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Howdy n hi. Yet another query about engineering stuff:

 

We've been fidgeting with the idea of a program where people would get to
take tools and take apart various machines (TVs, speakers, pagers, VCRs,
hard drives etc) and see what's inside. Initial testing looks promising -
those neodymium magnets in computer hard drives sure are boss!

 

But I wanted to consult my more mechanically minded cohorts about the
potential hazards of this activity. I know that some contraptions have
capacitors whose charge needs to be drained. It was pointed out to be that
some devices might also contain hazardous materials one might not want to be
mucking about with.

 

Any safety advice from those who have done this kind of thing?

 

Soon to be underwater,

Jonah Cohen

Outreach and Public Programs Manager

The Sci... er... The Children's Museum

 

I cannot stress enough that nearly without exception one cannot randomly
combine a collection of circuitry and power supplies into an object and
"accidentally discover" that it is a fully functioning death ray. I speak
here from bitter experience.

-James Kakalios, "The Physics of Super Heroes"

 


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