THE GOODS : TECHNOWATCH : Palm-Sized Scope Lights Up the Night

From Russia with tiny technology comes Moonwalker, a palm-sized night-vision scope that’s the smallest and cheapest of its kind. Weighing only 12 ounces, the five-inch-long scope easily fits in a pocket or purse.

Moonwalker costs $399, compared with larger night-vision devices that can run from $599 to $2,900.

The imported device amplifies light 6,000 times and has a field of view of 20 degrees. It’s good for personal security--say, checking out a dim underground parking garage--and for observing wildlife at night. One birder says she uses it for owl watching.

For use in total darkness, you’ll need an optional tiny infrared illuminator, which costs $100.

Moonwalker is available from the American Wild Bird Co., P.O. Box 1093, Rockville, Md. 20849, or Moonlight Products, 5965 Pacific Center Blvd., Suite 711, San Diego, Calif. 92121.

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Just Say Squirt: Yo, kids. Remember how you loved those high-powered Super Soaker water guns? This summer you can take aim with Shout ‘n’ Shoot, a new battery-operated water shooter activated by voice command.

Just speak into the microphone on the adjustable headset and a steady stream of water powers out. No pumping or pulling of a trigger is required. A flip-down targeting eyepiece helps guide you to a direct hit.

Manufactured by Cap Toys of Bedford Heights, Ohio, the shooter has a 24-ounce water tank that attaches to a belt so you have free movement of your hands. Shout ‘n’ Shoot, retailing for about $25 (batteries not included), is available at Toys ‘R’ Us, K Mart and Wal-Mart.

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Beep for Danger: First marketed in Canada in 1991, Safe & Sound Homecare Alert has come to the States. It is the first perimeter alert system to use a pager.

When a toddler wanders into home danger zones such as a workshop or swimming pool area, an electronic sensor installed there activates the device worn by the parent or caretaker without sounding a loud, startling alarm. (The system has also been used to keep Alzheimer’s patients safe.) The pager, which operates on a nine-volt battery, can be programmed to beep or vibrate.

Operating within a half-mile range, the system can be used indoors or out and is portable, so you can take it on vacation. The base unit weighs only 6.5 pounds and plugs into any standard outlet. The system also has a back-up rechargeable battery that maintains the unit up to four hours in case of power failure.

It comes with two wireless magnetic sensors to be attached with Velcro-like mountings to doors or other structures. An extra sensor is optional.

Safe & Sound Homecare Alert is a bit pricey at $1,995, but its manufacturer, Wander Alert Systems of Vancouver, Canada, has a lease program available. For information, call (800) 328-0526.