MindPlace Procyon AVS User manual

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READ THIS BEFORE USING PROCYON
Procyon is intended for use as a tool for enhancing con-
sciousness and for personal growth. It is not intended for
use as a medical diagnostic or therapeutic device, and no
medical claims of any sort are made for it.
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT without your doctor’s specific
guidance if you or any family member has ever experienced
any form of seizure disorder, such as epilepsy, or if you are or
have been taking any form of psychoactive drug, such as am-
phetamines, barbiturates, etc.

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Procyon
Audio-Visual Synthesizer
TM
User's guide and Reference
I. Introduction
Congratulations! You have just purchased the most advanced per-
sonal light and sound system available on the market today. The
Procyon Audio-Visual SynthesizerTM is a powerful tool for exploring a
wide range of interesting and beneficial states of awareness, and
we think you will find it very helpful when used regularly.
The Procyon includes 50 unique, pre-programmed light and sound
stimulation sequences (called sessions and sometimes programs)
within its internal memory, each designed with a specific goal in
mind. We suggest that you first work with those sessions which
best suit your needs before exploring further. All sessions were
designed to support the mental processes required to integrate the
lessons of daily life and we believe you will will help make your
inner travels more productive.
The Procyon also provides you with maximum flexibility, because
you can create your own sessions using our free Procyon Editor soft-
ware for Windows .
You can mix your own audio sources (CD’s, MP3’s, etc.) with the
internally synthesized audio tones. And the Procyon is the first
light and sound system available that includes compact-disc quality
digital audio. Now you can transform the experience of your fa-
vorite music, or enhance the effects of learning, personal growth,
and imagery-based audio with the powerful effects of light and
sound.

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Consciousness as art-form?
Procyon’s ability to create and fluidly control a palette of millions
of colors, and to precisely synchronize this flowing rainbow with
music and other audio sources presents the opportunity to create a
new kind of consciousness-altering artform. Be sure to check our
site (www.mindplace.com) frequently for the latest updates and
audio-visual artworks!
Color, mood and awareness
It has long been known that color can have a profound effect on
cognition and perception. That’s why colors such as blue and
green are often used in hospitals and prisons—due to their calming
effects. Research has shown that pure colored light can achieve
this same goal: for example, red light is more effective at inducing
mental and physiological activation, while blue light reduces such
activation and can instill a sense of deep calm. Yellow, on the
other hand, appears to help the mind focus while studying and can
allow access to “peak performance” mind-states. The Lumatron®
is an example of a system which uses colored, flickering light in a
therapeutic context (though of course we make no medical claims
of any sort for the Procyon).
It is possible to use the Procyon to produce pure, jewel-like colors
which do not flicker at all. It can also play sequences which un-
fold gradually, or shift rapidly from hue to hue. When this is done
in the range of about 4 to 20 times per second, especially unusual
visual and psychological effects can be produced, inducing the illu-
sion of complex, shifting geometrical imagery. This imagery can be
so compelling that the mind clears of extraneous thoughts and
distractions and the other stressors of daily life. In this way the
Procyon is like a form of "accelerated meditation."

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Benefits
We've created the Procyon as an experimental tool for the explora-
tion of a wide range of colored light (and sound)-induced alternate
states of awareness. And, although we hope you will take advan-
tage of our software tool for creating your own works of "mind-
art" and other applications, we've also included a variety of preset
sessions to get you started. Sessions are grouped into these general
categories:
Tranquility and calming. These sessions use mostly "calming"
colors, especially blue and green, but also shades of purple and oc-
casionally other colors for visual variety. They tend to change
slowly and are intended to lead the mind towards a state of tran-
quility.
Before bed. Similar to the calming sessions, but even slower and
again focused on blue and green light and their combinations. The
goal is to help clear the mind before bed. Some users have re-
ported having unusually vivid dreams with these sessions.
Learning. Most of these are based upon the twilight learning and
super-learning paradigm, and are intended to lead your mind into a
light trance-like state known as hypnogogia.
Peak performance. Mostly "middle of the rainbow" colors and
frequencies associated with the goals of mental activation and peak
performance; often used for learning and sports preparation.
Energy/rejuvenation. More active; patterns shift rapidly and are
intended to prepare the mind and body for activities such as sports
and other physical activities, or before meetings and tests. Perfect
for use during breaks from work and for study.
Visualization/artform/entertainment. These sessions demon-
strate the more purely aesthetic aspects of the Procyon, and are
intended to induce more complex (even hallucinatory) visual im-
agery, and as preparation for exploring altered states of awareness.

