Ultimate HERF Gun- Directional Microwave Blaster!

A little over a month ago the Science Center of Iowa asked me if I could build something that could cook bacon in a fun and educational way for their Bacon Fest Junior. I then built this microwave gun! It uses a special antenna called a magnetron to create powerful high energy radio waves that can heat fats and water and also transfer power wirelessly! During the event I was even interviewed about it for the local channel 5 news!
I would like to thank the science center for donating the microwave oven and for giving me the opportunity to talk to people about interesting subjects like this! I would also like to thank Mac Siruta and Jay Curts for their help and contributions to this project!
The song is 'Still Alive' by Jonathan Coulton: www.jonathancou...
I do not own this song. I just believe it is a great song and during the construction of this project this song became the theme due to the resemblance of the gun from the portal games from which this song came.
If you have not played the portal games I highly recommend them!
HERF is an acronym for; High Energy Radio Frequency

[@katsatomigaming4460]

THE SOUND OF THE GUN ON THE CD FIXED MY RIGHT SPEAKER :D THANK YOU

[@michaelmule4582]

BRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[@KeystoneScience]

I love it!

[@KeystoneScience]

I built a microwave gun about a year ago, what schematic are you using?

[@virtualgod3324]

I saw ur comment at EMP video

[@jordanlapointe8207]

Keystone Science hey buddy!

[@timothyreheht6485]

interesting...

[@hoid6126]

ubuntu unity is immune to all attack.

[@bsdjail]

ubuntu fell off

[@WhatIsMatter101]

Ubuntu has adware.

[@solomonlocke8175]

You need to get a radiofrequency meter to measure your exposure.

[@jujuteuxOfficial]

so it's like a cooking gun, you can cook fries, steak, your friend's face, your cat, make boil the water, bug the tv, boild inside and out your cat, and many more useful tricks

[@carterpeel625]

2:10 it was so ironic that the "delicious and moist" part was at the same time they did bacon!!! xD

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

This device produces non ionizing radiation and therefore cannot cause cancer. Microwave radiation or mwr is a type of light that has a wavelength that is longer and less energetic than visible light. It sees most materials as "clear" and is able to pass through but sees water and fats as "black" to it and is absorbed. It's energy is then transfered to that water and fat. The atoms of each begin to become energetic and vibrate. That vibration is perceived as heat. This is how a microwave oven heats your food. This cannot cause cancer. Mwr is less energetic than visible light. Visible light is less energetic than x-ray or gamma radiation. x-ray and gamma radiation can cause cancer because their wavelength is energetic enough to knock electrons from atoms creating isotopes. In this way they can alter your dna causing cancer. this is why you were a lead vest when getting an x-ray at the doctor. Microwave radiation on the other hand cannot do this. The distance this energy can travel is limited. The energy emmited from this device is limited in range by the law of inverse squares. The power of the beam is inversely proportional to the square of the distance of the target. Although this device seems very powerful when things are close to the waveguide at any distance none of these effects can be observed. this is due to the loss of power over a distance. My daughter who was outside the door up the stairs from where I was at, was not in any danger. in fact she was likely receiving more radiation from natural sources than she was from my device at any given time. Although this device cannot cause cancer, and is limited in range, it is still incredibly dangerous. Some of the actual hazards associated with this device are: mwr can penetrate into your body causing internal burns on deep tissue. It could boil watery parts of your body such as your eyes, bladder, heart, and testicles. the Internals are high voltage and therefore present all the hazards of any high voltage system. The insulator inside the magnetron is made from beryllium oxide which can be crushed into a powder that CAN cause cancer if inhaled but is safe in a solid (non powdered) form. Also mwr can cause damage to electronic devices and can cause issues to people with pace makers. Think emp because that's basicly what it is.

[@UZI9MMAUTO]

Actually yes it doesnt ionize our cells. However newer research has shown microwave damages our LAAM. Which in turn replicates those damaged proteins into cancers.

[@warden1s304]

Troy Powers if you can build a cannon That generates HEAT and sends out rays of heat

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

BX StopMotionYT heat itself is electromagnetic radiation of a different wavelength than microwave. Most of the time it is radiation in the infrared wavelengths of the spectrum and we can not see it but sometimes it is in the visible wavelengths like when a piece of metal is red hot. If you want a heat cannon I have used some pretty powerful heat guns for different projects. They are almost like really powerful hair dryers.

[@RG-xw5up]

Troy Powers did you intend to irradiate your family home

[@warden1s304]

Troy Powers i see

[@mattinator4567]

I will buy it for $3000. nothing beats well cooked enemy.

[@VincentBalmont]

buy it for $3000 when u can make it for $50?

