Blow your Mind, with an Alarm Clock!

This is a trick for anyone who wants to make funny noises and see funny things. Other than that, this instructable is kinda hard to describe. So read on, viewer!

Step 1: The right ticker.

First, you're going to need a clock, and not just any clock. The ideal is an digital AC POWERED clock. AC powered clocks plug into the wall. I find that clocks with big, red digits work best.

This trick will not work with DC POWERED clocks. (i.e. atomic clocks, watches, potato clocks, etc.)
DC powered clocks use batteries only.

Comments

[Jack A Lopez]

I have noticed something similar.  I have seen the digits on this style of alarm clock do funny things if I stare at the clock while eating ice cubes.

Rumor has it, the effect has something to do with the relatively slow speed at which this type of display re-draws its digits.

[falcotheimpaler]

most LEDs hooked up to AC current don't have filter capacitors to smooth out the polar flip flop, due to the fact that most people don't even notice the change. AC runs at 60Hz, which can be seen by any motion while looking at the light. instead of being "full on", the LED is turning off, on, off, on 60 times per second, just at the edge of our perception. this works while eating ice and using an electric toothbrush, because they both send vibrations to our eyes, allowing us to see the breaks between the AC flops. an easier way to do this is to turn your head rapidly (or spin in a chair) and you can perceive the effect. also, in said example, you could just pick the clock up (leaving it plugged in, of course,) and move it about rapidly (within the length of the cord, obviously).

[clamb1]

this is a really awesome trick, the effect is amplified hugely if you are brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush!

[jamesorlov]

Yes, it works with many number panels in airports, shops e t.c. Nice and funny )

[ausmcd]

I did this by accident in the middle of the night- really freaked me out

[ganglion]

 Neat trick! :)

[rofl495]

Lol i did this at school by accident in 5th grade.

[cephalopoid]

Brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush while looking at a crt screen. Same idea.

[bowmaster]

I love brain hacks. I need to try this.

[EnigmaMax]

FIRST

[cunfuzelled]

with a jew's harp the numbers move up and down togeather and they seem to match the freequency of the harp depending on what note your making

[cunfuzelled]

 this also works with a jew's harp realy realy cool with those