Boing Boing Video went and checked out Omega Recoil, a group of crazies who put on performances with gigantic Tesla Coils. And while I'm sure you'd love to read me opine about what their performances are like, why don't you just watch the video and see for yourself? [Boing Boing Gadgets]

During the presentation, they provide some background on Nikola Tesla's experiments and attempt to recreate them by powering a light bulb wirelessly at various distances. It works of course—in 1899 Tesla managed to transmit 100 million volts of power over a distance of 26 miles where it lit up a bank of 200 light bulbs and an electric motor. So why haven't figured out how to do this on a large scale over the last 100 years? [Fora]

Interactivation was created by a group called Lightning Temple, who want to use sound vibrations to promote holistic healing or something like that. Great. But it's the tech I'm more interested in.

The music component of Interactivation works by running each of the six stations through a sequencing program on a laptop. Each station has an array arcade-y buttons connected to a circuit board that triggers audio samples and/or loops, which wash over each other in a lovely mess of sonic slop. To keep everything sounding cohesive, the loops fire in time with the selected time signature, so all the samples are in rhythm.

The Tesla Coil wasn't up and running during the day, so it's uncertain to what extent it functions. But I'm not sure I'd want to be noodling with sitar loops anywhere near Interactivation when it is working. [Lightning Temple]

ArcAttack brings sexy technology back when he plays the Zelda Theme Song remixed with Justin Timberlake at Dragon*Con 2008. [ArcAttack via Vimeo via BoingBoingGadgets]

If there's something strange in your neighborhood, who ya gonna call? GHOSTBUSTERS! [myself248]

Probably one of the most recognized theme songs in the world—and a song that has probably been played on every single instrument imaginable—it would be a sin not to include a clip of Nintendo's Mario Bros being played on singing Tesla coils too. [megavoltmeister]

Watch as Patrick from ArcAttack dresses up in a suit of chain metal and conducts the Imperial March from a Tesla coil. [darkdream11]

Although it may be smaller than the others, this Soild State Tesla Coil playing the Tetris theme song doesn't fail to impress. [TeslaCommander]

Where in the universe is Dr. Who going to show up next? Probably at Chattacon 09 to watch ArcAttack play his theme song on a pair of Tesla coils. [joedog158]

It would be a fatality if you didn't think listening to the Mortal Kombat theme song through musical Tesla coils is cool. FINISH HIM! [moonstar5]

Inspect her gadget? No, Inspector Gadget—on an audio-modded mini tesla coil, that is. [Norwegenkai]

Can anyone explain to me how you program a Tesla Coil to do this? [YouTube]

In a post published on ToyCyte, Cantrell said he was inspired to create the Plasma Dunny was always a little saddened to see Tesla's legacy reduced to the schlocky products sold at places like Spencer's Gifts, and wanted to do something a little cooler with the Plasma Globe.

The Plasma Globe was originally conceived by Nikola Tesla in 1894 and worked by using an Tesla coil to excite the element inside an incandescent lap. Then in the 1970s, MIT researcher Bill Parker came up with the more modern design used today, which has a glass dome full of inert gases, and running a high frequency current through the dome, prompting the visual effects.

Information on the contest to giveaway the Plasma Dunny can be found here, and if you don't happen to win—don't fret—there will be three more for sale in the future (price unknown). [ToyCyte]

Star detail.
[tesladownunder]

Once the alarm activates the Tesla zaps, crackles and, what the hell, pops, too. The resulting effect looks like something Doc could have used to generate enough gigga watts to put Marty back in 1985. The electricity extravaganza should also be enough to get you out of bed to turn the damn thing off, either that or prepare your pay packet to be expended on one huge-ass energy bill. The shocktastic timekeeper stands 14.5", uses an AA battery, connects to a power outlet to generate the high voltage and retails at $59.95. [Product Page via Sci Fi Tech]

It's quite safe to be in the car although my son was apprehensive. This was a hire car (as I don't own one) and it still works. I did get extra insurance "in case".

Hit the jump for more incredible pictures.

– Mark Wilson

Tesla Down Under [via neatorama]