDI values contains the higher value and the right hand side contains the lower value. E.g. More theta produces lower volume and lower pitch.

Try setting up several inputs that play one note only, but when played together form a chord.

For a rising parameter there are four options

1. note raises, velocity raises

2. note raises, velocity lowers

3. note lowers, velocity raises

4. note lowers, velocity lowers (good for relaxation)

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FFTS, DIGITAL FILTERS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING

The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is a mathematical prism. Just as a prism splits white light into its component colors, an FFT splits a signal into its component frequencies. Another perspective is that the FFT sorts a signal into a set of frequency bins. The WaveRider's FFT sorts a signal into frequency bins one hertz wide.

An FFT takes a window or set of data points and converts this time window of data into a set of frequencies. The input data is considered to be in the "time domain," the output data is in the "frequency domain." The WaveRider uses a one second window. In the slow bars mode a new window is begun every .25 seconds.

A digital filter performs a transfer function consisting of a collection of stop and pass bands. Pass bands let specific frequencies pass. Stop bands stop certain frequencies from passing. Most digital filters used in WaveWare have three bands, two stop bands and a pass band in the middle. A digital filter also uses a window of data points. Unlike the FFT this window is recalculated every time a new data point comes in. This makes digital filters much more responsive to signal variations than FFTs.

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Transform controls the characteristics of the global FFT parameters used in WaveWare. Select TRANSFORM... from the OPTIONS menu in WaveWare. Windowing refers to a set of co-efficients by which the data coming into the FFT are multiplied. The Windows have been designed to optimize time-frequency resolution trade-offs. The logarithmicity factor changes the scaling of the output of the FFT. A higher number will increase the apparent power of lower powered frequency bands in relation to the higher powered frequencies.

Windowing

Each time the frequency transform is computed, it is calculated over a set of 128 consecutive data points; this set of points is referred to as a Window. It is often desirable to attenuate the data points near the window ends.

The Rectangular window uses the data points as they are, without attenuation; this option requires the least computation, thus reducing system loading and speeding response slightly.

The Hamming, Hanning, Triangular, and Blackman windowing options represent various mathematical approaches to the attenuation of these end points. They offer different tradeoffs between sensitivity of the transform, and reduction of harmonics.

Log Power

After the frequency transform is computed, the power is calculated for each frequency band from 1 to 40 Hz. When this power spectrum is plotted, for example in the fast bars window, the power may be mapped linearly into the length of bars (Log Power = 0), or the power may be mapped logarithmically into the length of bars. Selecting greater Log Power numbers serves to accentuate the low-power frequency bands, making them more visible relative to the higher-power bands. Looking at Brain data, this markedly improves the visibility of the Beta region.

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MINDGAMES: WAVERIDER LESSON PLANS

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Introduction

The Mind Filled with confusion Who is its' guide?

Make it A sharp point A smooth lake A gentle breeze A mountains' root.

-Bu Zhen Tsu

Have you ever gone to a party and thought about work the whole time? Or thought about the evening too much at work? Or carried on an internal dialogue when you should have been listening to what your lover was trying to tell you?

Have you ever wished that you could just "change your mind" but have been unable to do it?

By learning the sensations associated with specific brainwave states, you can learn to enter and leave mental states of concentration, relaxed attentiveness, or deep relaxation.

Using the WaveRider can help you to gain this sense of awareness. Through repeated practice, you will learn what you need to do to enter into and switch between mental states in real life situations.

One way to think of the brainwave frequency spectrum is as a continuum of arousal. The delta waves of deep sleep are on one end, the high frequency beta waves associated with an active mind are on the other end. The alpha peak or dominant alpha frequency is a key point in this continuum. Frequencies above it, (Beta, SMR) tend to stimulate arousal. Frequencies below it (Theta, Delta), tend to decrease arousal. It is thought by some, that alpha represents an idling state, which portions of the brain return to after either completing or tiring of a task.

