Introduction to complementary Bioelectronics Therapy Devices
From The Electroherbalism Frequency Lists

Zappers and Function Generators

Bioelectronic therapies include using all manner of devices which can be as simple as a Hulda Clark “zapper” that can be made oneself with a 9v battery and a few dollars of parts from Radio Shack® to a plasma tube Rife Bare instrument complete with programmable function generator which sells for more than $5000. These devices may have a beneficial effect in fighting some disorders if they are used in the correct manner.

Zappers are typically single frequency (30 KHz) contact devices, sometimes known as pad devices. This means that one must be directly connected to the device by wires and either handholds, usually copper or stainless steel pipes, or pads, which can be sticky conductive pads which stick to the skin or straps which have a conductive area to transmit the current.

Shown above right is an advanced zapper that was once made by Sota Instruments in Canada. It was an excellent product which had 5 programs and could produce a few different frequencies. The reason for stopping production appeared to be political pressure from Health Canada (Canada’s equivalent of the FDA) although Sota states that they only want to sell devices for which they can ensure support in the future. Whatever happened, this ended the production of the most advanced, easy-to-use, and cost-effective zapper on the market. There are still plenty of basic Clark-style zappers available on the market. It is odd that the only zapper which was manufactured to medical-quality standards, and was likely among the most effective, was taken off the market.

Function generators can also be used as pad devices. Since function generators are common electronic instruments used for a variety of purposes, there is no chance that they can be banned by bureaucrats. They also have the advantage of being able to run different frequencies, which makes them generally more effective than single frequency zappers. There are a wide variety of function generators. There are programmable and non-programmable types. Among the non-programmable ones, there are ones that allow the frequency to be entered directly via a keypad and there are some old-fashioned types in which the frequency must be dialed in with knobs. If a non-programmable type is used, it is highly recommended by most rife researchers to use the keypad type, since it is an onerous task to dial in multiple frequencies with knobs. Shown at left is the B&K 4040A which is of this type.

Despite having to dial in frequencies with knobs, some people do like the 4040A function generator since it is one of the few that can reach Rife’s megahertz frequencies for under $600. Its frequency range is 0 to 20 MHz with voltage output from 0 to 20V plus it has sweep and variable duty cycle capabilities. The Ramsey SG560WT, shown below right, is a keypad input function generator so is much more convenient than a knob input generator when entering individual frequencies. Its range is 0 to 5MHz with 0 to 10V output. The frequency can also be adjusted with a knob on front, as can the voltage level. The SG560WT is the successor of the SG550, which was a popular function generator before programmable function generators were developed for Rife work.

Programmable function generators for complementary bioelectronic frequency therapy were common by the late 1990’s. This was a great innovation. Individual frequencies are most commonly run with a three minute duration. It was quite a task to run a long set of frequencies, entering a new one every three minutes, often using a kitchen timer to know when, and then entering the frequency on a keypad or, even worse, dialing in the individual digits of the frequency with a knob input generator.

One of the first programmable function generators for Rife work was made by Kinnaman. It held a maximum of 20 frequencies. Every time a new frequency set was desired to run, it would have to be reprogrammed via its telephone-like keypad. Then came the GENY, an ISA format PC card. It used a crude DOS interface to program and control it, but at least multiple program files could be stored and sets with many frequencies could be used.

About this time other function generator programs for PCs were developed which used the PCs’ sound card to output the frequencies. Some of these were originally developed not for bioelectronic therapy, but as general sound synthesizers. These are still available, including Ken Uzzel’s specialized FREX software, which uses the CAFL as a database and allows the user to choose any frequency set in it to run (www.heal-me.com.au). The problem with using a sound card for Rife work, either in contact mode or to drive a plasma tube device, is that the fidelity of PC sound cards is poor. The square waves they produce do not have sharp enough edges to generate many harmonics, thought to be a vital part of the effectiveness of most frequency devices, plus they usually do not produce accurate frequencies, often many hertz or even as much as a kilohertz away from the programmed frequency. Some have tried to remedy this with PC cards which “square up” the wave and ensure accurate frequencies, but none of these have met with much success. This is probably due to the lack of portability of using a PC as a function generator. However, using a freeware frequency program with a PC sound card is very inexpensive and many have reported good results, so this method may serve as a good introduction to bioelectronic therapies.

