What’s That? (77)

26 responses to “What’s That? (77)”

1. 

   Automatt

   Nov 21, 2007 at 5:21 am

   looks like a microwave emitter or maybe collector – radar detector?

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2. 

   jurvetson

   Nov 21, 2007 at 5:23 am

   wow… I thought this one would go fast given the geek-spectrum-shift of the subscribers to this feed… but wow, within just 2 minutes and 15 views, you basically have it. How about the structure on the left?

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3. 

   Automatt

   Nov 21, 2007 at 5:32 am

   Hooray! Those microwave horns can be very distinctive.

   My guess for the structure on the left would be some kind of photosensor for detection of that laser-based speed sensing (LIDAR?)

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4. 

   jurvetson

   Nov 21, 2007 at 5:42 am

   Bingo Automatt, fastest gun in the West.

   This is an Escort Solo RADAR and LIDAR detector. The infrared laser detector is on the left, and the microwave horn on the right is the antenna for the superheterodyne radar receiver. The piping and structures remind me of bushy-eyebrowed microwave engineers at HP.

   Police radar guns are detected with a radio receiver similar to an AM/FM radio but tuned to the frequency range used for Doppler-shift radar: X, K, and Ka band.

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5. 

   Automatt

   Nov 21, 2007 at 5:46 am

   This is the second puzzle I’ve gotten in your series(!!) I’d like to dedicate this bit of geekery to young Chase, eight days old today.

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6. 

   jurvetson

   Nov 21, 2007 at 5:49 am

   Whoa. My son turned eight yesterday.

   Cheers to the GeekDad!

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7. 

   nels1

   Nov 21, 2007 at 5:49 am

   damn…and i thought this was a sperm receptacle for robots…

   oh well… 🙂

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8. 

   davidmccabe

   Nov 21, 2007 at 5:51 am

   Are you sure it’s not a computerized cowbell?

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9. 

   jurvetson

   Nov 21, 2007 at 5:54 am

   ah yes, a striking resemblance to the last puzzle…

   

   Reply
10. 

    !MimosaMicheMichelle!

    Nov 21, 2007 at 6:12 am

    Oh, I missed a chance to guess. The answer comes too fast. Well,one has a chance to learn anyway. I enjoy discovering the secrets inside things. merci
    Happy birthday to the birthday boys.

    Reply
11. 

    TomOwen

    Nov 21, 2007 at 6:32 am

    Saw the Radar detector at first glance… my smile faded as I scrolled to see the puzzle was solved long before I got here…. Good one Steve… tmo

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12. 

    !MimosaMicheMichelle!

    Nov 21, 2007 at 6:41 am

    A full 24 hour delay would be greatly appreciated and encourage others to participate in this fun quiz. 🙂

    Reply
13. 

    Automatt

    Nov 21, 2007 at 7:20 am

    Sorry, I guess I was excited that I knew the answer. These things usually completely baffle me.

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14. 

    The Rocketeer

    Nov 21, 2007 at 10:57 am

    Oh, darn…. I knew what it was at first glance when I saw the horn and the detector. My first "electronics" job was assembling radar detectors in Dallas, Texas. The model I assembled was called "Bird Dog".

    Good puzzle, Steve.

    Reply
15. 

    TomOwen

    Nov 21, 2007 at 1:15 pm

    @Automatt: I know the feeling. Right place (page) right time with right info. Congrats again on Chase. Tmo

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16. 

    A Tout Le Monde

    Nov 21, 2007 at 3:18 pm

    Way too easy Steve!

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17. 

    madrigar

    Nov 21, 2007 at 3:34 pm

    Maybe email the answer if you are sure you know it and within the first 24 hours or so?

    Reply
18. 

    jurvetson

    Nov 21, 2007 at 5:05 pm

    The problem here was not Automatt’s fast answer; it was just too easy a puzzle. What was I thinking? Becoming a softie for Thanksgiving perhaps…. I had a close-up of just the inner workings of the horn… that might have been a bit more obscure…

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19. 

    TomOwen

    Nov 21, 2007 at 7:21 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving… Softie 😉

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20. 

    Happy Tinfoil Cat

    Nov 21, 2007 at 11:30 pm

    I have a group called What am I and the main rule is not to confirm the answer in the first day at least. Keeps up the excitement. Well, as much as can be mustered in a tiny little lifeless group. ;^)

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21. 

    avlxyz

    Nov 22, 2007 at 5:42 am

    it’s hard to resist confirming correct answers!
    Automatt is right, microwave horns are very easy to spot 🙂

    Reply
22. 

    drona

    Nov 22, 2007 at 11:46 pm

    "Happy Thanksgiving Softie?!" Happy Birthday to the son too!

    Reply
23. 

    caitlinburke

    Nov 23, 2007 at 1:00 am

    Well, I was going to make up something really ridiculous, but since everyone is all "too easy, game over," I just feel silly.

    Reply
24. 

    jurvetson

    Nov 23, 2007 at 3:45 am

    go for it.

    Reply
25. 

    fair bear

    Nov 24, 2007 at 9:59 pm

    Belated kudos to Nel for his "robotic sperm receptacle" comment 🙂

    K

    Reply
26. 

    dapolishmobster

    Aug 29, 2008 at 8:09 pm

    mini horn! lol

    Reply