EEVblog 2015 Top 5 Bullshit Products Award - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 11:55:13 am
content: I'm thinking about doing a video on the above titleMight be cool to do one each year and give out an award for the biggest bullshit product of 2015.Not a debunking in any way, just a quick recap of the dodgiest and/or most impractical products of 2015.Worthwhile?Suggestions?Solar Roadways is out, too old, as is sadly uBeam.Batteriser, SKARP are obvious contenders of course.What should the award trophy be?

author: MatthewEveritt
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:01:03 pm
content: Sending them a sarcastic trophy is a bit harsh Dave, you should try to give them something they'd actually appreciate. Big box of wireless antistatic straps perhaps?

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:09:00 pm
content: Can we see the return of the flying pig (was it named Democles)?

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:10:12 pm
content: Blatant con artists like Batteriser deserve such an award, I say do it.

author: iampoor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:11:45 pm
content: I think the trophy should be the offending product covered in bullshit, attached to a nice base. Time to hit up some yardsales and farms.... O0

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:15:17 pm
content: Apparently you can get power from lemons so I vote for a box of bananas.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:16:56 pm
content: You should know, when you start doing "Top x" videos, articles , there is no turning back. They are good clickbaits, sure. I would say, you should use the time to produce something educational. Like make a 2 minute teardown a proper one. You spent way too much time on these worthless efforts anyway. Just my 2 cents.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:24:57 pm
content: The new Steorn Orbo stuff

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:30:10 pm
content: Quote from: crispy_tofu on December 15, 2015, 12:09:00 pmCould do!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:31:01 pm
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on December 15, 2015, 12:16:56 pmWhat videos have been worthless efforts?

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:40:20 pm
content: Dave, you could sendthisas the prize...That said, "top whatever" videos are usually full of hard rock music on the background, quick zoom in your face when announcing each "honourable contender" and with numbers splashed between each entry. Something similar to:Thus a challenge: can you pull that off?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:51:45 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on December 15, 2015, 11:55:13 amThey are going to build more of those!Candidate wise: Siglent's SDS2000 oscilloscopes?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:59:14 pm
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on December 15, 2015, 12:40:20 pmActual video editing?

author: Augustus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 01:15:23 pm
content: Batteriser would be tough to beat, but, as far as I know, nobody has received one yet (and there are strong doubts this will ever be the case)... So I don't know if they qualify for this contest, maybe it's better to restrict it on real bullshit products, victims can actually buy?

author: CrashO
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 01:23:22 pm
content: Sony's `Low Noise` SD card deserves a nomination for sure

author: Jay_Diddy_B
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 01:32:03 pm
content: Hi,The Airing should be up on the list.https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/airing-the-first-hoseless-maskless-micro-cpap#/The rewards areworthless vouchers.Jay_Diddy_B

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 01:36:39 pm
content: Audiophoolery unidirectional ethernet cable:http://www.audioquest.com/ethernet/diamondMore about that one:-http://arstechnica.com/staff/2015/02/to-the-audiophile-this-10000-ethernet-cable-apparently-makes-sense/-http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/07/340-audiophile-ethernet-cable-gets-a-marginal-pass-on-the-test-bench/

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 01:43:09 pm
content: Quote from: wilfred on December 15, 2015, 01:01:12 pmYes. The subject of the video is the worthless effort, to scam us. There is no such thing as bad publicity. If there is a list of bad movies, people will watch it, becasue it is on the list. Same way, people here bought the Batteriser, just to prove that it is not 800%.But overall, you know more about video blogging. Could be a fun episode.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 03:10:05 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on December 15, 2015, 12:59:14 pmHehehe... I can't help but laugh at the idea of you eyeing the camera as crazily as these guys do, doing the crazy talk, being surrounded by a cheesy animation with parts and PCBs surrounding the viewport, having some sort of animated exploding PCB or parts whenever a new contender product pops in... You know, the works of a modern "video tubing"

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 08:40:24 pm
content: Quote from: madires on December 15, 2015, 01:36:39 pmUSD$1195.00 for 1.5 metres of Cat 7 cable!?! Holy shit. Although not a bad business model; Invent some hocus-pocus that sounds kind of believable and morons will be throwing money at you.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 02:25:22 am
content: Good idea,Maybe Top 5 BS Products and Top 5 BS Non-Products.UBeam, Airing, Batteriser and the like being Non-Products.

author: John Coloccia
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 03:25:07 am
content: Trophy should be a sculpture made from AOL installation disks and CDs.

