Showing posts with label toy piano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toy piano. Show all posts
Monday, November 24, 2014
Buy Streak Plates - White - 10 Pack
Overall I'm happy with them. I was surprised by how small they were, but they worked fine. I used them with my students and they held up to the abuse very well and my students enjoyed checking rock and mineral streaks.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Review of Grimm's Animal ABC Alphabet Cards - Waldorf Watercolor Artistic
Bought these to use as an alphabet/phoneme teaching tool for my preschool aged children.
Pros: The beautiful illustations/watercolored effect and print have already inspired my kids to "play" with their letters. Though pretty, the illustrations are simple enough that I could see using these as a segway to a drawing project. Both upper and lowercase letters are large enough for a child to trace with his/her finger to reinforce proper letter-writing. This is one of the only card sets I found to have lowercase "a" written as children are taught in school (circle around, pull down...). Illustration for Xx is fox, which follows phonics teaching.
Cons: I was surprised to see that illustations for Gg, Ii, and Uu on these cards do not follow the common phonetic sounds. G pictures a giraffe instead of hard /g/ as in gorilla; I features Ibex rather than soft /i/ as in iguana; U features unicorn rather than soft /u/ as in umbrella. One other strange thing was that the extra letter cards in the set were A, E, I, O, and T. Thought we were getting an extra set of vowels, but the T threw us off.
Durability: Study laminated cards, card stock/playing card thickness. Seems like they will hold up well to general handling, but might be damaged with any rough handling or moisture.
Overall, excited to have a beautiful teaching tool for practicing letters names and sounds, though we may have to draw additional cards for the more common G, I & U sounds.
Pros: The beautiful illustations/watercolored effect and print have already inspired my kids to "play" with their letters. Though pretty, the illustrations are simple enough that I could see using these as a segway to a drawing project. Both upper and lowercase letters are large enough for a child to trace with his/her finger to reinforce proper letter-writing. This is one of the only card sets I found to have lowercase "a" written as children are taught in school (circle around, pull down...). Illustration for Xx is fox, which follows phonics teaching.
Cons: I was surprised to see that illustations for Gg, Ii, and Uu on these cards do not follow the common phonetic sounds. G pictures a giraffe instead of hard /g/ as in gorilla; I features Ibex rather than soft /i/ as in iguana; U features unicorn rather than soft /u/ as in umbrella. One other strange thing was that the extra letter cards in the set were A, E, I, O, and T. Thought we were getting an extra set of vowels, but the T threw us off.
Durability: Study laminated cards, card stock/playing card thickness. Seems like they will hold up well to general handling, but might be damaged with any rough handling or moisture.
Overall, excited to have a beautiful teaching tool for practicing letters names and sounds, though we may have to draw additional cards for the more common G, I & U sounds.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Discount Mirari MyPad Toy
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $24.99
Today's Bonus: 17% Off

I was a little worried when I opened the box. I wasn't sure my 2 year old would take to it, but he loves it!!! He plays with it all the time and he has delayed speech and he is copying the sounds and phrases. I couldn't be happier with this product!!
The toy seems pretty sturdy for a toddler tody. My son stood on top of it a few times and it handled his 22 pounds just fine.
A thought for the next version of the MyPad would be to allow the pictures to be interacted with by touch. When my son first started playing with the toy he wanted to press the pictures.
Overall, a fun toy for a toddler.
I felt that some of the words were muffled and difficult to understand. Those items that play music could have been longer to hold the child's attention. Music is wonderful for the brain.
I don't think I would recommend this to every parent of a 6-24 month old. It would depend on the parent and how much they are into electronics. For someone who constantly uses their ipad, iphone, etc. would not find this as stimulating for their child. There are so many aps available for all ages on those devices.
Seems durable for children 12 mo. + Can also see where crumbs and liquids could get stuck and be difficult to sanitize. Kids this age multi task and don't wait until the cookie or drink is done before playing with a toy.
Not sure it offers enough bangs for the buck.
I highly recommend it !
Just like Mom and Dad's.
The myPad has cute images, lights and sounds.
( Sounds are at a volume that's entertaining for kids but not to loud ) A plus for parents!
Very sturdy , light weight toy! Great for a variety of ages.
This makes a wonderful gift !
List Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $24.99
Today's Bonus: 17% Off
I was a little worried when I opened the box. I wasn't sure my 2 year old would take to it, but he loves it!!! He plays with it all the time and he has delayed speech and he is copying the sounds and phrases. I couldn't be happier with this product!!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
My toddler enjoys this toy. He liked pushing the arrows to change which picture was highlighted. When I first gave him the toy, he played with it for about 15 minutes, which is a long time for him.The toy seems pretty sturdy for a toddler tody. My son stood on top of it a few times and it handled his 22 pounds just fine.
A thought for the next version of the MyPad would be to allow the pictures to be interacted with by touch. When my son first started playing with the toy he wanted to press the pictures.
