Hi all, The wave machine at the Virginia Marine Science Museum _does_ demonstrate how the wave breaks on the shore and it is visitor activated. A wedge simulates the rising ocean bottom and sliding rulers and calculators are used for various experiments and measurements on wave height, period, etc. It is about 18 feet long and 3 feet wide. An electric motor with an electric clutch mechanism drives a large sheet of aluminum which acts as the paddle. When a button is pressed, the motor starts and runs for about 8 seconds, making waves, then stops. The best waves are at the start of the cycle. Even though there is a ramp at the other end of the tank, there is some reflection and the latter waves turn to mush, so this would be something to consider in a new design. When I left VMSM, we were considering design modifications which would increase the visitor interaction such as making the wedge height adjustable and allowing the motor to be timed to create a single wave and control the wave interval. We were also looking at baffle designs for the far end to eliminate the reflection problem. Ahhh... this brings back memories of the fun days I had scraping the mineral deposits off the indides of the glass walls with razor blades, and acrylic polish (Novus 2 has enough grit in it to buff out the deposits without scratching the glass which is possible if you don't handle the razor blade well). Mark C. Vang Freya Ventures [log in to unmask] : Phone: (757) 340-0099 : Fax: (757) 340-0888 * Interactive exhibits for museums, science centers, aquariums and zoos. *