author: ModemHead
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 04:10:35 am
content: Quote from: John Coloccia on December 16, 2015, 03:25:07 amOutdated. I'd go for a plastic statuette of Probes the Monkey. Who knows, in a couple years the "Probies" could be as popular as the Emmies and Oscars.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 04:19:59 am
content: Quote from: ModemHead on December 16, 2015, 04:10:35 am

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 04:36:38 am
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on December 15, 2015, 01:43:09 pmApart from the usual trolls, I've had nothing but universal praise for my debunking videos. The amount of people who thank me for those has to be an order of magnitude greater than thinking me for my other videos.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 05:18:22 am
content: A plastic poo trophy would be a good one, perhaps with a temp control. AKA A warm pile of poo.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 05:59:15 am
content: Quote from: pickle9000 on December 16, 2015, 05:18:22 amSince Dave is a BTTF aficionado, maybe deliver a truck with a load of free manure to the "winner" to fertilize their grounds.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 06:07:13 am
content: Quote from: miguelvp on December 16, 2015, 05:59:15 amWould it have a cherry on top?

author: alsetalokin4017
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 06:40:40 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on December 16, 2015, 04:36:38 amThere's only one thing wrong with your debunking videos: There aren't enough of them!Thanks for all you do, and keep them coming !

author: Joule Thief
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 06:45:40 am
content: Quote from: pickle9000 on December 16, 2015, 05:18:22 amA Mr Hankey award of sorts ....

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 06:46:54 am
content: Square wheel award:

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 09:35:27 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on December 16, 2015, 04:36:38 amMaybe you reach a wider audience with those?I can imagine that it would work better on a different platform than the EEVblog. Like make a "crowdfunding feasibility" different channel, aimed to the general public. For the people that would fund these dubious projects. You have the credibility to claim that x will not work.I personally find these videos less interesting, due to the fact, that after reading an electronics related crowdfunding page, I can determine whether or not it is doable.Well, on the other hand, bad projects and scams will keep on coming. I think it is a lot harder to teach the general public some common sense, than an engineer to do nodal circuit analysis.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 09:55:53 am
content: Let's keep it simple. Dave, create whatever videos you think might be of interest to a fair chunk of your viewers. For the rest of them, they can make the choice not to watch that particular video. We all have our preferences and Dave has a rather wide and varied audience to 'entertain'.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 10:07:06 am
content: Such a debunking video would be entertaining and useful, and good click-bait.A word of caution. In many juristicions (including I presume Australia) libel/slander cases, you are "guilty until proved innocent".When you get someone whose living depends on people believing their bullshit, then they can fire civil lawsuits at you. Now the UK courts arescandalouslybraindead in this respect, and are the "home" of "libel tourism", but such lawsuits take an appalling amount of time, money and effort to defendeven when obviously ridiculous.The first infamous example that sprang into my mind ishttp://www.badscience.net/2010/04/british-chiropractic-association-drops-shameful-libel-case-against-science-writer-who-criticised-them/ no doubt they would claim "fair and openminded", but that merely brings to mind "you shouldn't be so openminded that your brain falls out".

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 10:47:14 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on December 15, 2015, 08:40:24 pmI was going to think of something clever to go with a few excerpts from the site - but when I read this, the enthusiasm vanished...DIRECTIONALITY: All audio cables are directional. The correct direction is determined by listening to every batch of metal conductors used in every AudioQuest audio cable. Arrows are clearly marked on the connectors to ensure superior sound quality. For best results have the arrow pointing in the direction of the flow of music. For example, NAS to Router, Router to Network Player.How the hell do they come up with this stuff?

author: AlxDroidDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 10:53:58 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on December 15, 2015, 11:55:13 amI am a simple man, so I like that kind of stuff! I say go for it!What about EEVBlog-branded anti-static wristbands, shipped in "anti-static" pink bags (not the silver ones, but the shitty translucent pink ones)?Or the "999 Million Ohms Award": for those resisting common and knowledge sense since 2015.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 11:07:45 am
content: Quote from: Brumby on December 16, 2015, 10:47:14 amFrom the point of view of defending a libel/slander claim in court, it doesn't matter how they chame up with manifest rubbish.What would matter, unfortunately, is how you would convince a judge and jury composed of those that were to dull-witted to manage to escape from jury service. The legal profession, being paid by the hour, aren't overly incentivised to minimise the time taken.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 11:10:30 am
content: Quote from: tggzzz on December 16, 2015, 10:07:06 amI'm glad to say Australian courts (largely) use common sense. Everything is innocent until proven guilty (unless it's a traffic matter, then mens rea doesn't apply). The lines between opinion and slander are very widely spread. The risk of ending up with costs awarded if you sue someone over something trivial is very real... and rightly so.Not everyone has the right for a trial by jury either. Slander etc... is a civil matter anyway.