Next came the Semoia Hammerhead function generator. This was an advancement over previous generators in that it not only was a small, portable standalone function generator, it held up to 75 frequency sets (called banks) each of up to 50 levels, with levels being either discrete frequencies or small sweeps. Programming the banks was quite a task, though. All the frequencies and their parameters had to be entered, like the Kinnaman, via the telephone-like keypad. It was not that difficult, just tedious and time-consuming. Resonant Light Technology (then known as Rife Technology) used this function generator in their first few generations of Rife-Bare plasma tube devices (see below). The problem with the early Hammerhead was that it was susceptible to RF and the keypad could not be touched during a run, despite measures such as grounding plates being used to decrease its sensitivity. It also had (and still does) a 5v maximum TTL output, which limits its usefulness as a pad device.

At this time, Resonant Light was looking for a replacement generator for use in their systems and helped develop the ProGen. Although the first generation ProGen only had the ability to hold 50 banks, instead of 75 like the Hammerhead, it was totally immune to RF so could be used in plasma tube systems like Rife-Bare and EMEM devices and for the first time ever, users could interact with a portable programmable function generator during a run without fear of resetting or locking up the generator. This also allowed discrete frequencies to be run one at a time instead of only inside frequency sets. The problem with the ProGen is, like the Hammerhead, it must be programmed via the keypad, a tedious task. The ProGen comes with over twenty of the most common and useful frequency sets already programmed so the user may be spared this task in many cases. The ProGen II, the latest model, has the benefit of being able to run its banks sequentially so that multiple sets can be easily set up to run. The ProGen II is also a fine generator for running as a pad device without a plasma tube device, too, and has an output voltage adjustment that allows high intensity LED wands to be used with it.

Atelier Robin came on the scene in the early 2000s with a line of programmable function generators. The first generation Atelier Robin used either a Palm computer or PC to control the separate function generator module. This appeared to be a step backward but proved very popular since for the first time frequency sets could be written in text files on PCs and run on the generator. Frequency sets were easily transferable and could be stored on one’s PC, put on websites for download by others, and emailed. Users who wanted a small, portable device could opt to use a Palm to control the function generator. The number of sets that could be transported was limited only by the memory (and perhaps file system) of the Palm, but they could easily hold hundreds of sets on the most basic unit. Atelier Robin also put a lot of thought into the programming commands used for the generators and it was/is very easy to change the frequency sets. In the Hammerhead and ProGen for example, to change every frequency in a bank to run 4 minutes instead of 3 requires changing every single frequency in that bank to run the specified time, which can require over 500 button presses, while with the Atelier Robin software it is only required to change a single step which specifies the default time for the frequencies to run.

Due to the hassle of working with Palm computers with their constantly evolving operating systems and hardware and software interfaces, plus their unreliability, Atelier Robin developed a new line of function generators that operates in a standalone mode. The F125 is the basic model of this new type. They use the same efficient programming language as previous models so no conversion of older frequency sets is necessary. They hold up to 1500 frequency files with virtually no limit on the number of frequencies each one can run. Sweeps, scans, converges, varying duty cycle of the main signal as well as the gating frequencies, and many other features are included. Unlike when using a Palm to load frequency sets, conversion of the files to Palm database format is no longer necessary. Atelier Robin generators also work well in pad device mode, with 0 - 12v adjustable voltage output as well as biphasic capability. The one problem with the generators, as of 2006, is their susceptibility to RF when driving plasma tube devices. They work fine when the tube is turned off before buttons are pressed, and following precautions such as using RF chokes on signal and power lines help a great deal, but, unlike the ProGen, one cannot easily enter individual frequencies while running a tube device.

Some of the first programmable function generators available for rife work were coded. That is, they hid the true frequency that was running from the user and instead had a limited number of codes that could be run, generally around 200. Besides the inconvenience of the user not knowing what actual frequency was running, they had no ability to run frequencies for which there was not a code, so their utility was severely impaired, especially with many new and useful frequencies being constantly discovered. Despite the fact that they were severely crippled by this lack of functionality, they were quite expensive (but proclaimed that they were the one “true” rife machine <ha> to justify their high price.)

