PUZZLE: Plazmalab
This is a multi-phase puzzle with a series of various tasks, including arcade elements.
- (1) METER C: check the „Meter C” values in the instructions. Choose a noble gas and set METER C to the appropriate position with the knob. (For example: for Helium, the C value is 180; set METER C to 180.)
- (2) METER D: check the „METER D” value for the same gas and identify the appropriate range and wave form. (Some values are within multiple ranges). Each wave form provides a unique sound signal which can be helpful, but you can solve the puzzle without it. The wave forms appear one after the other in the round green display and you can hear the corresponding sound. Remember the correct wave form for that particular gas. (Example: for Helium, the Meter D value is 195. This falls within the second, third or fourth ranges, so any of those wave forms are good. But Neon with 120 only falls in the second range)
- (3) METER B: use the Calibration dial (the same way as for Meter C) to move the indicator as close to 0 as possible.
- (4) METER A: press the START button in the right moment: when METER D shows the appropriate wave AND the METER A indicator is NOT in the red. (You can rely on the sound signal if it is easier). It may take a couple of trials to get it right.
- (5) When done, Dr. Braun calls you to look at the plasma star for that gas. He is no longer at the desk, you have to go left. Look through the viewer and enjoy!
- (6) When you’ve got them all, Braun tells you about the colors of noble gases. Go to Phase 2 and see all the colorful plasma stars on the screen. They are ready for spectral analysis (Phase 3.)
(If you SKIP this puzzle you get all the plasma stars automatically and have to continue from here).
You can only analyze up to 3 gases at a time: select them by setting the switches to ON position. (Go back any time to Phase 1 to read the instructions) - (7) Switch to Phase 3. You should see the emission spectrums of the 3 selected gases. The colors look like rainbows, don’t they?
Check the slip of paper with the lines on it. Is it really a detail of an emission spectrum? Identify the same detail in one of the colorful images. Move the POSITION sliders to scroll the image. If none of the spectrums contain that particular detail, go back to Phase 2 and select the remaining gases for analysis (deselect the previous ones, as you can only check three at a time). Identify the matching gas. - (8) Identify the wavelength at the point indicated: On the paper, one of the lines is red and marked ’nm’. Locate the matching line on the spectrum (it is not red there!)
’Click for value’ on that particular line in the lower, transparent grey part of the spectrum. A number appears in the VALUE field on the right. Note it is in Terahertz (THz).
But you need nanometers (’nm’), as indicated on the paper! Convert the value - the converter is at hand…
SPOILER
Phase 1:
METER C: There are multiple solutions. A simple way is to deduct (from the target value) one of the TUNE increments [ F (fine) = 30 or C (coarse) = 80 ] as many times as needed until you get a multiple of the other increment. Set TUNE accordingly and make the calculated steps, then switch to the other position and make the moves with that.
For example:
Argon 220 = 2x30 + 2x80
Xenon 280 = 4x30 + 2x80
Neon 200 = 4x30 + 1x80
Krypton 260 = 6x30 + 1x80
Helium 180 = 6x30
Jonathan will not bother with other gases listed in the instruction.
METER D (watch out for the sound too!)
Argon 110 (range 100-175)
Xenon 225 (ranges 150-350 or 180-300)
Neon 120 (range 100-175)
Krypton 320 (range 150-350)
Helium 195 (ranges 100-175, 150-350 or 125-200)
METER B is straightforward.
METER A: Watch out (or listen) to the right wave form and observe the movements of the METER A indicator. Click the START button while the appropriate wave form is shown AND the indicator is NOT in the red zone. (You have to wait for the right moment)
PHASE 3
The detail shown on the piece of paper can only be found in Xenon. Click the bottom of the line (in the transparent grey area) which is in the same position as the red line on the paper. The number appearing in the Value field (to the right) is 529 (THz), this is the wavelength you need.
Use the Convert-R app on the phone to convert it to nanometers. Select Wavelength for tool type, Terahertz for Measurement 1 and nanometer to Measurement 2 (Scroll down to find them). Enter 529 as the quantity and press START. The result (the integers) is the code: 566
PHASE 4 is inactive, you don’t need it.
