The Most Useless Machine EVER!

Print

Send this to a friend

introThe Most Useless Machine EVER!

And yet everyone wants one!!!?

Update June 8, 2010: Make Magazine's amiable editor-in-chief, Mark Frauenfelder demonstrated the Useless Machine on The Colbert Report!

Update July 22, 2010: Useless Machine Featured in Vol 23 of Make Magazine:
http://makezine.com/23/uselessmachine/

Read about this and other useless stuff in my blog at www.saskview.com
Thanks Everyone for all the cool comments and suggestions! Keep 'em coming.

The Most Useless Machine EVER!

Remove these ads

Remove these ads by Signing Up.

step 1Background

After seeing a video of such a machine I just had to have one of my own.

According to Wikipedia, Claude E. Shannon built the first “Ultimate Machine” based on an idea by Marvin Minsky.

The only design I could find uses a PIC microcontroller but I consider this to be overkill (not knowing how to write code for micros may have had some influence on my humble opinion...).

Additionally, the microcontroller version really doesn't shut itself off. It's circuit remains powered even when the switch is in the off position.

Knowing a little bit about servos and basic electronics, I felt sure that I could build the machine using a simple analog circuit. My main goal however was to have the machine REALLY turn itself off.

The machine in THIS instructable accomplishes that!

Background

To Download the PDF or View All Steps,
Become a Pro Member »

813 comments	Add Comment

1-40 of 813

Aug 20, 2010. 12:29 PMelufo says:

Does anyone dares to make an infinite version of the machine? ;)

Aug 21, 2010. 11:11 AM

SaskView (author) says:

I called it Useless Squared...

Aug 21, 2010. 5:12 PMelufo says:

LOL XDDD

Aug 10, 2010. 1:48 AMpolytecno says:

Another useless, based Lego, fun machine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiTjOqYUXuQ

Aug 26, 2010. 12:13 PM

lebowski says:

Aug 25, 2010. 11:39 AMslithien says:

you should put a plastic spider on the end of the wood and put "candy" in big bold writing on the front

Aug 19, 2010. 3:55 AMBiotele says:

Why don't you patent that? Then you will have the world most useless patent. You can sue useless people and make tons of money. Think of the potential and the advancements to humanity! But, by dec 2010, it will be too late. I am sure Chinese manufacturers are waiting to mass produce this machine once you lose your right to patent. BTW, i build your gerkin batteries and it didn't work :(

Aug 23, 2010. 11:15 AMXavierxf says:

Lol so true. Everyone now is Chinese and everything is made in China.

Aug 7, 2010. 4:52 PM

kevinpatrick says:

Thanks for posting! Here is my iteration: http://vimeo.com/13967229

Aug 8, 2010. 4:38 PM

SaskView (author) says:

Excellent!

Aug 8, 2010. 3:18 AMknex_mepalm says:

I have a prank hand with the middle finger up and all the other ones down, when it opens it turns itself off while sticking the finger up.

Aug 6, 2010. 12:08 PMhunter1125 says:

Is this a party trick? Maybe paint the piece of wood like a snake or something then you could scare someone.

Aug 6, 2010. 4:21 PMwillrandship says:

That would work, like those mousetrap gum cases! But then it would have a use.......:(

Jul 19, 2010. 6:19 PMtompic823 says:

This is the first device I'm ever going to build, so I really want to make sure I get it right. That being said, I want to get cheap parts for the first build so I won't be out too much $$$ is anything goes wrong. Would the following servo be acceptable? I know it's super cheap, but I'm alright with that if it'll function in my prototype. Thanks a ton!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Micro-9g-Mini-Servo-Futaba-Hitec-HS-55-GWS-walkera-RC-/300440091987?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45f39ffd53

Jul 20, 2010. 12:34 AM

SaskView (author) says:

Don’t use that servo, chances are it won’t have enough torque. Stay away from any of the micro-sized servo’s. A standard size servo with at least 4-5Kg/Cm torque will work in most cases. Keep in mind that the toggle switch and arm length are some of the things that will determine how strong a servo you’ll need. Most of the standard servos should do the job. This one will work almost for sure: http://cgi.ebay.com/SG5010-Servo-RC-Helicopter-Airplane-Digital-Futaba-F309-/300440092283?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45f39ffe7b

Jul 20, 2010. 7:46 AMtompic823 says:

Ah, that makes sense. In that case, 1.5kg/cm probably wouldn't work :P. $7.35 is still cheap enough, so I guess I really can't go wrong with that servo. Now to just find a Micro Switch, DPDT switch, and battery holder. I of course have more questions, so I hope you don't mind me asking them. Should the DPDT switch be On-On or On-Off-On (if it matters)? Also, if I could inconvenience you for another second, is there a Micro Controller on eBay that you could recommend? Your assistance is greatly appreciated, and will go far in helping this newbie put together his first "machine!"

Jul 20, 2010. 10:43 AM

SaskView (author) says:

Use an On-On toggle switch.

Concerning microcontrollers: I haven't bought any on Ebay and can't recommend anything. I know you won't go wrong if you purchase from any of the sites listed at: http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Buy

Jul 20, 2010. 11:06 AMtompic823 says:

The only thing I don't like about most of those sites is they kill you on shipping charges. I'll just have to look around a bit more on eBay and see if I can find one.

