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Build A TENS Machine to Remove Pain

by Nicepolicy16 on August 6, 2009

Table of Contents
Build A TENS Machine to Remove Pain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intro: Build A TENS Machine to Remove Pain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 1: Ooop's Statutory Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 2: 555 Timer IC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 3: How The Square Wave is Generated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 4: Low Frequency Tens Machine Diagram ( Wave: Asymmetrical ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 5: High Frequency Tens Machine ( Wave: Asymmetrical ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 6: A CURE FOR ALL DISEASES ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 7: Lymphocytes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-TENS-Machine-to-Remove-Pain/

Intro: Build A TENS Machine to Remove Pain

A Tens machine is used to provide a drug free way of removing pain from your body ( TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation )
.Here I will show you how to build your own Tens machine and reduce the amount of pills you use to stop pain .To Build this Tens unit, you will first need to buy a 555
timer IC . The 555 timer is very small about a quarter of the size of your finger nail .You can purchase one for about 25p from Maplins or Radio Shack etc .
There are 2 types of Tens machine. High Frequency Tens uses frequencies in the range of 80 to 100 Hz. This blocks the pain impulses going to the brain .
Low frequency Tens uses frequencies from 2 to 4 Hz . This will help the body produce its own endorphins and increase local blood flow to relieve pain ( this can last for
hours ) .
Square waves are universally encountered in digital switching circuits and are naturally generated by binary (two-level) logic devices. They are used as timing references
or "clock signals", because their fast transitions are suitable for triggering synchronous logic circuits at precisely determined intervals. However, as the frequency-domain
graph shows, square waves contain a wide range of harmonics.

Step 1: Ooop's Statutory Warning

WARNING: The device is not designed for use above the neck or for individuals who have a pacemaker or other heart defects .This device should not be used by
pregnant women & Girls .
SQUARE WAVE TRAIN
The Square wave permits the frequencies to penetrate the body more efficiently at any given Khz output. Square waves are considered the superior frequency to
wave output for any Frequency generator device.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-TENS-Machine-to-Remove-Pain/

Step 2: 555 Timer IC

I first started off placing the 555 timer in the center of the project and then build arround it .
A close up look of the Diagram will show you how the Pins from 1 to 8 on the 555 Timer is connected up . You can use this magnification to reference back to during your
project .
Each pin is numbered from 1 to 8 .

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-TENS-Machine-to-Remove-Pain/

Step 3: How The Square Wave is Generated

The ratio of the high period to the total period of a square wave is called the duty cycle. A true square wave has a 50% duty cycle - equal high and low periods. The
average level of a square wave is also given by the duty cycle, so by varying the on and off periods and then averaging, it is possible to represent any value between the
two limiting levels. This is the basis of pulse width modulation.
Parts List for a Low Frequency Tens Machine ( Generating the Square Wave ):
(1) 205 K ohm Resistor
(2) 233 ohm Resistor
(3) 5.01 M ohm Resistor
(4) 10 nF Capacitor
(5) 47 nF Capacitor
(6) 555 Timer IC
(7) 28.81ma Light Emitting Diode
(8) Rocker Switch
(9) 9 volt Battery
(10) Thin wire
(11) Solder ( and soldering iron ) or small bread board
(12) Home made conducting pads made with stiff copper wire covered with Foil .
Once all the parts are together you can start to wire up your project.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-TENS-Machine-to-Remove-Pain/

Step 4: Low Frequency Tens Machine Diagram ( Wave: Asymmetrical )

We are building the Low Frequency Tens Machine at the moment .
Once all the parts are together they should be placed out and wired up shown in the diagram . You could either solder them together or connect them using a very small
bread board .
If you find it difficult to see the values in the diagram, these are what they are :
(1) 205 K ohm Resistor
(2) 233 ohm Resistor
(3) 5.01 M ohm Resistor
(4) 10 nF Capacitor
(5) 47 nF Capacitor
(6) 555 Timer IC
When you wire up the the Light Emitting Diode, the resistor should be connected to the ( a or + ) Cathode ( the Long Lead ) side of the Light Emitting Diode .The short
side connected to the negative or ground side .