The alpha peak varies between individuals and changes with age. It tends to go up until the early twenties, then levels off until the the forties or fifties. It then decreases with old age gradually getting down into the Theta range. There is some speculation that this may be the reason for resurfacing of childhood memories as we age. It has also been observed that the alpha peak tends to downshift with the length of time one meditates.

Peak performance is a choice of the appropriate brainwave state. Producing the appropriate mental state for each situation: working at your job, playing at your sport, being on vacation,

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or listening to your spouse. One might think of it as a type of emotional intelligence or "choosing the right gear."

Observable brainwaves are generated by deep brain structures that affect both cognition and emotional reaction. Regulation of brainwave states provides different modes of being for different tasks.

The following lessons when used with the WaveRider, will launch a voyage of selfdiscovery. You will learn to be more relaxed, or focused, or multi-dimensional. You will gain insight into your body and mind. This can be a long process. You will be changing your way of being. Practice regularly and do not get discouraged if progress is slow.

Through practice you can get better at performing the tasks in each lesson. Ultimately, you should learn to switch between different mental states and gain an attitudinal flexibilty that you can use in real life situations.

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The Body: GSR, Heart & Muscle

GSR

Configuration File: GSR Use Category: GSR

The GSR uses the skin resistance to train autonomic relaxation and arousal.

You can use the GSR to:

• gain insight into your ability to control your levels of arousal

• adjust your reaction to stress

• Learn to use your breathing to relax.

The GSR measures your relative arousal level (the fight or flight response). When you are angry, sexually aroused or nervous your level of excitation goes up and makes your skin sweat. The more you sweat the more conductive your skin becomes. The WaveRider measures this response by passing a minute current of electricity through your body and measuring its voltage fluctuation.

Hooking Up

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select GSR.CFG.

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagram. Use the finger electrodes and lead wires provided. Use no electrode gel or paste. Make sure the electrodes are contacting skin that is populated by sweat glands. Try to keep your fingers still. Some people like to put an electrode on each index finger although this makes it more difficult to interact with your computer.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON “o”.

5. The GSR moves relatively slowly. Try taking deep breaths or thinking about your debts or ex-lover.

button with your mouse or by using “Ctrl” +

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THINGS TO TRY

The Lying Game

Hook up your friend and ask them to pick a number between 1 and 10. Ask them one at time and in order, if each of the numbers between one and ten are the number that they chose. They should answer “no” to all questions. Ask them slowly and wait 5-10 seconds between each number to allow time for the GSR to respond.

Try varying whether or not the subject gets to view the screen or hear the sound. You can mute the sound by hitting F3 and unmute it with F4.

Try this several times and see if the subject can learn to lie effectively about which number they chose.

Discuss effective stategies.

Your Mother!!

Insult various aspects of the subject's life including their family, bathroom habits, sexual prowess, intelligence and physical appearance. Note which subject area elicits the greatest response.

Ask the subject questions about any of the above.

Turn this into a game in which the subject tries to answer the question without showing any response and the inquisitor tries to ask questions that will create a response.

Switch roles.

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Relaxation

Close your eyes. Sink your shoulders Breathe deeply Relax. Make the sound get lower and lower. Once it is very low maintain your state of relaxation.

Hang out here for a while.

Arouse yourself. Wake yourself up and greet the new day. Blink your eyes, slap yourself. Note how long it takes you to achieve your previous level of arousal.

Now that you are fully awake dive once again into the murky waters of lethe. Note the relative level of difficulty in achieving this delicious intoxication.

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Adjustable Parameters

The GSR uses dynamic offset adjustment and provides different levels of resolution. You may need to use the COPY FROM GSR CHART button in the the MIDI Options dialog box and the General Grapics dialog Box. This will copy the dynamically assigned range in the GSR Window into the selected dialog box. You may also use the spin controls in the dialog box.

