Calmlink User Manual
Contents
1. sensitivity of the graph 3 The date Cool Bars Toolbar The Cool Bar toolbar has many useful items to customize and enhance your graph There are 4 separate toolbars available as click on choices in View Menu Cool Bars 1 General Coolbar Choice of graph game or animation 2 Process Coolbar Start Stop Pause buttons 3 Sound Coolbar Choice of sound options 4 Graph Coolbar Graph specific buttons and drop down boxes to customize the graph They are explained separately Section 7 6 Graph Toolbars Color Bars The Color Bar shows two check boxes Gradient and Spectrum The two color bars are at the bottom of your screen Both show the changing relaxation level as changes in color Gradient as changing hues within one color Spectrum as changes in a rainbow of color Note In regular mode both these horizontal bars shrink left as you relax In reverse they fill right as you relax 8 3 Graph Menu The features on this menu can also be accessed from Graph Coolbar CalmLink Graph Of x File View Graph Sound Help Trace Threshold Grid Inverse Background Delete Marks Reset Baseline Reset Threshold 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 Reverse Note This is one of the most useful sections Use it to customize the look of your graph Colors line thickness and grid lines are just a few of the features that can be customized Calmlink User s Manua2. 9 T SETTING GSR2 CALMLINK OUT OF RANGE OOR esssesscescecccesccssccescessecsocccoescocesccesecesesesessseesoeescesceese 10 7 1 04 54 EAEAN AE AEAEE A EA AEE EE 10 7 2 RESET OUT OF RANGE OOR DURING SESSIONS csscceseesseesceeseeeseeeceeeeeeseeesecnsceseceaecnaecnaecaaecaeecaeeeseeeeeeeeeeereees 11 8 soasodceneoscede de obesvescesectecesvesseeuenes 1 8 1 MENU sei ces Beats Rea 12 8 2 MENU 12 8 3 EEE COREA ON eas sv Rat hee ee Chee Bs 13 8 4 SOUND MENU e E Bee cash EE NEEE E CEN ce viv 15 8 5 woe cubed E E solvate vole ETE do Bed ceat 15 Calmlink User s Manual Page 2 of 19 8 6 COOL BAR TOOLBAR aN ae thea 15 8 7 ADDITIONAL FEATURES OEE E SE EEEN A A S EAA E aces 16 9 17 9 1 E EEE EE EE 18 10 ANIMATION sosvoste coebeace cashes decueseseecdeccbSoncssesde
3. Markers Name the 9 markers available for the graph Highlight the marker you wish to rename and type in the new name When all changes have been made click Apply then OK 6 3 Data Menu Session Data Data Analysis and Open Report Save Data export it and write notes on your sessions 6 4 Help Menu Contains the Help Menu Help Contents Search for Help and about CalmLink 6 5 Toolbar Icons to start the session with Graph graph icon Game Winking Sun Film Strip Animation e Options Dialog Box Calmlink User s Manual Page 9 of 19 e Data Dialog Box e Help Menu 7 Setting GSR2 CalmLink Out of Range OOR 22 Check Device 1 Insert larger CalmLink Jack into Computer Microphone Input Mic In 2 Insert smaller CalmLink Jack into GSR2 Output Jack small jack 3 Place your fingers on the GSR2 sensors 4 Very slowly rotate the thumbwheel on the GSR2 to keep the Green Bar in the range of 1 3500 of the Check Device Tip To find the useable range unplug the GSR2 from the Calmiink wire and tune using the GSR2Z s built in speaker to approximately the center of the audible range Then reinsert the Calniink jack into This shouid be approximately mid range 2500 5 Click on Continue button when light turns green 2456 After opening program and choosing feedback modality graph game or animation check device box appears You must set the level on th
4. Tip Begin with the full range 0 3500 Pent3 or 0 7500 Pent4 Then zoom in as you relax to observe smaller changes in your relaxation level Press the F key to return to full range Note The range numbers show relative change not absolute skin resistance The important aspect is the positive i e downward change on the graph and success in reducing stress levels in each session Resets the threshold line Resets the threshold line to approximately the center of the graph screen Note You can also move the threshold line manually Move the mouse cursor over the line The cursor change to an up down mark left click amp hold then move up down Normal or Reverse Reverses the feedback format for the gradient and spectrum bars In normal mode they shrink to the left as you relax in reverse mode they fill right as you relax 8 4 Sound Menu Turns sound On Off 8 5 Help Menu Help menu and index 8 6 Cool Bar Toolbar almLink Graph lef x View Graph Sound Help H ek ih _ p The toolbar contains the 4 Coolbars shown here on 2 lines Line 1 General Process and Sound Coolbars Line 2 Graph Coolbar The General Coolbar Choose between graph game animation and stop recording Process Coolbar Start recording Stop recording and Pause recording Calmlink User s Manual Page 15 of 19 Sound Coolbar Sound on off choice of instrument drop down list volume slider Graph Toolba
