# Are scalar weapons for real? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 4, 2003, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879 "2003-08-04T12:50:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 21
**Author:** ![Grey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/401 "2003-08-29T19:24:32Z")
So 2 measure of gin, 1 measure of tequila with a splash of Kahlua? Anyone heading out to the pubs/bars/warm up parties let us know. ---
**Author:** ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/402 "2003-08-29T19:44:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Desmostylus \* > \*\*It depends on local gravity. What planet are you on? \*\* Let`s just say Earth, for arguments sake (I`m really on Uranus, but that`s another matter altogether). Is this an appropriate sig or what? ---
**Author:** ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/403 "2003-08-29T19:45:41Z")
…dammit… > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Desmostylus \* > \*\*It depends on local gravity. What planet are you on? \*\* Let`s just say Earth, for arguments sake (I`m really on Uranus, but that`s another matter altogether). Is this an appropriate sig or what? ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/404 "2003-08-29T19:50:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Grey \* > \*\*So 2 measure of gin, 1 measure of tequila with a splash of Kahlua? > > \*\* Over crushed glass. That would be one hell of a drink! ---
**Author:** ![MonkeyMule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc348/32.png) [@MonkeyMule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MonkeyMule)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/405 "2003-08-29T19:53:50Z")
I dunno, Gin and tequila ok (questionable without a chaser) But the kahlua would just ruin it. I think it would be really close to a 1920’s style death in a glass. THe point of this drink should be like a Vodka martini; a mule kick in the head yes. But a kick with style! Radial fins on the glass would also help. I propose blue tequila 1 oz. 1 1/2oz shaphire gin with 1 oz sprite. mix with ice and shake with twits of limon and lime I would like to find a way to sneek at least one other liqour of no less then 80 proof in there, perhaps some grey goose, or vermouth but I think the mixture might be off. Thank god it’s friday and we can get to bar…er lab Frixx you can’t bail on us now!! True the Death Ray has been banned, but it’s spirt can live on in bars everywhere. Think about it, we can make a drink and go to our favorite bars and order it, appearing heros to the rubes, while secrealy knowing the SDMB rules all through our subverseve meathods ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/406 "2003-08-29T19:54:17Z")
Dammit! I meant ice. really. ---
**Author:** ![MonkeyMule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc348/32.png) [@MonkeyMule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MonkeyMule)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/407 "2003-08-29T20:01:38Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by NoClueBoy \* > \*\*Dammit! > > I meant ice. > > really. \*\* Sure. It should be S&Mboy :eek: freak. :wally ---
**Author:** ![wolf\_meister](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf_meister/32/15202_2.png) [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/408 "2003-08-29T20:10:02Z")
Hey folks - enough with the alcohol chat. Go to IMHO or MPSIMS with that kind of conversation. Let’s stay on topic. Okay. Someone mentioned on the previous page that death ray research was being conducted in late 19th century France. I think we might all find this weblink to be quite enlightening. [http://www.geocities.com/internet\_web\_surfer\_dude/raydemort.htm](http://www.geocities.com/internet_web_surfer_dude/raydemort.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Governor\_Quinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d26b3c/32.png) [@Governor\_Quinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Governor_Quinn)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/409 "2003-08-29T20:11:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Bosda Di’Chi of Tricor \* > \*\*But…but…nobody’s mentioned Hans Zarkoff! > > _How_ can you have a thread on 1920’s style death rays without discussing Hans Zarkoff? \*\* We also haven’t mentioned the Panellis, Dr. Erastus G. Swakhammer, Evelyn Culpepper, J. J. Gervaise, Hart Maxwell, or virtually all of the companies that made death rays in the 1920’s. That’s mainly because no one asked, of course, but still… ---
**Author:** ![frixxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@frixxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/frixxxx)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/410 "2003-08-29T20:24:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MonkeyMule \* > \*\*I propose blue tequila 1 oz. 1 1/2oz shaphire gin with 1 oz sprite. mix with ice and shake with twits of limon and lime > > Frixx you can’t bail on us now!! True the Death Ray has been banned, but it’s spirt can live on in bars everywhere. Think about it, we can make a drink and go to our favorite bars and order it, appearing heros to the rubes, while secrealy knowing the SDMB rules all through our subverseve meathods \*\* Ok, I’m in…I’ll be at O’Hare airport tonight and I’ll test your concoction…I’ll order it with a twist of lemon first and try that…then I’'ll order “Hans Zarkoff Death-ray” that will contain the afore mentioned Kaluha… Monkey Mule…not a slam but you had me dying (with laughter) with that “twits” of limon and lime…I’ll probably talk like that after my second drink!:eek: ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/411 "2003-08-29T20:26:29Z")
A major problem in the developement of a truly portable, even hand held, death ray, was what to do the all the heat generated as a by product. The Amazingly Complex Tickle Ray™ of 1919 was actually the first to over this obstacle, though it was on a very small scale compared to the energy requirements of a true death ray. (Several people did die laughing, but it was not a true “death” ray.) The solution was inelegant, but it worked. A small capillary tube shunted the excess energy to a small jar of pickles before the energy became heat. This was first incorporated in Poland. Of course, this is also how Polish Pickles are made. For the death ray, a solution of brine was smeared all over the weapon and the operator, and then the operator had to stand in a pool full of vineger. This was deemed as incredibly inconvenient and new solutions were sought. ---
