Definitions of Terms and Phrases Used in E-Stim and E-Play

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Above the Waist - The safety concept that E-Stim and E-Play would be safer if never played with "Above the Waist" (i.e., above the beltline) and thereby avoiding currents going through the heart area. Some players modify this dictum by saying that Violet Wands are immune from this injuction.

AC or alternating current - An electrical signal that undergoes a reversal in the polarity of a voltage or in the direction of current. (See also: DC, frequency, and Hertz )

AF or audio frequency - An AC electrical signal generally operating in the range of 10 to 20,000 Hz. (See also: AC, frequency, Hertz, and RF)

alligator clip - A spring loaded electrical clip characterized by serrated teeth and a uniformly tapered shape. It may or may not have an insulated boot over it. This kind of clip would also have to be considered 'Uni-polar'. (See also: clip, cliplead, crocodile clip and Uni-Polar )

amp or ampere - The electrical unit of current. It is equivalent to about 6 billion, billion electrons passing a point in a circuit in one second. 1/1,000th of an ampere is a milliamp (or ma), and 1/1,000,000th of an ampere is a microamp (or ma).

amp or amplifier - An electronic (or sometimes magnetic, i.e., a special type of transformer) device that is used to amplify an input signal either in voltage, current, or power. The amplification can also be fractional, i.e., less than 1. Also refers to the amplifier component of a stereo.

analog - Referring to those signals where the magnitude or amplitude and/or the frequency of the signal is the main characteristic of importance in conveying information. (See also: digital )

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BDSM - The acronym standing for Bondage and Disciplin and Sado-Masochism. The hallmarks of this activity are its consensuality and the strict observance of its safety aspects. This activity--contrary to mainstream popular conceptions--may or may not involve sex, may or may not involve pain, and may or may not involve some form or system of restraints.

Below the Waist - (See: Above the Waist)

Bio Stimulator - An earlier name for a TENS like devices. (See also: TENS )

Bi-Polar - An E-Play or E-Stim electrode that utilizes some kind of spring clip with a contact on each of its jaws. Each contact is then hooked up to a separate polarity of generator. (See also: Uni-Polar )

breaker - See circuit breaker.

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C/BDSM: Computers or devices employed in either E-Stim or E-Play.

The Chain - A Violet Wand accessory which includes a high voltage resistor so that the wand can be attached to the body of one or the other E-Play or E-Stim player so that the body now becomes an electrode. SAFETY NOTE: An ordinary chain, wire or other conductor CANNOT be substituted for this device. To do so would be extremely dangerous for all parties concerned (See also: lightning hands and Violet Wand )

chip - see integrated circuit

clip or cliplead - Either an alligator or a crocodile clip. It may or may not have an insulated boot over it. A cliplead will be two such clips joined by a length of wire. This kind of clip would also have to be considered 'Uni-polar'. (See also: alligator clip, crocodile clip and Uni-Polar )

(the) Code - Term often used by electricians, electrical engineers, and electrical inspectors when referring to the National Electrical Code (See also: NEC )

circuit breaker - An electromagnetic and/or electrothermal device used to protect an electric or electronic circuit from excessive current. (See also: fuse and GFI)

Computer - Besides desktop, laptop, and handheld units that we normally associate with computers, it would also include specially designed electronic or mechanical devices. All of them share the following characteristics:

Programmability - i.e., the feature using software, hardware, or hardwiring that allows the computer to perform a specific function or procedure. Generally it also means that the operator can select (change) the different functions or procedures that can be performed.

Inputs - the ability of the computer or device to accept outside signals from electronic or mechanical equipment. This equipment would include operator controls (switches, control knobs, etc.), but it can also be equipment that measures some parameter (like temperature).