5. forums on how to create custom animations for Calmlink In all of them the changing levels of relaxation are shown by the changing bar graph on the left of the screen and pleasant changes in the animations Note The picture cycles through a series of changes then returns to the first scene and repeats as you relax or become tenser Animations used with the permission of Thought Technology Ltd Calmlink User s Manual Page 18 of 19 11 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ 1 Why is there so much change at the beginning of a session This is normal in many cases when calibrating the signal It will fluctuate less as the session goes on Also as you become more experienced the session setup time will decrease 2 I leave the CalmLink wire connected to the computer when not in use Yes You can leave CalmLink wire connected to your computer It does not draw any power affect the computer 3 I leave the GSR2 connected to the computer when not in use Yes The GSR2 turns itself off automatically when you remove your fingers from the sensor plates 4 Can I use CalmLink with GSR Temp2X temperature probe to do temperature biofeedback Yes the change shows as a relative change You can check your temperature before and after session using a simple thermometer Note The graph line will go down as temperature increases and the bar graph in Game and Animation will also change downward as temperature
6. key Calmlink User s Manual Page 16 of 19 9 Start Pacman style game form main window either File Start Session With Game or click on Game icon winking sun CalmLink Game File View Sound Help TEE eee 0000 How to For those too young to remember the introduction of Pacman in the 1970 s it was a revolution in game playing and an obsession for some The game is played with the up down left right keys The object is to move the little yellow icon around the maze eating the white dots and red cherries while avoiding being eaten by the ghost figures After going over the cherries Pacman can turn and eat the ghosts for a period of time While the ghosts are blue you can eat them for points As the ghosts return to their regular color they go back to chasing you Points are earned by eating the white dots cherries and the ghosts when they are blue You get 3 lives per game At the end of the game your points show on a Dialog box and you can name the session and save You can view the changes in GSR data thru the data option in the main program The changes in GSR are shown by the red bar graph on the left of the screen If you go out of range during a game the reset box pops and the game is frozen while you reset the frequency thumbwheel The game uses speed change to enhance relaxation under pressure As the stress level increase r
7. CalmLink Biofeedback Software GSR2 Computer Interface User s Manual 1999 2004 BiofeedbackZone com Web Ideas International Company All Rights Reserved GSR2 is a Registered Trademark of Thought Technology Ltd Calmlink copyright Mindgrowth com BiofeedbackZone com http www BiofeedbackZone com Mindgrowth com http Mindgrowth com Revision History REVISION DATE CHANGES AUTHOR 08 11 03 Software Release 1 0 11 20 03 Software Release 1 1 1 3 03 16 04 Software Release 1 2 Added additional features VT section Table of Contents TA BEE OF CONTENTS shavtsesscetesbavsasssescesecestaentscssesetosdsbaatastsesecconse 2 1 INTRODUC TION wiisieccascciccscececssustacsesesnsstesoatecsaccssesce cochessaseaueesecestesonsoness sesventonachecsesobse sesso sossoasebaavsevesodsoewesses cess 4 1 1 COURVA GE OF STRESS aaa a Po es Rs 4 1 2 me EE RS A ETE E EAEE E A 4 1 3 BIOFEEDBACK 4 1 4 TASTEN TO YOU 4 2 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 5 2 1 COMPUTER HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS cssssssscecececeesssececececsessnececececseneaaceeeccceesesaaececececsesaaecesececeessaeaeeeeeceenes 5 22 COMPUTER SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS ccsssessscecccecsesscececececsessaecesecccsessnseseeeccceeseseaeceeeeseseeaaeceeeescseneaaeceeeeeceenes 5 2 3 BIOFEEDBACK HARD
