Grant Thompson, also known by the online moniker “The King of Random”, has posted a wildly popular video on YouTube in which he hacks an old, 50-inch TV to remove a plastic sheet from it for use as a “solar scorcher.”
Thompson’s “solar scorcher” device.
A bit more specifically, Thompson removed the TV’s front screen and separated the three parts that make up the component. Of the pieces, the TV’s Fresnel Lens displays a perfect ratio, Thompson notes, as it allows him to focus the sun’s rays onto a tiny spot or target.
The target spot which a TV’s Frensel lens creates.
When focused, the temperature on this spot reaches 2000 F which, as Thompson demonstrates, is hot enough to ignite wood, melt pennies, explode glass bottles, melt concrete, and more. Much more as a matter of fact.
An egg after it was exposed to Thompson’s DIY laser.
What’s particularly noteworthy about this project is the fact that when the lens is unfocused, it’s harmless. Only when it’s positioned right will it super-focus the sun’s light.
The following videos come from this project. The first is a demonstration on how Thompson hacked open the TV; after that is a 4-minute clip that shows Thompson burning various objects.
To see more of Grant Thompson’s projects, clear a few hours from your schedule to check out his website, thekingofrandom.com
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