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PLAYING WITH THE HEART RATE

Configuration File: Heart Use Category: Heart

The WaveRider allows you to

• look at your heart rate and compare it to the heart rates of other people

• notice how different things affect your momentary heart rate

• evaluate the effects of different things on your heart rate.

The heart rate is the number of times per minute that the heart beats. The heart rate goes up and down depending on what you are doing or thinking as well as your state of health. In addition the heart rate varies between individuals. Some people have faster heart rates than others.

Hooking Up

Use the Heart configuration to look and listen to your heart rate change.

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select HEART.CFG.

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagram. Use the disposable electrodes and lead wires provided.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON

button with your mouse or by using “Ctrl” +

“o”.

5. The heart strip chart should have a clean signal if the electrodes are properly connected.

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CHANNELS USED FOR HEART MODE VARY BETWEEN MODELS AND MAY

DIFFER FROM WHAT IS SHOWN

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THINGS TO TRY

Questions

• Which will lower your heart rate more, deep breathing or shallow breathing.

• What effect does caffiene, sugar or alcohol have on your heart rate.

• What happens if you think about your lover, an academic test or your financial situation?

• Try measuring your heart rate before exercise, immediately after exercise and half an hour

after exercise.

• What happens to your heart rate after you make love?

• What happens to your heart rate before during and after you smoke a cigarette? After you

quit smoking?

• What happens to your heart rate when you watch a horror or action movie?

• Measure the heart rate of some friends. Talk before hand about who will have the highest

and lowest heart rate.

• Discuss the results

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MUSCLE

Configuration File: MUSCLE Use Category: MUSCLE

Use the muscle configuration to:

• relax or

• play music with your muscles.

When you tense your muscles they produce an envelope of broadband electrical activity that ranges from 20 to 1000 hertz. The WaveRider measures this envelope of electrical output and allows you to output it graphically or as sound.

Hooking Up

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select MUSCLE.CFG.

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagrams, or put them on a different set of muscle groups. Use the disposable electrodes and lead wires provided.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON

button with your mouse or by using ""Ctrl O."

5. The muscle strip chart should have a clean signal if the electrodes are properly connected.

6. Flex or relax your muscles

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Things to Try

If you are using the muscle configuration to play music, try setting different threshold levels so that you can create periods of silence and noise.

If you are using the muscle configuration to train relaxation you may need to raise the sensitivity. Try relaxing to get the sound to go down. Think about something stessful and notice the response you get.

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Adjustable Parameters

To change the audio output, double click on the MIDI window with your mouse. The dialog box pictured above will be displayed. You can test the effects of your changes by clicking APPLY. When you are satisfied hit OK.

If it is too easy to get over the threshold (make the music start): Make the lower number in Amplitude Range (uV) (currently 35) higher. If it is too hard to get over the threshold (make the music start): Make the lower number in Amplitude Range (uV) (currently 35) lower. If you hit the high note too easily: Make the higher number in Amplitude Range (uV) (currently 140) higher. If you don't have a large enough range of notes: Make the range of notes (currently 48-72) wider. If you want the tone to get lower instead of higher: Reverse the Note numbers.

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RELAX

You can use the WaveRider to play with your alpha waves.

Many people in todays' overstressed world have difficulty relaxing or letting go. Alpha waves provide a way to relax deeply and also a way to relax while remaining attentive.

You can produce alpha waves by closing your eyes and relaxing. Some people report that they produce alpha with their eyes closed after they have "given up," or let go of their ego. When they have ceased to try.

Alpha wave rhythms are generated deep in the brain in the thalamus. They are radiated to the cerebral cortex. There tends to be a lot of alpha generated in the occipital lobe in the back of the head when the eyes are closed.

Most people can generate alpha without too much effort. Usually this comes as alpha flares or short burst of alpha. Once you get good at producing alpha, try to maintain a consistent level. Also, try to purposefully change your level of alpha.

The following lessons will show you a number of ways to play with alpha waves:

You can learn to relax yet remain attentive. You can learn to relax more fully. You can learn to clear your mind. You can validate other forms of relaxation.

