Hi dude,
For details on Proteus & Thoughtstream, see: NHA guide to methods & tech, Tutorial 7. For more info about binaural beats etc, see methods & tech section in the library.

Proteus & thoughtstream are good machines, in my experience. Thoughtstream uses a GSR electrode held in the palm and has good sensitivity (don't use gel when measuring GSR). It's good for learning biofeedback and will happily show you how to achieve Alpha rhythm.

The "mental games" software is pretty cool, similar to the 'Jedi ball game' only the right way round (ie, you have to learn to calm down and relax in order to move the cursor, rather than get yourself deliberately stressed out in order to move the cursor). It's well tested and works nicely.

Proteus is more complicated as you can write your own programs and it uses light/sound for input or your own choice (for example it will accept GSR from the thoughtstream, I've also tried it out with multiple EEG electrodes and it works well.)

If you live in the UK or in any country with a reliable 'signed for' postage system, I can lend you both machines to try them out. Alternatively you are welcome to visit HW UK to try them out.

Many different companies sell these machines. The best bet is probably Amazon, where they will most likely be cheaper and won't come with any accompanying spam  :  )

Alternatively I got mine from here:
http://altered-states.net/synetic/proteus.htm
and can vouch for the company's integrity.

EEG needs at least 16 channels to get a reading that will tell you what your brain is doing. 'Game type' EEG appears to be taking one measurement between 2 electrodes, and that will detect whether you are 'hyped up' (beta) or 'chilled out' (alpha). The problem with many of these units is they're wired for games that make you need to get 'hyped up' in order to move the cursor/object on screen. From an NH pov, we need to learn the opposite.

There are plenty of machines that will detect when you are in alpha, the proteus is more useful for helping you train to do it deliberately.

Light/sound input is the most popular form of feedback because it makes it very easy to see what is going on, but GSR, temperature, muscle tension (MEG)and even blood-pressure monitoring can also help you achieve alpha. All these readings will fall when you hit alpha.

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback, as nerves are a part of the body. Detecting that you are feeling too hot is also biofeedback! Neuro means 'nerve cells', 'bio' means life.

Also useful: DIY sites like this: http://www.instructables.com/id/Suave-L … n-Machine/

Hope this is helpful,
AR

Well, i think the next week i will buy the ThoughtStream, and if i like the result, the Proteus in the future.

But i was wondering .. what are the advantages of the ThoughtStream and let's stay, a heart rate watch? The GSR are a lot more viable to get feedback of stress levels than the pulse rate?

For example right now i'm playing with that, i have a watch, and i stay with it all the day, and it's cool to see the variation through the day, and how it goes up when you are getting anxious etc, and i play little games to see how much/how fast i can slow down it etc.

The ThoughtStream games seems like a more fun, correct, way to train it of course, but besides that, any other advantage?

Cheers