author: AlxDroidDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 12:28:20 pm
content: Quote from: Brumby on December 16, 2015, 10:47:14 amThat is one the warmest pile of shit I've seen in a long time. Do audiophools actually buy this crap?This certainly deserves the Snake Oil Trophy.BTW, that's another suggestion of a trophy: a 100ml bottle of Snake Oil

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 01:14:29 pm
content: This scored bonus bogus points with me when they talk about audio cables with NAS and routers.... or maybe I should check the back of my router in case I missed the RCA jacks.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 01:18:17 pm
content: Quote from: Halcyon on December 16, 2015, 11:10:30 amIANAL, but it isn't quite that simple..."The plaintiff does not have to prove that the imputation is false, that it actually caused them harm, or that you meant it to cause harm" (fromhttp://www.artslaw.com.au/info-sheets/info-sheet/defamation-law-for-material-published-after-january-2006/)Fromhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DefamationIn England and Wales "A defamatory statement is presumed to be false unless the defendant can prove its truth", and "Australian law tends to follow English law on defamation issues"So be careful unless you havesolidlegal knowledge of the position ineachAustralian state.

author: CrashO
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 01:22:38 pm
content: Quote from: Brumby on December 16, 2015, 01:14:29 pmLess noise on your streaming (128kbps) mp3's. Duh

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 02:46:33 pm
content: Quote from: MatthewEveritt on December 15, 2015, 12:01:03 pmYou can send a "Bullshit" button mounted on a trophy, complete with sound effects and everything, like you have in your lab!

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 03:03:58 pm
content: Quote from: CrashO on December 16, 2015, 01:22:38 pmJust so. It enables you to distinguish the difference that gold-platedmainsplugs make.Don't believe me? Seehttp://www.hificollective.co.uk/power_connectors/hd_power_ms328g.htmlhttps://www.google.co.uk/search?q=gold+plated+mains+plug&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ(and weep)

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 03:49:23 pm
content: Rigol scopes, 1000 or 2000 series, for their disfunctional PLL master clock oscillator as the evidence of their incompetency and abscence of quality control.

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 06:11:17 pm
content: Someone explain to me the difference between these Audiophoolery cables:http://www.hifiheadphones.ca/audioquest-golden-gate-audio-3-5mm-to-3-5mm-cable/(5 meter length is $129.00)...and this...http://www.hifiheadphones.ca/audioquest-victoria-audio-3-5mm-to-3-5mm-cable/(5 meter length is $829.00)Don't forget to plug it in the right way (see arrows) since they are uni-directional so your sound won't flow backwards!Also, shouldn't the "Golden Gate" be more expensive since they are gold and everything? Why is "Victoria" more? If you are going to scam people, you may as well try to make it convincing!Oh wait....Don't forget to get your power cable for that audio equipment, lest your mains noise will screw up your audio as well!http://www.hifiheadphones.ca/audioquest-nrg-10-ac-power-cable/(0.9m cable is $639.00....and a 6.1 meter run will cost you a whopping $2,279.00 !!!!!!)Obviously the one below is vastly inferior to the above cable as it only costs $11.99....http://www.startech.com/Cables/Computer-Power/External/20ft-Standard-Computer-Power-Cord-NEMA5-15P-to-C13~PXT10120

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 08:02:29 pm
content: the ESD beanie ?

author: Don Hills
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 09:42:15 pm
content: Quote from: pickle9000 on December 16, 2015, 05:18:22 amOr the high wattage model, for a great steaming pile of poo.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 10:25:50 pm
content: Quote from: edy on December 16, 2015, 06:11:17 pmI get those at weirdstuff warehouse for 1$ a piece. Certified pre-used in large 24/7 uptime computer server rooms. so you know you buy quality.Don;t buy junk. Demand cables that have been tested for minimum 5 years in 24/7 server rooms.

author: guido
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 10:37:53 pm
content: Myopticalspdif cable has gold painted connector endsStill bought it; was the cheapest in the store (few euro's or so).

