I got gifted the Old Serial port style THoughtstream! Lucky me?

Helllo and happy New year to all in this Forum. This year, I got gifted the Old Serial port style THoughtstream but it didn't come with software, just the device/sensors and headsets. After watching the LEDs for a while...I also went on line and purchased the Mental Games CD software since I wanted to get a better/full experience. I also got myself a Serial to USB adapter/pigtail and the associated drivers. Should the new software work in this configuration or should I not even bother? Thanks anyone in advance.

Katy B.

Hi Katy,
Here is a link to our software for the Serial version of the ThoughtStream. http://support.mindplacesupport.com/...pport/archive/

I'm not sure if the USB adapter will work as there is a different format for the values in the ThoughtStream USB vs the ThoughtStream Serial.. the USB has more sensitive readings and a faster update. But I will check or maybe Andy knows.

Scott

Ok, version 2.9 of Mental Games will not work with the Serial ThoughtStream... version 2.8 will... You can download that from this page after registering: http://www.mental-games.com/

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Originally Posted by neuroasis

Ok, version 2.9 of Mental Games will not work with the Serial ThoughtStream... version 2.8 will... You can download that from this page after registering: http://www.mental-games.com/

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Thanks for your answers! So I assume I ordered 2.9. and I will download the 2.8 (thanks) But will I still need to keep the CD with 2.9... to prove I purchased it for some registration number/license number etc? Or can I return it and just use the downloadable version, Which is that free?
Katy B.

Hi Katy;

Where did you purchase Mental Games 2.9 from? If you purchased it from MindPlace, please send an e-mail to orders@mindplace.com to see if you can switch it and how the serial number situation works.

Scott is right, you need version 2.8 for that Thoughtstream, but both are paid-for pieces of software.

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Originally Posted by Andy

Hi Katy;

Where did you purchase Mental Games 2.9 from? If you purchased it from MindPlace, please send an e-mail to orders@mindplace.com to see if you can switch it and how the serial number situation works.

Scott is right, you need version 2.8 for that Thoughtstream, but both are paid-for pieces of software.

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Thanks again for your quick response. Yes I ordered from MindPlace. I'll send them an email now...
Now All I gotta do is find a regular computer with a serial port. My laptop only has USB.. which is why I was hoping the pigtail arrangement would work.

Katy B.

Sorry Katy, missed your question about the Serial to USB adapter.
That will work fine, as long as you can get the driver installed. No need to try and find an old computer with an RS-232 port.

The Thoughtstream USB uses a different format for the data from the older Thoughtstream RS-232 so that is why the software needs to be different.

See here for help with getting your USB to RS-232 adapter working.

I assume you have the GREY cable that came with the RS-232 Thoughtstream (9-pin RS-232 on one end, 3.5mm TRS on the other?)

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Originally Posted by Andy

Sorry Katy, missed your question about the Serial to USB adapter.
That will work fine, as long as you can get the driver installed. No need to try and find an old computer with an RS-232 port.

The Thoughtstream USB uses a different format for the data from the older Thoughtstream RS-232 so that is why the software needs to be different.

See here for help with getting your USB to RS-232 adapter working.

I assume you have the GREY cable that came with the RS-232 Thoughtstream (9-pin RS-232 on one end, 3.5mm TRS on the other?)

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You guys are the best. Thanks! I do have the grey cable that came with the unit. AND, I think I got the serial to USB adapter and driver installed.... and working. Now I just have to wait for the 2.8 software to arrive! I'll keep you posted.

Have a great day!

KatyB.

I was going to wait to reply, but I was just too excited, and I wanted to provide some feedback. I got the TS Serial connection to work with that older interface software that I downloaded from the link you sent. The pigtail adapter for Serial to USB worked, I did have to download a driver, and I had to move the COM ports around a few times, It did finally work with my computer in COM port 6. I'm not 100% clear on what sensitivity I should be using, I guess I should read up in the manual....And anyway... now I'm too excited to relax! ... JK.... Eagerly awaiting the MindGames Software next.

Thanks again for your help.
Katy B.