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PER CENT ALPHA

Closed Eye Relaxation

Configuration File: %ALPHA Use Category: BRAIN

Per Cent Alpha uses the ratio of alpha waves to the entire brainwave spectrum to train relaxation.

You can use Per Cent Alpha to:

• relax

• adjust your reaction to stress

• guide yourself into an egoless state of mind

HOOKING UP

Use the PER CENT ALPHA configuration to use your brainwaves to relax.

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select %ALPHA.CFG.

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagram. Use the cup electrodes supplied and the ten-20 paste. Make sure that the skin is clean and you have a good contact.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON

button with your mouse or by using “Ctrl” +

“o”.

5. The brain strip chart should have a clean signal if the electrodes are properly connected.

6. Close your eyes. Relax. Drop your shoulders. Make the note go up.

Close your eyes Drop your shoulders Take a few deep breaths Clear your mind Let go

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Questions?

What can you do to produce alpha?

If you think about different colors does it help you to produce alpha?

Are there body positions in which you are more able to produce alpha?

Are there parts of your body that you can think about that will help you to produce alpha? Your shoulders? The top of your head? The Space between your ears?

Can you do it with your eyes open?

What makes you go into alpha reliably?

What makes you leave alpha reliably?

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Adjustable Parameters

To change the audio output, double click on the MIDI window with your mouse. The dialog box pictured above will be displayed. You can test the effects of your changes by clicking APPLY. When you are satisfied hit OK.

If it is too easy to get over the threshold (make the music start): Make the lower number in % Ratio A/B (currently 32) higher. If it is too hard to get over the threshold (make the music start): Make the lower number in % Ratio A/B (currently 32) lower. If you hit the high note too easily. Make the higher number in % Ratio A/B (currently 50) higher. If you don't have a large enough range of notes. Make the range of notes (currently 60-72) wider or lower the the higher number in % Ratio A/B (currently 50). If you want the tone to get lower instead of higher. Reverse the Note numbers.

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PER CENT HI-ALPHA

Open Eye Relaxation

Configuration File: %HIALPHA Use Category: BRAIN

Per Cent Hi-Alpha uses the ratio of Hi-alpha waves (10-13 Hertz) to the entire brainwave spectrum (4-40 hertz) to train relaxed attentiveness.

You can use Per Cent Hi-Alpha to:

• learn a sense of presence

• quell your internal dialogue

• be alert but relaxed

HOOKING UP

Use Per Cent Hi-Alpha configuration to get a sense of relaxed attentiveness.

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select %HIALPHA.CFG.

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagram. Use the cup electrodes supplied and the ten-20 paste. Make sure that the skin is clean and you have a good contact.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON

button with your mouse or by using “Ctrl” +

“o”.

5. The brain strip chart should have a clean signal if the electrodes are properly connected.

6. With your eyes opened relax while remaining attentive. Drop your shoulders. Make the note go up.

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Questions?

What can you do to produce hi-alpha?

What feeling does it give you?

When do you feel like this in your daily life?

When would this feeling be useful?

Are there body positions in which you are more able to produce hi-alpha?

Can you produce hi-alpha with your eyes shut?

What makes you reliably go into hi-alpha?

What makes you reliably leave hi-alpha?

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Adjustable Parameters

To change the audio output, double click on the MIDI window with your mouse. The dialog box pictured above will be displayed. You can test the effects of your changes by clicking APPLY. When you are satisfied hit OK.

If it is too easy to get over the threshold (make the music start): Make the lower number in % Ratio A/B (currently 25) higher. If it is too hard to get over the threshold (make the music start): Make the lower number in % Ratio A/B (currently 25) lower. If you hit the high note too easily: Make the higher number in % Ratio A/B (currently 50) higher. If you don't have a large enough range of notes: Make the range of notes (currently 60-72) wider or lower the higher number in % Ratio A/B (currently 50). If you want the tone to get lower instead of higher: Reverse the Note numbers.