Overall, a fun toy for a toddler.
Best Deals for Mirari MyPad Toy
I could see this toy being used while waiting for an appointment or in a restaurant to keep the child occupied for a short time. I don't see it as a repeat "go to" toy out of the toy box.I felt that some of the words were muffled and difficult to understand. Those items that play music could have been longer to hold the child's attention. Music is wonderful for the brain.
I don't think I would recommend this to every parent of a 6-24 month old. It would depend on the parent and how much they are into electronics. For someone who constantly uses their ipad, iphone, etc. would not find this as stimulating for their child. There are so many aps available for all ages on those devices.
Seems durable for children 12 mo. + Can also see where crumbs and liquids could get stuck and be difficult to sanitize. Kids this age multi task and don't wait until the cookie or drink is done before playing with a toy.
Not sure it offers enough bangs for the buck.
Honest reviews on Mirari MyPad Toy
Mirari myPad Great high quality toyI highly recommend it !
Just like Mom and Dad's.
The myPad has cute images, lights and sounds.
( Sounds are at a volume that's entertaining for kids but not to loud ) A plus for parents!
Very sturdy , light weight toy! Great for a variety of ages.
This makes a wonderful gift !
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Mirari MyPad Toy
This engages little ones while teaching them little tidbits about each image. The myPad seems to be made well to hold up to young ones and would be a great thing to hand them if they start reaching for your iPad/tablet ;-)Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Buy WOW Ernie Fire Engine - Emergency (3 Piece Set)
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $39.99
Sale Price: $29.01
Today's Bonus: 27% Off

I bought this for 3-year old family member and he loves it. It's a simple enough toy and he's been using it for several months and he really gets a lot of fun out of it. It stimulates his imagination he uses it in combination with his other toys. The sounds are good, the little figure can be put in three places in the truck, and the bucket lift moves up and down.
Excellent toy for a toddler.
List Price: $39.99
Sale Price: $29.01
Today's Bonus: 27% Off
I bought this for 3-year old family member and he loves it. It's a simple enough toy and he's been using it for several months and he really gets a lot of fun out of it. It stimulates his imagination he uses it in combination with his other toys. The sounds are good, the little figure can be put in three places in the truck, and the bucket lift moves up and down.
Excellent toy for a toddler.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
Bought one for us. Liked it so much that we bought a second as a gift. WOW trucks are great.Best Deals for WOW Ernie Fire Engine - Emergency (3 Piece Set)
I got this for my grandson who loves fire trucks. It is a great little toy. The man can drive the truck, which is important to little boys. He can also ride in the lifter so exciting! The road warning sign fits into a compartment in the back also.Honest reviews on WOW Ernie Fire Engine - Emergency (3 Piece Set)
My daughter really loves it. The little fireman can sit at three places. Engine makes a lot of noise like a fire engine. Overall My daughter and her friends play with it whenever they get hold of itFind helpful customer reviews and review ratings for WOW Ernie Fire Engine - Emergency (3 Piece Set)
We gave this as a first birthday gift. The birthday boy played with it for hours, well worth the cost.Wednesday, September 3, 2014
ALEX® Toys - Alex Jr. Wooden Whimsy Blocks -Baby Wooden Review
Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $26.00
Sale Price: $16.17
Today's Bonus: 38% Off

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program Where do I start when listing the appeal of this set of blocks? I fell in love with them at first sight. I'm even buying an extra set for an architect friend without kids who likes creative, artsy structures. But of course they are designed for babies, toddlers, and even children and they also love them.
Other features and benefits:
1. These go WAY beyond a standard set of blocks. You know the ones I mean: the traditional ones which consist of simple solid-colored squares or perhaps a mix of rectangles, cubes, and circles and a limited number of colors. Of course, there is nothing wrong with basic blocks but Whimsy Blocks encourage extra creativity. Images of human faces, flowers, hearts, and more allow youngsters who want to go beyond building houses to design people, gardens, and a mix of creations. Fun! And yes, I had to have my turn with these after the visiting kids were in bed.
2. Whoever created the designs on each of these "Whimsey Blocks" (and they truly are whimsical) really understands what appeals to young ones. The images are easy to see, the colors are vivid, and the shapes are amazingly varied. I particularly liked the blocks with the smiling faces because mobiles and toys with face designs were among the first which grabbed our young ones' attention.
3. These are made of thick wood which is easy to grasp. Even the smaller pieces are simple to pick up by small fingers. And no splinters (probably something you'd assume but I'm pointing it out anyway).
4. Photos on the back of the box provide design inspiration for parents who want to demonstrate stacking skills.
5. If you live in a small space, the 15 blocks have a very small footprint and store compactly. Even a tiny bedroom or play space should have room for these.
6. This is one of those toys which can last for years. Even 4 and 5 year olds can practice balancing skills with the various shapes. So your baby or child could get years of use out of these, a bargain for the dollars spent. They can begin to use the blocks as babies and keep using them through preschool or perhaps even beyond then.