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-TENS-Machine-to-Remove-Pain/

Step 5: High Frequency Tens Machine ( Wave: Asymmetrical )

To change your device into a High Frequency Tens Machine, you only need to replace 2 resistors .
Replace the 205 K ohm resistor with a 6.8 K ohm resistor
and
Replace the 5.01 M ohm resistor with a 167 K ohm resistor
(1) 6.8 K ohm Resistor
(2) 167 K ohm Resistor
The 2 red conducting pads shown in the diagram are the silver Foil covered pads to be placed on the body . To increase conductivity you can use hair Jell on the pads .
Although you will not cause any damage to the unit, the +/- conducting pads should be kept apart from each other.
Here's a link showing proper placement of electrodes.
http://www.tens-store.com/ems/tensplacement.htm
You could place your finished project inside its own case . Remember to remove the batteries when not in use.
You can simulate this circuit by downloading some software on a free trial . Choose Electronics because the software has a number of Scientific options . Go to :
http://www.yenka.com/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-TENS-Machine-to-Remove-Pain/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-TENS-Machine-to-Remove-Pain/

Step 6: A CURE FOR ALL DISEASES ?

To change your device into a medical device to cure diseases , you only need to replace 2 resistors and 1 Capacitor .
Replace the 6.8 K ohm resistor with a 9.6 K ohm resistor.
Replace the 47 nF Capacitor with 100 pF Capacitor
and
Replace the 167 K ohm resistor with a 236 K ohm resistor
Parts List
(1) 9.6 K ohm Resistor
(2) 236 K ohm Resistor
(3) 100 pF Capacitor
This would give an out put of 30 k Hz , to kill parasites in the body, raise the ph to remove acidic environments in the blood . Allow healing Lymphocytes to do their job
properly .
The Square wave formula for all square waves is below . You can also visit this website for more information about what your device can achieve . Although their device
is out of range of the Low Frequency TENS that you will be building .
http://www.huldaclarkzappers.com/?gclid=CPaXy77zkJwCFZgU4wodj1MCcQ

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-TENS-Machine-to-Remove-Pain/

Step 7: Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are improved to Kill bad Bacteria within the body , by using electrical stimulation with square waves .

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-TENS-Machine-to-Remove-Pain/

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Comments
24 comments Add Comment

madmaxx32 says:

Nov 22, 2010. 12:10 AM REPLY

Ok, where to begin. First, getting to step 6 reveals this is a commercial for a completely bogus product (Hulda Clark's Zappers). Running this circuit attached
to your body does nothing but cause a tissue burn and possibly damages the deeper tissue with prolonged use. I refuse to call Mrs. Clark a Doctor because
her "product" is a classic case of junk science. It promises to cure all diseases. Does that not set off alarm bells for anyone?
Next, not to be super critical, but this 555 circuit is not TENS simply because of the frequency output. You need to step the voltage up to at least 80-150 volts
and introduce current limiting to no more than 80mA. Warning: simply stepping up the voltage from this device will give you a hell of a shock and can be
lethal (10-15mA of current from arm to arm will stop your heart). Working with voltages higher than 40-50 volts can be very dangerous if you are not careful.
Lastly, I figure this post will probably get me banned from this site. I have no problem with someone attempting to build their own TENS unit. I do have a
problem with junk science and viral marketing via sites like this. If you want to build a real TENS unit have a look at this article (unfortunately it's now behind
a pay-wall):
http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_105712/article.html
This is a re-release of the same device Silicone Chips made in the 80's. If you search around there are scanned images from an older print-article covering
the exact same circuit in an older style case. Schematic is here:
http://i3.tinypic.com/wlsm0n.jpg

ptorelli says:

Feb 8, 2011. 10:48 PM REPLY

This is just an LED flasher, not even close to a TENS unit. ~9V square wave output (unregulated!) can't be felt, in fact the input voltage will fry the 555
(since most have a vmax of 5V). Just joined Instructables.com. Quickly learning that there is no peer review here. :-)

reprapper says:

Jan 19, 2011. 4:18 PM REPLY

It doesn't seem to be an advertisement. Otherwise, "Dr" Hulda's front account that you claim this is would not have created so many 'ibles and been so
active.
However, I agree with what you say about this not being TENS. Keeping in mind what little I know about electronics, what you said makes sense. In fact,
I just bought a basic unit online for ~$10. Although thats EMS... but still, it's far safer that tin foil.
Also, I found a scanned copy of the article a while back. Haven't gotten around to it but I might make an 'ible some day.

