Proteus FAQ
Q: How long do the batteries last? A: We recommend that you use alkaline batteries with Proteus for best results; under normal use you can expect approximately 50 hours continuous operation. You can also use rechargeable Ni-Cad "AA" batteries, which should last roughly 10-20 hours between recharges.
Q: What are the system requirements for the Proteus Editor program?
A: Windows 98 or later is recommended (we've heard that this may be run under Windows 95, but have not certified it for so doing ourselves). You need less than 3 MB disc space; practically any system that runs W98+ should work well.
Q: How important is sound as a component of the light/sound experience?
A: It is especially important as a means for blocking external distractions, and pulsed audio waveforms can help reduce distracting thoughts via patterned stimuli. Binaural beat frequencies can induce brainwave activity at the beat frequencies in some cases, which further assists in accessing certain states of awareness. Generally speaking, the audio component is much less important than the visual, since a large part of our brain (about 40%) is involved with vision. If you are using AudioStrobe or other forms of audio input, such as various forms of spoken word (affirmations, NLP, etc.) the importance of the audio increases in the overall experience.
Q: How does AudioStrobe work? A: The AudioStrobe technique stores an inaudible control signal on digital media such as compact discs; these signals directly control the pulsing of the lights. Because the signals are mastered at the same time that the CD is, very precise synchronization of the audio and visual stimulation can be achieved. AudioStrobe was developed by Mr. Andrzej Slawinski of AudioStrobe GMBH, Germany.
Q: Why didn't I receive a software disc?
A: We decided not to include the Proteus software on the AudioStrobe sampler disc for two reasons: first, we could fit an extra "bonus" audio track on the CD that way, and more importantly we were making rapid progress on our new software revision and didn't want to make a lot of discs with obsolete software! You can download the latest version of Proteus software from here. Of course, if you do not have internet access and you live in the United States, we will be happy to send you the software on disc.
Q: I can't download sessions from my computer into Proteus. A: Check the following:
. Have you selected the proper serial port? . Is the serial cable plugged snugly into the computer and Proteus? . Are you using the proper cable? (it should be black; the ThoughtStream cable looks identical but is beige) . Is Proteus in DL mode? (if not, press the middle button until it is, and repeat the download process. Remember that the Proteus digital display will show rapidly changing numbers if it is receiving data. If you've tried all of the above and you still cannot download, write or call us.
Q: How do I update the Proteus firmware (operating system)?
A: a. Launch Proteus Editor and click the "Update Code" button on the top right hand side of the program window. b. Notice that there are three checked boxes on the lower right, under "send data to Proteus" in the above mentioned screen; in the future you can selectively upload new session data, code or user preferences separately. Leave them all checked for the moment. c. Point your cursor to the "Prot2_2.pts" (or whichever version is included with your program) file and left-click to highlight the filename. d. Be sure your Proteus is connected to your PC, and if necessary press the MODE (middle) button until the display reads "DL" (for "download"). Verify that the PC cable is plugged into the AUX input on the lower right side of Proteus. e. Now left-click the "Upload Code" button. You will see a display on screen indicating that the firmware update is downloading. The Proteus display should also show rapidly changing numbers during the download; if this is not the case then either you have not selected the correct serial port, or the serial cable is not properly connected, or you are not in DL mode.
Q: Why are the LEDs in the lightframes red and green?
A: We chose these colors because they include a large range of evocable feeling-states, ranging from red (=energizing) to green (=relaxing) with a range of possibilities in between, especially amber, which is most efficient at evoking the "peak performance" state. Also, our testers reported that these colors produced the most vivid imagery. We also produce red/blue (ruby/sapphire) LightFrames; blue is deeply relaxing and the visual effects and overall "feel" of these colors is more trance-like.
Q: In what way is multicolored light superior to a single color?
A: Single-color stimulation does not take into account the differential effects of colored light stimulation on mood and EEG. Proteus is the first system to provide real-time control over the brightness of both colors simultaneously, allow smooth shifts between the 250+ possible color combinations (16 shades each of red and green). So a typical "ramp" from 16 hz to 8 hz might start all red, shifting to amber at 12 hz and all green at 8 hz. Or, you can try your own combinations to explore more unique effects.
Q: Why is the use of two frequencies simultaneously of value?
A: It is possible to elicit more complex states of consciousness by using more than one frequency simultaneously. In fact, most states of consciousness are not exemplified by a single frequency band. Proteus is the only machine available today which at least partially remedies that situation.
Q: What are the advantages of using biofeedback to control Proteus?
A: There are several reasons. First, the light frequency, brightness, color, etc. may be used to provide you with direct feedback regarding changes in your physiology associated with the use of light/sound stimulation--whether it be increased or decreased arousal, etc. Secondly, sessions may be created which alternate between light/sound stimulation and biofeedback; this was the approach taken with the Biolight study which led to significant improvement in college grade point average in those who used this system. Thirdly, the light/sound parameters may be "tuned" in real time to craft highly specific states of consciousness.
Q: Why are there multiple sensors listed in the Proteus biofeedback settings?
A: We're preparing the system for the introduction of a low-cost, multichannel biofeedback system later this year. Only the EDR 1 setting is active with the ThoughtStream + Proteus combination, although you can assign and scale this data to control any or all of six Proteus parameters.
Q: Can I use Proteus Editor with a MacIntosh computer?
A: Although we have not tested Proteus Editor with Windows emulation programs, we've heard that it does work with them. One customer recently wrote, "I found that using on a Mac Connectix Virtual PC with Windows 98 utilizing a Keyspan PDA USB adapter works just fine as far as I can see. The keyspan adapter can be used for both a Mac or a PC but should be configured for a Mac then within the VPC preferences just map one of the Comm ports to it. Its a little more problematical to configure it in the VPC as it sets up as comm port 3 which would not work smoothly."
Q: How do I connect the Proteus to ThoughtStream?
A: Using the stereo audio patch cord which came with your Proteus, connect the PC jack on top of the ThoughtStream to the AUX jack on your Proteus. If you have selected a ThoughtStream-enabled program, Proteus will automatically sense the ThoughtSTream and run it with biofeedback control.
