Magic Review - Mindscale by Illuminati

[@tommarquette9706]

They are such a supportive company, good people. If I was a worker I woud buy it in a second. It seems I am geared for one-on-one encounters, this would actually be overkill. Still amazing tech. Brave new world with such people in it.

[@magicorthodoxy]

agreed

[@guest3997]

Hi David, EXCELLENT REVIEW!!! Thorough, thoughtful, candid, informative and enjoyable! Thank you so much for all you do!!!! Your friend, David

[@magicorthodoxy]

Thank you kindly!

[@guest3997]

Hi David, as an addendum to my last note, I think the advantage of this is the card pad (then you can use your own deck without a shell) and the self-contained bowl. Those are great additions. Also of note, Soren Harbo put out a similar item/bowl years ago with an internal scale. It's all great! Thanks again for all you do! Your friend, David

[@magicorthodoxy]

THANK YOU !!!!

[@g.allenclarkejr.4539]

Hi David, Thanks for the review. This is cool, maybe for Christmas...

[@jimp711]

I have Dragonscale. It is an amazing item. Looking at Mindscale, it does seem to be the same with some extra features, like linking to some of their other devices, along with a Bowl and Close up Pad that you can purchase extra. I am VERY happy with Dragonscale and hoping that Penguin will continue to support it. Also my fingers are crossed that they also create a Close-Up Pad that will cover the scale. Great review as always!!!

[@magicorthodoxy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesedwards5702]

The first thing I'm gonna get is a very empty bank account!! It does look fantastic, though. Thank you for another great review, David. Take care, brother. You're the man!😊

[@magicorthodoxy]

You are so welcome!

[@Nurtech87]

Does the app support android smart watches? Also, do you think dragonscale will fit illuminati mat?

[@illuminatimagic]

We will be releasing the Android version in two weeks time for MindScale. The DragonScale will likely fit into the Close Up Mat, but I don't believe that DragonScale has the mounting holes to attach the Scale to the load plate (so without affixing the scale to the close up mat, then the close up mat would not be balanced when weight is applied).

[@donpepe9947]

Looks good but beyond my budget for now. Thanks David.

[@magicorthodoxy]

that's why I'm here

[@MarkDavies-s3g]

Thanks David. I have never come across anything like this before, so was interesting listening to your review. Not something I will be buying though, the price and add ons seem a bit steep too.

[@magicorthodoxy]

I understand

[@Nurtech87]

I also can't find the card mat on their website :/

[@illuminatimagic]

The close-up card mat is scheduled for release at Magic Live in August 2024, along with several other accessories for MindScale.

[@illuminatimagic]

Hi, Illuminati Magic will launch the close-up mat at Magic Live in August 2024.

[@JVic_JustJohn]

Thanks, David. Would have enjoyed a side-by-side comparison. The competing boxes look to be almost the same size. Any chance the bowl or mat can be used with DS? Can you get a peek on an Android watch? Peeksmith? Any sense of how battery life and range compare? Can the scale handle the special cards for which Phoenix is so famous?

[@rickcleveland310]

David, did you ever do a review for Menny Lindenfeld’s Hybnosis?

[@magicorthodoxy]

nope, sorry

[@rockgiant]

Looks like a more expensive version of dragon scale with less info. Thanks for the review.

[@illuminatimagic]

