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I have Just received the new releases from Magigadgets. The new version of Instant Radio really is the biz. The scanning and reset buttons and switches on the new flatter unit make for very easy channel searching and control. The volume is easily double that of the first version with no distortion when up full. A small pre-amp has been added to really make this the industry standard for such a prop. If you had any doubts about buying Version 1 because of the volume, this one is for you. Shahid has also added an extra little something to really "sell" the invisible radio concept.

The "Squeeker" for me will really be the prop I will get most out of. The pre-recorded digital chip delivers a very realistic sound of the traditional plastic prop we all have. The unit comes with the same soft touch switches for discrete operation as the Instant radio.

Do these props deliver value for money. Without a doubt. Highly recommended.

This is excellent news! The idea of the Instant Radio is brilliant and with added volume without the distortion of the older version, it must be perfect!

I really like the idea of teh squeaker...

I have just received the instant radio version 2 and spent the last 2 hours putting it in and trying to use it in my working suit.

It has already been thrown in the drawer of pap as the bit that turns it off and on in performance is too bulky in my fitted suit, is quite uncomfortable and I look like a flapping chicken with a stroke or the artful dodger when operating it.

No matter how I tried and tried to get it in the right place it either became more uncomfortable, more obvious or more flappy arm.

I almost threw it away in frustration. Shame as its a nice idea

Sorry to hear that Greedoniz. I have worn both at the same time (different arms!) for a short period of time, but that's a bit extreme. Mind you, I'm a toastmaster and get the chance to 'perform' in short bursts. The radio is great fun for 'tuning the microphone' and the 'squeaker' works well for testing the 'quality of the wine'. Top quality wines will squeak when you press the bottle (not many people know that!).

Are you wearing the extra cushion pad? if so, remove it, so you are less likely to set it off by accident. If you want to avoid flapping arms, try wearing the device on your belt and using your tummy muscles. You can always take a moment and unclip it from your belt and pop in your pocket when you've had enough. Have another go.

Waldorf is absolutely right in his advice and thinking.
It's almost impossible to NOT get this right.
A little patience is needed.
After-all it just goes under your arm (after adjusting it to suit you) and the rest is EASY.
Just tensing your muscle can activate it - so you don't need to FLAP your arm - as you so bluntly put it. No need what-so-ever.
Take a look at our demo Videos - no flapping of arms, infact not even a hint of awkward movement.

Please give it some patience, its not difficult.
However, if you've given up on it - then that's obviously up to you.
Sorry you feel that way.
Shame though, because as you say it is a great idea - one that is being used and praised by thousands of working magicians around the world.
Cheers!
Shahid Malik.
www.magigadgets.com

greedoniz wrote:... more uncomfortable, more obvious or more flappy arm.

Try keeping your arm still, but breath in, when you want it to switch on.

I played about with it for a little more and did get it to work but am going to sell it on bascially because it is bulkier than I thought it would be and pocket space for me is at a premium and cannot justify the loss of other effects in my routines for this one thing.

I also still find it a touch uncomfortable too

As a review I would say that if you have the pocket space available and dont have a particularly fitted suit then maybe it is worth looking at as the effect produced is "sound"

not a bad pun if I dont say so myself

I know you've made your mind up but for anyone else having similar problems I suppose you could wear a camera sleeve / mobile belt clip thing on your belt behind you for the main radio box. I understand the fitted jacket thing though, I'm sure it could be better made. Feels a bit flimsy wire-wise to me. The fact that the electric switch is in the place most people sweat from the most doens't help either. Plus I reckon a room full of wedding guests would render it unhearable.

I tried it at a wedding last week & had to hold it close to the ear of one person to hear. Not great but I suppose they'll be one situation at most gigs where it could be heard.

I like the idea of it being a 'throw away effect' like the broken & restored wine glass or elastic band. I suppose i'll keep at it & there's always the option of taking it out of the jacket for parts of the gig which is too loud.

I got this too and although it's very clever idea, the unit is bigger than I thought and a bit of a give away. To be honest I hoped it would be remote or something but it's not so having wires dangling your sleeve and a bulky bulge doesn't take much common sense to work out you have got some kind of radio hidden somewhere.
Also the instructions aren't written very clearly with just three poor diagrams so for someone like me who's a bit of an idiot, it's hard to make sense of the setting up. It wouldn't have cost much to put some photos in there.

Nice idea but not as practical or good as I hoped.