8. Note Sessions begin automatically You must restart a session by clicking on start if you want to save the data at the end of the session Pause Pauses the session Stop Stops the session Note If you started the session with Start Recording you will now be prompted to save the session You can save the session or click on close Open Configuration Opens the configuration Dialog box Save Configuration Save the new configuration Exit Exit the program 8 2 View Menu CalmLink Graph File View Graph Sound Help Toolbar Status Bar ts General 4 gt Process v Graph ___ FE Includes Toolbar and Status Bar checkboxes and Cool Bars and Color Bars drop down lists Toolbar Checkbox Check on off to insert toolbars above graph There are 4 toolbars coolbars available and they are chosen first as click boxes from the Cool Bars Toolbox drop down list Status Bar Check on to insert status bar at bottom of graph The status bar contains 1 The point on the range vertical axis as a digital number 2 The legends C for center I increased range O decrease range By pressing the C key the plot centers in the middle of the screen Press the key to zoom in magnifying the change in Calmlink User s Manual Page 12 of 19 skin resistance relaxation Press O key to zoom out and minimize
9. WARE REQUIREMENTS sscscccsccecsesssstceeececeessnseceeceecsesesaceeececseseaaeeeecceesesssaeceeceseseneaeseeeeeceenes 5 3 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION sacseodocsenssee coasossescesevepasevessesbouseasseevessesusncscocscosdeseavecse 6 3 1 INSTALLING CALMLINK SOFTWARE FROM 6 4 GETTING STAR TED 8 sscvscsscvessetsssestesdecde tatueseseesedeactusucaseteceasdesutaovessece dues desesvasceseesosbesetbestecedeosdessseus bess cecbsesetseese 6 4 1 CONVENTIONS IN THIS MANUAT 6 4 2 GSR2 TEST THE BATTERY bio se ahi os ate 6 4 3 CONNECTING THE GSR2 TO THE COMPUTER cccccccccecssssssececececsesssecececccsessnseceeececsesessaaeceecesesessaaeceseeeesensaaeeeeeeeeeenes 6 5 TEMPERATURE CAPA BILD DY sssscaciicsciscostestecscescsccacsvece sussectaes seve sesssocssvcseccese te scedecevandesocsecesvouseus cuscecesesdesesecesendece 6 5 1 PERFORMING TEMPERATURE BIOFEEDBACK sccccccsccesessessscecececsessaecesececeenesnaceeecececseaaeceeececsesssaeceeeeeceesesseeeeeeceenes 7 6 MAIN WINDOW SCREEN 8 6 1 3 9 6 2 WATE We MIEN EEEE EAA ERE EE EEA 9 6 3 9 6 4 a an 9 6 5 oe
10. ardware Requirements Thought Technology GSR2 or GSR Temp2X CalmLink Cable Calmlink User s Manual Page 5 of 19 3 Software Installation 3 1 Installing CalmLink Software from CD ROM Insert the CD into your CD ROM drive The CalmLink setup program should run automatically If it does not double click on the SETUP EXE icon from your Windows Explorer application on CD ROM drive The SETUP program installs all necessary files and creates a program group for you so can you start up the program by simply clicking on an icon from within the program manager The default installation directory is C Program Files CalmLink You can also add a CalmLink desktop icon to your desktop when installing CalmLink Or at any time by going to Start Programs CalmLink right click mouse then left click Shortcut 4 Getting Started 41 Conventions in this Manual The following conventions have been used in this manual There are screens for the main sections Sub screens are shown to clarify complicated screens Notes and Tips are in italics 4 2 GSR2 Test the battery If you have not changed the battery in your GSR2 for 6 months or more it is suggested that you check the battery and change it if necessary before using CalmLink 4 3 Connecting GSR2 to the Computer The CalmLink cable has a stereo jack at each end They are of slightly different sizes 2 5 mm and 3 5mm Insert the smaller plug on the connector cable to the ou
11. ceosencecessessosesnssvesca eetssueoccecceses 18 10 1 CHOICE OF ANIMATIONS Se Go Ce ies ae 18 11 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FAQ ccssscsssssssssssssssesscssssssesssssssssesssnsscssesssnsscssnsssnsscssesssssaccssssessscees 19 1 WHY IS THERE SO MUCH CHANGE THE BEGINNING OF A SESSION cccccsssesssseceeececeesseaececececsenssaeceeececseseaeseeeeeceenes 19 2 CAN I LEAVE THE CALMLINK WIRE CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER WHEN NOT IN 19 3 CAN I LEAVE THE GSR2 CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER WHEN NOT IN 19 4 CAN I USE CALMLINK WITH THE GSR TEMP2X TEMPERATURE PROBE TO DO TEMPERATURE 19 5 CAN EAE EEE EE EE aa od Neb aS E OSs Rh aE 19 Calmlink User s Manual Page 3 of 19 1 Introduction 1 1 Our Age of Stress It is ironic that today when technology and science have provided our society with so much when so many of us eat better live better enjoy so much leisure and comfort more than any other people in history we suffer from such widespread stress and tension Unless we live protected lives as virtual hermits on some island paradise stress is very much with us unfortunately for many far too much The dangers of excessive stress to our mental and physical health are well documented the all too frequent an