reprapper says:

Oct 5, 2010. 2:48 PM REPLY

So, can you feel anything from this using real electrodes?
I have used TENS before and was happy with the results, but that was with a physical therapist.
This is far cheaper than TENS. I am hoping it can give the same results. What frequency (of the three mentioned) would be best for pain relief?

spiderfurby says:

Feb 7, 2010. 2:09 PM REPLY

brilliant work dude. Considering that they cost so much to purchase. I know that the commercial ones also use a saw wave pulse not sure why. I suffer from
sciatica and I am of to build it now.

DeusXMachina says:

Aug 13, 2009. 9:24 AM REPLY

Someone explain to me how this could potentially kill bacteria and parasites at 30kHz? Or is it merely modulation of the delta opioid receptors which
improves immune response?

Nicepolicy16 says:

Aug 14, 2009. 1:49 AM REPLY

The original Zapper had a fixed frequency of 30 K Hz, that became successful during its time . They are now building more advanced zappers that has a
frequency range from 10 Hz to 100 K Hz to deal with diseases and parasites that can only be delt with, within their own particular frequency range of
disintegration . They have also don clinical trials on diseases and the immune system .

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-TENS-Machine-to-Remove-Pain/

dung0beetle says:

Aug 8, 2009. 2:46 AM REPLY

Here's a link showing proper placement of electrodes.

http://www.tens-store.com/ems/tensplacement.htm

Nicepolicy16 says:

Aug 8, 2009. 10:12 AM REPLY

Thank's for that I will place the Link in the Instructable .

Kiteman says:

Aug 7, 2009. 1:54 PM REPLY

"This device should not be used by pregnant women"

On the contrary, it should.
Kitewife used a tens machine to ease the pain of the contractions she felt with Roger-X. The electrodes were placed roughly over acupuncture points on her
leg, and she used it through most of the 29 hours of labour. Voltage and frequency were adjustable with two small dials, and she did so as pain required.
When she took it off for a bath, and had a contraction, the discomfort was significantly worse.
The device was only rendered useless when the epidural kicked in.

karossii says:

Aug 6, 2009. 8:59 PM REPLY

TENS can also be used for muscle development of atrophied muscles (or just to define existing muscle mass) - I have been receiving TENS treatment for
two decades or so from various chiropractic doctors due to incurable back problems - and while it is a great feeling, and it does serve as good or better than
a massage to provide relaxation and relief from some muscle pains, it has also built a huge mass of muscle on my back; ironically making me that much
more difficult for the chiropractors to adjust!
I don't look like a freak or anything; in fact you wouldn't know my back is muscular and hyper-defined unless I choose to flex it; and given that the rest of me
is in dire need of a gym... well it is a surprise when anyone finds out, lol!
And by the way, it would probably be a very good idea to clarify that TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation - literally shocking*
muscles into action through the skin.
*It can shock you and be painful if misapplied or done improperly; so as another comment sai, doctor or physical therapist supervision is preferred; though
not legally required. However the shocking of the muscles is not usually a painful experience - when done right it feels like a good massage!

Nicepolicy16 says:

Aug 7, 2009. 12:23 AM REPLY

To help your back pain you should buy some " Impact Gel Plus Insoles " from a sports shop . This has heel and ball of foot Gelshock absorption pads .
High shock absorption helps to prevent injury and protects heel, lower leg, knee joints and back against harmful shock - waves from running and jumping
. Should protect you from normal use as well, just walking around .

