Hello i am looking for some help with a little prank I am planning. What I want to do is ship a package when opened will shoot three ping pong balls out on different delays. What I think im going to try and do is keep three springs help down with an actuator then have a light senor detect when the package is opened start the timers and retract the actuators letting the springs go.
Parts so far on the purchase list are...
Arduino uno
I suggest a mod temporarily remove the comment and title, and PM the author to ask if they are okay with the removal (quoting the text and title so they don't lose it) and state that it can be reinstated if they want for a discussion in the forum, without any change to the phrasing, and that it is their choice. (Likely OP would not respond to that offer, being a newly registered member who tend not to follow up. In case it is a troll they certainly will not respond.)
I think it's obvious that this sounds like a bad idea for a project but if OP requests we can discuss it here. I like that the forum doesn't moderate heavy-handedly and this seems like a good minimum.
in my opinion it is a bad idea even at face value, i.e. even as the described prank, and if OP requests (which they won't) we can all describe why. at least, that is what I would do on my forum.
EDIT: while I typed a second reply stated the same thing.
I can see how this would be a bad idea with mail staff not knowing what it is. Sort of thought it would be like the tin cans you open and a snake pops out at you but with ping pong balls instead.
555555:
I can see how this would be a bad idea (etc)
I suggest you edit and remove the title and post, if I were you I would just edit the title to 'withdrawn as a bad idea' and the same for the text. it doesn't matter what it said.
and just delete all of your first post saying you've withdrawn it (without reference to what was there), and do the same with the title.
OP, I don't thikn you're a troll, in light of your reply (which is credible) you should just google "fun, safe practical jokes" for some good ideas. I thought of originally linking some (a good one is sending someone a bar of soap you've painted with nail polish - lacquer - it could be an elegant soap but when they use it: practical joke, it doesn't lather), but originally I concluded that your phrasing wasn't enough to warrant it, and that you might just get other bad ideas from any list of pranks. your reply is good, welcome to the forum I hope you'll make the suggested update to your post.
It kind of a funny idea though. I can imagine getting such a package - I'd laugh. But yeah, the USPS (not to mention the FBI) doesn't have my sense of humor. They probably would destroy it without opening, then investigate the bejesus out of you. Remember the kid in Texas that put his clock in a breifcase and took it to school ...
Hi,
I like the idea and the spirit of it, but our society has been damaged by terrible people producing horrific circumstances taking advantage of our mail system.
The only way you could do this safely, would be to personally, or get some one who is in on the prank, deliver it, that way you would have control over the circumstances.
(Also phone camera ready..)
I hope you'll make the suggested update to your post.