That's great news, Katy! So is this case (Andy?) that the serial numbers for 2.9 and 2.8 are different because the Mental Games site I sent above has a download link for 2.8... http://www.mental-games.com/software/MentalGames.zip

I guess I should try it out with my serial.. I have both 2.8 and 2.9 and Serial and USB ThoughtStreams.

Have fun,
Scott

Greetings! The serial version of Mental Games did not require a software key/serial number; that was added by Andrzej Slawinski for the TS USB version (2.9). I'll check the office Monday, it's possible we still have some rev. 2.8 CDs in the warehouse.

We actually designed the ThoughtStream to be a stand-alone device, but along the design process realized that we had an unused serial port available - which was the birth of the RS232 version. We then created the simple, freeware TS Interface software for users who wanted to chart their progress, and then Andrzej made the Mental Games software as his Master's thesis in interactive software design. He originally planned seven levels, instead of the two currently included, but then became distracted by his much more expensive Verim software (which does currently support the ThoughtStream USB).

Hope this helps!
Robert

I went to the link you sent and can only find how to register My software, which returns a server error. http://www.mental-games.com/
is the link I went to, When I try to down load the software, it just asks for my user name and password, but I can't see anywhere to actually get a user name and password.

Yeah, when I tried that link it had me log in too. But I had a log in from my registration of Mental Games.. So, you could maybe try to register it here and put in the notes that you have version 2.9 and want version 2.8... http://www.audiostrobe.com/register/ Or you could just wait for the MindPlace team to work it out. Mental Games is provided by a third party company. We have very little involvement with it besides order fulfillment and delivery. But Andy and Robert will do everything possible to get you the software you need.

Found a copy of version 2.8 and added it to the TS Archive page. Hopefully that works for you!

My goodness you guys are A-MAZING! I did find it ....downloaded it, I was able to install it, and registered using the software registration link you sent. I really appreciate the support. This is possibly the best customer support I have ever experienced. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks again. I have to admit, that I was worried when I got the gizmo at first, since it was an older unit.... but things really seem to be fitting into place here. I couldn't be happier.

Hi Katy,
That is excellent that everything has gotten worked out. Please let us know how you enjoy working with your ThoughtStream and if you have any questions or ideas.

Thank you for your compliment. MindPlace prides itself on top notch customer service. We are consumers and geeks too and have had some very bad experiences with other companies as I am sure you have. Our products are designed to make people relaxed and happier. Customer communication is one part of that.

Enjoy,
Scott

Thank you very much for the kind words, Katy! I'm glad we could help.:toothy10:

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Originally Posted by neuroasis

That's great news, Katy! So is this case (Andy?) that the serial numbers for 2.9 and 2.8 are different because the Mental Games site I sent above has a download link for 2.8... http://www.mental-games.com/software/MentalGames.zip

I guess I should try it out with my serial.. I have both 2.8 and 2.9 and Serial and USB ThoughtStreams.

Have fun,
Scott

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Update. I tried and tried with the serial to USB pigtail, and while I could get the regular interface software to work, Mind Games would not glow green on the icon for the COMS port..and I couldn't get anything to "happen" in the screens. In the end I gave up on the USB, and just used the regular serial port and connected it and everything worked fine (after several com ports refreshes) oh, and reading the manual very slowly and carefully. (always helpful).

After all that... COMS port light on the ICON glowed Green, and I finallly got the space ship to dip down from the top of the screen and come into view ... but I was waaay too excited to get any spaceships anywhere near the landing pads. Later, I hooked up one of my co-workers and he was actually pretty successful with it, even for the first time.

I'll try again later with the Serial to USB pigtail, I still feel like I might could get it to work.
Katy.

Hi Katy;

Remember that version 2.8 of Mental Games will ONLY work with the older "RS-232" Thoughtstream that does not have the USB connection.
Version 2.9 of Mental Games will ONLY work with the newer "USB" Thoughtstream with the built-in USB interface.

Other than that, you will need to ensure that:
Mental Games is selecting the matching COM port that is created from the driver, either the SiLabs driver for the TS USB, or the driver for your USB to RS-232 adapter. For more information on how to make sure the drivers are installing correctly for your adapter, please have a look here.

If you need more assistance on how to determine the correct COM port, let me know and I'll help further.