Kinski Polygraph

Roni Bandini
2 min readAug 6, 2020

I’ve invited some fellow writers for dinner and a book went missing.

Instead of sending who-stole-the autobiography-of-Klaus-Kinski email. I’ve decided to make a simple Polygraph (AKA Lie Detector) for the next dinner.

Kinski Polygraph

Theory

A polygraph is a device that measures physiological indicators while a person answers a series of questions. Deceptive answers will produce certain physiological responses that can be differentiated, for example: increased heart rate and changes in sweat gland activity (galvanic response)

There is a cheap sensor to measure heart rate and with some easy to find parts, a galvanic response sensor can be made. Arduino will measure both sensors and presents the information using a vintage analog vu-meter. If galvanic response is high enough, a buzzer will provide an audio alert as well.

Parts

Analog Vumeter x2 https://amzn.to/2EPgXez

Arduino Nano https://amzn.to/3ih8mQw

Heart Rate sensor https://amzn.to/2Dq3Os0

Jumper cables

Aluminum foil

Switch

Buzzer

5V power source

Demo

Bottom line

I am aware that science does not align well with commercial polygraphs, so it would align even less with my homemade model. In any case, my writer friends flatly refused to participate in the experiment for the strangest reasons. The first argued that he prefers Celine for Nazis. The second said he did not directly remember having been at my house. The third stated that truth and lies are often shaped to maintain unequal power structures, where objective reality is subordinated to the narrative that most benefits capital.

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Roni Bandini

Contracultura maker 🛠️ Talleres, charlas, montaje de laboratorios y exposición de máquinas complejas como arte electrónico.