Outputs - the ability of the computer or device to deliver signals to outside electronic or mechanical equipment. This equipment would include operator displays (dials, lights, etc.), but it can also be equipment that controls something that moves, delivers a signal that is used by an electrical device, or delivers an electric current or voltage.

compliance - The ability of an end-effector or a sensor to self adjust to the contour or inadvertent motion of a receiver at the point of application. This is an important safety consideration. (This term is borrowed from the robotics field.)

crocodile clip - A spring loaded electrical clip characterized by serrated teeth and a long, thin, non-tapered shape. It may or may not have an insulated boot over it. This kind of clip would also have to be considered 'Uni-polar'. (See also: alligator clip, clip, cliplead, and Uni-Polar )

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DC or Direct Current - An electrical signal that doesn't reverse in polarity or direction. A battery is an example of a DC source, but DC doesn't mean that the current or voltage may not vary. A train of digital pulses that doesn't reverse polarity is considered a DC signal. (See also: AC )

device - A single-purpose/function piece of control equipment operating either electrically or mechanically that has the same characteristics as a computer except for programmability.

digital - Referring to those signals where the presence or absence of the signal is the main characteristic of importance in conveying information. (See also: analog )

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earth - The British name for ground [noun] or (to) ground [verb]. (See also: ground )

EEG or Electro-EncephloGram - A method of recording patterns of neural activity of the brain for use in medical analysis. It utilizes amplifiers and recorders to measure the electrical nerve impulses connected with the brain's activity and is measured externally by electrodes attached to the scalp in specified ways.

E-JO - An acronym for Electrical Jerk Off. (See also: E-Stim )

EKG or electro-cardiogram - A method of recording heart activity for use in medical analysis of the condition of the heart. It utilizes amplifiers and recorders to measure the electrical nerve impulses connected with the heart's activity and is measured externally by electrodes attached to the skin in specified ways.

electrode - An end effector that connects directly externally to the skin or inserts internally so that a TENS or EMS unit can deliver an electrical stimulation to the body.

EMS - An acronym for Electrical (or Electronic) Muscle Stimulator. A device where electricity is used to activate muscle groups externally through the skin. This is often done for purposes of passive exercise, muscle toning, beauty treatments, and physical therapy.

end effector - A piece of output equipment specifically used for physically controlling or constraining a receiver or for delivering a physical or electrical sensation to a receiver. Examples would include insertable electrodes, vibrating dildos or butt plugs, heaters, electrodes used to deliver a shock or sensation, an electrical limb stretcher, an automatic cage lock, etc. (This term is also borrowed from the robotics field.)

E-Play - Using electricity for consensual BDSM purposes--either to give pleasure or as a means of delivering a painful stimulus. This is definitely different from using electricity for--

non-consensual torture (for political, military, judicial, or criminal purposes)

adverse stimuli for psychological behavioral modification

crowd or prisoner control (for institutional, military, or political purposes)

E-Stim - Using electricity for masturbation purposes either alone or with a partner(s).

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fail-safe - The ability of a computer or device to cease operation of end effectors in a safe and controlled manner in the event of a power failure, operation of a panic switch, or hardware or software failure. The safe and controlled manner of cessation of end effector operation may require that it also go limp.

fail-soft - The same definition as in fail-safe except that the computer or device cease its function or program in a predictable and known state so that reset may be more easily facilitated. Again the safe and controlled manner of cessation of end effector operation may require that it also go limp.

feedback loop, closed loop, or just loop - A system of sensors and end effectors connected together through computers and/or devices for use in C/BDSM. Such a system will automatically deliver sensations to a receiver through the end effectors in response to signals from the sensors. The operator can make initiation, intervention, and modifications of the functions or procedures in the computer or device. (IMPORTANT: See also panic switch).

fluid bonded - The term applied to a relationship wherein the partners have agreed that it is OK in their relationship to allow the passing of bodily fluids etween them. Generally this means semen, vaginal mucosa, and saliva, but it can also mean blood, urine, and feces.

FES - Acronym for Functional Electrical Stimulation - another name for EMS (See also: EMS)

Folsom box or unit - A TENS like circuit designed for E-Stim and E-Play and is manufactured by Folsom Electric (See also: TENS )

frequency - The characteristic of an AC electrical signal or the AC component of any electrical signal dealing with the number of reversals in voltage or current in a unit of time. (See also: AC and Hertz)

fuse - A device used to protect an electric or electronic circuit from excessive current by a metallic link that melts on such excessive current. (See also: circuit breaker and GFI)

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generator - A generic name given to any TENS or EMS unit. (See also: TENS and EMS)

GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interuptor (also GFI or Ground Fault Interuptor older term) - A type of circuit breaker that senses when there is an excessive amount of current difference existing between electrical power conductors. It is presumed that this excessive current difference is leaking from the device or going to ground, e.g., as in a short circuit. If such is the case then the breaker is tripped. The code requires that GFCI breakers are installed within specified distances of sinks, tubs, and showers. (See also: circuit breaker )

(to go) limp - The ability in end effectors and active sensors ceasing operation, due to fail-safe or fail-soft conditions, having its power removed to prevent further operation or stimulation, if preventing further operation or stimulation is the safest condition of that equipment for the receiver. Examples would include removing electrical power from a vibrator or shocking/stimulating electrodes. Also included would be releasing tension in a stretching device or releasing all pressure in a piston. Examples of where removal of power would result in an unsafe condition are the releasing of an electrical latch that causes something or the receiver to drop on and/or injure the receiver.

ground - The name given to a return circuit that either goes through the earth, the metal of a chassis of an electronic or electrical device, or a special grounding conductor. For safety design considerations in electrical power systems, walls, floors, ceilings, conduits, water pipes, and gas pipes are considered to also be ground. Generally ground is assigned a value of 0-volts and all other voltages are (from grounded systems) are measured with referance to ground. Circuits that are not grounded are called isolated circuits.

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hands free - A general term applying to E-Stim wherein E-Stim is used to achieve an orgasm and/or ejactulation without additional stimulation.

heatsink - A generally passive mechanical device used to conduct heat away from an electrical or electronic device. Typically for electronic devices, heatsinks have some sort of fin arrangement for dissipation of the heat to the surrounding air.

Hertz or Hz - A measurement of frequency in cycles per second. Generally AC electrical power is at 25, 50, or 60 Hz, audio frequency is in the range of 10 to 20,000 Hz., and radio frequency is in the range of 100,000 to 100,000,000 Hz. 1000 Hz is called kilohertz or KHz, and 1,000,000Hz is called megahertz or MHz. (See also: frequency, AF, and RF )

Hodager trainer (circuit) - A TENS like unit that some E-Stim and E-Play players build from a schematic available on the web. (See also: TENS)

HotBoxx - A programmable TENS unit designed for E-Stim and E-Play and is manufactured by HotBoxx. (See also: programmable TENS )

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IC or Integrated Circuit - An electronic device on a single chip consisting of a number of transistors, resistors, and other circuit elements designed for a specific purpose. They can be either digital or analog.

impedance - The resistance offered to AC current. This can be purely resistive, purely inductive or capacitive, or a combination of these in nature. (See also: AC)

isolated circuit - see ground.

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lightning hands - An E-Play or E-Stim technique using a Violet Wand with The Chain or a TENS unit connected to one or the other partner. With that partner now electrically charged, the other will run the tips of their fingers across the partner's body for stimulation purposes. (See also: The Chain, TENS and Violet Wand )

logic - A type of mathematics that depends on the presence or absense of a signal or a combination of signals.

logic circuit - See digital.

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machine sex - Using devices directly for sexual purposes, e.g., vibrators and other devices. (See also: VR Sex)

multivibrator - A digital circuit that generates an output with only two states--either 'on' or 'off.' Multivibrators can either be

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NEC or National Electrical Code - The standard developed and used in the United States for use in electrical power wiring and wiring practices. Cities may have their own electrical codes, but generally they are pretty close to the NEC. They generally do not apply to or have anything to do with electronic devices (except when used for power wiring purposes), radios, televisions, or E-Play and E-Stim devices.

No play above the waist - (See Above the Waist)

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op amp or operational amplifier - A special type of analog amplifier that adheres to a standard set of published characteristics over a wide range of loads and frequency ranges. They are commonly avaiable as integrated circuits (IC's) and are often used in E-Stim and E-Play generators.

operator - The person who directly controls or initiates sensation delivered to a receiver for autoerotic purposes or for BDSM play. Specifically this means through computers, devices, and/or end effectors.

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pacemaker - (1) An electronic device either implanted into a patient or external to the patient used to regulate the pumping action of a damaged heart. (2) Any of a number of nerve networks that regulate the pumping action of the heart. The Sinal-Aetrial (SA) node is one of them.