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ALPHA AMPLITUDE

Closed Eye Relaxation

Configuration File: ALPHAMP Use Category: BRAIN

Alpha Amplitude uses the alpha waves to train relaxation.

You can use the Alpha Amplitude to:

• relax

• adjust your reaction to stress

• guide yourself into an egoless state of mind

HOOKING UP

Use the Alpha Amplitude configuration to use your brainwaves to relax.

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select ALFAMP.CFG.

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagram. Use the cup electrodes supplied and the ten-20 paste. Make sure that the skin is clean and you have a good contact.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON

button with your mouse or by using “Ctrl” +

“o”.

5. The brain strip chart should have a clean signal if the electrodes are properly connected.

Close your eyes Drop your shoulders Take a few deep breaths Clear your mind Let go

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Questions?

What can you do to produce alpha?

If you think about different colors does it help you to produce alpha?

Are there body positions in which you are more able to produce alpha?

Are there parts of your body that you can think about that will help you to produce alpha? Your shoulders? the top of your head?

Can you do it with your eyes open?

What makes you reliably go into alpha?

What makes you reliably leave alpha?

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Adjustable Parameters

To change the audio output, double click on the MIDI window with your mouse. The dialog box pictured above will be displayed. You can test the effects of your changes by clicking APPLY. When you are satisfied hit OK.

If it is too easy to get over the threshold (make the music start): Make the lower number in Range (uV) (currently 10.0) higher. If it is too hard to get over the threshold (make the music start): Make the lower number in Range (uV) (currently 10.0) lower. If you hit the high note too easily. Make the higher number in Range (uV) (currently 18.0) higher. If you don't have a large enough range of notes. Make the range of notes (currently 60-72) wider. If you want the tone to get lower instead of higher. Reverse the Note numbers.

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GSR / % ALPHA

Deep Relaxation

Configuration File: GSR-ALPH Use Category: BRAIN GSR

GSR/% Alpha combines the GSR mode for relaxation of the autonomic nervous system with closed eye brainwave relaxation. It is especially good for getting into deep relaxation.

HOOKING UP

Use the GSR/%Alpha configuration to deeply relax.

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select GSR-Alph.CFG.

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagram. Use the cup electrodes supplied and the ten-

20 paste for the brain electrodes. Make sure that the skin is clean and you have a good contact. Use no paste with the GSR electrodes.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON

button with your mouse or by using ""Ctrl

O."

5. The brain strip chart should have a clean signal if the electrodes are properly connected.

6. Close your eyes. Relax. Drop your shoulders. Make the notes go lower.

7. The GSR (oboe sound) will react slowly.

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Things to Do

Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Drop your shoulders. Make the note get lower. You should get so relaxed that your chin falls on your chest. Be sure to adjust the GSR for your readings.

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Adjustable Parameters

The GSR uses dynamic offset adjustment and provides different levels of resolution. You may need to use the COPY FROM GSR CHART button in the the MIDI Options dialog box and the General Grapics dialog Box. This will copy the dynamically assigned range in the GSR Window into the selected dialog box. You may also use the spin controls in the dialog box.

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ALPHA/THETA

ALPHA/THETA WITH 2 TONES

ALPHTHET.CFG Use the alpha/theta with 2 tones configuration to learn the boundary between alpha and theta. You can try this configuration with your eyes opened or closed.

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select alphthet.cfg

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagram. Use the cup electrodes supplied and the ten-

20 paste. Make sure that the skin is clean and you have a good contact.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON

“o”.

5. The brain strip chart should have a clean signal if the electrodes are properly connected.

6. The flute sound is theta and the pad is alpha. Find out what makes you switch

between these two types of brainwaves.

button with your mouse or by using “Ctrl” +

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Adjustable Parameters

To change the audio output, double click on the MIDI window with your mouse. The dialog box pictured above will be displayed. You can test the effects of your changes by clicking APPLY. When you are satisfied hit OK.

