talkmagic.co.uk

Hey Folks how are we all???

I have been hearing some very mixed reactions about this "Electric" Touches. The one that I have seen, doesn't actually shock people, and when the guy contacted the company they said it was to do with atmospheric conditions etc... and that by getting them right, that would make it work. This person has then done everything that they recommended including getting the device fitted into a shoe properlly and still nothing... Well almost nothing.... I mean it will perform the magnetised balloon type effects etc but frankly thats about it. Isn't this supposed to give the participant a shock??? Because quite frankly this one doesn't even tickle - I personally couldn't even feel it!

The unit was replaced for a new one and it is still no better. According to the manufacturer its all to do with the altitude and atmospheric conditions that you are performing at!!!! What are you supposed to do.... Climb bloomin Everest in order to perform????

I would appreciate some feedback on your experiences on this and whether or not it has been working properly for you and if you think that it is worth the money etc.....

Thanks

Scotty

In very general terms, if the device is intended to generate static electricity and then have you shock people with it, I can definitely see how it's very sensitive to atmospheric conditions and other issues.

If the weather's damp, you won't be able to hold the charge -- it'll "leak" out into the surrounding atmosphere. This is a well-known physics phenomenon. This is why you can scuff your feet on the carpet in summer, and you won't shock anyone, but try it in winter, when (at least here) it's cold and dry, and you'll get a very different effect.

However, if despite trying it in a dry area, isolated from good conductors, you don't get a charge -- then I'd say the unit is defective.

Thanks for your input on this mate... He has tried it in many different areas etc.... They did actually ask if it was being used on Hard Floor or Carpet etc... however it has been attempted on various different surfaces. I would have thought it would be defective to, however the company don't seem to think so. Doesn't really say much for their product if two units sent one after the other are both defective does it???

I mean if you watch the video that goes with it... that is a definate reaction to some sort of shock!

Scotty

Could be a design issue. I've not seen the device, but I have some ideas on how it's done. Maybe there aren't enough electrons being transferred to give your friend a nice solid electrical field?

And yes, there would be a difference between carpet and hard floor, even at the best of times. Sounds to me like maybe this is more trouble than it's worth?

I hope to be posting my review within the next few days...last bits of testing to do!

Looking forward to it

Picking up from another thread (as Tom appearts to have done), there appears to be some similarities between Electric Touch and Shocking as both seem to have the same issues surrounding use and atmospheric conditions.

i don't pretend to know anything about these devices or physics for that matter but judging from the feeback seen so far this may be a concern, particularly as the sales pitch for both seems to completely skip over these issues.

I'll wait for Tom's review and read with some interest, as I'm sure that many who are interested in these effects will also do.

I am still slightly confused as to why you'd want to shock someone... yeah the 'stealing a thought' idea is nice.. but do you really need to deliver a defrib to someone to get that effect ??? and does the walking around in big rubber bottomed wellies give the secret away!???

Simply shocking people isn't the entire effect for me. Thats the SIDE effect...

Transferring a thought along with a startling static SNAP along with it is cool...very cool...as is lighting a flourescent bulb, making loose tobacco or pepper leap about on a table top, causing confetti or shreds of gum wrapper to dance and I have heard that bending a thin stream of water is a possibility...that would be very cool.

Everyone knows that static electricity exists and knows just what it feels like. Electric Touch gives you just that feeling. Everyone also knows that once you touch someone and the static is dispersed you don't get a second zap...well they thought they knew that. What do they think when they touch your finger, get nothing a couple of times and then SNAP...you pick up an image from their mind! How weird is that, especially when you explain that you create this static phenomenon when you concentrate very hard, pick up thoughts or feelings or exert any kind of mental effort...etc. etc.

It's a lot more than "shuffle, shuffle...c'mere...ZAP!!! OWW! Mummy..."

Sounds cool but I'm still worried about the safety! I mean, if I know I can't do it on someone with a pacemaker then that's not going to be very reassuring if I ever actually wanted to try it!

Kati

How many people of the age group that you mostly perform to are likely to have a pacemaker?

We're talking about a static shock, not a full mains blast. I would seriously doubt that this would pack enough punch to have any impact on a pacemaker and you're just as likely to get a static shock from a carpet, from the car and a whole host of other everyday items.

The main thing to find out to start with is whether the darn thing works. Judging from a number of posts it's quite tempremental.

If (and I'm waiting for Tom's review) you can also reliably charge metal items, there's also fun to be had with that. Take a knife, fork & spoon and tell them you will suggest to them in a minute that one of them is dangerous to touch. Handle them all freely, allow the spec to do so too. touch the fork and declare it safe, have the spec pick it up. Touch the knife declare it safe and have it picked up. Now strike a faux hypnotic pose, put a single finger on the spoon and suggest that the spoon is too dangerous to pick up. The spec will try anyway and get a small zap that "can't be explained" through physics as you've both previously handled it plus you've just touched the knife and fork to no effect. Let them wonder about that and your powers of suggestion.

Just something I came up with - I'm sure it can be improved on.

dat8962 wrote:How many people of the age group that you mostly perform to are likely to have a pacemaker?

True .

I did email ellusionist though and they aren't safe for pacemakers. I get your point though . Still, it would be really REALLY fun to have one!

Kati

Thinking back to the discussions of the M5, can new 1p and 2p coins hold a charge?

Does anyone know the effect "the electric man"?
http://www.arrakis.es/~eduher/electricman.htm

THE ELECTRIC MAN is a platform that allows, yourself or your helper, to stand a voltage of 130.000 V. A so high voltage that can not penetrate the body and travels just over the skin without any risks for the performer.

Thanks to this sophisticated system, only available in the best science laboratories, you will be able to light up one or several fluorescent tubes, a torch, flash lamps, matches, etc. (these items are optional).

Guaranteed, there is no risks.

See also our new improved version: AURA

http://www.maaagic.com/ent_mentalism.htm

It sounds very similar to "electric touch" but is older, bigger and costs almost four times so much.