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 09:13:23 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on December 16, 2015, 10:25:50 pmDidnt they tell you, that if you burn in your power cable in a digital gear, you should not use it in an analog gear! It will make the sound more edgy.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 09:46:28 am
content: Quote from: tggzzz on December 16, 2015, 10:07:06 amNope, not here.You have to say something you know is deliberately untrue and is designed to cause harm.I can get sued at any time for any thing, as can you. No point worrying about it.

author: LordNobady
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 12:14:38 pm
content: Quote from: guido on December 16, 2015, 10:37:53 pmI smell new audio fool cable shielded optical spdif cable. will thy pay 1000 dollar for it?

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 12:56:04 pm
content: Some idea for a trophy: 3D-print a giant through hole resistor, paint/spray it with a beige type color and add 4 golden rings.

author: CrashO
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 01:51:02 pm
content: Quote from: LordNobady on December 17, 2015, 12:14:38 pmhttp://www.audioquest.com/fiber-optics/diamondonly $489.00 for 0,75mSo for 1000 bucks you can get yourself about 5 meters of it (1,089.00 according to their brochure)

author: AlxDroidDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 02:10:45 pm
content: Quote from: CrashO on December 17, 2015, 01:51:02 pmBeing rich and dumb are the 2 main requisites for being an audiophool.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 02:32:53 pm
content: Quote from: CrashO on December 17, 2015, 01:51:02 pmI'm disappointed! No unidirectional version?BTW, the multi-fiber approach contradicts the design goal. Combining multiple fibers creates additional modal dispersion. They should have used one single mode fiber (6-9µm core). Anyway, since the timing impact of the modal dispersion is much less than the a clock cycle of the digital audio signal, no human is capable of detecting that without some expensive T&M equipment.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 02:38:32 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on December 17, 2015, 09:46:28 amThe problems start when you are unjustly accused of something ridiculous, and you have to pay to prove your innocence. "Common sense isn't common", especially where professional fees are involved.It is a question as to whether it is worth painting a target on your chest. Sometimes it is (as above), sometimes it isn't. Infamously Ben Goldacre spent £200k defending over a piece he wrote criticising the British Chiropractic Association for claiming that its members could treat children for colic, ear infections, asthma, prolonged crying, and sleeping and feeding conditions by manipulating their spines. There are other examples.http://www.badscience.net/2010/04/libel-litigants-get-what-they-deserve-and-so-do-the-public/Original article:http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/apr/19/controversiesinscience-health

author: station240
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 06:15:59 pm
content: Can we ensure the "hoverboards" get some sort of award, for not only being nothing like a hoverboard but also catching on fire and exploding.The award should be a box of matches, which they can use for "insurance" purposes.For the actual bullshit product awards, can we have custom prizes that suit the product. eg the solar roadway people would get a piece of scratched glass, the gold super cable people get a $2 IEC cable, etc.

author: AlxDroidDev
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 07:10:58 pm
content: Quote from: station240 on December 17, 2015, 06:15:59 pmThat's actually cool and useful in some ways (in a pyrotechnic sense), and is still doing a lot more than other contenders!

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 07:20:54 pm
content: I'd say hoverboards are a good place to suggest design considerations, containment being one one. Put it on the list yes, but give improvements. Perhaps a crud award and a statement that it could be a good product (provided broken bones are kept to a minimum).Engineering is about improvements, cost reduction and so on. It's not about "dead-end" products that misguide, make false claims and so on.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 10:39:56 pm
content: Shiftwearhttps://www.indiegogo.com/projects/shiftwear-customize-your-kicks#/..or pretty much anything on IndieGogo actuallye.g. sProjectorhttps://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sprojector-the-first-powerful-mini-tv-projector#/

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 10:57:40 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on December 17, 2015, 10:39:56 pmThere could easily be a Top 10 list of Crowd Funded projects. Even then I'd be really struggling to choose between them.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 11:20:05 pm
content: I nominate this Hi-Fi Power cable, that goes between the wall-socket and your hung low Chinese knockoff amplifier, it costs, and I'm not kidding, £13,599.00 for 1.25m - £17,599.00 for 2.5m - and £25,599.00 for 5m.That's 21686$ US for 1.25m 28064$ US for 2.5m and 40822$ US for the 5 meter one.http://www.nordost.com/odin-supreme-reference/odin2/power-cord.phphttp://www.highendcable.co.uk/Nordost_ODIN%202_%20Power_Cord.htmBy using this, you get an audio experience from the heavens, I think. After all, it comes with "Mechanically tuned spacing, length and Dual Mono-Filament, TSC design"But they have other options:http://www.nordost.com/power-cords.phplolThisone:http://www.nordost.com/valhalla-reference/power-cord.phpAchieves near light-speed: "Unlike conventional power cables, which have propagation speeds that are less than 50% the speed of light, the Valhalla 2 Reference Power Cord has a speed of 91% the speed of light."Where do I even begin to say how much is wrong with that product... lol