7. Finally, a real selling point for us is that these are so lovely they can be displayed in any room where a dose of color is desirable. Visitors don't automatically know these are toys and usually can't resist touching and experimenting with these themselves. As noted above, I'm giving a set to an architect friend.
Classy move by Amazon: In the description, Amazon literature notes: "Our testers .... did notice that a few of the decals on the blocks were beginning to flake around the edges. This didn't cause any unsightly peeling at the time of testing, though it could be an issue after a few months of well-loved play."
We haven't experienced this yet but I sure do appreciate the "heads up" from Amazon's product info on this. Impressive!
My one and only reason for not giving this toy 5 stars is that the paint chips off the edges of the blocks very easily. Yes, my daughter is rough with them since she knocks them over all the time, but I worry that after a year of use there won't be any paint left on the edges with how fast it's chipping off right now!
My 13 month old likes them. He's not old enough yet to really stack them, but they are colorful enough to catch his eye, pleasant to touch and pass from hand to hand, and from his hand to mine. I think they are actually pretty fun to stack, as they come in non traditional shapes which make building kinda cool.
The only downside is 1) as stated earlier, I wish there were more, and 2) some of the pieces -especially the little flower one -seem to already be chipping their paint, and we've only had them for about 6 weeks. But I have nothing to compare the blocks to, so I'm guessing that's par for the course with a block a kid plays with as much as mine does with these.
Recommended (with reservations as to cost/block)
What I like about these blocks:
++ These block encourage creative thinking in that there are numerous ways to stack them. Each attempt will be a unique experience.
++ They encourage problem solving. How can I stack or arrange these unusual geometric shapes without them falling over?
++ They encourage the development of fine motor activity in a variety of ways due to the unusual shapes of many blocks.
++ Visual-spatial abilities can be nurtured with assistance.
++ The assorted patterns on these blocks are a perfect introduction/exposure to artistic design.
++ These blocks are heavy, quite durable, and provided they are stored properly can be handed down to siblings. The glitter probably will not last, but the underlying color will be fine.
If you like a little flair to blocks for your toddler, I'd definitely recommend these blocks. No harm in adding a set of the Classic Embossed Alphabet Blocks ABC blocks while you're at it. These would make the perfect shower gift or, if you're a grandmother like me, to keep them at your house for when your grandchild comes over. These will definitely be a winner, especially for the older toddler who is getting into more creative, constructive developmental playtime.
List Price: $26.00
Sale Price: $16.17
Today's Bonus: 38% Off
Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program Where do I start when listing the appeal of this set of blocks? I fell in love with them at first sight. I'm even buying an extra set for an architect friend without kids who likes creative, artsy structures. But of course they are designed for babies, toddlers, and even children and they also love them.
Other features and benefits:
1. These go WAY beyond a standard set of blocks. You know the ones I mean: the traditional ones which consist of simple solid-colored squares or perhaps a mix of rectangles, cubes, and circles and a limited number of colors. Of course, there is nothing wrong with basic blocks but Whimsy Blocks encourage extra creativity. Images of human faces, flowers, hearts, and more allow youngsters who want to go beyond building houses to design people, gardens, and a mix of creations. Fun! And yes, I had to have my turn with these after the visiting kids were in bed.
2. Whoever created the designs on each of these "Whimsey Blocks" (and they truly are whimsical) really understands what appeals to young ones. The images are easy to see, the colors are vivid, and the shapes are amazingly varied. I particularly liked the blocks with the smiling faces because mobiles and toys with face designs were among the first which grabbed our young ones' attention.
3. These are made of thick wood which is easy to grasp. Even the smaller pieces are simple to pick up by small fingers. And no splinters (probably something you'd assume but I'm pointing it out anyway).
4. Photos on the back of the box provide design inspiration for parents who want to demonstrate stacking skills.
5. If you live in a small space, the 15 blocks have a very small footprint and store compactly. Even a tiny bedroom or play space should have room for these.
6. This is one of those toys which can last for years. Even 4 and 5 year olds can practice balancing skills with the various shapes. So your baby or child could get years of use out of these, a bargain for the dollars spent. They can begin to use the blocks as babies and keep using them through preschool or perhaps even beyond then.
7. Finally, a real selling point for us is that these are so lovely they can be displayed in any room where a dose of color is desirable. Visitors don't automatically know these are toys and usually can't resist touching and experimenting with these themselves. As noted above, I'm giving a set to an architect friend.
Classy move by Amazon: In the description, Amazon literature notes: "Our testers .... did notice that a few of the decals on the blocks were beginning to flake around the edges. This didn't cause any unsightly peeling at the time of testing, though it could be an issue after a few months of well-loved play."