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Features
Compact Full-Color Personal Display . Our new GanzFrames™
design uses state-of-the-art surface-mounted solid-state optoelec-
tronic emitters which generate and mix pure red, green and blue
light. With 255 brightness levels for each color, there are literally
millions of colors to choose from.
Ganzfeld feature . A Ganzfeld is a field of pure color which does
not flicker. With Procyon, you can select a favorite color and use it
for color meditation, for example. Of course, the colors can trans-
form into another hue at any rate you choose.
Independent color channel programming . Each color channel
(red, green, blue) can be assigned its own brightness and frequency,
for creation of complex visual effects and mind states.
Large internal program store . More than 1500 segments, which
can be divided between up to 250 sessions, stored in internal flash
memory..
USB port . Transfer new sessions into your Procyon, update its
operating system, and back up your current sessions to your PC.
Control the Procyon in real time from your PC or biofeedback sys-
tem.
Digital audio input/output . Another Procyon first: low-noise,
compact-disc quality audio, for more precise control of internal and
external audio mixing, and virtual elimination of “clicking” from
the lights.
Internal audio synthesizer . Creates binaural beats, locked to the
frequency of one of the three color channels.
SynchroMuse
TM
. This powerful new function synchronizes audio
content on encoded compact discs with internally stored sessions.
The experience is similar to AudioStrobe®, only in full color.

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AudioStrobe
®
compatible . Play your legacy AudioStrobe-
encoded CDs by selecting this function.
Multiple visual waveforms . Choose from pulse, sine, triangle.
Multiple visual effects . Phase-shifting creates a constantly chang-
ing, complex range of colors, while pulse-width-modulation creates
"hard-edged" visual effects. Mix flicker with ganzfeld for subtle
"shimmering" effects!
II. Setting your system up
Your Procyon package should include the following items:
• Procyon console
• GanzFramestm personal display
• Stereo headphones
• USB "mini" to standard USB cable
• Stereo audio patch cord
• Carry case
• Manual
You will also need three "AA" alkaline batteries, not included, for
standalone operation. If you connect it to a PC, then your Procyon
will be powered via the USB cable.
Please refer to the illustration blow while setting your system up.
Step 1: Install the batteries
• Remove the sliding battery cover from the back of the Procyon
• Install three alkaline "AA" batteries. Be sure to observe proper
orientation.
• Replace battery cover.

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Step 2: Connect the GanzFrames and headphones
• Plug the GanzFrames gently into the top of the console. No-
tice that the plug fits in only one way.
• Plug the headphones into the correct jack on the right side of
the unit.
Step 3: Select and run a session
• Turn the unit ON by pressing the on/off button. The LED
display will briefly flash the word "on" and then show 000. This is
the "random" session.
• Press the Up/Down key to select a session. See pages 18-22
for a description of internal factory sessions. While holding the key
the session number will initially advance slowly, then accelerate
(like setting a clock radio). To cause the session number to decre-
ment, press the Up/Down and Start/Stop button at the same time.
• Press the Start/Stop button once to start a session. The dis-
play will briefly flash the word "run", then display the session num-
ber again.
• Use the dials at the top of the unit to adjust the audio volume
and light brightness. We recommend starting at low settings and
gradually increasing them to optimum levels.
• To stop the session, press the Start/Stop button once. The
display will flash "End" one time, then the session number.
CAUTION: Do not open your eyes while wearing the Gan-
zFrames. The LEDs are very bright! Do not start a session at
high brightness levels unless you are certain that you will find it
comfortable.

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III. Using your Procyon
How to have a perfect session
Finding a comfortable and quiet setting is an important ingredient
for having an ideal session with your Procyon. It can also help to
loosen any tight clothes, belts, etc.
• If your goal is to unwind during your session, then lying down
can also help, but is not essential.
• If you think you might fall asleep during your session, turning
the light out helps, since some ambient light would normally
make its way to your eyes from the sides of the GanzFrames
and slightly wash out the intensity of the colors. Choose a ses-
sion with a slow pulse rate and mostly blue-green hues is espe-
cially pleasant and helpful in this case. Using just the Gan-
zFrames alone while listening to your stereo (or to nothing)
would probably be most comfortable, unless you wanted to use
binaural beats; you can use loudspeakers if your head is between
them.
• If your goal is a short relaxation break, then sitting in a comfort-
able chair is ideal. If you are taking a break at work, short ses-
sions seem to give the best results, around fifteen minutes. A
longer period could put you to sleep, if you are at all tired, by
removing the environmental cues which would normally keep
you awake.
• To experience a clear-headed, meditative state, use one of the
"meditation" sessions.
• If you are feeling tired, try an "energize" session. Their acceler-
ating tempos function in a manner similar to listening to music
with similar tempo changes.

