Shocking 'new iPhone' is also - BZZZZT!! - a Taser-like stun gun Australia's Customs and Border Protection Service has seized counterfeit iPhones that can't make calls but can impart a nasty electrical shock if pressed against the skin. The agency showed off the shocking fakes yesterday, after arresting a chap who had imported them along with knuckle-dusters, electric shock devices …
have been disguised as phones for years, besides, they are simply high voltage generators that "hurt" but do not have the effect that a genuine "TASER" has on you.
A quick google search on most american self defence sites will reveal a plethora of cunningly disguised shock devices. Lets be honest, it really isnt difficult to make one these days. There are even kits on flea-bay that will deliver an electric fence type shock (they fucking hurt!!!) for less than 20 quid...And anyway, i'd rather face one of these than a 4 inch blade...
This is Australia where 1mw laser pointers are illegal to possess.
"There are even kits on flea-bay that will deliver an electric fence type shock (they fucking hurt!!!) for less than 20 quid.."
Years back I made an insulation tester using a P.E. kit.
If it wasn't for the meter it would be small enough to fit in a Swan Vestas box.
Just a 9V battery , a wind-it-yerself step-up transformer and some electonics to wobble the DC a bit.
Kicks like a mule.
Take the 300V generator out of a single use £5 camera from Tesco.
Probably best to swap the 300uF capacitor used for the Xenon tube for a 1uF to avoid killing yourself (will cycle 300x faster too!). Uses a single AA cell.
It and the battery will fit in a matchbox or scrap gadget of your choice.
Warning: carrying this may be an offence in some countries. Or kill the owner.
"besides, they are simply high voltage generators that "hurt" but do not have the effect that a genuine "TASER" has on you."
This is not correct. Back in the day before Taser was a trade mark, we made our own that would have been lethal if you deployed it for long enough. High voltage pulse transformers really are an interesting beast.
The modern Tasers "emit" measured doses of energy to first strike, that is obtain a functional spark just in case the barbs are snagged on clothing only, then once that is achieved, continously regulate energy to immobilise muscles, and not more. They are less lethal than the early models, because their limiting was obtained via mere transformer impedance.
Home made stun guns aren't regulated, and due to size restrictions, are may be limited in energy output, but there's no guarantee they're "safe" either.
"This is Australia where 1mw laser pointers are illegal to possess."
Not really. "greater than 1mW" see <http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4369.asp#e2101>
Then again, that's only for the average plebs like us. Specialty purpose lasers even in the multi-watt range are able to be imported with prior authorisation. Like for building wall writing and nightclub lighting effects. Apparently, if you keep the beam still, you can light a cigarette with those things. There are handheld 2W lasers, but I would imagine it would be a bit hard to convince the powers that be they're for a nightclub...
I made something from a disposable camera flash circuit to kill off old gear, it can vaporize circuit tracks, using it against living flesh might or might not work well (not testing it on myself, got a dodgy ticker), but there's plenty of cheap gear that can be re-purposed for stuff like that.
A shock stick (so called stun gun) isn't a Taser, just as a wallaby isn't a koala.
A shock stick (disguised as a phone or not) has to be pressed against the target/victim. Tasers are stand-off devices with gas thrown harpoons & wires to carry voltage, they can also be used for direct contact if needed. Effective range 15 to 25 feet depending on model (civilian or police use). Best not to be in arms-length of some one with a knife IMHO.
Also Tasers deliver a specific pattern of discharge designed to disrupt neuromuscular coordination not just a fixed pulse interval blast of voltage like most shock sticks.
Taser also make a 'bear' model (three cartridge packs) for American wilderness hikers / park rangers who don't want to waste Yogi with a .44 Magnum.
Actually, these are generally regulated by the individual states (and, occasionally, municipalities) and -- since there is no National Rifle Association equivalent to fight for these -- can be HARDER to obtain/carry in some places.
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We used to charge up largish value caps and drop them in lab coat pockets. One day someone dropped one in the instructors pocket. Next day no more lab coat pockets. Keep in mind that this was the same instructor that had a beautiful metallic foil gift wrapped box on his desk than contained a pendulum switch a battery and an ignition coil. It was always funny to watch the class go silent when a newcomer would show interest in the pretty box.
We used to have contests to see who could shake it the longest....
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