I guarantee that eventually, you will develop an ear ringing problem (Tinnitus)". Richard Lyn

I invented this device 16 years ago in 1990 and it's taken me this long to bring it to life. I've honestly got over 200 more inventions to make, but with the same math that would be 3,200 years! Originally I had always called it the "Clap-O-Meter" but then in my research this year I found out Trevor Lewis had already used that name for a very clever thermometer-like applause meter. I had never seen his so I almost stopped developing mine at that point. Then it hit me...WOW this is so much more than an applause meter. You can use it to "measure" anything with the sensor...it could be a microphone, a probe, any type of input device! The possibilities are endless!  Almost EVERY entertainer could come up with a unique use for it!   So there you go...that's the story of Axtell's "Off The Meter"! Now let's see what YOU do with it!

Thank you!    Enjoy!...Steve Axell

1. Appearance: 9-10 points (10 is max)

2 .Audience appeal 10 points

3. Audience interaction and warm up capabilities 10++

4. Over-all personal opinion 10+10+10!

(Watching the video clip above) First, I started laughing...then my jaw literally dropped when I saw it burst open at the end! Perfect for getting not only the kids, but also the adults at the party to participate! (yelling contest between kids and parents...schools, between students and teachers!)

Applause meter for yoddeling contest.

Applause meter as a running gag to see if your last bit was better than the last one.

Self-esteem booster for self-esteem show (my first thought for my new self-esteem show).

USE IT IN STAGES DURING YOUR ENTIRE SHOW - As an opener, it's perfect..."are you ready for the show" yelling contest...when the meter hit's ten you can start!" (Repeat 2-3 times during the show) I would'nt do the "breaking the meter" bit until after the show, when you ask them how they liked the show (or if they learned anything in the case of an educational show) this will excite the client to re-book when they see the kids react.

Heck, street performers would LOVE this item! "Did you like the show?"(get them going, it bursts open)."Then please don't forget to tip so I can buy a new one of these things!"

I know I"ll wake up with an idea at 3 o'clock in the morning tomorrow, so I'll keep you posted when new ideas hit me...

A few hand coils would make a nice visual, messy (and easy to clean up) addition to the foam confetti.

I am really excited about the possibilites of the many uses of the meter, such as a geiger counter, a lie detector, a "card-locating-machine," (the chosen card or several of the same card could fall out of the meter when it blows up), a "hot or not" ugly meter (and have it blow up when I turn the machine on myself), etc..

The ideas are only limited to your imagination.

Marvello the Magician

Ken Scott and Trixie Bond both saw the prototype at Axtell's Studio in January when they worked the Magic Castle.

I love it! It will be a sell out. This prop you will be able to use in so many venues. You are going to LOVE IT. I am buying two of them ! - Ken Scott

The effect is basically an audience applause meter. After a bit of byplay by having the audience compete who is the loadest, you have everyone applaud and cheer and the the meter breaks open with a colorful surprize. Their applause was off the meter!

I bought this the day before and was confidence enough with its easy mechanics and plot that I thought I'd try it out today. I had a back up warm-up ready in case it didn't play well and bombed. Well I didn't need my back up because it played great and the kids' loved it! In fact it got a beter reaction then my warm-up I've performed hundreds of times. At the end they really thought they broke it and were shocked (great reaction) then laughed knowing it was a gag.

I used a couple of other gags such an ugly meter. I enjoyed the rollercoaser of emotions it brought to the audience. I highly recommend this visual prop for it's reactions, ease of use, and success for the all important warm-up.

Jason

and since it was at my Flagship Country Clubs Family Night Dinner it was a "Great Food Detector" (which this place does have) and I had the chefs come out and THEY got a rousing round of applause which was a 1st for them.

Thank you Steve, it is awesome!!!

Aragorn the Magician

Here is a cooling device to keep your hot car cooler. I've not used it before but it sounds interesting if it's honest.

Tag reads: Craft Essentials 8187023 $59.99
bar code: 33804 13863

I bought an inexpensive push button alarm from any hardware store and mounted it with hot glue to my sensor handle. I painted it to match. When the needle hits a 10, I first trigger this alarm with my thumb and then blow open the meter box.

If you would like to utilise the ‘Hand in Front’ method of holding the Meter and find it difficult to swing your thumb around to take hold of the handle as the case opens, then loop yourself a piece of cord (eg Shoelace) and attach it by feeding the loop through itself onto the rear half of the handle, centre position (diagram #1).

When the case is closed there is a space in the plastic moulding of the case (diagram #2) that allows the case to close unhindered by the cord.

Once you have this set up, close the case and slip your hand through the loop of cord with your hand holding the handle in the ‘Hand in Front’ method (diagram #3).

The release now is simple. When you are ready for the Meter to explode let go entirely of the handle (diagram #4) and the case will drop open. I use a slight upward motion of my hand not only to exaggerate the explosion of the Meter, but also for insurance that the case will open fast.

I then quickly take hold of the rear half of the handle again (diagram #5).

I have added some cogs to make it look more mechanical. I just used foam from a craft store, however over in the states you can buy some cogs that are magnetic and they go on your fridge and they all move as well. I think mine still look cool as the colours are nice and bright.

Louis Taylor
Wizzo the Wizard

You can buy cheap window alarms which will start as soon as the meter "breaks". They're 3 for a £1 in "Poundland" here in the UK. I have FOUR attached to my meter, depending on the size of venue, I switch on 2,3, or all 4 before I use the meter.

I've made a holder for 3 party poppers at the back of the meter (which is never seen, though it doesn't matter even if it is). By attaching a 1kg weight to the meter handle with string, and to the party poppers by a piece of rope (the string keeps the rope and weight falling to the floor), the party poppers burst at the exact moment the meter "breaks".

Spring snakes inside the meter add to the fun, and help the meter to fall open.

Now that I've used the meter at least a hundred times, I'm regularly getting comments along the lines of: "That was a great bit of advertising you did at the end of the party.....all the parents thought your noise meter was fantastic! They all went away thinking this was the best party their kids had ever attended."

I can't tell you how pleased I am with "Off the Meter". But also, the addition of party poppers and spring snakes makes the visual breaking at the end significantly more surprising.

Doug (Potty the Pirate)