12. cription File Menu Start with Graph Game Animation Edit Configuration Exit View Menu Toolbar Status Bar Options Data Menu Session Data Data Analysis and Open Report Help Contains Help Menu Contents Search For Help on About CalmLink Graph Icon Starts Session with Graph Game Icon Starts Session with Game Winking Sun Animation Icon Starts Session with Animation Film Strip Options Icon Check List Opens options Dialog box Preferences Sound Graph Markers Device Session Data Icon Opens session data Dialog box Session data create report Help Help menu Calmlink User s Manual Page 8 of 19 6 1 File Menu File Start with Choice to start with graph game or animation Note In all feedback modes graph animation and games the Check Device Pop Up Window appears after you click on the choice of modality graph etc Follow the directions in the Pop Up menu to set CalmLink in the useable range See 6 1 First Time User Edit Configuration Opens Dialog box for custom configuration You can name the individual configurations and save them Exit Closes program 6 2 View Menu Submenu contains Tool Bar and Status Bar check boxes and Options pop up window Options The Options Dialog box includes User defined default settings for Settings of graph game and animation Sound Set sound default setting Graph Default settings for colors and screen trace time
13. e GSR2 within the useable frequency range using the thumbwheel on the GSR2 The simplest way 7 1 First time user Plug the connector cable into the computer and GSR2 e Then unplug the GSR2 e With your fingers on the GSR2 sensors listen to the sound from the GSR2 s built in speaker For the default program Pentium 4 Tune the sound to the very top of the audible range For the Pentium 3 version tune it into the middle of the audible range approximately Plug the CalmLink jack back into the GSR2 e Wait at least 2 full seconds while the computer processes the signal Calmlink User s Manual Page 10 of 19 Note 1 We recommend the first time you use CalmLink you begin in Graph mode When you are comfortable with the program try the animations and game 2 Depending on your computer and soundcard specifications it can take the program a few seconds to process the signal Once you are in range the green continue light will show see diagram Click on continue The program will start with the modality you have chosen We recommend you begin with the Graph modality in your first few sessions with CalmLink Tip The first time you use the program it may require some experimentation to set the tone in the useable range 7 2 Reset Out of Range OOR During Sessions Depending on a number of factors skin type stress level caffeine intake etc you may go OOR one or more times during a relaxation session Thi
14. ed bar rising the game increases speed As you consciously relax the game slows down and becomes easier Tip If you find the gaming going to fast to relax reset the baseline lower to slow down the game If you plan to view the data results later click on one of the marker keys number keys 1 9 to show a change in baseline Tip If part of the game is cut of hide the toolbars and Status View Toolbar View Status Bar press on off Note If the reading on the red bar goes off the screen press the C to center and press the O key a few times to increase the scale showing Calmlink User s Manual Page 17 of 19 9 1 Menu Bar The menu bar contains the basic commands used in other sections of the program 10 Animation CalmLink Animation File View Animation Sound Help The animation screen is similar to the Game screen The menu bar contains same as Game but includes a choice of animations rather than games The changes in relaxation are shown on the bar graph on the left side There are 23 different tunes available as background music to aid relaxation 10 1 Choice of Animations There is a number of Animations available in the program to enhance and foster stress reduction during the relaxation period You can add additional animations created in Windows AVI format by placing them into the Animations folder located in C Program Files Calmlink Please visit the discussion
