H A R D W A R E &
S O F T W A R E F A Q
(psyleron products)
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R E S E A R C H
F A Q
(experiments and pulications)
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P S Y L E R O N
F A Q
(company operations)
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Hardware & Software FAQ
What is an REG?
REG stands for Random Event Generator. It is a device used in the scientific
study of consciousness-related phenomena, particularly because mind-influence
effects have been observed in its data, and because it makes statistical
calculations very straightforward. It is also an electronic device, which allows
it to be interfaced with computers, for software applications and easy data
collection.
It is useful to think of the REG as an electronic coin flipper. Just as a flipped
coin will land in a random heads or tails position, so will the REG produce a
random binary outcome—although instead of heads or tails, it produces a 1 or a
0. Each 1 or 0 represents a quantum event inside the REG; hence Random Event
Generator. Unlike a coin flipper, however, the REG is not affected by normal external physical forces:
by the laws of quantum mechanics, its data is fundamentally
random.
REGs are used for studying consciousness-related
phenomena because all of these factors make them superior to other devices or
methods. Their true randomness eliminates the concern that experimental outcomes
might be influenced by physical forces, in the way dice can be. Their binary nature
allows users to deal with known statistical distributions, and to measure any
"anomalous" change in the distribution with simple statistical techniques.
Results from trials can be seen in real-time with computers, then stored and
graphed in many different ways.
How Does an REG Work?
The Psyleron REG-1 measures quantum events. According to modern physics, it
is fundamentally impossible to predict the outcome of quantum events, even with
knowledge of past outcomes. While the REG-1 does output non-quantum 1s and 0s,
these are representations of quantum events, extrapolated by quantum
tunneling into binary outcomes. So when the output of an REG-1 running in a
calibration setting is examined statistically, these binary events are seen to
behave in perfectly random ways, with an equal ratio of 1s to 0s. In other words,
the REG is an extremely refined and reliable scientific tool.
The mind, however, is apparently able to affect the outcome
of the Random Event Generator. As rigorously demonstrated by twenty-eight years
of PEAR lab studies, when a person or persons attempt to influence the REG to
produce more 1s or 0s, by "willpower" alone they may be able to achieve
such an effect. A statistically significant increase in 1s or 0s is observed,
generally according to their intent.
The mechanism by which this works is still unknown, though it has been the
subject of much speculation. Some contend that quantum mechanics can explain
the phenomenon; others that a more complicated and less understood process is
occurring. In any case, what's at issue is nothing less than the nature of reality,
and the role of consciousness within it.
More experimental and theoretical information can be found in the PEAR research
section of our website.
How Strong is My Mind's
Effect on the Psyleron REG-1?
The magnitude of your effect on the REG-1 is measured by how unlikely your REG-1 results
are under the theoretical model. Statistically, this is given as a "z-score",
which indicates how far and in what direction your outcome deviates from the theoretical
expected value, in units of standard deviations. Intuitively, a larger z-score means that
your results are less likely to be due to chance. In practice, the z-score can be used as
an index of your performance: a greater z-score in the direction of your intention
indicates a larger influence on the REG.
The Psyleron software allows you to see graphically the
affect of your mind on the REG-1, in real-time, as you play games, attempt to
get the highest z-score, or use the other Reflector applications. The Psyleron
software provides you with real-time statistical analysis alongside the graphical
representations of current or archived data, so you know the strength of your
mind's effect after each attempt, and can chart your progress over time.
It's difficult to discuss the magnitude of mind-influence effects without qualification
(these depend on the experiment and its contexts), but the best operators seem
able to produce effects with z-scores on the order of 3 to 4 within the first few sessions
with the REG-1. Most customers report that their z-scores improve over time,
as they practice with the REG-1. They also report that their abilities seem
tied to certain subjective states (particularly strong emotions and a feeling
of being "in tune" with the device), and conducive environments as
well. In some cases, people claim that working to achieve good REG-1 results
makes them more aware of themselves and more effective in daily life.
What is FieldREG?