[@mayaapatite7059]

Lets not get into market talk. Ask him to mass-produce or build some on his spare

[@jordanlapointe8207]

I loved the effort you put into the project! however, having kids in the background is kinda terrifying, cook your own liver and testicles, no worries, but don't risk anyone else.

[@TheUnclestein]

In theory you could use rotating magnetic field around the output, either using coils or a rotating magnetic ring. If set up correctly It will spin the microwaves into a vortex and allow you to focus the beam. You could then fit a small alignment laser.........

[@flynnt77]

How about some stepper motor housings? Remove the rotating internals, hook a few of the hollow shells together in a line using all-thread or long bolts, then hook them up in series to a single stepper controller. Experiment with the rotation speed until the desired effect is achieved. A little bonus would be that the aluminum housings themselves would act as a waveguide, with the rotating electromagnetic field further concentrating the beam. Would that work?

[@pikaland3852]

The HERF gun Looks like it could actually fit in the portal games so I'm going to put what I think the dialogue would be in the portal games if this was added. Glad0s: Go up to the pedestal and grab the Aprichure science prototype handheld Microwave Cannon otherwise named, The HERF.

[@rtruth7002]

Sadly amazing channels like this rarely get the views they deserve.

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

Awe thanks! I know I don’t make a ton of content but what I do make usually only gets a couple hundred views. I’m just not on the algorithms good side. At this point when I do make videos it’s just for those true followers so they can see a bit of what I’m doing.

[@microponics2695]

Nothing happened with the monitor because the LCD isn't sensitive to microwaves also most monitors are lit from the sides

[@haraldlindohf4032]

You sir, are wonderfully insane!

[@furycat28]

GLaDOS: "Introducing, the Aperture Science Microwave Gun. Please do not put any part of your body or electronics in front of the nozzle otherwise, they will fry. Please use responisbly."

[@54l68l65l20l47l61l6D]

Awesome execution; this is the best-looking HERF gun I've ever seen. The leds were also a rational choice. :P

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

Thank you very much! I figure if your going to put the effort into making something, why not make it look awesome!

[@jimmyc928]

This seems like a really efficient way to cool bacon.

[@thepretenda]

Basically if he comes running at you and the whole thing is humming and you can smell cooked bacon - YOU SHOULD PROBABLY RUN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION!

[@notachair4757]

A weapon to surpass metal gear

[@Mekazas]

Awesome video and I love the song. It's very appropriate. Portal rocks!

[@maksymiliandudzinski1209]

and we are ready for an terminator apocalypse!

[@valrowell6214]

What I like here is that, firstly you are clearly a Genius, but still one of us Normals.. After cooking bacon with it I would probably also hold a lightbulb in front of it with my bare hands too.. ;) Welcome back aboard

[@Wildminecraftwolf]

You don't need to be a genius to do this rip- I built one in 2 days with barley any prior knowledge

[@TheTrumanZoo]

if microwaves move through glass, can they be focused to get a further vocal point by using a lens? light waves are bundled, maybe micro waves can be bundled as well? normal microwaves diffuse the transmitted electrons, id like to know if it could work as a focused beam, same like lasers are focused basically?

[@vasile-florinelmohora5766]

Unlike light, microwaves cannot be bent by glass. They can, however be redirected with aluminium foil or any type of aluminium (Any type of shiny metal works but Aluminium is cheap, easy to find and usually works the best)

[@TheChipMcDonald]

"It can't give you cancer, so you're safe" - Dunning Kruger hanging out with Darwin.

[@WS-gw5ms]

Can you please set up a grid of florescent tubes so we can see the beam shape and possible wave?

[@jaymeselliot8181]

i love that high voltage 'wub' its a trope cause its REAL

[@APH1able]

Impressive, but I just hope you take great care; I can here that there is children near by. This invisible power comes with great responsibility: you are truly able to be radically innovative! Best wishes.

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

+sebastian hennings Im actually safer than it probobly seems. My daughter was outside yelling to me down the stairs through the screen door. I thought about editing it out to stop people from worrying but the sound of the gun on that particular clip was pretty sweet. Thanks for the comments though! Its appreciated!

[@bryanschaffer566]

Ever test that on seed germination? If a couple of seconds of that would render a seed unable to germinate, it could be worth a lot of money to farmers.

[@redhawk7812]

All I can think about is the hall of microwaves from Metal Gear Solid 4.

[@volkswag12]

Put this up against a Decepticons head and watch them have a stroke.

[@BlackWolf42-]

suddenly, the neighbor on the other side of the wall; his wifi stopped working...

[@justred2337]

PORTAL PUN: DANGER! don't look at the operational end of the machine, it will melt your face!

[@acorgiwithacrown467]

Huh, well that's a good way of getting an A at a science fair.

[@ThinkingBetter]

My guess this gun can fry a few things other than food such as smart phones, Wifi routers and other stuff with 2.4GHz antennas or just parts that can capture 2.4GHz.