Hi @rockgiant We released MindScale the same month as Penguin Magic released DragonScale (albeit development started 18 months ago with MindScale). However, MindScale offers a comprehensive suite of features not available with DragonScale. Here are the key differences in greater detail: 1. Independence from Phones: MindScale: One of the significant advantages of MindScale is its ability to operate without the use of a phone. This provides magicians with more flexibility and freedom during performances. While MindScale can also integrate with a phone if needed, its ability to transmit results directly to devices like the Notifier and the Thumper without a phone ensures a faster and more reliable setup. This feature is particularly beneficial when phone use is impractical or unwanted. DragonScale: In contrast, DragonScale requires a phone to function, limiting its flexibility and potentially complicating the setup process. 2. Variety of Modes: MindScale: MindScale supports multiple modes of operation, making it an incredibly versatile tool. These modes include: Card Mode: Perfect for traditional card tricks supporting memorized and customized decks. Billet Mode: Ideal for tricks involving billets or small slips of paper. Same Weight Mode: This mode allows for tricks where the weight of objects is used, ensuring that all objects weigh the same. Different Weight Mode: Supports tricks involving objects of different weights. PenSense Mode: Detects and responds to the presence of a pen, which is useful for tricks involving writing or drawing. Kurotsuke Mode: Designed for tricks where objects must be differentiated by feel or other subtle cues. DragonScale: Primarily focused on card tricks, DragonScale lacks the versatility offered by the various modes of MindScale. 3. Advanced Functionality: MindScale: MindScale's advanced features make it smarter and more adaptable than its competitors. For example: You can assign specific values and times to objects, enabling complex tricks such as calculating the total value of coins taken from a bowl. Automatically setting the time on a magician's watch when a spectator takes an object adds an extra layer of sophistication to your performance. DragonScale: While it performs well for card tricks, it does not offer the same level of intelligent functionality and adaptability. 4. Extensive Integrations: MindScale: One of the most significant advantages of MindScale is its extensive range of integrations, which greatly enhance its capabilities: Scribe Integration: You can print out results as a prediction in your handwriting. For example, a spectator grabs a handful of candy, and within seconds, you produce a handwritten note with the exact number of pieces of candy. Photo Predictions: You can create a photo of yourself holding a card that the spectator cuts to, taken five minutes before they actually cut to it, adding a mind-blowing element of prediction to your performance. Automated SMS: MindScale can automatically send an SMS to a backstage assistant based on its activity. For instance, if a spectator cuts to a particular card or selects certain objects, the assistant can send an SMS to prepare the reveal, ensuring a seamless and coordinated performance. These features represent just a glimpse of what MindScale can do, setting it apart from DragonScale and making it a more versatile and powerful tool for magicians. MindScale’s comprehensive suite of functionalities and integrations enables magicians to deliver more sophisticated, flexible, and impressive performances.

[@magicorthodoxy]

Thanks for watching!

[@MoonyD911]

Is this not the same as Dragonscale that is sold by Penguin Magic?

[@magicorthodoxy]

yea

[@illuminatimagic]

Hi @moonyD99, We released MindScale the same month as Penguin Magic released DragonScale (albeit development started 18 months ago with MindScale). However, MindScale offers a comprehensive suite of features: 1. Independence from Phones: - MindScale: One of the significant advantages of MindScale is its ability to operate without the use of a phone. This provides magicians with more flexibility and freedom during performances. While MindScale can also integrate with a phone if needed, its ability to transmit results directly to devices like the Notifier and the Thumper without a phone ensures a faster and more reliable setup. This feature is particularly beneficial when phone use is impractical or unwanted. 2. Variety of Modes: - MindScale: MindScale supports multiple modes of operation, making it an incredibly versatile tool. These modes include: - Card Mode: Perfect for traditional card tricks, supporting both memorized and customized decks. - Billet Mode: Ideal for tricks involving billets or small slips of paper. - Same Weight Mode: Allows for tricks where the weight of objects is used, ensuring all objects weigh the same. - Different Weight Mode: Supports tricks involving objects of different weights. - PenSense Mode: Detects and responds to the presence of a pen for ColorMatch routines. 3. Advanced Functionality: - MindScale: MindScale's advanced features make it smarter and more adaptable than its competitors. For example: - You can assign specific values and times to objects, enabling complex tricks such as calculating the total value of coins taken from a bowl. - Automatically setting the time on a magician's watch when a spectator takes an object, adding an extra layer of sophistication to your performance. 4. Extensive Integrations: - MindScale: One of the most significant advantages of MindScale is its extensive range of integrations, which greatly enhance its capabilities: - Scribe Integration: You can print out results as a prediction in your handwriting. For example, a spectator grabs a handful of candy, and within seconds, you produce a handwritten note with the exact number of pieces of candy. - Photo Predictions: You can create a photo of yourself holding a card that the spectator cuts to, taken five minutes before they actually cut to it, adding a mind-blowing element of prediction to your performance. Automated SMS: MindScale can automatically send an SMS to a backstage assistant based on its activity. For instance, if a spectator cuts to a particular card or selects certain objects, the assistant can receive an SMS to prepare the reveal, ensuring a seamless and coordinated performance. These features represent just a glimpse of what MindScale can do.