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On/off and power-saving
The system is turned on and off via the button on the right side of
the console. In order to save power in case you forget to turn it
off, it will automatically turn off in the following manner:
• In Session mode (display shows three digit session number):
after three minutes of inaction.
• In PC, dL1 or dL2 modes, after 20 minutes.
• In AS or DAS modes, after 80 minutes (allowing time for a full
CD to play before shutting off).
Buttons, connectors, and display
The three buttons on the front panel have the following functions:
The TOP button is the START/STOP button. Just press and re-
lease the button once, briefly, to operate.

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The MIDDLE button is for selecting a mode (see page 13). When
you turn the system on it automatically sets itself to SESSION
mode, which displays a three digit session number. Each time you
press it, it steps to the next mode, displaying the following se-
quence:
Session (SES) > PC > dL1 > dL2 > dAS > AS > SES.
The BOTTOM button is for selecting a specific session, while in
Session mode (the display shows three digits).
The ON/OFF button is located on the upper part of the right side
of the console.
There are two dials on top of the console. The LEFT one is AU-
DIO VOLUME, and the RIGHT one is LIGHT BRIGHTNESS.
The audio volume affects only internal audio, not external audio;
use your CD/MP3 player's volume control to set the proper bal-
ance between the two.
We recommend that you set the dials to a low level before starting
your session, and increase them slowly until you find the most
comfortable setting.
There are four connectors on the Procyon:
On the TOP of the unit is the GanzFrame connector. Note that
this socket is keyed to fit in only one way with the GanzFrames
plug. Like all miniature connectors, it is somewhat delicate; do not
attempt to force the GanzFrame plug into it. If it doesn't seem to
fit in one orientation, flip it over and plug it in the other way.
On the RIGHT SIDE of the console, just below the start/stop
button is the USB jack. Use the included (or any standard to mini
USB) cable to attach it to your PC (but do not do so until you have
installed the Procyon driver and software). This connector is also
used to communicate with the PreSage biofeedback system using a

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special cable.
Below the USB jack is the HEADPHONE jack. Plug the included
phones into this. You can use other headphones as well, though
the Procyon may not have sufficient power to drive larger, "studio"
style headphones.
The BOTTOM jack is for audio input. Use the included stereo
mini (3.5 mm) cable to connect the output of your CD or MP3
player to this if you would like to mix your music with a session, or
if you are using AudioStrobe or SynchroMuse encoded CDs. You
can also plug the line output of your stereo into the system here,
though you will need a stereo phono-to-3.5mm stereo cable (Radio
Shack, for example, usually carries these).
Selecting a session
Your system has been pre-programmed with a number of sessions
of various lengths and suggested applications. You can find a list
of these on pages 18-22.
• Choose a session from the session list at the end of this man-
ual, noting its associated number.
• Turn the Procyon on and use the up/down button to select
that number.
• Press the Start/Stop button to begin your session.
The 'random' session
Session "000" is random—that is, the sequence and length are dif-
ferent every time you run it. Use this for pure entertainment, and
to gain a sense of some of Procyon's color-mixing capabilities.

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Brightness and volume
The function of these controls should be clear. Note the symbols
printed on the case next to the dials: headphone on the left and
brightness on the right. The long thin triangles printed next to
these symbols indicate level: moving the dial towards the thin part
(to the right) will reduce audio volume and light brightness.
Modes
There are several different "modes" in which your system can func-
tion. When you turn Procyon on, it is automatically in SESSION
MODE (SES) and displays the currently selected session number.
Each time you press the mode button, it will step through the oth-
ers in sequence; their functions are as follows:
PC. Use this mode when creating your own sessions, or experi-
menting with color mixing. Normally, you would use our Procyon
Editor software for Windows, which may be downloaded from the
Procyon section . For more
information about how to create sessions, see the Procyon Editor
Programming Guide (also available on our site).
dL1 This is for transferring sessions or albums (collections of
sessions) to the Procyon’s internal memory. It is selected automati-
cally when transferring this information via the Procyon Editor
software and is provided for use with potential future open-source
software.
dL2 Choose this mode if you are transferring sessions from a
compact disc; this is useful when a user does not have a PC avail-
able but would like to update their system. Also used with Syn-
chroMuse-encoded compact discs.
dAS (Digital Audio Synchrony) Used when listening to Syn-
chroMuse®encoded compact discs.

