# 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:** 9
**Author:** ![MonkeyMule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc348/32.png) [@MonkeyMule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MonkeyMule)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/161 "2003-08-18T00:15:12Z")
Henching is really the only way to move up the ladder to get access to all the labs and equipment that you need to be a true Mad Scientist, or evil genuis. I really think you should look in to it. Think about it, after a few short years you’ll be up to your armpits in 1920’s style death rays 😃 ---
**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 18, 2003, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/162 "2003-08-18T00:30:14Z")
Several more comments to make: 1. Electro has an outlet store on W.28th in NYC, or at least they did a month ago. 2. While it may help a little to know what you mean by “repeat-action”, Electro has made multi-shot death rays since 1927, North American and Rochester also have multi-shot as an option, and the Bowman, Tucker, and Barris, Carlin, & Barris I’ve mentioned before all can be used repeatedly before reloading. 3. Only 18% of all death ray buyers are either evil overlords or mad scientists. However, that number goes up to 70% of all users of 1920’s-style death rays. ---
**Author:** ![MonkeyMule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc348/32.png) [@MonkeyMule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MonkeyMule)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/163 "2003-08-18T00:47:44Z")
But why would anyone want to use anything **BUT** a 1920’s style death ray? ---
**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 18, 2003, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/164 "2003-08-18T00:57:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MonkeyMule \* > \*\*But why would anyone want to use anything **BUT** a 1920’s style death ray? \*\* There are several reasons why. 1. Quite a few of the 1920’s death rays had bad recoils. You’d end up flying backwards around 5 or 6 feet every tme you fired one. 2. Most of the 1920’s death rays (Electro death rays, which have been on the market since 1913, are the only major exception) were difficult to power, as they didn’t work on either batteries or AC/DC (no Bon Scott jokes, please). 3. Very few of the early death rays were portable. You usually needed a room, making them inconvient in many cases. 4. There’s an extreme risk of electricution with 1920’s death rays if they get wet. 5. Because of the multiple (and often short-lived) companied that were the norm in that era, the parts are not standardized, making them hard to repair. ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/165 "2003-08-18T01:46:56Z")
I had a link to a web ring for collectors of 1920’s style death rays, including tips on restoring an Arbogast Magnetrotron using parts from a Ryobi weed-eater, but I seem to have lost it. Perhaps if you Google on “Death Ray Collectors” you could find it. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_great_unwashed/32/4791_2.png) [@The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Great_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 8:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/166 "2003-08-18T08:24:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by VernWinterbottom \* > \*\*Poor Ray got left out there. > > A 1920s-style death ray is a death ray made in the style of a death ray made between 1920 and 1929. Generally Art Deco in design. \*\* Er, nope, I was imagining a ray-gun that delivered a “1920s-style death”, hence my question. ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/167 "2003-08-18T13:27:22Z")
[Zebra’s Grandfather] When I was a boy, we didn’t have any sort of fancy death rays. NO! WE had to shoot people with guns. And WE LIKED IT! [/Zebra’s Grandfather] [Zebra’s Dad] You’ll get my death ray when you pry it from my cold dead fingers! [/Zebra’s Dad] ---
**Author:** ![MonkeyMule](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc348/32.png) [@MonkeyMule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MonkeyMule)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/168 "2003-08-18T13:56:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by The Great Unwashed \* > \*\*Er, nope, I was imagining a ray-gun that delivered a “1920s-style death”, hence my question. \*\* Quit ruining our shtick with your perfect grammer! :wally ---
**Author:** ![heresiarch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/278dde/32.png) [@heresiarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/heresiarch)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/169 "2003-08-18T14:20:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by DocCathode \* > **Sadly, Edison Scientific is closed.** Were you perhaps thinking of [Edmund Scientific](http://scientificsonline.com/default.asp)? They still exist, online at least, and are ready to equip your overzealous (but non-evil) quest for knowledge. The 1920’s style death rays are , apparently, out of stock. ---
**Author:** ![t-keela](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a3d4f5/32.png) [@t-keela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/t-keela)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/170 "2003-08-18T14:24:31Z")
Could one of you guys send me or better yet, post a set of blueprints and specs. please? I need to construct me one of those tin-foil hats I’ve heard so much about. I’d give y’all my address but I’m afraid **they** would get it. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![pqgenie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a183cd/32.png) [@pqgenie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pqgenie)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/171 "2003-08-18T14:54:02Z")