FieldREG is a special kind of use for the REG-1. Instead of having an individual
attempt to influence the REG-1 directly, the device can be run in the background
during events, such as brainstorming sessions, concerts, guided meditations,
or presentations. Research shows that the REG tends to respond at significant
moments during these events. This makes FieldREG a unique and useful tool for
multiple purposes. It is being used to study group consciousness, provide feedback
on group coherency, and measure the effectiveness of presentations and performances,
to name only a few. For more information on FieldREG research and applications
your can visit the FieldREG research section
of our website.
Is the REG-1 the same
device used by the PEAR Laboratory?
The original PEAR lab REG cost over $100,000 USD. The Psyleron REG-1 is an improved
version of the PEAR device. While both are Random Event Generators, the REG-1
is built with modern technology, such as the USB interface and SMT components.
It is also smaller, and much less expensive, starting at $285
USD. Each REG-1 is calibrated according to the same stringent tests used at the PEAR lab.
The Psyleron REG-1 is the only PEAR-certified Random Event Generator available.
Is the REG-1 suitable
for scientific research?
Yes. The REG-1 is rigorously batch tested or hand tested and calibrated (according
to the REG-1 exploration kit edition), before being sold to customers. The many
archival and statistical tools included in the software applications simplify
the mathematics of scientific research. If you have any particular research
questions, please feel free to contact us.
We provide both free and paid consulting services on consciousness-related research and REG use.
How is my REG Calibrated?
Before shipping, your individual REG-1 was run continuously for approximately
16 hours. At the end of this period, with Standard and Professional edition REG-1 units,
the collected data is processed in the standard PEAR calibration testing suite
to assess its ability to run REG experiments. If your device passed tests for
mean (µ) and standard deviation (s) at the bit and trial level, as well as basic tests for the chi-squared
of trial bin populations, skew, and kurtosis, it was deemed to be an acceptable
REG device for the purpose of running formal and exploratory mind-influence
experiments. To request the results of a typical calibration trial, please
contact us.
Even with our extensive calibrations, we recommend that you
take the necessary precautions to ensure the validity of your data. This includes
collecting data without an operator (user) present before and after active experiments;
using bi-polar or tri-polar protocols where possible; and utilizing further
processing where necessary.
What statistical tools
are available for research with the Psyleron REG-1?
Psyleron software provides real-time statistical feedback with
metrics such as mean, standard deviation, hit percentage, and other parameters
relevant to the experiment. Our software provides z-scores (which can be used
to calculate p-values, often used as an experiment's primary research variables), and
provides real-time graphical representations of the REG output. Sessions are
saved and databased, for reference and archival.
All Psyleron software included with the Professional REG-1 exploration kit can export
comma-delimited output files, which can be opened in Excel, SAS, SPSS, Matlab, R,
or another analysis program of a user's choice. Some Psyleron programs,
such as FieldREG, have their own built-in graphing and analysis capability,
so users can review previous sessions. Most Psyleron software can upload
data over the Internet to the online Community, where additional statistical
tools will soon be available. All Psyleron customers are entitled to free software
updates and new analysis tools as they become available. Take a look at
our software and features here.
Will the Psyleron REG-1
work on my Mac?
The REG-1 can work with a Mac, but not natively. The current Psyleron software
is designed to support Microsoft Windows (2000/XP/Vista/Server 2003/Server 2008).
Mac and Linux users can use a Windows emulator (this is reported to work).
Please note that there is no guarantee that all Macs
will support the hardware. Please join the mailing list to keep up to date with new
software releases, as well as updates for the existing Windows software.
Do I need to know
computer programming to use my Psyleron REG-1?
No. The REG-1 comes with its own installation and application software, which
is simple and easy to use. The REG-1 installs like any new hardware, and the
applications install like any other program. In most cases, you will be able to use the REG-1
minutes after opening the box.
What are the minimum
system requirements?
Your computer must have a USB (1.1 or greater) port to communicate with the
REG-1. In general we recommend at least a Pentium 4 or equivalent processor
to run our newer game modules, but the FieldREG and Classic PEAR Experiment
applications have been tested to run comfortable on computers with clock speeds
as low as 500MHz.
Is there a warranty?
The REG-1 has a limited replacement warranty that guarantees it against
failure or inability to calibrate. The period of the warranty depends
on the edition purchased.
Research FAQ
Can I see the PEAR raw
data myself?
We are working with the PEAR lab to put all of their historical data in an easy-to-access format.