Nicepolicy16 says:

Aug 7, 2009. 3:53 AM REPLY

High Impact insoles to prevent back injury .

karossii says:

Aug 7, 2009. 2:37 AM REPLY

My back pains come from scoliosis and disc damage in my spine; it is minor enough I could (and often do) ignore it - but I still go to regular
chiropractic treatments to keep it from getting worse as much as anything else. I have used similar products, and some help, some don't - but none
will change my need for ongoing treatment the rest of my life.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-TENS-Machine-to-Remove-Pain/

Nicepolicy16 says:

Aug 6, 2009. 11:40 PM REPLY

The Tens machine your using sounds very powerful .It remindes me of another product I used for a different purpose .The machine was manufactured
and sold as a muscle builder .They provided 8 conductive pads placed on various places of the body . The device was also plugged into the mains . It
had dial settings to increase or decrease the muscle contractions . The device also had safety built in so that you could not switch it on if it was still set at
its highest setting .
I found this device very uncomfortable to use for body building . Although it had other health benefits, by also detoxifying the body and increasing blood
circulation, it would be best, to use it just for that . It would also kill parasites and other un-invited guest in the body . If you visit this website you would get
an idea of other benefits .
http://www.huldaclarkzappers.com/?gclid=CPaXy77zkJwCFZgU4wodj1MCcQ
Their frequency out put for the ZAPER is 30 K Hz to Kill paracites and disease in the body . If you would like to build a device for that output you would
only need to replace 205 K ohm resistor with a 9.6 K ohm resistor and the 5.01 M ohm resistor replaced with a 236 K ohm resistor . Also replace the 47
nF Capacitor with a 100 pF Capacitor .

karossii says:

Aug 7, 2009. 2:42 AM REPLY

The TENS devices I have had used on me were all 'medical grade' and used by professionals... I have been to a half dozen different chiropractors
since my spinal condition manifested, as I moved around and whatnot. I have seen the muscle building variants sold on late-night TV and think of
them as a joke. With average use, all a TENS device will do is improve the tone of existing muscle mass. My back has seen a lot more than 'average'
use, and it was over the course of more than two decades that my back became a wall of muscle. Plus, I have been known (in my distant past) to
work out regularly, and at one time (again, distant past) had the build of a professional weight lifter. I look back on those days with memories as fond
as my memories of the Army... in other words more glad I am not still like that, lol. But the point is, the TENS had an effect on my back, but it was
mostly a combination of toning and a retention of muscle mass there, that the rest of my body has converted into fat.

karossii says:

Aug 6, 2009. 9:04 PM REPLY

Oh, and another point that needs to be made... those conducting pads will make it a LOT more easy to misapply the device and cause painful stimulation
instead of pleasant stimulation.
Buying a small pack of 4 or 8 reusable electrodes online for about $5 is a heck of a lot smarter than kludging together those homemade ones!
And buying some conductivity gel like http://www.amazon.com/Lectron-Conductivity-Gel-Reliefbands-TENS/dp/B000QZ4RQ2 for under $10 is another
very smart use of money - it ensures that the electricity is conducted through your skin to the muscles below, instead of shocking you!

vincent hua says:

Aug 6, 2009. 6:26 PM REPLY

Why don't you use microcontroller to output the frequency? Just add two button to change low or high frequency.

Nicepolicy16 says:

Aug 7, 2009. 12:08 AM REPLY

What I did to solve the problem was to connect a switch, to switch the connection from the Low frequency resistors to the High frequency resistors .
Seeing that there is only 2 resistors to be connected and disconnected the switch can be easily implemented .

randofo says:

Aug 6, 2009. 6:08 PM REPLY

What does this feel like?

Nicepolicy16 says:

Aug 6, 2009. 11:56 PM REPLY

You will feel nothing with this device your building , but be warned ! . Prolonged use in one spot for a number of hours might generate a small lump ( with
conducting jell ) . It is best to use it for only 15 minutes a day . This is because the aluminum foil is very conductive but you will feel nothing . I noticed this
using it on myself ( I could have sensitive skin ) .

Nicepolicy16 says:

Aug 7, 2009. 12:02 AM REPLY

At the time I was using a Zaper with a frequency of 30 K Hz that produced the lump . It also kills parasites and diseases . I think with a lower
frequency you are using would be a lot safer and you might be able to leave it on longer than 15 minutes .

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-TENS-Machine-to-Remove-Pain/

beta1072 says:

Aug 6, 2009. 5:56 PM REPLY

Just a "so you know", This should not be used by pregnant women and ought to be used under the supervision of a doctor or physical therapist.

Nicepolicy16 says:
Thank's for reminding me ! .

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-TENS-Machine-to-Remove-Pain/

Aug 6, 2009. 9:55 PM REPLY