A three day workshop actively exploring the effects of electromagnetic fields on living systems; on the human body and the human psyche.

The effects of complex field interactions with such systems, particularly with the psyche, are largely unknown and open to debate. Field Effect proposes to obtain first-hand,experimental knowledge of these relations, using DIY technologies. Experiments already suggest links between low frequency electromagnetic emissions and experiences of hauntings and UFO sightings.

The first two days will be devoted to the construction of devices to both generate and measure magnetic fields and to examine the effects of these fields on living systems (such as plants or moulds), and on the body and psyche (measuring skin temperature, skin resistance, heartrate). In parallel, a series of experimental situations will be constructed to provide insights into the interactions between complex spectral ecologies (communication technologies such as wireless networks, mobile phone bases, TV, radio, power lines, motors, all electronic devices) and life.

Participants will learn how to construct simple devices to measure heart rate and skin resistance, how to interface these to software and log/interpret results and how to intervene within electromagnetic space.

A simple coil amplifier.

To drive a coil with an incoming signal (or simply ambient EM fields).

With GSR or Plethysmograph attached to arduino which is running this code:

int adcpin = 0;
unsigned long adc0;
 
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
}
 
void loop() {
  adc0 = analogRead(adcpin);
  Serial.println(adc0);
  delay(10);
}

We run minicom (9600 bayud, 8N1) and save to a log file (eg. test2). This can then easily be plotted later with gnuplot (eg. plot test2 w lines).

Or if we wish to view the live plot then start up gnuplot and type: a=0

then

load “looper”

Looper is already saved and consists of the following code:

       a=a+1
       plot "test2" with lines
       pause 0.1
       if(a<50000) reread

To plot only sections eg. plot [:10][:300] “test2” w lines

See: http://arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/Graph

http://1010.co.uk/org/biologic.html

Image thanks to: Kim Joon. With thanks to Farah, Manuela, all at NK projekt and all willing participants.