When the project is finished, you will be able to download
and view all of the PEAR experimental data on our web site. Please check back
soon, or join the mailing list for research updates.
Is there an experimenter
effect?
The nature of REG experiments preclude conventional experimenter effects. There
is no "right" or "wrong" answer to be chosen when dealing
with REGs, and their quantum nature precludes experimental foreknowledge of
any bias in the setup.
However, there seems to be a correlation between an operator's confidence in
their ability to produce an effect in the REGs, and their actual performance.
It is conceivable that an experimenter may encourage or degrade operator confidence,
and thereby impact the data. But this, of course, has nothing to do with an
operator's fundamental ability to produce anomalous REG effects in the first
place.
There may be an additional concern related to the
experimenter's consciousness interfering with the REG. This may be a real phenomenon,
but it seems that intent is the deciding factor. In the same way that an REG
will behave like a truly random device when no person is intending to affect
it, so the experimenter's consciousness should not affect an experimental REG,
if they don't intend to.
What are Mean, P-scores,
and Z-scores?
These are standard statistical metrics used in scientific research. They relate
experimental results to those expected by chance, and the magnitude of this
deviation (if any). Specifically, mean is the sum of all the values in a set
of data, divided by the number of values in the data set. Z-score relates the
"distance" an experimental outcome falls from the mean, in standard
deviations. The P-score is a minus logarithm of the P-value, which represents
the probability of achieving the "quality of match" in the data at
random.
In the context of REG research, Mean indicates the
consciousness-induced deviation from the expected Mean scenario (i.e., without
an operator present), and the related z-score measures this in standard deviations.
P-score represents the correlation between experimental outcome and the operator's
conscious intent (as gauged against the likelihood of the results occurring
by chance.
But back-and-forth activity
can nullify Z-Scores!
That’s true! Unfortunately, while the z-score is a good indicator of linear
progress, it’s bad at relating any operator-induced back-and-forth activity
in the REGs. In other words, you may be having a strong effect on the REG-1,
but instead of making it go in one (“high” or “low”)
direction, you are causing it to oscillate between the two. Without stating
your intention beforehand, the z-score would “average” these swings
and bring the overall z-score closer to zero. This complicates the detection
of the “rubber-band effect” as well.
This is clearly an issue in conducting and communicating
scientific research in this field. It may also be an issue for REG-1 users who
have trouble getting high z-scores. Most operators report that they can “feel”
when they are having an effect on the REG, and when they are not. If you feel
like you’re influencing the REG-1, but your z-score remains low (especially
if your results are oscillatory), it’s okay! This is common; sooner or
later this behavior seems to work itself out. Use a Module that allows you to
pre-state your intentions, and remember: if you feel like you’re affecting
the REG-1, you’re probably right!
How can I be sure that
consciousness is the agent, and not some other factor, such as electromagnetic
interference, or temperature fluctuations?
This was one of the primary initial concerns of the PEAR researchers, as it
remains a concern of anyone using sensitive measurement equipment. No conventional
physical force was found to have any association with the devices. The hermetic
shielding and quantum nature of the Psyleron REG-1 makes its randomness essentially
beyond subject to any physical influence likely to be encountered in a field
setting. Testing and calibration guard against any lingering bias.
The fact that a calibrated device, with no operator present, produces data
without anomalous mean shifts, suggests the operator is responsible
for the anomalies. And the fact that the operator can make mental decisions
to affect the REG one way or the other at will, after which the REG responds
respectively, suggests that it is the agency of consciousness responsible for
the anomalies. No other physics forces—including the physical presence
of the operator—would affect the REG in sudden ways that correlate to
the operator's intent.
In other words, REG devices are very precise scientific instruments whose output
has specific statistical properties. When a person attempts to influence an
REG device, the person can pre-state an intention for the device's behavior,
and the statistical properties of the output can be reliably tested against
the device's usual behavior. If a result is created that corresponds with the
user's intention, then statistics can be used to find out how likely it is that
the result could have occurred by chance. If the result is extremely unlikely
to have occurred by chance, it can be safe to say the user somehow influenced
the process.
Psyleron FAQ
Does Psyleron conduct
its own research?
We do. As part of its research and technology development process, Psyleron
is also engaged in basic and applied consciousness research. Please see our
research section for more information on our formal
research program.