[@thegoodhen]

1:20 I approve of the twilight pillow! (Absolutely crazy contraption to build though!).

[@FreiNrg]

What is the effective fluorescent light excitation range on this device? Also are you powering it through the mains, or do you have a battery power option through an inverter?

[@mayaapatite7059]

I needed something that could fry cams lols

[@Elfnetdesigns]

So doing this around kids is a good idea? With a good 3d printer you can actually make the parts for a portal gun or turret.

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

Previous comments already talk about that and explain how I made it as safe as possible by using a water filled shield. Also I have a 3d printer but I still enjoy making things by hand. I didn't intend this to be an exact replica of the portal gun otherwise it would actually look like the portal gun. It was after it was being constructed that the portal gun similarities were pointed out, mostly due to the color scheme.

[@masonsykes2240]

This is one of the most amazing things I think I've ever seen.

[@danknuggets5436]

I didn't realize herf guns could do Tesla coil stuff and here I've been using them just to burn stuff

[@homeopathicfossil-fuels4789]

music made me cringe but then i realised how somewhat fitting it is neat gun

[@matthewboyd8689]

So, you can turn things on with this. Is it a dangerous remote control or a Sonic Screwdriver?

[@_ZEUS_-qb2pz]

First I thought, "oh my god it can cook stuff!" Then remembered it was a microwave...

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

+Shim Sladey its interesting because, although a microwave oven itself is actually pretty fascinating we just dont think about it that way because over the years we have become accustomed to its presence in our kitchens. Seeing the mechanism behind the oven, in a form like this, helps remind us how amazing the things around us really are.

[@leafyhat1101]

Awesome video,this herv gun is OP

[@pew8208]

how did u powered up the transformer without power outlet? what kind of battery and inverter u used ?

[@Nikolonsat]

Did you try it against drones?

[@danz409]

dangerus AF... very intresting. i would keep this FAR from anyone that may not know what it is...

[@joelvelezjv76]

it could be smaller, hook a large batter back pack and a small lead painted shutter door to the front for concentrated wave.

[@thafff]

FCC must have become your best friend. Nice job though, that HERF gun looks great.

[@mwbgaming28]

what does the FCC have to do with it? its a microwave gun not a radio

[@thafff]

Microwaves _are_ EMFs which frequency is between 300MHz & 300GHz (1mm < λ < 1m). Domestic microwave ovens operate around 2.45GHz. They are defined as a "Consumer ISM Equiment" under Title 47 CFR Part 18 (more precisely, §18.107). FCC has to do with these. Definitely. #KnowYourLawsKid When you build yourself an HERF Gun, it falls under Title 47 CRF Part 15, and provisions of §15.5 and §15.23 for "Home-built devices" applies to it. www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f32c8785233eaf9edeca088886d148a2&mc=true&node=pt47.1.15&rgn=div5#se47.1.15_123

[@mwbgaming28]

thank fuck i live in australia where acma doesnt give a shit if i build a microwave gun (i just have the police to worry about)

[@potatofaaan3822]

I hope that you can do experimental in more suitable area. That's kinda dangerous with so many easy to burn material around.

[@tonystark2064]

This is an amzing idea man my dad built thease in high school not handheld though stand up this stuff can kill people any ideas or suggestions on building theases?

[@nikonikonio3230]

The music and the microgun/wavegun ❤

[@suruxstrawde8322]

See, as cool as energy weapons are they'll always be less energy efficient than just shooting things with large projectiles instead of subatomic particles or waves. Still useful of course, but not more efficient.

[@feralbigdog298]

How is it at making popcorn?

[@edg6779]

to everyone saying cancer no cancer, its non-ionizing

[@acoolfox560]

It looks very hard to build one but it is actually very simple you need a big ass transformer and attach it to a tin cans then put it on a long stick. Oh and you also bed the microwave converter

[@dominicestebanrice7460]

Nice! Do you have the expertise to design the waveguide dimensions or was there some trial and error?

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

Thanks! You know it’s funny because I’m not sure. I think I have enough knowledge to say I have the expertise but since there is always something more to learn and always someone to learn it from it’s hard to tell. I have studied electromagnetic radiation of all types for almost 20 years. I also have a good background in electronics and mechanical engineering. I also teach courses on electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems currently. I read quite a bit about the topic directly before designing the wave guide and studied every one I could find. I came up with this one based on my reading, notes, and thoughts on the matter. The first one I made of this shape is the one used. I tried a few other angles with the same shape but this one had the most power over distance in minor testing over the course of a few days. Almost all of the waveguides were welded by my friend Jay who did an awesome job welding the thin metal do dads I brought to him. Thanks Jay! I had limited time to construct this piece as I was building it for a bacon themed event at the science center of Iowa. It was revealed at the science center along with one that used a backpack power supply. Along with a huge chunk of my other projects, these have been shown at events annually there for almost a decade, although they don’t get turned on and used at events and rarely ever at all anymore.

