Star Trek - inventing the Universe

So, would you buy one? I would at the projected price, certainly, if it could tell me which metal it was I was looking at, Spectrometer article HERE

Though I am always a little circumspect of some of the Cavalier journalism the British Bonking Corporation is often guilty of, this seems to be one of those new developments that has a real future. Wonder if it can tell the difference between a Cow and a Horse though?

graham.

Graham,

It certainly looks interesting!

MichaelG.

NIR method used is unlikely to work for identifying metals.

I think thats a geat new tool, if it works as well as the expensive ones, thinking about it I cant see why it wont, this type of tech either works well or not at all.

Shaun

It would certainly help me identify the different types of plastics used in seals, which is a daily puzzle for me. If, as David says, it is not up to the different metal identification I am sure one will be along in a minute that does, but i'll bet there is a price difference. The claim is it tells you which type of wood you are looking at (a trick I can do with a quick glance, sorry - years of experience) and I would like to see it do that one. Chemical composition of timber is not only species dependant but the land in which it grows can have a significant influence. If it can do that, and I am sure it can, for a little over £100 anyone can become an "expert". A sobering thought.

graham.

I have seen articles on the web about building a spectrometer using a CD as the diffraction grating. I did try using a CD as diffraction grating but it did not work very well. If you Google "spectrometer using cd" you will find some information. You would also need to create an arc against the metal sample.

Les.

I am missing one or two entries ,or am I?

It would be interesting to know if the sensor could be adapted to work in the visible light or UV part of the spectrum. This looks like a variation on "Yuriy's Android DRO" with the data from a read head being transmitted by Bluetooth to the Android device where it is processed. Changing the subject. Graham, have you got your Android DRO working yet ?

Les.

Saw this on the news this morning, interesting! I wonder if it could be used to give a reading of pest/herbicide levels in foods. It could put the junk food manufacturers out of business.

Phil

To sell such a revolutionary device for 150 quid seems almost unbelievable

If it sounds too good to be true then it usually is

Fake bomb detector seller James McCormick jailed

A whistleblower told the programme he had confronted McCormick, saying he did not want to be any part of the business if the devices did not work.

McCormick is said to have responded: "It does exactly what it's designed to. It makes money."

**LINK**

If these spectral detectors really do work, they will sell like cut price gold sovereigns

I have a box of bits

My usual issue, I started the Android DRO, Power Feed on the X axis of the Mill and quick change quill all at the same time so I have five or six unfinished projects on the go, not to mention the "Donkey" and it's associated stand/workbench. And I have my regular work to do, which seems to be piling up. Going to have to start a night shift methinks!

graham.

I remember putting 386 computers on desktops at £2.5k, I remember my father buying his first Casio "adder", I remember the first Digital Watch. Things move on, the Silicone Chip is no longer the unobtainium it once was (at a reasonable price).

My mother and I were just discussing the march of technology the other day. It isn't that long since the Sony Walkman sold in the best Hi-Fi Shops (remember those?) for a little under £120 when a weeks wages was £30 for many. I think you are talking about fraudsters Ady. I am talking about a spectrometer that a good number of people have tried and tested. So is the BBC, which is rather surprising.

graham.

The main doubt in my mind would be the claimed retail price

Say you can make one which will retail for 150 quid ...to raise a few million bananas for yourself

Then make one which costs 5 grand a pop...

Ady,

If I understand it correctly ... aside from the general effect of Moore's Law; the big cost-saving comes from the fact that the database [i.e. the calibration] is to be "crowd sourced".

Suddenly the bargain-basement price becomes much more credible.

MichaelG.