I’m surprised nobody has mentioned the classic 1958-style death ray, the **Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator**. Sleek lines, fuel efficient… unfortunately the detonator was stolen by a pesky rabbit, and the research grant funds dried up. (Thanks to [http://www.gargaro.com/marvin.html](http://www.gargaro.com/marvin.html) for help with the spelling… and props to ( **zhlf210** for starting a great thread!) ---
**Author:** ![frixxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@frixxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/frixxxx)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/172 "2003-08-18T15:06:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by t-keela \* > \*\*Could one of you guys send me or better yet, post a set of blueprints and specs. please? > > I’d give y’all my address but I’m afraid **they** would get it. :eek: \*\* In regards to the 1920’s style “Death Ray” the hat is optional under package C only. However, the tin-foil hat instructions are as follows: 1. Go to the store and purchase one roll duct tape and one small roll of “Reynolds Wrap®” Note: Generic brands of tin-foil are not acceptable. Duct tape can be any make or style. 2. Upon returning home, grab flashlight and go into closet for privacy. 3. Use tape measure to determine circumference of head. 4. Tear three sheets at double the above length. 5. Fold sheets in half Shiny side up (double protection). 6. Using duct tape as a fastener, mold one sheet to the crown, tape the other two sheets to each side. Note: Remember that more krinkles in tin-foil provide extra protection and deflective properties. 7. Form brim to reflect rays up and away from head. 8. Apply second layer of duct tape for extra strength. 9. Repeat instructions for spare hat. That should cover it, er I mean, provide protection. ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_B.Phart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc29f/32.png) [@Capt\_B.Phart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_B.Phart)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/173 "2003-08-18T16:21:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by The Great Unwashed \* > \*\*Er, nope, I was imagining a ray-gun that delivered a “1920s-style death”, hence my question. \*\* If fact, when I pull the trigger on my Pheaton-Sprule “Magestic IV” disnitigrater the victim goes black and white (and slightly jerky), a large car filled with snappily-dressed mobsters drivers past (wise-cracking silently) and fills him fulla lead Makes a real headache for forensics ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_B.Phart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc29f/32.png) [@Capt\_B.Phart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_B.Phart)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/174 "2003-08-18T16:28:39Z")
Sometimes they just drive past instead ---
**Author:** ![The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_great_unwashed/32/4791_2.png) [@The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Great_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/175 "2003-08-18T16:58:23Z")
Right, and is that when they all die of TB? ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_B.Phart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc29f/32.png) [@Capt\_B.Phart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_B.Phart)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/176 "2003-08-18T17:23:25Z")
Cholera actually, (TB was the Magestic III) ---
**Author:** ![Severian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@Severian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Severian)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2003, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/177 "2003-08-18T20:52:35Z")
I was hoping **Dogface** would tell us what he thinks. ---
**Author:** ![Baggins111](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9fc29f/32.png) [@Baggins111](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baggins111)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2003, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/178 "2003-08-19T00:14:14Z")
Looks like I picked the wrong week for giving up 1920’s style death rays. ---
**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 19, 2003, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/179 "2003-08-19T00:14:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by pqgenie \* > \*\*I’m surprised nobody has mentioned the classic 1958-style death ray, the **Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator**. \*\* It actually was manufactored from 1947 to 1951, and the Illudium Death-Ray Corporation was out of business by 1958. Not to mention that it’s the least effective death ray in history, and that’s counting the early ones. ---
**Author:** ![Fatwater\_Fewl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/4491bb/32.png) [@Fatwater\_Fewl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fatwater_Fewl)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2003, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879/180 "2003-08-19T02:04:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MonkeyMule \* > an approved evil over **load** Ah, this is in reference to the special heavy-duty capacitors which made the 1920’s style “Death Rays” the weapon of choice amongst evil geniuses and their henching minions everywhere. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-scalar-weapons-for-real/192879.md?page=10)