Holy Sh_t !!!!

Just a few posts ago, I mentioned my assumption that the taser waveform probably included significant DC components at zero hertz. This was to address the claim by Taser that the waveform is 'safe' because it is 50kHz and thus a different electrocution standard applies.

Well, holy sh_t. Look at the asymmetry in the following waveforms that I found on the web. I've added the red and blue colour fill. There's MUCH more above the zero axis (red) than below the zero axis (blue) on the X26. That asymmetry is a DC component, at zero hertz, that can literally be seen from across the room.

Taser X26 Waveform

Taser M26 Waveform

Copyright notice - Fair use for these two extracts, each as small as practical, is claimed for purposes of education, criticism, and revealing the truth. Any false DMCA take down notices will be pursued with a view of extracting maximum damages.

Before you assume that the M26 is better than the X26, check the vertical scale and note that the numbers are much higher on the 'advanced' M26. Also, pay attention to the fact that the vertical scales on the M26 graph are not symmetric around the zero. It is 15A going up, and only 10A going down. Once you notice this little detail then the asymmetry in the M26 waveform suddenly jumps visually. It's not an unreasonable graphing technique, but it also slightly obscures the degree of asymmetry.

I don't know which taser is potentially more dangerous, but anyone with a bit of understanding (and critically, intellectual honesty) can see that the waveform is not simply 50 or 100kHz. There is a HUGE DC component, especially with the X26.

Also, if you look further down the blog you'll see where I calculated the peak current (later noticed to be mentioned in the IEEE Spectrum article) as being several amperes depending on the waveform. Well, obviously I got that one right too.

These are HUGE currents to be applying to humans unless you're really relying on statistics. I don't see any need for such a huge current if a lower current will get the job done.

And if one waveform is safer than the other, as documented by all the carefully gathered field statistics gathered by the OEM (?), then why is the other waveform still on the market? One waveform must be slightly safer than the other, which means the more-dangerous one (X26?) should be RECALLED.