A modern offshoot of these early coded function generators is the EMR Labs GB-4000. EMR Labs decided to join the reputable frequency device market by reprogramming their version of the device to use (and display) the actual frequencies and giving it enough memory to store a large number of programs, including hundreds which are pre-programmed. Like the Atelier Robin function generators, the GB-4000 has the ability to produce a second channel RF carrier which increases penetration in pad device mode. It comes with handholds and foot pads. There is also an optional 10 watt amplifier available to boost the output. Due to its good reputation, support, effectiveness, and reasonable cost, the GB-4000 has become a popular bioelectronic device.

Another function generator used in frequency work is the F-Scan. Unlike other function generators, the F-Scan has the ability to first scan the body and detect resonances of (presumably) pathogens. These can be printed out as well as output with the F-Scan to the body as a pad device. Due to the very high cost of the F-Scan and the mixed reviews it has received, it is not a very popular machine, although it does have its proponents, including Richard Loyd, a well-respected Rife researcher.

Plasma Tube Generators

Royal Rife was a scientist who developed and tested most of his inventions in the early to mid part of the 1900's. He was persecuted for his work, his lab burned down, and most of his notes destroyed. However, there were some that survived. The story of Rife's inventions and legal troubles are detailed in the Barry Lynes' book called The Cancer Cure that Worked. The “Rife Bare” device was invented by Dr. James Bare in the early 1990s after studying Royal Rife's work. Bare's Rife generator may produce some of the same beneficial effects of the original Rife device using modern electronic components. It may or may not be as effective as the original. It uses audio frequencies like many bioelectronic devices do, but instead of holding onto the outputs of a function generator or other pad device, the audio frequencies are combined with a radio frequency (RF) carrier signal, amplified, then output to a "plasma tube" which is a sealed glass tube usually filled with an argon or helium gas mixture.

James Bare published a book titled Building the Rife Beam Ray Device which is still available today. After he published it, Dr. Bare was a frequent visitor to the Rife mailing lists lending a hand as the early builders of Rife-Bare devices modified CBs, amplifiers, tuners, function generators, and other electronic equipment to make them suitable to operate in the RF environment of the machines. As time went on, a few companies eventually developed components that were suitable to use out-of-the-box for RF plasma tube devices.

EMEM Devices

During these early days, another device became popular which also drove a plasma tube, but was easier to build. This was the EMEM, the electro-magnetic experimental machine. EMEMs could be built for a fraction of the cost and many plans included a simple, built-in 555 timer-based square-wave generator so no discrete function generator was needed, which further reduced costs.

One of the first manufacturers to offer a commercial version of the EMEM, that is still available today, was Bruce Stenulson. Stenulson improved the design and called it an EM+ system. Due to the characteristics of the original circuit it is necessary to change patch cables around when running different frequency ranges and the frequency is generally limited to 10 KHz or below, but one benefit of the device is that since it does not use RF, the tube can be held. This may increase effects and certainly increases the sensation of using it. It can be cranked up to a high enough output that it is quite noticeable. Later editions of the Stenulson EMEM allow function generator input so it is no longer necessary to use the knob-based analog square wave generator.

Another EMEM-type device is TrueRife’s F-110. This is EMEM taken to the next level. Like the Stenulson model, the output is limited to around 10 KHz when used with a plasma tube, but no rearrangement of patch jacks is necessary for it to operate through its entire frequency range. TrueRife machines use an Atelier Robin function generator board built into a PC case and the PC is used to control and run the device. The device is not portable, but does provide benefits such as being able to view comments in frequency sets which are otherwise unavailable when running an Atelier Robin function generator in standalone mode. The F-110 has the ability to run in pad mode (without the tube), for effectrolysis (a term invented by TrueRife where the output is applied via a footbath), and like other EMEMs, the tube can be used in contact or radiant mode.

Michael Tigchelaar of TrueRife constantly updates their frequency lists and sends updates to its user group. Most of TrueRife’s frequency sets are based on data from the CAFL, but they do research into various pulse rates and duty cycles which may make them more effective in some cases. TrueRife also discovers new frequencies based on their testing and some of their original sets are included in the CAFL (appended with a _TR).

