Brain Machine legally induces mind trip

We know, returning to work after an all-too-short long weekend leaves you just wanting more time off, but rather than skimming through those pictures you snapped and refusing to get back in the groove, why not force your brain to meditate and release those negative vibes? In an admittedly bizarre how-to guide, the folks over at MAKE have detailed Mitch Altman's Brain Machine, which reportedly enables you to slip into deep thought, sleep, or peaceful nirvana by syncing up your brain waves with pulsing lights and sounds. Odd as it may sound, the homegrown trip inducer purportedly utilizes an SLM (Sound and Light Machine) to "phase in new brain states by switching frequencies back and forth." Of course, we're still a bit hesitant to put our retinas at risk in order to legally experience hallucinations, but be sure to hit the read link for the step-by-step guide, and tap the via if you're interested in catching a video before subjecting yourself. [Warning: PDF read link]

[Via MAKE]

[Peter @ May 28th 2007 3:17PM]

10 years ago called... it wants it's post back.

seriously... this is OLD news... these machines have been around a long long time.

[Homeboy @ May 28th 2007 3:31PM]

No HDMI support?

[Karim @ May 28th 2007 3:30PM]

Another way of getting your brain to progressively have less beta, more alpha, followed by theta and delta rhythms is to do what I like to call "taking a nap."

During these "naps," sometimes people experience a kind of legal hallucination, which I like to call a "dream."

Many people find these "naps" refreshing, and in some cases they return to consciousness from this state with new insights.

I have invented a machine, that when placed over the eyes and ears, creates conditions in the brain that are conducive to "naps." The machine seems to be especially effective in the late afternoon, or when you are tired.

The plans for my "nap" machine are available for only $2,399.72, and can be assembled from parts readily available at your nearest Radio Shack.

[Woolly Mittens @ May 28th 2007 3:58PM]

They sell pillow components now at radio-shack Karim?

[Woolly Mittens @ May 28th 2007 3:58PM]

How is this different from the zillion other blinking LED sunglasses that refuse to die.

[crescentdavid @ May 28th 2007 4:28PM]

I know this is off post, but let me cheat .... Hmm, now that I've meditated, I'm calm enough to point out without laughing the widespread [Warning: PDF read link]. Yes, the REST of the world still looks upon Adobe's PRINT machine as an outclassed, overweight, bloatware special when compared to html, flash, xml, etc. etc. etc.

[Mike @ May 28th 2007 4:44PM]

^^ It's a serial port for programming the device. Actually, it looks to be a pretty decent project. Parts cost is very reasonable and functions seem to be at least as good as some commercial sound and light systems.

[Dave Newton @ May 28th 2007 4:52PM]

PLEASE make sure that someone is with you or you're using a dead-man switch if you have not used one of these types of machines before.

They can and will produce seizures in susceptible individuals.

[oopssg @ May 28th 2007 5:14PM]

Did u see that guy's nails in the video? What a freak :O

[Sven @ May 28th 2007 5:09PM]

I have serious insomnia and other related stuff. If one of these can put me to bed at night then sign me up!

[HEADsoldier07 @ May 28th 2007 5:23PM]

I bet that guy's dreaming about not being bald

[Saffy @ May 28th 2007 5:44PM]

I remember the ad for one of these in Omni mag back in the early-mid 1990s. Always wondered how well they worked, but never had anywhere near the $700 or so they were asking for.

[Jamie Marsden @ May 28th 2007 5:42PM]

Are these safe at all? I'd almost prefer the non-legal type of hallucination...

[nickroz @ May 28th 2007 5:45PM]

he's got enough 'party in the back' to not be considered bald...

[buckfush @ May 28th 2007 5:50PM]

I think I'll stick to the mushrooms, atleast something natural

[teh Ub3r 1337 Haxorz @ May 28th 2007 6:25PM]

I'll second that, stick to the boomers and buttons

[Craig Shergold @ May 28th 2007 11:52PM]

The original technology:
brainwashed.com/h3o/dreamachine/

[Elo @ May 28th 2007 6:43PM]

Definitely looks like more Scientology bullshit.

[Owen @ May 29th 2007 12:18AM]

If there's any difference between this and the whole "biofeedback" (or whatever it was called) fad of 10 years ago, it's gotta be the actual blinking and beeping. I tried a very expensive one of these once, and I really really wanted it to work on me, but after a full half-hour of beeping and flashing, I gave up. So either Mitch discovered how to ACTUALLY sync up brainwaves, or it's a modern open-source version of 18th century patent medicines, or I'm just unlucky and don't get affected by this type of thing. But it would certainly be cool if it actually works.

[J-L Picard @ May 29th 2007 11:52AM]

Uh, it's PRETTY OBVIOUS this is all just another Ktarian plot to take over the Federation, like back in -oohh- Episode 105 of TNG. Wake up, people! When will mankind learn that pleasure signal emitting goggles and the mammalian cerebral cortex just don't mix...

[willehrhardt @ May 29th 2007 3:55PM]

SOOOO LAME
shrooms ftw

[JoshRoss @ May 29th 2007 5:12PM]

Does anyone remember Zygon International, Inc.?
See: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1996/04/zygon.shtm

[Kyle Geithman @ May 29th 2007 9:10PM]

Alternatively, you could just buy a packet of Salvia. Legal. Effective. No headgear required.

[Mad Hatter @ May 30th 2007 12:32AM]

I'm very happy that you guys finally caught up with some of the cooler things in meditation, but come on, "legally induced trips" ?. These machines do not cause anything near the level of LSD trips.

I posted about my full reaction to this slightly ridiculous post:

http://dailydeluge.com/2007/05/29/the-mainstream-finally-catches-upbut-misses-the-point/