Gizmodo: usb missile launcher

iLauncher Gives You iPhone Controls for USB Missile Launcher

Wilson Rothman — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:30:00 EDT

You know those USB missile launchers? Now there's an iPhone app that lets you control them from anywhere in your network, proving to siblings and cube-mates once and for all who's the ~~nerdiest~~ toughest.

The retailer is calling this "The one and only robotic remote control missile launcher for the iPhone or iTouch!" and I, for one, believe this is true. As, uh, unique as it is, though, it's pretty cool. It's got arrows for pivoting it around and angling it up or down, and a big radioactive sign in the middle, I believe indicating the "fire" button. No telling what kind of latency you'll get from this baby, but I hope it's minimal, because nobody likes a laggy first-strike system.

Obviously, it doesn't all come in one package. First you buy the missile launcher here for $30 (though it's 15% off for now if you enter "ilauncher" as a coupon code during checkout). Then you go to the iTunes App Store to get the iLauncher module for an extra $3, which also comes with a link to the Windows-only program needed for the interface. Our hope is that setup goes well, because if everyone sees you dicking around with your USB cannon and your iPhone for two days, you will definitely lose the element of surprise. [Newo]

USB R/C Tank Missile Launcher Gives You the Ultimate Office Warfare Weapon

Sean Fallon — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:20:00 EST

USB missile launchers have been around for a while, but this version is mobile—allowing you to infiltrate your ~~co-worker's~~ enemy's ~~cubicle~~ trench and win the battle for office supremacy.

Each tank can be controlled within a radius of 25-feet using a USB radio transmitter and the included PC software. Throw in the 12-foot range of the foam dart warheads and anything within 37-feet of your computer is a potential target. In fact, as many as four of these tanks can be controlled from a single PC interface, so you could conceivably create your own tank battalion to take out several targets at once—or lay down some serious firepower on a single high-value target. [RED5 via Toyology via OhGizmo]

Wiimote Mod Adds IR Targeting To USB Missile Launcher

John Mahoney — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:40:00 EDT

Using the Wiimote's IR sensor elegantly duct taped in place, Instructables user toelle was able to mod everyone's favorite USB toy to launch precision, infrared-guided attacks, just like the big boys (kind of). Using a custom script which looks for IR sources to aim at, you can lay down precision fire by, say, putting your TV remote with the buttons taped down next to the cat. Or attach a small remote to the cat—now we're talking. [Instructables]

USB Missile Launcher Comes With Webcam For Optimal Accuracy

Jason Chen — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:50:45 EST

USB Missile Launchers have been around for years and years and years, but why did it take this long for someone to stick a webcam on it? Seriously, what could be better for aiming a foam dart at that punk Bob from accounting than being able to see where you're aiming in first person view? If I had one of these instead of a standard Missile Launcher, I could have nailed Dvorak through the heart and recorded the thing at the same time. Oh technology, why are you never here when we need you? [IWOOT via Shiny Shiny]

Striker II: USB Laser Guided Missile Launcher

Mark Wilson — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 11:31:35 EST

We've preached the merits of USB missile launchers before, which is why this new product is such important news. The $50 Striker II is the "next generation" USB missile launcher, featuring a class 3 "laser guidance system" for better aiming.

You control the launcher through fully mod-ready PC software. But why no Mac support? We're not all pacifist, granola-eating, black mock turtle-wearing hippies. Oh wait. – Mark Wilson
Thanks GP!

Product Page [ninjagizmos]