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AS AudioStrobe®compatibility mode; use when playing
AudioStrobe or other high-frequency encoded compact discs.
Connecting to a PC
We've included a USB cable so you can connect Procyon to your
PC. Before doing so, be sure to download the USB driver from
the Procyon section of our webpage and
and
install it before connecting your system. In addition, you will need
to download and install the Procyon Editor software and its associ-
ated User’s Guide (the zip'd file Procyon Package includes all
three).
Connecting to the PreSage®biofeedback system
It is possible to control the Procyon using the PreSage biofeedback
system; in order to do so, you will need a special adapter cable,
available from your Procyon dealer. In
order to use this feature when it becomes available, you will need
to install the latest Procyon firmware from our support site
What happens during a session
Sessions are made up of a number of segments of varying lengths.
During a session, these play back sequentially. A segment includes
beginning and ending values for all of the parameters that can
change during that segment.
For example, the first segment may last for ten seconds, have only
blue light selected, and the light may start by being turned com-
pletely off (brightness=0) and end the segment turned completely
on (brightness=255). During the course of the segment, you will
notice that the light gradually grows brighter. The frequency may
be set to ramp from 14.0 Hz down to 8.0 Hz, and will be perceived

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to start relatively quickly and gradually slow down. All such ramps
are linear—that is, straight lines.
Color, mind and mood
Color is known to have a strong effect on mood and conscious-
ness. For example, red light tends to be stimulating and activates
the mind and body, while blue and green light are soothing. For
this reason, pale blue and green light are often used in hospitals and
prisons to help calm the inmates. Yellow light is associated with
"peak performance" activities, and is useful for achieving a relaxed
yet alert state of mind.
Colored light has sometimes also been used therapeutically (though
of course we are not suggesting that you use this system for medi-
cal applications) in the form of color therapies, such as the Luma-
tron® colored strobe system.
Mandala imagery
Most people notice and enjoy the complex, shifting, mandala-like
imagery they see behind their closed eyelids during flicker stimula-
tion. Even single-color flicker stimulation can generate more than
one “virtual” color. But the use of more than one color dramati-
cally enhances this effect, and with all three primary colors now
present, the effect can be remarkably beautiful, helping to transport
you to a splendid inner world.
Red, green and blue light waveforms
Most of the light/sound systems on the market today use a single
visual waveform, the pulse waveform. This switches from maxi-
mum brightness to off almost instantly. Although this can induce
more vivid imagery, it can also tire the eyes. In addition to pulse
waveforms, the Procyon also offers pure sine (which gently and
smoothly moves from on to off), and triangle (which moves more
briskly from on to off) modulation.

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Mixing colors: phase shifting, pulse width modulation
A broad range of color-mixing effects possible with additional fea-
tures of the Procyon. Phase-shifting means that the way in which
each colored wave of light mixes with the others changes over
time. For example, if red and green are “waving together” the col-
ors mix and produce a perceived yellow color. Now imagine that
the red starts first, followed by the green: the overall perceived
color starts out as red, then transforms first to yellow, then to
green. Now, imagine this happens multiple times each second, and
you can begin to visualize the color-mixing potential of the Pro-
cyon.
From flicker to ganzfeld
A ganzfeld is a field of light which fills your visual field. Best known
for its use in parapsychological studies (where typically half of a
ping-pong ball is placed over each eye, then illuminated by a steady
red light), our ganzfeld feature allows the creation of such fields in
a wide variety of colors.
Flicker can also be mixed with the steady light-field, creating a
range of subtle, easy-on-the-eyes shimmering effects—perfect for
those with sensitive eyes or who otherwise cannot tolerate the in-
tense flickering produced by most light/sound machines.
Internal audio synthesis
The internal audio synthesizer is currently preset to create binaural
beats, which lock onto any one of the three color channel frequen-
cies.
Audio mixing
You can mix external audio with Procyon's internal synthesizer.
Use your CD or MP3 player, or any other audio source with a
headphone output. The audio volume control on top of the unit is
used to change the internal volume; use your player’s headphone

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volume control your source. In this way you can mix the two in an
optimum manner.
Advanced: external control
The Procyon can be controlled in real-time from a PC or other
devices via its USB port. The Procyon Editor controls in in real-
time (“PC”) mode when you test segments or sessions from your
PC. We’ve also written a beta Active-X control which is available
on www.mindplacesupport.com for those interested in developing
PC applications to control it.
.
A Guide to the Procyon preset sessions
The internal sessions fall into a number of general categories, asso-
ciated with suggested use. These include: learning, peak perform-
ance, tranquility, night voyage, energizing, rejuvenation, visualiza-
tion, and “mind art”. The tables on the following pages list the
sessions and include a brief description.