[@experimentsengineering2623]

Now the real question is whether it causes or cures cancer

[@juancamilomartinezfranco1190]

Neither

[@cherylm2C6671]

Be safe- please!

[@YoungPhysicistsClub1729]

epic product but you could have lost the music in the pats where you were testing

[@retsu9347]

the music enhances the experience

[@ArthurTondo]

i fucking love all portal's songs

[@LifeasAchosenone]

My enemies are hitting me with direct energy weapons from across the street something similar to this

[@josedourado3747]

great now you can be a ghost buster, or build a radar

[@giacomovicenzi657]

The screen resisted the microwaves due to the fact they're normally in a Faraday cage, right?

[@andrewkoch4213]

TRUE!!!

[@charleshall9629]

The screen resisted because it just created a magnetic field between the two. Power on power makes a magnetic field. Microwaves cannot penetrate a magnetic field. However a emf field is also dangerous.

[@DuskyIsBored]

1:31 Dat pillow though only that gun in the hands of a madman

[@PokeWaffles]

I read the title as "Ultimate NERF Gun"

[@whitemousegary]

Oh please, next time, play safe. Other than the safety issue, it's fun.

[@ronaldbloodworth7421]

I'm gonna make a pistol version just to cook bacon

[@blowingchannel4424]

That's really cool but please be careful with that thing

[@lugiakane470]

Never put your hand in front of it

[@hubzcaps]

fukin badass dude...dig that waveguide...

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

Thanks. I'm proud of the waveguide. Tried several different ones and this one worked the best and got the most distance and power.

[@mistermaster1945]

does it harm your hand?? you just hold a bulb in front of it??

[@frycopy2746]

the WunderWaffe DG-2 from zombies is real...

[@octavegalibert2160]

when you see what happen to bacon why you keep puting your hand front of it ?

[@ashtonyaklin6836]

The Bacon was exposed to the microwaves way more than his hand was. you can see the video was sped up when the bacon was being cooked.

[@LugariusReloaded1]

Ubuntu succeeded in microwave testing.

[@michaeld954]

out of curiosity what would happen if you point that at a power full magnet

[@stuckonaslide]

sadly Microwave lasers are banned in warfare

[@HobkinBoi]

Oh god please don't stick your hand in front of that!

[@willaguirre2804]

nice experimental wave gun

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

Will Aguirre thanks!

[@GotenandTrunksJumpyJ]

The future is here!

[@Baky6]

Wifi from a neighbor does not work every time you turn on

[@bryfrank8726]

awesome dude

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

+Bry Frank thanks!

[@hubzcaps]

ok thats 1200 watts CW ...now i want to see a pulsed version of that ..high capacitance

[@elesystemic6742]

It's a electromagnetic heater gun

[@leppy218]

Troy... you are an amazing person!

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

Thanks very much Brandon!

[@eeretz]

Man you've put your hands in the way, didn't you feel anything?

[@vinnievincent2995]

THE CAKE IS A LIE !!!

[@Libouh]

Can you try to experiment this on flying drone that is 100 meters away?...please make the video it will be gazillion views i think. Just to test if this can disrupt the radio frequency of the drone and its controller

[@jsimmons603]

Love the song bro

[@Gunpowdermaniac22]

Don't blind yourself from reflection

[@ThiccMan]

Thats the proper way to cook

[@thestarryeyedobserver]

best*

[@RizLazey]

thats the best way to turn on a bulb with style

[@shazamshazamski4490]

That's how you cook bacon !!

[@RizLazey]

when the cannon is active, it creates a loud buzzing noise, why?

[@liamengelz]

Gotta love those portal 1 soundtracks. By the way the cake is a lie

[@androidlg7311]

What happen if you shoot it throught a Fresnel Lens? Would it deliver more power on the focal?

[@hintzofcolorconcepts]

loved the song choice X) How well does it work on those annoying armed drones?

[@thetimelords911]

1:44 I HAVE THE SAME MONITOR :D (also, do you have a tutorial on your channel or somewhere on the internet that you used to make this? I would like to know how to build one like yours in the future in the event of an apocalypse just to look like a badass :P)

[@MrBrianms]

Can you stop car engines with it like in a police chase when the perp needs to be stopped before someone gets hurt?

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

That’s actually very difficult to do since the body of the vehicle acts like a faraday cage to absorb, reflect, and dissipate the majority of the electromagnetic radiation. This device wouldn’t be able to but it may be possible with a more powerful version.

[@youwilldiy471]

good

[@TroyPowersPowerfulInnovations]

Thanks!

[@beatboxcritics]

nice work ... impressive ...