That is an awesome idea. I just turned on my lava lamp and removed the "lava" part and in about a minute it got too hot to put my hand over. Trying it tomorrow :D
This might be possible with thick Nichrome wire it has a VERY small resistance..i use it to light fuses on fire works with a 1.5 volt battery from a few feet. The only problem is it usually burns in half, rather quickly. But, might be possible with a little thicker wire..
5 VOLT... yes... 5 WATT...no(big BIG difference) 500mA is maximum draw for a standard usb device. the new "Battery Charging Specification" for usb ports allow upto 1.5A(or did they up it to 2A?) which would mak ethis POSSIBLE.. though still not suggested. If you're gonna try it, us a usb hub(cheap, and not connected to your pc) or one of those usb wall-wart power supplies. at least then, you're only out $15 or so when it fry's the electronics.
thats a great idea! just a question though, what were the LED's called that you showed the box for and what was the stuff that you put in the bottom of the lid? The video was a little blurry there. If its what i think it is im going to try and make one.and good job by the way.
you know what now that i look at it your right. it does look a bit fake. well i guess it cant hurt to try to make it and see what happens and thanks for helping me find out what they were using. since it looks like their not going to help.
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Also looks like NOMEX in the bottom, to keep the heat from burning the table.
But I'm skeptical. It's listed here http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2008/07/can_a_usb_socket_power_a_popcorn_maker-2.html too