zombi Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 Hello everyone. I'm typically a more modern game collector, but I came across a very unique lot yesterday and I figured I'd share it. The most notable thing from the bunch is this "Relax" Stress Reduction system that was part of it. It seems the last thread here relating to this device is about 7 years old and there isn't a lot of info contained within it. Elsewhere, I just find the 1985 review of the thing - https://www.atarimagazines.com/compute/issue60/185_1_REVIEWS_Relax_Stress_Reduction_System.php Do anyone have any information on this device? Does it work? Is it worth keeping in my collection? Pictures below... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mclaneinc Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 Never had it but like all those sort of stuff it works if you let it, you relax and the screen shows it and hopefully you relax more.. Not sure of their rarity but they look in great condition... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+orpheuswaking Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 Absolutely not worth keeping at all, just send them to me Seriously though, I've been looking for one of these for my collection and they never seem to come up so I would hazard that they are fairly rare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcbstein Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 (edited) I have one of these. It works but it is more of a novelty than a practical device. I like odd interfaces for my Atari computer so for that reason I keep it. Complete in box is a rarity. I have seen 3 or 4 come up on eBay this year but none where complete. I cant tell from the pictures if the "Relax Stress Reduction System" book is there. It is a spiral bound book. The cassettes are the equivalent to ASMR today. This is also odd in that it included the software and interface to be used on The Atari, Apple, Commodore, and IBM right out of the box. attached is a review of the Relax System. Synapse Relax Review.pdf Edited August 12, 2019 by jcbstein 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhd Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 Was there any connection to the Mindlink for the 2600? They seem almost identical in terms of function. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempest Posted August 12, 2019 Share Posted August 12, 2019 11 minutes ago, jhd said: Was there any connection to the Mindlink for the 2600? They seem almost identical in terms of function. Similar idea I think. They both detect when your face twitches. The Mindlink was more for action games while the Relax unit was for relaxation type games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutchman2000 Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 I'll have one of these for sale at my table at VCFMW this weekend. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Stephen Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 19 minutes ago, Dutchman2000 said: I'll have one of these for sale at my table at VCFMW this weekend. I'll be at tables 26/27 - stop by and say hi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+orpheuswaking Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 2 hours ago, Dutchman2000 said: I'll have one of these for sale at my table at VCFMW this weekend. Dangit, of course this is the year I can't make it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Stephen Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 46 minutes ago, orpheuswaking said: Dangit, of course this is the year I can't make it Damn! I saw your name on the table list and told Diane you'd be there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Mr. Video Posted September 22, 2019 Share Posted September 22, 2019 On 8/12/2019 at 3:33 PM, Tempest said: Similar idea I think. They both detect when your face twitches. The Mindlink was more for action games while the Relax unit was for relaxation type games. Don't they work differently from each other? I think the Relax unit functions like Atari 2600 paddle controllers, while the Mindlink is proprietary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempest Posted September 22, 2019 Share Posted September 22, 2019 I think the Mindlink was also basically a paddle controller. It only did left/right movement I think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R0ger Posted September 22, 2019 Share Posted September 22, 2019 That reminds me when I was making my own mindlink for Amiga. It used operational amplifiers, with +12 and -12 V from the Amiga. Since then I know, that when you apply what's basically 24V difference over moist electrodes to your forehead, you will see nice flashes. Without pain or any sensation at all on the skin itself ! 3 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overgrouth Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 On 9/22/2019 at 2:48 PM, R0ger said: That reminds me when I was making my own mindlink for Amiga. It used operational amplifiers, with +12 and -12 V from the Amiga. Since then I know, that when you apply what's basically 24V difference over moist electrodes to your forehead, you will see nice flashes. Without pain or any sensation at all on the skin itself ! Its still a good idea in modern gaming. You should pick the idea back up. With modern processors the brain data can be more sophisticated to a point that there is more abulity then moving left or right or an single action button. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Defender II Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 On 9/11/2019 at 10:32 AM, Dutchman2000 said: I'll have one of these for sale at my table at VCFMW this weekend. Did you sell it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutchman2000 Posted October 30, 2019 Share Posted October 30, 2019 No I still have it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Defender II Posted October 31, 2019 Share Posted October 31, 2019 How much are you asking for it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutchman2000 Posted November 7, 2019 Share Posted November 7, 2019 On 10/30/2019 at 8:22 PM, Defender II said: How much are you asking for it? Send me a PM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutchman2000 Posted November 27, 2019 Share Posted November 27, 2019 My Synapse Relax is for sale here: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JagChris Posted June 30, 2020 Share Posted June 30, 2020 Has anyone recreated the interface? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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