While some headed off into the EMEM camp, others continued researching and improving Dr. Bare’s rife device.

Rife-Bare Devices

In the early to mid 1990s, Don Tunney working closely with James Bare built one of the first Rife-Bare devices and published results on his website from the public sessions he held in British Columbia. Tunney went on to form the first commercial company which produced these devices for sale to the public - Rife Technology, Inc. since renamed Resonant Light Technology, Inc.

A few other companies have also been licensed by Dr. Bare to build devices to his patent. One is Vibrant Health, a company owned by Dave Trebing in south Florida. Trebing has concentrated on producing the most powerful devices with the widest frequency range. They are well built into a stainless steel case. Vibrant Health offers many options in their unit, including various function generators such as Resonant Light’s ProGen, Atelier Robin’s F125, the Ramsey SG550, and others, although their 2006 top of the line model includes an Atelier Robin F125 mounted on the case. One can also choose tubes of various shape, gas content, and size. The Vibrant Health Rife-Bare devices still include tuner knobs where the output must be tuned for best performance.

Tuners are a bane of Rife-Bare devices to all but the most technically minded. When power is applied to the tube it often does not immediately light, so the knobs are turned to get it to light, then tuned so the device operates at the lowest possible standing wave ratio (SWR), which improves the effect as well as increases component life. When a device is not tuned well the components get hot and can fail. It is usually not necessary to tune a Rife-Bare device if a piezoelectric starter is used. A common gas grill lighter is an example of a piezoelectric starter. The spark it produces will usually stimulate a tube enough to light it so no tuning is necessary. When this is done, it is not necessary to tune the device every time it is turned on unless the tuner knobs are inadvertently moved. At one time, Electroherbalism sold a tube rack with a built in piezoelectric starter so tuning did not have to be performed on a regular basis.

Early Rife-Bare devices produced by Resonant Light had this same limitation. Their first commercial device had discrete components - the tuner, power supply, CB (modulator), and amplifier - stacked upon each other with a vertically mounted tube hanging on the side. Health Canada put pressure on them (likely originating from the FDA) regarding selling these prebuilt units for health purposes so they put them in kit form where the customer constructed the components together before use. This was not an ideal solution.

Resonant Light continued research on their devices, and working with Health Canada as well as the ISO standards boards, began producing a Rife-Bare device that met Health Canada’s criteria for a class II medical device, approved for pain control. Their current device, as of 2006, is the PERL model. It is professionally constructed into a steel case and has an innovative “stubby U” tube made especially for the device. The best feature, though, is that it is the first Rife-Bare device that does not have tuner knobs. Nothing to adjust, nothing to inadvertently bump, nothing for kids to fiddle with that can cause expensive equipment failure.

The Resonant Light PERL has a limited power output. Its maximum is around 100 watts. This makes it effective to about 30 feet away, good enough for a large room full or people, but unlike high powered units which may be felt to as much as 100 feet away or more (which may be a problem in some settings anyway). It is the ideal Rife-Bare device for clinical use as well as for in the home for those who prefer the easiest machine to use.

The PERL comes with a ProGen II function generator, which does have its programming limitations as discussed above. Each PERL is tested along with its ProGen to ensure effectiveness, though, and Resonant Light does not recommend that other function generators be used with it. Electroherbalism finds that it appears to work just as well with others, such as the Atelier Robin F125, as long as RF interference issues are addressed by using quality, well-shielded cables which are choked appropriately. Another benefit of using the ProGen with the PERL is that up to three ProGens can be ganged together to run three frequencies at once using an optional ganging kit from Resonant Light. This can reduce session times by two-thirds, although it is quite an additional expense.

The Resonant Light PERL represents a pinnacle of research, development, and quality in the world of complementary bioelectronics and is highly recommended by Electroherbalism. Most of the companies in this field produce fine machines and the reputable ones are publicly discussed on complementary health internet user groups, mailing lists, and web forums. There are usually plenty of people willing to share their experiences and other unbiased sources of information are available so research is easy and highly encouraged.