EPE MOOD PICKER
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Everyday Practical Electronics/ ETI - July 1999

0NE of the more unusual projects published in EPE in '98 was the
EPE Mood Changer featured in the June '98 issue, which was an adjustable
low-frequency magnetic field generator. Such fields are thought to
encourage electrical activity of similar frequency in the brain,
which in turn may promote associated moods and sensations such as deep
relaxation, creativity or even sleep.

It has been known for many years that the human brain exhibits electrical
activity at various frequencies and that to some extent these are related
to current moods.

The Mood PICker generates Alpha, Beta, Delta and Theta fields in a small
coil which may help induce a feeling of relaxation, sleep, well-being or
similar sensations in the user.

Results are highly subjective and may vary from user to user. However,
the author finds that using one of these devices for a while at Alpha
frequency does seem to produce a sense of relaxation, and popping it
under the pillow with a Delta setting often results in an excellent night's sleep.

Correspondence from constructors following publication of the original
EPE Mood Changer suggest that it works for them too, especially for insomniacs.
Whilst there can be no guarantee that it will be effective for any particular
reader this new, design does make it much easier to test.

The use of a PIC microcontroller for frequency generation has simplified
construction and eliminated the need for calibration and adjustments.
At around half the size and weight of its predecessor, it fits easily
into a small pocket and the lighter weight makes it more robust. It is
cheaper to build and running costs are lower since it should operate for
over two hundred hours from just two AAA cells. Readers wishing to discover
if it will work for them, for insomnia, as a meditation aid,
or even simply as a stress reliever, now have no excuse not to build and try one!


* WARNING NOTICE
* It is known that photic stimulation at Alpha frequencies can cause seizures
* in persons suffering from Epilepsy. We would therefore also suggest that it
* is not wise for such people to try this project. A user who is not a known
* epileptic, but when using the EPE Mood PICker begins to experience an odd smell,
* sound or other unexplained effects, should TURN IT OFF IMMEDIATELY and seek
* professional medical advice.

Parts are available from the usual component sources. Please note that EPE does not
provide kits but many of the requirements can be met by our advertisers.

The latest version of the software is available from
ftp://ftp.epemag.wimborne.co.uk/pub/PICS/moodPICker

Please refer to the EPE web site for details of ordering back issues, subscriptions etc.
http://www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk

Last updated 4th June 1999