1994 Aura Systems, Inc. Aura Interactor Virtual Reality Game Wear for Sega Genesis & Super Nintendo

by Aura Systems, Inc.

Instead of an entire chair, the Interactor is a rigid plastic backpack – the manufacturer calls it a “vest” – that houses the essential speaker and vibrator device. Additionally, the Interactor includes a heavy-duty UL-listed transformer and a power amplifier and control unit. As suggested by the graphic from the Interactor box, it can also be attached to any device with a stereo output, such as a television, VCR, stereo receiver, or game console, though you may need an inexpensive stereo adapter. The Interactor  box includes connection adapters for legacy Sega™ Genesis™ and Super Nintendo® game consoles, and these adapters may also work for later versions of these and similar game consoles.

Setting up the Interactor  is very simple. You plug the line cord of the 35-watt transformer to a 120-volt, 60 Hz receptacle and you plug the transformer output cord into the power amplifier. The transformer is Underwriters Laboratories-approved for electrical safety, and it includes two power outputs in its one output cord – probably for powering the two stereo channels in the power amplifier. The power amplifier includes several controls, which are completely explained in the instruction booklet, depending on the source to which you’re connecting. In this example, you plug the power amplifier into your computer sound card, or motherboard sound outlet, with the included cord with a mini stereo plug on each end. If you don’t have a spare speaker or headset output on your sound card or motherboard, you’ll need to purchase an inexpensive one-male/two-female “Y” connector – which the package 

Start up your favourite flight simulator, or other computer game, and turn the power amplifier on by means of the switch that is combined with the volume control. Set the volume to about level five. The manual recommends setting the Filter control to number 10. Note that the manual also recommends settings for two other switches on the power amplifier and control unit. Now, start a piston-powered aircraft, and you’ll feel the engine vibration. Lower the flaps and you’ll feel more vibration. It’s subtle, but if you taxi on a rough surface, you’ll feel those vibrations also.

Review at http://www.avsim.com/pages/0604/aura/aura_interactor.htm

"It says on the box that this product is for Super Nintendo, Sega Mega Drive and other ancient game systems (yes, it is that old), but it basically works with anything that has an audio connection. The Aura Interactor is basically a wearable sub-subwoofer that directly pounds bass into your body. If you have a game with a lot of sound in the low-frequencies, prepare to be shaken ;"