The Most Useless Machine EVER!

Step 1: Background

Also known as The Ultimate Machine: Claude E. Shannon built the first one based on an idea by Marvin Minsky.

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

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!

Comments

[hunter1125]

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

[willrandship]

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

[sirfag]

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

[poorsob]

I think this is great!  I'm finally going to put my degree in electronics to use.  My son digs it too, so I think we will work together on it.  Thank you SaskView for excellent instructions for a fascinating (and useless) machine.  I will post a video when we get it done.

[Frivolous Engineering]

You're welcome!

[blargalarga]

watching the video of this machine turning itself off should be labeled as dangerous. it never fails to make me snort whatever I'm drinking through my nose and proceed to giggle uncontrollably for several minutes.  thank you *immensely* for sharing this.  I will be building one.

[Frivolous Engineering]

Heheheh!  Better not be eating any popcorn....
Thanks!

[thatringokid]

This wins so hard

[clickmatch]

This is freakin genius, I want one on my desk post haste.