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Hardware Hackers Create a Cheaper Bedazzler

Posted by timothy on from the just-in-time-for-trick-or-treaters dept.

ptorrone writes "Hardware hacker extraordinaires Ladyada (Adafruit Industries) and Phil Torrone (of MAKE magazine) have just published an open source 'Homeland Security' project, a non-lethal LED-Based Incapacitator: THE BEDAZZLER. After attending a conference where the $1 million 'sea-sick flashlight' (THE DAZZLER) was demoed by Homeland Security, the duo decided to created an under-$250 version, and just released the source code, schematics and PCB files. The team also released a 5 minute video describing the 'official version' as well as how they created the 'open source hardware' version."

5 of 282 comments (clear)

  1. Except that... by kuzb · · Score: 5, Informative

    At the end of the video, the creator uses it on a test subject and it doesn't work - which she even admits.

    "Ok, so it turns out it doesn't work so well. But it's great for raves."

    --
    BeauHD. Worst editor since kdawson.
    1. Re:Except that... by goodmanj · · Score: 5, Informative

      From what Ladyada has posted here and elsewhere, I'm convinced that it's as effective as the Homeland Security version. Which is, not very.

      The basic problem with nonlethal weapons is that they assume there's a range in which a weapon is more than annoying, but less than dangerous:
      |====annoying===| sweet spot |====dangerous====|

      But because people vary in their responses, it looks more like this:
      |====annoying===|
                        |====dangerous===|
      In short, until you deal with the fact that a weapon that will kill Grandma will only make an enraged 250-pound meth addict even angrier, you're wasting your time.

  2. NOT a "cheaper Bedazzler." by KingSkippus · · Score: 5, Informative

    Watching the video, at the end of their demonstration, she says, "Well, turns out it doesn't work that well, but it is great for raves." I'm not accusing them of shenanigans, because they're not misrepresenting that it actually works. However, I am accusing the submitter of exaggerating the effectiveness of this thing by calling it a "cheaper Bedazzler."

    It's not like they have recreated for $250 what the DHS did for a million. I don't doubt that what they've created is irritating to look at, but the thing is five times the size of what the DHS had created for them, and would be totally ineffective in an actual situation in which it would be needed.

    But she's right, it probably would be kind of fun at a party, and it does look like a neat project to play around with.

  3. Re:Even if it worked by ladyada · · Score: 5, Informative

    Theres no schematics in the patent. The flashblinding effect was documented over 100 years ago by scientists like Bruke and Broca. There's really nothing very complex going on, its a green flashing light at about 8-10 Hz...which makes it a great intro-to-Arduino project! :)

  4. Re:It's probably not bright enough. by ladyada · · Score: 5, Informative

    Don't worry, its plenty bright! Its bigger only because it has more LEDs, and nice 6 degree lenses. If you RTFA you'll see we suggest going with green LEDs for best effectiveness but this has an RGB rave mode for going to parties. That way we can take it out to raves! Also, please note that LEDs are not driven "continuous current" not sure where you got that from