As of now, I've found a battery holder and will be purchasing the servo you linked to. I also found this toggle switch (2x for $2.30): http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280526670655&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT and so once I find a Micro Switch, I can head over to Michaels and pick up a box. I'm going to need two toggle switches (as a minimum) cause the diagram is a little hard for me to follow, so I can mess up without worry. Thanks for all your help, SaskView.

Jul 20, 2010. 1:10 PMtompic823 says:

Alright, found a microcontroller that should suffice. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130401920586&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Jul 21, 2010. 11:07 AM

SaskView (author) says:

That's a micro-SWITCH not a controller. I was wondering why you were asking about controllers...remember a micro-CONTROLLER isn't a switch, it's a computer on a chip. But that one should do the trick. Just about any mini or micro-switch with 3 pins and a lever should work.

Jul 21, 2010. 11:30 AMtompic823 says:

Oops, good catch. Yeah, I meant Micro switch. So for those 4 main components, it'll cost $13.36. Not bad! I'm going to order them and then see if I can't put this thing together. They're all coming from China, so it'll probably be a good 2-3 weeks before the parts arrive. In the meantime, do you think I should pick up some extra wire (for the crossover connection on the DPDT switch)?

Jul 22, 2010. 8:57 AM

SaskView (author) says:

Not much wire is needed. Chances are the extra wire from the servo will do. I try to use scrap wire, whenever I get the chance.

Jul 22, 2010. 6:37 PMtompic823 says:

Out of all the components, the one I'm having the most trouble finding is the box. I couldn't find anything at Lowes, and the guy working there looked at me like I was crazy when I asked him about a wooden box. I'm going to check Home Depot this weekend and see if I have any more luck there. Where did you purchase your box?

Jul 23, 2010. 6:03 AM

SaskView (author) says:

I got mine at the Dollar Store. Craft stores may have them. Also, cigar boxes work, so check tobacco shops...

Jul 23, 2010. 5:39 PMtompic823 says:

I didn't even think of the dollar store. I'm determined to find one this weekend, and will check there and then Michael's. Your help on the matter has been tremendous and I really do appreciate it. Thanks for everything, SaskView.

Jul 24, 2010. 5:18 AM

SaskView (author) says:

No problem!

Aug 5, 2010. 6:42 PMtompic823 says:

So far I've received the everything but the micro switch, so I'm anxiously waiting for it to arrive. Unfortunately, the servo I received cannot be modified to continuously rotate so I will have to purchase another one.

Jun 14, 2010. 1:08 PMshooby says:

Seems like this could have been made without using servos. The switch turns on a motor, causing the arm to pop up and flip the switch off. A spring attached to the arm causes it to return to the box once the motor is switched off. Simplify.

Jul 6, 2010. 1:22 PMDlowe089 says:

I believe that the reasoning behind using a servo rather than directly attaching the arm to the motor is due to the RPMs that a non-geared motor would have even at EXTREMELY low voltage. You need the gear box that a servo unit has to ratio down the speed and add torque to the rotation.

Aug 2, 2010. 7:26 PMstarwing123 says:

Well, you could just hook up a servo and a spring anyway

Jul 21, 2010. 12:02 PMcoilsinamotor says:

could i just use a high trottle motor with a gear box because i saw the link on how to modify a servo and its bacicly a motor with a grear box. thanks :)

Jul 22, 2010. 8:53 AM

SaskView (author) says:

Sure can!

Jul 23, 2010. 11:14 AMcoilsinamotor says:

haha kk thannks

Jul 20, 2010. 1:32 AMsirfag says:

the link you give me for the servo is really good i recommend you use this link because it works (to modify the servo)

Jul 20, 2010. 1:29 AMsirfag says:

i finally finished it today. it works great thx for the instructions :) i must say that with the 4 battery pack its acctually goes faster that the one in the film so thx its great

Jul 18, 2010. 7:21 PMweinerpoop says:

Do you also connect (+) to both servo signal AND servo (+)? I'm using the parallax continuous rotation servo, btw. Also..just need a bit of clarification here..on the micro switch do we just put (+) power on NC and C (no ground connection) thanks in advance.

Jul 20, 2010. 12:44 AM

SaskView (author) says:

Just to be sure, you're not using the 555 timer, your going with a modded servo. You don't need to change anything on the gears, but you do still to solder the red and black wires directly to the motor. Remove the white wire completely. Correct on the micro-switch. The NO pin is unused.

Jun 15, 2010. 10:37 AMAZombieHippie says:

Check mine out it also shows the insides

Jul 17, 2010. 11:39 AMtesla coil says:

Hi ZombieHippie, I have a suggestion on how to fix the problem with the door not closing all the way. I was thinking that you could use a Solenoid to electromagnetically pull the door shut after the "arm" has pulled itself in. You could put a microswitch on the side of the box so that when the arm "activates" the switch it will turn on the solenoid therefore pulling the door shut :). I hope that this helps, Tesla Coil

Jun 19, 2010. 8:04 PM

SaskView (author) says:

Right On, ZombieHippie! I like how you used the bolt to activate the micro-switch. Question, were you a hippie before you were a zombie, or did you eat hippie-brains???? Peace out, brother!

1-40 of 813

News & Updates

Join over 500,000 Instructable fans who receive our DIY newsletter.

Pro Membership

Get more out of Instructables by becoming a Pro member today!

Go Pro!

Give the gift of DIY
with a Pro Membership!

Give Pro

About Us

© 2010 Instructables