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 11:33:48 pm
content: Quote from: SantaClaw on December 17, 2015, 11:20:05 pmI don't thinkanythingis wrong with that product. Its objective is separate rich fools from their money, and it achieves that with very little chance of causing "collateral damage" to normal people.I wish I had that much imagination.

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2015, 11:56:33 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on December 17, 2015, 10:39:56 pmIs that a silent F?QuoteIndeed, and if we needed any more proof that associating Tesla's name to an energy product should set alarm bells ringing, the Tcharger recently mentioned elsewhere on this forum demonstrates this rather well.https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/tcharger-the-next-generation-wireless-charger#/That outfit's London based company Scicorn Technology Ltd that they so proudly show in their story was dissolved and struck off last month, after filing no mandatory financial returns.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 12:13:16 am
content: Quote from: edy on December 16, 2015, 06:11:17 pmGold plated connectors are as common as dirt and add barely anything to the cost. The thickness is usually only a few microns and quickly gets scraped off by wipers. The second cable you linked has comparatively less common silver plated connectors, which need to be plated very thick to prevent corrosion problems. See Tyco's white paper:http://www.te.com/documentation/whitepapers/pdf/Ag_use_connectors_503-1016.pdfAre silver plated connectors superior to gold plated? It depends heavily on the application. Silver is susceptible to tarnish, and can be quickly ruined by chloride vapors (salt water air, or bleach fumes). But it has higher conductivity in case microvolts are being measured. In an audio cable? Such differences are not as important as ruggedness, microphonics or fire safety.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 12:27:45 am
content: helius, you are being very rational and therefore your comments are irrelevant to audiofools.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 01:15:46 am
content: Quote from: tggzzz on December 17, 2015, 11:33:48 pmSame here. I must put on my tin foil brain wave hat and make cool audiophool products although I also see a market for phooltnuts products.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 09:45:11 am
content: Unfortunately, you could go broke sending all the (un)worthy candidates genuine snake oil, so I agree with the necessity to limit it to five products.http://www.ebay.com/itm/5X-NEW-ORIGINAL-TALA-SNAKE-OIL-20ml-0-7oz-PERMANENT-SOLUTION-FOR-HAIR-LOSS/301822289324http://www.bcmj.org/letters/real-snake-oil-found

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 09:57:46 am
content: Quote from: helius on December 18, 2015, 12:13:16 amIn the serious audio world (think BBC, not audiophiles) gold plated connectors are considered the commodity junk, for non critical applications.Quote from: helius on December 18, 2015, 12:13:16 amSilver is truly hopeless for audio. It starts giving contact troubles very quickly in anything but a really dry atmosphere.Really high quality professional audio connectors use a fairly thick coating of some exotic alloy that make gold look really cheap. The best of them will work for ages, being plugged and unplugged frequently in grubby field recording locations, and rarely give a hint of any disturbance to the sound when used for small signal microphone applications.

author: vk3yedotcom
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 10:45:03 am
content: Quote from: SantaClaw on December 17, 2015, 11:20:05 pmI second this nomination.However in Australia (only) the power lead will guarantee unlimited amplifier lifespan and zero distortion.This is due to the mains plug pin configuration which assures zero applied power and zero audio output due to its incompatibility with our outlets (seehttp://www.nordost.com/odin-supreme-reference/odin2/power-cord.php) .

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 12:35:35 pm
content: Quote from: vk3yedotcom on December 18, 2015, 10:45:03 am<--- available connectors, that's an AU one ?