We haven't experienced this yet but I sure do appreciate the "heads up" from Amazon's product info on this. Impressive!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
My 10-month old loves these blocks almost as much as I do. We are regularly fighting over who gets to play with the block that has a hole in it. She always wins and its not fair. Also, I can build really cool block towers and she just knocks them down. Great colors (on both sides), super durable construction, and not too small features all make these a great product. Fun!Best Deals for ALEX® Toys - Alex Jr. Wooden Whimsy Blocks -Baby Wooden
My daughter LOVES these blocks! Mostly for knocking them down every time I build something for her, but that's what they're made for, right? :) I know when she's older she will have so much fun building things on her own, especially since they are painted with such cute designs and with so much color.My one and only reason for not giving this toy 5 stars is that the paint chips off the edges of the blocks very easily. Yes, my daughter is rough with them since she knocks them over all the time, but I worry that after a year of use there won't be any paint left on the edges with how fast it's chipping off right now!
Honest reviews on ALEX® Toys - Alex Jr. Wooden Whimsy Blocks -Baby Wooden
Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program These are pretty blocks, but there aren't a lot of them. I suppose I shouldn't complain -it's not like I don't have enough kids stuff cluttering my house -but for the money, I want more blocks.My 13 month old likes them. He's not old enough yet to really stack them, but they are colorful enough to catch his eye, pleasant to touch and pass from hand to hand, and from his hand to mine. I think they are actually pretty fun to stack, as they come in non traditional shapes which make building kinda cool.
The only downside is 1) as stated earlier, I wish there were more, and 2) some of the pieces -especially the little flower one -seem to already be chipping their paint, and we've only had them for about 6 weeks. But I have nothing to compare the blocks to, so I'm guessing that's par for the course with a block a kid plays with as much as mine does with these.
Recommended (with reservations as to cost/block)
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for ALEX® Toys - Alex Jr. Wooden Whimsy Blocks -Baby Wooden
Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program When most people think of blocks for their toddlers, they think about the classic embossed alphabet ABCs. No doubt they are wonderful, but The Alix Jr. Mix `N Max Whimsy Blocks simply sparkle, literally in a couple of them. I absolutely love the concept behind these artistically rendered blocks. There are fifteen blocks, no two alike with an assortment of geometric shapes.What I like about these blocks:
++ These block encourage creative thinking in that there are numerous ways to stack them. Each attempt will be a unique experience.
++ They encourage problem solving. How can I stack or arrange these unusual geometric shapes without them falling over?
++ They encourage the development of fine motor activity in a variety of ways due to the unusual shapes of many blocks.
++ Visual-spatial abilities can be nurtured with assistance.
++ The assorted patterns on these blocks are a perfect introduction/exposure to artistic design.
++ These blocks are heavy, quite durable, and provided they are stored properly can be handed down to siblings. The glitter probably will not last, but the underlying color will be fine.
If you like a little flair to blocks for your toddler, I'd definitely recommend these blocks. No harm in adding a set of the Classic Embossed Alphabet Blocks ABC blocks while you're at it. These would make the perfect shower gift or, if you're a grandmother like me, to keep them at your house for when your grandchild comes over. These will definitely be a winner, especially for the older toddler who is getting into more creative, constructive developmental playtime.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Litiholo Hologram Kit - Make 3D Laser Holograms with "Instant Reviews
OK, so ever since I was a kid, I loved lasers and holograms. I wrote research papers on them, was amazed when National Geographic had an *actual hologram* on its cover (long before every credit card had one!), and when I went to Europe, I bought a little animated white-light holo and thought it was the coolest thing in the world!
I grew up (well, marginally) and still love lasers. When laser pointers came out, I had to get one just to play with the laser light. The one thing I never did, though, was make a hologram. The setup was difficult and expensive, and even that was easier than developing the film once it was exposed.
Then by accident I ran across an ad for a hologram kit. I was pretty doubtful at first, finding all sorts of "hologram" toys that really had nothing to do with making holographs. But a review by a physics teacher convinced me that this might be real.
And that is why I am writing this review to let you know that this is the real deal.
My wife bought me the kit for Christmas. While she and the kids went out to look at lights, I made two holograms.
Following the instructions was easy step by step all the way. The kit comes with a red laser diode that you hook up to a battery pack via alligator clamps. After removing the lens from the laser diode, the beam naturally spreads out. A big clamp serves as a heatsink so that thermal changes don't shift the laser wavelength during the exposure and ruin the hologram. All of this fits into a fixture and plastic base that fits together like puzzle pieces to insure you get the right angle.
The first clever bit (for holo geeks anyway) about this kit is that you can use the spread-out beam as both object and reference beam, so no setting up beam splitters or special mirrors with tight tolerances. Just insure when you are setting up your subject such that the object is illuminated by the beam and that the rest of the beam falls on the glass practice plate. (My first two holos came out well, but any place on the film that is shadowed from the beam does not make interference patterns, and thus has no hologram information on it and is blank.)
Once the laser is on for five minutes, it is stable. I had set up in the downstairs bathroom, so I closed the door and turned out the light. Using the provided blue LED as a darkroom light, I continued following the directions. I placed the folded black card in between the laser and the object (an also-included toy car). Then you wait 3 minutes to make sure any small motions die out.
The second clever bit is that the "film" is actually a small rectangle of glass that develops itself when exposed to red light. This makes it almost impossible to screw up the exposure I am not even sure you can overexpose it. Since only red light exposes it, and exposing it "develops" it, it is pretty tolerant. Far more tolerant than B&W film. The film glass fits in a slit and leans against a tab to insure it stays stable at the right angle. There is a thin sheet of plastic covering (I assume) the photosensitive emulsion. Just put that side away from the laser.
Then comes the hardest part. Once you lift up the black card, you have to remain motionless as the film is exposed, about ten minutes. No talking or moving around. (I shifted my weight a few times and my timer beeped, none of which had an effect. Next time I am bringing in a chair and removing and replacing the shutter while sitting down!)
And then...you are done. Replace the black card that serves as a shutter, remove your object, turn on the lights. Remove the shutter card and look through the glass and you will see a three-dimensional image of whatever you placed in the area. The unexposed parts of the film will be blueish, but that fades on exposure to normal light and doesn't affect anything as far as I could tell.
My first holo was, as recommended, the toy car. Re-illuminating it with laser light (or any monochrome source, like the blue LED) in the same fixture produces an image that looks identical to what you saw when you were exposing the film. As with any real transmission hologram, you can move your head up and down and around to see the different sides, look through the car window, even see the car reflected in the plastic base. Even a dog hair that got caught on the side in the exposure shows up. It has now been a week and a half sitting on a desk in the light, and the holo remains stable.
I got a little more ambitious with the second holo. I grabbed some crystal ball prisms you know, the ones you hang from a sucker on a window to make rainbows in the sun. I also grabbed a loupe (a small magnifying glass) and arranged these on the holo stage. In my second hologram, as you move your head around, the facets on the crystals flash and you can look into the magnifying lens and see the crystal on the other side magnified in the loupe. (Holograms preserve not only the intensity of the light, but the direction, so you can see the magnified image move around just as if it were sitting there!)
Now on that second one is when I noticed that if an object makes a shadow on the film, you get nothing, so the bottom quarter of this holo is missing. I am planning on re-doing it with this in mind, because it is just so freaking cool.
One note you cannot use anything living, even a plant, as a subject, since whatever it is cannot move by even a half wavelength of red light (somewhere around 650 nanometers) during the ten minute exposure, so no holograms of your kids yet!
Since it is laser light, I don't recommend giving it to kids too young to appreciate what it can do to your eyes. It is just a normal laser pointer, but staring at it (or any other laser) could damage a retina. However, under my supervision, I would have no trouble with either my 9 or 12 year-old doing their own hologram.
If, that is, I give them a turn. :)
Replacement film can be purchased for about $65 for 20. The kit includes 20 film plates. You can buy a "tower" to add-on if you want to make holograms that show up in white light (reflection holograms). I haven't tried that yet, myself, but it looks easy enough to set up.
So this is the real deal a genuine hologram that you can make in just a few minutes and (if I am any example) probably have to try pretty hard to mess it up.
I finally have holograms I made myself, and I am constantly looking for things that would be cool for another one. (If you Google Litiholo you can find other videos of the holograms, but videos don't do them justice. Using the eye, you don't see the red "haze" nearly as much as the camera shows.)
Now that I have holograms, where is my flying car?!?
Enjoy!
You do not need access to an optical table to use this kit. Any sturdy table in a room where the lights can be turned off should work. There are no lenses, beam splitters, or other complicated optical components. The hologram film does not require wet chemicals for development.
Setting up the kit is very simple. There is a plastic holder for the low power laser and battery. There is another plastic holder for the hologram film and your object. The two holders fit together nicely to assure that all of your components are in the correct location. You get a blue or green darkroom light so you can see what you are doing when you turn the lights off. Make sure you do not open the box containing the hologram film unless the room is completely dark except for your darkroom light and the blocked off laser light.
The finished holograms are very nice as long as you pick an object that is suitable for making a hologram. Make sure your object is visible under red light and that it does not block a lot of the light hitting the hologram film. The reconstructed image that results from illuminating the hologram with the laser is very impressive.
The Litiholo kit changed all that. Every single hologram we recorded came out perfect, every time, with almost no effort. And they were really impressive!
I *strongly* recommend the reflection upgrade kit. This kit allows you to make holograms that can be viewed in sunlight; without this kit, the holograms are only viewable when they are illuminated with a laser. This makes them far less cool. The reflection kit includes an extra box of film, which makes it a bargain. BUY THE UPGRADE KIT and you'll thank me for that advice. If you don't make reflection holograms, your kids won't be able to take the holograms to school and show their friends!
We were able to make each hologram with a 5-minute exposure. We might have been able to get away with shorter times but we didn't try.
Finally, the guys at Litiholo were so helpful and they answered all my questions quickly and thoroughly. I was under considerable time pressure and they were incredibly responsive. They gave me far more support than I deserved!
I grew up (well, marginally) and still love lasers. When laser pointers came out, I had to get one just to play with the laser light. The one thing I never did, though, was make a hologram. The setup was difficult and expensive, and even that was easier than developing the film once it was exposed.
Then by accident I ran across an ad for a hologram kit. I was pretty doubtful at first, finding all sorts of "hologram" toys that really had nothing to do with making holographs. But a review by a physics teacher convinced me that this might be real.
And that is why I am writing this review to let you know that this is the real deal.
My wife bought me the kit for Christmas. While she and the kids went out to look at lights, I made two holograms.
Following the instructions was easy step by step all the way. The kit comes with a red laser diode that you hook up to a battery pack via alligator clamps. After removing the lens from the laser diode, the beam naturally spreads out. A big clamp serves as a heatsink so that thermal changes don't shift the laser wavelength during the exposure and ruin the hologram. All of this fits into a fixture and plastic base that fits together like puzzle pieces to insure you get the right angle.
The first clever bit (for holo geeks anyway) about this kit is that you can use the spread-out beam as both object and reference beam, so no setting up beam splitters or special mirrors with tight tolerances. Just insure when you are setting up your subject such that the object is illuminated by the beam and that the rest of the beam falls on the glass practice plate. (My first two holos came out well, but any place on the film that is shadowed from the beam does not make interference patterns, and thus has no hologram information on it and is blank.)
Once the laser is on for five minutes, it is stable. I had set up in the downstairs bathroom, so I closed the door and turned out the light. Using the provided blue LED as a darkroom light, I continued following the directions. I placed the folded black card in between the laser and the object (an also-included toy car). Then you wait 3 minutes to make sure any small motions die out.
The second clever bit is that the "film" is actually a small rectangle of glass that develops itself when exposed to red light. This makes it almost impossible to screw up the exposure I am not even sure you can overexpose it. Since only red light exposes it, and exposing it "develops" it, it is pretty tolerant. Far more tolerant than B&W film. The film glass fits in a slit and leans against a tab to insure it stays stable at the right angle. There is a thin sheet of plastic covering (I assume) the photosensitive emulsion. Just put that side away from the laser.
Then comes the hardest part. Once you lift up the black card, you have to remain motionless as the film is exposed, about ten minutes. No talking or moving around. (I shifted my weight a few times and my timer beeped, none of which had an effect. Next time I am bringing in a chair and removing and replacing the shutter while sitting down!)
And then...you are done. Replace the black card that serves as a shutter, remove your object, turn on the lights. Remove the shutter card and look through the glass and you will see a three-dimensional image of whatever you placed in the area. The unexposed parts of the film will be blueish, but that fades on exposure to normal light and doesn't affect anything as far as I could tell.
My first holo was, as recommended, the toy car. Re-illuminating it with laser light (or any monochrome source, like the blue LED) in the same fixture produces an image that looks identical to what you saw when you were exposing the film. As with any real transmission hologram, you can move your head up and down and around to see the different sides, look through the car window, even see the car reflected in the plastic base. Even a dog hair that got caught on the side in the exposure shows up. It has now been a week and a half sitting on a desk in the light, and the holo remains stable.
I got a little more ambitious with the second holo. I grabbed some crystal ball prisms you know, the ones you hang from a sucker on a window to make rainbows in the sun. I also grabbed a loupe (a small magnifying glass) and arranged these on the holo stage. In my second hologram, as you move your head around, the facets on the crystals flash and you can look into the magnifying lens and see the crystal on the other side magnified in the loupe. (Holograms preserve not only the intensity of the light, but the direction, so you can see the magnified image move around just as if it were sitting there!)
Now on that second one is when I noticed that if an object makes a shadow on the film, you get nothing, so the bottom quarter of this holo is missing. I am planning on re-doing it with this in mind, because it is just so freaking cool.
One note you cannot use anything living, even a plant, as a subject, since whatever it is cannot move by even a half wavelength of red light (somewhere around 650 nanometers) during the ten minute exposure, so no holograms of your kids yet!
Since it is laser light, I don't recommend giving it to kids too young to appreciate what it can do to your eyes. It is just a normal laser pointer, but staring at it (or any other laser) could damage a retina. However, under my supervision, I would have no trouble with either my 9 or 12 year-old doing their own hologram.
If, that is, I give them a turn. :)
Replacement film can be purchased for about $65 for 20. The kit includes 20 film plates. You can buy a "tower" to add-on if you want to make holograms that show up in white light (reflection holograms). I haven't tried that yet, myself, but it looks easy enough to set up.
So this is the real deal a genuine hologram that you can make in just a few minutes and (if I am any example) probably have to try pretty hard to mess it up.
I finally have holograms I made myself, and I am constantly looking for things that would be cool for another one. (If you Google Litiholo you can find other videos of the holograms, but videos don't do them justice. Using the eye, you don't see the red "haze" nearly as much as the camera shows.)
Now that I have holograms, where is my flying car?!?
Enjoy!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
This hologram kit is very easy to use. I have already made three holograms using the kit on a standard darkroom table.You do not need access to an optical table to use this kit. Any sturdy table in a room where the lights can be turned off should work. There are no lenses, beam splitters, or other complicated optical components. The hologram film does not require wet chemicals for development.
Setting up the kit is very simple. There is a plastic holder for the low power laser and battery. There is another plastic holder for the hologram film and your object. The two holders fit together nicely to assure that all of your components are in the correct location. You get a blue or green darkroom light so you can see what you are doing when you turn the lights off. Make sure you do not open the box containing the hologram film unless the room is completely dark except for your darkroom light and the blocked off laser light.
The finished holograms are very nice as long as you pick an object that is suitable for making a hologram. Make sure your object is visible under red light and that it does not block a lot of the light hitting the hologram film. The reconstructed image that results from illuminating the hologram with the laser is very impressive.
Best Deals for Litiholo Hologram Kit - Make 3D Laser Holograms with "Instant
I taught a summer enrichment class for high school students, and one of the topics I wanted to cover was holograpy. In the past I've tried to make holograms with kids, but it never seemed to work out. It was very discouraging!The Litiholo kit changed all that. Every single hologram we recorded came out perfect, every time, with almost no effort. And they were really impressive!
I *strongly* recommend the reflection upgrade kit. This kit allows you to make holograms that can be viewed in sunlight; without this kit, the holograms are only viewable when they are illuminated with a laser. This makes them far less cool. The reflection kit includes an extra box of film, which makes it a bargain. BUY THE UPGRADE KIT and you'll thank me for that advice. If you don't make reflection holograms, your kids won't be able to take the holograms to school and show their friends!
We were able to make each hologram with a 5-minute exposure. We might have been able to get away with shorter times but we didn't try.
Finally, the guys at Litiholo were so helpful and they answered all my questions quickly and thoroughly. I was under considerable time pressure and they were incredibly responsive. They gave me far more support than I deserved!
Honest reviews on Litiholo Hologram Kit - Make 3D Laser Holograms with "Instant
This product works extremely well. They give careful, detailed instructions, and the product works even better than I thought it would, though I was slightly confused when assembling it for the first time. They give you a toy car for your first attempt, and that one is one of my best. I recommend using a small dental mirror or a small lens, if you can find one. The laser will reflect off the mirror in the hologram, and that's really cool.Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Review of Crusader Education Pulley Student Model, 7" x 16"
Monday, June 2, 2014
Best INSTEN compatible with Leapfrog® LeapPad® Learning Tablet Deals
Really cute case and you really can't beat the price. A few gems have came off but it doesn't make it look bad and at this pice comparable
To what you'd spend at the mall totally worth it.
The screen protector was not for the leap pad 2 its a hard plastic cover that shouldn't go on a touch screen product, because when it was on it the touch screen didnt work. The skin was for a leap pad 1 not a leap pad 2 so i had 2 modify it for the second camera on the front.
To what you'd spend at the mall totally worth it.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
My daughter loves her pink case and earphones (now i don't have to hear her music as i watch tv..haha)... I would recommend this product (if you want your child's leap pad to last longer) My daughter is 3 and drops things all the time. It fits perfect and love the color.Best Deals for INSTEN compatible with Leapfrog® LeapPad® Learning Tablet
Fit the LeapPad like a glove! Rich pink for a littel girl, surprisingly, earpiece work, not perfect quality but it was a bonus, so it's allright!Honest reviews on INSTEN compatible with Leapfrog® LeapPad® Learning Tablet
The price was awsome... The seller was Awsome... The product was not... I would recomend the seller again no prob...The screen protector was not for the leap pad 2 its a hard plastic cover that shouldn't go on a touch screen product, because when it was on it the touch screen didnt work. The skin was for a leap pad 1 not a leap pad 2 so i had 2 modify it for the second camera on the front.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Discount Pop-Up Butterfly Cage Butterflies/Insects
I put milkweed in water filled containers for the caterpillars to eat so an opening close to the bottom would make taking and removfing
material easier.Doesn't wash with soap and water as well as expected, but other than that worked great in my classroom for my 45 butterflies.
material easier.Doesn't wash with soap and water as well as expected, but other than that worked great in my classroom for my 45 butterflies.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Review of VTech V.Reader Cartridge - Madagascar 3
She was very surprised and loved it. I go a lot by the Amazon Reviews and usually always work for me. Thank you
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
Never received feedback as to if it was good or not, so I am assuming it was good. Giving it a generic 4/5 rating.Best Deals for VTech V.Reader Cartridge - Madagascar 3
My 5yr old loves her V. Reader and specifically asked for this game and just absolutely loves it. Great game.Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Discount Rilakkuma white bear face ring binder notebook by San-X
Got this for my daughter, she loves everything Japanese. She uses it as a place to write her feelings down and I support that. Great note book! she loves it!
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Review of Anelace Powers of 2 XLD Blue LED Binary Clock (Extra Large Display)
Kids got it for me for Father's Day. Works great at my office. It is a conversation piece for guests. With my engineering background, it makes it more interesting to me. Kids wanted to make one from scratch using internet directions, but we did not have the equipment to "flash" the program onto a computer chip. After seeing this in my office and the reaction from others, kids are thinking about making some of these and selling them as gifts. Looks great and appreciated.
The legs are also a bit rickety, and fall out easily. All in all, I don't regret this purchase, but it's probably a bit overpriced for what you get.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I like this clock, but after plugging it in for the first time, I quickly realized it was off. It gains about 3 to 4 minutes every half hour. So, if you want to buy it for anything more than novelty purposes, I'd suggest a clock that actually keeps accurate time. I don't know if the smaller version is as inaccurate.The legs are also a bit rickety, and fall out easily. All in all, I don't regret this purchase, but it's probably a bit overpriced for what you get.
Best Deals for Anelace Powers of 2 XLD Blue LED Binary Clock (Extra Large Display)
Great clock! Make sure you go by the customer image uploaded by Jonathan Friedel. The clock is black, not silver as it appears in the first image.Honest reviews on Anelace Powers of 2 XLD Blue LED Binary Clock (Extra Large Display)
This is a great clock. It's very easy to set up, has two different display modes, and even takes batteries. Be warned: the ability to use battery power (3 AA's) is a fallback in the event power is lost. So you'll have to plug it in. Not a problem, but worth noting.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Anelace Powers of 2 XLD Blue LED Binary Clock (Extra Large Display)
This is really great, the size is nice, and you can see it from across the room. Any "geek" would love this ! LOL :~)Monday, May 5, 2014
Best Pitsco True Scale House Framing Kit Deals
Purchased for a teenager who wants to be an architect, this kit was perfect. It will be very challenging, will require following directions precisely, and will give her and her uncle great time together. Can't wait to see the final product.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Buy Life-Size Human Skull: Exact Replica Reproduction
The skull arrived speedily in heavy-duty packaging, and nothing was broken or missing. The mandible--at least for my skull--arrived detached and NOT glued on. This piece isn't without its flaws though, such as paper-thin cheek-bones, bluntly carved interior eye sockets, and a few teeth made out of a single undivided piece of resin. Having said that, I was truly shocked by its striking resemblance to a genuine human skull. Apply a little mud and wipe with a dry cloth and your friends will swear you just dug it up from the graveyard (though thankfully, you didn't have to!) And for the reviewer who stated that this skull would shatter if dropped, I would agree, but I'm not planning on playing dodge ball with it anyhow. I will be using this mainly for symbolic spiritual purposes, and for that I am completely satisfied.
perfect detail. Even the enamel on the teeth has been reproduced. I'm so glad I didn't go for one of the plastic ones. This is a real find for 'bone collectors'.
The only flaw was that my skull had a fracture on the left hemisphere which must have happened in the factory since the box it came in was in pristine condition.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
Received the skull in a very short period of time! Excellent quality, and looks realistic! I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone taking anatomy classes or for anyone just interested in collecting skulls. Amazing detail, and for an affordable price. I've researched replica skulls online and really am satisfied at my decision to purchase this skull. It looks real, comes packaged perfectly, and it is very affordable. Will purchase another one soon as a gift for a friend, and also another for myself (or several) for Halloween.Best Deals for Life-Size Human Skull: Exact Replica Reproduction
Can't tell it from the real thing. Very bonelike,perfect detail. Even the enamel on the teeth has been reproduced. I'm so glad I didn't go for one of the plastic ones. This is a real find for 'bone collectors'.
Honest reviews on Life-Size Human Skull: Exact Replica Reproduction
By far the most realistic skull I've ever seen for such an affordable price. It has clearly been molded and casted professionally from a real skull. The teeth gaps might bother some people but the closest you will get to a skull like this with perfect teeth will be well over $100+. I highly recommend this item to anyone looking for a realistic skull. Great reference for artists!Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Life-Size Human Skull: Exact Replica Reproduction
The skull is detailed very well and has a nice weight to it. The resin is extremely thin in certain areas so it is very fragile. So handle it with care. Overall it is priced very well and I would recommend this product to anyone who wants a human skull to study or to embellish their lair!The only flaw was that my skull had a fracture on the left hemisphere which must have happened in the factory since the box it came in was in pristine condition.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)