Panic Switch - An input, switch, or other device that will make limp or shut down end effectors under the direct, manual control of an operator in the event a safeword is called or a hazardous, emergency, or unforeseen condition exists that would result in injury (physical, psychological, or spiritual) to a receiver. The panic switch would override any controls done by the computer or device.

pervertable - The name given to obects, equipment, devices, and other hardware and software that normally serves an ordinary, everyday, mundane function, but is adapted by creative people for sexual purposes.

PES box or unit - A TENS like circuit designed for E-Stim and E-Play and is manufactured by Paradise Electro Stimulations (See also: TENS )

pink parts - A name used by many E-Stim'ers and E-Players referring to generally a woman's external genitalia: the labia, the clitoris, and the vaginal opening.

Pitt4fun Generator - A TENS like unit designed by E-Stim'er, Pitt4fun (web nickname), of the YaHoo! Club Electrosex group. This unit is designed specifically for E-Stim and E-Play, and schematics are available on the web. (See also: TENS )

printed circuit (board) - A means of providing manifold copies of a conductor pattern and electronic and/or electrical device mounting of a circuit for production purposes. Such boards can have the necessary pattern printed or photocopied onto it, and the unwanted material is etched away. The board can then be drilled, and then the devices mounted to it and soldered. (See also: solder )

programmable TENS unit - a TENS unit that has a an IC or a computer programmed to deliver a selection of stimulations. This selection can be made by the operator or selected automatically by the IC or computer. (See also: TENS)

pulse - An electrical signal characterized as existing in either one of two states--either 'on' or 'off.' Pulses can occur singly or in a series. They can be DC or AC. Pulses are generally used in digital circuits.

Also the pressure wave in the arteries and veins of an animal or human that is the result of the pumping action of the heart. This is normally felt at recognized pulse points on the body such as at the wrist or near the Carotid Artery of the neck, and is a key component of CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation).

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Relaxicizor - a trade name for a type of EMS unit. (See also: EMS)

remote TENS unit (also called a remote shocking dog collar) - a TENS unit that operates by remote control under the control of an operator. Such units may also be programmable. (See also: programmable TENS and TENS)

reset - The operation and the ability of a computer or device to go from its stopped fail-safe condition or from its predictable, known fail-soft state to the beginning of its program or the start of its function on specific initiation of the operator. During the transition from this condition or state, the end effectors and active sensors will remain or be brought into a condition that is safe for both the receiver and the operator. This may even require that the operator remove the end effector or the active sensor from the receiver before the operator resets the computer or device.

RF or radio frequency - An AC electrical signal generally operating above 50,000 Hz. (See also: AC, AF, frequency, and Hertz)

RPE or Rectal Probe Ejaculation - A medical technique used to extract semen from paraplegic and quadriplegic males for fertility purposes. This involves electrical stimulation of the prostate. SAFETY NOTE: This can be a highly painful medical procedure for non-neurally impaired persons. There is also some need for precautions in dealing with retrograde ejaculation, i.e., semen going into the bladder.

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safe - Specifically a state where both a receiver and the operator is not at risk or subjected to physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual injury to their persons and/or bodies beyond those limits sanely and non-exploitatively negotiated beforehand and which do not exceed known and published medical limits. Unsafe is of course the opposite of safe.

schematic - A diagram for an electronic or electrical device using any one of a number of standard symbols. (See also: wiring diagram )

sensor - A piece of input equipment that is used to measure some parameter such as temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate, skin conductivity, etc. It may also be an input measurement device. Sensors may be active, i.e., require external power or pressure to operate, or passive, i.e., not require external power or pressure to operate.

skin effect - A magnetic effect in conductors wherein the magnetic fields caused by the moving electrons composing the current tends to force other electrons to the surface of the conductor. Also the term used to describe the mistaken belief that Violet Wand currents tend to run only on the surface of the skin. (See Unc's Articles)

solder - A low melting temperature, electrically conductive, metallic alloy commonly used to make electrical connections of conductors and devices [noun]. Also to connect same using solder [verb].

stereo stim - Using a stereo amplifier either connected to a signal generator, a stereo player, or a computer sound card for purposes of E-Stim or E-Play.

