← TEMPT ME AGAIN
THE DEVIL SUGGESTS

Build a machine whose only job is to turn itself off

Unnecessary · Use what you have · Easy

Make a device that starts, does almost nothing, and then switches itself off with a tiny flourish. It is a pleasingly silly way to learn about timers, relays or motors.

Do it

  1. Decide what counts as switching itself off.
  2. Choose a low-voltage controller and power source.
  3. Build a simple timed action.
  4. Add a switch or mechanism that cuts its own power.
  5. Film the one useful moment it will ever have.

What next?

Keep the useful notes, photograph the result if there is one, then go and find something else to do.