15. increases This is to keep the same as tone line down is Good or the desired effect as in GSR training 5 Can get online help There is online help for questions and a user group forum to trade suggestions and comments Go to http www biofeedbackzone com Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Forums Go to CalmLink Software Users forum 6 When I finish a session the Save Session Dialog box does not appear Each session starts automatically when you are in range and choose a mode graph game or animation You must press Start from within the mode if you wish to save the session when the relaxation session is completed 7 The time line minutes is different than actual time Depending on your computer and specific components the processing time may vary from the standard time This does not affect the efficacy or reliability of the program Calmlink User s Manual Page 19 of 19
16. l Page 13 of 19 This feature allows you to specify colors and thickness of lines reverse color and plotting method of the graph Graph File View Graph Sound Help Threshold gt Reverse Color Grid gt Line 3600 Inverse Background Points plus Line pelete Maks Line 3 Filled Li Reset Baseline mean 000 Reset Threshold i Points i Reverse Digital Display E Note Example of the multiple choices available in graph mode Submenus include Color Opens the color Dialog box Reverse Color Reverse the feedback in the spectrum and gradient horizontal bars I e fills right as you relax Line Type Thin medium and thick lines Plotting Method Choice of points plus line line filled line etc Threshold Chose the color and line type of the threshold line Threshold Choose the line type and color of the threshold line Grid Chose grid lines none dot dash thin or thick Inverse Background Reverses the color of the background black and white Delete Marks Opens delete marks Dialog box Delete any or all Markers Reset Baseline Includes Reset Baseline Zoom In Zoom Out and Full Range Calmlink User s Manual Page 14 of 19 Changes range vertical axis of screen Increase or reduce amount of change shown screen
17. r Set the color for trace line reverse threshold line and inverse background Line Type Set the trace line thickness Threshold Line Type Set the color for the threshold line Thin medium thick or hide Reverse icon Reverse the feedback in the spectrum and gradient horizontal bars Zoom in microscope icon Zoom in out etc Threshold number Baseline number Upper value number Plot line drop down list Time line slider Tip you can set the time line horizontal axis from I minute to 30 minutes Just move cursor over slider and drag left right Note Time on the horizontal X axis is marked in minutes Depending on your computers speed and components the actual time to cover one minute on the X axis may take more than one minute This does not affect the program s sensitivity or usability 8 7 Additional Features The following features are available in Graph mode Please press the key indicated to access the feature It is not case sensitive 1 Print Current Graph Screen Press the P key 2 see full screen Press key To export data points Press the D key This feature will be of most interest to researchers and students You can export the list of data points and time to either a Word document or Excel spreadsheet The latter will allow for statistical examination 4 To see the screen in Black and White Press the S key Useful for laptop computers To export the bitmap to printer or a file Press the X
18. r body reacts to tension and stress is through your skin and what scientists call galvanic skin resistance This galvanic skin resistance or GSR is a reflection of variations in your sweat gland activity and pore size both of which are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system When you become excited frightened or disturbed to any degree the system activates chemical and physical changes all through your body Your GSR level also changes Your skin resistance increases when you are calm and relaxed When you tense up even slightly your skin resistance decreases By letting you hear those increases and decreases the GSR2 monitor can give you new awareness of the internal stat of your mind and body and help you develop the ability to control tension and stress Calmlink User s Manual Page 4 of 19 The preceding section is an excerpt from the GSR2 manual 2 System Requirements 2 1 Computer Hardware Requirements IBM PC compatible computer Pentium 1 or later A Pentium IV 1 7GHz processor 15 recommended e Sound Blaster compatible sound card with a microphone input jack At least 256 color monitor minimal resolution 800x600 Mouse keyboard e Atleast 10Mb of free space on a hard drive 128 Mb or RAM 256Mb or more recommended e CD Rom player 24X or greater for installation from CD ROM disk 2 2 Computer Software Requirements e Microsoft Windows 98 98SE ME 2000 or XP Operating System 2 3 Biofeedback H