squarewave - An electrical signal that is a continuous series of DC pulses where the 'on' and 'off' states occupy the same time. Thus the resulting waveform appears to be a series of squares with a fixed frequency. Squarewaves are generally generated by clock circuits in computers and other types of digital circuits. (See also: pulse and frequency )

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teledildonics - (coinded by Ted Nelson) A telepresence device that uses VR software to transmit human action and sensation -- real as well as simulated -- long distances via digital communications and computers. (See also: VR Sex)

telepresence - A device that transmits human action and sensation -- real as well as simulated -- long distances via digital communications and computers. (See also: VR Sex)

TENS - An acronym for Transdirmal (or Transcutaneous) Electrical Neural Stimulatior. This is a system utilizing a series or a program of low voltage, low current electrical pulses applied externally through the skin specifically to excite the nerves and cause them to generate nerve impulses. Such units are generally not strong enough to cause the muscles to activate (see EMS ). Medically TENS units are used for pain management. In E-Play and E-Stim such units are used to provide the necessary electrical stimulation for such purposes. Also in E-Play and E-Stim, a variety of orifice probes or electrodes may be used in addition to or in place of externally applied electrodes.

timer - An electrical circuit that is used for produce time intervals. Also integrated circuits with timing circuits--generally the '555' series of chips.

transistor - Literally a transfer resistor. A device made from specially treated or 'doped' semiconductor material like silicon or germanium that allows a relatively small electrical signal at the base of the transistor being able to control the current flowing between the collector and the emitter. Because of their versatility, transistors can be used in many analog or digital circuits. And they are often the major active component of a IC. (See also: IC )

tube - see vacuum tube

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Uni-Polar - An E-Play or E-Stim electrode that utilizes some kind of spring clip with one or two contacts (which may or may not be on each of its jaws). If there are two contacts, each contact is electrically connected so that it or both have the same polarity as one pole of generator to which it is connected. (See also: Bi-Polar )

UL or Underwriters' Laboratories - An organization formed by and for insurance underwriters of the United States for the purpose of testing and certifying the safety (fire and/or electrical) of electrical and electronic equipment and appliances. Manufacturers voluntarily submit their equipment to UL and pay to have the tests performed so that it can be certified for routine use in building, home, and office installations. The primary concerns of UL testing is fire hazard and electrical shock hazard. They have many standards for different materials and equipment. A lot of equipment does not have a UL label--including medical TENS units or E-Play and E-Stim units. Medical TENS units are governed by different standards. Other countries have similar testing organizations.

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vacuum tube - Electron devices that were commonly used before the age of transistors in many types of electronic circuits. You still find them in old television sets, radio transmitters and receivers, and even some modern, high quality stereo amplifiers.

valve - The British name for an electron or vacuum tube. (See also: vacuum tube )

Violet Wand - An E-Play or E-Stim device that includes a high voltage generator and utilizes a series of gas filled, glass electrodes that will glow with a characteristic color when the high voltage is applied. There is usually sufficient and high enough voltage present at the surface of these electrodes that when in close proximity to the skin a very low current arc will jump across from the electrode. Violet wands are thought by some safe enough to be used for play above the waist. (See also: the chain , lightning hands , and skin effect )

VR Sex - (First discussed on the WELL by Howard Rheingold, author of a book on Virtual Reality written in 1991) Using VR (Virtual Reality) for sexual purposes. (See also: the teledildonics , telepresence , and machine sex)

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.WAV file - A computer sound file (generally for IBM type machines). (.WAV is actually the file extension name.) E-Stim'ers and E-Players use this in conjunction with computer sound cards to generate waveforms for play purposes.

waveform or waveshape - The characteristic form or shape of an electrical signal as it looks in time. Typical waveforms would be sinusoidal (as would appear in electrical power, pure audio tones, and in RF), pulse (as would appear in TENS units), etc. (See also: frequency and hertz )

wiring diagram - An electrical or electronic diagram showing more the physical routing of connections and conductors between terminals of devices constituting a circuit. This needn't correspond to the actual physical layout of the devices, nor does it necessarily lend information as to the functioning or operation of the circuit. (See also: schematic )

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Z - Symbol for impedance (See also: impedance )

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9-inch Piece of Meat Experiment - The name Unc' gives to his demonstration that shows how current can travel in paths within biological material other than directly from electrode to electrode.

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