What is the Psyleron Online Community?
We receive so much correspondence from people who are intrigued by our work,
that we have created a forum for these people to interact. We believe the study
of consciousness benefits everyone, and that a supportive environment will help
individuals to understand and develop their own minds.
The Psyleron Online Community
is a place for REG-1 users to share their research, ideas, and assistance on
consciousness-related topics. The project seeks to engender the scientific investigation
of mind-influence effects, and to facilitate communication among Psyleron customers.
Users can automatically upload their raw research data over encrypted channels
to share their results, and participate in multi-user experiments. It also seeks
to engender a supportive environment for individuals seeking to understand and
develop their own minds. Forums allow participants to exchange helpful ideas
and anecdotes, and work together to explore the mysteries of consciousness.
Users can download software updates from the Community portal.
Purchase of a Psyleron REG-1 entitles customers to membership if the Psyleron
Online Community. If you have purchased an REG-1 and have not registered with
the Community, please contact Psyleron to do so.
Full access to the community may be provided as a subscription service; other aspects of the Community will
be free to the public. Check back soon for Community updates.
What difference does it make if someone can influence an REG-1?
Currently, prevailing scientific theories cannot account for the mind's influence
on physical systems. An enormous body of evidence nevertheless demonstrates
that it is a real phenomenon. Therefore, the mind-REG effect has enormous implications
for our scientific theories—it shows us that they need to be updated to
accommodate this persistent scientific anomaly. It also makes a difference for
technology, because new possibilities to harness the power of intention are
created. There are also realms of personal meaningfulness to
be experienced by users. These naturally differ from person to person, but most
users report a deep fascination with seeing the influence of their thoughts
and emotions on the material world.
Why would I buy an REG-1?
There are many answers. Researchers in the fields of physics, biology, philosophy,
psychology, and parapsychology study consciousness in one aspect or another.
The REG-1 is useful to them, because it is an objective measurement tool for
the typically subjective realm. The REG-1 provides researchers with a
very rare opportunity to test their mind-related experiments and theories scientifically,
and generate objective and relatable results.
Others are fascinated by the concept, and want to see if it really works.
They are interested in the potentials of the technology, and want to try some
of the first video games played only with the mind. Perhaps they are drawn
to the challenge of learning to master their thoughts and feelings, and get
better and better scores on the software applications.
Some hobbyists want to use the REG-1 for their own custom applications.
The Psyleron SDK software package allows home
users to create custom applications for their REG-1, using C/C++, C#, or
Visual Basic. Others wish to try out different techniques, and see if they
can get stronger effects on the REG-1. Perhaps they are avid yoga or
qi-gong practitioners, and want to see if certain techniques or practices
strengthen their mind's impact on the physical world.
Still others may be interested in witnessing the power of their thoughts and
emotions, and how their intent can literally manifest in the material realm.
Many users report that as they practice with the REG-1, they learn to recognize
the thoughts and feelings that are powerful, and the ones that are not.
This processes seems to reveal certain limiting belief systems, or habits of
mind, that keep our intention from manifesting as strongly as it could.
Potential users are musicians, artists, or business people engaged in creative
brainstorming. They might want to use the REG-1 in FieldREG mode, where it
responds to instances of group cohesiveness, unity, and emotional resonance.
The musician and artist might use FieldREG to involve the collective
consciousness of the audience in their performance. The business might use
it to feel out good ideas, and be alerted to suggestions that are powerful
enough to positively affect the group.
How can you sell a product that you don't fully
understand?
The mind-influence effect persists, despite being unable to completely explain
how it works. At Psyleron, our goal is to develop technologies that will
help us all to better understand consciousness and how it interacts with the
physical world. We can't claim to have all the answers. But
we have made productive advances in understanding, and we invite you to be a
part of the process of discovery.
What else do you do?
Apart from our internal research, development, and product sales, we're
collaborating with several organizations to test the usefulness of our technology
in educational, social, and business decision-making contexts. We'll
provide detailed information about our findings in the future.
I'm interested in Psyleron, but I still don't
know what to think. What should I do?
Please feel free to contact us with
any questions. We believe in helping people come to their own conclusions about
consciousness and consciousness technology. For the time being, if your question
is research-related, please explore the Psyleron research
and PEAR research sections of our website.
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