19. s typically happens in the first few minutes of a session while you are setting your base level and beginning your relaxation program Tip When using the program you may go above or below the useable audible range If you went off at the top turn the thumbwheel clockwise 1 8 inch to get back into range If you were at the bottom of the range and go OOR turn the thumbwheel counter clockwise to get back into range Wait a full 2 seconds before turning the wheel an additional 1 8 If you cannot get back into range unplug the GSR2 and tune it to the mid audible range using the GSR2 s built in speaker Then re plug in CalmLink cable 8 Graph Use either File Start with Graph or click on the graph icon on the toolbar The program will load the graph and pop up the Check Device Screen After you have centered the signal the graph will load with the default settings Note The Windows protocol allows many of the same commands to be accessed through the menu or by clicking on specific icons A CalmLink Graph Iof x File View Graph Sound Data Help Close Start Recording Pause Stop Recording Open Configuration Save Configuration Exit Calmlink User s Manual Page 11 of 19 8 1 File Menu Contains Close Start Recording Pause Stop Open Configuration Save Configuration Exit Close Closes the session returns to main menu Start Recording Begins recording the session
20. swer being a reliance on alcohol or tranquilizing drugs Fortunately people are seeking new ways to cope and are making everything from active sports to personal development programs mediation and biofeedback training part of their everyday routines The ability to calm down and relax deeply is a powerful antidote t the effects of stress The problem is that although all of us are born with this ability it s something we often have to re learn 1 2 Body Language When you re under extreme stress your body copes in ways that are very noticeable Your heart pounds your hands perspire muscles tense up and extra adrenaline is released But not all stress is so extreme Unfortunately what really wear us down are lower levels of stress that occur constantly and that most of us accept as inevitable Our bodies respond to this type of stress with much lower signals that mostly go unheeded Now biofeedback is enabling us to observe and modify these signals 1 3 Biofeedback Explained Biofeedback is an exciting field that combines physiology and psychology The biofeedback techniques use electronics to detect and amplify internal body activities too subtle for normal awareness Once you are able to observe these activities you can then try to modify them Because you learn immediately whether you have succeeded or not you can gradually teach yourself to produce the desired results 14 Listen to you skin One of the principle ways you
21. tput jack of the GSR2 the smaller front Jack Insert the other jack 3 5mm into the Microphone input jack on your computer Typically this jack is next to the external speaker output jack on the back of your computer See your computer manual for additional information 5 Temperature Capability CalmLink is designed primarily for use with the GSR2 to do Galvanic Skin Resistance biofeedback The GSR2 also has the capability of doing temperature biofeedback with the temperature probe included with the GSR Temp2X Calmlink User s Manual Page 6 of 19 5 1 Performing Temperature Biofeedback Temperature biofeedback with the GSR2 and CalmLink is nearly identical to doing GSR biofeedback Follow the instructions for GSR2 biofeedback with the following changes Do not put your fingers on the built in GSR electrodes or use the remote GSR electrodes Instead plug in the temperature probe and attach to your finger in the regular manner Follow the instructions for getting in range Note The tone and graph line will fall as temperature rises This follows the tone down line down protocol for positive biofeedback performance The change is relative to your starting temperature For absolute change use a thermometer to give the absolute before and after temperatures All other features act the same as with GSR feedback Calmlink User s Manual Page 7 of 19 6 Main window screen 48 CalmLink Item Des
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