Who said old TVs were useless? Analog televisions can be transformed into solar-powered DEATH RAYS that will burn anything in its path at 2,000F

solar-cooked beer

Old, useless analog televisions can be transformed into solar-powered DEATH RAYS that will burn anything in its path at 2,000F. “The beam of concentrated solar power is so strong it can not only boil water in seconds but also burn its way through the glass bottle in which the liquid is contained.” An excellent weapon – just make sure the sun is shining when the enemy attacks. Hey, isn’t it time we had a national conversation about old TV control?

Bonfire of the Absurdities: After 35 year career writing software for IBM mainframes, am now self-employed contractor thinking of joining a union and striking for higher wages. Cured morbid fear of heights when I learned to look at them as lengths standing on end. Uncompromising in refusal to accept browser cookies. Amateur investor who has accumulated a small fortune in the market after starting out years ago with a large one. For recreation, I run, hike, kayak and play tennis but will not consider synchronized swimming under any circumstances.

View Comments (5)

  • I'll be looking for one of those, a good way to heat up a crucible to melt some lead ingots for casting some slugs.

  • Interesting but hardly astonishing -- Fresnel lenses -- lighthouses use them to direct their light into tight beams visible for 25+ miles. And though the "free" part of salvaging a big ol' Fresnel out of a TV is attractive, I'm sure they're commercially available too.

  • Now I know EXACTLY what to do this weekend.. (and what to do with the old unused box in the boy's room)