If it is too easy to get over the threshold (make the music start): Make the lower number in Range (uV) (currently 10) higher. If it is too hard to get over the threshold (make the music start): Make the lower number in Range (uV) (currently 10) lower. If you hit the high note too easily. Make the hihger number in Range (uV) (currently 30) higher. If you don't have a large enough range of notes. Make the range of notes (currently 48-72) wider or lower the the higher number in Range (uV) (currently 30). If you want the tone to get lower instead of higher. Reverse the Note numbers.

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ALPHA/THETA FOR 2 CHANNELS

A-T-2CH.CFG

Use the alpha/theta for 2 channels configuration to evaluate the levels of Alpha and Theta on both sides of the brain.

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select A-T-2ch.Cfg.

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagram. Use the cup electrodes supplied and the ten-

20 paste. Make sure that the skin is clean and you have a good contact.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON

button with your mouse or by “Ctrl” + “o”.

5. Both brain strip charts should have a clean signal if the electrodes are properly

connected.

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FOCUS

Use the WaveRider to learn how to improve concentration.

The concentration exercises that follow should be thought of as a starting point. Settings should be adjusted to accomodate individuals.

Increasing the power in higher frequency brainwave bands and decreasing power in lower frequency bands can improve concentration and attention. The higher range frequencies may include: 12-15 Hertz (SMR), 15-18 Hertz (Beta), 14 Hertz, 16-21 Hertz and 12-22 Hertze etc. Lower frequency bands may include 4-8 Hertz, 2-6 Hertz, 2-7 Hertz, 5-8 Hertz etc. There are a variety of opinions on the efficacy of different protocols as there are on electrode placements.

BETA/THETA trains the increase of BETA (15-18 Hertz) and the decrease of Theta.

SMR/THETA trains the increase of SMR (12-15 Hertz) and the decrease of Theta.

THETA SUPPRESS simply suppresses Theta.

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BETA/THETA

Open Eye Concentration

Configuration File: BET-THET Use Category: BRAIN

This configuration uses an increase of Beta and decrease of Theta to train concentration.

You can use BETA/THETA to:

• learn to concentrate better

• learn to pay attention

• be alert

HOOKING UP

Use BETA/THETA configuration to get a sense of concentration.

1. From the FILE menu choose LOAD CONFIGURATION.

2. Select BET-THET.CFG.

3. Connect the electrodes as in the diagram. Use the cup electrodes supplied and the ten-

20 paste. Make sure that the skin is clean and you have a good contact.

4. Turn the WaveRider on by clicking the ON

button with your mouse or by “Ctrl” + “o”.

5. The brain strip chart should have a clean signal if the electrodes are properly connected.

6. With your eyes opened focus your attention. Make the note go up.

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THINGS TO TRY

Read a book. Look at the details in an intricate piece of artwork. Do something that is interesting to you. Listen to a person or tape that has a lot of information.

QUESTIONS

What do you have to do to change the tone? What feeling does this give you? Can you reproduce this feeling without the WaveRider? When would it be appropriate to have this mental attitude? When would it be inappropriate?

In a Group Who will be able to most consistently focus? Who will be able to focus the longest? What does it feel like when you focus? When can this mental attitude help you?

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Beta/Theta makes use of the Reward Suppress Using Filters algorithm. This algorithm ouputs a range of notes based on a range of ratios of two frequency bands. The output only occurs though, if certain threshold conditions are met.

In this case:

If Beta is above 2.0 microVolts And Theta is below 7.0 microVolts And Delta (1.5-4 hertz) is below 20 microVolts,

Then the ratio of Beta to theta from 60 to 130 percent will be mapped to MIDI notes 60 (middle C) to 84 (the C two octaves above middle C).

If the ratio goes below the threshold of 60 per cent or above 130 per cent no audio will be output.

To modify these thresholds, first observe the Beta, Theta and Delta General Graphics Windows to the left.

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Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual