The GregLabs Laser Gravity Detector

IMAGE: The remains of a $2.50 laser pointer after a few minutes under a high-speed rotary tool
The remains of a $2.50 laser pointer after a few minutes under a high-speed rotary tool
IMAGE: Internal view of the Gravity Detector during assembly, showing the extremely sloppy oscillator board
Internal view of the Gravity Detector during assembly, showing the extremely sloppy oscillator board
IMAGE: The Gravity Detector just before final assembly
The Gravity Detector just before final assembly

This is one of many projects in the "Everything is Better With Lasers" series. Like most of the others, it was built as a birthday present. Its function is simple: to detect the presence of gravity, and inform the operator by means of audible and visual stimuli. A laser is provided for accurate aiming. Barring battery failure, damage, or significant alterations to the laws of physics, the device is 100% accurate.

IMAGE: The Gravity Detector, completed
The Gravity Detector, completed

The casing was originally the housing for an old wireless video camera. Some work with the Dremel and a bit of spraypaint, and it became the perfect chassis for a portable gravity detector.

IMAGE: Front view of the gravity detector, showing LEDS activated during a
Front view of the gravity detector, showing LEDS activated during a "blip"

Once the power is switched on, a constant red laser beam (for "targeting" purposes) is emitted from the front, and the device chips about twice a second while blinking the large red LED on the front and the blue LED built into the pointer module.