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Session
Number
Length
(Min.) Name Category
0 varies Random Random
This session is different every time you run it, with frequencies
ranging from
1 15 Relax before Exams Learning
A meditative mind-clearing period to clear your mind; concentrates
mainly on 9 to 13 Hz frequencies.
2 15 Accelerated Learning 15 Learning
Traditional “superlearning” approach, intended to help achieve hyp-
nogogic state. Frequencies ramp mainly in the 4 to 8 Hz range.
3 60 Accelerated Learning 60 Learning
Similar to above, but longer and slower. Good for accessing deep
states; also used by some for light trance induction.
4 35 Accelerated Learning 35 Learning
Similar to above; designed to be used with 30 minute tape, CD or
other audio sources, especially for language study.
5 10 Quick Alertness Learning
Intended to bring your mind into sharper focus in a short period of
time, especially for use prior to study.
6 15 Concentration Learning
A good means for helping focus the mind for study, with primarily 13
to 14 Hz “performance peaking” frequencies.
7 15 Attention Booster 15 Learning
Alternates between 12 and 18 Hz, with pauses between each. Good
for mental activation applications.
8 20 Attention Booster 20 Learning
Alternates between 12 and 18 Hz, with pauses between each. Good
for mental activation applications. Longer version of above.
9 15 Quick Break Peak Performance
Includes both quick relaxation and re-activation sequences, for study
and athletic preparation.

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Session
Number
Length
(Min.) Name Category
10 17 Athletic Warm-Up Peak Performance
A more complex sequence of frequencies, intended for use before
sports, to concentrate mind and body.
11 15 Power Recharge Peak Performance
A more stimulating session, to help clear your mind of thoughts.
12 30 Peak Composure Peak Performance
Ideal for use with positive affirmations or guided visualizations, re-
corded by yourself or others, for boosting athletic performance.
13 18 Performance Intensive Peak Performance
Fast-paced, mood-boosting session, which can be used with fast
music as well.
14 25 Mind Sauna Peak Performance
Ideal for use with deep breathing and muscle awareness exercises.
15 15 Quick Work Break Tranquility
Great daily relaxation session, which can be used before stretching,
yoga, etc.
16 35 Regeneration 35 Tranquility
A medium-length relaxation session; good choice for after returning
home after a day’s work.
17 45 Regeneration 45 Tranquility
A somewhat longer version of the above session.
18 60 Quiet Hour Tranquility
A long, gentle session, with much time spent in the 8 to 12 Hz
range.
19 60 Deep Meditation Tranquility
A deeply refreshing session, with much time spent in the 4 Hz to
13 Hz range

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Session
Number
Length
(Min.) Name Category
20 15 Meditative Mind 15 Tranquility
A brief, refreshing stroll through the 9 to 13 Hz range, with me-
dium-paced color sweeps. Good range of colors.
21 60 Meditative Mind 60 Tranquility
A long, leisurely voyage through the 9 to 13 Hz range, with gradu-
ally shifting colors.
22 60 Deep Tranquility Tranquility
An hour’s visit to the land of Hypongogia—mostly slow, deeply
peaceful frequencies interspersed with unflickering baths of color.
23 15 Night Voyage 15 Night Voyage
A short descent into slow washes of color, with emphasis on blues
and greens.
24 25 Night Voyage 25 Night Voyage
A somewhat longer version of the above session, with slower
changes.
25 35 Night Voyage 35 Night Voyage
Deeper still into the dream-realms inhabiting the edges of sleep.
26 45 Night Voyage 45 Night Voyage
Especially useful for shifting your consciousness to very deep levels.
27 60 Night Voyage 60 Night Voyage
Our deepest and most trance-like session.
28 10 Quick Energy 10 Energy
A short, intense burst of rapid energy, with frequencies in the 13
to 21 Hz range, emphasis on reds, yellows. Purples.
29 15 Quick Energy 15 Energy
Same as above, but a bit longer. You may not need that second
cup of coffee after this one!