[@MagicBricklayers]

The scale under the mat is a nice touch, but other then that it seems to fall short of the dragonscale. From having seen both reviews here, personally i will eventually get the dragon scale

[@magicorthodoxy]

👍👍👍

[@illuminatimagic]

Hi @magicbricklayers, We released MindScale the same month as Penguin Magic released DragonScale (albeit development started 18 months ago with MindScale). However, MindScale offers a comprehensive suite of features not available with DragonScale. Here are the key differences in greater detail: 1. Independence from Phones: MindScale: One of the significant advantages of MindScale is its ability to operate without the use of a phone. This provides magicians with more flexibility and freedom during performances. While MindScale can also integrate with a phone if needed, its ability to transmit results directly to devices like the Notifier and the Thumper without a phone ensures a faster and more reliable setup. This feature is particularly beneficial when phone use is impractical or unwanted. DragonScale: In contrast, DragonScale requires a phone to function, limiting its flexibility and potentially complicating the setup process. 2. Variety of Modes: MindScale: MindScale supports multiple modes of operation, making it an incredibly versatile tool. These modes include: Card Mode: Perfect for traditional card tricks supporting memorized and customized decks. Billet Mode: Ideal for tricks involving billets or small slips of paper. Same Weight Mode: This mode allows for tricks where the weight of objects is used, ensuring that all objects weigh the same. Different Weight Mode: Supports tricks involving objects of different weights. PenSense Mode: Detects and responds to the presence of a pen, which is useful for tricks involving writing or drawing. Kurotsuke Mode: Designed for tricks where objects must be differentiated by feel or other subtle cues. DragonScale: Primarily focused on card tricks, DragonScale lacks the versatility offered by the various modes of MindScale. 3. Advanced Functionality: MindScale: MindScale's advanced features make it smarter and more adaptable than its competitors. For example: You can assign specific values and times to objects, enabling complex tricks such as calculating the total value of coins taken from a bowl. Automatically setting the time on a magician's watch when a spectator takes an object adds an extra layer of sophistication to your performance. DragonScale: While it performs well for card tricks, it does not offer the same level of intelligent functionality and adaptability. 4. Extensive Integrations: MindScale: One of the most significant advantages of MindScale is its extensive range of integrations, which greatly enhance its capabilities: Scribe Integration: You can print out results as a prediction in your handwriting. For example, a spectator grabs a handful of candy, and within seconds, you produce a handwritten note with the exact number of pieces of candy. Photo Predictions: You can create a photo of yourself holding a card that the spectator cuts to, taken five minutes before they actually cut to it, adding a mind-blowing element of prediction to your performance. Automated SMS: MindScale can automatically send an SMS to a backstage assistant based on its activity. For instance, if a spectator cuts to a particular card or selects certain objects, the assistant can send an SMS to prepare the reveal, ensuring a seamless and coordinated performance. These features represent just a glimpse of what MindScale can do, setting it apart from DragonScale and making it a more versatile and powerful tool for magicians. MindScale’s comprehensive suite of functionalities and integrations enables magicians to deliver more sophisticated, flexible, and impressive performances.

[@The-Amazing-Anthony]

Thanks David. Not for me but interesting information about the tutorials being openly available

[@magicorthodoxy]

No worries!

