EPE MOOD PICKER
----------------
EPE Online 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 the EPE Online Library at www.epemag.com

Last updated 5th June 1999