Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

While we certainly hope the average (read: not GI) jane / joe isn’t overly concerned about the rate at which homegrown explosions detonate as desired, we understand the Army’s need to have more faith in their own munitions. Reportedly, a new “smart fuse” conjured up at Georgia Tech could soon prevent bombs from experiencing fuse failure by using “semiconductor fabrication equipment to make hundreds of ultra-high precision detonators on a wafer at the same time.” In addition to cutting down on the use of toxic heavy metals and increasing the safety of weapon production, the intelligent MEMS fuse will supposedly “incorporate built-in arm and fail-safe mechanisms that virtually guarantee that munitions go off when they should, every time.” Weapons that fire when needed — now there’s a concept.

[Image courtesy of Rich’s Incredible Pyro]

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Nah, it’s not like tagging an intruder with shades of neon green, yellow and orange will do much to disable him / her, but it would probably make ‘em think twice before going any further. ‘Course, we’re sure one could think of other uses for an automated paintball gun, and for those creative enough to agree, Team Cynergy has put together a videotaped how-to guide for building a laser-based motion detector and connecting it to your gun. We’ll save the technicalities for those who dare to check out the near-10 minute clip posted after the break, but the long and short of it involves a Parralax BASIC Stamp 2 microcontroller, a red laser pointer, a servo and a good bit of tinkering (among other things). Besides, this is a lot less dangerous than that motion-activated BB rifle and laser-guided turret you built earlier this year, so why not flex some DIY muscle and give this endeavor a go?

[Via HackedGadgets]

Continue reading Automated paintball gun keeps the residence secure

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