[@duanedow1261]

But David, you are the card master… how do you not have any Phoenix decks??? 😮

[@magicorthodoxy]

🤣🤣🤣

[@daverothberg2624]

Absolutely…not for me🤷‍♂️ Thanks David 👍👍

[@magicorthodoxy]

I understand

[@mathmusicstructure]

I feel like I'd rather get Dragon Scale for all the Penguin teaching, but if I already had a bunch of illuminati stuff this would be a no brainer. Thanks for the review!

[@magicorthodoxy]

that's why i'm here !!!

[@indridcold2872]

500 dollar for a device that costs in production nothing more than 35 (made in China), pure opportunistic. No thanks.

[@magicorthodoxy]

Research and development, ingenuity and sourcing all costs money as well

[@illuminatimagic]

Hi, MindScale is manufactured in Perth, Western Australia (not China). Commercially, we take the development cost and the cost (plus the required product approvals), divide this by the number of expected sales, and then add the production cost plus the margin to allow for the ongoing support and maintenance of the product, which then determines the sale price. MindScale has a large volume of software integrations and a full-time software development team to support and enhance the features.

[@indridcold2872]

@@illuminatimagic Newaner Scales Digital Professional, 0.01 g - 500 g: 21 dollar. What exactly did you have to 'develop'???? Not that you had to re-invent a scale right? Still too expensive,

[@indridcold2872]

@@magicorthodoxy Yes nobody has invented the scale yet right? A lot of research and development to make a mini scale, which you can find for 21 Dollar anywhere. Still pure opportunistic.

[@nathanbuzza4231]

​@@indridcold2872 Please review the functionality of the platform to understand all the magic specific functionality, as the functions are extensive and specific for magic and mentalism. Here are some examples; 1. MindScale incorporates both a Bluetooth and ISM Band transmitter, which allows information to be communicated to the Notifier (a hand held peek device), without the requirement of connecting to a Smartphone. The technology means that it is not reliant on using a Smartphone to obtain the peek information. 2. There are highly specialied algorithims in place that are specific for magicians. For example, rather than just determining the weight difference, we can determine which object (and objects) have been taken or placed onto the table. Additionally, calculating the value of the coins taken in all the various combinations (the coins generates 10! (factorial) combinations. 3. The software incorporates a photo editor, which allow information from the scale to generate photorealistic images. So for example, a spectator can grab a handful of candy, and then we create a photorealistic image of the performer holding a handwritten note reflecting exactly which spectator has which number of candies (or any object). 4. We support all the common stacks, plus allow performer to create a custom stack and then download this to MindScale. 5. Handwritten predictions, based upon MindScale input, can be created. For example, you can print out (in your handwriting to emulate a Sharpie) a prediction. This could be which card has been cut to, how many objects have been removed, which (and who) took which object. All this information can be printed in your pocket as a revelation. 6. We can identify which Pens have been removed and then play audio annoucements via a spy earpiece to perform a ColorMatch style effect. 7. MindScale can be used to connect to The Stranger platform, which allows a Facetime call to be conducted, so based upon the activity on MindScale a remote confederate can perform the revelation for you. 8. Real Time Video predictions may be created, based upon activity on MindScale and downloaded to your photo library. So for example, a spectator could grab a handful of coins, then you play a video that you made weeks prior and the price of the ticket on the video, matches the handful of coins that they just selected. 9. MindScale also incorporates SMS Messaging. So information may be communicated to backstage assistants to prepare revelations for you. 10. You even assign different times to objects and when that object is removed, we automatically set the time on a Magician's Watch. This is a very small selection of functions that MindScale can perform - and why it is the go to effect for hundreds of internationally reknowned magicians around the world. The scale itself is only a very small portion of the overall ecosystem.

[@pinballwizard666]

Not for me. Thanks David..

[@magicorthodoxy]

👍👍👍