How long do the batteries last?
Why are the LEDs in the Lightframes Red and Green?
Why does the Proteus use multicolored LEDs?
What are the system requirements for the Proteus Editor program?
How do I connect the Proteus to ThoughtStream?
How do I get the ThoughtStream controlled Proteus Sessions?
What are the advantages of using biofeedback to control the Proteus?
Why are there multiple sensors listed in the Proteus biofeedback settings?
I can't download sessions from my computer into Proteus.
How do I update the Proteus firmware (operating system)?
Can I use Proteus Editor with a Macintosh computer?

 How long do the batteries last?
It is recommended to use alkaline batteries with the 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.

 Why are the LEDs in the Lightframes Red and Green?
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 offer red/blue (ruby / sapphire) Lightframes; blue is deeply relaxing and the visual effects and overall “feel” of these colors is more trance-like.

 Why does the Proteus use Multicolored LEDs?
The Proteus takes 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.

 What are the system requirements for the Proteus Editor program?
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.

 How do I connect the Proteus to ThoughtStream?
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.
 

 How do I get the ThoughtStream controlled Proteus Sessions?
The ThoughtStream controlled Proteus sessions are now pre-loaded into the User section of Proteus. You can use these programs by themselves, but they have been written (by Andrzej Slawinski of AudioStrobe fame) to allow you to experience the benefits of biofeedback controlled light and sound and to provide examples of how to write such programs yourselves.

 What are the advantages of using biofeedback to control the Proteus?
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 and sound stimulation--whether it be increased or decreased arousal, etc. Secondly, sessions may be created which alternate between light and 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.

 Why are there multiple sensors listed in the Proteus biofeedback settings?
We're preparing the system for the introduction of a low-cost, multi-channel biofeedback system in the future. 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.

 I can't download sessions from my computer into Proteus.
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.

 How do I update the Proteus firmware (operating system)?
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.

 Can I use Proteus Editor with a Macintosh computer?
Although we have not tested the Proteus Editor with a Windows emulation program, we've heard that it does work with them.