author: jmegar324
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 02:42:24 pm
content: I nominate the Ipad Pro

author: Jay_Diddy_B
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 02:46:12 pm
content: Hi,Please don't knock these exotic power cords until you have tried them.I use one of the Odin 2 Supreme Reference Power cords on my Oscilloscope.The cord is described as:The Odin 2 Power Cord is constructed with seven silver-plated, close tolerance, 14 AWG 99.999999% oxygen free copper conductors. Nordost’s patented Dual Mono-Filament technology is then used so that the twisted pair filaments create a virtual air dielectric between the extruded FEP insulation and each individual conductor. These intricately wound and separately insulated conductors are aligned with superb geometrical accuracy and consistency, offering perfect conditions for mechanical resonances. To allow for a faster rise time in the 50/60 Hz cycle and negate any EMI or RFI influences, each conductor is then protected by a layer of silver-plated lapped ribbon shielding. Nordost’s TSC technology continues in the construction of its purpose-built, 100% shielded, HOLO:PLUG® connector, which is provided on both the IEC and plug ends.The exceptional electrical and mechanical characteristics of this cable produce an overwhelming effect. Incorporating Odin 2 Power Cords throughout your system will result in a seemingly non-existent noise floor, an infinitely black background and the true depth in range that music calls for.Just as the words say1) The black background is 'blacker'2) The trace is sharper, without the harshness of a $1.00 power cord3) The viewing experience is so good I stare at my scope for hours on end without fatigue.I am considering buying a second power cord for DMM. I suspect that1) The zero will more clearly defined.2) The focus on the VFD display will be crisper.3) The accuracy will be improved by an order of magnitude.I will be starting an Indiegogo Campaign in the new year.Jay_Diddy_B

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 03:00:33 pm
content: With the best will in the world though, audio cables are old, old news, no matter how expensive or glossily marketed they are.

author: vk3yedotcom
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 07:23:45 pm
content: Quote from: SantaClaw on December 18, 2015, 12:35:35 pmThis is an Australian power plug and socket.http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--_j4xwT8G--/18awuv2ejkwwfjpg.jpgNothing like the Odin one which has the active and neutral pins 90 degree off angle.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 18, 2015, 07:24:57 pm
content: Quote from: vk3yedotcom on December 18, 2015, 07:23:45 pmSo the one that says AUS under it doesn't fit ?

author: vk3yedotcom
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 01:11:59 am
content: Quote from: SantaClaw on December 18, 2015, 07:24:57 pmcorrect

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 01:13:07 am
content: Quote from: vk3yedotcom on December 19, 2015, 01:11:59 amlol, total fail from nordost....0

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 19, 2015, 05:13:10 am
content: Typical Australian double power point and moulded 3 pin plug:

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 08:59:44 am
content: Their 'UK' drawing is completely wrong too.

author: hexreader
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 10:07:36 am
content: Quote from: Brumby on December 19, 2015, 05:13:10 amThose outlets look so depressedThey should invent happy-looking outlets

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 10:14:06 am
content: Quote from: helius on December 20, 2015, 08:59:44 amWhat do you mean?The drawing is sufficientfor its intended purposew.r.t. the UK mains plugs/sockets - i.e. letting you see what's available.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 10:20:19 am
content: Quote from: hexreader on December 20, 2015, 10:07:36 amDenmark/Danish have happy onesThere are other styles too, and they look happy as well.Edit: If I was a kid I would poke around that plug that smiles at me and winks as well, since it seems it wants to play

author: hexreader
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 02:32:52 pm
content: Yup... Danish sockets look much happierHow do we make them world standard?(Not sure I trust the winking sockets though...)

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 20, 2015, 04:11:37 pm
content: Quote from: hexreader on December 20, 2015, 02:32:52 pmThat's easy. We just launch a new socket that we get all the leading scientists & experts in the world to agree is the best solution. Then we add that the Danish sockets are the worst design. They will be forced to go with the Danish one. At least if it's anything like with global climate change.

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2015, 12:20:58 am
content: Here's a new one for the list. Looks like they're following in uBeam's shadow. This one left me wondering just where to start.http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/12/ukrainian-startup-xe-claims-to-have-solved-wireless-charging/Edit, sorry I see a thread started on it a few minutes earlier.

author: continuo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 02:12:58 pm
content: Some more ideas (not all electronics related):http://removeandreplace.com/2013/05/28/ridiculous-products-stupid-strange-funny-and-weird-things-you-can-actually-buy/

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 30, 2015, 03:04:30 pm
content: Quote from: continuo on December 30, 2015, 02:12:58 pmSome curious things there. The defibrillator toaster was a bit of a worry.Then there's this:An iPhone case - with a cup holder.... and there are some things that look like brainstorming ideas that were left up on the whiteboard.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2016, 10:25:20 am
content: Quote from: Brumby on December 16, 2015, 10:47:14 amJust go to the average family party, and listen to what people say about what they saw about tech/science/eng.Tip to survive: do not speak, do not respond to questions.