**Author:** ![Tars\_Tarkas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Tars\_Tarkas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tars_Tarkas)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/412 "2003-08-29T20:27:13Z")
How did i miss this thread for so long? I’ll just have to whip out my phaser-cutting phaser to counter all this 1920’s style death ray nonsense! But soon i will complete the ultimate weapon, the 1920’s style death ray-cutting 1920’s style death ray!!! All shall fall before **Dr. Tars Von Tarkas**! ---
**Author:** ![legion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/838e76/32.png) [@legion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/legion)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/413 "2003-08-29T20:32:59Z")
The smell…that ozone and singed hair smell…I love the smell of Death Rays in the morning. ---
**Author:** ![frixxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@frixxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/frixxxx)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/414 "2003-08-29T20:33:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tars Tarkas \* > \*\*How did i miss this thread for so long? > \*\* Hey Tars, I noticed the Mars location…they must still have 1920’s style internet access! ---
**Author:** ![wolf\_meister](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf_meister/32/15202_2.png) [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/415 "2003-08-29T20:36:25Z")
**NoClueBoy** I believe the problem was overcome by substituting the brine with a precise mixture of milk Ovaltine™ and Bosco™. The details are sketchy because most of this information remains classified to this very day. and let’s not forget this all important 19th Century France Death Ray Site [http://www.geocities.com/internet\_web\_surfer\_dude/raydemort.htm](http://www.geocities.com/internet_web_surfer_dude/raydemort.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/416 "2003-08-29T21:09:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Governor Quinn \* > \*\*It could fire while cloaked, but it wouldn’t be able to do both and move at the same time. As I recall, the only way you can fit the equipment needed for both cloaking and a death ray would be to remove the engine. At any rate, doing that’s not advised, as you would need an 8-hour charge for 10 minutes of combined cloaking/death ray operating. > > That said, I’ve never had the opportunity to test this for myself with a Tucker. \*\* I’ve been corresponding with a friend about the Brazilian Tucker, and he mentioned that the engine _had_ been pulled from the car, which leads me to believe that whomever is in possession of the car is planning on outfitting it with a cloak as well as the death ray. Additionally, **GQ** , IIRC, Nicky Tesla had designs for broadcast power equipment that was small enough to fit into a Tucker with the cloak and death ray installed. Also, Tucker himself had plans for building a car equipped with four small turbines nestled in the wheel wells to provide motive power for the vehicle. Correct me if I’m wrong, but such a configuration _would_ allow not only for the installation of a cloak and death ray, but also a recharge time of only a few minutes. ---
**Author:** ![frixxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@frixxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/frixxxx)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/417 "2003-08-29T21:26:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tuckerfan \* > \*\* > Additionally, **GQ** , IIRC, Nicky Tesla had designs for broadcast power equipment that was small enough to fit into a Tucker with the cloak and death ray installed. Also, Tucker himself had plans for building a car equipped with four small turbines nestled in the wheel wells to provide motive power for the vehicle. Correct me if I’m wrong, but such a configuration _would_ allow not only for the installation of a cloak and death ray, but also a recharge time of only a few minutes. \*\* Tesla did work on the design for that you are correct, but he couldn’t get R.E. Olds 1864 ~ 1950 to develop an assembly line to support this contraption which enraged Tesla to the point of insanity. The 1920’s style Death-Ray on wheels had a 2 minute 35 second recharge if the vehicle maintained a 35KPH. Alternately, if the Death-Ray was used independently, it had a 1 minute 48 second recharge rate. ---
**Author:** ![pqgenie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a183cd/32.png) [@pqgenie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pqgenie)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/418 "2003-08-29T21:38:50Z")
When I get back from vacation, the first thing I’m gonna do is to see if zhlf210 has any new posts. This is someone that knows how to ask a question. I salute you, one and all. ---
**Author:** ![Tars\_Tarkas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Tars\_Tarkas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tars_Tarkas)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/419 "2003-08-29T22:38:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by frixxxx \* > \*\*Hey Tars, > > I noticed the Mars location…they must still have 1920’s style internet access! \*\* Good thing we’re so close to earth now, i’m getting 2800 baud access!!! ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2003, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/420 "2003-08-29T23:53:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by frixxxx \* > **The 1920’s style Death-Ray on wheels had a 2 minute 35 second recharge if the vehicle maintained a 35KPH.** Is that the one with the supplemental flywheel? I can’t find my reference material and I want to keep the models straight. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879.md?page=20) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879.md?page=22)